cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Magnetic properties of stainless steels at room and cryogenic temperatures

The magnetic properties of ten types of ferritic and martensitic stainless steels have been measured at room temperature and at 77 K. The steel samples studied were in the annealed state as received from the manufacturer. Our room temperature measurements indicate significantly harder magnetic properties than those quoted in the ASM International Handbook, which studied fully annealed stainless steel samples. Despite having harder magnetic properties than fully annealed steels some of the as-received steels still display soft magnetic properties adequate for magnetic applications. The carbon content of the steels was found to affect the permeability and coercive force, with lower-carbon steels displaying significantly higher permeability and lower coercive force. The decrease in coercive force with reduced carbon content is attributed to fewer carbide inclusions which inhibit domain wall motion. Cooling to 77 K resulted in harder magnetic properties. Averaged over the ten steels tested the maximum permeability decreased by 8%, the coercive force increased by 14%, and the residual and saturation flux densities increased by 4% and 3%, respectively. The change in coercive force when cooled is comparable to the theoretical prediction for iron, based on a model of domain wall motion inhibited by inclusions. The modest changes of the magnetic properties indicate that the stainless steels can still be used in magnetic applications at very low temperatures.
Migrating from a legacy fixed-format measure to CAT administration: calibrating the PHQ-9 to the PROMIS depression measures.

Purpose We provide detailed instructions for analyzing patient-reported outcome (PRO) data collected with an existing (legacy) instrument so that scores can be calibrated to the PRO Measurement Information System (PROMIS) metric. This calibration facilitates migration to computerized adaptive test (CAT) PROMIS data collection, while facilitating research using historical legacy data alongside new PROMIS data.
Observed and modeled HOCl profiles in the midlatitude stratosphere: Implication for ozone loss

Vertical profiles of stratospheric HOCl calculated with a diurnal steady-state photochemical model that uses currently recommended reaction rates and photolysis cross sections underestimate observed profiles of HOCl obtained by two balloon-borne instruments, FIRS-2 (a far-infrared emission spectrometer) and MkIV (a mid-infrared, solar absorption spectrometer). Considerable uncertainty (a factor of two) persists in laboratory measurements of the rate constant (k(sub 1)) for the reaction ClO + HO2 yields HOCl + O2. Agreement between modeled and measured HOCl can be attained using a value of k(sub 1) from Stimpfle et al. (1979) that is about a factor-of-two faster than the currently recommended rate constant. Comparison of modeled and measured HOCl suggests that models using the currently recommended value for k(sub 1) may underestimate the role of the HOCl catalytic cycle for ozone depletion, important in the midlatitude lower stratosphere.
Some contributions to a frequency location method due to He and Kedem

The author derives a useful information-theoretical technology from the tunable filter that automatically detects the frequency of an unknown signal in white Gaussian noise by adjusting its parameter to the correlation coefficient of its output. The tunable filter earlier proposed by S. He and B. Kedem (see ibid., vol.35, no.2, p.360-9, 1989) is known as the HK filter. The methodology sidesteps the white noise and normality assumptions. More importantly, it is shown that broad classes of linear filters can be made to implement the detection plan. In particular, bandpass filters can be expected to lock-in even more quickly and accurately than the HK filter. This analysis yields a formula for the error contraction at each recursion. >
CONVERGENCE OF SIMULATION-BASED POLICY ITERATION

Simulation-based policy iteration (SBPI) is a modification of the policy iteration algorithm for computing optimal policies for Markov decision processes. At each iteration, rather than solving the average evaluation equations, SBPI employs simulation to estimate a solution to these equations. For recurrent average-reward Markov decision processes with finite state and action spaces, we provide easily verifiable conditions that ensure that simulation-based policy iteration almost-surely eventually never leaves the set of optimal decision rules. We analyze three simulation estimators for solutions to the average evaluation equations. Using our general results, we derive simple conditions on the simulation run lengths that guarantee the almost-sure convergence of the algorithm.
Advances in Antibody Design.

The use of monoclonal antibodies as therapeutics requires optimizing several of their key attributes. These include binding affinity and specificity, folding stability, solubility, pharmacokinetics, effector functions, and compatibility with the attachment of additional antibody domains (bispecific antibodies) and cytotoxic drugs (antibody–drug conjugates). Addressing these and other challenges requires the use of systematic design methods that complement powerful immunization and in vitro screening methods. We review advances in designing the binding loops, scaffolds, domain interfaces, constant regions, post-translational and chemical modifications, and bispecific architectures of antibodies and fragments thereof to improve their bioactivity. We also highlight unmet challenges in antibody design that must be overcome to generate potent antibody therapeutics.
Dielectric Response of Aligned Semiconducting Single-Wall Nanotubes

We report measurements of the full intrinsic optical anisotropy of isolated single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). By combining absorption spectroscopy with transmission ellipsometry and polarization-dependent resonant Raman scattering, we obtain the real and imaginary parts of the SWNT permittivity from aligned semiconducting SWNTs dispersed in stretched polymer films. Our results are in agreement with theoretical predictions, highlighting the limited polarizability of excitons in a quasi-1D system.
Can the NK family of osteoblast homeodomain transcription factors signaling be a magic bullet to reverse calcification-induced vasculopathy in diabetes?

Human vascular calcification burden has existed for at least 5 millennia and has long been a major area of interest in the cardiovascular physiopathology research. Abnormal calcium deposition occurs in almost all arterial beds in both the media and intima in metabolic and diabetic diseases. Calcification of arteries reduces arterial elastance and compromises cardiovascular hemodynamics, which are high risk factors for cardiovascular diseases such stroke and ischemic heart disease (1). Despite the wealth of information regarding the effects of vascular calcification in atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and diabetes, the molecular mechanism of arteriosclerosis remains poorly understood. Therefore, understanding the mechanism by which diabetes and metabolic disease induce vascular calcification is crucial to identify effective new therapeutic strategies to intervene with the disease. Interestingly in this issue, Cheng et al. (2) determined the in vivo contribution of members of the highly conserved NK family of osteoblast homeodomain transcription factors 1 ( Msx1 ) and 2 ( Msx2 ) signaling in arteriosclerosis and vascular stiffness in diabetic mice. The study by Cheng et al. provides new insight into the molecular mechanism that drives arteriosclerosis in diabetes and suggests a potential target for future therapy. Thus, targeting Msx1 …
Histone H3 lysine 9 methylation is required for DNA elimination in developing macronuclei in Tetrahymena

Genome-wide DNA elimination accompanies development of the somatic macronucleus from the germ-line micronucleus during the sexual process of conjugation in the ciliated protozoan Tetrahymena thermophila. Small RNAs, referred to as “scan RNAs” (scnRNAs), that accumulate only during conjugation are highly enriched in the eliminated sequences, and mutations that prevent DNA elimination also affect the accumulation of scnRNAs, suggesting that an RNA interference (RNAi)-like mechanism is involved in DNA elimination. Histone H3 that is methylated at lysine 9 (K9) is a hallmark of heterochromatin and, in Tetrahymena, is found only in developing macronuclei (anlagen) in association with chromatin containing the sequences undergoing elimination. In this article, we demonstrate that a mutation in the TWI1 gene that eliminates the accumulation of scnRNAs also abolishes H3 methylation at K9. We created mutant strains of Tetrahymena in which the only major H3 contained a K9Q mutation. These mutants accumulated scnRNAs normally during conjugation but showed dramatically reduced efficiency of DNA elimination. These results provide strong genetic evidence linking an RNAi-like pathway, H3 K9 methylation, and DNA elimination in Tetrahymena.
Hybrid diffractive-refractive lenses and achromats

Hybrid elements containing optical power with both diffractive (holographic) and refractive components are shown to be useful for obtaining arbitrary or, in special cases, achromatic dispersive characteristics. In one configuration a volume holographic element is coated on the surface of a crown glass lens, and by varying the power distributions among the refractive and holographic components while maintaining constant overall optical power the effective Abbe V numbers of the resultant hybrid element are shown to span all real numbers excepting a narrow interval around zero. In the achromat case (V number = ∞), both refractive and diffractive components are of the same sign resulting in much smaller glass curvatures than in all-refractive achromat doublets or apochromat triplets. The large separation between holographic partial dispersions and available glass partial dispersions is shown to lead to hybrid three-color achromats with greatly reduced glass curvatures. Applications are expected to include broadband achromatic objectives and chromatic aberration corrector plates in high performance optical systems. Such corrector plates may have any net power (including zero) while exhibiting effective V numbers that are positive or negative and that span a wide range, e.g., ±1 or ±1000. Further advantages include reducing the need for choosing high dispersion glasses, which may be costly and difficult to grind or polish. High diffraction efficiency and broad spectral bandwidths (in excess of 3000 A) are obtained in the holographic optical elements using single-element central-stop and cascaded element designs.
Structure of sortase, the transpeptidase that anchors proteins to the cell wall of Staphylococcus aureus

Surface proteins of Gram-positive bacteria play important roles during the pathogenesis of human infections and require sortase for anchoring to the cell-wall envelope. Sortase cleaves surface proteins at the LPXTG motif and catalyzes the formation of an amide bond between the carboxyl group of threonine (T) and the amino group of cell-wall crossbridges. The NMR structure of sortase reveals a unique beta-barrel structure, in which the active-site sulfhydryl of cysteine-184 is poised for ionization by histidine-120, presumably enabling the resultant thiolate to attack the LPXTG peptide. Calcium binding near the active site stimulates catalysis, possibly by altering the conformation of a surface loop that recognizes newly translocated polypeptides. The structure suggests a mechanistic relationship to the papain/cathepsin proteases and should facilitate the design of new antiinfective agents.
Pathophysiology of intensive care unit-acquired anemia

The formation of red blood cells (RBCs) in the bone marrow is regulated by erythropoietin in response to a cascade of events. Anemia in the intensive care unit can be caused by a host of factors. Patients in the intensive care unit may have decreased RBC production and a blunted response to erythropoietin. Administration of recombinant human erythropoietin may stimulate erythropoiesis, increase hematocrit levels and hemoglobin concentration, and reduce the need for RBC transfusions.
OBSERVATIONS OF CHOCOLATE DURING CONCHING BY SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY AND VISCOMETRY

Dark semi-sweet chocolate samples, obtained at various times during conching, were cooled and prepared for examination by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in an attempt to observe structural changes during conching. In addition, ingredient mixtures containing known amounts of cocoa solids, microcrystalline cellulose, starch, sucrose and lecithin were studied to correctly identify the components of chocolate. Pulverized sucrose particles were easily characterized by their smooth surfaces and heterogeneous shapes. Defatted chocolate liquor was rougher in appearance and smaller in size than sucrose. Cellular detail of the cocoa bean was evident in liquor even after the disruptive effect of refining. Lecithin, when added to liquor-sugar and cocoa butter-sugar mixtures, had a remarkable and rapid effect in reducing three-dimensional structure. When processed chocolates from four different conches were examined by SEM, little or no differences were observed in the size or shape of the sugar or liquor particles as conching proceeded. Surface smoothening, however, was noted and attributed to the homogenization or spreading of cocoa butter during conching. When lecithin was added to chocolate during conching the surfaces were reduced and appeared to flatten. The effect of lecithin in reducing surface tension was also supported by viscometry. Viscometric measurements taken at this time showed that the increase in fluidity was accompanied by a sharp and rapid decrease in plastic viscosity.
Solar cells aging estimation based on impedance characterization

Solar energy generation has been a mainstay in space applications such as the International Space Station and military and commercial satellites. More recently, solar power has gained a lot of momentum for terrestrial commercial and residential applications as a viable alternative source of energy. In the current work, a low cost impedance measurement system was implemented to measure the complex impedance of solar cells. Some of the cells were then thermally aged, and the impedance changes from baseline were observed. It was noticed that the phase of the complex impedance signal (or alternatively, the imaginary part of the impedance) was different for a few of the cells subjected to aging.1, 2
Don't let radiation scare trump patient care: 10 ways you can harm your patients by fear of radiation-induced cancer from diagnostic imaging

For many people, the term radiation is linked to atomic bombs, cancer and death. Even without these associations, ionising radiation in the form of X-rays is frightening. Acute exposure to X-rays cannot be sensed in any way, yet can be lethal within days or weeks if received at a high enough dose. There is clearly good reason to be concerned about unnecessary exposure to X-rays. In diagnostic imaging, balancing this danger is the benefit that can be realised from the use of these X-rays. When a group of leading general internists was asked to rank 30 medical innovations by the most adverse effect on their patients if the innovation were unavailable, the most important innovation ‘by a considerable margin’ was MRI and CT scanning.1 MRI does not use ionising radiation, but CT scanning is more widely available, can be completed in under 10 s compared with 20–30 min for MRI, and is the imaging modality of choice for acute trauma to the head or abdomen and for evaluation of the lungs. How can your concern about radiation risk hurt your patient? Simply put, by not doing an imaging study that could benefit the patient more, or by unduly compromising image quality in an effort to reduce radiation dose. The following are 10 common ways that a medical caregiver can wrongly assess the risk : benefit of imaging to the detriment of his or her patients. ### Overweighting the risk of radiation The risk is very, very low. The lifetime attributable risk of cancer mortality to a 10-year-old from a 3 mGy average organ dose (similar to that from a body CT scan) is approximately 1/3000 for a girl and1/4700 for a boy, using the Biological Effects of Ionising Radiation VII estimates.2 This compares to the 1/5 probability, without additional radiation exposure, of dying of cancer for a typical person …
Targeted therapies for cutaneous T-cell lymphomas

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) comprise a clinicopathologically heterogeneous group of uncommon non-Hodgkin lymphomas that manifest primarily in the skin but also may involve lymph nodes, blood, bone marrow and viscera. CTCLs are generally considered incurable unless allogeneic stem cell transplantation is implemented. Goals of therapy are to control symptoms, maintain cosmesis and improve survival by maximally reducing the tumor burden. Current treatment consists of skin-directed therapy for early stage disease and systemic therapy for advanced stage or refractory early stage disease. Despite the availability of a number of active systemic therapeutic strategies, including biological therapy, cytotoxic chemotherapy and extracorporeal photophoresis, there is an unmet need for targeted therapies, with favorable therapeutic indices, for the treatment of advanced and refractory CTCLs, which often render patients highly susceptible to infection. This review will discuss targeted therapy for the two most extensively studied subtypes of CTCL, mycosis fungoides and Sezary syndrome.
Anterior uveitis and hypotony after intravenous cidofovir for the treatment of cytomegalovirus retinitis

Abstract Objective This study aimed to describe the incidence and risk factors for the development of anterior uveitis in patients receiving intravenous cidofovir for the treatment of longstanding cytomegalovirus retinitis. Design The study design was a retrospective cohort. Participants Eighteen patients (30 eyes) receiving parenteral cidofovir for the treatment of complicated cytomegalovirus retinitis participated. Main outcome measures The clinical response to parenteral cidofovir; the occurrence of anterior uveitis, and the management and outcome of patients with this complication; and the effect of cidofovir on intraocular pressure measurements were measured. Results There was no progression or relapse of retinitis in patients receiving intravenous cidofovir. Eight (44%) of the 18 patients developed anterior uveitis, which occurred after a median of 4 doses of intravenous cidofovir. The median CD4+ cell count at the time of development of iritis was 101/mm 3 . Patients who developed uveitis had a mean increase in serum creatinine over baseline measurements ( P = 0.05). The use of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) protease inhibitors was not different between both groups of patients ( P = 1.0). The development of anterior uveitis and visually significant hypotony necessitated withdrawal of cidofovir in only one patient. Conclusions Anterior uveitis was a common complication after intravenous cidofovir therapy. Despite the frequency of this complication, continued treatment with intravenous cidofovir was possible in the majority of patients. Patients with anterior uveitis after intravenous cidofovir may be treated successfully with topical corticosteroid therapy and cycloplegic agents.
Market-based Multirobot Coordination for Complex Tasks

Current technological developments and application-driven demands are bringing us closer to the realization of autonomous multi-robot systems performing increasingly complex missions. However, existing methods of distributing mission subcomponents among multirobot teams do not explicitly handle the required complexity and instead treat tasks as simple indivisible entities, ignoring any inherent structure and semantics that such complex tasks might have. These task properties can be exploited to produce more efficient team plans by giving individual robots the ability to come up with new, more localized ways to perform a task; by allowing multiple robots to cooperate by sharing the subcomponents of a task; or both. In this paper, we describe the complex task allocation problem and present a distributed solution for efficiently allocating a set of complex tasks among a robot team.Complex tasks are tasks that can be solved in many possible ways. In contrast, simple tasks can be accomplished in a straightforw...
Stereoselective reactions of chiral enolates. Application to the synthesis of (+)-prelog-djerassi lactonic acid.

The application of chiral metal enolates 3 and 4 have been employed in an efficient synthesis of (+)-Prelog-Djerassi lactone (1).
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals, risk of type 2 diabetes, and diabetes-related metabolic traits: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background Elevated blood or urinary concentrations of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may be related to increased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). The aim of the present study was to assess the role of EDCs in affecting risk of T2D and related metabolic traits. Methods MEDLINE was searched for cross-sectional and prospective studies published before 8 March 2014 into the association between EDCs (dioxin, polychlorinated biphenyl [PCB], chlorinated pesticide, bisphenol A [BPA], phthalate) and T2D and related metabolic traits. Three investigators independently extracted information on study design, participant characteristics, EDC types and concentrations, and association measures. Results Forty-one cross-sectional and eight prospective studies from ethnically diverse populations were included in the analysis. Serum concentrations of dioxins, PCBs, and chlorinated pesticides were significantly associated with T2D risk; comparing the highest to lowest concentration category, the pooled relative risks (RR) were 1.91 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.44–2.54) for dioxins, 2.39 (95% CI 1.86–3.08) for total PCBs, and 2.30 (95% CI 1.81–2.93) for chlorinated pesticides. Urinary concentrations of BPA and phthalates were also associated with T2D risk; comparing the highest to lowest concentration categories, the pooled RR were 1.45 (95% CI 1.13–1.87) for BPA and 1.48 (95% CI 0.98–2.25) for phthalates. Further, EDC concentrations were associated with indicators of impaired fasting glucose and insulin resistance. Conclusions Persistent and non-persistent EDCs may affect the risk of T2D. There is an urgent need for further investigation of EDCs, especially non-persistent ones, and T2D risk in large prospective studies.
Sexually Transmitted Infections in Adolescents

There are five major principles for prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STI) Education and counseling of patients at risk for STI Identification of asymptomatic patients with STI who are unlikely to seek treatment Effective diagnosis and treatment of STI Effective diagnosis and treatment of partners of patients with STI Identification and immunization of patients at risk for vaccine preventable STI
Development of Predictive Models for the Survival of Campylobacter jejuni (ATCC 43051) on Cooked Chicken Breast Patties and in Broth as a Function of Temperature

The objective of this study was to model the kinetics of the survival of Campylobacter jejuni on cooked chicken breast patties and in broth as a function of temperature. Both patties and broth were inoculated with 10 6 stationary-phase cells of a single strain of C. jejuni (ATCC 43051) and incubated at constant temperatures from 4 to 30 8C in 28C increments under aerobic conditions. In most cases, a three-phase linear model e t the primary survival curves well ( r 2 5 0.97 to 0.99) at all incubation temperatures regardless of model medium, indicating the presence of a resistant subpopulation of C. jejuni that would not be eliminated without thermal processing. Secondary models predicting lag time (LT) and specie c death rate (SDR) as functions of temperature were also developed. The Davey and Boltzmann models were identie ed as appropriate secondary models for LT and SDR, respectively, on the basis of goodness of e t (Boltzmann model, r 2 5 0.96; Davey model, r 2 5 0.93) and prediction bias and accuracy factor tests. The results obtained indicate that C. jejuni can survive well at both refrigeration and ambient temperatures regardless of model medium. Reduced survival of C. jejuni, characterized by shorter lag times and faster death rates, was observed both on patties and in broth at ambient temperatures. In addition, the average maximum reduction of C. jejuni at 4 to 308C was 1.5 log units regardless of storage temperature or model medium. These e ndings suggest that C. jejuni found on contaminated poultry products has the potential to survive under conditions that are not permissive for growth and thus could cause foodborne illness if the poultry is not sufe ciently cooked.
Als Führungspersönlichkeit Business, Kunden und den Markt entwickeln

Echte Leadership ist immer konsequent auf den Markt und das Business und vor allem den Kunden ausgerichtet. Als Fuhrungspersonlichkeit mussen Sie in der Lage sein, quasi eine Helikopterperspektive einzunehmen und den ganzen Markt, in dem Ihr Unternehmen tatig ist, zu betrachten. Und Sie mussen fahig sein, das unternehmerische Denken bei allen Mitarbeitern zu wecken und zu fordern.
Driven to metastasize: Kinases as potential therapeutic targets in prostate cancer.

Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is currently a lethal disease. Although several treatment approaches, including second-generation antiandrogens or chemotherapies, have been demonstrated to improve outcomes in patients with mCRPC, each therapy increases median survival by only several months (1, 2). Thus, there is a critical need to develop novel strategies for treating this disease. Protein kinases represent excellent therapeutic targets from both a biological and drug development perspective: The vast majority of signal transduction processes depend on a phosphotransfer cascade, and potent and selective small-molecule kinase inhibitors can be developed with favorable pharmaceutical properties (3). However, to date, there have been no systematic gain-of-function studies exploring kinases that promote metastases in prostate cancer. Coincidentally, there are also no US Food and Drug Administration-approved kinase inhibitors for the treatment of this disease. In PNAS, Faltermeier et al. (4) investigated the landscape of kinases in prostate cancer and performed functional screens to identify candidate kinases that drive metastatic progression in preclinical models of disease.
On the Limiting Steady Configurations of a Model Plasma

A model equation describing the configuration of a simple plasma maintained by external radiation is studied. A branch of steady solutions of the equation was found by Eckhaus et al. to terminate at a finite critical value of the power of the external source, and this is attributed to the discontinuous nature of a nonlinear term in the governing equation. On introducing a small parameter to render the term continuous, a second branch of solutions is constructed in a neighborhood of the termination point of the original branch. This suggests that the termination point is formed as the limit of a subcritical fold in the surface of the steady solution branch.
Application of a Novel CT-Based Iliac Artery Calcification Scoring System for Predicting Renal Transplant Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE. The objective of our study was to assess whether the degree and distribution of iliac artery calcifications as determined by a CT-based calcium scoring system correlates with outcomes after renal transplant. MATERIALS AND METHODS. A retrospective review of renal transplant recipients who underwent CT of the pelvis within 2 years before surgery yielded 131 patients: 75 men and 56 women with a mean age of 52 years. Three radiologists assigned a separate semiquantitative score for calcification length, circumferential involvement, and morphology for the common iliac arteries and for the external iliac arteries. The operative and clinical notes were reviewed to determine which iliac arterial segment was used for anastomosis, the complexity of the operation, and whether delayed graft function (DGF) occurred. Renal allograft survival and patient survival were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier technique. RESULTS. Excellent interobserver agreement was noted for each calcification score category. The co...
Altered Skeletal Muscle Mitochondrial Proteome As the Basis of Disruption of Mitochondrial Function in Diabetic Mice

Insulin plays pivotal role in cellular fuel metabolism in skeletal muscle. Despite being the primary site of energy metabolism, the underlying mechanism on how insulin deficiency deranges skeletal muscle mitochondrial physiology remains to be fully understood. Here we report an important link between altered skeletal muscle proteome homeostasis and mitochondrial physiology during insulin deficiency. Deprivation of insulin in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice decreased mitochondrial ATP production, reduced coupling and phosphorylation efficiency, and increased oxidant emission in skeletal muscle. Proteomic survey revealed that the mitochondrial derangements during insulin deficiency were related to increased mitochondrial protein degradation and decreased protein synthesis, resulting in reduced abundance of proteins involved in mitochondrial respiration and β-oxidation. However, a paradoxical upregulation of proteins involved in cellular uptake of fatty acids triggered an accumulation of incomplete fatty acid oxidation products in skeletal muscle. These data implicate a mismatch of β-oxidation and fatty acid uptake as a mechanism leading to increased oxidative stress in diabetes. This notion was supported by elevated oxidative stress in cultured myotubes exposed to palmitate in the presence of a β-oxidation inhibitor. Together, these results indicate that insulin deficiency alters the balance of proteins involved in fatty acid transport and oxidation in skeletal muscle, leading to impaired mitochondrial function and increased oxidative stress.
Effects of Developmental Photoperiod on Adult Morphology in Euschistus tristigmus tristigmus (Say) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

Dimorphism in shoulder shape and number of mid-ventral abdominal spots of adult Euschistus tristigmus tristigmus (Say) in response to 12L:12D and 24:0D photoperiods, resulted from an accumulation of photoperiod effects on 2 or more immature stages. More immature stages were receptive to 12L:12D than 24L:0D photoperiod influence.
Mechanical tissue resuscitation at the site of traumatic brain injuries reduces the volume of injury and hemorrhage in a swine model.

Background Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) continue to be a devastating problem with limited treatment options. Previous research applying controlled vacuum to TBI in a rat model resulted in smaller injuries and more rapid recovery. Objective To examine the effects of the application of a controlled vacuum (mechanical tissue resuscitation) to TBI in a large-animal model. The magnitude of vacuum, length of application, and length of delay between injury and the application of mechanical tissue resuscitation were investigated. Methods Localized, controlled cortical injuries were created in swine. Vacuums of -50 and -100 mm Hg were compared. Mechanical tissue resuscitation for 3 or 5 days was compared. Delays of 0, 3, or 6 hours between the creation of the TBI and the initiation of mechanical tissue resuscitation were examined. Analysis included histological assessments, computed tomographic perfusion, and magnetic resonance imaging (T2, proton magnetic spectra). Results A -100 mm Hg vacuum resulted in significantly smaller mean contused brain and hemorrhage volumes compared with -50 mm Hg and controls. Magnetic resonance spectra of treated animals returned to near baseline values. All 10 animals with 5-day mechanical tissue resuscitation treatment survived. Three of 6 animals treated for 3 days died after the discontinuation of treatment. A 3-hour delay resulted in similar results as immediate treatment. A 6-hour delay produced significant, but lesser responses. Conclusion Application of mechanical tissue resuscitation to TBI was efficacious in the large-animal model. Application of -100 mm Hg for 5 days resulted in significantly improved outcomes. Delays of up to 3 hours between injury and the initiation of treatment did not diminish the efficacy of the mechanical tissue resuscitation treatment.
Photonic Crystal Mirrors for Free-Space Communication and Fiber-Optic Sensors

The use of Photonic Crystals (PCs) to control electromagnetic fields enables unprecedented scaling of low-loss, free-space optical devices. In this paper, we describe the operation, design, and fabrication of PC mirrors, and demonstrate their applications in microoptical systems.
The Geography of Enterprise Zones: A Critical Analysis

The enterprise zone concept inherently contains restrictive implicit assumptions about the spatial distributions of economic activities and the residences of their labor forces. Both theory and emp...
Mechanisms of renal tubular acidification

Both bicarbonate retrieval from the filtrate as well as the net excretion of acid depend upon hydrogen ion secretion by the tubular epithelium. Hydrogen ion secretion is mediated either by sodium-hydrogen exchange, an electroneutral and secondary active process, or by hydrogen ion secretion, a directly electrogenic and primary active process. Extrusion of hydrogen ions across the apical cell membrane is accompanied by electrogenic bicarbonate transfer across the basolateral cell membrane. Both luminal and peritubular pH exert a strong influence upon acidification by altering the gradient against which hydrogen transport or base exit occur. In the distal nephron, both hydrogen ion secretion and bicarbonate secretion may occur. These transport operations have been shown to be mediated by subgroups of intercalated cells in which hydrogen pumps and bicarbonate-chloride exchange processes are located either in the apical or basolateral cell membranes. Regulation of acidification involves several factors: the rate of luminal buffer delivery, sodium and chloride delivery, the luminal and peritubular pH and pCO2, the electrical potential, mineralocorticoids and the state of the potassium balance.
Maximizing Search Coverage Using Future Path Projection for Cooperative Multiple UAVs with Limited Communication Ranges

In this chapter, we present Future Path Projection (FPP) as a novel method for multiple Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) with limited communication ranges to cooperatively maximize the coverage of a large search area. For multiple cooperative UAVs to perform an effective search mission, the critical status and sensor information collected by each UAV must be shared with all other UAVs in the group. In an ideal environment where there is no communication limitation, all involved UAVs can share the necessary information without any constraints. In a more realistic environment, UAVs must deal with limited communication ranges. The communication range limitation, however, introduces a challenging problem for multiple UAVs to effectively cooperate. In the proposed method, each UAV constructs an individual probability distribution map of the search space which reflects predictions of the future paths of UAVs as they move beyond their communication ranges. The probability distribution map describes the likelihood of detecting targets within the search space. The overall, collective UAV search patterns are governed by decisions made by each UAV within the group, based on each individual probability distribution map. We show that the collective search patterns generated by cooperative UAVs using the proposed method significantly improve the search area coverage when compared to similar search patterns produced by other mitigation strategies designed to overcome the communication range limitation. We validate the effectiveness of the proposed path projection method using simulation results.
Are you ready for Medicare Part D

Understanding the basics will help you field patients’ questions about the new prescription drug benefit.
Measurement of acoustic backscatter and attenuation in the liver of dogs with experimentally induced steroid hepatopathy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the usefulness of a new method of measuring acoustic backscatter and attenuation in the liver of dogs with experimental steroid-induced hepatopathy. ANIMALS: 10 clinically normal dogs. PROCEDURE: Steroid hepatopathy was induced by daily injections of prednisone (2 mg/kg of body weight, IM). Dogs were evaluated histologically and were sonographically imaged on days 0, 3, 7, 10, and 14. Acoustic backscatter and attenuation were measured from in vivo images of dogs, using a video signal method, and compared with results obtained from analysis of the unprocessed radio frequency signal. RESULTS: Histologic evaluation revealed midzonal, predominantly water-filled vacuoles in hepatocytes by day 7, which persisted for the remainder of the study and significantly (P = 0.0001) increased liver weight on day 14. Attenuation and backscatter increased during the experimental period. Mean effective attenuation difference was higher (P = 0.015) in the liver imaged through a left paraxyphoid window in experimental dogs by day 3. Significantly (P < 0.05) greater attenuation persisted in the liver of experimental dogs throughout the experimental period. Mean backscatter ratio was significantly increased (P = 0.02) by day 10. Uncorrected pixel intensity of the liver in 2 experimental dogs was approximately equal to that of the spleen on day 10 and greater than that of the spleen on day 14. CONCLUSION: Administration of prednisone to dogs results in increased acoustic backscatter and attenuation in the liver. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The video signal method is a sensitive technique for detecting subtle acoustic changes in the liver of dogs.
Oxygen dissociation curves of Macaca speciosa

Oxygen dissociation curves of adult and fetal blood of the Macaca speciosa were prepared from data obtained by tonometry and by sampling maternal and fetal blood vessels during exposure of the animals to low oxygen tensions. There was no difference between curves obtained in vitro and in vivo. Constants were determined relating the pH and percentage of oxygen saturation to the oxygen tension in both adult and fetal blood. At pH 7.40 the adult blood was half saturated at an oxygen tension of 33.3 mm. Hg and the fetal blood at 21.3 mm. Hg. Under physiologic conditions the fetal curve remained to the left of the adult.
Predicting opportunities to increase utilization of laparoscopy for rectal cancer

Despite proven safety and efficacy, rates of laparoscopy for rectal cancer in the US are low. With reports of inferiority with laparoscopy compared to open surgery, and movements to develop accredited centers, investigating utilization and predictors of laparoscopy are warranted. Our goal was to evaluate current utilization and identify factors impacting use of laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer. The Premier™ Hospital Database was reviewed for elective inpatient rectal cancer resections (1/1/2010–6/30/2015). Patients were identified by ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes, and then stratified into open or laparoscopic approaches by ICD-9-CM procedure codes or billing charge. Logistic multivariable regression identified variables predictive of laparoscopy. The Cochran–Armitage test assessed trend analysis. The main outcome measures were trends in utilization and factors independently associated with use of laparoscopy. 3336 patients were included—43.8% laparoscopic (n = 1464) and 56.2% open (n = 1872). Use of laparoscopy increased from 37.6 to 55.3% during the study period (p < 0.0001). General surgeons performed the majority of all resections, but colorectal surgeons were more likely to approach rectal cancer laparoscopically (41.31 vs. 36.65%, OR 1.082, 95% CI [0.92, 1.27], p < 0.3363). Higher volume surgeons were more likely to use laparoscopy than low-volume surgeons (OR 3.72, 95% CI [2.64, 5.25], p < 0.0001). Younger patients (OR 1.49, 95% CI [1.03, 2.17], p = 0.036) with minor (OR 2.13, 95% CI [1.45, 3.12], p < 0.0001) or moderate illness severity (OR 1.582, 95% CI [1.08, 2.31], p < 0.0174) were more likely to receive a laparoscopic resection. Teaching hospitals (OR 0.842, 95% CI [0.710, 0.997], p = 0.0463) and hospitals in the Midwest (OR 0.69, 95% CI [0.54, 0.89], p = 0.0044) were less likely to use laparoscopy. Insurance status and hospital size did not impact use. Laparoscopy for rectal cancer steadily increased over the years examined. Patient, provider, and regional variables exist, with hospital status, geographic location, and colorectal specialization impacting the likelihood. However, surgeon volume had the greatest influence. These results emphasize training and surgeon-specific outcomes to increase utilization and quality in appropriate cases.
Aerial precision 3-D ground surveillance and localization using a network of inexpensive, disposable, image-based sensors

Protecting borders is an overwhelming task. While there are various surveillance technologies aiming to protect land and maritime borders, it is difficult to achieve a total (100%), uninterrupted, real-time coverage at low cost. This paper does not attempt to solve the problem of coverage or the problem of an uninterrupted surveillance over a long period of time; rather, it focuses on a precise 3-D visualization of a limited target area that might temporarily or permanently be left exposed and unprotected. We introduce the RAIN system, a distributed low-cost wireless network of imagers used for 3-D aerial ground surveillance. We assume that our rapid deployment concept is especially effective in cases where no other surveillance equipment and/or resources can be deployed for either technical or economic reasons. We also assume that the target area is such that the visual, high-altitude surveillance alternatives will not have enough resolution to uncover all necessary target features and properties. And finally, we assume that the solution cost can be a major factor in deployment decision-making.
PET/CT in Anaplastic Cancer of the Thyroid

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is the most aggressive solid cancer in man, with a median survival of 3 months. Because of the rapid onset and relentless progression of the disease and its dismal prognosis, early diagnosis is important. Scintigraphy or ultrasound does not help in the diagnosis and can delay management. 18F-FDG PET/CT has been found helpful in selected patients to define the local extent of disease and presence of metastases.
Survey of Free Market Principles for Encouraging Market: Participation of African American and the Economically Challenged

This study targets to challenge African American and other economically challenged to embrace free market principles to enhance their participation in the economy of Albany/Dougherty County, Georgia. With a market-based questionnaire, this study assess the understanding of these principles from among the students of Albany State University, the major educational institution in the county. Among other compelling actions, the responses provided on the survey highlight the need for effective education, increasing interest in taking market risks, elevation of access to capital, and fairer and inclusive society.
High-water mark for H2O

This is a book about the most familiar substance on Earth, and it would be natural to expect it to be a little bit tedious. However, it is anything but tedious. Philip Ball is a master writer, and to me, reviewing this book has been a breathtaking reading trip.
Results of Soaked and Unsoaked California Bearing Rate Tests on Unbound Aggregates with Varying Amounts of Fines and Dust Ratios

Unbound aggregate base and subbase courses consist of coarse-grained materials with limited percentages of fines (i.e., passing the No. 200 sieve) allowed. The fines are mineral fillers that occupy the void spaces between the sand and gravel-sized particles. An excessive quantity of fines can negatively affect the strength characteristics of unbound aggregate layers, and this effect can easily be aggravated when the matrix is saturated. A set of unsoaked and soaked California bearing ratio (CBR) tests were performed on engineered gradations of unbound aggregate samples so that the effect of soaking on CBR test results could be studied. A detailed comparison between soaked and unsoaked CBR results was carried out by considering various index properties, such as the fines content, plasticity index, and dust ratio (percentage passing the No. 200 sieve divided by the percentage passing the No. 40 sieve). It was found that higher plasticity indexes, such as 9% and 13%, have a negative effect on both soaked and...
Development and Psychometric Properties of a Scale to Measure Hospital Organizational Culture for Cardiovascular Care

Background—Because organizational culture is increasingly understood as fundamental to achieving high performance in hospital and other healthcare settings, the ability to measure this nuanced conc...
Geometric structure of multiple time-scale nonlinear systems

Abstract The geometric structure of finite-dimensional nonlinear systems with dynamics on multiple time-scales is studied by analyzing the time-scale structure present in the associated linear variational system which evolves on the tangent bundle to the state-space. As a first step, we restrict our attention to a chosen reference orbit of the nonlinear system and analyze the time scales of the linear time-varying (LTV) system that arises from linearization about that reference trajectory. We use Lyapunov exponents and associated characteristic directions to characterize the time-scales in the LTV system and their geometry. This information is used to construct decoupling coordinate transformations. An example elucidates the methodology described.
Effect of Processing on Dark Chocolate Composition: A Focus on Allergens

Processed chocolate products often contain allergenic proteins that can trigger severe reactions in susceptible individuals. Chocolate components, such as polyphenols, tannins, and fat, as well as the physical texture of chocolate itself, can complicate the extraction and detection of allergenic proteins. Allergen detection is also affected by processing procedures that may result in physical and chemical interactions between chocolate matrix components and allergenic proteins. Allergen quantitation using commercial ELISA kits showed that peanut recovery was negatively impacted by the chocolate matrix and not by the tempering process, whereas milk allergen recovery was reduced after tempering. Egg allergen recovery was not affected by matrix components or tempering. To determine optimum protein extraction conditions, five different buffers were used to extract tempered and untempered chocolate. Qualitative comparison of different extracts by immunoblotting showed that detection problems associated with matrix components and processing effects may be overcome by the choice of sample extraction solution.
Negative curvature fibers: publisher's note

This publisher’s note corrects a sentence in the second paragraph of p. 528 [Adv. Opt. Photon.9, 504 (2017)AOPAC71943-820610.1364/AOP.9.000504].
Tenets of "Body-Soul Rooted Pedagogy:" Teaching for Critical Consciousness, Nourished Resistance, and Healing.

ABSTRACTFor marginalized communities, schooling is mired in social/bodily control, tracking, and cultural erasure circumscribing difference/culture as obstacles, as opposed to sites of wisdom, connectedness, and critical consciousness. Authors shape a transformative pedagogical framework across teacher education and partnering schools by utilizing spiritually embodied, land-based Chicana Feminist and Indigenous Epistemologies. We outline six tenets of Body-Soul Rooted Pedagogy which: 1) construct education politically, 2) enact schooling as decolonization/empowerment, 3) center epistemologies, multiliteracies of marginalized groups, 4) foster critical frameworks navigating oppression, 5) engage social action pedagogy, and 6) engender hope, well-being. Scholarship has implications for educational theory and practice at all levels.