cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ketones from acid condensation using supported CeO2 catalysts: Effect of additives

Abstract Metal-doped, supported CeO 2 /Al 2 O 3 catalysts are effective for the high temperature decarboxylative condensation of carboxylic acids to produce ketones. Representative catalysts were characterized based on H 2 chemisorption, thermogravimetric reduction and coke analysis, and X-ray absorption spectroscopies at the Ce L III -, K and Co K-, and Pd L III -edges. Supported (on Al 2 O 3 ) CeO 2 (∼15–20 wt.%) catalysts selectively catalyze the condensation of isobutyric acid to diisopropyl ketone and that of acetic acid and decanoic acid to methylnonylketone. Catalysts are stable in long-term operation, with periodic regeneration. The optimal temperature range is 470–480 °C for the former reaction and 400–420 °C for the latter. For the former reaction, doping supported CeO 2 catalysts with most transition metals, or with strongly basic or acidic additives, catalyzed a variety of side reactions, but the addition of small amounts of Co that dissolved in CeO x could increase the yield to desired ketone. For the latter reaction, certain group VIII metals added to CeO 2 catalysts in higher concentrations proved beneficial, particularly Co or Pd.
Characterizations and classifications of some classical banach spaces

The classical Banach spaces L p ( μ ) and sublattices of C ( T ) are characterized in terms of their lattice structure. Isomorphic classifications of L p ( μ ) are also presented for the case of a finite measure. Also, some Banach space characterizations of L p ( μ ) are developed.
Dynamics of atom-mediated photon-photon scattering

The mediated photon-photon interaction due to the resonant Kerr nonlinearity in an inhomogeneously broadened atomic vapor is considered. The time-scale for photon-photon scattering is computed and found to be determined by the inhomogeneous broadening and the magnitude of the momentum transfer. This time can be shorter than the atomic relaxation time. Effects of atom statistics are included and the special case of small-angle scattering is considered. In the latter case the time-scale of the nonlinear response remains fast, even though the linear response slows as the inverse of the momentum transfer.
Plasma immersion Pd ion implantation seeding pattern formation for selective electroless Cu plating

Abstract Selective plating of Cu for interconnects was carried out using plasma immersion Pd ion implantation and Cu electroless plating. Pd ions were sputtered from a negatively biased target and ionized in an Ar electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) plasma. The Pd ions were implanted into the SiO 2 substrates biased with negative high pulsed voltages. In our studies, we found the required Pd seeding dose for Cu plating was on the order of5 × 10 14 /cm 2 . With a direct Pd implantation, an intermediate activation step using a PdCl 2 solution was eliminated.
Application of complementary DNA microarray (DNA chip) technology in the study of gene expression profiles during folliculogenesis

Abstract Objective: Using oligonucleotide microarray (DNA chip)–based hybridization analysis to gain a comprehensive view of gene expression and regulation involved in folliculogenesis. Design: Prospective randomized study. Setting: Academic institution. Animal(s): B6D2F1 female mice. Intervention(s): Superovulation. Main Outcome Measure(s): Preantral follicles isolated from day 14 B6D2F-1 mice were stimulated in vitro to form Graafian follicles. Total RNA extracted from the mouse preantral and Graafian follicles were reverse transcribed, labeled with digoxigenin-11-dUTP, and then hybridized with Clontech Atlas mouse cDNA expression arrays for comparison. Result(s): Of 588 known studied genes, 39 and 61 were detected in preantral follicles and in Graafian follicles, respectively, and 17 were highly expressed consistently in both preantral and Graafian follicles. Performing clustering analysis, we found that 15 detected genes were down-regulated and 46 were up-regulated as the follicles advanced to mature stages. Conclusion(s): We have successfully developed a sensitive DNA chip technology that is able to simultaneously and quantitatively study gene expression profiles in a small number of follicles (1.5–15 follicles). Several folliculogenesis-related genes have been identified. Some of these genes were expressed, indicating that they may be essential for follicle growth and maturation, whereas others were up-regulated only during late follicular development, indicating stage-specific roles.
A Comparison Of Some Models Of X-Ray Beam Hardening

In computed tomography (CT), any reconstruction algorithm relies upon input data that accurately reflect true line integrals of some physical quantity. In x-ray transmission tomography, x-ray beam hardening alters the polychromatic x-ray source spectrum resulting in inconsistent data if simple exponential attenuation is assumed. Four models relating intensity of the emerging polychromatic beam to thickness of the absorber are examined in this paper. A cubic polynomial relation suggested by Macovski et allis compared with more physically motivated models of Greening2, Joseph3 and the present authors. Results given indicate that for moderate x-ray prefiltering (.75mm Cu), all models provide better than .05% accuracy for computing thickness of a single material; while for small material thicknesses and lighter x-ray filtration (<6.mm Al), Greening's formula is most accurate.
The effect of transverse shear onto the singular solutions of a complete spherical shell

Abstract Green's functions for the field variables of a complete sphere subjected to normal surface traction are obtained with “free space” properties. Further, self-equilibrated singular solutions of the variables associated with tangentially applied point loads and concentrated surface moments are constructed. The solution formulae are derived within the framework of the improved theory of thin shells and thus incorporate the effect of transverse shear in the equilibrium of the shell element. Despite the complex character of the solution, expressed in terms of complex Legendre functions, the closed form of it reveals the effects of the new assumptions (presence of shear strains) onto the singular behavior of the associated kernels. Numerical results for the field variables demonstrate the differences between the two theories, classical and improved.
Recurrent gastric adenocarcinoma presenting as acute appendicitis: a case report

We report a case of acute appendicitis due to recurrent metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma involving only appendix, without the evidence of abdominal carcinomatosis 2 years after initial diagnosis of the primary gastric lesion. This case, in contrast to other previously reported cases that carried a dismal prognosis, had survived without tumour recurrent for more than 1 year after appendectomy, while this report was made.
Ethnic Fluidity in Ephesians

This essay examines Ephesians in light of current research in ethnic studies. The methodological advance of such an approach is twofold: first, it moves the exegesis of the domestic codes to the wider frame of the letter; and, second, it goes beyond the limited hermeneutical framework of the ‘origins’ of the reconciliation language to the more productive examination of its function in the text. The concept of ‘one new humanity’ provides evidence for the author's ethnic reasoning, which participated in ancient cultural affirmations of the essential fluidity and changeability of all ethnicity. The author of Ephesians domesticates the mythical language of baptism by making it fit the conventional morality of a household economy, thus presenting the letter's most important ecclesiological concept, that of ‘the body of Christ’, as a unity that is more moral than mythic.
High Temperature Characterization of SiC BJTs for Power Switching Applications

In this paper, SiC BJTs with a blocking voltage of 1836V are characterized in power switching applications for temperatures up to 275degC. Inductive switching speeds under different load current and DC bus voltage conditions are also studied. This is the first time a SiC switch has been fully characterized at a practically useful power level (300V, 7A) and a temperature substantially higher than any commercial power device is capable of. The reported results provide a comprehensive guide for high frequency switching of SiC BJTs in a practical power switching circuit
The rate of energy loss and intrinsic resolution of silicon detectors

Abstract The rate of energy loss in silicon has been calculated taking into consideration both shell correction and density effect for various particles. The values of fwhm as percentage of the most probable energy loss in silicon detectors of four different thickness have been calculated and presented graphically covering the range of interest in both high energy physics and cosmic rays.
Cross-bracing uncalibrated nodes in molecular dating improves congruence of fossil and molecular age estimates

Introduction: The practice of molecular dating is an essential tool for hypothesis testing in evolutionary biology. Vagaries of fossilization and taphonomic bias commonly engender high uncertainty in molecular dating in taxonomic groups wherein few fossils can be unambiguously assigned to phylogenetic nodes. A recent and novel implementation in molecular dating, “cross-bracing”, exploits gene duplications by formally linking calibrated node dates throughout the paralogous subtrees through hierarchical Bayesian models. An unexplored refinement of this method is cross-bracing nodes with unknown dates, in addition to calibrated nodes, such that all nodes representing the same cladogenetic events have linked priors. We applied such a refinement to molecular dating in chelicerates, one of the earliest groups of arthropods present in the fossil record, but whose molecular dating has been greatly inconsistent in the literature. We inferred divergence times using hemocyanin paralogs isolated from de novo assembled transcriptomic libraries, and multiple fossil calibrations. Results: We show that extending cross-bracing to uncalibrated nodes greatly reduced variance in estimates of divergence times throughout the phylogeny, particularly for estimated diversification ages of spiders and scorpions, whereas cross-bracing calibrated nodes alone did not affect age estimation for uncalibrated, derived clades. Comparing ages inferred with extended cross-bracing to the fossil record, we observe smaller gaps between diversification and the first appearance of crown group fossils than have previously been inferred, particularly for spiders. Our dating indicates that scorpions have a Silurian origin, but diversification of extant lineages occurred near the Triassic-Jurassic boundary, falsifying previous inference of Permian diversification age based on extant distribution alone. Conclusion: The significant reduction of variance in divergence time estimates upon extending cross-bracing to uncalibrated nodes makes this approach greatly suited for evolutionary inference in groups with poor fossil records, with particular reference to terrestrial arthropods.
Propagation characterization of LEO/MEO satellite systems at 900-2100 MHz

This paper focuses on the propagation characterization of satellite communication systems in non-geostationary orbits at 900-2100 MHz. An overview of available statistical propagation models for the mobile satellite communications channel is provided. Path loss equations for satellite communication systems in the range of 900-2100 MHz for different environments and different probabilities of link closure are addressed. We also introduce a series of experiments being conducted to deepen understanding of these issues.
MASS CULTURE OF HYDRA: AN IMPROVED METHOD AND ITS APPLICATION TO OTHER AQUATIC INVERTEBRATES

Virtually unlimited numbers of hydra can be grown under precise conditions in the laboratory with relative ease. Artemia cysts must be treated to remove gross contamination before hatching the nauplii to be used as the food of hydra. Large volumes of a variety of chemically defined culture solutions should be prepared. A particular regimen of animal care especially devised for aquatic invertebrates must be adhered to. General requirements for, and the advantages of, laboratory cultivation of aquatic invertebrates are discussed.
THE MANAGEMENT OF POSTOPERATIVE INFECTION.

Abstract The incidence of postoperative infections decreased after 1941 and reached a low level until 1954. The incidence then began to increase and approach that of the preantimicrobic era. Many factors besides the use and misuse of antimicrobics are responsible. The incidence probably cannot be reduced greatly because of the hazards of operations now performed in vital areas, and the extensive use of antimicrobic agents, corticosteroids and other powerful agents. Improvement can be attained by careful preoperative, operative and postoperative management. Clyses, aspirations, intubations, transfusions, binders, drugs, sedatives and tracheotomy should be applied with restraint and only when necessary. Routine prophylaxis with antimicrobic agents is condemned, but the drugs are effective in instances wherein specific agents can be applied against sensitive microbes. The failure of treatment of the increasing number of infections caused by resistant bacteria, previously of little importance, provides a problem to be solved. Antimicrobic therapy even when appropriate may fail when the natural mechanism of defense against infection is impaired. Enhancement of resistance is equal in importance to drug therapy.
Elusive Culture: Schooling, Race, and Identity in Global Times

Elusive Culture: Schooling, Race, and Identity in Global Times. Daniel A. Yon. Albany: State University of New York Press, 2000. ix. 175 pp., notes, bibliography, index.
Intraocular Lymphoma: Update on Diagnosis and Management:

Background: Primary intraocular lymphoma (PIOL) is a subset of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) in which lymphoma cells initially invade the retina, vitreous, or optic nerve head, with or without concomitant CNS involvement. The incidence of this previously rare condition has increased dramatically. Given its nonspecific presentation and aggressive course, PIOL provides a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Methods: We review the current strategies for diagnosis and treatment of PIOL and present our own experience with PIOL. Results: Recent developments in the diagnosis of PIOL include immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, cytokine evaluation, and molecular analysis. However, definitive diagnosis still requires harvesting of tissue for histopathology. Optimal treatment for PIOL remains unclear. Initial therapeutic regimens should include methotrexate-based chemotherapy and radiotherapy to the brain and eye. In addition, promising results have been seen with intravitreal methotrexate and autologous stem cell transplantation for recurrent and refractory disease. Conclusions: Efforts to further determine the immunophenotype and molecular characteristics of PIOL will continue to assist in the diagnosis of PIOL. Future studies are required to determine the role of radiotherapy and optimal local and systemic chemotherapeutic regimens. Primary intraocular lymphoma presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to its clinical and pathologic presentations and its aggressive course.
Space-time Coordinated Distributed Sensing Algorithms for Resource Efficient Narrowband Target Localization and Tracking

Distributed sensing has been used for enhancing signal to noise ratios for space-time localization and tracking of remote objects using phased array antennas, sonar, and radio signals. The use of these technologies in identifying mobile targets in a field, emitting acoustic signals, using a network of low-cost narrow band acoustic micro-sensing devices randomly dispersed over the region of interest, presents unique challenges. The effects of wind, turbulence, and temperature gradients and other environmental effects can decrease the signal to noise ratio by introducing random errors that cannot be removed through calibration. This paper presents methods for dynamic distributed signal processing to detect, identify, and track targets in noisy environments with limited resources. Specifically, it evaluates the noise tolerance of adaptive beamforming and compares it to other distributed sensing approaches. Many source localization and direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation methods based on beamforming using acoustic sensor array have been proposed. We use the approximate maximum likelihood parameter estimation method to perform DOA estimation of the source in the frequency domain. Generally, sensing radii are large and data from the nodes are transmitted over the network to a centralized location where beamforming is done. These methods therefore depict low tolerance to environmental noise. Knowledge based localized distributed processing methods have also been developed for distributed in-situ localization and target tracking in these environments. These methods, due to their reliance only on local sensing, are not significantly affected by spatial perturbations and are robust in tracking targets in low SNR environments. Specifically, Dynamic Space-time Clustering (DSTC)-based localization and tracking algorithm has demonstrated orders of magnitude improvement in noise tolerance with nominal impact on performance. We also propose hybrid algorithms for energy efficient robust performance in very noisy environments. This paper compares the performance of hybrid algorithms with sparse beamforming nodes supported by randomly dispersed DSTC nodes to that of beamforming and DSTC algorithms. Hybrid algorithms achieve relative high accuracy in noisy environments with low energy consumption. Sensor data from a field test in the Marine base at 29 Palms, CA, were analyzed for validating the results in this paper. The results were compared to “ground truth” data obtained from GPS receivers on the vehicles.
Sildenafil Attenuates Placental Ischemia Induced Hypertension

Preeclampsia is a complication of pregnancy that is marked by hypertension, proteinuria, and maternal endothelial dysfunction. A central factor in the etiology of the disease is the development of placental hypoxia/ischemia, which releases pathogenic soluble factors. There is currently no effective treatment for preeclampsia, but the phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor sildenafil has been suggested, as PDE-5 is enriched in the uterus, and its antagonism could improve uteroplacental function. Here, we report in the reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) rat model that administration of oral sildenafil is effective in attenuating placental ischemia-induced hypertension during gestation. RUPP animals have significantly elevated arterial pressure compared with control animals (132 ± 3 vs. 100 ± 2 mmHg; P < 0.05). Administration of oral sildenafil (45 mg·kg−1·day−1) had no effect on blood pressure in control rats but decreased pressure in RUPP rats (115 ± 1 mmHg; P < 0.05). RUPP induced changes in placental sFlt-1, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was unaffected by sildenafil administration, as was the decrease in free plasma VEGF. RUPP animals had a significant increase in medullary PDE-5/β-actin ratio (1 ± 0.14 vs. 1.63 ± 0.18; P < 0.05) expression with a resulting reduction in renal medullary cGMP (1.5 ± 0.15 vs. 0.99 ± 0.1 pmol/μg protein, P < 0.05) compared with controls. Although sildenafil had no effect on renal medullary cGMP in control animals, it significantly increased cGMP in RUPP animals (1.3 ± 0.1 pmol/μg protein; P < 0.05). These data suggest that sildenafil might provide an effective therapeutic option for the management of hypertension during preeclampsia.
Experiences teaching a course on wearable and ubiquitous computing

We describe experiences teaching a course on wearable and ubiquitous computing to seniors and graduate students at Virginia Tech over the last two years. Major topics include low power hardware/software design, user input/output devices, context- and location-awareness, and application case studies. Readings for the course are taken mainly from the recent research literature, as there is no textbook that adequately covers the area. A large portion of the course involves design projects pursued by teams of two to four students; these projects are usually related to ongoing research projects within the department. We conclude with ruminations on ways to improve future offerings of the course.
Coping With Perceived Burden: Ethnic and Cultural Issues in Alzheimer's Family Caregiving:

The purpose of this study was to investigate differential patterns of coping with the strain of providing care for an Alzheimer's patient among families of varying ethnic and cultural backgrounds. The sample of 85 women identified themselves as primary family caregivers for relatives with Alzheimer's disease. Subjects were classified by race (Black/White) and residence (rural/urban). The study examined differences in the use of various cognitive and behavioral coping strategies and differences in social support patterns. Analysis of data collected through structured interviews showed complex but significant differences in caregivers' coping patterns by race and area of residence. White caregivers attended support groups more frequently than did Blacks. Blacks reported more frequent use of cognitive strategies reframing the situation in positive terms and expressing determination to survive. Rural Blacks sought information about the disease or about services less frequently than did White or urban caregive...
Tick‐borne diseases in transfusion medicine

Ticks are effective vectors of viral, bacterial, rickettsial and parasitic diseases. Many of the tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are of significance to transfusion medicine, either because of the risks they pose to the blood supply or the necessity for blood products required in their treatment. The transmission of tick-borne pathogens via blood transfusion is of global concern. However, among transfusion medicine practitioners, experience with most of these microorganisms is limited. Transfusion transmission of TBDs has been documented largely by means of single case reports. A better understanding of the epidemiology, biology and management of this group of diseases is necessary in order to assess the risks they pose to the blood supply and to help guide effective prevention strategies to reduce this risk. Unique methods are required to focus on donor selection, predonation questioning, mass screening and inactivation or eradication procedures. The role of the transfusion medicine service in their treatment also needs to be better defined. This article reviews the growing body of literature pertaining to this emerging field of transfusion medicine and offers some recommendations for transfusionists in dealing with TBDs.
Introducing effective technical communication (ETC) in power engineering curriculum

The ETC program and its integration into the power engineering curriculum at Clemson University are described. The program has been successfully applied to several power courses at junior, senior, and graduate levels. A great deal of effort is being expended on planning the expansion of the ETC program and evaluation of the results of each semester's efforts. The program has received excellent support from industry, and a great deal of improvement in oral and written communication skills has been noticed. The relation between Clemson University and the power industry enhances the opportunity to improve these skills. >
Highly sensitive in vitro selections for DNA-linked synthetic small molecules with protein binding affinity and specificity

We have developed in vitro selections for DNA-linked synthetic small molecules with protein binding affinity and specificity. These selections require only generally accessible equipment, offer high degrees of enrichment of active molecules from mixtures of predominantly inactive species, can be applied to a variety of unrelated proteins, and require approximately 108-fold less material than existing synthetic molecule screening methods. Iterating these selections multiplies the net enrichment of active molecules, enabling enormous overall enrichment factors exceeding 106 to be achieved. Further, the selections can be adapted to select for binding specificity in addition to binding affinity. The application of methods described in this work may play a key role in the discovery of desired molecules from DNA-templated synthetic libraries.
Role of the Substantia Nigra in the Kindling Model of Limbic Epilepsy

The kindling model of epilepsy was discovered relatively recently (Goddard et al., 1969), yet it is already the most extensively studied animal model of epilepsy. Despite extensive study, the mechanisms responsible for kindling are unknown. Our intent in this chapter is: 1) to identify some difficulties confronting investigations of the mechanisms; 2) to describe our studies of the substantia nigra in kindling; and 3) to consider how these studies of the substantia nigra may contribute to understanding the mechanisms of kindling.
Evidence-Based Practice with Depression and Suicidal Ideation in Children and Adolescents

This chapter considers depression, diagnostic factors, risk factors for depression and treatment approaches, with attention paid to prevent and recurrence after treatment. The chapter also includes a case study of a child receiving a treatment suggesting best evidence. Depression is often associated with thoughts of suicide. Suicidal ideation refers to any self-reported thoughts of engaging in suicide-related behavior. Some investigators also consider thoughts that are less explicit in terms of wanting to take one's life (wanting to be dead, not wanting to awake) as indications of “passive” suicide ideation. While suicidal ideation may not lead to actual suicidal attempts, they are considered serious risk factors since there are an estimated 8–25 attempted suicides for every completion and suicidal ideations may move to suicidal attempts given situational conditions that may be hard for the clinician, or the family, to predict.
The correlation between the chest X-ray classifications and the pathogens of hand–foot–mouth disease

Abstract Objective To study the correlation between the chest X-ray classifications and different pathogens in patients with hand–foot–mouth disease. Methods The images and the results of laboratory examination of patients with HFMD and positive chest X-ray were analyzed retrospectively. Results There were 83 cases (21.013%) with positive chest X-ray in this group, including 19 cases of type 1, 19 cases of type 2, 28 cases of type 3, 13 cases of type 4, 4 cases of type 5. The distribution of pathogens had significantly statistical difference between mild and severe HFMD group, critical HFMD group respectively (mild HFMD group VS severe HFMD group, χ 2 = 78.523, P = 0.000; mild HFMD group VS critical HFMD group, χ 2 = 30.222, P = 0.000). The distribution of pathogens in different the chest X-ray classifications had no statistical difference ( P > 0.05), but the proportion of the EV71 was more than that of CVA16 in type 1and 2 chest X-ray ( P = 0.029 and 0.001). Conclusions There was some relativity between clinical grade and pathogens. The severe and critical HFMD were caused mainly by EV71, and the mild HFMD was caused mainly by other pathogens except EV71. There was no significant correlation between chest X-ray classification and pathogens, but in the same chest X-ray classification, the distribution of pathogens was not identical. For the limitations of this study, we will do more research in the future work.
Design Principles for Dual-Element-Doped Carbon Nanomaterials as Efficient Bifunctional Catalysts for Oxygen Reduction and Evolution Reactions

Dual-element-doped carbon nanomaterials are demonstrated to be more efficient bifunctional catalysts than noble metals to catalyze two key chemical reactions: oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in regenerative fuel cells and metal–air batteries. Moreover, to accelerate the search for the best metal-free catalysts, an activity descriptor is identified for the codoped carbon nanomaterials, which correlates doping structures to their catalytic activities. These predictions are supported by experimental data. Our work also predicts that the synergistic effect of codoping occurs within a certain distance between the codopants. The descriptor enables rational design of new bifunctional catalysts.
Blood-Brain Barrier and Its Manipulation: Implications for Neutron Capture Therapy

The concept of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) dates from the early twentieth century when physiologists noted that administration of vital dyes stained tissues of the whole body with the exception of the central nervous system (CNS). Thus developed the concept that a barrier exists between the blood and the brain such that certain substances are excluded from access to brain parenchyma. Early studies showed that dye injection into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) space did allow brain tissue penetration. Initially, the anatomic location and morphology of this blood-brain barrier was felt to derive from a pial-glial sheath invaginating the vessels. Accumulating data has led to the conclusion that the blood-brain barrier resides at the capillary endothelial level.1
Pharmacological targeting of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species counteracts diaphragm weakness in chronic heart failure

Diaphragm muscle weakness in chronic heart failure (CHF) is caused by elevated oxidants and exacerbates breathing abnormalities, exercise intolerance, and dyspnea. However, the specific source of oxidants that cause diaphragm weakness is unknown. We examined whether mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) cause diaphragm weakness in CHF by testing the hypothesis that CHF animals treated with a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant have normal diaphragm function. Rats underwent CHF or sham surgery. Eight weeks after surgeries, we administered a mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant (MitoTEMPO; 1 mg·kg(-1)·day(-1)) or sterile saline (Vehicle). Left ventricular dysfunction (echocardiography) pre- and posttreatment and morphological abnormalities were consistent with the presence of CHF. CHF elicited a threefold (P < 0.05) increase in diaphragm mitochondrial H2O2 emission, decreased diaphragm glutathione content by 23%, and also depressed twitch and maximal tetanic force by ∼20% in Vehicle-treated animals compared with Sham (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). Diaphragm mitochondrial H2O2 emission, glutathione content, and twitch and maximal tetanic force were normal in CHF animals receiving MitoTEMPO. Neither CHF nor MitoTEMPO altered the diaphragm protein levels of antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutases (CuZn-SOD or MnSOD), glutathione peroxidase, and catalase. In both Vehicle and MitoTEMPO groups, CHF elicited a ∼30% increase in cytochrome c oxidase activity, whereas there were no changes in citrate synthase activity. Our data suggest that elevated mitochondrial H2O2 emission causes diaphragm weakness in CHF. Moreover, changes in protein levels of antioxidant enzymes or mitochondrial content do not seem to mediate the increase in mitochondria H2O2 emission in CHF and protective effects of MitoTEMPO.
Reaction of fatty acids with 3,3'-iminobis-propylamine to produce soil hydrophobic agents

The reaction between two moles of fatty acid and one of 3,3′-iminobis-propylamine (DPTA) is somewhat analogous to the reaction between fatty acid and diethylenetriamine (DETA) that we had reported previously, but there are significant differences. Conversion to the diamide HN(CH2CH2CH2NHCOR)2 proceeds much more rapidly but less efficiently than does the reaction of fatty acid with DETA. The former diamide is obtained in only about a 70% yield and byproducts are obtained, whereas the reaction with DETA yields the diamide almost quantitatively. Cyclization to the pyrimidine $$RCONHCH_2 CH_2 CH_2 NCH_2 CH_2 CH_2 N = CR$$ is extremely slow and incomplete. The analogous cyclization of α,ω-diamides of DETA produces high yields of imidazolines. The AOCs wet method for amine titration gave erroneous structural information when the test was applied to the diamides of DPTA, as was the case for the DETA-diamide. The water repellency of soils treated with a homologous series of fatty iminobis-propylamine (DPTA)-diamides was studied, and the following observations were made: 1) the fatty DPTA-diamides were slightly more hydrophobic than the fatty DETA-diamides, which we ascribe to the additional methylene groups of the former; 2) hydrophobicity intensified with increasing molecular weight of the saturated fatty acids; and 3) unsaturation, as in the oleic derivative, enhanced hydrophilicity.
Changes to practice may help avoid 'double trouble'

When draining large effusions, take precautions to prevent pneumothorax and reexpansion pulmonary edema.
Parental Origin of the Extra Chromosome in Trisomy 21 as Indicated by Analysis of DNA Polymorphisms

Abstract Background. Over the past 20 years, the parental origin of the extra chromosome in children with trisomy 21 has been investigated with cytogenetic methods of identifying morphologic variations in chromosome 21. These studies have concluded that the origin of the extra chromosome 21 was maternal in approximately 80 percent of cases and paternal in about 20 percent. Methods. We studied 200 families, each with a single child with trisomy 21, using DNA polymorphisms as markers to determine the parental origin of the nondisjunction causing the extra chromosome 21. These polymorphisms spanned a region of about 120 centimorgans on the long arm of chromosome 21, from the D21S13 locus (the most centromeric) to the COL6A1 gene (the most telomeric). Results. The parental origin of nondisjunction could be determined for all but 7 of the 200 children. It was maternal in 184 children (proportion [±SE], 95.3±1.5 percent) and paternal in 9 (4.7±1.5 percent). In a subgroup of 31 families, we compared the results ...
Evaluation of fiber-based tools for glass polishing using experimental and computational approaches.

Polymeric pad or pitch-based tools combined with loose abrasive slurries are typically used in the polishing of optical materials. In this paper, the potential of fiber-based tools to both remove material and provide high quality surface finishes on BK7 glass is explored. The potential advantage of fiber-based tools over traditional tools is their inherent compliance, which could accommodate varying workpiece surface curvatures as found in aspheres and freeforms. To evaluate the new tools, both experimental and finite element (FE) modeling approaches were taken. A FE model consisting of a single fiber engaged with the workpiece surface was used to estimate the shape and magnitude of the pressure distribution exerted by the fiber on the workpiece surface. Two different tool configurations, yielding two different Fes, predicted pressure distributions, were used to polish BK7 samples, and the material removal profiles were interferometrically measured. The resulting profiles and the predicted pressure distributions share the same v-shape. While differences in scale exist between the experimental and FE-predicted profiles, the tool generating higher material removal had the greater predicted pressure distribution, thus demonstrating the ability of the FE model to provide insights into tool design. Additional testing was conducted to determine if the tool’s removal rate can be predicted by Preston’s equation. Initial results indicate the equation is valid within the range of parameters tested. The surface roughness of BK7 samples processed by this tool was measured and some deterioration on the Sq value was noted; the surface roughness increased from 1.89 to 3.66 nm Sq. Over several hours of continuous use, the load applied by the fibers decays in a repeatable manner, and little wear was observed on the fibers after 5.33 h of polishing.
Clinical Application of Cardiac CMR

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging is an important clinical tool that aids in the diagnosis and management of patients with cardiomyopathy. With its ability to assess morphologic and physiologic myocardial characteristics in the same imaging session, CMR can effectively rule out less common causes of cardiomyopathy, including cardiac hemochromatosis, amyloidosis, and arrhythmogenic right ventricular tachycardia. The combination of cine function, myocardial perfusion at rest and under stress, and late gadolinium enhancement provides a strong assessment that can establish the cause of the cardiomyopathy as well as guide therapy in cases of ischemic cardiomyopathy. CMR can also identify microvascular obstruction in acute myocardial infarction. This technique can be especially helpful in the diagnosis of conditions such as arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia, cardiac sarcoidosis, and myocarditis. It can also be used to evaluate patients with chest pain and pericardial diseases.
Exceptionalism or extravagance? What's different about health care in South Florida.

ABSTRACT: In posing the “puzzle” of Florida exceptionalism, Victor Fuchs raises fundamental questions about Medicare's efficiency and equity. We agree that the higher spending in Florida has little to do with lower mortality rates. However, physicians and hospitals do play a large role in making South Florida different. Miami physicians are not more generous in providing heart, hip, or back surgery, procedures that beneficiaries seeking an active lifestyle might want. Instead, end-of-life care makes Miami truly exceptional: Patients in their last six months of life see more physicians and spend more time in intensive care than is the case virtually anywhere else in the world.
Attack Surfaces

Attack surface--the set of ways that a system might be susceptible to an attack--is one of those core concepts that never gets the attention it deserves. But properly understood, it not only helps people analyze system designs, but also explains why some system changes help and others hinder.
Role of ocean evaporation in California droughts and floods

Since winter 2011, a record-breaking drought has occurred in California. Studies found that the drought is mainly caused by a persistent high-pressure system off the U.S. West Coast, which is linked to Pacific sea surface temperature anomalies. The water cycles associated with the droughts and floods are still not clearly understood. Here we show that the atmospheric circulation off the West Coast not only controls the atmospheric convergence and formation of precipitation but also largely determines surface wind speed, which further affects the evaporation over the eastern North Pacific, the major evaporative moisture source for California precipitation. Because of this mechanism, the ocean evaporation over the eastern North Pacific has been reduced during the recent drought. However, the ocean evaporation anomalies have little direct influence on California precipitation, especially during dry years, mainly because of their weak amplitudes. The California droughts cannot be readily attributed to the reduced ocean evaporation. The association between increased Pacific evaporation and floods over California is somewhat stronger.
Ultrafast Solute Vibrational Spectral Evolution During the Solvation Process

Using femtosecond infrared spectroscopy, the rate and degree of frequency shift in the CO stretch of Re(dmbpy)(CO)3CI in its MLCT excited state is fOlmd to vary with the polarity and solvation time in a series of solvents.
NONFILLER ADDITIVES FOR PLASTICS

Most plastics are composites, i.e., they contain additives such as plasticizers, biocides, heat stabilizers, flame retardants, impact modifiers, colorants, lubricants, antioxidants, and ultraviolet stabilizers. Foams require blowing agents and organic peroxides are added for crosslinking some plastics such as polyolefin wire coatings. As the use of plastics increases, the use of additives also increases, since the requirements for improvements, such as resistance to heat, weather and flames require the incorporation of specific functional additives.
Pharmacological treatment in Parkinson's disease: Effects on gait

Gait impairments are a hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD), both as early symptom and an important cause of disability later in the disease course. Although levodopa has been shown to improve gait speed and step length, the effect of dopamine replacement therapy on other aspects of gait is less well understood. In fact, falls are not reduced and some aspects of postural instability during gait are unresponsive to dopaminergic treatment. Moreover, many medications other than dopaminergic agents, can benefit or impair gait in people with PD. We review the effects of pharmacological interventions used in PD on gait, discriminating, whenever possible, among effects on four components of everyday mobility: straight walking, gait initiation, turning, gait adaptability. Additionally, we summarize the effects on freezing of gait. There is substantial evidence for improvement of spatial characteristics of simple, straight-ahead gait with levodopa and levodopa-enhancing drugs. Recent work suggests that drugs aiming to enhance the acetylcholine system might improve gait stability measures. There is a lack of well-designed studies to evaluate effects on more complex, but highly relevant walking abilities such as turning and making flexible adjustments to gait. Finally, paucity in the literature exists on detrimental effects of drugs used in PD that are known to worsen gait and postural stability in the elderly population.
VCSEL research, development and applications at Honeywell

The recent commercialization of VCSELs has opened up the possibility of VCSELs in numerous evolving technologies. Many of the present application include optical links, LED and CD replacements in printing, storage, duplication, and sensors. As VCSEL components have exhibited "silicon-like" manufacturability, the ubiquity of VCSEL-based optoelectronic circuits appears bright. VCSEL-array-based smart pixel processors have the potential to enable ultrafast interconnect-intensive processors. VCSELs and VCSEL arrays appear promising between, and even within, computers, backplanes, and multichip modules (MCMs). Tke possibility of RF-VCSELs is speculated. Beyond present "commercial-grade" development, there have been a number of exciting research advancements in decreasing the threshold currents and speed of VCSELs. This may enable even lower power dissipation, higher speeds, and extensions to arrays, and expedite extensions to other spectral regions.
Techniques for studying volume discharges and treeing in organic insulating compounds

In this study of volume discharges and treeing we have abandoned uniform field electrode systems and are using sharp-pointed electrodes which permit us to observe the progressive development of channels referred to as “trees” or “dendrites.”
Spelling pronunciations help college students remember how to spell difficult words

Studies have shown that children benefit from a spelling pronunciation strategy in remembering the spellings of words. The current study determined whether this strategy also helps adults learn to spell commonly misspelled words. Participants were native English speaking college students (N = 42), mean age 22.5 years (SD = 7.87). An experimental design with random assignment, pretests, training, and posttests assessed effects of the pronunciation strategy on memory for the spellings of 20 hard to spell words. Half of the participants were trained to read the words by assigning spelling pronunciations during learning (n = 21). The comparison group (n = 21) practiced reading the words normally without the strategy. Strategy trained adults recalled significantly more words, total letters, silent letters, and schwa vowel letters correctly than controls. Poor spellers benefited as much if not more from this strategy as good spellers. Results support orthographic mapping theories. Optimizing the match between spelling units and sound units, including graphemes and phonemes, syllables, and morphemes, to create spelling pronunciations when words are read enhances memory for spellings of the words. As a result, higher quality lexical representations are retained in memory. Results suggest the value of teaching college students this strategy to improve their ability to spell words correctly in their written work.
Kaposiform haemangioendothelioma: a review with emphasis on histological differential diagnosis

Summary Kaposiform haemangioendothelioma (KHE) is a rare, locally aggressive/borderline vascular tumour primarily seen in neonates and children. KHE is occasionally associated with Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon and tends to have a poor clinical prognosis. While the histological features of tufted angiomas and KHE overlap, some believe tufted angiomas are a milder, benign, more localised counterpart of KHE. The other histological differential diagnoses of KHE include infantile haemangioma, congenital haemangioma, spindle cell haemangioma, verrucous malformation/haemangioma, and Kaposi sarcoma. Microscopically, KHE is characterised by confluent nodules of neoplastic spindled endothelial cells involving multiple planes of tissue which are positive for endothelial, lymphatic, and smooth muscle markers. Resection, once thought to be the definitive treatment for KHE, is often unattainable due to the extent of the lesion; thus, single or combination chemotherapies have been used to treat these patients. Sirolimus has recently been reported to be a successful agent to treat refractory and complicated cases of KHE.
Athletes and/or Activists: LeBron James and Black Lives Matter

As one of the world’s most recognizable athletes, Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James is emblematic of the modern athlete-activist; as such, it is important to understand how the media frame...
Getting Comfortable on Audits: Understanding Firms’ Usage of Forensic Specialists

Summary Increasing financial statement complexity along with an intense focus on audit quality have created challenges for today's auditors. As a result, audit firms are increasingly relying on various specialists to help them perform their audits. In order to better understand why and how audit firms are using forensic specialists on their audits, we conduct an exploratory survey of experienced audit and forensic professionals. Our results suggest auditors are largely relying on forensic specialists to provide them with additional comfort beyond that obtained from traditional audit procedures. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that the usage of forensic specialists occurs primarily on riskier engagements, such as those involving restatements, initial public offerings, and investigations by regulators or law enforcement agencies. Although their involvement varies, forensic specialists assist audit teams by providing both guidance and direct assistance across the audit in areas including fraud brainstorming, design of procedures to test for fraud, and review of results of fraud-related testing. In addition, our findings indicate forensic specialist involvement may lead to greater comfort as evidenced by the perceived identification by forensic specialists of additional audit findings related to material misstatements, financial reporting fraud, misappropriation of assets, and internal control deficiencies. Our results also reveal the majority of auditor and forensic specialist participants believe the value of forensic involvement on audits outweighs the associated costs, even in the absence of such additional audit findings. We conclude our paper by offering a theoretical discussion of our findings based on the audit comfort framework and suggestions for future research. In summary, our findings suggest that the discomfort some auditors feel in the contemporary auditing environment is leading to changes in the rituals that underlie traditional audits such that they seek comfort afforded them through forensic specialist involvement. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.