cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Heterogeneous catalysis at metal-oxide interfaces using in situ and operando spectroscopy: From nanoparticles to single-atom sites

Abstract The use of in situ and operando spectroscopy in applied catalysis is driven by the recognition that it is a powerful tool to elucidate the nature and changes of atomic arrangements and chemical species at a surface during heterogeneous catalytic reactions. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of recent processes in using in situ and operando spectroscopy to investigate the relationship between structure and activity/selectivity, as well as mechanisms of gas-surface reactions on oxide-supported metal catalysts and at metal-oxide interfaces. The selected reactions include water-gas shift reaction, CO oxidation, and selective CO2 hydrogenation. Special attention is given to oxide-supported single-atom catalysts, which are known to provide maximum atom utilization and high efficiency towards catalytic performance but is lack of detailed understanding under operando conditions. Recent research from 2018 to 2021 using in situ and operando spectroscopy with an emphasis on diffuse-reflectance infrared spectroscopy (DRIFTS), combined with X-ray spectroscopy and theoretical calculations, are reviewed for the three reactions on relevant catalysts for general audience in applied catalysis. The perspectives on how to improve catalytic performance are discussed.
Chronic Diclofenac Exposure Increases Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress, Inflammatory Mediators, and Cardiac Dysfunction.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among one of the most commonly prescribed medications for pain and inflammation. Diclofenac (DIC) is a commonly prescribed NSAID that is known to increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, the mechanisms underlying its cardiotoxic effects remain largely unknown. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that chronic exposure to DIC increases oxidative stress, which ultimately impairs cardiovascular function. Mice were treated with DIC for 4 weeks and subsequently subjected to in vivo and in vitro functional assessments. Chronic DIC exposure resulted in not only systolic but also diastolic dysfunction. DIC treatment, however, did not alter blood pressure or electrocardiographic recordings. Importantly, treatment with DIC significantly increased inflammatory cytokines and chemokines as well as cardiac fibroblast activation and proliferation. There was increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in cardiomyocytes from DIC-treated mice, which may contribute to the more depolarized mitochondrial membrane potential and reduced energy production, leading to a significant decrease in sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ load, Ca2+ transients, and sarcomere shortening. Using unbiased metabolomic analyses, we demonstrated significant alterations in oxylipin profiles towards inflammatory features in chronic DIC treatment. Together, chronic treatment with DIC resulted in severe cardiotoxicity, which was mediated, in part, by an increase in mitochondrial oxidative stress.
Simultaneous two-phase flow measurements in a high-speed particle-laden under-expanded jet

The objective of this study is to understand the dynamics of a high-speed particle-laden under-expanded jet, motivated by landings on extraterrestrial bodies. In this setup, inertial particles are entrained and accelerated by an under-expanded jet. But, due to their inertia, the particle velocity is significantly lower than that of the surrounding gas close to the nozzle, so the two phases are coupled through aerodynamic drag. Sub-micron oil droplets are dispensed upstream to serve as tracers, whose velocity is determined through a PIV system; inertial particles, after image segmenting is performed to separate them from PIV data, will be tracked over time with a PTV system. This was accomplished with a single laser pulse and the camera straddle time to produce image pairs and shorten the pulse width. The results will help to understand particle-laden flow in a new regime where the background flow is compressible and the Mach number based on the slip velocity is not negligible, which may help to pave a foundation for future studies in compressible multiphase flows.
Traditional Farming Lifestyle in Old Older Mennonites Modulates Human Milk Composition.

Background In addition to farming exposures in childhood, maternal farming exposures provide strong protection against allergic disease in their children; however, the effect of farming lifestyle on human milk (HM) composition is unknown. Objective This study aims to characterize the maternal immune effects of Old Order Mennonite (OOM) traditional farming lifestyle when compared with Rochester (ROC) families at higher risk for asthma and allergic diseases using HM as a proxy. Methods HM samples collected at median 2 months of lactation from 52 OOM and 29 ROC mothers were assayed for IgA1 and IgA2 antibodies, cytokines, endotoxin, HM oligosaccharides (HMOs), and targeted fatty acid (FA) metabolites. Development of early childhood atopic diseases in children by 3 years of age was assessed. In addition to group comparisons, systems level network analysis was performed to identify communities of multiple HM factors in ROC and OOM lifestyle. Results HM contains IgA1 and IgA2 antibodies broadly recognizing food, inhalant, and bacterial antigens. OOM HM has significantly higher levels of IgA to peanut, ovalbumin, dust mites, and Streptococcus equii as well TGF-β2, and IFN-λ3. A strong correlation occurred between maternal antibiotic use and levels of several HMOs. Path-based analysis of HMOs shows lower activity in the path involving lactoneohexaose (LNH) in the OOM as well as higher levels of lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT) and two long-chain FAs C-18OH (stearic acid) and C-23OH (tricosanoic acid) compared with Rochester HM. OOM and Rochester milk formed five different clusters, e.g., butyrate production was associated with Prevotellaceae, Veillonellaceae, and Micrococcaceae cluster. Development of atopic disease in early childhood was more common in Rochester and associated with lower levels of total IgA, IgA2 to dust mite, as well as of TSLP. Conclusion Traditional, agrarian lifestyle, and antibiotic use are strong regulators of maternally derived immune and metabolic factors, which may have downstream implications for postnatal developmental programming of infant's gut microbiome and immune system.
67 Sueños: Inspiring a Movement for Undocumented Voices to be Heard

This essay documents the work of 67 Suenos, a youth-led collective based in Oakland, California. The group is committed to bringing to light the stories of the 67 percent of undocumented youth and young adults who would not qualify for the DREAM Act and who are in many ways left out of the dominant narrative around immigration reform. The author examines the use of cultural storytelling, through video testimonio and murals, as an important source of healing and movement building. Through their process of refl ection, art and action, 67 Suenos provides a powerful lesson on who has the right to be heard and a reminder that all youth have dreams worth pursing. The author pays special tribute to 67 Suenos by including the voices of its members throughout the essay
Gravitational red-shift

The usual expression for the gravitational red-shiftz is calculated exactly in both the standard and isotropic forms of the Schwarzschild metric. The differing results are found to be meaningless and metric dependent until they are put in terms of quantities directly observable from Earth. The importance of expressing physical quantities in terms of observables is stressed.
Experimental Observations of Macrosegregation in DC Casting of Rolling Slab Ingots

The increased demand for aluminum as a primary structural metal stems from a quest in automotive, aerospace, and marine industries to be more energy efficient and sustainable. This unprecedented demand drives aluminum casting methods towards increased productivity looking to, cast larger ingots faster. The unfortunate consequence of this approach is an enhanced variation of metallurgical properties over the cross section of slab ingots. Rolling slab ingots of AlCu4.5 using a typical Direct-Chill casting technique have been cast and sectioned for analysis. This alloy allowed us to compare our results with the available literature and to elucidate the marked differences in spatial variation of microstructure and composition found in radial and lateral symmetry castings. In an attempt to couple conventional theory with our results, sump and temperature profiles were measured in-situ and modeled using a commercial finite element analysis software package. The combination of experimental and modeling results indicate that the variations in the cooling parameters through the cross section are largely responsible for the spatial variances in metallurgical properties, pointing to a possible refinement of DC casting parameters.
Further studies on rotatory dispersion and structure of globular proteins

New and formerly obtained data on the optical rotatory dispersion of globular proteins are tabulated, classified, and correlated to certain structural features of these proteins. According to their rotatory dispersion behavior, all globular proteins are classified into three groups: (1) those possessing high dispersion constants of 245–290 mμ, (2) those with low dispersion constants of 220–245 mμ, and (3) the globular proteins which, when in the native state, have abnormally low dispersion constants below 220 mμ. It was found that all thus far studied globular proteins showed simple dispersion, i.e. followed the one-term DRUDE rule, when the rotatory power of their aqueous solutions was observed with light of the wave lengths between 365–700 mμ. Also it was found that the α-helical globular proteins possessing high dispersion constants exhibited complex dispersion with wave lengths shorter than 365 mμ. It was concluded that the 3rd class proteins with the abnormally low dispersion constants are non-helical, and that in these cases one has to deal with other specific conformations that cannot be identified with either α-helix or random chain. The macromolecular changes and conformation of some serum globulins were considered in some detail in this study.
Polyimide stress cushion for multichip glass-ceramic module packaging

The performance of the IBM glass ceramic-copper multilayer ceramic module (MLC) is significantly enhanced by a revolutionary set of packaging materials. Low dielectric constant cordierite glass ceramic (/spl epsiv/-5.0), co-sintered with high conductivity copper (/spl rho/-3.5 /spl mu//spl Omega/-cm), was developed and integrated into the high performance glass ceramic thermal conduction modules (TCM) used in the IBM System/390-Enterprise system/9000 series of mainframe computers. Low stress pin attach structures have been developed for the glass ceramic module. They include the multilayer thin film I/O pad, taper headed pin and polyimide-cushioned pin structure. All of the approaches were shown to reduce the pin joint stress significantly and, as a consequence, led to the construction of a robust pin joint that is fully compatible with the glass ceramic substrate.
Lineage, arrangement, and death of clonally related motoneurons in chick spinal cord.

We have used recombinant retroviruses as lineage markers to study the genealogy of motoneurons (MNs) in the chick spinal cord. We infected individual progenitors by injecting virions into the neural tube at stages 11–18, a few cell divisions before MNs are born. The descendants of infected cells were subsequently detected with a histochemical stain for beta-galactosidase (lacZ), the product of the retrovirally introduced gene. Clonally related, lacZ-positive cells formed clusters that were usually radial or planar in shape. The cells that comprised these clones were classified by morphology, size, and location. About 15% of the clones in the spinal cord contained MNs, and these were studied further. Multicellular clones that contained only MNs were infrequent. Instead, close relatives of MNs included a variety of other neurons, as well as glia and ependymal cells. Most non-MNs in these clones were found in the ventral and intermediate parts of the spinal cord. Neurons included interneurons and autonomic preganglionic neurons in the column of Terni. Labeled glia were found in both the gray and white matter and included astrocytes and cells tentatively identified as oligodendrocytes. Thus, even shortly before MNs are born, their progenitors are multipotential. Clonally related MNs were not restricted to a single motor pool. Some clones contained MNs in both the medial and lateral parts of the lateral motor column, which are known to innervate distinct groups of limb muscles. Furthermore, some clones contained MNs in the medial motor column (which innervate axial muscles) as well as in the lateral motor column. In contrast, the dispersal of clonally related MNs (and other neurons) was restricted in the rostrocaudal axis; most clones were less than one-quarter segment in length. Thus, MNs derived from a single progenitor are more likely to share rostrocaudal position than synaptic targets. To investigate the fate of clonally related MNs, we counted the number of MNs per clone at times before, during, and after the major period of MN death. The number of MNs per clone declined in precise parallel with the total number of MNs during this period, suggesting that neurons are eliminated without regard to their clone of origin. This result implies that the decision to live or die occurs on a cell-by-cell rather than a clone-by-clone basis.
Comparison of type III secretion system virulence among fluoroquinolone-susceptible and -resistant clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Fluoroquinolone resistance and type III secretion system (TTSS) virulence are independently associated in Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections with poor patient outcomes. In the present study, the virulence of fluoroquinolone-susceptible and -resistant isolates of P. aeruginosa was compared, focusing on TTSS virulence. Clinical isolates (n = 45) exhibiting a broad range of susceptibilities to fluoroquinolones, with differing mechanisms of resistance and associated with varying disease sites, were selected for the study. PCR, Southern blot and western immunoblot analyses were performed to determine the presence of TTSS-encoding genes and secretion of gene products. The cytotoxicity of the clinical isolates towards human lung epithelial cells was also determined. Clinical isolates encoding only the exoS cytotoxin gene occurred more frequently than those encoding only exoU (62% vs. 27%; p 0.0007). Compared with exoS(+) isolates, exoU(+) isolates were more likely to be fluoroquinolone-resistant (92% vs. 61%, p 0.05) and to exhibit both a gyrA mutation and the efflux pump over-expressed (EPO) phenotype (91% vs. 59%; p 0.06). Almost all exoU(+) strains secreted ExoU and exhibited increased cytotoxicity compared with ExoS-secreting strains (7% vs. 92.5%, relative to a PA103 reference strain control). These data suggest that exoU(+) and fluoroquinolone resistance may be co-selected traits that result in highly virulent and resistant strains. Adverse outcomes associated with infections caused by fluoroquinolone-resistant strains may, in part, be attributable to this co-association, which warrants further clinical investigation.
The Case for Arts Education as a Required Component of an Accounting Student?s College Education.

A recent study has highlighted the importance of student perceptions of the accounting profession and the resultant self-selection process. This self-selection process may result in students self-selecting into the accounting area who are deficient in the essential qualities for success in the modern accounting profession. Warnock (1996) reports that among 1 st year accounting students a still pervasive image of the accountant is that it is not particularly important to have either imagination or verbal qualities or communication or critical thinking skills and thus students who are weak in the above qualities often self-select into accounting as a major. The purpose of this paper is to introduce into the accounting literature the results of an emerging body of research that suggests arts education can enhance or help accounting students overcome these deficiencies.
Seizures in Renal and Hepatic Failure and Endocrine Disease

Hepatorenal failure and endocrine disease are associated with seizures. Seizures arise either as a direct result of the organ failure or as a result of a secondary metabolic disturbance, including toxins arising from the disease process or changes in serum electrolytes. Correction of electrolyte abnormalities or medical management of the underlying disease process will often prevent further seizures. Organ failure and endocrine abnormalities are commonly seen in the critically ill population, and these patients are more prone to seizures. Organ failure can influence the treatment of both new-onset and pre-existing seizure disorders by altering the pharmacokinetics of major anticonvulsants. Alternatively, anticonvulsants can precipitate organ failure. Therefore pharmacotherapy of seizures in these settings should be undertaken cautiously.
Tracking and Motion Cues for Rear-View Pedestrian Detection

This paper describes a new system for detecting pedestrians using the rear-view camera only. The system is based on "Accelerated Feature Synthesis" (AFS) part-based object detection which enables the detection of pedestrians across a wide range of appearance changes: upright and non-upright pedestrians, partially occluded pedestrians and children. In this paper we enhance the AFS by introducing an integrated system taking into account temporal cues for reducing the system error rates. We introduce two new algorithmic components: Non-maximal suppression (NMS) tracking which uses visual tracking and detection history to enhance detection, and local-motion features which help identifying independently moving objects. In addition we use a collected application-specific training data and make its test part available as a new benchmark. Compared to the previously published results, our integrated system reduces the false alarm rate (at 90% detection rate) by a factor of 24 and shows a promising capability of detecting pedestrians and children in arbitrary poses.
Abstract A184: A phase I study of 5‐azacytidine (AZA) and erlotinib (E) for patients (pt) with advanced solid tumors

Background: Erlotinib (E), a tyrosine kinase inhibitor of EGFR, is approved for non‐small cell lung cancer. 5‐Azacytidine (AZA) is approved for leukemia. AZA traps DNA methyltransferase (DMT) in a covalent complex with DNA resulting in a progressive loss of DNA methylation, at concentrations that do not cause major suppression of DNA synthesis. Hypomethylation reactivates previously quiescent genes and may restore the function of genes that control cell proliferation and differentiation, such as EGFR. Methods: A standard 3+3 phase I study of the combination of E and AZA was planned in patients with incurable solid tumors. E was given at full dose (150 mg/day continuously). Vidaza was given intravenously every 2 weeks at a starting dose of 75 mg/m2/day ×1 day. Increments were by number of AZA days: The second cohort received 2 consecutive days of Vidaza, the third, 3 days, the fourth, 4 days. One course was 4 weeks. Standard grade 3 and 4 DLTs (CTCAE version 3) were recorded on the first course of treatment. RECIST criteria were used to determine response. Results: 18 adult patients (pt) have been enrolled. Cohort 1: 6 pt; cohort 2, 3 pt; cohort 3, 6 pt; cohort 4, 3 pt. DLTs included eye infection (1 pt in cohort 1) and a neutropenic sepsis in cohort 3. Both cohorts were expanded. Overall AEs were: grade 3 rash, diarrhea, and hypokalemia (1 each (5%)); grade 1–2 rash (60%), nausea/vomiting (38%), diarrhea (38%), fatigue (33%), mouth sores and dysgeusia (22% each), hypokalemia (16%), transaminase increase (11%), neutropenia (5%), pneumonitis (5%), urticaria (5%). The maximum tolerated dose has not been reached at 75 mg/m2/day × 4 days every 2 weeks. Enrollment will continue until AZA 100 mg/m2/day × 4 days is reached. ORR is 5% with a clinical benefit rate of 40%, and the median number of courses given is 2 (range 1–6). Conclusions: The combination of E and AZA is well tolerated with no synergistic toxicities. The main AEs are rash and gastrointestinal. E+AZA has modest but definite activity in patients with refractory tumors, and long disease stabilization are observed in selected patients. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(12 Suppl):A184.
PDX Divertor operation

Abstract PDX was brought into operation in January 1980 as a diverted tokamak with typical parameters of B T = 15–20 kG, a = 38 cm, R 0 = 123–159 cm, I P = 180–300 kA, q ~ 3.7, n e = 1–3.8 × 10 13 cm −3 , Z = 1.1–3, t es ~ 25 ms , and pulse lengths up to 0.7s. Internal vacuum components that were exposed to the plasma (such as limiters, shields, microwave horns, etc.) were fabricated from 99% pure titanium. Glow discharge cleaning with 3 × 10−2 Torr H2 and pulse discharge cleaning were used to condition the vessel for high power discharges. For the divertor studies, work has concentrated on obtaining long, high current stable discharges. Radial position, plasma current, and gas injection control systems have been used to facilitate this effort. Discharges of inside-D, square, and inverse-D cross-section have been produced. Microwave interferometers, spectroscopy, an X-ray pulse height analyzer system, scanning and fixed bolometers, and thermocouple array have been used to determine plasma and impurity densities, temperature, radiation, and power loss to the divertor. A comparison of diverted and undiverted discharges is presented.
Measurement of the dipole moments of seven partially fluorinated hydrocarbons with a radiofrequency reentrant cavity resonator

Equilibrium dipole moments of gaseous pentafluorodimethyl ether (HFE-125), 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane (HFC-227ea), 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane (HFC-236ea) 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane (HFC-236fa), 1,1,2,2,3-pentafluoropropane (HFC-245ca), 1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoropropane (HFC-245fa), and 1,1,1,2,2,3,3,4-octafluorobutane (HFC-338mccq) were obtained from the resonance frequency of a reentrant cavity at temperatures between 250 and 373K. The electronic contributions to the polarization were determined for each fluid from liquid-phase optical index of refraction measurements at 297 K.
Hypoplastic congenital anemia

Summary A case of congenital hypoplastic anemia is presented. The outstandingfeatures were a severe diminution in the erythropoietic and granulocytic bone marrow elements with a less marked decrease in thrombocytes. There were no evidences of blood regeneration or of destruction. Life was maintained only by repeated transfusions, and none of the blood-producing substances were of any value. The infant seemed able to adjust himself perfectly to low hemoglobin and red cell levels. In spite of rather low platelet counts there was no hemorrhagic tendency. At the age of 21 months the count suddenly began to rise and at this writing is practically normal. No etiologic factor was discovered. An interesting sidelight is the remarkable resistance to infection and recuperative power of this infant, even during periods of profound anemia.
Characterization of binding sites for N-Tyr-MIF-1 (Tyr-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2) in rat brain

Binding sites for N-Tyr-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2 (Tyr-MIF-1), a novel peptide structurally related but immunoreactively different from Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2 (MIF-1), were investigated. The presence of Tyr-MIF-1-like material in brain tissue has previously been demonstrated by RIA and its levels were shown to vary with the diurnal cycle and after pinealectomy. We now demonstrate a high affinity binding site in rat brain that is saturable and specific for Tyr-MIF-1. Crude P2 synaptosomal fractions from rat brains were incubated with 125I-Tyr-MIF-1 in the presence or absence of μM unlabelled Tyr-MIF-1 (nonspecific binding). Binding reached equilibrium at 30–40 min at 23°C and at about 4 hr on ice, after which it was relatively stable for at least 18 hr. None of the other peptides (including MIF-1) or amino acid residues tested were found to effectively compete for 125I-Tyr-MIF-1 binding. Binding was linear with protein from 280 μg to at least 1.1 mg protein per tube. Scatchard analysis of the striatum-thalamus revealed the presence of binding sites with an apparent KD of 91 nM and maximum number of sites in the range of 45 fmol/mg tissue. Analysis of several brain areas revealed a differential distribution of the binding sites with relatively high concentrations in cortex, striatum, and amygdala and low concentrations in pons-medulla. Together with the previously published RIA results, the demonstration of a receptor for Tyr-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2 supports the concept of the presence of this novel peptide and its receptor in the brain.
Effect of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory and Other Pharmacological Agents on Tuberculin Reaction

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory and other pharmacological agents were tested in the efferent arc of the tuberculin skin reaction in the guinea pig. A low but significant inhibition was produced by the acidic anti-inflammatory agents, including the arylalkanoic acids, the anthra- nilic acids, indomethacin, and phenylbutazone. Some nonacidic antiinflammatory agents also were inhibitory; benzydamine caused a high inhibition. Except for methotrexate, the antineoplastic-antimetabolite agents were not potent inhibitors. Inhibition without toxicity was produced by the coumarin anticoagulants, the diuretics, chloroquine, tilorone, and the following immunoregulators: antithymocyte γ-globulin, cyclophosphamide, and penicillamine. Levamisole, colchicine, heparin, and niridazole were inhibitory but produced lethality either at or above the effective dose.
Selective, bi-selective, and composite differentiation

The real line is denoted by R and all functions will be realvalued and defined on R. The closure of a set A c R will be denoted by C1A. The selective and bi-selective derivatives have been studied by the first author in [2] and [6] respectively. The composite derivative is introduced here and we show that a composite derivative is a bi-selective derivative, determine when a composite derivative is a selective derivative, and find conditions under which a bi-selective derivative is a composite derivative. The paper is concluded with an example showing that sometimes selective and composite derivatives must be different.
Intestinal growth and differentiation in zebrafish

Intestinal development in amniotes is driven by interactions between progenitor cells derived from the three primary germ layers. Genetic analyses and gene targeting experiments in zebrafish offer a novel approach to dissect such interactions at a molecular level. Here we show that intestinal anatomy and architecture in zebrafish closely resembles the anatomy and architecture of the mammalian small intestine. The zebrafish intestine is regionalized and the various segments can be identified by epithelial markers whose expression is already segregated at the onset of intestinal differentiation. Differentiation of cells derived from the three primary germ layers begins more or less contemporaneously, and is preceded by a stage in which there is rapid cell proliferation and maturation of epithelial cell polarization. Analysis of zebrafish mutants with altered epithelial survival reveals that seemingly related single gene defects have different effects on epithelial differentiation and smooth muscle and enteric nervous system development.
Evidence and implications of the predictability of high yield bond returns

This study demonstrates that roughly one quarter to one-third of the monthly returns of the Merrill Lynch High Yield Bond Indexes from September 1988 through June 2009 can be explained by predetermined variables. The study also shows that out of sample forecasts of Sharpe ratios from GARCH models are able to predict favorable and unfavorable times to invest in high yield bonds and would have allowed investors to avoid most of the months in which high yield bonds suffered substantial losses. These out of sample results are robust when applied to Vanguard and Fidelity high yield bond mutual funds. Overall, the results support the case for allocating funds to high yield bonds only when favorable risk-return tradeoffs are forecast, particularly in light of the modest risk adjusted high yield bond returns from passive strategies over the sample period and the recent introduction of high yield bond exchange traded funds that have substantially reduced transactions costs.
Acute effects of cadmium on proximal tubular function in rabbits.

Abstract Acute renal failure was studied in rabbits 3 days after a single iv injection of a CdCl2-mercaptoethanol mixture (10 μmol Cd and 350 μmol mercaptoethanol/kg). Glomerular filtration rate (GFR), p-aminohippurate clearance (CPAH), and extraction of p-aminohippurate (EPAH) were severely depressed by poisoning. The lower CPAH and EPAH in poisoned rabbits reflected, at least in part, a cytotoxic action of cadmium on cortical tissue. The filtration fraction, defined as GFR/renal plasma flow (calculated as C PAH E PAH ) also fell. Reabsorption of all amino acids measured was strongly inhibited during the stage of acute renal failure. The site of this inhibition was the luminal membrane of tubule cells, as deduced from the identity of mean artery-to-urine transit times of [3H]inulin and 14C-labeled amino acids. In contrast to these tubular dysfunctions, the maximum tubular ability to reabsorb filtered glucose was unaltered, when corrected for changes in GFR, indicating that the effects of cadmium were relatively specific.
Patents: A Threat to Innovation?—Response

We agree with Manocaran that “Correlation is not causation” and say as much in our Policy Forum's first paragraph. But Manocaran's suggestion that the pharmaceutical industry may not be facing an innovation crisis is not supported by the weight of evidence ([ 1 ][1]–[ 3 ][2]). Companies rely
Isolation of an organic anion binding protein from rat liver plasma membrane fractions by affinity chromatography.

Abstract As part of a study of hepatic organic anion transport, solubilized liver plasma membrane proteins were subjected to affinity chromatography on bilirubin- and sulfobromophthalein-labeled agarose columns. Both columns retained a Sudan Black and PAS negative protein of molecular weight 60,000 daltons, which cochromatographed with [35S]sulfobromophthalein on Sephadex G-75, and reversibly bound [35S]sulfobromophthalein in vitro with high affinity (Ka ⋍ 107 M−1) and a valence of 2. Erythrocyte ghost membranes did not contain this protein. Sulfobromophthalein-agarose retained two additional smaller proteins which did not cochromatograph with [35S]sulfobromophthalein. Their significance is unclear. This study supports the hypothesis that liver cell plasma membranes participate in the hepatic transport of organic anions.
SOUND: A Structured Handoff Tool Improves Patient Handoffs in a Pediatric Emergency Department.

INTRODUCTION Handoff communication is an important contributor to safety and quality in the emergency department (ED). Breakdowns in this process may lead to unsafe conditions or adverse events. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that the quality of patient handoffs in the pediatric ED would improve after implementation of a structured handoff method. METHODS In this prospective, observational study, we evaluated the implementation of a structured handoff tool, SOUND, which we developed to standardize the format of handoffs. The tool contains 5 components as follows: Synthesis, Objective Data, Upcoming Tasks, Nursing Input, and Double Check. SOUND was implemented through an online module and provider education. Handoffs were observed before and after implementation of SOUND. Statistical process control was used to measure the effects of the intervention. A successful handoff was defined as one in which 4 of the 5 components were included. As a balancing measure, we calculated mean time per handoff. RESULTS We observed 638 handoffs. The implementation of SOUND significantly increased the percentage of successful handoffs. Statistical process control demonstrated continued improvement over time. This improvement was associated with a modest increase in the mean time per patient discussed (52.9 vs 73.0 seconds, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS It is feasible to standardize patient handoffs in the pediatric ED. The implementation of SOUND improved completeness of handoffs with only a modest increase in the mean time spent discussing each patient. Future study is required to determine if SOUND will prove effective in other ED settings.
Nonirradiated versus irradiated Achilles allograft: in vivo failure comparison.

Background: Many studies suggest that gamma irradiation decreases allograft strength in a dose-dependent manner. No study has demonstrated that this decrease in strength translates into higher clinical failures.Hypothesis: Irradiation of allograft tissue will lead to higher early clinical failure in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods: Medical records were reviewed for 90 consecutive patients who had received Achilles allograft reconstruction for unilateral primary ACL injuries at one institution between July 2001 and June 2002. One half of patients received nonirradiated Achilles allograft and the other half received irradiated Achilles allograft at a dose range of 2.0 to 2.5 Mrad. The ACL allograft reconstructions were performed using the same surgical technique. The rehabilitation program was identical for both groups. All clinical failures were recorded.Results: At least 6 months' follow-up was available on 42 subjects in the nonirra...
Guidelines for the preparative fractionation of human serum proteins on gradient-eluted columns of concanavalin A-sepharose: elution positions of fourteen well-characterized proteins and evidence for concanavalin A-reactive albumin-IgA and -IgG complexes.

Abstract Systematic studies on the fractionation of serum proteins on gradient-eluted columns of concanavalin A-Sepharose have been carried out to determine if the oligosaccharide residues were sufficiently different to permit a reasonable separation and to determine where in the chromatogram these proteins would be eluted. Human whole serum and ammonium sulfate fractions derived therefrom were used in conjunction with 2.1 ± 75 cm columns of concanavalin A-Sepharose and a 4 ± 400 ml gradient (Varigard) with 0.5 M methyl α-D-glucopyranoslde as limit buffer. The elution positions and chromatographic limits of 14 well-characterized human serum proteins have been determined by double diffusion of aliquots of the effluent fractions (10X concentrated) in agarose gel against specific antibody and the general chromatographic distribution of the proteins by immunoelectrophoresis. Overall, the results demonstrate that the composition of the oligosaccharide side chain, like differences in molecular size, solubility,...
Application note: USDA UV-B monitoring system: An application of centralized architecture

In order to determine the spatial and temporal variations of solar ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation reaching the Earth's surface and their effects on agriculture and environment due to the depletion of atmospheric ozone, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) UV-B monitoring system has been established to provide essential information of ground UV-B levels, along with other variables, to research communities, decision makers, and the public. This monitoring network of 39 sites was designed as a centralized system covering the U.S. domain with collaborating sites in Canada and New Zealand. Programmed data loggers and a central data server are employed to automate the work. The centralized architecture allows centrally processing the data from all sites on a 3min basis and making daily updates available for the users. The system architecture, algorithms for data collection and data flow in the data processing procedures are presented in this article. Statistics show that the system is rather reliable with an overall data completeness of 98.14% since it began running in 1994. Main damages to the instruments are caused by the static electricity associated with severe thunderstorms, which result in a lower data completeness in summer months than in the others. The drawbacks of the centralized architecture, the possible remedies for the network failures, and our experiences with the system are discussed.
Online Learning Methods for Networking

In this monograph we provided a tutorial on a family of sequential learning and decision problems known as the multi-armed bandit problems. We introduced a wide range of application scenarios for this learning framework, as well as its many different variants. The more detailed discussion has focused more on the stochastic bandit problems, with rewards driven by either an IID or a Markovian process, and when the environment consists of a single or multiple simultaneous users. We also presented literature on learning of MDPs, which captures coupling among the evolution of different options that a classical MAB problem does not.
Analytical chemistry in a drop

Abstract A liquid drop has some unique features, namely, reproducibility, renewability and the lack of containment walls. The value of these features are highlighted through a series of novel liquid drop-based systems: truly renewable gas sampling interfaces, windowless optical cells and reaction vessels for flow-injection turbidimetry and solvent extraction systems with nested drop arrangements. The use of a drop minimizes sample/ reagent consumption and, like the dropping mercury electrode of Heyrovsky, allows a fresh reaction surface for every sample. Drops are of particular value in solving problems in biphasic systems.
Computer simulations of protein dynamics and thermodynamics

The computational challenges of producing realistic biomedical simulations are reviewed. Techniques for applying classical mechanics simulation methods to proteins and ways to solve Newton's equations are discussed. Two recent applications of these methods are examined. The first considers the rate at which molecular oxygen binds to myoglobin, an oxygen-storage protein found in muscle. The second application involves the thermodynamics of the binding of oxygen to hemoglobin, a protein that is the major component of red blood cells. The comparison of this biochemical event to one in which oxygen is bound to an unusual variant of hemoglobin illustrates many of the simulation methods commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry to aid in the drug discovery process. >
Microthruster Knife-Edge Thrust Stand

Nano- and picosatellites are small satellites that are a more affordable alternative to larger satellites. Nanosats are satellites with a mass ranging from 1kg to 10kg while picosats have a mass that ranges from 0.1kg to 1kg. In addition to their cost, the smaller satellites have the advantage that they are able to carry out missions that would be difficult for a larger satellite. These advantages include using formations to gather data from multiple points and in-orbit inspection of larger satellites. Nano/picosats can be fabricated or procured for under $25k and launched into space for around another $40–60k which makes the total pre-mission expenditures for the satellite under $100k. Currently these satellites have a limited ability to orient themselves and cannot perform orbital maneuvers. For example a satellite could potentially use electro-magnetically charged coils in conjunction with earth’s magnetic field to orient themselves. The problems with the current methods of orientation are they are extremely slow in damping out oscillations due to low power and cannot execute out of orbit maneuvers. Thus, once a satellite is deployed from its launcher it is on a set orbit and cannot change its orbital elements on-command for the duration of its mission, limiting their use for science missions. Thus, it would be extremely beneficial for the nano- and pico-satellite community if a micro propulsion system capable of full-authority attitude control and orbital maneuver is developed. This paper describes the development of a cost-effective thrust stand for cold gas micro thruster development work. The thrust stand design is a static pendulum supported by a razor blade knife edge sitting on top of a silicon V-groove chip. The thrust measurement used is direct technique using a 1-axis strain gauge load cell at 25gm full-scale and resolutions in the order of 10 micro-g. Future possibilities include implementing a electromagnetic force compensation balance to improve sensing resolution.© 2009 ASME
Measurements of the detonation-front structure in condensed-phase explosives

Measurements of the detonation-wave structure at the axis of long cylindrical charges of nitromethane and TNT are described. The detonation-wave structures were measured by using them to drive plates and measuring the initial free-surface velocity of the driven plate as a function of the plate thickness. The measurements show that the structure consists of three zones: (1) a reaction zone, (2) an intermediate zone called the decay zone , and (3) a region of relatively slowly decreasing pressure. The decay zone, characterized by a rate of fall in pressure intermediate between those of the other two zones, is not predicted by any extrapolation of one-dimensional theory. In the liquid explosive nitromethane, the pressure at the head of the decay zone is essentially independent of the charge size, but the extent of the zone is very strongly dependent on the charge dimmeter and length. The decay zone increases in length as the detonation runs. In a 37-mm-diameter charge, after a run of 16 diameters, the decay zone is about 0.6 mm long and the pressure falls about 27 kbar in the zone. In pressed TNT the decay zone behavior is very similar to that found in nitromethane. However, the pressure at the head of the decay zone is not constant but changes with the charge size, boostering, confinement, etc. This effect has undoubtedly led to large errors in the measurement of detonation pressures.
Ontogeny of neurotransmitter systems in the paracervical ganglion and uterine cervix of the rat

Background: The paracervical ganglia (PG) are compo- nents of the pelvic plexus that provides sensory and motor innervation to the reproductive system of the female rat. Several neurotransmitters in- cluding norepinephrine (NE), acetylcholine (ACh), neuropeptide Y (NPY), and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) are present in neurons of the adult PG and in axons innervating the adult uterus and uterine cervix. The current study was undertaken to describe the onset of immunoreactivity of these neurotransmitters and neuropeptides during development. Methods: Female rats, ages El8 to P36, were prepared for immunohisto- chemistry for TH (tyrosine hydroxylase, a marker of noradrenergic neu- rons), NPY, or VIP as well as the histochemical demonstration of acetyl- cholinesterase (AChE). Results: All four markers were detected in neurons of the PG at E18. Changes in the appearance of these markers from El8 to P36 reflected previously described growth changes in the PG. Axons containing AChE, TH, NPY, or VIP were first detected within the cervix at E20. Immunopo- sitive axons first appeared as thick, unbranched structures at the outer- most portion of the cervical myometrium. Over time, these axon bundles ramified to form discrete varicose axons. The ingrowth was similar for axons containing each of the four markers. Conclusions: The relative density of each neuronal type in the PG was reflected in the density of axons containing the same marker in the cervix. Changes in neurotransmitterheuropeptide staining of PG neurons or ax- ons in the cervix were not observed as the animals approached puberty.
Preliminary report: Laser welding and fibrinogen soldering are superior to sutured cholecyctostomy closure in a canine model

Percutaneous endoscopic techniques for biliary surgery would be facilitated by methods of welding biliary tissue. To further investigate laser methods for fusing biliary tissue, we compared the time 0 bursting strength of two variations of near-infrared laser closure against polyglycolic acid suture controls. These time 0 studies were performed with a gallium-aluminum-arsenide semiconductor diode laser with a major ,iavelength output of 808 -F 1 nm and an energy density of 4.8 J/cm'. Using the 808 nm laser and indocyanine green dye to enhance laser energy uptake, closure of gallbladder incisions was accomplished with and without addition of fibrinogen to the target site prior to laser exposure. Without fibrinogen, the laser welds burst at 77 mm Hg, while fibrinogen soldering yielded a bursting pressure of 194 mm Hg. Sutured welds leaked at 215 mm Hg. Survival studies were performed with a mid-infrared 2.15 micron thulium-holmium--chromium:YAG laser producing 200 microsecond 300 millijoule pulses at 3 Hz (peak power .75 megawatts/sq cm, fluence 150 joules per square centimeter). The healing of midinfrared and polyglycolic suture closures of gallbladder incisions were compared at 1,2,3, and 4 weeks. All closures healed without evidence of leakage or infection. Laser welded cholecystostomy sites were completely ingrown with fibrous tissue by 2 weeks post- operatively and re-epithelialized by 3 weeks after operation. Suture closed wounds were still without complete epithelization 4 weeks after the procedure. Laser welding, particularly with fibrinogen reinforcement, may be a useful technique in future developments in percutaneous endoscopic biliary surgery.
The effectiveness of laws against bribery abroad

This paper analyzes the effectiveness of laws against bribery abroad in inducing foreign investors to reduce their investments in corrupt countries. The laws are designed to reduce the supply of bribes by foreign investors by increasing the costs of bribing abroad. Such increase in costs will make foreign investors more sensitive to corruption, and induce them to reduce their investments in corrupt countries. However, the paper argues that these laws need to be implemented and coordinated in multiple countries to become effective. Otherwise, investors in a country will have incentives to bypass them when competitors from other countries are not bound by similar legal constrains. The empirical analysis shows that investors from countries that implemented the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions of 1997 reduced their investments in corrupt countries. Investors from the US, which were bound by the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, also reduced investments in corrupt countries, but only after the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention was in place.