cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Protein and RNA Synthesis in Endometrium of the Rat Uterus During Early Progestation

To assess the rate and timing of nucleic acid and protein synthesis in the endometrium of the rat during early progestation, two series of experiments were performed. Measures were made of a) the incorporation of labeled glycine into endometrial subcellular fractions and b) the uptake of labeled leucine and uridine into TCA-insoluble material of endometrium. Of the glycine incorporated during the cycle, 50-70 percent was distributed into the nuclear fraction, with 30-50 percent in the other two fractions. Following the induction of pseudopregnancy, about 97 percent of the label was associated with the nuclear fraction. By Day 4 of progestation, a shift in the distribution occurred, such that 68 percent of the glycine was associated with the soluble and mitochondrial fractions. Calculated as specific activity, different patterns of activity were evident in each fraction: 1) no changes occurred during the estrous cycle in the nuclear and mitochondrial fractions and 2) the soluble fraction showed peak activity during proestrus. Following cervical stimulation, a significant, transient rise in specific activity was measured on Day 1 in all three fractions. Subsequently, a second peak in activity occurred on Day 3 in the soluble and mitochondrial fractions. The data suggest that at the onset of progestation, a change in the ability of the tissue to utilize exogenous substrate may Occur: glycine may be compartmentalized, and thus withheld from the general metabolic machinery of the cell, or it may be utilized preferentially in the biosynthesis of nucleic acid. Following this initial period, a greater proportion of label may be utilized in various other metabolic pathways. Total incorporation of leucine and uridine showed similar patterns: peak activity, measured during proestrus, declined to minimal activity during estrus and metestrus. After stimulation of the uterine cervix, incorporation declined to a low level by Day 1 of pseudopregnancy. After Day 2, a significant increase occurred, which was maintained through Day 6. Calculated as specific activity, the incorporation of these substrates showed no significant day-to-day changes during the cycle. Following induction of pseudopregnancy, a more gradual decline in the specific activity of uridine was followed by a transiently increased leucine activity on Day 1, but the responses were marginal (and not significant). Between Days 2-5 a dramatic rise in the specific activity of both substrates was measured. These experiments suggest that at the beginning of progestation the uterine endometrium generally reflects the effect of postovuiatory hormone deprivation, though local changes in biosynthetic activity, induced by early progestogenic action may be evident. Following Day 2, however, a second, dramatic increase in the rate of biosynthetic activity occurs which can be measured as an increased rate of synthesis of RNA and protein, and increased protein content. These changes in endometrium, evident by Day 3, reach their peak before Day 4, the time of maximal sensitivity of the uterus to decidualizing stimuli.
Field occurrences of liquefaction-induced features: A primer for engineering geologic analysis of paleoseismic shaking

Discussed in this paper are the factors that control the typical manifestations of liquefaction that are found in continental field settings. The factors are given mainly in terms of the local geologic field situation and the geotechnical properties there. A meaningful interpretation of liquefaction-based data for quantitative analysis of paleoseismic shaking requires understanding of both geologic and geotechnical roles in the mode of ground failure at a specific site. Recommendations are made for the size of the field area that must be searched for liquefaction effects, in order to develop adequate data for engineering geologic/geotechnical analyses of paleoseismicity. The areal extent must be based on an appreciation that the tectonic situation can cause seismically induced liquefaction effects to form in some locales, but not in others nearby, even for a strong earthquake in the region. Our guidelines for the conduct of the field search and preliminary analysis of the data relate to three issues for which liquefaction features are especially useful in answering: Has there been strong Holocene/latest Pleistocene shaking in the region? Where was the tectonic source? And what was the strength of shaking? Understanding of the various factors that control the manifestations of liquefaction effects, which we present in this paper, is essential for developing credible answers to these questions.
Observation of energy exchange between intersecting filament-forming beams freely propagating in air

We demonstrate two-beam coupling between crossed filament-producing beams freely propagating in atmosphere, producing energy transfers of 10%, controllable by a relative delay of +/-20 fs. Prospects of filament regeneration and control will be discussed.
The Relationship between Unethical Behavior and the Dimensions of the Ethical Climate Questionnaire

This study examined the relationship between unethical employee behavior and the dimensions of the Ethical Climate Questionnaire (ECQ). In order to explore the relationship between the dimensions of the ECQ and unethical behavior, the factor structure of five previously identified empirical models and the hypothesized nine-dimension model for the ECQ was tested with a confirmatory factor analysis. The analysis revealed that the hypothesized nine-dimension model provided as good or even better fit to the data than the five empirically derived models. Therefore, the nine-dimensional model was used to examine the criterion-related validity of the ECQ. The results demonstrated that the nine ethical climate dimensions were correlated with some of the unethical behaviors examined in this study, but not others. However, the results clearly demonstrated that most of the ethical climate dimensions were significantly related to an aggregate measure of unethical behavior. It was suggested that these results might account for the differences in previous studies on the criterion-related validity of the ECQ. The results also replicated a previous report that the association between unethical behavior and ethical climate is stronger in organizations that do not have a code of ethics. Finally, a difference was observed in the ethical climates for organizations with a code of ethics and organizations without a code of ethics.
Telephone-administered psychotherapy for depression in MS patients: moderating role of social support

Depression is common in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). While psychotherapy is an effective treatment for depression, not all individuals benefit. We examined whether baseline social support might differentially affect treatment outcome in 127 participants with MS and depression randomized to either Telephone-administered Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (T-CBT) or Telephone-administered Emotion-Focused Therapy (T-EFT). We predicted that those with low social support would improve more in T-EFT, since this approach emphasizes the therapeutic relationship, while participants with strong social networks and presumably more emotional resources might fare better in the more structured and demanding T-CBT. We found that both level of received support and satisfaction with that support at baseline did moderate treatment outcome. Individuals with high social support showed a greater reduction in depressive symptoms in the T-CBT as predicted, but participants with low social support showed a similar reduction in both treatments. This suggests that for participants with high social support, CBT may be a more beneficial treatment for depression compared with EFT.
Made in Congress? Testing the Electoral Implications of Party Ideological Brand Names

We investigate the connection between legislative parties and election outcomes, focusing on ideological party brand names that inform voters. If the source of information conveyed by brand names is the party's aggregate roll-call record, then changes in legislative party membership should influence election returns. We formalize the argument with an expected utility model of voting and derive district-level hypotheses, which we test on U.S. House elections from 1952 to 2000. We test alternative specifications that vary with respect to the specificity of voter information and find that party positions and heterogeneity both affect vote share independently of incumbents’ positions. The results provide modest support for the expected utility model but nevertheless suggest that Congress is an important source of the public's beliefs about the parties, and this effect is clearest for challengers, rather than incumbents, who run under the party's label.
Chain-of-rotators equation of state for polar and non-polar substances and mixtures

Abstract The Chain-of-rotators equation of state in a simplified form is extended to polar substances with modifications of parameters a and b . New parameter values are reported for 67 polar and associating substances and 38 non-polar substances. Two sets of mixing rules are investigated to apply the equation of state to mixtures: the van der Waals mixing rules and the free energy matching mixing rules. Examples are presented of calculated vapor–liquid phase diagrams for various mixture combination of polar, non-polar, and associating substances.
An Assessment of the Optimal Time for Removal of Esophageal Stents Used in the Treatment of an Esophageal Anastomotic Leak or Perforation.

Background Esophageal stent for the treatment of a perforation or anastomotic leak has been shown to be effective and safe. However, the optimal timing for stent removal is in question. This purpose of this investigation was to identify a time for stent removal in patients treated for an acute perforation or anastomotic leak that resulted in sealing of the leak while minimizing the incidence of stent-related complications. Methods Patients undergoing esophageal stent placement for the treatment of an acute perforation or intrathoracic anastomotic leak were identified from a single institution's prospectively collected database. Patient outcomes were recorded and analyzed. Complications were segregated by stent dwell time. Results During the study period, 162 patients underwent esophageal stent placement for an acute perforation (n = 117) or anastomotic leak (n = 45). Patients whose stent was removed in less than 28 days after placement for an acute perforation realized a stent complication rate that was independently reduced by 39% (odds ratio, 0.61; 95% confidence interval, 0.54 to 0.78; p p Conclusions Endoluminal esophageal stent placement is a safe and effective treatment for patients with an acute esophageal perforation or intrathoracic anastomotic leak after esophagectomy. Removal of stents at 2 weeks for anastomotic leak or 4 weeks for perforation has the potential to significantly decrease the incidence of complications associated with stent use.
Herbicide and winter flood treatments for controlling volunteer rice off-season

Abstract Field experiments were conducted to study the efficacy of 12 herbicide treatments for volunteer rice control with, or without, winter-flooding in Stuttgart and Rohwer, Arkansas, USA over two years (2012–13 and 2013–14). Herbicides were applied either in the fall or at 35 d prior to planting rice in the spring. Commercially harvested Clearfield™ long-grain inbred rice 'CL152' was used as volunteer rice seed, broadcasted and lightly incorporated in October, 2012 and 2013. 'Jupiter' (medium-grain inbred, conventional rice) was planted in May as the rice crop. Winter-flood was initiated soon after the fall herbicide treatments were applied and terminated in February. Winter-flood reduced volunteer rice germination by 34% in 2013 and by 40% in 2014. Some fall herbicide treatments, without winter flood, generally caused more injury to the rice crop planted in the spring than the winter-flooded treatments. Fall application of pyroxasulfone (0.12 kg ha−1), flumioxazin (0.14 kg ha−1), and sulfentrazone (0.34 kg ha−1) as well as pre-plant application of pyroxasulfone (0.12 kg ha−1) and 2,4-D (2.24 kg ha−1), resulted in lower volunteer rice infestation, averaged over flood treatments. Pre-plant application of 2,4-D (2.24 kg ha−1), sulfentrazone in the fall (0.34 kg ha−1) and pyroxasulfone pre-plant (0.12 kg ha−1) injured the rice crop by 20%, 23%, and 47%, respectively. Fall application of pyroxasulfone (0.12 kg ha−1) followed by a lower rate of 2,4-D (1.12 kg ha−1) 35 d pre-plant caused minimal (6%) crop injury and did not reduce yield. This treatment provided better volunteer rice control (73%) than pyroxasulfone alone at 0.12 kg ha−1 applied in the fall (64%). To evaluate the overwintering potential of hybrid and non-hybrid volunteer seeds, these seed types were planted at three depths (0, 7.5, 15 cm) in flooded and non-flooded conditions in a buried-pot experiment at Stuttgart and Rohwer over 2 years. Winter-flood reduced rice germination by 50% in 2013–14 and 40% in 2014–15 (averaged over seed type and burial depth), after 160 d and 130 d of burial, respectively. After the winter, the viability of hybrid seed (germinable + dormant) was higher (13 and 53%) than that of non-hybrid seed (8 and 27%) in both years.
Development of antisperm contraceptive vaccine for humans: why and how?

A review of the obstacles in the way of producing anti-sperm contraception and progress to date is presented. While there are several lines of evidence pointing to the possibility of inducing immunity to sperm in practice many roadblocks have appeared such as sperm antigens that cross react with other somatic antigens effective sperm antigens that do not affect fertility short acting immunity and the problems of producing high titers in the local environment of the genital tract. Infertility of both men and women occurs in nature as a result of antisperm immunity. Conception can be obtained in these couples by immunosuppression. Data from human in vitro fertilization indicate that sperm antibodies can block fertilization. since whole sperm contain several antigens shared with other body tissues a vaccine must be designed from purified antigens. After vaccines were developed from some antigens such as HS-63 in vitro fertilization was blocked but not fertility in vivo. One antigen showing promise is FA-1 from human and mouse sperm effective in reducing rabbit and human fertility. All the prototype vaccines have a short life time. Adjuvants and carriers are being tested to improve performance. The female genital tract is not rich in lymph tissue but IgG and sigA antibodies do occur there probably originating from gut-associated lymphoid tissue. Not only is a very high titer of antibodies needed to block fertilization in vivo but local immunization is ineffective in inducing high titers. Probably combined local and systemic routes will be required.
Towards Coordinated Precision Assembly with Robot Teams

We present a system in which a flexible team of robots coordinates to assemble large, complex, and diverse structures autonomously. Our system operates across a wide range of spatial scales and tolerances, using a hierarchical perception architecture. For the successful execution of very precise assembly operations under initial uncertainty, our system starts with high-field of view but low accuracy sensors, and gradually uses low field-of-view but high accuracy sensors. Our system also uses a failure detection and recovery system, integrated with this hierarchical perception architecture: upon losing track of a feature, our system retracts to using high-field of view systems to re-localize. Additionally, we contribute manipulation skills and tools necessary to assemble large structures with high precision. First, the team of robots coordinates to transport large assembly parts which are too heavy for a single robot to carry. Second, we develop a new tool which is capable of co-localizing holes and fasteners for robust insertion and fastening. We present real robot experiments where we measure the contribution of the hierarchical perception and failure recovery approach to the robustness of our system. We also present an extensive set of experiments where our robots successfully insert all 80 of the attempted fastener insertion operations.
Sterol and Water-Soluble Vitamin Requirements for Larvae of the Red-Banded Leaf Roller, Argyrotaenia velutinana

Argyrotaenia velutinana (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), was aseptically reared on a defined diet. Lack of any one of the following vitamins in the defined diet resulted in 100% larval mortality: folic acid, riboflavin, thiamine, calcium pantothenate, nicotinamide, and choline chloride. When pyridoxine was omitted from the diet 10% of the of the larvae developed to the adult stage and the omission of biotin resulted in 20% larval survival to the adult stage. Larval development was similar on diets with or without vitamin B12. The minimum dietary amounts of nicotinamide, pyridoxine, calcium pantothenate, thiamine, riboflavin, folic acid, and choline chloride required for normal development to the adult stage were 6.0, 3.0, 1.0 0.1, 0.05, 0.5, and 50.0 mg'100 g diet, respectively. The omission of sterols from the diet resulted in 100% larval mortality. The minimum amount of dietary choleesterol required for normal development to the adult stage was about 0.05 g/100 g diet. Stigmasterol and β-sitosterol gave growth and survival rates equal to cholesterol; ergosterol was of low nutritive value.
Optimal disturbance suppression with application to wind shear

A novel quadratic cost function composed of stochastic and deterministic contributions is used in the design of a digital flight control system for a small commercial jet with wind shear present. The optimal output feedback control design is configured to suppress the effect of the wind shear disturbance and maintain closed loop stability. A new algorithm is presented for finding the feedback gain. A proportional-integral control design with wind shear suppression is tested in a detailed nonlinear simulation of a commercial jet during the landing approach.
A Performance Index for the Unified Rock Classification System

This paper presents a performance index for the Unified Rock Classification System (URCS). The methodology is based on fuzzy set theory, a new branch of mathematics which is regarded as an effective tool for dealing with qualitative assessments such as rock mass classification. The addition of numerical performance index to the URCS may enhance its capacity as a classification system for engineering purposes.
Differential Cross Sections in π - p-->K 0 Λ 0 and π - p-->K 0 Σ 0 from 3 to 6 GeV/c

We have measured the differential cross sections for the associated-production reactions ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{K}^{0}{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}^{0}$ and ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{K}^{0}{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}^{0}$ at 3, 4, 5, and 6 GeV/c, with a total of over 40 000 events. We find that both reactions have exponential forward peaks for $\ensuremath{-}t\ensuremath{\lesssim}0.4$ ${(\mathrm{G}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{V}/\mathit{c})}^{2}$, with no indication of forward-direction flattening or turnover; the slopes of the forward peaks show little if any variation with momentum; and the two cross sections are equal within experimental error from $\ensuremath{-}t=1.2$ ${(\mathrm{G}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{V}/\mathit{c})}^{2}$ out to at least $\ensuremath{-}t=2.0$ ${(\mathrm{G}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{V}/\mathit{c})}^{2}$.
Metabolic Evaluation in Paediatric Urolithiasis: A 4-Year Open Prospective Study

Introduction Children with urolithiasis are associated with considerable morbidity and commonly associated with metabolic abnormalities. By treating these abnormalities stone formation is prevented.
Dematerialization and secondary materials recovery in the U.S.

Complexity in individual materials as well as the diversity of materials used in industrial and consumer products leads to problems both in isolating material components and retaining the value embedded in material goods, posing problems for effective materials recovery. Secondary materials processors must respond to contemporary challenges arising from materials complexity and diversity if they are to serve their proper function in minimizing the environmental disturbances associated with expanding material consumption.
Impact of infrastructure on graduate dental education and dental clinic productivity.

Using all-inclusive data from 126 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs health care facilities that provide dental services, this study identified the staffing infrastructure under which the Veterans Health Administration can provide graduate dental education without compromising dental clinic productivity. From regression analyses, we found that teaching residents has a negative impact on staff dentists’ productivity; however, when the dental assistant to provider ratio is greater than or equal to 1.0, dental residents’ workload contribution can offset the negative impact on overall clinic productivity. In the presence of dental residents, the dental assistant, front-desk personnel, and dental treatment room to provider ratios have a positive impact on productivity. The optimal ratios were calculated as 1.5 for dental assistants, 2.1 for dental treatment rooms, and 0.57 for front-desk personnel.
Proton-translocating ATPase from bovine kidney medulla: partial purification and reconstitution

The proton-translocating ATPase that is responsible both for urinary and vacuolar acidification was partially purified from bovine kidney medulla microsomes. ATPase activity was purified to a maxim...
Nondegeneracy and stability of antiperiodic bound states for fractional nonlinear Schrödinger equations

Abstract We consider the existence and stability of real-valued, spatially antiperiodic standing wave solutions to a family of nonlinear Schrodinger equations with fractional dispersion and power-law nonlinearity. As a key technical result, we demonstrate that the associated linearized operator is nondegenerate when restricted to antiperiodic perturbations, i.e. that its kernel is generated by the translational and gauge symmetries of the governing evolution equation. In the process, we provide a characterization of the antiperiodic ground state eigenfunctions for linear fractional Schrodinger operators on R with real-valued, periodic potentials as well as a Sturm–Liouville type oscillation theory for the higher antiperiodic eigenfunctions.
Copyright Law in the Digital Age

This chapter discusses the current state of copyright law with respect to works contained on different media. It traces the history and purpose of the law, while focusing on how digital technology has shaped its evolution. It describes how recent legislation and court cases have created a patchwork of law whose protection often varies depending upon the medium on which the work lies. The author questions whether some of the recent legislation has lost sight of the main purpose behind the copyright law, the promotion of learning and public knowledge.
Intricate regulatory circuit of Pseudomonas aeruginosa AmpR revealed through whole genome approach

B rapidly respond and adapt to changing environmental conditions by altering gene expression. A gram-negative opportunistic bacterium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major human pathogen implicated in a number of acute and chronic infections. Of particular concern is the wide prevalence of antibiotic resistant P. aeruginosa in hospitals. Expression of virulence factors that contribute to P. aeruginosa pathogenicity is tightly regulated. Regulators make up ~8-10% of the P. aeruginosa genome. A transcriptional regulator of the LysR family, AmpR plays a major role in conferring resistance to s-lactams by positively regulating ampC encoding a lactamase. Whole genome approaches such as microarrays, deep RNA sequencing, CHIP-Seq and proteomics analyses of the P. aeruginosa prototypic strain PAO1 and its isogenic ampR in-frame deletion mutant, PAO∆ampR, in the absence and presence of s-lactams, revealed that the regulatory repertoire of AmpR is extensive and includes over 500 genes. AmpR regulates diverse phenotypes such as s-lactam and non-s-lactam resistance, many virulence processes and metabolism. AmpR regulated positively and negatively, phenotypes associated with acute and chronic infections, respectively. Furthermore, RNA-Seq and ChIP-Seq studies identified lasR, encoding the quorum-sensing regulator, to be a direct target of AmpR regulation. In silico comparative transcriptomics analyses further identified genes that are exclusively regulated by AmpR and core set are involved in bacterial homeostasis. In summary, AmpR is identified as a critical regulator of pathogenesis and metabolism in P. aeruginosa and is a potential therapeutic target. Kalai Mathee, J Microb Biochem Technol 2013, 5:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/1948-5948.S1.009
A non-ionizing technique for three-dimensional measurement of the lumbar spine

Abstract Comprehensive assessments of scoliotic deformity and spinal instability require repetitive three-dimensional (3D) measurements of motion segments at different functional postures. However, accurate 3D measurement of the spine is a challenging task. In this paper, we present a novel, non-invasive, non-ionizing technique to quantify 3D poses of lumbar motion segments in terms of clinically meaningful anatomical coordinates. The technique used ultra-short echo time (UTE) magnetic resonance (MR) images to construct subject-specific geometrical models of individual vertebrae and registered them with 3D ultrasound dataset acquired during pose measurements. A hierarchical registration approach was used to minimize the detrimental effects of speckle noise and artifacts within soft tissues on registration accuracy. The technique was validated using a human dry bone specimen as well as a fresh porcine cadaver. Registration errors were determined by comparing with a gold standard fiducial-based registration. Results showed that the technique is accurate and reliable with bias in sub-degree and sub-millimeter level (except for the flexion–extension of the porcine cadaver experiment, which was −1.74°), and average precision of 1.11° in rotation and 0.86 mm in position for the human dry bone experiment, and 1.26° and 1.23 mm for the porcine cadaver experiment. Given its non-ionizing nature, the UTE MR–ultrasound registration technique is particularly useful for repeated measurements and longitudinal follow-up. With further refinement and validation, it could be a powerful tool for 3D spinal assessment.
Reinventing Design Principles for Developing Low‐Viscosity Carbon Dioxide‐Binding Organic Liquids for Flue Gas Clean Up

Anthropogenic CO2 emissions from point sources (e.g., coal fired-power plants) account for the majority of the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Water-lean solvent systems such as CO2 -binding organic liquids (CO2 BOLs) are being developed to reduce the energy requirement for CO2 capture. Many water-lean solvents such as CO2 BOLs are currently limited by the high viscosities of concentrated electrolyte solvents, thus many of these solvents have yet to move toward commercialization. Conventional standard trial-and-error approaches for viscosity reduction, while effective, are time consuming and economically expensive. We rethink the metrics and design principles of low-viscosity CO2 -capture solvents using a combined synthesis and computational modeling approach. We critically study the effects of viscosity reducing factors such as orientation of hydrogen bonding, introduction of higher degrees of freedom, and cation or anion charge solvation, and assess whether or how each factor affects viscosity of CO2 BOL CO2 capture solvents. Ultimately, we found that hydrogen bond orientation and strength is the predominant factor influencing the viscosity in CO2 BOL solvents. With this knowledge, a new CO2 BOL variant, 1-MEIPADM-2-BOL, was synthesized and tested, resulting in a solvent that is approximately 60 % less viscous at 25 mol % CO2 loading than our base compound 1-IPADM-2-BOL. The insights gained from the current study redefine the fundamental concepts and understanding of what influences viscosity in concentrated organic CO2 -capture solvents.
A Preliminary Study of Novice Workload and Performance During Surgical Simulation Tasks for Conventional vs. Single Incision Laparoscopic Techniques

Laparoendoscopic single site surgery (LESS) can provide potential patient benefits beyond conventional laparoscopy (CL). However, LESS further exacerbates current ergonomic disadvantages of CL. LESS practices to compensate for the constraints include intracorporeal crossing of instruments (UL) for improved manipulation of instrumentation and extracorporeal crossing of hands (PL) for illusion mitigation. Preliminary results from this study involving 12 medical students (7 males) performing a simulated surgical task found statistical difference between CL, PL, and UL for physical demand (P<0.001), task complexity (P=0.002) and performance times (P<0.001) with no difference for mental demand (P=0.106). These initial findings show that the PL technique cannot currently compensate for the limitations of LESS to make UL more similar to CL. Further research is needed to determine if PL or another LESS compensatory practice can allow surgeons to more effectively perform procedures with a single port and therefore...
Brachytherapy improves outcomes in young men (≤60 years) with prostate cancer: A SEER analysis.

Abstract Purpose The aim of the study was to compare prostate cancer–specific mortality (PCSM) in young men with clinically localized prostate cancer treated by either external beam radiation (EBRT) alone or brachytherapy with or without external beam radiation. Methods and Materials Utilizing the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database, 15,505 patients ≤60 years of age diagnosed with prostate cancer between 2004 and 2009 and treated with radiation therapy alone were identified. Incidence of PCSM was determined for both groups and compared using competing risk models. Results The overall 8-year PCSM for the study population was 1.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.6–2.2). For patients treated with EBRT or brachytherapy with or without external beam, the 8-year PCSM was found to be 2.8% (CI: 2.2–3.4) and 1.2% (CI: 0.9–1.6), respectively ( p p p p = 0.008). Subgroup analyses found that among those with Gleason score ≥8, younger patients had increased risk of PCSM ( p = 0.001). Conclusions In men ≤60 years of age with prostate cancer, radiation therapy continues to offer excellent outcomes. After adjusting for relevant variables, the use of brachytherapy was associated with reduced PCSM compared to treatment with EBRT alone.
Thermal and Combustion Properties of Energetic Thin Films with Carbon Nanotubes

The effect of varying carbon nanotube concentration on ignition delay, flame speed, and electrical and thermal conductivity of three-dimensional printable energetic thin films made of magnesium and manganese oxide was investigated. Polyvinylidene fluoride was used as the binder for depositing the stoichiometric Mg/MnO2 mixture into thin films with an average thickness of 200 μm using an extrusion-based blade-casting method. Four films with a 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 wt % carbon nanotube were prepared. The ignition delay and flame speed of the films were measured using high-speed imaging techniques. Electrical and thermal conductivities were also measured. Results show that the inclusion of a 1.5 wt % carbon nanotube in the Mg/MnO2/polyvinylidene fluoride films improved their flame speed by 440% and electrical conductance by two orders of magnitude (from 4.23 to 655.33 nS) and decreased ignition delay by 87.2%. Interconnectivity of carbon nanotubes in the films was estimated using a basic percolation model. F...
Multiple growth periods predict unfavourable pathology in patients with small renal masses.

OBJECTIVE To use the number of positive growth periods as a characterization of the growth of small renal masses in order to determine potential predictors of malignancy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients who underwent axial imaging at multiple time points prior to surgical resection for a small renal mass were queried. Patients were categorized based on their pathological tumour grade and stage: favourable (benign, chromophobe and low-grade pT1-2 renal cell carcinoma [RCC]) vs unfavourable (high-grade of any stage and low-grade pT3-4 RCC). A positive growth period was counted each time the difference in greatest tumour diameters between two images was positive. The Cochran-Armitage trend test and Somers' D association were used to determine if the number of positive growth periods was correlated with unfavourable pathology. RESULTS Of the 124 patients, 86 (69.4%) had favourable pathology and 38 (30.6%) had unfavourable pathology. Those who had favourable pathology were younger than those who had unfavourable pathology: median (interquartile range [IQR]) 61.0 (52.2-66.0) vs 68.5 (61.5-77.0); P < 0.001. The overall growth rate was higher in the unfavourable group, but was not statistically significant: mean (sd) 0.7 (1.7) vs 1.6 (2.8) cm/year; P = 0.07. There was a significant trend difference in the number of positive growth periods between favourability groups (P = 0.02). An association between increased number of positive growth periods and unfavourable pathology was observed: 0.15 (95% confidence interval 0.02, 0.29). The ratios of favourable to unfavourable pathology were 1.8, 1.0, 0.66, 0.59 and 0 as the number of positive growth periods increased from 0 to 4, respectively. CONCLUSION While overall growth rate was not predictive of pathology favourability, there was a positive association between the number of positive growth periods and unfavourable pathology. The number of positive growth periods may be a potential parameter for malignant potential in patients undergoing active surveillance for small renal masses.
Impaired Ciliogenesis in differentiating human bronchial epithelia exposed to non-Cytotoxic doses of multi-walled carbon Nanotubes.

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are engineered nanomaterials used for a variety of industrial and consumer products. Their high tensile strength, hydrophobicity, and semi-conductive properties have enabled many novel applications, increasing the possibility of accidental nanotube inhalation by either consumers or factory workers. While MWCNT inhalation has been previously shown to cause inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis at high doses, the susceptibility of differentiating bronchial epithelia to MWCNT exposure remains unexplored. In this study, we investigate the effect of MWCNT exposure on cilia development in a differentiating air-liquid interface (ALI) model. Primary bronchial epithelial cells (BECs) were isolated from human donors via bronchoscopy and treated with non-cytotoxic doses of MWCNTs in submerged culture for 24 h. Cultures were then allowed to differentiate in ALI for 28 days in the absence of further MWCNT exposure. At 28 days, mucociliary differentiation endpoints were assessed, including whole-mount immunofluorescent staining, histological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analysis, gene expression, and cilia beating analysis. We found a reduction in the prevalence and beating of ciliated cells in MWCNT-treated cultures, which appeared to be caused by a disruption of cellular microtubules and cytoskeleton during ciliogenesis and basal body docking. Expression of gene markers of mucociliary differentiation, such as FOXJ1 and MUC5AC/B, were not affected by treatment. Colocalization of basal body marker CEP164 with γ-tubulin during days 1–3 of ciliogenesis, as well as abundance of basal bodies up to day 14, were attenuated by treatment with MWCNTs. Our results suggest that a single exposure of bronchial cells to MWCNT during a vulnerable period before differentiation may impair their ability to develop into fully functional ciliated cells.
Assessing the role of hydrogen in Fermi-level pinning in chalcopyrite and kesterite solar absorbers from first-principles calculations

Understanding the impact of impurities in solar absorbers is critical to engineering high-performance in devices, particularly over extended periods of time. Here, we use hybrid functional calculations to explore the role of hydrogen interstitial (Hi) defects in the electronic properties of a number of attractive solar absorbers within the chalcopyrite and kesterite families to identify how this common impurity may influence device performance. Our results identify that Hi can inhibit the highly p-type conditions desirable for several higher-band gap absorbers and that H incorporation could detrimentally affect the open-circuit voltage (Voc) and limit device efficiencies. Additionally, we find that Hi can drive the Fermi level away from the valence band edge enough to lead to n-type conductivity in a number of chalcopyrite and kesterite absorbers, particularly those containing Ag rather than Cu. We find that these effects can lead to interfacial Fermi-level pinning that can qualitatively explain the obser...
Detecting alkali-silica reaction in thick concrete structures using linear array ultrasound

Commercial nuclear power plants (NPPs) depend heavily on concrete structures, making the long-term performance of these structures crucial for safe operation, especially with license period extensions to 60 years and possibly beyond. Alkali-silica reaction (ASR) is a reaction that occurs over time in concrete between alkaline cement paste and reactive, noncrystalline silica (aggregates). In the presence of water, an expansive gel is formed within the aggregates, which results in microcracks in aggregates and adjacent cement paste. ASR can potentially affect concrete properties and performance characteristics such as compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, flexural stiffness, shear strength, and tensile strength. Currently, no nondestructive evaluation methods have proven effective in identifying ASR before surface cracks form. ASR is identified visibly or by petrographic analysis. Although ASR definitely impacts concrete material properties, the performance of concrete structures exhibiting ASR depends on whether or not the concrete is unconfined or confined with reinforcing bars. Confinement by reinforcing bars restrainsthe expansion of ASR-affected concrete, similar to prestressing, thus improving the performance of a structure. Additionally, there is no direct correlation between the mechanical properties of concrete sample cores and the in-situ properties of the concrete. The University of Tennessee–Knoxville, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and a consortium of universities have developed an accelerated ASR experiment. Three large concrete specimens, representative of NPP infrastructure, were constructed containing both embedded and surface instruments. This paper presents preliminary analysis of these specimens using a frequency-banded synthetic aperture focusing technique.
RLC Circuits with Feedback

Feedback is of paramount importance in engineering and especially in circuits. By monitoring a point and making decisions accordingly we can generate new circuits that do useful functions. In this chapter we show how spectral techniques can work with feedback circuits seamlessly. First we start with simple feedback circuits and identify effective input and output impedance. Then we examine the impact of the feedback network assumed here to be a low-pass filter. Then we do analysis in the frequency domain where we calculate output voltage. Then we go back to the time domain by doing inverse transform and figuring step response. Finally we examine impact of output cap on output impedance and output voltage. In all cases we unfold the relevant impacting parameters, such as feedback gain, DC resistance, and feedback filter on system performance such as DC droop, bandwidth, and ramp rate. We dissect the resulting poles/zeroes and tie them to the time domain. On the physical side we tie feedback to power delivery and to voltage regulators. In the end we prove that spectral (and convolution) techniques apply equally well to feedback networks as they did for passive RLC networks.
Extraction of chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides from plant materials

This review will discuss the methods which have been and are currently being used to extract chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides from crops. Further, it will point out the possible limitations of these methods particularly when they are applied to crops containing internal residues.
Non-invasive Neuromodulation of Vagus Activity Improves Endothelial Function in Patients with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction: A Randomized Study

Introduction Heart Failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Endothelial dysfunction is common in HFrEF. We propose a novel non-invasive stimulation of vagus nerve via direct low-level tragus stimulation (LLTS) as a potential to improve endothelial function in HFrEF. Effects of LLTS mimic direct vagal stimulation, which is proven to reduce sympathetic drive and nitric oxide synthesis. We conducted a first in human pilot clinical study to investigate the effects of LLTS on endothelial function. Methods We enrolled 20 patients with HFrEF in a randomized, double-blinded crossover study. The cohort characteristics were: 75%-male, 65%-Caucasians, Ischemic etiology-80%, HTN-65%, Diabetes-20%, ICD- 60%. All patients had LVEF Results Experimental LLTS for 60 minutes resulted in the improved microcirculation/endothelial function when measured using LSCI in nail beds Figure 1C, 1.78±0.17 vs. 2.47±0.27, p Conclusion Our first human pilot study demonstrated the beneficial effects of neuromodulation/LLTS on microcirculation/endothelial function in patients with HFrEF. Larger studies are underway to further validate these findings.
Deception in Brand Names

A study of the meanings of some key words used in brand names reveals widespread misunderstanding among consumers. This misunderstanding is manifested in terms of both ambiguity and inaccuracy. Con...
Accuracy of Signs and Symptoms for the Diagnosis of Acute Rhinosinusitis and Acute Bacterial Rhinosinusitis

PURPOSE To evaluate the accuracy of signs and symptoms for the diagnosis of acute rhinosinusitis (ARS). METHODS We searched Medline to identify studies of outpatients with clinically suspected ARS and sufficient data reported to calculate the sensitivity and specificity. Of 1,649 studies initially identified, 17 met our inclusion criteria. Acute rhinosinusitis was diagnosed by any valid reference standard, whereas acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS) was diagnosed by purulence on antral puncture or positive bacterial culture. We used bivariate meta-analysis to calculate summary estimates of test accuracy. RESULTS Among patients with clinically suspected ARS, the prevalence of imaging confirmed ARS is 51% and ABRS is 31%. Clinical findings that best rule in ARS are purulent secretions in the middle meatus (positive likelihood ratio [LR+] 3.2) and the overall clinical impression (LR+ 3.0). The findings that best rule out ARS are the overall clinical impression (negative likelihood ratio [LR−] 0.37), normal transillumination (LR− 0.55), the absence of preceding respiratory tract infection (LR− 0.48), any nasal discharge (LR− 0.49), and purulent nasal discharge (LR− 0.54). Based on limited data, the overall clinical impression (LR+ 3.8, LR− 0.34), cacosmia (fetid odor on the breath) (LR+ 4.3, LR− 0.86) and pain in the teeth (LR+ 2.0, LR− 0.77) are the best predictors of ABRS. While several clinical decision rules have been proposed, none have been prospectively validated. CONCLUSIONS Among patients with clinically suspected ARS, only about one-third have ABRS. The overall clinical impression, cacosmia, and pain in the teeth are the best predictors of ABRS. Clinical decision rules, including those incorporating C-reactive protein, and use of urine dipsticks are promising, but require prospective validation.
Definition of Market Performance Metrics to Enable Design and Valuation of Retail Transactive Energy System Markets

This paper defines market performance metrics that will be useful for the comparison of alternative retail transactive energy system (TES) designs. Our key focus is to define an appropriate set of market performance metrics such that the metrics are free of bias and should be applicable to all TES designs. First, we categorize market performance into five categories - market efficiency, market power, market volatility, market fairness, and market reliability. Next, metrics that can quantity TES market performance were developed for each market performance category. To ease implementation, each metric is documented with a uniform structure: metric overview, formulation, significance/interpretation, inputs-outputs, and implementation. The paper is focused on comprehensive discussion on theoretical reasoning and applicability of these metrics to retail TES markets. Since TES theory is in its early stages, these market performance metrics will form a base set for market performance evaluation of TES designs. In addition, these metrics will provide not only insights about the effectiveness of alternative TES designs, but also guidance to further improve retail TES market designs.
A Comparative Study of Learning Styles and Motivational Factors in Traditional and Online Sections of a Business Course

Online learning has grown tremendously over the past decade. As the trend continues, it is important to understand which students are likely to choose to enroll in online courses and which factors ...
Comparison of Differences in Dialect Speech Among Black College Students Grouped By Standard English Test Performance

Eighty black students enrolled in a pre-freshman year college program were divided into four standard English ability groups based on standardized test scores. Group dialect samples were obtained by asking the students in each of the groups to translate orally a standard English reading selection. Quantitative and qualitative analyses of these dialect translations showed differences among the groups in dialect facility that were positively and significantly related to group rankings in standard English ability. Initial differences among the groups in reading ability and geographical background did not appear to account for the differences in dialect facility. Comparing the results of the quantitative and qualitative analyses in the present study with findings in language development studies suggested a developmental hypothesis to account for the group differences in both dialect and standard English communication skill for these black students.
Strategies for Spectrum Allocation in OFDMA Cellular Networks

The use of orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) in Long Term Evolution (LTE) and WiMax cellular systems mitigates downlink intra-cell interference by the use of sub-carriers that are orthogonal to each other. Intercell interference, however, limits the downlink performance of cellular systems. In order to mitigate inter-cell interference, various techniques have been proposed. These techniques are generally divided into static and dynamic techniques. In static techniques, resources allocated for base stations are fixed, while they are adaptively allocated in the dynamic techniques. Although static and dynamic frequency reuse techniques, address the issue of interference, they do not have any mechanism to sustain a disruption or to maintain a allocation in a distributed manner. Hence, the need for distributed frequency allocation. In this paper we briefly discuss the merits of distributed spectrum allocation algorithms for cellular networks and also present an assessment of static interference schemes, and evaluate overall performance of the system in terms of the SINR, and spectral efficiency by adjusting different input parameters. In addition, we study an adaptive frequency reuse algorithm presented by and compare it with the static techniques.