cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development, Validation and Regulatory Acceptance of Improved Purification and Simplified Quality Control of [13N] Ammonia

[13N]Ammonia is a cyclotron produced myocardial perfusion imaging agent. With the development of high-yielding [13N]ammonia cyclotron targets using a solution of 5 mM ethanol in water, there was a need to develop and validate an automated purification and formulation system for [13N]ammonia to be in a physiological compatible formulation of 0.9% sodium chloride since there is no widely available commercial system at this time. Due to its short half-life of 10 min, FDA and USP regulations allow [13N]ammonia to be tested in quality control (QC) sub-batches with limited quality control testing performed on the sub-batches for patient use. The current EP and the original USP method for the determination of the radiochemical purity and identity of [13N]ammonia depended on an HPLC method using a conductivity detector and a solvent free of other salts. This HPLC method created issues in a modern cGMP high volume PET manufacturing facility where the HPLC is used with salt containing mobile phase buffers for quality control analysis of other PET radiopharmaceuticals. Flushing of the HPLC system of residual salt buffers which may interfere with the [13N]ammonia assay can take several hours of instrument time. Since there are no mass limits on [13N]ammonia, a simplified TLC assay to determine radiochemical identity and purity could be developed to simplify and streamline QC. We have developed and validated a streamlined automated synthesis for [13N]ammonia which provides the drug product in 8 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride for injection. A novel radio-TLC method was developed and validated to demonstrate feasibility to quantitate [13N]ammonia and separate it from all known radiochemical impurities. The process for automated synthesis of [13N]ammonia simplifies and automates the purification and formulation of [13N]ammonia in a cGMP compliant manner needed for high-throughput manufacture of [13N]ammonia. The novel radio-TLC method has simplified [13N]ammonia quality control (QC) and now enables it to be tested using the same QC equipment as [18F]fludeoxyglucose (FDA/USP recognized name for 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose). Both the streamlined automated synthesis of [13N]ammonia and the novel radio-TLC method have been accepted and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the cGMP manufacture of [13N]ammonia.
Confronting Sexism: Promoting Confrontation Acceptance and Reducing Stereotyping through Stereotype Framing

Relative to confrontations of other forms of prejudice and stereotyping, confronting gender stereotypes can be challenging, in part, because recipients may be unlikely to accept such feedback. Given the importance of accepting negative feedback in the promotion of reparative efforts, the present research investigated how to frame confrontations of gender stereotyping to be more readily accepted. Across three experiments (131 and 247 U.S. undergraduates; 174 U.S. MTurk workers), we investigated how different framings for confrontations of gender stereotyping, framed as targeting either positive or negative gender stereotypes, impacted participants’ confrontation acceptance, reduction of subsequent gender stereotyping, and concern with expressing gender bias in the future. After expressing stereotypes of women, participants were confronted or not. Confronted participants received feedback that their responses were prejudiced because they included positive or negative stereotypes of women. Results revealed that participants perceived the positive framing more favorably and were more likely to accept (i.e., believe to be accurate) the positive framing relative to the negative framing. Despite different reactions between confrontation framings, both the positive and negative confrontation framings similarly reduced subsequent gender stereotyping relative to no confrontation. Furthermore, both confrontation framings increased participants’ concerns with expressing gender stereotypes in the future. Taken together, these results provide initial insight about how to increase acceptance of confrontations of sexism and how to reduce stereotyping.
The Role of Echocardiography in the Cancer Patient

To review the uses of echocardiography in patients with cancer and how it has expanded beyond the typical monitoring of systolic function during potentially cardiotoxic cancer therapeutics. In addition to myocardial strain imaging being a predictor of subsequent left ventricular dysfunction, it can be used for pattern recognition to help identify patients with cardiac amyloidosis or Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Echocardiography is essential for diagnosis and planning of intervention for aortic stenosis in radiation-induced valvular disease, for which transcutaneous aortic valve replacement that gives many cancer patients that are not surgical candidates an option for treatment. The safety of transesophageal echocardiography has recently been demonstrated in patients with cancer with thrombocytopenia and depleted white blood cell counts who are at increased risk of endocarditis. Echocardiography is an essential tool for evaluating common conditions in cancer patients such as pericardial disease, radiation-induced heart disease, and intracardiac tumors—with specific uses of specialized echocardiography techniques such as deformation imaging, transesophageal echocardiography, and point-of-care ultrasound.
Analysis of Theoretical and Numerical Properties of Sequential Convex Programming for Continuous-Time Optimal Control.

Sequential Convex Programming (SCP) has recently gained significant popularity as an effective method for solving optimal control problems and has been successfully applied in several different domains. However, the theoretical analysis of SCP has received comparatively limited attention, and it is often restricted to discrete-time formulations. In this paper, we present a unifying theoretical analysis of a fairly general class of SCP procedures for continuous-time optimal control problems. In addition to the derivation of convergence guarantees in a continuous-time setting, our analysis reveals two new numerical and practical insights. First, we show how one can more easily account for manifold-type constraints, which are a defining feature of optimal control of mechanical systems. Second, we show how our theoretical analysis can be leveraged to accelerate SCP-based optimal control methods by infusing techniques from indirect optimal control.
Clinical Implication of Diagnostic and Histopathologic Discrepancies in Sinonasal Malignancies

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the incidence of histopathologic diagnostic discrepancy for patients referred to our institution, identify pathologies susceptible to diagnostic error, and assess the impact on survival of histopathologic diagnostic discrepancies. METHODS Three hundred ninety-seven patients with sinonasal cancers were identified, and discordance between the outside pathologic report and MD Anderson Cancer Center pathologic report was assessed. Overall survival and disease-specific survival were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and log rank methods. RESULTS Discordance of major histopathologic diagnoses was present in 24% (97 of 397) of reports, with sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma, sarcoma, neuroendocrine carcinoma, and poorly differentiated carcinoma pathologies having the highest change in diagnosis (P < .01). A further 61% (244 of 397) had minor changes such as histologic grade, subtype, or stage, with sarcoma and neuroendocrine carcinoma pathologies being most susceptible to change (P < .02). Overall, the 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) was reduced in patients with a major change in histopathologic diagnosis (59.2% vs. 70.2% (P = .02) and 72.9% vs. 81.2% (P = .02), respectively). Furthermore, patients with a major change in diagnosis and prior treatment experienced a significant reduction in 5-year OS (61.9% vs. 70.4%, P = .03 < .01) and DSS (72.4% vs. 81.5%, P = .04). CONCLUSION Histopathological diagnosis of sinonasal tumors is complex and challenging given the rarity of the disease. Obtaining the correct diagnosis is important for treatment selection and survival. In histologies prone to misdiagnoses, obtaining a second opinion from experienced head and neck pathologists at a high-volume institution may potentially lead to a change in treatment recommendations that could result in improved survival in patients with sinonasal malignancies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4 Laryngoscope, 131:E1468-E1475, 2021.
Embracing complexity: an inclusive framework for the scholarship of educational development

The complex and ever-changing nature of the field of educational development has led to a scholarship of educational development (SoED) that is rich but also enigmatic. The authors outline four len...
A formal method for including the probability of erroneous human task behavior in system analyses

Abstract Formal methods have been making inroads into the engineering of human–automation interaction (HAI) by allowing engineers to use mathematical proofs to determine whether normative or unanticipated erroneous human behavior can ever cause problems. However, these approaches are limited because they do not give engineers a way to assess the relative likelihood of different outcomes. In this work, we address this shortcoming by defining a new approach that combines formal approaches with human reliability analysis and probabilistic and statistical model checking. This approach ultimately allows analysts to compute the probability of different outcomes occurring in reactive HAI systems. We describe how this method was realized, assess its scalability, and demonstrate its capabilities with an automated teller machine example. We ultimately discuss our results and describe directions of future research.
INTS11 regulates hematopoiesis by promoting PRC2 function.

INTS11, the catalytic subunit of the Integrator (INT) complex, is crucial for the biogenesis of small nuclear RNAs and enhancer RNAs. However, the role of INTS11 in hematopoietic stem and progenito...
Outcomes following facilitated ankylosis to treat septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint in beef bulls

Facilitated ankylosis (FA) is a procedure performed to treat septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) in ruminants. The aim of this procedure is to restore function to the affected digit, providing improved long-term positive outcome. This study describes the outcome of FA in 22 client-owned midwestern beef breeding bulls due to DIPJ sepsis between January 1, 2006 and July 31, 2018. Follow up information was obtained by telephone questionnaire. Signalment, treatment history, diagnostic data, surgical data, postoperative treatment and complications, and long-term outcomes were recorded and described. Of the 22 beef bulls that underwent a FA, follow-up information was provided for 19. Fourteen of the 19 bulls were successfully used as breeders post-operatively. Increased age and weight were positively correlated with successful breeding long term. Forelimb vs hindlimb disease and laterality of digit affected did not significantly affect outcome. Overall, client satisfaction was high. In conclusion, beef bulls undergoing a FA of the DIPJ have a good prognosis for long-term breeding regardless of history and clinical presentation. FA should be considered for treatment of septic arthritis in beef bulls.
Rediscovering Forgotten Composers with the Help of Online Genealogy and Music Score Databases: A Case Study on African-American Composer Jacob J. Sawyer (1856–1885)

This paper describes the reconstruction of life and work of African-American composer Jacob J. Sawyer (1856–1885) with the help of genealogy databases and online collections of music scores. During his life, Sawyer held positions with well-known music ensembles: Haverly’s Colored Minstrels, Hyers Sisters Troupe, and Slayton Ideal Company.
Real-Time Imaging of Circulating Individual Blood Cells in Mammalian Embryos with Doppler SSOCT

Congenital cardiovascular (CV) defects are present in approximately 1% of live births. Moreover, among deaths due to birth defects, cardiovascular failures are the most likely. Therefore, characterization of mammalian embryonic cardio dynamics and understanding of the hemodynamic changes that occur during embryonic development is crucial for improving diagnostics, prevention, and treatment of cardiovascular defects and diseases. In this work, we combined Swept Source Optical Coherence Tomography (SSOCT) with live mouse embryo culture protocols to generate structural 2-D and 3-D imaging and hemodynamic measurements in live 8.5 day embryos. Our data show that individual circulating blood cells can be visualized with structural SSOCT and the velocity of single moving blood cells were measured during different phases of heartbeat cycle with Doppler SSOCT. These results demonstrate that this imaging modality could be an extremely useful tool for structural and hemodynamic analysis at the earliest stages of mammalian blood circulation.
Twitter me: using micro-blogging to motivate teenagers to exercise

A micro-blogging site for the persuasive technology is developed along with cell phone application that helps motivate teenage girls to exercise by exploiting their social desire to stay connected with their peers We choose teenage girls because they are more responsive to health behavior interventions and they think exercising is the easiest way to improve health The purpose of this study is to provide real-time information sharing in order to modify the behaviors of girls and ultimately lead to improved health habits Our study investigated how collecting, sharing and comparing personal fitness information impacts activity level and health awareness.
Getting DNA to Unwind

Structures of proteins for DNA replication in archaea suggest common mechanisms with sliding clamp loaders and DNA helicases.
A Program of Nursing Research in a Rural Setting

Recounted in this article is the saga of a team’s rural research journey over nearly 20 years. From the outset the overall goal of our research was the promotion of informed health care choices by older rural dwellers. The purpose of sharing our journey story is to illustrate how a program of nursing research can thrive despite being conducted in a low nursing research resource environment, across geographic distances, and with a limited patchwork of funding. This journey began with several collaborative studies on the use of complementary and alternative therapies (CAM) by older rural dwellers. A detour in the research journey trajectory occurred with the advent of national recognition of the key role of general health literacy and more specifically the lack of research in the area of health literacy regarding CAM. The research team’s journey moved to the conceptualization and development of a model of CAM health literacy. This model then served as the basis for creating and the initial testing a measure of CAM health literacy. The intention of this article is to be instructive to other research teams as they travel along their own research journeys. Keywords : nursing research, rural, CAM health literacy DOI: http://dx.doi.org/ 10.14574/ojrnhc.v15i1.343
Circuit reliability: From Physics to Architectures: Embedded tutorial paper

In the period of extreme CMOS scaling, reliability issues are becoming a critical problem. These problems include issues related to device reliability, in the form of bias temperature instability, hot carrier injection, time-dependent dielectric breakdown of gate oxides, as well as interconnect reliability concerns such as electromigration and TSV stress in 3D integrated circuits. This tutorial surveys these effects, and discusses methods for mitigating them at all levels of design.
Leveraging community-built knowledge for type coercion in question answering

Watson, the winner of the Jeopardy! challenge, is a state-of-the-art open-domain Question Answering system that tackles the fundamental issue of answer typing by using a novel type coercion (TyCor) framework, where candidate answers are initially produced without considering type information, and subsequent stages check whether the candidate can be coerced into the expected answer type. In this paper, we provide a high-level overview of the TyCor framework and discuss how it is integrated in Watson, focusing on and evaluating three TyCor components that leverage the community built semi-structured and structured knowledge resources -- DBpedia (in conjunction with the YAGO ontology), Wikipedia Categories and Lists. These resources complement each other well in terms of precision and granularity of type information, and through links to Wikipedia, provide coverage for a large set of instances.
Surgical intervention to reestablish adequate intermaxillary space before fixed or removable prosthodontics.

A two-stage osteotomy was performed to reposition a segment of the alveolar ridge that had caused loss of intermaxillary space. A drop in the alveolar ridge resulted in loss of intermaxillary space. A two-stage osteotomy was performed with a six-week delay between stages. The alveolar segment was repositioned into the maxillary sinus and stabilized with an acrylic splint. Endodontic therapy was not necessary. The patient quickly resumed her normal routine.
Genetic variation in selenoprotein genes, lifestyle, and risk of colon and rectal cancer.

Background Associations between selenium and cancer have directed attention to role of selenoproteins in the carcinogenic process.
Alterations in the dynamics of circulating ghrelin, adiponectin, and leptin in human obesity

Ghrelin plays a key role in the regulation of growth hormone secretion and energy homeostasis. Adiponectin is exclusively secreted by adipose tissue and is abundantly present in the circulation, with important effects on metabolism. We studied five lean and five obese young men [ages: 24.2 ± 1.0 (lean) and 21.8 ± 1.6 (obese) years (difference not significant); body mass indexes: 35.0 ± 1.3 and 23.0 ± 0.3 kg/m2 (P = 0.01)], sampled blood every 7 min over 24 h, and measured ghrelin, adiponectin, and leptin in 2,070 samples for a total of 6,210 data points. Circulating 24-h ghrelin showed significant ultradian fluctuations and an orderly pattern of release in lean and obese subjects with similar pulsatility characteristics. Plasma adiponectin concentrations were significantly lower in the obese group, with lower pulse height. In contrast to leptin, which is secreted in an orderly manner, the 24-h patterns of adiponectin were not significantly different from random in both the lean and obese groups. We show here that adipocytes can simultaneously secrete certain hormones, such as leptin, in patterns that are orderly, whereas other hormones, such as adiponectin, are secreted in patterns that appear to be random. The cross-approximate entropy statistic revealed pattern synchrony among ghrelin–leptin, ghrelin–adiponectin, and leptin–adiponectin hormone time series in the lean and obese subjects. Plasma ghrelin concentrations showed a nocturnal rise that exceeded the meal-associated increases in lean subjects, and this newly identified nocturnal rise was blunted in the obese. We suggest that the blunting of the nocturnal rise of ghrelin is a biological feature of human obesity.
Residential Housing Choice in a Multihazard Environment: Implications for Natural Hazards Mitigation and Community Environmental Justice

This study examines residents’ housing decisions in a multihazard environment (flood, hurricane, and toxic chemicals). The combination of a hedonic price model and a household survey conducted in H...
Cultural intensity and planting density effects on aboveground biomass of 12-year-old loblolly pine trees in the Upper Coastal Plain and Piedmont of the southeastern United States

Abstract We examined the effects of cultural intensity (operational and intensive), planting density (741, 1483, 2224, 2965, 3706 and 4448 trees ha−1) and their interaction on aboveground biomass accumulation and allocation for 12-year-old loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) trees in the Upper Coastal Plain and Piedmont of the southeastern United States. Cultural intensity significantly affected accumulation of stem, bark, dead-branch and total aboveground biomass and biomass allocation in the dead-branch component. Accumulation of total aboveground biomass and each component biomass and biomass allocation to each component were significantly affected by planting density. The only significant culture × density interaction was for dead-branch biomass accumulation.
A novel ammonia–carbon dioxide osmotic heat engine for power generation

Abstract A novel method of converting thermal energy into mechanical work is presented, using semi-permeable membranes to convert osmotic pressure into electrical power. This method, a closed cycle pressure-retarded osmosis (PRO) process known as an osmotic heat engine (OHE), uses a concentrated ammonia–carbon dioxide draw solution to create high osmotic pressures which generate water flux through a semi-permeable membrane against a hydraulic pressure gradient. The depressurization of the increased draw solution volume in a turbine produces electrical power. The process is maintained in steady state operation through the separation of the diluted draw solution into a re-concentrated draw solution and (nearly) deionized water working fluid, both for reuse in the engine. The use of deionized water working fluid has been shown to allow for high membrane water flux and efficient mass transport, as internal concentration polarization effects are eliminated. Modeling of the engine indicates that membrane power density may exceed 200 W/m2, given appropriate operating conditions. The thermal efficiency of the engine is predicted to approach a maximum of 16% of Carnot efficiency (maximum theoretical engine efficiency), with practical efficiencies most likely in the range of 5–10% of Carnot efficiency. The temperature of heat used for the engine may be very low (40 °C with a 20 °C ambient temperature), allowing for the production of potentially low cost, carbon neutral power from waste heat, low temperature geothermal reservoirs, or other non-combustion thermal energy sources. This combination of a highly concentrated NH3/CO2 draw solution and a deionized working fluid may allow for highly effective power generation from osmotic pressure gradients.
Echocardiographic abnormalities and disease severity in Fabry's disease

Fabry's disease is an X-linked recessive genetic deficiency of the enzyme alpha-galactosidase A, which leads to the pathologic deposition of neutral glycosphingolipids in lysosomes of the vascular endothelium of the heart, brain and kidney. The disease is progressive in hemizygous male patients, with increasing involvement of the major organs leading to death. Because cardiac involvement is a constant feature, echocardiograms were performed on 35 patients with Fabry's disease, 23 hemizygotes (aged 28.6 ± 14 years) and 12 heterozygotes (aged 31.6 ± 6 years), to determine whether cardiac involvement could be detected noninvasively. The results demonstrated that hemizygous male patients had a greater aortic root diameter, thicker interventricular septum and greater ventricular mass than did heterozygous female patients. Left ventricular mass per square meter of body surface area correlated well with clinical disease severity (r = 0.68, p 25 years old) had more severe evidence of cardiac disease than did younger male patients. Although mitral valve prolapse was identified in 12 (54%) of 23 male hemizygotes and in 7 (58%) of 12 female heterozygotes, its presence did not correlate with clinical disease severity or other echocardiographic variables. Therefore, echocardiographic evidence of Fabry's disease appears to correlate with age-related disease severity and may be a useful noninvasive marker to follow disease progression and possible regression when appropriate therapy becomes available.
Experimental studies of competition in salt marsh juvenile fish (Fundulus heteroclitus Linnaeus) and shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio Holthuis) in laboratory microcosms

Abstract The presence and significance of interspecific interactions between larval killifish ( Fundulus heteroclitus Linnaeus) and postlarval grass shrimp ( Palaemonetes pugio Holthuis) were studied in laboratory microcosms. Densities and species combinations were manipulated in microcosms containing salt marsh sediments and naturally occurring metazoan food resources. Shrimp exhibited reduced growth in the presence of fish, but fish survival and growth were unaffected by the presence of shrimp, indicating an asymmetrical competitive interaction. Negative effects on shrimp growth were evident when the ratio of fish to shrimp was 2:1, but effects were not apparent at a 1:1 ratio. The results of the laboratory studies provided useful baseline information for the design of subsequent field experiments on size-dependent interactions between larval fish and shrimp in a salt marsh environment.
The basal ganglia : An overview of circuits and function

The technique of electrical stimulation of brain tissue-known clinically as deep brain stimulation (DBS)-is at the fore of treatment of human neurological disease. Here we provide a general overview highlighting the anatomy and circuitry of the basal ganglia (BG). We introduce common disease states associated with BG dysfunction and current hypotheses of BG function. Throughout this introductory review we direct the reader to other reviews in this special issue of Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews highlighting the interaction between basic science and clinical investigation to more fully understand the BG in both health and disease.
Musical Acoustics of Orchestral Water Crotales

An experimental investigation of orchestral crotale vibrational modes in water is presented, along with a qualitative virtual mass model describing the observed effects. Changes in frequency, overtone ratio, and mode splitting as a function of water depth are reported for a C6 crotale using electronic speckle-pattern interferometry. These data are related to perceived changes in pitch and timbre, along with the creation of audible beats at particular water depths. It is also shown that the suspension method used by musicians when dipping crotales into water leads to the creation of additional acoustically significant modes that are not excited when the crotales are mounted in the standard manner.
A nomogram for estimating the probability of ovarian cancer.

Abstract Objective Accurate preoperative estimates of the probability of malignancy in women with adnexal masses are essential for ensuring optimal care. This study presents a new statistical model for combining predictive information and a graphic decision support tool for calculating risk of malignancy. Methods The study included 153 women treated with definitive surgery for adnexal mass between 2001 and 2007 with preoperative ultrasound testing and a serum CA125. Multivariable logistic regression was used to develop a statistical model for estimating the probability of ovarian cancer as a function of age, ultrasound score, and CA125 value, with adjustments for nonlinear and interactive relationships. Results A total of 20 cases of pathologically confirmed cancer (13 invasive malignancies, and 7 tumors of low malignant potential) were identified (20/153=13%). The model obtained excellent discrimination (ROC area=0.87), explained nearly half of the observed variation in the risk of malignancy (R 2 =0.43), and was well calibrated across the full range of malignancy probabilities. The model equation is represented in the form of a nomogram, which can be used to calculate preoperative probability of malignancy. At a 5% risk of malignancy threshold, the model has a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 73%. Conclusions Statistical models for estimating the probability of adnexal mass malignancy are substantially improved by including adjustments for non-linear relationships among key variables. A clinically relevant nomogram provides an objective tool to further aid clinicians in counseling patients and ensuring proper referral to surgical sub-specialists when indicated.
Comparison of Field Switching Surge Measurements with Transient Network Analyzer Measurements

Switching-surge overvoltages are a major concern in the establishment of insulation levels of modern EHV and UHV power systems. Transient Network Analyzer (TNA) and digital model simulations of these systems are the primary means of determining what the insulation levels should be before the actual systems are constructed.
Isotopies of 3-manifolds

Abstract An isotopy of a manifold M that starts and ends at the identity diffeomorphism determines an element of π 1 (Diff( M )). For compact orientable 3-manifolds with at least three nonsimply connected prime summands, or with one S 2 × S 1 summand and one other prime summand with infinite fundamental group, infinitely many integrally linearly independent isotopies are constructed, showing that π 1 (Diff( M )) is not finitely generated. The proof requires the assumption that the fundamental group of each prime summand with finite fundamental group imbeds as a subgroup of SO(4) that acts freely on S 3 (conjecturally, all 3-manifolds with finite fundamental group satisfy this assumption). On the other hand, if M is the connected sum of two irreducible summands, and for each irreducible summand P of M , π 1 (Diff( P )) is finitely generated, then results of Jahren and Hatcher imply that π 1 (Diff( M )) is finitely generated. The isotopies are constructed on submanifolds of M which are homotopy equivalent to a 1-point union of two 2-spheres and some finite number of circles. The integral linear independence is proven by obstruction-theoretic methods.
An unprecedented bonding mode for potassium within a PCP-pincer palladium hydride–K-Selectride® complex

Abstract The reaction of (PCP)i-PrPdCl and the commonly-used reductant K-Selectride® solution [K(sec-Bu3BH) in THF] does not yield a simple (PCP)i-PrPdH species, but rather an adduct of the Pd–H that contains bound K(sec-Bu3BH). This adduct has been characterized by X-ray crystallography and shown to be a centrosymmetric dimer in the solid state. The most unique feature of the structure is that the tri-coordinate K+ ion bonds only to the terminal palladium hydride and the two bridging boron hydrides. Despite being prepared in THF, no other donor ligands are bound to K+. This [H3K]+ bonding mode for K+ ions has not been previously reported.
Effects of texture, microstructure, and alloy content on electromigration of aluminum-based metallization

The role of microstructure is becoming increasingly important as minimum feature sizes decrease in succeeding generations of devices. To insure reliability, advances have been made in aluminum-based interconnects in the form of new metallurgies and multilayer metal structures. The interplay of metallurgy and microstructure now must be understood in lines with widths less than 0.5 micrometers . This paper will analyze the texture effects on electromigration behavior in pure Al, AlCu, and multilayer Ti/AlCu/Ti metallurgies being mindful that the texture is inseparable from other aspects of microstructure such as grain size and grain size distribution. An increasingly strong (111) textures shows higher mean time to failure and lower dispersion. Preliminary results indicate that narrow line widths produce higher dispersion of failure times regardless of the texture. The texture depends on deposition conditions, annealing conditions, and type of substrate (amorphous or oriented crystalline) whereas alloy content alone has not been found to have a measurable effect on the texture. In general, sputtered textures are sharper (lower spread of the (111) fiber distribution) than evaporated textures. Annealing at temperatures sufficiently high to induce grain growth sharpens the (111) texture and/or decreases the fraction of randomly oriented grains. Finally, deposition on a thin, highly textured titanium underlayer sharpens the subsequent aluminum alloy texture.
A parallel aerostructural optimization framework for aircraft design studies

Preliminary aircraft design studies use structural weight models that are calibrated with data from existing aircraft. Computing weights with these models is a fast procedure that provides reliable weight estimates when the candidate designs lie within the domain of the data used for calibration. However, this limitation is too restrictive when we wish to assess the relative benefits of new structural technologies and new aircraft configurations early in the design process. To address this limitation, we present a computationally efficient aerostructural design framework for initial aircraft design studies that uses a full finite-element model of key structural components to better assess the potential benefits of new technologies. We use a three-dimensional panel method to predict the aerodynamic forces and couple the lifting surface deflections to compute the deformed aerodynamic flying shape. To be used early in the design cycle, the aerostructural computations must be fast, robust, and allow for significant design flexibility. To address these requirements, we develop a geometry parametrization technique that enables large geometric modifications, we implement a parallel Newton---Krylov approach that is robust and computationally efficient to solve the aeroelastic system, and we develop an adjoint-based derivative evaluation method to compute the derivatives of functions of interest for design optimization. To demonstrate the capabilities of the framework, we present a design optimization of a large transport aircraft wing that includes a detailed structural design parametrization. The results demonstrate that the proposed framework can be used to make detailed structural design decisions to meet overall aircraft mission requirements.
HL-A antigens on cells isolated from malignant and nonmalignant lymph nodes.

HL-A profiles of peripheral lymphocytes and isolated lymph node cells were compared in 10 patients, of whom seven had lymphorecticular malignancy. No significant differences were noted.
Levels of 26 elements in infant formula from USA, UK, and Nigeria by microwave digestion and ICP–OES

Abstract The presence of toxic elements in powdered and liquid infant milk may create significant health problems for infants. Babies (0–6 months old) may be more at risk because their only food may be infant formula. In this study, infant formula samples sold in major supermarket chains in Nigeria, the UK and USA were analyzed for their metal contents and estimated daily intakes of these elements were determined. Seventeen brands (three samples per brand) of infant formula samples were analyzed for various essential (Ca, Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, and Zn) and non-essential (Ag, Al, As, Ba, Be, Cd, Hg, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn, Sr, Ti, Tl, U, and V) elements. Known weights and aliquots of the dry, powdered and liquid infant milk, respectively, were digested on the Ethos Plus microwave labstation. Digests were then analyzed with Perkin-Elmer DV 3300 inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometer (ICP–OES). The observed values of SRM 8435 (Whole Milk Powder) analyzed using the same procedure were in agreement with the NIST certified values. The mean concentrations of the elements in milk-based and soy-based formulas, estimated mean daily intakes through infant formulas, and analysis of variances (ANOVA) across infant formula brands are presented. The results suggest that soy-based powder infant formulas generally had higher element levels than milk-based powder formulations, irrespective of source. The European Union (EU) drinking water maximum admissible concentrations for aluminium and barium and the US EPA standard for thallium were violated in some infant formula brands. Cadmium, lead, nickel and chromium were below their respective limits in drinking water and, also, the estimated daily intakes of Pb and Cd from infant formula were below the FAO/WHO Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives recommended provisional tolerable weekly intakes (PTWI) of 25 and 70 μg/kg body weight, respectively. Some brands had low nutritional contents when compared with the recommended dietary allowances (RDA) and dietary reference intakes (DRI) for use in North America. Only brands 7–9 and 12 (UK), and brands 13, 16 and 17 (USA) met the DRI for zinc. The daily intakes of iron (5.03 mg/day) from brand 2 (UK) and magnesium (23.9 mg/day) from brand 10 (UK) were below their respective recommended intake values. However, all the brands met the calcium DRI value of 210 mg/day.
2,6-Difluoropyridine

As part of a programme involving the investigation of general laboratory methods for the preparation of fluoropyridines1, we wish to report the synthesis of 2,6-difluoropyridine. The only other recorded example of a pyridine containing more than one nuclear fluorine is pentafluoropyridine2,3, which was prepared by methods best suited for the synthesis of perfluoro-aromatic compounds.
Recognition of Childhood Overweight during Health Supervision Visits: Does BMI Help Pediatricians?

Objective: To assess, in diverse pediatric practices, the frequency of overweight/obesity (OW/OB) identification during health supervision visits and its association with BMI curve use. Research Methods and Procedures: Pediatricians in public and private practice in St. Louis, MO, participated in a study of the care of chronic conditions during health supervision visits. Requested information from 30 visits per pediatrician of children 6 to 17 years of age included the visit note, the growth chart, and a one-page questionnaire about patient demographics and visit content. Pediatricians indicated the presence and discussion of common chronic conditions, including OW/OB. Identification was compared with patient BMI category, and associations between identification and patient and visit characteristics, including BMI curve use, were examined. Results: Twenty-one (40%) of contacted pediatricians returned information from 557 visits. Pediatricians identified OW/OB in 27% of children with a BMI at the 85th to 94th percentile and 86% of children with a BMI at or above the 95th percentile. Identification was higher in adolescents but was not associated with patient sex or race, practice setting, insurance type, or visit length. Only 41% of growth charts were current, and 6.1% had BMI plotted. BMI plotting was associated with OW/OB identification when the BMI was at the 85th to 94th percentile but not when the BMI was at or above the 95th percentile. After controlling for BMI percentile, OW/OB identification was significantly associated with diet counseling (odds ratio, 7.46; 95% confidence interval, 3.42 to 16.24) and exercise counseling (odds ratio, 5.57; 95% confidence interval, 2.61 to 11.90). Discussion: Despite low BMI curve use, pediatricians recognized most overweight/obese children with a BMI at or above the 95th percentile. BMI plotting may increase recognition in mildly overweight children.
The Contribution of Symbolic Skills to the Development of an Explicit Theory of Mind

Theorists have speculated about the symbolic underpinnings of theory of mind (ToM), but no study has examined them across the main developmental span of ToM. Here, the onset of symbolic understandings in three domains (pretend play, language, and understanding representations) and ToM was examined. Fifty-eight children were tested on batteries of tasks four times from ages 2.5 to 5 years. Some significant interrelations among variables were seen at each age level. Canonical correlation analysis found that a subset of the symbolic variables was significantly related to ToM at ages 4 and 5, providing the best evidence to date that ToM is undergirded by a symbolic element that also supports language, pretend play, and representational understanding.
DNA-dependent RNA polymerases from Drosophila melanogaster adults: Isolation and partial characterization

In preparation for the isolation and biochemical characterization of putative RNA polymerase mutants, DNA-dependent RNA polymerases of Drosophila melanogaster adults were isolated and partially characterized. Approximately 70% of the female adult RNA polymerase is located in ovaries. Multiple forms of ovarian RNA polymerases I and II are separable by DEAE-Sephadex chromatography. The two forms of RNA polymerase II differ in ammonium sulfate optima. RNA polymerase IIA is more active with double-stranded DNA as template, whereas RNA polymerase IIB transcribes single-stranded DNA most efficiently. Rechromatography of RNA polymerase IIA on DEAE-Sephadex results in the loss of ability of this form to transcribed double-stranded DNA most efficiently. Ovariectomized carcasses have two forms of RNA polymerase I and one form of RNA polymerase II and each transcribes single-stranded DNA most efficiently. As judged by gel filtration chromatography, female adult extracts have forms of RNA polymerase II that differ in molecular weight and template preference.
Variation of modal properties induced by combined effects of temperature and boundary condition

Changes in environmental conditions (such as temperature and humidity) and boundary conditions have been observed to have significant impact on structure's dynamic properties [1-6]. In general, environmental factors affect structures in a complicated manner such that it may result in support movement to strengthen or weaken the constraints [6]. Such changes of boundary conditions also can lead to significant variation of structure’s modal properties. However, few studies have considered the existence of both temperature and boundary condition as the combined contributing factors in changing structure’s dynamic properties. This paper proposes a numerical study to analyze structure’s dynamic properties under combined influence of temperature and boundary condition. A beam finite element model that can consider the changes in both temperature and boundary condition is established. Numerical study is conducted to reveal the relationship between the variation of the beam’s dynamic properties and the changes of its boundary condition as well as ambient temperature. The obtained conclusion will provide insights of the influence of these two factors on future dynamic based structural health monitoring studies.
Ontogenetic adaptation and learning: A developmental constraint in learning for a thermal reinforcer.

Hoffman, Flory, and Alberts (1999) demonstrated that 1-, 5-, and 11-day-old rats in a cool environment (25°C) acquired an operant head-turning response when rewarded with a 20-s warming of the platform on which they lay. In the current experiment 5- and 11-day-old rats in a hot environment (40°C) acquired the head-turning response when rewarded with a 20-s cooling of the platform on which they lay, but 1-day-olds did not. The concept of ontogenetic adaptation helps us interpret these results: Neonatal thermotaxis constrains the 1-day-olds from learning a novel operant response for a cool reinforcer in a hot environment. Because the thermotaxis wanes from birth, it is not as strong in 5- and 11-day-old pups that are thus able to learn the operant for a cool reinforcer. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 34: 73–86, 1999
A QUASI-PASSIVE LEG EXOSKELETON FOR LOAD-CARRYING AUGMENTATION

A quasi-passive leg exoskeleton is presented for load-carrying augmentation during walking. The exoskeleton has no actuators, only ankle and hip springs and a knee variabledamper. Without a payload, the exoskeleton weighs 11.7 kg and requires only 2 Watts of electrical power during loaded walking. For a 36 kg payload, we demonstrate that the quasi-passive exoskeleton transfers on average 80% of the load to the ground during the single support phase of walking. By measuring the rate of oxygen consumption on a study participant walking at a self-selected speed, we find that the exoskeleton slightly increases the walking metabolic cost of transport (COT) as compared to a standard loaded backpack (10% increase). However, a similar exoskeleton without joint springs or damping control (zero-impedance exoskeleton) is found to increase COT by 23% compared to the loaded backpack, highlighting the benefits of passive and quasi-passive joint mechanisms in the design of efficient, low-mass leg exoskeletons.
Struggling to Be Seen and Heard: The Underserved and Unserved Populations

Objective: The purpose of this paper is to provide some current information on the topic of the underserved and unserved populations including modern-day slaves,
Gains in mortality from biomedical research 1930–1975: An initial assessment☆

Abstract To discern the impact of biomedical and technological advances on reduction in U.S. death rates, we have adopted a model in which the overall decline in mortality rate is partitioned into relative shares by major contributing factors, including economic, societal, environmental and biomedical research efforts. Mutliple regression analysis over the 1930–1975 time period indicates that biomedical research has had a significant negative effect on age-adjusted mortality rates, accounting for approx 20–25% of the decline. The human capital value of the lives saved by biomedical research, which captures only a portion of the benefits produced, far outweighs the research expenditures of about $70 billion (in 1975 dollars) over the time period.
Human reach envelope and zone differentiation for ergonomic design

In human-centric design, the human reach envelope is one of the most important components to help layout design for workstations, vehicles, and aircrafts. It also can help people to study the range of motion of different body segments. Various methods have been developed to determine human reach envelopes. This article presents different methods and common challenges. Human reach envelopes only give feedback concerning whether a point is reachable. This is not enough for the designers. The more important information the designers need to know is the zones with different discomfort levels. This capability is a powerful tool for ergonomic designers. In addition, a methodology for workspace solid zone differentiation or surface zone differentiation in the three-dimensional space is presented. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spirometric versus Fick-derived oxygen consumption: which method is better?

Objective Oxygen consumption (VO2) is often measured in critically ill patients using the Fick equation: VO2 equals cardiac output times arterial-venous oxygen content difference. To determine if this method is accurate, it was compared with a spirometric technique. Design Prospective study. Setting University laboratory. Subjects Nineteen large adult pigs. Interventions Cardiac output, measured with bolus thermodilution technique, and arterial and venous oxygen content values, determined with the galvanic fuel cell method, were used to determine VO2 with the Fick equation. The spirometrically determined VO2 was the rate of disappearance of oxygen from a water-sealed spirometer. Dobutamine and labetalol were titrated to vary VO2 (range 204 to 584 mL/min). Measurements and Main Results The bias between the Fick and spirometrically determined VO2 values was 58 mL/min. The precision (SD of the bias) between the Fick and spirometrically determined VO2 was 35 mL/min. Fick-derived VO2 was greater than VO2 measured spirometrically. The correlation coefficient was 0.90. Conclusions Despite all attempts to reduce measurement error, there was an unexplained difference in Fick-derived and spirometrically measured VO2. Therefore, I feel that the two methods are not interchangeable, and that calculations of VO sub 2 using the Fick method should be used cautiously when therapeutic maneuvers are based on these data. Crit Care Med 1996; 24 91-95)