cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tuning the charge transfer character of the multiexciton state in singlet fission.

Intramolecular singlet fission (SF) produces the multiexciton correlated triplet pair state, (T1T1), prior to the formation of free triplet excitons. The nature of the multiexciton state is complex, as generation of the (T1T1) state may involve a charge transfer (CT) intermediate and has been shown to have both mixed electronic and spin characters. According to transient absorption spectroscopy, a linear terrylene-3,4:11,12-bis(dicarboximide) dimer (TDI2) exhibits solvent-dependent excited-state dynamics. As solvent polarity increases from 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene (e = 2.2) to chlorobenzene (e = 5.6) to 1,2-dichlorobenzene (e = 9.9), the SF rate in TDI2 increases and the multiexciton state, which can be thought of as a linear combination of the 1(S1S0), CT, and (T1T1) states, gains more CT character. Eventually, the CT state becomes a trap state as indicated by symmetry-breaking charge separation in TDI2 in pyridine (e = 12.3). The dielectric environment influences not only the SF rate and the relative contributions of the 1(S1S0), CT, and (T1T1) states to the overall multiexciton state but also the rate at which the state mixing evolves, with faster dynamics in higher polarity solvents. More importantly, the tunability and presence of strong CT character in the multiexciton state have implications for SF applications since they often rely on electron transfer from the free triplet excitons. This enhanced CT character in the (T1T1) state may assist with two-electron transfer directly from the (T1T1) state, allowing for facile extraction of charges in intramolecular SF systems whose (T1T1) states do not always efficiently dissociate to two triplet excitons.
Abstract 5709: Disruption of mitochondrial metabolism underlies the efficacy of devimistat in acute myeloid leukemia

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains an agressive malignancy with poor clinical outcomes, particularly in older patients. Dysregulated metabolism has long presented a promising target for cancer therapeutics; however, the development of clinical-stage therapies targeting cancer cell metabolism has been limited and faces challenges to achieve both efficacy and acceptable toxicity. As an exception, the lipoic acid analogue devimistat has shown positive clinical outcomes in numerous early-phase clinical trials including for relapsed and refractory AML patients. While inhibition of lipoic acid-dependent ketoacid dehydrogenase (KADH) enzymes has been proposed as the mechanism of these antineoplastic effects, the mechanisms underlying the efficacy devimistat and its possible relation to metabolism in patients has not been established. Methods: Samples of bone marrow and blood plasma from patients with relapsed or refractory AML before and after treatment with devimistat were collected. The samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) methods to profile ~400 polar metabolites. Kinetic flux profiling in cultured cancer cell lines treated with devimistat was also performed. Results: Analysis of blood plasma samples collected following devimistat treatment revealed detectable levels of drug, consistent with clinically therapeutic concentrations. Comprehensive metabolite profiling of pretreatment and posttreatment blood plasma samples revealed distinct metabolic alterations induced by devimistat administration. Devimistat is thought to inhibit ketoacid dehydrogenase (KADH) enzyme, and consistent with this proposed mechanism of action, accumulations of KADH substrates were observed in the posttreatment samples. Local metabolism in the tumor microenvironment was also altered by devimistat therapy, with robust reductions of TCA intermediates measured in bone marrow plasma samples collected after treatment. Interestingly, quantification of these metabolites revealed an association between overall clinical outcomes and changes in concentrations of bone marrow metabolites. Kinetic flux tracing demonstrated an expected reduction of mitochondrial metabolic flux in cultured tumor cells following treatment with devimistat. Conclusions: Comprehensive metabolite profiling reveals that devimistat targets KADH enzymes and reduces mitochondrial metabolism in humans. Furthermore, these metabolic changes are quantitatively associated with clinical outcomes, posing a potential opportunity for biomarker development and precision metabolic therapy. Citation Format: Michael A. Reid, Shree Bose, Zhengtao Xiao, Peter G. Mikhael, Juan Liu, Jason W. Locasale, Timothy S. Pardee. Disruption of mitochondrial metabolism underlies the efficacy of devimistat in acute myeloid leukemia [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 5709.
Safety and outcomes of outpatient compared to inpatient total knee arthroplasty: a national retrospective cohort study

Background Many factors are driving total knee arthroplasty to be performed more commonly as an outpatient ( Methods The 2015 and 2016 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data sets were queried to extract patients who underwent primary, elective, unilateral total knee arthroplasty. The primary outcome was serious adverse events defined by a composite outcome including: return to operating room, wound-related infection, thromboembolic event, renal failure, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest requiring cardiopulmonary resuscitation, cerebrovascular accident, use of ventilator >48 hours, unplanned intubation, sepsis/septic shock, and death. Propensity matched analysis was used to adjust for potential confounding covariates. Results 1099 patients undergoing outpatient total knee arthroplasty (1% of total cases) were successfully matched to 1099 patients undergoing inpatient surgeries. The composite rate of serious adverse events was greater in outpatient procedures compared with inpatient procedures (3.18% vs 1.36%, p=0.005). In contrast, failure to rescue and readmission rates were not different between groups. Conclusions Outpatient total knee arthroplasty is associated with a higher composite risk of serious adverse events than inpatient procedures. Anesthesiologists and surgeons should inform patients and discuss this information when obtaining consent for surgery and planning for discharge timing.
Initial Reliability and Validity testing of the DESTINY Stroke and Large Vessel Screening Tool

Background: Screening is a valuable tool in emergency medicine for triaging, activation of protocols, and resource allocation. The Dallas Emergency Department Screening Tool to Identify Stroke (DESTINY) was developed to screen for all stroke subtypes, with improved sensitivity for posterior circulation stroke and large vessel occlusion (LVO). The main purpose of this study was to evaluate how reliably the tool could be taught and used by ED Nurses. Methods: This is Phase 1 of a multi-phase study to evaluate the DESTINY tool. A vascular neurologist retrospectively reviewed 409 stroke code activations between January and December of 2018. Thirty descriptive vignettes were composed: right anterior circulation stroke (n=5), left anterior circulation stroke (n=5), posterior circulation stroke (n=5), TIA and stroke mimic (n=6), non-LVO stroke (n=5), and hemorrhagic stroke (n= 4). Fifteen emergency medicine registered nurses used the DESTINY tool to screen the vignettes following the stroke education and DESTINY training module. Results: Individual Pearson Correlation Coefficients (PCC) were calculated for each nurse compared to the vascular neurologist (range: 0.43860 to 0.96966; mean: 0.8746 ± 0.1484). All individual PCC were statistically significant except for one [PCC of 0.43860 (p = 0.0153)]. Cronbach’s Alpha scores were very similar across multiple raters (standardized alpha for nurse raters: 0.9853). Omnibus test to compare DESTINY scores by stroke type demonstrated left anterior LVO and mimic/TIA stroke had few outlier observations, however, poorly differentiated hemorrhagic from ischemic stroke Conclusion: As demonstrated by high interrater reliability, the DESTINY tool can be effectively taught to ED nurses using clinical vignettes. The DESTINY tool is good at differentiating non-LVO, anterior LVO, mimics, and TIAs; while the ability to distinguish between anterior LVO/posterior LVO and ischemic/hemorrhagic stroke was sub-optimal. Utilizing the lessons learned in the early version of the DESTINY screening tool we expect that the high-reliability scores will continue to improve in future prospective studies.
Survival analysis-part 3: intermediate events and the importance of competing risks.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES Understand what events can be labelled as intermediate events in survival analysis.Understand why the Kaplan and Meier method cannot be used in the presence of competing events.Regression analysis in the presence of competing events.
How to Compose a Landscape: Reflections on Procedure in César Aira’s An Episode in the Life of a Landscape Painter

In Cesar Aira’s short novel, An Episode in the Life of a Landscape Painter, the narrator describes the work and travels of German landscape painter, Johann Moritz Rugendas, in the Argentinian countryside. Rugendas, a landscape painter inspired by the work of naturalist, Alexander von Humboldt, commits himself to a strict procedure that attempts to document not only the variety of organisms in a given landscape, but also their relationship to one another. Rugendas and his fellow painter, Robert Krause, practice the Humboldtian procedure while reflecting upon and discussing matters related to artistic representation and composition. Those conversations also reflect the perspective of a contemporary Argentinian novelist, who also happens to obsess over the procedures and tools that define the work of art, and writing. While the novel begins as a biographical account of a specific trip Rugendas took to South America, it changes course near the middle when the painter is struck by lightning, twice, and is subsequently violently dragged across the pampas by his frightened horse. At this turning point, Aira’s novel, and Rugendas’s life, becomes increasing surreal, yet the painter never turns his back on the procedure. An Episode on the Life of a Landscape remains a meditation on artistic mediation, drawing attention to the eye and hand of the artist in the act of composition.
Comparison of Neurologic Complications of Veno-arterial Versus Veno-venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (1004)

Objective: We aimed to compare the prevalence of neurologic complications between patients undergoing veno-arterial (VA) and veno-venous (VV) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) Background: Despite a significant increase in the use of ECMO over the last decade, acute brain injury and neurologic complications are common. There has been little research comparing the rate of neurologic complications between VA-ECMO versus VV-ECMO Design/Methods: Following the Preferred Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, we searched PubMed and 6 other databases for observational studies and randomized clinical trials (RCTs) reporting neurologic complications and survival data of adult patients receiving VA- and VV-ECMO. Results: Of 9,056 studies screened, 53 studies met the inclusion criteria including 1 RCT and 52 observational studies. These encompassed 14,977 patients on ECMO, of whom 7,369 (49%) underwent VA-ECMO and 7,608 (51%) underwent VV-ECMO. The median age was 51 years (interquartile range: 44–56) with 9,491 (63%) males. Compared with VV-ECMO patients, VA-ECMO patients had higher prevalence of overall neurologic complications (17% [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.12–0.23] vs 10% [95% CI 0.07–0.15]; p=0.02). Specifically, VA-ECMO patients had higher rates of ischemic stroke (9% [95% CI 0.06 – 0.13] vs 1% [95% CI 0.00–0.03]; p Conclusions: Patients on VA-ECMO support have a higher risk of neurologic injury compared to VV-ECMO. Ischemic stroke, hypoxic ischemic brain injury, and brain death were more common in VA-ECMO patients. The rate of intracranial hemorrhage was similar between VA- and VV-ECMO patients. Disclosure: Dr. Shoskes has nothing to disclose. Dr. Migdady has nothing to disclose. Dr. Deshpande has nothing to disclose. Dr. Price has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hassett has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hernandez has nothing to disclose. Dr. Cho has nothing to disclose.
THE 1992 GRAIN HARVEST IN RUSSIA AND THE REPUBLICS

A prominent analyst of Soviet agricultural developments examines the 1992 grain harvest in the former Soviet republics. Coverage includes selective attention to the effects of such factors as weather (both losses from drought and from winterkill), farmers' economic calculations (purchase prices, alternative markets, etc.), the availability of inputs, and measures undertaken at the local level to support the harvest. The assessment provided here indicates that earlier projections of a dramatically smaller 1992 grain harvest have been overstated and outlines measures that can be implemented to reduce dependency on grain imports.
Molecular Imaging: A Convergence of Technologies

While novel diagnostic techniques are undoubtedly required for improved healthcare, it is unlikely that a single diagnostic tool will meet current demands for diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for a broad range of diseases. Integration of complementary tools will afford significant improvements, but it is likely that instrumental limitations will still hamper diagnostic accuracy. A combination of advanced imaging strategies and novel, disease specific molecular beacons may offer a way forward.
A systematic approach for automated reaction network generation

Abstract In this work, we propose a systematic approach to gather reaction mechanism knowledge and automatically generate reaction networks based on this knowledge. Ontologies are created to model all related information and knowledge. Ontologies for molecule patterns, as well as elementary reaction operations have been created. The reasoning capability provided for an ontology is used to classify molecules or fragments to predefined molecule patterns. A reaction mechanism is modeled as a set of individuals of the defined ontology. The semantic consistency between the elementary steps in reaction mechanism is also validated using the reasoning capability. An execution engine has been developed to automatically generate reaction network, given the reaction mechanisms and molecules. The reaction mechanism knowledge stored in the system can also be easily reused to create new reaction mechnisms.
Temporal patterns and controls on runoff magnitude and solution chemistry of urban catchments in the semiarid southwestern United States

Urban expansion and the scarcity of water supplies in arid and semiarid regions have increased the importance of urban runoff to localized water resources. However, urban catchment responses to precipitation are poorly understood in semiarid regions where intense rainfall often results in large runoff events during the short summer monsoon season. To evaluate how urban runoff quantity and quality respond to rainfall magnitude and timing, we collected stream stage data and runoff samples throughout the 2007 and 2008 summer monsoons from four ephemeral drainages in Tucson, Arizona. Antecedent rainfall explained 20% to 30% of discharge (mm) and runoff ratio in the least impervious (22%) catchment but was not statistically related to hydrologic responses at more impervious sites. Regression models indicated that rainfall depth, imperviousness and their combined effect control discharge and runoff ratios (p < 0.01, r2 = 0.91 and 0.75, respectively). In contrast, runoff quality did not vary with imperviousness or catchment size. Rainfall depth and duration, time since antecedent rainfall and event and cumulative discharge controlled runoff hydrochemistry and resulted in five specific solute response patterns: (i) strong event and seasonal solute mobilization (solute flush), (ii) event chemostasis and strong seasonal flush, (iii) event chemostasis and weak seasonal flush, (iv) event and seasonal chemostasis and (v) late seasonal flush. Our results indicate that hydrologic responses of semiarid catchments are controlled by rainfall partitioning at the event scale, whereas wetting magnitude, frequency and timing alter solute stores readily available for transport and control temporal runoff quality. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Questions vs. Queries in Informational Search Tasks

Search systems traditionally require searchers to formulate information needs as keywords rather than in a more natural form, such as questions. Recent studies have found that Web search engines are observing an increase in the fraction of queries phrased as natural language. As part of building better search engines, it is important to understand the nature and prevalence of these intentions, and the impact of this increase on search engine performance. In this work, we show that while 10.3% of queries issued to a search engine have direct question intent, only 3.2% of them are formulated as natural language questions. We investigate whether search engines perform better when search intent is stated as queries or questions, and we find that they perform equally well to both
Joint-space time delay compensation in leader-follower coordination of two manipulators using polynomial time functions

A scheme for the coordinated control of two manipulators carrying a common rigid object using discrete position feedback has been developed and experimentally tested using two PUMA robot arms and a hierarchical multiprocessor architecture. Since the research is heavily experimental, leader-follower coordination was adopted because of its computational efficiency. The computation of desired follower arm positions consumes one sampling interval. Another sampling interval is lost due to the fact that a desired follower arm position has to be computed before it can be assumed. The author emphasizes the design of a class of prediction equations to compensate for these timing delays. These equations are developed by computing an estimated model for the delayed desired follower arm trajectory using polynomial-time functions. Exact and least-squares spline fitting are used and compared. >
Induction of hepatic metallothionein in the rabbit fetus following maternal cadmium exposure.

Abstract Timed-pregnant rabbits were administered a single, sc injection of cadmium chloride (0, 0.125, 0.25, or 0.50 mg cadmium/kg body wt) 48 hr prior to being killed at term. Although the doses chosen were below that shown to produce significant fetal lethality, the 0.50 mg/kg dose did produce a significant reduction in fetal body weight, liver weight, kidney weight, and crown-rump length while having no effect on placental weight. Fetal hepatic metallothionein levels were significantly increased at all three doses; however, a significant increase in metallothionein zinc content was seen only at the two higher doses. Metal distribution studies indicated that the increase in fetal metallothionein and the accompanying increase in cytosolic zinc coincided with an apparent redistribution of the metal from extrahepatic sites to the liver. The whole fetal content of zinc was not significantly altered by the maternal administration of cadmium.
The Oklo phenomenon

Until recently, scientists believed that the chemical elements were synthesized only in stars. The discovery of the Oklo phenomenon in the Republic of Gabon in 1972 has revealed, however, that a nuclear “fire” had existed on the earth and largescale transmutations of the elements were occurring on our planet 1.7·109 years ago. The formation of natural (or Pre-Fermi) reactors is closely related to the appearance of life on our planet earth. The Pre-Fermi reactors were probably never formed until about 2·109 years ago, when oxygen was injected into the earth's atmosphere by a new generation of living organisms carrying out photosynthesis.
Displacement damage in Si imagers for space applications

Particle-induced displacement damage degrades performance parameters in state-of-the-art solid state imagers due to charge transfer inefficiency, increased dark current, and dark current spikes. This paper reviews some recent radiation damage measurements and discusses imager degradation in the context of a general understanding of how displacement damage alters semiconductor properties. An approach to predict the response of a sensor to a given space environment and shielding configuration is presented and the authors briefly discuss other displacement damage concerns such as secondary neutron production in shielding. Using an example based on limited experimental input, the authors demonstrate how higher (10 MeV) energy protons are responsible for over 90 of the damage in heavily shielded imager applications.
The yeast KEM1 gene encodes a nuclease specific for G4 tetraplex DNA: Implication of in vivo functions for this novel DNA structure

Abstract We have previously reported the identification of a G4-DNA-dependent nuclease from S. cerevisiae that recognizes a tetrastranded G4-DNA structure and cuts in a single-stranded region 5′ to the G4 structure. We purify this activity to homogeneity and show it to be the product of the S. cerevisiae KEM1 gene, which is also known as SEP1 , DST2 , XRN1 , and RAR5 . Since a homozygous deletion of the KEM1 gene blocks meiotic cells at the 4N stage, the finding of these G4-dependent DNA binding and cleavage activities for the KEM1 gene product supports the hypothesis that G4-DNA may play a role in meiosis.
Growth of single crystals from glass

Abstract A method of growing single crystals of metastable high-quartz solid solution phases from glass is described.
Solid state NMR investigation of photoresist molecular glasses including blend behavior with a photoacid generator

We have examined four molecular glass (MG) materials that show promise as photoresists for extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) lithography. These glass-forming materials were investigated by proton and 13C solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques in the bulk state as pure materials and as mixtures with (5 or 10) % by mass of the photoacid generator (PAG), triphenylsulfonium perfluorobutanesulfonate. The 13C techniques gave information about crystallinity, purity, and the qualitative existence of multiple phases. Proton studies focused on using spin diffusion to characterize the intimacy of mixing of the PAG and MG blends. The four MGs were largely aromatic materials containing several hydroxyl groups that were partially protected by t-butoxycarbonyl (t-BOC) groups. In two cases, this fraction was varied and the impact on mixing noted. Phase separation of the PAG into PAG-rich larger domains was never seen; the PAG was always finely distributed and the maximum size for any PAG clustering was estimated; however, in some cases, the average local concentration of PAG appeared to vary. Crystallinity was only seen associated with the underivatized materials implying that the mixing of the PAG with any derivatized MG was not restricted by crystallization. It was also noted that some very strong hydrogen bonds exist in three of the four underivatized materials and were eliminated or weakened upon partial derivatization with t-BOC.
Transaminase inhibitors block glycolysis and G1 to S phase progression in chick embryo fibroblasts: Reversal by α-keto acids

Two transaminase inhibitors, aminooxyacetate and cycloserine, inhibited the initiation of insulin-stimulated DNA synthesis in chick embryo fibroblasts. This inhibition was overcome when pyruvate (4 mM), oxaloacetate (4 mM), or alpha-ketobutyrate (10 mM) was included in the culture medium with hormone and inhibitor. Aminooxyacetate also inhibited lactate production in insulin-treated cultures in the absence of added alpha-keto acid.
Comparative Dermal Irritation by Tributyltin and Organotin-Containing Antifouling Paints

Comparative dermal irritation by tri-n-butyltin chloride (TBT) and organotin-containing antifouling paint formulations was determined by an occluded patch test in rabbits and assay of polymorphonuclear leukocyte migration to skin domes in rats. TBT was corrosive in the rabbit skin irritation test and a concentration of 10 μg/ml in the skin dome assay yielded 9.5 × 107 leukocytes/ml. Leukocyte recovery from control skin domes was about two orders of magnitude lower than the maximum observed TBT response. Antifouling paints tested were irritating to both intact and abraded skin. It was not possible to distinguish between paints tested by the occluded patch test but all the paints were less irritating than free TBT. Skin dome assays with paints M52 and M58 resulted in concentration-dependent profiles that resembled results with free TBT and TBT released from these paints may have contributed to results observed, Results from skin dome assays based on tin concentration using ABC 2 and SPC 4 paints did not mim...
Development of Validation Metrics for Vehicle Frontal Impact Simulation

This research addresses the development of validation metrics for vehicle frontal impact simulation. The model validation metrics provide a quantified measurement of the difference between CAE simulation and physical test. They are useful to develop an objective model evaluation procedure for eventually achieving the goal of zero or near zero prototyping. In this research, full frontal crash pulses are chosen as the key items to be compared in the vehicle frontal impact simulation. Both physics- and mathematics-based metrics are investigated. The physics-based metric include a method of using a simplified step function representation and the mathematics-based metrics include methods of wavelet decomposition, corridor violation plus area, and metrics used in a commercial code ADVISER, respectively. They are all correlated to subject matter experts’ rating through optimal weightings. A new metric, considering variabilities from both experts and metrics for frontal crash pulse, is proposed. One example is used to demonstrate its application.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Comparison Of Modeling And Experimental Results In Contrast Enhancement Lithography

Characterizing the effects of the many variables that are a part of photolithography is not an easy task. As more sophisticated patterning techniques, such as contrast enhancement lithography (CEL), are introduced the number of variables increases. Two tools are commonly used to deal with the complex task of understanding the interrelationships of these many variables: experimentation and computer simulation. While experimentation, and in particular statistically designed experiments, can give a great deal of insight into a particular system, it is often difficult to extrapolate trends outside of the experimental conditions (e.g., to other lithographic systems). Computer modeling, on the other hand, is rather poor at predicting exact outcomes of specific conditions, but is at its best when predicting trends which may exist over a broad or narrow range of conditions. There exists, however, an uncertainty as to how accurately the model reflects conditions of the real world.© (1988) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A structural model of mode-activity choice: The case of commuter rail in a medium-size metropolitan area

Abstract Commuters in a medium size city may change how they travel from day to day during the week. A structural equations model is developed to examine commuter’s planning decisions about activities and modes during a work day. The model is applied to the problem of selecting commuter rail in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina. On a typical weekday, a commuter’s mode choice is affected by activities at the destination. However, when the commuter is faced with a mix of travel modes over time, the mode choice becomes a significant predictor of non-work/school activities.
Evaluating intimate partner violence and response system in leon, Nicaragua: Perspectives from survivors and stakeholders

Background Five out of 10 married women in Nicaragua have experienced physical or sexual abuse at some point during their marriage (Ellsberg et al., 1999). Surveys collected by 360 women in the department of Leon indicate that 52% of these women have experienced physical violence by a current or former spouse (Ellsberg et al. 2001). Despite passing Law 779 addressing violence against women in June 2012, access to services for women experiencing violence is limited. To continue addressing intimate partner violence (IPV) in the department of Leon, researchers recruited residents throughout Leon to participate in a study assessing community needs in relation to IPV. Methods A qualitative study consisting of 9 focus groups was held: 3 stakeholder groups, 3 groups of women living in urban areas, and 3 groups of women living in rural areas. Each focus group contained 4-7 participants, totalling 50 participants. There were 15 stakeholders, 20 rural women, and 15 urban participants. Focus groups were moderated by 2 researchers using semi-structured guides and lasted 60-100 minutes each. Various stakeholder participants were identified by the research team while other participants were recruited through snowball sampling, where researchers asked stakeholders to identify other potential participants for stakeholder and women groups. Stakeholders could be male or female; had to be 18-years of age or older; and must be working directly with IPV-related issues. While stakeholder focus groups were conducted in the city of Leon, the participants represented both urban and rural communities. The remaining 6 focus groups were conducted with adult women participants who are residents of Leon, and who experienced IPV personally or who knew someone who had experienced IPV. Female-only groups were a priority as the majority of victims of IPV are women, and because it is recognized that gender inequality is a risk factor of IPV (WHO, 2005; Ellsberg, 2006). Urban groups were facilitated within secure areas in the city of Leon, while rural groups took place in enclosed common spaces in the individual communities. Focus groups were transcribed and coded for major themes using ATLAS Ti software. Findings Qualitative analyses revealed two overarching themes: access to appropriate services and adequate human resources to address intimate partner violence.The study was approved by the ethics board committee at UNAN and UCLA; all participants gave verbal consent to participate. Interpretation Limitations of the study were that participants self-selected to participate in the study. Overall, stakeholders, working in both private and public sectors, cited lack of properly trained human resources to respond to IPV. Family and peer support were important for women seeking help. Urban and rural focus groups desired more mental health and safe community areas as ways of helping women experiencing IPV. Language: en
B‐type natriuretic peptide level in a patient with constrictive pericarditis

We report the case of a 35-year-old man with constrictive pericarditis who had a B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level of 129 pg/dl despite a left ventricular end diastolic pressure of 35 mmHg. We discuss a possible explanation for the relatively low BNP level given this patient's markedly elevated intracavitary pressures in the setting of constrictive pericarditis.
Detection of In-Flight Propeller-Induced Structure-Borne Noise

A potentially important source of structure-borne interior noise transmission in advanced turboprop aircraft is the impingement of the propeller wake/vortex on downstream aerodynamic surfaces. It can be safely assumed that this potential source of interior noise may well adversely affect achievable interior noise levels unless noise control measures are conscientiously incorporated into the aircraft design. Through the use of a laboratory-based test apparatus, techniques were developed to estimate the level of in-flight structure-borne noise transmission from combined frequency response function ground testing and in-flight structural response measurements. All phases of the procedure were simulated in the laboratory and the expected level of accuracy of the procedure is addressed.
Nonequilibrium statistical mechanical derivation of a nonlocal Darcy's Law for unsaturated/saturated flow

As illustrated variously by wetting and drying scanning curves, flow in unsaturated porous media is inherently nonlocal. This nonlocality is also manifest in hysteresis in the classical Darcy conductivity. It is the authors' belief that most current theories of unsaturated/saturated flow are often inadequate, as they do not account for spatial nonlocality and memory. Here we provide a fundamental theory in which nonlocality of the flow constitutive theory is a natural consequence of force balances. The results are derived from general principles in statistical physics and under appropriate limiting conditions, the classical Darcy's Law is recovered for saturated flow. A notable departure in this theory from other nonlocal flow theories is that a classical Darcy type equation on a small scale need not exist.
Mexican American middle school students' goal intentions in mathematics and science: A test of social cognitive career theory.

This study examined whether sociocontextual and sociocognitive variables explained the math/science goals of 409 Mexican American youth using a modified version of R. W. Lent, S. D. Brown, and G. Hackett’s (1994) social cognitive career theory. Results from structural equation modeling indicated that the hypothesized model explained a significant amount of variance in math/science goals for both Mexican American girls and boys. Findings suggested that gender did not moderate relations among the variables in the hypothesized model. Results also suggested that most of the social cognitive career theory propositions tested were supported. Specifically, social class predicted math/science past performance accomplishments. Math/science past performance accomplishments and perceived parent support predicted math/science self-efficacy. Furthermore, math/science self-efficacy predicted math/science outcome expectations, and together with math/science interests, these sociocognitive variables predicted math/science interests and goals. Contrary to expectations, generation status, Anglo orientation, and Mexican orientation did not predict math/science past performance accomplishments, and past performance accomplishments did not predict math/science outcome expectations. Furthermore, Anglo orientation and perceived social support from parents, teachers, classmates, and a close friend did not predict math/science goals. Suggestions for future research and implications of the results are discussed.
Colloidal Au-enhanced surface plasmon resonance immunosensing.

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensing using colloidal Au enhancement is reported. Immobilization of ∼11-nm-diameter colloidal Au to an evaporated Au film results in a large shift in plasmon angle, a broadened plasmon resonance, and an increase in minimum reflectance. The incorporation of colloidal Au into SPR biosensing results in increased SPR sensitivity to protein−protein interactions when a Au film-immobilized antibody and an antigen−colloidal Au conjugate comprise the binding pair. A highly specific particle-enhanced analogue of a sandwich immunoassay is also demonstrated by complexing the Au particle to a secondary antibody. A tremendous signal amplification is observed, as addition of the antibody−Au colloid conjugate results in a 25-fold larger signal than that due to addition of a free antibody solution that is 6 orders of magnitude more concentrated. Picomolar detection of human immunoglobulin G has been realized using particle enhancement, with the theoretical limits for the technique bein...
Why can't a cell grow infinitely fast?

Living cells are esoteric physicochemical systems that have evolved to survive and reproduce in their natural environment. Under balanced conditions of growth, bacteria are probably systems as simp...
Binding of Substituted Acetic Acids to α-Cyclodextrin in Aqueous Solution

Complex binding constants of 23 aliphatic acids with α-cyclodextrin in aqueous solution were measured by potentiometry, solubility, or competitive spectrophotometry at 25 °C. All systems formed 1:1 acid:cyclodextrin complexes, and some of them also formed 1:2 complexes. The conjugate acids formed stronger complexes than did the conjugate bases (except for glycine). Empirical correlations of complex stabilities are shown with partition coefficients, surface areas, molar refraction, and other descriptors. Complex stability appears to result from the hydrophobic effect, the dispersion interaction, and interaction of the carboxylic acid group with the cyclodextrin.
Diagnostic accuracy and test-retest reliability of nonword repetition and digit span tasks administered to preschool children with specific language impairment.

Abstract To assess diagnostic accuracy and test–retest reliability, two forms of a nonword repetition task were administered to 22 preschool children with specific language impairment (SLI) and to 22 age- and gender-matched children with normal language (NL). Results were compared with performance on a digit span task and norm-referenced test scores. Nonword repetition scores provided excellent sensitivity and specificity for discriminating between groups. Scores on both nonword repetition and digit span tasks improved significantly from first to second administrations for both groups, but remained relatively stable at the third administration. The SLI group appeared to benefit more from repetition than the NL group. Acceptable levels of test–retest reliability were achieved for the digit span task, but not for the NL group on the nonword repetition task. These preliminary findings suggest that with further refinement to improve test–retest reliability, nonword repetition holds promise as a diagnostic measure for SLI in preschool children. Educational objectives As a result of this activity, the participant will be able to (1) describe the content and administration of nonword repetition tasks; (2) explain why evidence of test–retest reliability is necessary before a measure may be considered reliable for diagnostic purposes; and (3) accurately compare the sensitivity and specificity of the nonword repetition task utilized in this study to standardized language test scores.
USING THE BETA-BINOMIAL DISTRIBUTION TO ASSESS PERFORMANCE OF A BIOMETRIC IDENTIFICATION DEVICE

This paper discusses the use of the Beta-binomial distribution to estimate the matching performance of a biometric identification device. Specifically, the Beta-binomial distribution can be used to assess the variability in estimates of the false match and the false non-match rates when multiple users are tested more than once. This method accounts for the extraneous variability in this scenario and allows for the creation of confidence intervals under certain regularity conditions. The Beta-binomial differs from the binomial in that it models the extra-variation that is due to a lack of marginal independence among the observations. The Beta-binomial also has the flexibility to model the correlation of observations by the same individual that the binomial does not possess. This paper discusses maximum likelihood methodology for estimating the parameters of the Beta-binomial distribution. Finally, examples are given for simulated data that explicate this methodology.
Altered production of nerve growth factor in aganglionic intestines

Nerve growth factor (NGF), a target-derived neurotrophic molecule, is required specifically by sympathetic and dorsal root ganglion cells for their survival and maturation during embryonic and early postnatal development. In the present study, the NGF expression was studied both at the protein and mRNA level in normal and aganglionic intestines of Piebald-strain mice and also in 10 human specimens using immunohistochemical and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) techniques. In the aganglionic intestines of the mice, immunoreactive NGF was found on the giant nerve fibers in the submucosal layer, but not found in the mucosal layer. In the mRNA study, the signal for NGFmRNA was less intense in the aganglionic rectum of the congenitally megacolonic mice than in the rectum of the normal mice. In contrast, the distal dilated colon of the congenitally megacolonic mice had a more intense signal for NGFmRNA than did the colon of normal mice. The results obtained from human specimens were compatible with the findings in the Piebald mice; the distal colons harvested from the patients with Hirschsprung's disease (or its allied disease) had a uniformly more intense signal for NGFmRNA than did the normal colons. The results of this study may indicate that NGF production is altered in the aganglionic intestines and also in the "transitional zone" in Hirschsprung's disease. The altered production of NGF may be useful in increasing the accuracy of diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease.
Cognitive style and decision making

Abstract In order to test hypotheses on relations between decision making and individuals' cognitive styles, a standardized decision task was simulated according to a specific multiphase model of decision process. It portrayed a scenario in which different pairs of advisors of contrasting cognitive styles (analyticintuitive) proposed strategies to a manager for handling payoffs in international business dealings. Subjects, whose cognitive styles were previously measured, were asked to choose one advisor's proposals in each of three meetings corresponding to different phases of the decision process. ANOVA demonstrated a congruence of subjects' (decision-makers') cognitive style (analyticintuitive) and preferred strategy over phases of the decision process. These results substantiated both the hypothesized dependence of decision process on decision-maker personality and the model used to specify the decision process.
Is mega dose of methotrexate beneficial to patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Based on pharmacokinetic rationale, investigators of the former Children's Cancer Group and the National Cancer Institute conducted three small but innovative pilot studies (CCG-191P, CCG-134P and ...
Environmental impacts of healthcare services: Delivery of x-ray services

THE healthcare sector of the U.S rose to compromise about 18% of the nation's GDP in 2010 [1]. In meeting patient needs healthcare organizations spend nearly $8.8 billion each year on energy [2]. To achieve energy reduction, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) created a comprehensive initiative, Energy Smart Hospitals. Through this initiative the DOE attempts to define strategies and provide hospitals with resources and tools to identify costs and energy savings for their new and existing facilities [3]. The Healthier Hospital Initiative (HHI) is a program that is committed to improve sustainability across the healthcare sector. One of HHI's goals is the reduction of healthcare's use of natural resources and generation of wastes [4]. The majority of work has focused on facility level energy reduction targeting HVAC and lighting. The work presented in this poster takes a different approach.
1272 RELATIONSHIP OF THE PULMONARY EXCRETION RATE OF CO (VeCO) AND THE BLOOD CARBOXYHEMOGLOBIN LEVEL (COHb) IN PREMATURES AND TERMS

Using a flow-through collection system and a reduction gas detector (res.= 1 ppb CO/2.5 ml sample), we made paired measurements of VeCO and COHb in 32 terms (38-42 wks) and 24 prematures (28-36 wks) breathing room air in the first week of life. The terms included babies with a wide range of endogenous CO production rates (VCO). For an individual baby, VeCO was repeatable with an error of ± 8% of the mean VeCO over 3-4 hrs despite changes in room air CO (RACO). Based on the line (COHb=.16 RACO+.53; r=.59; n=56; p < .0005), we corrected COHb for each baby (COHbc=COHb-.16 RACO). Using COHbc, we found that COHbc=.021 VeCO+.19 (r=.71; n=56; p < .0005). When prematures were analyzed alone, the line (COHbc=.017 VeCO+.30) was less significant (r= .43; p < .05) compared to that (COHbc=.024 VeCO+.13; r=.75; p < .0005) of terms. A correction for terms alone (.17) did not alter their line; for prematures alone (.097), a 40% increase in the intercept resulted from babies with a high COHb and a low VeCO. These data suggest that in the steady state la) VeCO reflects VCO and is not affected by RACO, lb) COHb reflects both VCO and RACO and requires correction for RACO, 2) VeCO and COHbc are correlated over a wide range of VCO in prematures and terms, and 3) a paired high COHb and low VeCO may reflect problems of ventilation and perfusion or shunt which occur in prematures.
Interference mitigation for body area networks

Due to very low power communication, wireless body area networks are potentially susceptible to interference from other coexisting wireless systems including other BANs that might exist in their vicinity. Using power control to combat this interference might not be efficient. It could also lead to situations with higher levels of interference in the system. On the other hand, interference mitigation can help to not only preserve link quality but also allow more nodes to simultaneously operate. This paper proposes several interference mitigation schemes such as adaptive modulation as well as adaptive data rate and duty cycle for body area networks. Interference Mitigation Factor (IMF) is introduced as a measure to quantify the effectiveness of the proposed schemes.