cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Nanoparticle Size and Metal/Support Interactions in Pt-Catalyzed Methanol Oxidation Reactions in Gas and Liquid Phases

We compare catalytic methanol oxidation reactions in the gas and liquid phases by focusing on the kinetic effects of platinum nanoparticle size and metal/ support interactions. Under the reaction conditions at 60 C, methanol can be oxidized to multiple products including carbon dioxide (full-oxidation product), formal- dehyde (partial-oxidation product) and methyl formate (partial-oxidation and coupling product). We use 2, 4, 6 and 8 nm platinum nanoparticles supported on mesoporous silica as catalysts to study the size effect, and 2.5 nm platinum nanoparticles supported on mesoporous SiO2, Co3O4, MnO2 ,F e 2O3, NiO and CeO2 to study the metal/ oxide interface effect. We find that all three products are formed with comparable selectivities in the gas phase, but in the liquid phase formaldehyde is the dominant product. While the influence of size on activity is not substantial in the gas phase, the liquid-phase reaction rates monotonically increase by a factor of 6 in the size range of 2-8 nm. The reaction rates in the gas phase are dramatically affected by the strong interactions between the platinum nanoparticles and transition metal oxide supports. While the Pt/MnO2 is 135 times less active, the Pt/CeO2 is 12 times more active, both compared to the Pt/SiO2. However in the liquid phase, the support effect is less significant, with the most active catalyst Pt/MnO2 exhibiting an enhancement factor of 2.5 compared to the Pt/SiO2. Our results suggest that the kinetic effects of platinum nanoparticle size and metal/ support interactions can be totally different between the solid/gas and solid/liquid interfaces even for the same chemical reaction.
Asymmetric Solutions of SDOF System with Wire Rope Vibration Isolator Subjected to Harmonic Excitation

A new modification of homotopy analysis method (HAM) is proposed for capturing asymmetric solutions of wire rope isolation systems. Analytical expressions of asymmetric solutions to wire rope isolation systems are obtained. A dynamic system with quadratic polynomial restoring force is investigated specifically. Then the analytical results are applied to a single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) system with wire rope vibration isolator to investigate the response curve and other dynamic characteristics. The analytical approximations match satisfactorily with the numerical results. The presented analytical approximation is a useful method to derive the response curves and examine limit cycles without resorting to numerical simulations.
Information Preserving Component Analysis: Data Projections for Flow Cytometry Analysis

Flow cytometry is often used to characterize the malignant cells in leukemia and lymphoma patients, traced to the level of the individual cell. Typically, flow-cytometric data analysis is performed through a series of 2-D projections onto the axes of the data set. Through the years, clinicians have determined combinations of different fluorescent markers which generate relatively known expression patterns for specific subtypes of leukemia and lymphoma - cancers of the hematopoietic system. By only viewing a series of 2-D projections, the high-dimensional nature of the data is rarely exploited. In this paper we present a means of determining a low-dimensional projection which maintains the high-dimensional relationships (i.e., information distance) between differing oncological data sets. By using machine learning techniques, we allow clinicians to visualize data in a low dimension defined by a linear combination of all of the available markers, rather than just two at a time. This provides an aid in diagnosing similar forms of cancer, as well as a means for variable selection in exploratory flow-cytometric research. We refer to our method as information preserving component analysis (IPCA).
Differences in Family Mealtime Interactions between Young Children with Type 1 Diabetes and Controls: Implications for Behavioral Intervention

Objective We examine clinically relevant differences in family mealtime behaviors for young children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and matched controls. Methods One hundred and eighteen families (46% boys; M age = 5.0, SD = 1.5 years) had at least three home meals videotaped and coded for family behaviors. Analyses had adequate statistical power to detect medium effects. Results Parents of children with TIDM offered a higher rate and frequency of commands to eat than controls. As the meal progressed, all parents worked harder at controlling mealtimes, while children ate less. Behaviors associated with lower dietary adherence and poorer glycemic control occurred on average 9 min of a typical 19 min meal for children with TIDM. Conclusions When differences in family mealtime behaviors have been found in other pediatric groups (e.g., cystic fibrosis), the results have directly informed the development of effective interventions. The clinically relevant results of this study can be used to inform interventions for young children with TIDM.
Evidence for the hybrid origin of Nuphar×rubrodisca (Nymphaeaceae)

Plants intermediate in appearance between Nuphar microphyllaand N. variegata (Nymphaeaceae) have long been assumed to be the result of hybridization. The evidence for this is based primarily on field observations of morphology, poor fruit production, close geographical proximity of presumed parent species, and limited pollen sterility data. Fertile populations of the same plants have also been documented. We employed multivariate analyses of morphology, pollen fertility studies, and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers to test the hypothesis thatNuphar 3 rubrodisca represents a natural interspecific hybrid between N. microphylla and N. variegata. Examination of 15 morphological characters demonstrated the intermediacy of N. 3 rubrodisca between N. microphylla and N. variegata, and the pollen data revealed a markedly lower mean pollen viability in N. 3 rubrodisca (23%) compared to the other two species (91 and 86%, respectively). Eight 10-mer primers produced 13 species-specific RAPD markers for N. microphylla and nine for N. variegata, with all 22 markers present in N. 3 rubrodisca. The data from RAPDs are concordant with morphology in implicating N. microphylla and N. variegata as parents of N. 3 rubrodisca.
The Dialogic Emergence of 'Truth' in Politics: Reproduction and Subversion of the 'War on Terror' Discourse

Truth claims in political discourse are implicated in a dialogic process whereby political actors "assimilate, rework, and re-accentuate" prior discourse (Bakhtin 1986:89). While political actors themselves may view truth as an object to be discovered, I argue that discourse analysts are best served by viewing truth as an emergent property of this dialogic process. In this paper, I examine how intertextual connections are integral to both the reproduction and subversion of established truth claims (such as the claim that Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction). My data draw from George W. Bush's speech on May 1, 2003 to declare the end of "major combat operations" in Iraq, the first presidential debate between John F. Kerry and George W. Bush in September 2004, and Joseph Lowery's speech during the Coretta Scott King funeral in February 2006. My analysis examines these data in light of key phrases (e.g. "weapons of mass destruction") that form intertextual series across these contexts, as well as the role of reported speech in connecting one discursive encounter with another.
Laser beam raster scan under variable process speed - an application of time varying model reference repetitive control system

A laser beam raster scanning problem, where the laser beam must traverse certain trajectories on a moving platform is addressed in this paper. The raster scanning motion is periodic with respect to the platform coordinate. The periodicity depends on the feed speed of the platform. This problem is addressed by transforming the time domain system dynamics to the platform's coordinate frame. This results in a problem of designing a controller for a time varying system to track periodic trajectory. In the control scheme, a time varying model reference control is first designed to render a time invariant system. A repetitive control is then added to the compensated time invariant system to track periodic profiles. This paper presents the scheme's real time implementation and its experimental results. Different speed variation profiles and reference signals have been tested. The experimental data show the effective of this scheme in reducing the tracking error induced by the dynamic speed variations
The Recurrent Cascade-Correlation Architecture

Recurrent Cascade-Correlation (RCC) is a recurrent version of the Cascade-Correlation learning architecture of Fahlman and Lebiere [Fahlman, 1990]. RCC can learn from examples to map a sequence of inputs into a desired sequence of outputs. New hidden units with recurrent connections are added to the network as needed during training. In effect, the network builds up a finite-state machine tailored specifically for the current problem. RCC retains the advantages of Cascade-Correlation: fast learning, good generalization, automatic construction of a near-minimal multi-layered network, and incremental training.
RT-PCR for PSA as a prognostic factor for patients with clinically localized prostate cancer treated with radiotherapy.

Abstract Objectives To study prospectively the prognostic significance of the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay for patients with prostate cancer treated definitively with external beam radiotherapy. The RT-PCR assay for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) has been used to detect circulating prostate cancer cells in the serum of patients with prostate cancer. Methods In prospective fashion, serum RT-PCR testing was performed before and/or after definitive therapy, with the results scored as positive or negative. The results were analyzed for 161 patients, and the RT-PCR result was correlated with the treatment outcome. Results The median follow-up was 29 months. The pretreatment RT-PCR result was not predictive of biochemical relapse-free survival (bRFS) or clinical disease-free survival (DFS). Of 25 patients with T3-T4 tumors, those with a negative pretreatment RT-PCR result had better bRFS and a trend was noted toward better DFS compared with those with a positive result. Among patients with Gleason score 8 to 10 tumor who underwent pretreatment testing (n = 19), those with a negative RT-PCR result had better bRFS and DFS compared with those with a positive result. A trend toward better bRFS was seen for patients with negative versus positive post-treatment RT-PCR results. The DFS was better for patients with negative versus positive post-treatment RT-PCR results. Conclusions RT-PCR, when obtained before radiotherapy, may be predictive of outcome for patients with more advanced stages or higher Gleason scores. Post-treatment testing predicted for clinical relapse. Additional study is needed before RT-PCR is used regularly in clinical practice.
A single-level scheduler for the replicated architecture for multilevel-secure databases

The replicated architecture for multilevel secure database systems provides security by replicating data into separate untrusted single-level database systems. To be successful, a system using the replicated architecture must have a concurrency and replica control algorithm that does not introduce any covert channels. Jajodia and Kogan (1990) have developed one such algorithm that uses update projections and a write-all replica control algorithm. The authors describe an alternative algorithm. The new algorithm uses replicated transactions and a set of queues organized according to security class. A new definition of correctness is required for this approach, so they present one and use it to show that the algorithm is correct. The existence of this new algorithm increases the viability of the replicated architecture as an alternative to kernelized approaches. >
Real-time optimization of thermal cycling capability of rotor side converter in doubly fed induction generator- based wind energy conversion system

The power command in wind energy conversion system is subjected to the wind speed fluctuation, these power fluctuation may cause significant thermal cycling of the (IGBT) power converter with reduction in lifetime as a result. In this work the (DFIG) is used as a starting point, average model is adopted to replace the switching circuits in three phase back to back PWM to make the simulation environment run faster and a detailed thermal model for the converter is implemented and simulated based on the state of the art on (IGBT) reliability, the lifetime is estimated. This paper demonstrates that using low pass filter (LPF) on power command can reduce the number of thermocycles and improve the system lifetime.
Elderly and octogenarian cohort: Comparable outcomes with nonelderly cohort after open or laparoscopic inguinal hernia repairs

Purpose To understand whether the elderly (>65 years of age) or octogenarian cohort is at greater risk for poor clinical outcomes after open or laparoscopic inguinal hernia repairs. Methods Beginning in June 2009, all patients presenting to our institution for inguinal hernia repair were asked to participate in a prospective database. Demographics, presenting symptoms, preoperative findings on examination, intraoperative variables, postoperative outcomes, and readmission data were collected. Additionally, patient-centered outcomes were evaluated with the Short Form-36 and Carolina Comfort Score questionnaires at follow-up visits (3 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, and for the Short Form-36 preoperatively as well). Results A total of 471 patients were included in the study; 285 were nonelderly, 155 patients were aged 65–80 years, and 31 patients were older than 80 years of age. Of these patients, the percent who underwent laparoscopic repair was 86% for the nonelderly, 79% for the elderly, and 41.9% for the octogenarian cohorts ( P P P P P P = .07) but not in the elderly ( P = .6) had better scores over time (8.1 and 1.0 and points less/better, respectively) than the nonelderly cohort. Conclusion Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair is safe and effective in elderly and octogenarian patients with no major morbidities or mortalities. Although these patients are at greater risk for postoperative seroma and urinary retention, and octogenarians are at greater risk for readmission, patient-centered outcomes may be better after laparoscopic repairs with the proper patient selection in the older population.
The effects of flow and stream characteristics on the variation in freshwater mussel growth in a Southeast US river basin

SUMMARY 1. The evaluation of the age and growth of animal populations is essential for understanding and predicting how populations will respond to changes in environmental conditions and anthropogenic stressors. 2. We used a novel, von Bertalanffy hierarchical modelling approach to quantify relationships between the growth of three freshwater mussel species and various site- and watershed-level factors including seasonal discharge, land cover and stream size in the lower Flint River Basin, Georgia, U.S.A. 3. Our modelling approach quantified the mussel-to-mussel variation in the von Bertalanffy parameters and accounted for biases associated with multiple measurements made on each mussel specimen, which are generally not accounted for as sources of bias in age and growth studies. 4. Modelling results suggested that maximum shell size parameter and the Brody growth coefficient varied across species, on average, 19 and 33%, respectively, among individual mussels within sample sites. The variation was related to short-term high streamflows during the spring season, stream size, channel geomorphology and land cover in the watershed. 5. This study provides insight to the factors affecting the growth of stream-dwelling freshwater mussels. Although hierarchical von Bertalanffy growth models are rarely used for freshwater mussel age and growth studies, this approach can provide important information regarding the ecology of freshwater mussels.
Plasmid instability kinetics of the yeast S288C pUCKm8 [cir+] in non-selective and selective media

Plasmid loss kinetics for Saccharomyces cerevisiae transformed with the 2-mum DNA-based-plasmid pUCKm8 were measured in nonselective and selective media. The plasmid pUCKm8 gives the organism two new phenotypes: resistance to the wide spectrum antibiotic G418 sulfate, and the ability to produce the enzyme, beta-lactamase. Plasmid stability was determined using the production of beta-lactamase as a marker. The effect of G418 on the growth rates of all organisms present in the culture and on plasmid stability was also determined. Mathematical models describing plasmid loss kinetics during exponential growth for both nonselective and selective conditions are used to simulate the experimental data. In nonselective medium, over 80% of the cells still exhibited the desired phenotype after 50 doublings. In medium containing G418, improvements in plasmid stability were only marginal due to the appearance of antibiotic-resistant cells.
Variations in the target strength of Atlantic cod during vertical migration

Rose, G. A. 2009. Variations in the target strength of Atlantic cod during vertical migration. - ICES Journal of Marine Science, 66: 1205-1211.Experiments conducted at sea in June 1999 and January 2000 indicated that the mean target strength (TS) of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) varies not just with length, but also with pressure (depth) and fish orientation, particularly during vertical migration. In June, when fish were migrating and spawning, vertical migration was pronounced, extending up to 150 m off the seabed, and the associated TS declined by as much as 5 dB. In January, when the fish were located nearer the seabed, mean TS was more stable and matched a conventional model of TS vs. length [L, cm; i.e. TS = 20 log(L) − 66] based on measurements of ex situ fish orientated horizontally and positioned at close range. This paper demonstrates that mean TS is inversely related (p < 0.05) to the range off the seabed (r, m), which includes 90% of fish. Based on this finding, a new multivariate TS model is proposed: TS = 20 log(L) − 65 − 0.05 r. In this model, r is a proxy for swimbladder volume and fish orientation. A survey in May 2007 found that cod (mean L = 63 cm) dispersed in such a way that single targets could be resolved up to 100 m from the seabed. Measurements of TS of in situ individual fish (TS individual ) and mean TS inferred from a comparison of area-backscattering coefficients (s a ) and count-based densities (TS indirect ) were positively correlated with a slope not different from unity. Means of these TS estimates were −32.4 and −32.2 dB, respectively, or ∼2.3 dB less than that predicted by the conventional model. In contrast, the new multivariate model predicts TS = −32.5 dB, which is nearly identical with the means of TS individual and TS indirect .
International variation in the incidence of adult primary malignant neoplasms of the brain and central nervous system

We examined international variation in adult brain cancer incidence in 69 populations from a subset of cancer registries included in Cancer Incidence in Five Continents, Volume IX that met stringent quality standards. We grouped these populations into World Areas. Age-standardized incidence rates varied by World Area similarly for men and women and were highest in northern America non-Hispanic whites and Australians, followed closely behind by Europeans, then South Americans and northern America Hispanic whites. Rates among south-central Asians and northern America blacks were half to three-fifths the rates among northern America non-Hispanic whites. Rates among eastern and southeastern Asians and northern America Asians and Pacific Islanders were one-third to two-fifths the rates among northern America non-Hispanic whites. Incidence rates increased less steeply with age in the former two populations than in other populations. These results strongly suggest that populations of eastern and southeastern Asian origin, regardless of residence, have substantially lower brain cancer incidence rates than white populations, due to differences in genetic susceptibility and/or environmental/lifestyle exposures that persist in migrant populations. Male/female incidence rate ratios varied by age, but not by World Area, suggesting that this male/female difference is biologically based.
Analytic Models for the Mechanical Structure of the Solar Core

All stars exhibit universal central behavior in terms of new homology variables (u,w). In terms of these variables, we obtain simple analytic fits to numerical standard solar models for the core and radiative zones of the zero-age main-sequence and present Suns with a few global parameters. With these analytic fits, different theoretical models of the solar core, neutrino fluxes, and helioseismic observations can be parametrized and compared.
Two-Stage Stochastic View Selection for Data-Analysis Queries

We consider the problem of selecting an optimal set of views to answer a given collection of queries at the present time (stage 1) as well as several collections of queries in the future (stage 2), with a given probability of occurrence associated with each collection, so as to minimize the expected value of the corresponding query response time, while keeping the total size of the views within a given limit. We formulate this problem as a two-stage stochastic programming problem. We show that this model is equivalent to an integer programming (IP) model that can be solved via various commercial IP solvers. We also study the relationship between the queries and the views in this context and use this relationship to reduce the size of the corresponding IP model, hence increase the scalability of our proposed approach.
Dead Poets and Academic Progenitors: The Next Generation of Law School Rankings

This Symposium is an outgrowth of our article, What Law Schools Can Learn from Billy Beane and the Oakland Athletics, 82 Tex. L. Rev. 1483 (2004). With the approaching twentieth anniversary of the first U.S. News & World Report law school rankings, it is a particularly propitious time to take a fresh look, to hear new voices, and to reconsider issues surrounding law school rankings. Many of America's most thoughtful law professors (as well as academics in other disciplines) gathered on April 15, 2005 at the Indiana University School of Law - Bloomington to discuss The Next Generation of Law School Rankings. The papers and commentary presented at the event and recorded in these pages reflect a wide array of creative, challenging, and captivating perspectives on the rankings tableau. In the pages that follow, we are confident that you will agree that we have fulfilled the goals we set for the Symposium: The goal of this Symposium is to deepen our understanding of rankings and their effects on legal education. The participants in this Symposium will examine the need for law school rankings; the effects of rankings on legal education; and the various new approaches to addressing the public's insatiable demand for ever more and increasingly sophisticated rankings, which permeate not only legal education but also all aspects of American life. We believe the Symposium papers and commentary make an enormous contribution to our understanding of rankings and their effects on legal education.
Development of GREET Catalyst Module

In this report, we develop energy and material flows for the production of five different catalysts (tar reforming, alcohol synthesis, Zeolite Socony Mobil-5 [ZSM-5], Mo/Co/ γ-Al2O3, and Pt/ γ-Al2O3) and two chemicals (olivine, dimethyl ether of polyethylene glycol [DEPG]). These compounds and catalysts are now included in the Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions and Energy Use in Transportation (GREET™) catalyst module.
Lessons From Reparative Therapy Applied to Post-Abortion Grief Counseling

There is evidence from the legislative, judicial, and counseling sectors that the sun is setting on therapies designed to change sexual orientation. Despite this evidence, there is also evidence that similar pseudoscientific interventions continue to be used in at least one other area-post-abortion counseling. The key factor shared by both interventions is their dependence on unvalidated explanations of behavior. In the case of changing the expression of sexual orientation, the harm at the personal and communal levels is clear. In the case of post-abortion counseling, the harm is hypothesized, and the reasons why a communal response is lacking in the post-abortion community are described. Steps clinicians can take to alleviate the probable harm caused by the use of unvalidated/unvalidatable interventions, with a particular emphasis on identifying and expunging culturally derived and oppressive interventions currently used, are delineated as clinical and social justice activities to reduce human suffering.
Thrombocytosis in the offspring of female mice receiving DL-methadone.

AbstractSubcutaneous methadone administration (2.5 mg/kg/day) to female mice beginning 2 weeks prior to conception and continuing through weaning resulted in a significant increase in the number of circulating platelets (1650 × 103 vs 1150 × 103/mm3), an increase in marrow megakaryocytes per high power field (12.22 vs 9.59) and an increase in the percentage of young megakaryocytes (34.5 vs 28.4) in the offspring but not in the mothers. The effect was maximal 14 days after birth and diminished by 28 days. Injection of 5 mg/kg/day resulted in similar findings but the changes persisted for 35 days. These findings are consistent with those noted in the infants of human polydrug abusers and suggest that methadone plays a role in similar abnormalities in humans.
Challenge and Opportunity: PV Harvested Energy and Applications for Mobile Devices

Mobile Devices is constrained by its Battery Life as well as reliable/available AC power Grid. Photovoltaic harvested energy looks promising to boost performance or enrich user experience. Both technical challenge and research opportunity are discussed.
Determination and Assay of Blood Indexes of the SPF Japanese Rabbits and the SPF New Zealand Laboratory Rabbits

Objective To observe the physical index properties of different experimental rabbits in the SPF breeding environment.Method The 10 SPF Japanese rabbits and 10 SPF New Zealand laboratory rabbits were adopted in this triall.The blood samples were obtained from the heart of rabbits.Result There were differences in some indexes for SPF Japanese rabbits(P0.05),as well as SPF New Zealand laboratory rabbits.Conclusion There was obvious difference in physical index properties between the different strains of SPF laboratory rabbits,which is instructive and meaningful to choose stable laboratory animal and improve the advance of animal experiments.
Management of urinary stones in the patient with spinal cord injury.

SUMMARY The main objective of the urologist treating patients with spinal cord injury is to preserve renal function. In order to minimize morbidity, all attempts must be made to maintain a low bladder pressure, sterile urine, and a nonobstructed drainage system. These patients remain at increased risk of infection and stone formation despite all clinical intervention. Diligence in routine follow-up and careful evaluations will provide the best possible results. In the face of urolithiasis, ESWL, percutaneous nephrolithotomy, and chemolysis are effective means of treatment with acceptable morbidity. With future technologic advancements and implementation of neurostimulators to improve the urodynamic profiles, the incidence of renal insufficiency, urolithiasis, and overall morbidity in patients with spinal cord injury is likely to decrease.
Nonenzymatic conversion of human hexosaminidase A

Incubation of purified hexosaminidase A with merthiolate, parahydroxymercuribenzoic acid, or silver ions resulted in the formation of an enzyme which was identical, in all respects tested, with hexosaminidase B. Its electrophoretic mobility was identical to hexasaminidase B at three different pH levels. Its chromatographic properties, thermostability, and immunologic reactivity with specific anti-hexosaminidase A and anti-hexosaminidase B antisera were indistinguishable from hexosaminidase B. Conversion could be prevented by GSH but was not reversed by GSH once it had occurred. Conversion of hexosaminidase A to hexosaminindase B was accompanied by the appearance of an electrophoretically rapid, catalytically inactive protein. Hexosaminidase B, itself, was unaltered by incubation with merthiolate. These findings support a previously proposed model of hexosaminidase structure in which hexosaminidase A is (alphabeta)3 and hexosamindase B is (betabeta)2. On treatment of hexosaminidase A with merthiolate and other converting agents alpha and beta subunits are presumably dissociated and they reassociate as (betabeta)3, that is, hexosaminidase B. The expected free or polymerized catalytically inactive, alpha chains are detected on acrylamide gel electrophoresis. We suggest that the catalytic site of human hexosaminidase may be present only on the beta subunit and that the alpha subunit influences the substrate specificity of the enzyme, particularly as directed toward GM2.
Value of suppression with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist prior to gonadotropin stimulation for in vitro fertilization

This study examined the use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) suppression before gonadotropin stimulation in 26 patients with failed prior in vitro fertilization (IVF) attempts and variable basal serum gonadotropin levels. Leuprolide, 1 mg subcutaneously per day, was administered from the midluteal phase of the cycle before IVF treatment. Concomitantly, stimulation was initiated on cycle day 3 with human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Based on their prior IVF attempts and serum gonadotropin levels on cycle day 3, 9 patients were high responders with elevated mean basal luteinizing hormone (LH)/FSH, 8 were low responders with elevated mean basal FSH/LH, 7 were intermediate responders with normal mean basal FSH/LH and a history of premature LH surge, and 2 had elevated (perimenopausal) mean FSH and LH. Leuprolide was discontinued on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration. Prior IVF attempts in the same patients with the same protocol, but without GnRHa suppression, were used as controls. The mean number of ampules of hMG and FSH was significantly higher in leuprolide cycles than in controls. The mean day of hCG administration was also higher for leuprolide cycles than for controls. The mean LH and progesterone levels on the day of hCG were significantly lower in leuprolide cycles. The mean number of preovulatory oocytes aspirated and transferred was higher in leuprolide cycles. Cancellation and pregnancy rates were improved in leuprolide cycles. It is concluded that prior GnRHa suppression is beneficial for follicular recruitment for IVF. More patients with variable basal serum gonadotropin levels need to be studied before definite recommendations are made.
A Modular Method for the High-Yield Synthesis of Site-Specific Protein–Polymer Therapeutics

A versatile method is described to engineer precisely defined protein/peptide–polymer therapeutics by a modular approach that consists of three steps: 1) fusion of a protein/peptide of interest with an elastin-like polypeptide that enables facile purification and high yields; 2) installation of a clickable group at the C terminus of the recombinant protein/peptide with almost complete conversion by enzyme-mediated ligation; and 3) attachment of a polymer by a click reaction with near-quantitative conversion. We demonstrate that this modular approach is applicable to various protein/peptide drugs and used it to conjugate them to structurally diverse water-soluble polymers that prolong the plasma circulation duration of these proteins. The protein/peptide–polymer conjugates exhibited significantly improved pharmacokinetics and therapeutic effects over the native protein/peptide upon administration to mice. The studies reported here provide a facile method for the synthesis of protein/peptide–polymer conjugates for therapeutic use and other applications.
Altruism and Cooperation Among Humans: The Ethnographic Evidence: Introduction Part III

In everyday life, we clearly discern acts of altruism. There are goodness and kindness in the world. Individuals partner with each other and make sacrifices for others. They engage in charity and in the giving of gifts, resources, and knowledge. Parents care for their offspring. Friends or strangers lend helping hands. Families and communities take shape around cooperation and care-giving. There is probably as much love as there is animus in the human condition. But altruism is a tricky subject. Here is the 64,000-dollar question (or, given the scale of global philanthropy a la the Gates Foundation, the 64 billion). Is the giver, in giving, or the partner, in cooperating, not acting in a way that, while seeming to sacrifice, maximizes that individual’s fitness, status, prestige, or security? Is what appears on the surface to benefit others or the common good indeed selfish?
“They Just Don’t Stand for Nothing”: LGBT Christians’ Definitions of Non-Religious Others

In this exploratory study, I examine how a group of LGBT Christians conceptualized non-religious others. Based on over 450 hours of fieldwork in an LGBT Christian church located in the southeastern region of the United States, I demonstrate how a group of LGBT Christians defined non-religious others as (1) morally suspect and untrustworthy, (2) in need of salvation and guidance, and (3) poor representations of the LGBT community. Although these LGBT Christians used “non-religious” as a catchall term without ever specifying exactly who it captured, they used the first two definitions to apply to non-religious people in general regardless of sexuality while explicitly focusing on non-religious sexual minorities in their third definition. Moreover, I show how these definitions echoed mainstream religious rhetoric in America used to marginalize both sexual and religious minorities. In conclusion, I draw out two central implications of this work: (1) how religious depictions of non-religious people may reproduce societal patterns of inequality; and (2) the importance of analyzing how religious people define and interpret non-religious others.
Differential Diagnosis for Lower Extremity Ischemia and Ulcerations: Focus on Non-atherosclerotic Etiologies

While it is crucial to recognize that atherosclerosis is the most common etiology for lower extremity ischemia, it is important to know the non-atherosclerotic causes of limb ischemia. Since these pathologies are not as prevalent as atherosclerosis, knowledge about these entities helps make a broad differential diagnosis at the initial clinical evaluation. This chapter includes the following non-atherosclerotic cause of limb ischemia: vasculitis, Takayasu’s arteritis, femoral and popliteal artery aneurysms, external iliac artery endofibrosis, cystic adventitial disease, popliteal artery entrapment, persistent sciatic artery, mid-aortic syndrome, thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger’s disease), Raynaud’s syndrome, calciphylaxis, warfarin-induced skin necrosis, heparin-induced skin necrosis, atheroembolic episodes, radiation, brown recluse spider bite, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, pseudoxanthoma elasticum, ergot derivatives, and neurogenic claudication.
Optical computation of chemometrics projections using a digital micromirror device

We present an approach to perform chemometrics computations optically using a digital micro-mirror device (DMD) coupled with a near infrared source and diffraction grating. The DMD can be configured to project specific wavelengths onto (or away from) a detector. We show how to program the DMD to perform linear operations (i.e., inner products) on chemical spectra, thus avoiding the need for additional processing. We validate the approach on two chemical discrimination problems using linear discriminant analysis (LDA). Our results show that computing the LDA projections optically yields higher signal-to-noise ratio, and therefore improved discrimination, than performing it digitally (e.g., after scanning the full spectra). The approach is general and can be applied to other chemometrics problems beyond discrimination.
Assessment of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)

In “Assessment of Narcissistic Personality Disorder,” Germain focuses on the practical nature of observing narcissistic behaviors in the workplace. After outlining how NPD has been defined in different versions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the chapter navigates through common clinical measures of NPD and their limitations. Germain concludes by presenting legal concerns about assessing personality disorders in the workplace and examines narcissistic individuals’ ability to fake psychometric tests .
Materials and Systems for Organic Redox Flow Batteries: Status and Challenges

Redox flow batteries (RFBs) are propitious stationary energy storage technologies with exceptional scalability and flexibility to improve the stability, efficiency, and sustainability of our power grid. The redox-active materials are the key component for RFBs with which to achieve high energy density and good cyclability. Traditional inorganic-based materials encounter critical technical and economic limitations such as low solubility, inferior electrochemical activity, and high cost. Redox-active organic materials (ROMs) are promising alternative “green” candidates to push the boundaries of energy storage because of the significant advantages of molecular diversity, structural tailorability, and natural abundance. Here, the recent development of a variety of ROMs and associated battery designs in both aqueous and nonaqueous electrolytes are reviewed. The critical challenges and potential research opportunities for developing practically relevant organic flow batteries are discussed.
Vinblastine 20′ Amides: Synthetic Analogues That Maintain or Improve Potency and Simultaneously Overcome Pgp-Derived Efflux and Resistance

A series of 180 vinblastine 20′ amides were prepared in three steps from commercially available starting materials, systematically exploring a typically inaccessible site in the molecule enlisting a powerful functionalization strategy. Clear structure–activity relationships and a structural model were developed in the studies which provided many such 20′ amides that exhibit substantial and some even remarkable enhancements in potency, many that exhibit further improvements in activity against a Pgp overexpressing resistant cancer cell line, and an important subset of the vinblastine analogues that display little or no differential in activity against a matched pair of vinblastine sensitive and resistant (Pgp overexpressing) cell lines. The improvements in potency directly correlated with target tubulin binding affinity, and the reduction in differential functional activity against the sensitive and Pgp overexpressing resistant cell lines was found to correlate directly with an impact on Pgp-derived efflux.
Normative data for flow cytometry immunophenotyping of benign lymph nodes sampled by surgical biopsy

Aims To create clinically relevant normative flow cytometry data for understudied benign lymph nodes and characterise outliers. Methods Clinical, histological and flow cytometry data were collected and distributions summarised for 380 benign lymph node excisional biopsies. Outliers for kappa:lambda light chain ratio, CD10:CD19 coexpression, CD5:CD19 coexpression, CD4:CD8 ratios and CD7 loss were summarised for histological pattern, concomitant diseases and follow-up course. Results We generated the largest data set of benign lymph node immunophenotypes by an order of magnitude. B and T cell antigen outliers often had background immunosuppression or inflammatory disease but did not subsequently develop lymphoma. Conclusions Diagnostic immunophenotyping data from benign lymph nodes provide normative ranges for clinical use. Outliers raising suspicion for B or T cell lymphoma are not infrequent (26% of benign lymph nodes). Caution is indicated when interpreting outliers in the absence of excisional biopsy or clinical history, particularly in patients with concomitant immunosuppression or inflammatory disease.
Exploring the Mother–Adolescent Relationship as a Promotive Resource for Sexual and Gender Minority Youth

Research often analyzes gender minority youth and sexual minority youth as a single group, a practice that obscures differences in how gender identity and sexual orientation shape health. The present study uses intersectionality to explore similarities and differences in the relationships between minority stress theory variables in a sample of 28 gender minority and 135 sexual minority youth of color. We also explore the mother-adolescent relationship as a potential promotive resource for minority stress research with youth. Results find few differences in minority stressors, promotive resources, or health between sexual and gender minority youth. However, different patterns in the correlations between stressors, resources, and health were observed for each group, underscoring the need for researchers to consider sexual and gender minority youth as distinct groups. Furthermore, study findings suggest that the maternal relationship may be an important promotive resource for both sexual and gender minority youth.
Epstein-Barr virus-related cutaneous necrotizing vasculitis in a girl heterozygous for factor V Leiden.

Background: Necrotizing vasculitides are basically characterized by vessel wall neutrophil infiltration and necrosis and they can occur as a primary process or secondary to an underlying disease. Although Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSp) is the more frequent primary vasculitis in childhood, sometimes it has to be distinguished from other secondary vasculitides induced by infections, drugs, vaccines, or immune-mediated disorders. Main observations: We report a case of a 14-year-old girl with cutaneous necrotizing vasculitis, appearing in the course of acute Epstein-Barr virus infection. Physical examination revealed highly aching erythematous-purple lesions with reticular edges localized on the back of feet. Pain was non-responsive to ibuprofen and required administration of tapentadol and pregabalin. The patient was also heterozygous for factor V Leiden that might have contributed to the development of cutaneous painful lesions. Conclusions: To our knowledge this is the first documented pediatric case of necrotizing vasculitis associated with acute EBV infection in a girl heterozygous for factor V Leiden. In this patient the severity of skin manifestations might have been influenced by the concomitant factor V Leiden, which gave rise to hypercoagulability and occlusive vasculopathy with markedly severe pain, a symptom rather infrequent in other childhood vasculitides. ( J Dermatol Case Rep . 2017; 11(2): 25-28)
TLR4, TRIF, and MyD88 are essential for myelopoiesis and CD11c+ adipose tissue macrophage production in obese mice

Obesity-induced chronic inflammation is associated with metabolic disease. Results from mouse models utilizing a high-fat diet (HFD) have indicated that an increase in activated macrophages, including CD11c+ adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs), contributes to insulin resistance. Obesity primes myeloid cell production from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and the downstream TIR domain-containing adapter protein-inducing interferon-β (TRIF)- and MyD88-mediated pathways regulate production of similar myeloid cells after lipopolysaccharide stimulation. However, the role of these pathways in HFD-induced myelopoiesis is unknown. We hypothesized that saturated fatty acids and HFD alter myelopoiesis by activating TLR4 pathways in HSCs, differentially producing pro-inflammatory CD11c+ myeloid cells that contribute to obesity-induced metabolic disease. Results from reciprocal bone marrow transplants (BMTs) with Tlr4-/- and WT mice indicated that TLR4 is required for HFD-induced myelopoiesis and production of CD11c+ ATMs. Experiments with homozygous knockouts of Irakm (encoding a suppressor of MyD88 inactivation) and Trif in competitive BMTs revealed that MyD88 is required for HFD expansion of granulocyte macrophage progenitors and that Trif is required for pregranulocyte macrophage progenitor expansion. A comparison of WT, Tlr4-/-, Myd88-/-, and Trif-/- mice on HFD demonstrated that TLR4 plays a role in the production of CD11c+ ATMs, and both Myd88-/- and Trif-/- mice produced fewer ATMs than WT mice. Moreover, HFD-induced TLR4 activation inhibited macrophage proliferation, leading to greater accumulation of recruited CD11c+ ATMs. Our results indicate that HFD potentiates TLR4 and both its MyD88- and TRIF-mediated downstream pathways within progenitors and adipose tissue and leads to macrophage polarization.
Shock temperature dependent rate law for plastic bonded explosives

A reactive flow model for the tri-amino-tri-nitro-benzene (TATB) based plastic bonded explosive PBX 9502 (95% TATB, 5% polymeric binder Kel-F 800) is presented. This newly devised model is based primarily on the shock temperature of the material, along with local pressure, and accurately models a broader range of detonation and initiation scenarios. Specifically, sensitivity changes to the initial explosive temperature are accounted for naturally and with a single set of parameters. The equation of state forms for the reactants and products, as well as the thermodynamic closure of pressure and temperature equilibration, are carried over from the Wescott-Stewart-Davis (WSD) model [Wescott et al., J. Appl. Phys. 98, 053514 (2005) and “Modeling detonation diffraction and dead zones in PBX-9502,” in Proceedings of the Thirteenth International Detonation Symposium (2006)]. This newly devised model, with Arrhenius state dependence on the shock temperature, based on the WSD equation of states, is denoted by AWSD. Modifying an existing implementation of the WSD model to the AWSD model in a hydrocode is a rather straightforward procedure.
CLINICAL ENGINEERING AND DISPOSABLE OR IMPLANTABLE PRODUCTS

ABSTRACT The disposable or implantable medical device, including those used primarily by themselves and those used as components of other equipment, present a number of special challenges in their selection and safe use. Although not generally a part of the clinical engineering program, inclusion of the disposable or implantable medical device is a logical extension of the professional concerns of the clinical engineer.
Exploring the Inter-Temporal Alliance–Acquisition Relationship in an Industry Convergence Context (WITHDRAWN)

We extend the inter-temporal alliance experience-acquisition literature to an industry convergence (IC) context. IC creates competition between firms that were previously not competitors. As a result of IC, interdependencies emerge that lead to uncertainties for the affected firms. According to resource dependence theory, firms use alliance and acquisition uncertainty-reducing strategies to manage emerging interdependencies. Building on the resource dependence and organizational learning perspectives, we hypothesize that (1) when a firm emphasizes inter over intra-industry alliance experience it is more likely to initiate an initial acquisition in a converging industry, (2) the extent of IC has a direct effect on the likelihood of initiating an acquisition in the converging industry and (3) as the extent of industry convergence increases, firms become less dependent on leveraging alliance experience in making initial acquisitions. We find significant evidence for our hypotheses in the voice/data convergen...