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Solution-processed nanomaterials can be assembled by a range of interfacial techniques, including as stabilizers in Pickering emulsions. Two-dimensional (2D) materials present a promising route toward nanosheet-stabilized emulsions for functional segregated networks, while also facilitating surface energy studies. Here, we demonstrate emulsions stabilized by the 2D materials including the transition metal carbide MXene, titanium carbide (Ti3C2Tx), and develop an approach for in situmeasurement of nanosheet surface energy based on emulsion inversion. This approach is applied to determine the influence of pH and nanosheet size on surface energy for MXene, graphene oxide, pristine graphene, and molybdenum disulfide. The surface energy values of hydrophilic Ti3C2Txand graphene oxide decrease significantly upon protonation of usually dissociated functional groups, facilitating emulsion stabilization. Similarly, pristine graphene and molybdenum disulfide increase in surface energy when their surface functional groups are deprotonated under basic conditions. In addition, the surface energies of these pristine materials are correlated with nanosheet size, which allows for the calculation of the basal plane and edge surface energies of pristine nanosheets. This understanding of surface energies and control of emulsion inversion will allow design of emulsion-templated structures and surface energy studies of a wide range of solution-processable nanomaterials.

Myelodysplastic neoplasm (MDS) is a hematopoietic stem cell disorder that may evolve into acute myeloid leukemia. Fatal infection is among the most common cause of death in MDS patients, likely due to myeloid cell cytopenia and dysfunction in these patients. Mutations in genes that encode components of the spliceosome represent the most common class of somatically acquired mutations in MDS patients. To determine the molecular underpinnings of the host defense defects in MDS patients, we investigated the MDS-associated spliceosome mutation U2AF1-S34F using a transgenic mouse model that expresses this mutant gene. We found that U2AF1-S34F causes a profound host defense defect in these mice, likely by inducing a significant neutrophil chemotaxis defect. Studies in human neutrophils suggest that this effect of U2AF1-S34F likely extends to MDS patients as well. RNA-seq analysis suggests that the expression of multiple genes that mediate cell migration are affected by this spliceosome mutation and therefore are likely drivers of this neutrophil dysfunction.

The room temperature growth of two-dimensional van der Waals (2D-vdW) materials is indispensable for state-of-the-art nanotechnology. Low temperature growth supersedes the requirement of elevated growth temperatures accompanied with high thermal budgets. Moreover, for electronic applications, low or room temperature growth reduces the possibility of intrinsic film-substrate interfacial thermal diffusion related deterioration of the functional properties and the consequent deterioration of the device performance. Here, we demonstrated the growth of ultrawide-bandgap boron nitride (BN) at room temperature by using the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) process, which exhibited various functional properties for potential applications. Comprehensive chemical, spectroscopic and microscopic characterizations confirmed the growth of ordered nanosheet-like hexagonal BN (h-BN). Functionally, the nanosheets show hydrophobicity, high lubricity (low coefficient of friction), and a low refractive index within the visible to near-infrared wavelength range, and room temperature single-photon quantum emission. Our work unveils an important step that brings a plethora of potential applications for these room temperature grown h-BN nanosheets as the synthesis can be feasible on any given substrate, thus creating a scenario for “h-BN on demand” under a frugal thermal budget.

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.indmarman.2009.10.004 Byline: Yung-Hsiang Cheng (a), Frank Lee (b) Keywords: Reverse logistics; Third party logistics; Resource-based view; Analytic network process Abstract: Reverse logistics are increasingly crucial for the supply chain strategy of global high-tech manufacturing firms. As reverse logistics operations are significantly more complex than traditional manufacturing supply chains, many high-tech manufacturers are examining the feasibility of outsourcing reverse logistics activities to third party logistics providers (3PLs) from a strategic planning perspective. Internal resources and capabilities are thus examined from a resource-based perspective to identify which reverse logistics service requirements could be fulfilled in-house or outsourced. Therefore, this work presents a systematic approach using the analytical network process (ANP) not only to investigate the relative importance of reverse logistics service requirements, but also to select an appropriate 3PL. Empirical results based on the case of the TFT-LCD sector in Taiwan indicate that information technology management is of priority concern in reverse logistics services. In addition to providing a valuable reference for manufacturers concerned with service requirements for outsourcing, results of this study significantly contribute to the efforts of 3PLs in evaluating whether they comply with potential customer requirements based on their service capabilities. Author Affiliation: (a) Department of Transportation and Communication Management Science, National Cheng Kung University, No.1, University Road, Tainan City 701, Taiwan, ROC (b) Department of Logistics Management, National Kaohsiung First University of Science and Technology, 2, Juoyue Road, Nantz District, Kaohsiung, 811 Taiwan, ROC Article History: Received 21 April 2008; Revised 30 September 2009; Accepted 12 October 2009

Reconstruction plays a valuable role in the management of lower extremity wounds for limb salvage. The goals of reconstruction are to improve function and quality of life, return to work, and pain reduction while providing a long-lasting durable reconstruction. The plastics and reconstructive surgical approach in conjunction with the orthopedic or trauma team, referred often as the “orthoplastic” approach, can yield the best outcomes for patients. The following sections discuss reconstruction principles and techniques that can be applied broadly for lower extremity wounds secondary to trauma, infection, and tumor resection.

INTRODUCTION The strong growth performance of the United States over the 1990s and the uneven performance of other OECD economies have led to new attention for the sources of growth [...]

Serum amyloid P component (SAP) is a universal constituent of human amyloid deposits including those in Alzheimer’s disease. SAP has been observed to be elevated in patients with depression, and higher SAP levels are associated with better response to the antidepressant escitalopram. The mechanisms underlying these clinical observations remain unclear. We examined the effect of SAP on serotonin transporter (SERT) expression and localization using Western blot, confocal microscopy, and positron emission tomography with the radioligand [11C]DASB. We also investigated the effect of SAP on treatment response to escitalopram in mice with the forced swim test (FST), a classical behaviour paradigm to assess antidepressant effects. SAP reduced [11C]DASB binding as an index of SERT levels, consistent with Western blots showing decreased total SAP protein because of increased protein degradation. In conjunction with the global decrease in SERT levels, SAP also promotes VAMP-2 mediated SERT membrane insertion. SAP levels are correlated with behavioural despair and SSRI treatment response in mice with FST. In MDD patients, the SAP and membrane SERT levels are correlated with response to SSRI treatment. SAP has complex effects on SERT levels and localization, thereby modulating the effect of SSRIs, which could partially explain clinical variability in antidepressant treatment response. These results add to our understanding of the mechanism for antidepressant drug action, and with further work could be of clinical utility.

Two factors known to contribute to the development of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and other blood cancers are (i) somatically acquired mutations in components of the spliceosome and (ii) increased inflammation. Spliceosome genes, including SF3B1, are mutated at high frequency in MDS and other blood cancers; these mutations are thought to be neomorphic or gain‐of‐function mutations that drive disease pathogenesis. Likewise, increased inflammation is thought to contribute to MDS pathogenesis; inflammatory cytokines are strongly elevated in these patients, with higher levels correlating with worsened patient outcome. In the current study, we used RNAseq to analyze pre‐mRNA splicing and gene expression changes present in blast cells isolated from MDS patients with or without SF3B1mutations. We determined that SF3B1mutations lead to enhanced proinflammatory gene expression in these cells. Thus, these studies suggest that SF3B1mutations could contribute to MDS pathogenesis by enhancing the proinflammatory milieu in these patients. SF3B1 mutations enhance pro‐inflammatory gene expression in blast cells, possibly contributing to an overall inflammatory milieu in MDS patients.

Two-dimensional materials such as graphene and molybdenum disulfide are often subject to out-of-plane deformation, but its influence on electronic and nanomechanical properties remains poorly understood. These physical distortions modulate important properties which can be studied by atomic force microscopy and Raman spectroscopic mapping. Herein, we have identified and investigated different geometries of line defects in graphene and molybdenum disulfide such as standing collapsed wrinkles, folded wrinkles, and grain boundaries that exhibit distinct strain and doping. In addition, we apply nanomechanical atomic force microscopy to determine the influence of these defects on local stiffness. For wrinkles of similar height, the stiffness of graphene was found to be higher than that of molybdenum disulfide by 10–15% due to stronger in-plane covalent bonding. Interestingly, deflated graphene nanobubbles exhibited entirely different characteristics from wrinkles and exhibit the lowest stiffness of all graphene defects. Density functional theory reveals alteration of the bandstructures of graphene and MoS2due to the wrinkled structure; such modulation is higher in MoS2compared to graphene. Using this approach, we can ascertain that wrinkles are subject to significant strain but minimal doping, while edges show significant doping and minimal strain. Furthermore, defects in graphene predominantly show compressive strain and increased carrier density. Defects in molybdenum disulfide predominantly show tensile strain and reduced carrier density, with increasing tensile strain minimizing doping across all defects in both materials. The present work provides critical fundamental insights into the electronic and nanomechanical influence of intrinsic structural defects at the nanoscale, which will be valuable in straintronic device engineering.

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the 3Shape TRIOS intraoral scanner (IOS) in student crown preparation evaluation. Students were tasked to perform a full metal crown preparation on the upper left first molar on a patient simulator within 45 minutes. Marginal Width, Occlusal Reduction, Presence of Undercuts, Taper, Planes of Reduction, Line Angles, Conformity to Gingival Contour, and Smoothness were evaluated via 3 assessment modes: (a) Conventional assessment by 2 supervisors; (b) Conventional assessment by students; (c) Digital assessment by students. Agreement between assessment modes was investigated using Kappa (κ), with a threshold set at κ > 0.4. Effectiveness of IOS for objective parameters was determined via physical verification, while that for subjective parameters was defined by agreement with the stricter supervisor grade. Substantial agreement (κ = 0.631) was found between IOS measurement of Marginal Width and physical verification. Two of 5 subjective parameters met κ > 0.4 for agreement between IOS and the stricter supervisor grade. Agreement between supervisors ranged from slight (κ = 0.103) for Occlusal Reduction to Fair (κ = 0.399) for Marginal Width. Agreement between conventional assessments of supervisors and students ranged from less than chance (κ = −0.142) for Occlusal Reduction to moderate (κ = 0.577) for Line Angles. Agreement between conventional assessments of supervisors and digital assessments of students ranged from slight (κ = 0.130) for Planes of Reduction to moderate (κ = 0.538) for Line Angles. IOS may be used to overcome limitations in conventional assessment of objective parameters and some subjective parameters. Digital assessment of crown preparations cannot completely replace conventional assessment.

Several letters to the editor are presented in response to articles in previous issues including the art of painter Pablo Picasso, the case of a 60-year-old Philadelphia woman who got skin rash after getting cashew nuts in Ceylon, and the film "The Spirit of St. Louis."

Jack Chambers, vice president; Timothy Moore, reactive adhesives manager; Lee Huber, research associate; and David Frank, senior development chemist Reichhold Chemicals Inc., Research Triangle Park, N.C. Increasing governmental regulation of [...]

One recurring theme in talking to ag equipment salespeople over many years has been how important price was to the farmer. I cannot tell you how many times I heard [...]

As a rookie salesman cons ago, I received the following advice from a sales manager: 'If you don't ask for referrals, learn to swim!' he demanded. Then he compared referrals [...]

Dan felt good about this sales presentation. He had spent three weeks thoroughly researching the prospects. He had studied the prospects' company, their industry, even their competitors. He could detail [...]

Ideas are dime a dozen, but putting them into practice is priceless. I casually threw out an idea to some salespeople and was a little disappointed that even the creative, [...]

Selling is a numbers game. Success is determined by the number of contacts initiated with prospective buyers on a consistent basis. Let's assume you and I have the same product [...]

You don't understand!' Jim said, sounding frustrated. 'I can have the most elaborate plan. Then I come into the dealership, the phone rings and my plan goes down the toilet.' [...]

To be successful in sales, you must learn to become an ag equipment consultant in your community. Move away from the 'good o1' boy' iron peddler image to the newer, [...]

There are six levels of salespeople, and every salesperson is on one of the following levels. Hobby salespeople. Hobby salespeople are like hobby farmers. They have no need for the [...]

During a recent training exercise in a negotiations class, Jim Adamski of Riesterer & Schnell played the part of a salesperson negotiating with a farmer customer when the customer asked, [...]

When a customer says your competitor has a better price for the same equipment, he is not insulting you or saying you have to reduce your price. He is simply [...]

Dealers often reference the son-of-a-gun dealer who gives things away or pays too much for a trade. A common reaction is that this dealer will eventually go out of business. [...]

Right now the Ag industry is experiencing some very exciting and profitable times. Dealers, for the most part, expect this to be a banner year--overtaking a good 2007--and farmers are [...]

All dealers want to increase profits. Many want to do this by raising margins. They complain about salespeople who contribute to volume but not to margins. Can dealers raise margins? [...]

Selling in the Ag industry is challenging. A female selling in the Ag industry is daunting. Yet two of the ladies I know are defying the odds and building credible [...]

Early this past summer, another student class graduated from the International Ag University Sales Program to take their places as Ag Equipment Consultants in their communities. They have learned to [...]

There is only one way to judge if someone is a good salesperson. How much money does he make? Every other measure will tell you of qualitative and even quantitative [...]

Which Employee Would You Rather Have? #1--This employee is a great mechanic, does an excellent job, fixes most things right the first time, does not waste time, keeps up with [...]

The #1 Job of the Manager Which of these employees would you rather have? Employee A--He is a great mechanic, does an excellent job, fixes most things right the first [...]

My previous two articles on this subject generated passionate responses from both salespeople and dealers (see Implement & Tractor, March/April 2006 and July/August 2006). A Bobcat salesperson told me I [...]

Most Ag salespeople are average--they perform in a mediocre way, make an average wage, waste a great deal of time and find it difficult to rise above a self-imposed limit. [...]

In a previous article, I pointed out that a number of salespeople in dealerships were mad about some very important (to them) issues. I discussed some of the issues in [...]

Selling to the Week-end Farmers There are many names given to this customer--including weekend farmer, hobby farmer and lifestyle farmer. I prefer Weekender and will use that name. These are [...]

The profile is one of the most under-used tools in a dealership. This is because most dealers have not figured out how to really use it. Salespeople hate it when [...]

Manufacturers and many sales trainers tell salespeople not to fear the price objection. They tell salespeople to sell value first and the price objection will disappear. They try to minimize [...]

Very interesting article about 'stem cell research' with Mary Tyler Moore in your Sept./Oct. 2005 issue. Am wondering, however, are you attempting to mislead your readers or is Mary Tyler [...]

Here's the secret to 'Speed Selling: How to sell almost anything in 20 minutes or less.' I previously devoted an entire radio season to this subject. First, forget whatever it [...]

Selling can be divided into four levels: Product, FAB, ME Syndrome and Beyond FAB. Product Selling The bottom level is PRODUCT selling, a very basic form of selling used for [...]

By the time you read this column, I have already moved to a different phase of life--retirement! After 10 years of writing this column, more than 30 years of training [...]

When I first started working with dealerships 20 years ago, something peculiar caught my attention--the people in the three departments (parts, service and sales) just didn't seem to like each [...]

There are lessons to be learned in every day life. For example, six years ago, my wife wanted another Coton des Tulear. This is the royal dog of Madagascar. She [...]

In most industries, a salesperson who sells huge quantities of product is regarded as a valuable and top salesperson. If he or she can maintain a reasonable margin by not [...]

Here is something that I wish I had learned earlier in my career as a salesman--how to calculate the value of a lifetime customer. Most average salespeople hope customers will [...]

Once a year in December, I hold a meeting in Reno with a few top equipment salespeople. All have graduated from my International Ag University (IAU) program and attend by [...]

The mathematical theories behind digital signal-processing systems have been around for decades, but not until the arrival of inexpensive dedicated ICs could designers readily implement complex digital signal-processing systems. Their […]