cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of density and simulated recruitment and mortality on sex change in a protandric simultaneous hermaphroditic shrimp, Lysmata wurdemanni

Sex change in many hermaphrodite animals has been suggested to be environmentally determined, especially socially. To investigate whether sex change in the protandric simultaneous hermaphrodite shrimp Lysmata wurdemanni (Gibbes 1850) is socially mediated, two experiments were conducted in the laboratory between September 2002 and April 2004 using laboratory-cultured shrimp that originated from Port Aransas, Texas, USA. The size at sex change (from male to simultaneous hermaphrodite) in this shrimp is variable, with the minimum around 2.4 cm in total length (TL). Large shrimp (2.4–4.5 cm TL) still in the male-phase (MP) have been found in the wild and laboratory environments. This study tested the hypothesis that large MP shrimp delay changing to the euhermaphrodite-phase (EP) due to social control. In the first experiment, ten shrimp were raised in large (110-l) and small (20-l) containers to test the effect of habitat size/density on sex change. The percentage of shrimp changing to EP was significantly higher in the large container (low density) than in the small container after 60 and 120 days. But after 570 days sex ratios were the same, 2 MP:8 EP. In the second experiment, group composition was changed over time to simulate population recruitment and mortality. MP shrimp delayed sex change when EP shrimp were present. However, if group structure is stable, some MP shrimp may not change sex during their lifetime. Under certain demographic conditions, such as when postlarvae (PL) were added to (simulating recruitment) or EP shrimp were removed from (simulating mortality) a group, all old MP (from original PL) shrimp changed to EP. The response of old MP shrimp to simulated recruitment is faster than to simulated mortality. The present study confirms that social control affects the size and timing of sex change in L. wurdemanni. However, some MP shrimp never change sex suggesting that genetics might also play a role in the sex ratios of L. wurdemanni populations.
Hamiltonian Analysis of Transverse Dynamics in Axisymmetric RF Photoinjector

A general Hamiltonian that governs the beam dynamics in an rf photoinjector is derived from first principles. With proper choice of coordinates, the resulting Hamiltonian has a simple and familiar form, while taking into account the rapid acceleration, rf focusing, magnetic focusing, and space-charge forces. From the linear Hamiltonian, beam-envelope evolution is readily obtained, which better illuminates the theory of emittance compensation. Preliminary results on the third-order nonlinear Hamiltonian will be given as well.
A restoration algorithm for P-32 and Y-90 bremsstrahlung emission nuclear imaging: a wavelet-neural network approach.

A novel wavelet‐based neural network (WNN) filter is proposed for image restoration as required for imaging of beta emitters by bremsstrahlung detection using a gamma camera. Quantitative imaging of beta emitters is important for the in vivo management of antibody therapy using either P‐32 or Y‐90. The theoretical basis for the general case for M‐channel multiresolution wavelet decomposition of the nuclear image into different subimages is developed with the objective of isolating the signal from noise. A modified Hopfield neural network (NN) architecture is then used for multichannel image restoration using the dominant signal subimages. The NN model avoids the common inverse problem associated with other image restoration filters such as the Wiener filter. The relative performance of the WNN for image restoration, for M=2 channel, is compared to a previously reported order statistic neural network hybrid (OSNNH) filter. Initially simulated degraded images of known structures with different noise levels are used. Quantitative metrics such as the normalized mean square error (NMSE) and signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) are used to compare filter performance. The WNN yields comparable results for image restoration with suggested slightly better performance for the images with higher noise levels as often encountered in bremsstrahlung detection. Attenuation measurements were performed using two radionuclides, 32P and90Y as required for calibration of the gamma camera for quantitative measurements. Similar values for an effective attenuation coefficient were observed for the restored images using the OSNNH filters (32P: μ=0.122 cm−1, 90Y: μ=0.135 cm−1) and WNN (32P: μ=0.122 cm−1, 90Y: μ=0.135 cm−1) filters with slightly higher values obtained for the raw data (32P: μ=0.142 cm−1, 90Y: μ=0.142 cm−1) for a 3.5‐cm source size. The WNN, however, was computationally more efficient by a factor of 4 to 6 compared to the OSNNH filter. The filter architecture, in turn, is also optimum for parallel processing or VLSI implementation as required for planar and particularly for SPECT mode of detection.
Food web complexity and chaotic population dynamics

In mathematical models, very simple communities consisting of three or more species frequently display chaotic dynamics which implies that long-term predictions of the population trajectories in time are impossible. Communities in the wild tend to be more complex, but evidence for chaotic dynamics from such communities is scarce. We used supercomputing power to test the hypothesis that chaotic dynamics become less frequent in model ecosystems when their complexity increases. We determined the dynamical stability of a universe of mathematical, nonlinear food web models with varying degrees of organizational complexity. We found that the frequency of unpredictable, chaotic dynamics increases with the number of trophic levels in a food web but decreases with the degree of complexity. Our results suggest that natural food webs possess architectural properties that may intrinsically lower the likelihood of chaotic community dynamics.
High-Dose Versus Low-Dose D-Penicillamine in Early Diffuse Systemic Sclerosis Trial: Lessons Learned

Abstract Objectives To review important findings, or lessons, that were learned about measures of response, design, conduct, and analysis of a randomized, controlled trial (RCT), even though the trial failed to demonstrate efficacy of d -penicillamine. Methods One hundred thirty-four patients with early (≤18 months), diffuse systemic sclerosis (SSc) were entered into an RCT (high-dose [822 mg daily] vs low-dose [120 mg every other day] d -penicillamine) and were followed up regularly for up to 4 years. Because analysis failed to show efficacy for d -penicillamine in early diffuse SSc, all data were pooled for additional secondary analyses. Results This RCT showed that trials of potential disease-modifying interventions can be completed in SSc using the American College of Rheumatology guidelines. This RCT used an active control. After analysis, we were not able to tell whether either dose was effective or ineffective. That experience argues in favor of using placebo controls until such time as an active control can be found that truly modifies the disease. Skin score and the disability index of the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ-DI) were valid predictors of outcome. Along with the physician global assessment, they also were valid measures of response. Conclusions Even in studies that are therapeutically “negative,” careful evaluation of the data can examine other hypotheses and thereby provide important insights into other aspects of trial design, outcome measures, patient function, and trial conduct.
Incorporation of eel electroplax acetylcholinesterase into black lipid membranes. A possible model for the cholinergic receptor.

Abstract Addition of low concentrations of acetylcholine or carbamylcholine to solutions bathing a black lipid membrane into which electroplax acetylcholinesterase has been incorporated elicits a dramatic increase in the membrane conductance. This change is prevented or reversed by addition of neostigmine or atropine to the system. The magnitude of the conductance increase of the acetylcholinesterase-treated membrane is proportional to the fourth power of the carbamylcholine concentration and, at constant carbamylcholine concentration, to the fourth power of the enzyme concentration in the medium.
Digital-Analog Hybrid Synapse Chips for Electronic Neural Networks

Cascadable, CMOS synapse chips containing a cross-bar array of 32×32 (1024) programmable synapses have been fabricated as "building blocks" for fully parallel implementation of neural networks. The synapses are based on a hybrid digital-analog design which utilizes on-Chip 7-bit data latches to store quantized weights and two-quadrant multiplying DAC's to compute weighted outputs. The synapses exhibit 6-bit resolution and excellent monotonicity and consistency in their transfer characteristics. A 64-neuron hardware incorporating four synapse chips has been fabricated to investigate the performance of feedback networks in optimization problem solving. In this study, a 7×7, one-to-one assignment net and the Hop field-Tank 8-city traveling salesman problem net have been implemented in the hardware. The network's ability to obtain optimum or near optimum solutions in real time has been demonstrated.
Compliance characteristics of the Portex Soft Seal Cuff improves seal against leakage of fluid in a pig trachea model

The Portex Soft Seal high-volume, low-pressure cuffed trachealtube was compared with the Mallinckrodt HiLo, Sheridan Preformed and PortexProfile tracheal tubes for leakage of dye placed in the subglottic space of apig's trachea which was used in a benchtop mechanical ventilation modeland in six isolated pig tracheas. There was no leakage, either in the ventilation model or in theisolated tracheas in the Portex Soft Seal group. There was rapid leakage in theventilation model and in all the isolated tracheas for the Mallinckrodt HiLo,and five out of six isolated tracheas for the Sheridan Preformed and the PortexProfile group. This benchtop study suggests that the improved compliancecharacteristics of the Portex Soft Seal cuff are beneficial in preventingleakage of fluid in these models.
The Structural Basis for Activation of the Rab Ypt1p by the TRAPP Membrane-Tethering Complexes

The multimeric membrane-tethering complexes TRAPPI and TRAPPII share seven subunits, of which four (Bet3p, Bet5p, Trs23p, and Trs31p) are minimally needed to activate the Rab GTPase Ypt1p in an event preceding membrane fusion. Here, we present the structure of a heteropentameric TRAPPI assembly complexed with Ypt1p. We propose that TRAPPI facilitates nucleotide exchange primarily by stabilizing the nucleotide-binding pocket of Ypt1p in an open, solvent-accessible form. Bet3p, Bet5p, and Trs23p interact directly with Ypt1p to stabilize this form, while the C terminus of Bet3p invades the pocket to participate in its remodeling. The Trs31p subunit does not interact directly with the GTPase but allosterically regulates the TRAPPI interface with Ypt1p. Our findings imply that TRAPPII activates Ypt1p by an identical mechanism. This view of a multimeric membrane-tethering assembly complexed with a Rab provides a framework for understanding events preceding membrane fusion at the molecular level.
The role of posttraumatic growth and timing of quitting smoking as moderators of the relationship between stigma and psychological distress among lung cancer survivors who are former smokers

Objective Patients diagnosed with lung cancer report high levels of stigma and psychological distress. This study examined posttraumatic growth among lung cancer survivors as a potential buffer against this relationship between stigma and psychological distress and examined how these relationships differed by the timing of quitting smoking (pre versus post-diagnosis). Methods Stages IA and IB non-small-cell lung cancer survivors (N = 141) who were former smokers, 1–6 years post-treatment, and had no evidence of disease completed standardized questionnaires assessing stigma, posttraumatic growth, timing of quitting smoking history, and psychological distress. Results Hierarchical linear regression and simple slope analyses indicated that among those who quit smoking prior to diagnosis (pre-diagnosis quitters), stigma had a positive association with psychological distress at high levels of posttraumatic growth (p = 0.003) and had a positive (but non-significant) association with psychological distress among those with low levels of posttraumatic growth (p = 0.167). Among those who quit smoking after diagnosis (post-diagnosis quitters), stigma had a positive association with psychological distress among those with low levels of posttraumatic growth (p = 0.004) but had no relationship among those with high levels of posttraumatic growth (p = 0.880). Conclusions Findings indicate that posttraumatic growth buffers against the negative effects of stigma on psychological distress but only among post-diagnosis quitters. Future interventions could focus on fostering posttraumatic growth as a way to decrease the negative effects of stigma. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Young children as informants in classroom studies

This article addresses issues related to conducting qualitative studies in early childhood settings. Based on data collected in preschool and kindergarten studies, four problems that can threaten the quality of interviews with young children are identified: the adult-child problem, the right-answer problem, the pre-operational thought problem, and the self-as-social-object problem. These research problems are described using examples from interview data, and strategies for improving interviews with young children are presented.
Thy-1, a versatile modulator of signaling affecting cellular adhesion, proliferation, survival, and cytokine/growth factor responses.

Thy-1 is a 25–37 kDa glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored protein involved in T cell activation, neurite outgrowth, apoptosis, tumor suppression, wound healing, and fibrosis. To mediate these diverse effects, Thy-1 participates in multiple signaling cascades. In this review, we discuss Thy-1 signaling primarily in non-immunologic cell types, including neurons, mesangial cells, ovarian cancer cells, nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts. We review the current literature regarding Thy-1 signaling via integrins, protein tyrosine kinases, and cytokines and growth factors; and the roles of these signaling pathways in cellular adhesion, apoptosis, cell proliferation, and cell adhesion and migration. We also discuss the role of Thy-1 localization to lipid rafts, and of the GPI anchor in Thy-1 signaling. Ongoing research on the mechanisms of Thy-1 signaling will add to our understanding of the diverse physiologic and pathologic processes in which Thy-1 plays a role.
Interpreting letters and reading script: evidence for female education and literacy in Tudor England

Attempts to write the history of female education are hampered by the relative informality of teaching provision for women in early modern England. Since most women were excluded from male centres ...
The Prevalence of Lying in America: Three Studies of Self-Reported Lies

This study addresses the frequency and the distribution of reported lying in the adult population. A national survey asked 1,000 U.S. adults to report the number of lies told in a 24-hour period. Sixty percent of subjects report telling no lies at all, and almost half of all lies are told by only 5% of subjects; thus, prevalence varies widely and most reported lies are told by a few prolific liars. The pattern is replicated in a reanalysis of previously published research and with a student sample. Substantial individual differences in lying behavior have implications for the generality of truth‐lie base rates in deception detection experiments. Explanations concerning the nature of lying and methods for detecting lies need to account for this variation.
Caregiver Confidence: Does It Predict Changes in Disability Among Elderly Home Care Recipients?

Purpose of the study: The primary aim of this investigation was to determine whether caregiver confidence in their care recipients’ functional capa bilities predicts changes in the performance of activities of daily living (ADL) among elderly home care recipients. A secondary aim was to explore how caregiver confidence and care recipient functional selfefficacy jointly influence changes in ADL performance over time. Design and Methods: The sample included 5,138 elderly recipients of home and community-based long-term care in Michigan. ADL performance was assessed multiple times over a 2-year period. Caregiver confidence was measured at base line with a single item. Multilevel modeling was used to estimate the effect of caregiver confidence on changes in ADL performance over time, controlling for baseline self-efficacy, ADL performance, and other factors that might confound the relationship. Based on caregiver confidence and elder selfefficacy, we created 4 groups of elder caregiver dyads to explore the combined effect of caregiver and elder confidence on change in ADL performance. Results: Elders whose caregivers were confident in their capacity for greater functional independence experienced greater improvement in ADL performance than those whose caregivers were not confi dent. Elders in dyads in which both members expressed confidence experienced more improve ment in ADL performance than those in dyads in which either one or both members lacked confi dence. Implications: Interventions to strengthen caregivers’ confidence in their care recipients’ func tional capabilities may slow functional losses among home care elders. Additional research is needed to confirm these findings and identify the factors that influence caregiver confidence.
The effects of a first encounter with mental patients on personal religious beliefs.

(1969). The Effects of a First Encounter with Mental Patients on Personal Religious Beliefs. The Journal of Social Psychology: Vol. 78, No. 2, pp. 255-261.
M3 and M1 receptors in cerebral arterioles in vivo: evidence for downregulated or ineffective M1 when endothelium is intact

Pial arterioles of mice were monitored by intravital television microscopy. Responses to acetylcholine (ACh) and to McN-A-343, a selective M1 activator, were monitored before and after endothelial injury by a laser-dye technique in the presence or absence of different reference antagonists to the M1, M2, and M3 muscarinic receptors. ACh and McN-A-343 produced endothelium-dependent dilation that was blocked by 4-diphenyl-N-methyl-piperidine methiodide, an inhibitor of the M3 receptor. Dilations were not augmented by blocking the M1 receptor with pirenzepine. Endothelial injury unmasked a constricting effect of both ACh and McN-A-343. The constricting effect was blocked by pirenzepine. The results support the literature suggesting an action of McN-A-343 at more than one site. They indicate that ACh causes endothelium-dependent relaxation via the M3 receptor and directly constricts vascular smooth muscle via the M1 receptor. There does not appear to be continuous competition between endothelium-dependent relaxation and endothelium-independent constriction. Rather the M1 receptors mediating constriction in vascular smooth muscle appear downregulated and/or uncoupled from the contractile machinery as long as the overlying endothelium synthesizes/releases the mediator (endothelium-derived relaxing factor) of ACh's dilating action.
Value analysis of postoperative staging imaging for asymptomatic, early-stage breast cancer: implications of clinical variation on utility and cost

Abstract Background Routine staging imaging for early-stage breast cancer is not recommended. Despite this, there is clinical practice variation with imaging studies obtained for asymptomatic patients with a positive sentinel node (SN+). We characterize the utility, cost, and clinical implications of imaging studies obtained in asymptomatic SN+ patients. Methods A retrospective review was performed of asymptomatic, clinically node-negative patients who were found to have a positive sentinel node after surgery. The type of imaging, subsequent tests/interventions, frequency of additional malignancy detected, and costs were recorded. Results From April 2009 to April 2013, a total of 50 of 113 (44%) asymptomatic patients underwent staging imaging for a positive sentinel node; 11 (22%) patients had at least 1 subsequent imaging study or diagnostic intervention. No instance of metastatic breast cancer was identified, with a total cost of imaging calculated at $116,905. Conclusions Staging imaging for asymptomatic SN+ breast cancer demonstrates clinical variation. These tests were associated with low utility, increased costs, and frequent false positives leading to subsequent testing/intervention. Evidence-based standardization may help increase quality by decreasing unnecessary variation and cost.
Sample Selection and the Relation between Investor Sentiment and Profitable Trading Strategies

Recent evidence suggests that there is strong relation between investor sentiment and cross-sectional anomalies. However, I present evidence of a weak relation between cross-sectional anomalies and investor sentiment. Using a larger collection of cross-sectional anomalies, I find that only a small subsample of these anomalies exhibit a relation with investor sentiment. This result does not appear to be due to certain anomalies being more sensitive to changes in macroeconomic conditions. I then simulate 10,000 long-short portfolios, but find that only 10% of these portfolios have a relation with investor sentiment. Further I show that the predictive power of sentiment diminishes significantly after controlling for the Fama and French (1993) factors. These results suggest that the returns to active trading strategies are generally not due to sentiment-driven mispricing.
CONSERVATION LAND AMENITIES AND REGIONAL ECONOMIES: A POSTMATCHING DIFFERENCE‐IN‐DIFFERENCES ANALYSIS OF THE NORTHWEST FOREST PLAN

The 1994 Northwest Forest Plan (NWFP) resulted in the protection of over 11 million acres of public forestland in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. This paper quantifies the amenity effect arising from protected NWFP lands on long-run community economic growth. Using community fixed effects and postmatching panel regression to control for many sources of bias, we find highly localized and positive amenity impacts on the growth in median income, population, and property values for small communities close to protected NWFP land, as compared to communities far from the NWFP. We find no effect on medium-sized communities.
Integrated dynamic modeling of a point absorber wave energy converter in regular and irregular waves

Wave energy offers the highest energy density when compared to other renewable energy resources, and its energy potentials are huge. Different technologies such as point absorbers are been developed to capture the wave power. Vigorous testing, evaluation procedures, and assessments of the device performances under different wave conditions are critically important. In this paper, an integrated dynamic model of a point absorber wave energy converter is developed to evaluate its dynamic behavior. The hydrodynamic and hydrostatic parameters of the system are discussed. A direct drive linear generator power take-off is considered. A phase control strategy is used to maximize the power extracted by the generator and stored in a battery. The simulation results under regular and irregular waves are presented to illustrate the overall performances of the system.
Review of the anamorph genus Xenosporium

This paper provides descriptions and distribution records ofthe twelve known species of Xenospori? um. The species are illustrated and a dichotomous key is provided.
Lifestories : Processing experience throughout the lifespan

The authors describe an experiential model for therapy based upon the narrative process of storytelling in a group. A description is given of the three main phases.
How are private health plans providing drug and alcohol services in an age of parity and health reform

in various HAP studies. This will begin to elucidate and define the recreation drug user population based on the number of criteria as well as the nature of the criteria endorsed on the DSM-IV-TR. In the interim,we caution against adoptingDSM5 criteria as exclusionary criteria for substance use disorders in HAP studies as additional research will be needed to develop valid criteria utilizing DSM 5 criteria to define this population. Financial support: No.
Effect of S-adenosylhomocysteine and S-tubercidinylhomocysteine on catecholamine methylation in neuroblastoma cells.

Methylation of dopamine in neuroblastoma cells was studied by measuring the formation of [3H]3-methoxytyramine from [3H]dopamine. Analyses of the cellular extracts by high-pressure liquid chromatography afforded a means of monitoring cellular dopamine metabolism. S-Adenosylhomocysteine and the 7-deaza analogue, S-tubercidinylhomocysteine, both known to inhibit catechol O-methyltransferase in vitro, were used to block the methylation of dopamine in these cells. Both drugs inhibited the formation of 3-methoxytyramine, with an accompanying increase in the synthesis of a material tentatively identified as dopamine 3-sulfate. In this work and in previous work on tRNA methylation in phytohemagglutinin-stimulated rat lymphocytes [(1975) Mol. Pharmacol., 11, 701-707], the 7-deaza analogue was consistently more effective than the natural product inhibitor, S-adenosylhomocysteine. These results are discussed in terms of possible differences in transport and/or metabolism of the drugs.
The I-Xe chronometer

129Xe, from the decay of the now-extinct 16.7 Ma129I, accumulates in iodine-bearing sites and since most iodine host phases are secondary, the I-Xe system is typically a chronometer for post-formational processes. The validity of the I-Xe chronometer is confirmed by comparison with Pb-Pb ages on phosphate and feldspar separates from twelve meteorites. Phosphate separates are found to be concordant with Pb-Pb for all six samples in which useful I-Xe data were obtained. Feldspar is a better iodine host than apatite in H chondrites, typically providing good I-Xe isochrons. These too are concordant with the Pb-Pb ages of the corresponding phosphates for five out of six feldspar separates. The exception is Allegan whose feldspar yields one of the oldest I-Xe ages observed, similar to those for CI and CM magnetites. We attribute this to a more primary mineralization, predating the secondary phosphate from which the comparison Pb-Pb age was obtained. Absolute I-Xe ages, found using the reported Pb-Pb age of Acapulco phosphate provide an absolute I-Xe age of 4.566 ± 0.002 Ga for both Shallowater and Bjurbole irradiation standards. This allows relative I-Xe ages to be interpreted in the context of absolute ages.
Abstract 1805: CYP3A4 regulation of androgen receptor signaling in ER+ breast cancer

Proceedings: AACR 107th Annual Meeting 2016; April 16-20, 2016; New Orleans, LA Purpose: Eighty percent of breast cancers that are estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) express AR. According to American Cancer Society, every two out of three women are ER+ and initially respond to estrogen-receptor targeted therapies but later almost 50% of breast cancers, despite the presence of ER, fail to respond. Acquired resistance to these therapies is common and portends a poor prognosis, frequently requiring the use of cytotoxic therapies. Our preliminary results indicate that endocrine-resistant tumors express higher levels of AR and may depend on AR for their growth. Hence AR targeted therapies may be appropriate for these resistant tumors. As we have recently demonstrated that CYP3A regulates androgen receptor signaling, we wish to ascertain the role of CYP3A in regulating AR in endocrine-resistant breast cancer. Methods: The ER+ cell lines MCF7 and T47D were used to study the role of AR in breast cancer. To study endocrine resistance in breast cancer, tamoxifen resistant MCF7 and T47D lines were generated with recurrent treatment of IC90 dosage of tamoxifen over 6 months’ time period. Cell fractionation, western blotting and q-RTPCR techniques were used to study the role of AR. siRNA inhibition of CYP3A4, the isoform expressed in breast, was used to study its role in regulating AR in breast cancer. Results: Our results indicate that both MCF7 and T47D express active AR, inducible by DHT and R1881. Similar to prostate cancer we also observe that AR in these lines is regulated by CYP3A4. Cell fractionation studies indicate that inhibition of CYP3A4 by siRNA results in reduced AR migration to the nucleus inhibiting its role as a transcription factor. Our results also indicate that tamoxifen resistant cell lines express increased levels of AR. Tamoxifen resistant cell lines respond to bicalutamide/enzalutamide with a lower IC50 value than the native cell lines, reflecting their AR dependence. The resistant cell lines also show increased AR nuclear migration with R1881 induction as compared to native breast cell lines. Conclusions: Endocrine-resistant breast cancer is sensitive to antiandrogen therapy. CYP3A4 may play an important role in endocrine-resistant breast cancer by negatively regulating AR activity. Citation Format: Priyatham Gorjala, Oscar Goodman Jr, Ranjana Mitra. CYP3A4 regulation of androgen receptor signaling in ER+ breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 1805.
Triple-tandem high-dose-rate brachytherapy for early-stage medically inoperable endometrial cancer: Initial report on acute toxicity and dosimetric comparison to stereotactic body radiation therapy.

Abstract Purpose Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) may be appealing in medically inoperable endometrial cancer to avoid procedural risks. We performed a dosimetric comparison to triple-tandem, high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy. Methods and Materials Six consecutive clinical stage I, grade 1–2, medically inoperable endometrial cancer patients were treated with triple-tandem HDR brachytherapy. We report patient factors and acute toxicity. Also, we performed dosimetric comparison to SBRT using both 3D conformal arc (3DArc) and volumetric-modulated arc therapy. D2cc values for normal tissues were calculated and compared to the HDR plans. Results Median age was 57 years. Patient comorbidities included morbid obesity, congestive heart failure, diabetes, and pulmonary emboli. In three patients who received prior external beam radiation (EBRT), median EBRT and HDR doses were 46 Gy and 20 Gy, respectively. The median dose with HDR brachytherapy monotherapy was 35 Gy. Acute toxicities during EBRT included gastrointestinal (3/3 with grade 1–2) and genitourinary (3/3 with grade 1–2). Acute toxicities during HDR brachytherapy were gastrointestinal (2/6 total with grade 1–2) and genitourinary (2/6 total with grade 1). The mean D2cc/Gy of prescription dose for rectum, sigmoid, and bladder were 0.58, 0.40, and 0.47 respectively. Overall, doses to normal tissues were higher for SBRT plans as compared to HDR. Also, the R50 (ratio of the 50% prescription isodose volume to the PTV) was lowest with HDR brachytherapy. Conclusions In medically inoperable, clinical stage I endometrial cancer patients with multiple comorbidities, definitive triple-tandem, HDR brachytherapy results in mild acute toxicity. In addition, HDR brachytherapy achieves relatively lower doses to surrounding normal tissues as compared to SBRT.
Fiscal policy in a small open economy with cross-border labor mobility

Abstract The large and stable inflow of workers’ remittances through formal financial channels to developing countries prompted authorities to harness fiscal resources from this flow. This paper develops a macro-dynamic model of a small open economy with cross-border labor mobility emphasizing fiscal policy. The flow of remittances is the result of a household’s optimizing decision to migrate. We examine the macroeconomic responses to fiscal policies. First, we show that an economy with international migration is more resilient to demand shocks resulting from fiscal contraction. Second, the short-run association between remittances and domestic output depends on the sources of the shocks. Third, our results indicate that the equilibrium impact of a tax on remittances can be expansionary and welfare-improving when an economy is initially close to full employment. The presence of utility-enhancing government expenditure and a potential negative externality from over-allocation of labor abroad (over migration) justify the presence of distortionary taxes.
Study of AM-to-PM conversion in p-i-n photodiodes with varying beam radius and spot position

The AM-to-PM conversion gain of a silicon p-i-n photodiode was found to be dependent on laser beam radius and spot position on the photosensitive area.
User's Guide to Handlens - A Computer Program that Calculates the Chemistry of Minerals in Mixtures

HandLens is a computer program, written in Excel macro language, that calculates the chemistry of minerals in mineral mixtures (for example, in rocks, soils and sediments) for related samples from inputs of quantitative mineralogy and chemistry. For best results, the related samples should contain minerals having the same chemical compositions; that is, the samples should differ only in the proportions of minerals present. This manual describes how to use the program, discusses the theory behind its operation, and presents test results of the program’s accuracy. Required input for HandLens includes quantitative mineralogical data, obtained, for example, by RockJock analysis of X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, and quantitative chemical data, obtained, for example, by X-ray florescence (XRF) analysis of the same samples. Other quantitative data, such as sample depth, temperature, surface area, also can be entered. The minerals present in the samples are selected from a list, and the program is started. The results of the calculation include: (1) a table of linear coefficients of determination (r’s) which relate pairs of input data (for example, Si versus quartz weight percents); (2) a utility for plotting all input data, either as pairs of variables, or as sums of up to eight variables; (3) a table that presents the calculated chemical formulae for minerals in the samples; (4) a table that lists the calculated concentrations of major, minor, and trace elements in the various minerals; and (5) a table that presents chemical formulae for the minerals that have been corrected for possible systematic errors in the mineralogical and/or chemical analyses. In addition, the program contains a method for testing the assumption of constant chemistry of the minerals within a sample set.
Predicting the thermodynamic properties of experimental mixed-solvent electrolyte systems using the SAFT-VR+DE equation of state

Abstract We apply the SAFT-VR+DE equation of state to the study of experimental mixed-solvent electrolyte solutions. In the non-primitive model based SAFT-VR+DE approach (Zhao et al., JCP 2007, 126, 244503) the ions are considered fully dissociated within the solvent that is explicitly treated within the model and the theoretical framework. Typically in the study of electrolyte systems the simpler primitive model is used, which requires knowledge of the experimental dielectric constant. With the non-primitive model the dielectric constant is calculated as part of the theory, which is a particularly attractive feature in the study of mixed-solvent electrolyte systems as data for the experimental dielectric constant of such systems is more scarce. Here for the first time as far as the authors are aware, a non-primitive based equation of state has been used for the study of mixed-solvent electrolytes. The solvents considered (water, methanol and ethanol) are modeled using the SAFT-VR+D approach (Zhao et al., JCP 2007, 127, 084514; Zhao et al., JCP 2006, 125, 104504) in which the contribution of the dipole to the thermodynamics and structure of the fluid are explicitly accounted for. The theory is found to accurately predict the vapor-liquid equilibrium, as well as dielectric properties of the salt free alcohol-water mixtures both at room and elevated temperatures. Ternary mixtures of salt/water/alcohol are then studied using the SAFT-VR+DE parameters for the salts determined in earlier work (Das et al., AIChE Journal 2015, 61, 3053-3072) and a cation-alcohol unlike dispersive energy parameter obtained by fitting to mean ionic activity coefficient data at room temperature and pressure. Thus, with only one adjustable parameter, a predictive SAFT-VR+DE equation to study mixed-solvent electrolyte systems is developed. The SAFT-VR+DE predictions are found to be in good quantitative agreement with mean ionic activity coefficient data for several mixed-solvent electrolyte systems over a wide range of molalities and different solvent ratios. The model is parameterized to allow the molecular level interactions between different cations and the surrounding solvent molecules to be explored.
Predicting Neural Network Dynamics via Graphical Analysis

Abstract Neural network models in neuroscience allow one to study how the connections between neurons shape the activity of neural circuits in the brain. In this chapter, we study Combinatorial Threshold-Linear Networks in order to understand how the pattern of connectivity, as encoded by a directed graph, shapes the emergent nonlinear dynamics of the corresponding network. Important aspects of these dynamics are controlled by the stable and unstable fixed points of the network, and we show how these fixed points can be determined via graph-based rules. We also present an algorithm for predicting sequences of neural activation from the underlying directed graph, and examine the effect of graph symmetries on a network’s set of attractors.
Redox-Active vs Redox-Innocent: A Comparison of Uranium Complexes Containing Diamine Ligands.

Uranium complexes (MesDAE)2U(THF) (1-DAE) and Cp2U(MesDAE) (2-DAE) (MesDAE = [ArN-CH2CH2-NAr]; Ar = 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl (Mes)), bearing redox-innocent diamide ligands, have been synthesized and characterized for a full comparison with previously published, redox-active diimine complexes, (MesDABMe)2U(THF) (1-DAB) and Cp2U(MesDABMe) (2-DAB) (MesDABMe = [ArN═C(Me)C(Me)═NAr]; Ar = Mes). These redox-innocent analogues maintain an analogous steric environment to their redox-active ligand counterparts to facilitate a study aimed at determining the differing electronic behavior around the uranium center. Structural analysis by X-ray crystallography showed 1-DAE and 2-DAE have a structural environment very similar to 1-DAB and 2-DAB, respectively. The main difference occurs with coordination of the ene-backbone to the uranium center in the latter species. Electronic absorption spectroscopy reveals these new DAE complexes are nearly identical to each other. X-ray absorption spectroscopy suggests all four species...
Flavanols react preferentially with quinones through an electron transfer reaction, stimulating rather than preventing wine browning.

Abstract Wine oxidation changes the chemistry, sensory profile and color of wines. In wine oxidation, phenolics are oxidized to quinones and these reactive compounds can be quenched by sacrificial nucleophiles, such as the A-ring on flavanoids, preventing oxidative damage from the loss of desirable flavor molecules. The “catechol” B-ring on flavanoids, in contrast, can be oxidized by quinones through electron transfer reactions that lead to flavanoid quinones, precursors of browning products. Here we compared the rate of flavanoids reacting by either nucleophilic quinone quenching, or by electron transfer to generate flavanoid quinones. Our approach is based on mathematical modeling of reaction data to derive the rate constants of reactions of A-ring quenching vs B-ring electron transfer with caffeic acid quinone, by fitting the predicted loss of precursors and the appearance of products (or derivatives) with experimental data collected by LC/MS. The rate constant of the electron transfer reaction of caffeic acid quinone towards 4-methyl-catechol was fast ( k 4 M C = 3.43E-2 mLmol−1sec−1) but nucleophilic reactions with afzelechin ( k A f z = 2.53E-3 mLmol−1sec−1) or malvidin-3-glucoside ( k M a l = 5.34E-3 mLmol−1sec−1), were much slower. No reaction was detected between caffeic acid quinone and isorhamnetin. Additionally, the electron transfer reaction rate of catechin and caffeic acid quinone was much faster at pH 7 (1.22E-02 mLmol−1sec−1) vs pH 3.5 (1.79E-03 mLmol−1sec−1). These results help explain why the reaction of catechin and caffeic acid quinone favors the formation of browning products, and more so at higher pH values. Furthermore, bisulfite reacted with quinones faster than the electron transfer reactions, preventing the browning observed in the reaction of catechin with caffeic acid quinone in the absence of bisulfite.
3-D printer settings effects on the thermal conductivity of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)

Abstract Fused deposition modeling (also known as 3-D printing) utilizes a molten plastic filament passed through a heated nozzle to fabricate a three-dimensional object. Various printer settings (i.e. layer height, fill density, print speed, nozzle diameter) of a 3-D printer can be adjusted, which on a macro scale affect the print time and test piece finish (i.e. smaller layer height lead to a fully smooth surface). Many studies have reported effects of printer settings on mechanical properties. This study uses a macroscale and micron-scale approach to characterize effects of 3-D printer settings on thermal conductivity of 3-D printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). The highest thermal conductivity value of 0.25 (±0.05) W/m-K was achieved with a printed layer height of 0.4 mm and 100% fill density. This study shows print times can be reduced by as much as 80% while maintaining thermal performance. These general results influence many commonly available printer materials as well as unique materials under development.
Frequency Band Decomposition of a Dynamic Persistence Measure Using Ambient Synchrophasor Data

A global measure of the persistence of oscillations in the bulk power grid using PMU has been developed. In this paper the contributions of different spectral bands to the persistence metric are defined and characterized, as a means to learn about the sources and patterns of oscillatory swing dynamics. These persistence-contribution metrics are computed for archived PMU data from the Western Interconnect: it is found that peaks in persistence arise from different spectral bands during the analysis period. The use of the persistence metric in a real-time monitoring system is presented.
Being Explicit About Decisions: Prescribe Medications for Opioid Use Disorder on the Basis of Proven Effectiveness, Not Beliefs

Murphy and colleagues reported a cost-effectiveness analysis of sublingual buprenorphine with naloxone versus extended-release naltrexone to treat opioid use disorder. The editorialists believe the...
Characterizing the Issue: Metaphor and Contemporary Impromptu Discussions of Gender

This essay argues that metaphor is an effective inventional strategy in both the impromptu speaking contest and in the public arena. Focusing on the contemporary discussion of gender in the confirm...
System Dynamics Applications to Injury and Violence Prevention: a Systematic Review

System dynamics (SD) is an approach to solving problems in the context of dynamic complexity. The purpose of this review was to summarize SD applications in injury prevention and highlight opportunities for SD to contribute to injury prevention research and practice. While SD has been increasingly used to study public health problems over the last few decades, uptake in the injury field has been slow. We identified 18 studies, mostly conducted in the last 10 years. Applications covered a range of topics (e.g., road traffic injury, overdose, and violence), employed different types of SD tools (i.e., qualitative and quantitative), and served a variety of research and practice purposes (e.g., deepen understanding of a problem, policy analysis). Given the many ways that SD can add value and complement traditional research and practice approaches (e.g., through novel stakeholder engagement and policy analysis tools), increased investment in SD-related capacity building and opportunities that support SD use are warranted.
Designing conjugation-extended viologens for high molar absorptivity with longer wavelength absorption

Abstract A series of donor-acceptor (D–A) type conjugated molecules was synthesized, with structures D–π–A or A–π–D–π–A where A = N-hexylpyridinium-4-yl and D = electron donor type units, with A and D linked by π-conjugating units: the D–π–A systems are design-testing models for optimizing the A–π–D-π-A systems, where the latter are conjugatively extended variants of viologen. UV–vis absorption spectra and molar absorptivities were determined in varying solvents, and spectra for neat films. The donor units D comprised phenylene, 2,5-thienylene, 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophen-2,5-diyl (EDOT), 1-N-methyl-2,5-pyrrolediyl, and CH CH units. The system with strongest absorptivity at a relatively long absorption maximum and onset was the extended viologen 4-(1-hexyl)pyridinium-CH CH-(2,5-EDOT-CH CH-)-(2,5-thienylene-CH CH )-(2,5-EDOT-CH = CH-)-4-(1-hexyl)pyridinium dibromide, with λmax(methanol) = 576 nm (278,000 M−1 cm−1), low energy onset at 683 nm (1.82 eV). Photoluminescence quantum yields in methanol mostly were quite weak, with solvatochromic behavior indicating strong intramolecular charge transfer character.
Flowers as viral hot spots: Honey bees ( Apis mellifera ) unevenly deposit viruses across plant species

RNA viruses, once considered specific to honey bees, are suspected of spilling over from managed bees into wild pollinators; however, transmission routes are largely unknown. A widely accepted yet untested hypothesis states that flowers serve as bridges in the transmission of viruses between bees. Here, using a series of controlled experiments with captive bee colonies, we examined the role of flowers in bee virus transmission. We first examined if honey bees deposit viruses on flowers and whether bumble bees become infected after visiting contaminated flowers. We then examined whether plant species differ in their propensity to harbor viruses and if bee visitation rates increase the likelihood of virus deposition on flowers. Our experiment demonstrated, for the first time, that honey bees deposit viruses on flowers. However, the two viruses we examined, black queen cell virus (BQCV) and deformed wing virus (DWV), were not equally distributed across plant species, suggesting that differences in floral traits, virus ecology and/or foraging behavior may mediate the likelihood of deposition. Bumble bees did not become infected after visiting flowers previously visited by honey bees suggesting that transmission via flowers may be a rare occurrence and contingent on multiplicative factors and probabilities such as infectivity of virus strain across bee species, immunocompetence, virus virulence, virus load, and the probability a bumble bee will contact a virus particle on a flower. Our study is among the first to experimentally examine the role of flowers in bee virus transmission and uncovers promising avenues for future research.