cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nanostructured carbon-metal oxide hybrids as amphiphilic emulsion catalysts.

Nanohybrids composed of "onion-like" carbon, single-walled (SWCNTs) or multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) fused to silica or alumina particles have been compared as stabilizers of water/oil emulsions and interfacial catalysts. The amphiphilic character of these nanohybrids makes them effective in stabilizing emulsions (up to 85 % of total volume) comprising of small droplets (less than 40 μm). Furthermore, these nanohybrids have been used as supports for transition metal particles (palladium and copper) to catalyze reactions at the water/oil interface. Three different reaction systems have been conducted in the emulsions to demonstrate the principle: 1) hydrogenation of phenanthrene; 2) hydrogenation of glutaraldehyde and benzaldehyde; 3) oxidation of tetralin. Comparison of the maximum conversions achieved in emulsions as opposed to the single phase, together with much better control of selectivity in the two-phase system shows the benefits of using these nanohybrid catalysts.
A quantitative study of chromosomal elasticity and its influence on chromosome movement.

Chromosome elasticity and movement have been studied in living cells in two distinct situations: early anaphase stretch due to opposed external forces, and drag stretch — an elongation due to frictional resistance or drag on a chromosome being pulled toward one pole. Drag stretch provides a simultaneous display of both friction and elasticity and shows that chromosomes in living cells are elastic up to approximately six-fold increases in length.
Internal mammary angiography: a review of technical issues and newer methods.

Up to 90% of coronary bypass operations in some centers now include at least one IMA graft. In parallel with the increased use of IMA grafts, our catheterization laboratory records for 1986-7–8 demonstrate a progressive increase in IMA angiography, both absolutely (11, 28, 48 cases/yr) and as a percent of restudy procedures performed after prior bypass (14, 25, 43%). Unfortunately, these records also show that cannulation of the right and left IMAs may involve substantial technical hurdles, resulting in a mean time of 19 ± 19 min from catheter insertion toselective IMA angiography. Based on this experience, we review a standard technique for IMA angiography using preformedcatheters, and describe alternative methods (including use of PTCA guidewires with or without super-selective catheters, and non-selective angiography utilizing a specially designed balloon occlusion catheter).
The influence of Weismann's germ-plasm theory on the distinction between learned and innate behavior

Since the early twentieth century it has been common in both psychology and behavioral biology to draw a sharp distinction between learned and innate behavior, or elements of behavior. The persistence of this dichotomy may be attributed in part to the fundamental importance of the separation of inherited and acquired characters within neo-Darwinian evolutionary theory, one of the essential foundations for the modern study of behavior. A cornerstone of early neo-Darwinian thought was August Weismann's theory of the germ plasm, which proposed a segregation between germinal and somatic cells during development, thus ruling out the possibility that acquired characters could be inherited. This denial of Lamarckian hereditary mechanisms became one of the hallmarks of neo-Darwinism, as opposed to classical Darwinism. Within the neo-Darwinian framework it thus became important, as Weismann himself pointed out, to distinguish sharply between inherited and acquired characters. Although the dichotomy has frequently been criticized it remains tenacious, surfacing in different guises as older versions of it became terminologically unacceptable. The analysis offered here suggests that this tenacity may partly be explained by the implications of Weismann's germ-plasm theory, and its modern incarnation in the central dogma of molecular genetics, and by the central thematic position of those ideas in the neo-Darwinian foundations of modern behavioral biology.
807-1 Congestive Heart Failure with Preserved Systolic Function in a Large Community-Dwelling Elderly Cohort: The Cardiovascular Health Study

LV diastolic dysfunction is known to be an important cause of congestive heart failure (CHFI in the elderly. However, the prevalence of LV diastolic dysfunction as a mechanism of CHF in a large, elderly cohort is unknown. The Cardiovascular Health Study is an NHLBI sponsored multi-center study of community-dwelling individuals 65 years and older designed to evaluate cardiovascular risk, mortality and morbidity. In Year 2 (1989–90), 4,629 of 5,201 individuals successfully underwent two-dimensional echocardiography (2-D echo) evaluation of the left ventricle ILV). The table outlines the prevalence of definite CHF by history and LV systolic function as assessed by 2-D echo. Normal LV systolic function was defined as normal LV ejection fraction (EF) and wall motion by qualitative/semiquantitative assessment, abnormal was defined as presence of either abnormal EF or wall motion lakinesis/dyskinesis), and borderline was intermediate. Overall Men Women Total Studied by Echo 4,629 1,971 2,658 Definite CHF by History 79 (1.7%) 43 (2.2%) 36 (1.4%) Abnormal LV Systolic Function 31 (39%) 20 (46%) 11 (31%) Borderline LV Systolic Function 11 (14%) 5 (12%) 6 (17%) Normal LV Systolic Function 37 (47%) 18 (42%) 19 (53%) Full-size table Table options View in workspace Download as CSV Conclusions In this large elderly cohort; (1) the prevalence of definite congestive heart failure by history was 2%; 12) nearly one-half of participants with definite CHF had normal LV systolic function; (3) the distribution of systolic dysfunction among participants with definite CHF did not differ significantly by gender. These findings suggest a high prevalence of LV diastolic dysfunction as the mechanism of CHF among a large cohort of elderly, community-dwelling individuals.
Internal Waves at an Interface between Two Layers of Differing Stability

Abstract Internal waves in a two-layer fluid are considered. The layers have different values of the buoyancy frequency, assumed to be constant in each layer. The density profile is chosen to be continuous across the interface and the flow is Boussinesq. The solution is an expansion in the wave amplitude, similar to a Stokes expansion for free surface waves. The results show that the nonlinear terms in the interfacial boundary conditions require higher harmonics and result in nonlinear wave steepening at the interface. The first few harmonics are scattered by the interface, whereas the higher harmonics are evanescent in the vertical. The second-order correction to the wave speed is negative, similar to previous results with a rigid upper boundary.
Masoprocol lowers blood pressure in rats with fructose-induced hypertension.

Rats with fructose-induced hypertension were treated by oral gavage with either masoprocol (nordihydroguaiaretic acid) or vehicle. Masoprocol treatment resulted in significantly (P < .05 to .001) lower values for systolic blood pressure (120 +/- 3 v 164 +/- 5 mm Hg), as well as plasma insulin (30 +/- 5 v 44 +/- 4 microU/mL), free fatty acid (551 +/- 20 v 692 +/- 22 microEq/L), and triglyceride (79 +/- 5 v 219 +/- 32 mg/dL) concentrations. These results indicate that masoprocol, a lipoxygenase inhibitor, is able to lower blood pressure, as well as improve the metabolic abnormalities present in a rodent model of hypertension that simulates the characteristic of many patients with essential hypertension.
Fluorometric determination of Δ4-3-ketosteroids

Abstract A simple fluorometric procedure for the quantitative estimation of Δ 4 -3-ketosteroids is described, based on the reaction with potassium tert -butoxide in tert -butyl alcohol. The method is applicable to the determination of testosterone, progesterone, and the biologically active adrenocortical C 21 steroids, and is sensitive to 0.01 μg. of steroid.
Association of an oculomotor delayed response task and the Wisconsin Card Sort Test in schizophrenic patients

The relationship between a widely-used neuropsychological test of frontal lobe function, the Wisconsin Card Sort Test, and spatial working memory, as assessed by the oculomotor delayed response task, was examined in schizophrenic patients. Schizophrenic patients were impaired compared with bipolar and normal control subjects on both tasks and their working memory performance was significantly correlated with their WCST measures. The spatial working memory and the WCST deficits in schizophrenia may reflect disrupted circuitry mediated by the dorsolateral prefrontal system.
The strategy selection‐construction controversy II: Comparing pre‐and experienced teachers' compliance‐gaining message constructions

Arguing in favor of the constructionist method of assessment, Burleson, Wilson, Waltman, Goering, Ely and Whaley (1988) indicted the selectionist method commonly employed in compliance‐gaining research. This study examines the functional equivalence of these two techniques for compliance‐gaining research in the classroom. Specifically, we begin by asking teachers to construct compliance‐gaining messages. Next, we analyze those messages to assess the relative sensitivity of this approach to those results previously obtained with selections from the Behavior Alteration Technique (BAT) checklist. Our results do not reflect the allegations leveled against the selectionist method. Alternatively, these data suggest that when compared to findings obtained with the selectionist procedure, the construction approach is less sensitive to real world differences that should exist; provides similar results for other known predictors; and is just as likely to elicit socially desirable prosocial messages. These results a...
Immobilization of palladium nanoparticles on latex supports and their potential for catalytic applications

Palladium nanoparticles were reduced in the presence of several latex dispersions possessing different hydrophobicities. Various reduction methods were investigated, specifically the slower methods of refluxing the alcoholic solution and the more rapid reduction by potassium tetrahydridoborate. In several cases the latexes showed the ability to adsorb and immobilize the palladium nanoparticles on their surface. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to show the immobilization of the metal nanoparticles on the latex surfaces, and their nanosize dimensions. The latex-metal dispersions showed catalytic activity for the hydrogenation of cyclohexene as a model reaction. A selection of water-soluble protective polymers was included to explore whether the metal nanoparticles were still immobilized. In the case of the more hydrophobic latexes, the accumulation and immobilization of the metal nanoparticles was preserved both before and after their use as hydrogenation catalysts. Palladium-Nanopartikel wurden in verschiedenen Latexdispersionen unterschiedlicher Hydrophobizitat reduziert. Mehrere Reduktionsmethoden wurden untersucht, speziell die langsamere Methode durch Ruckflus in alkoholischer Losung und die raschere Reduktion durch Kaliumtetrahydridoborat. In einigen Fallen zeigten die Latices die Fahigkeit, die Palladium-Nanopartikel auf ihrer Oberflache zu adsorbieren und zu immobilisieren. Die Immobilisierung der Metallnanopartikel auf den Latexoberflachen und ihre Nanodimensionen konnten mit der Transmissionselektronenmikroskopie gezeigt werden. Die Latex-Metall-Dispersionen besitzen katalytische Aktivitat fur die Hydrierung von Cyclohexen als Modellreaktion. Eine Auswahl von wasserloslichen Schutzpolymeren wurde hinzugefugt, um zu prufen, ob die Metallnanopartikel noch immobilisiert bleiben. Im Fall der hydrophoberen Latices wurden die Akkumulation und die Immobilisierung der Metallnanopartikel sowohl vor als auch nach ihrem Einsatz als Hydrierkatalysatoren beibehalten.
DIAGNOSIS OF MALE CHLAMYDIA TRACHOMATIS URETHRITIS BY POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES A quick and highly sensitive diagnostic test would be valuable in the diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis. GOAL OF THIS STUDY We compared a new polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique to Chlamydiazyme (Abbott, North Chicago, IL) in the detection of male chlamydial urethritis, and evaluated the performance of PCR on urine samples. STUDY DESIGN Urethral samples for analysis by PCR and Chlamydiazyme were obtained from 474 unselected patients attending a sexually transmitted diseases (STD) clinic. Urine samples were analyzed by PCR from 362 of these patients. RESULTS Twenty seven (5.7%) urethral samples were positive by Chlamydiazyme, while 64 (13.5%) were positive by PCR. After resolution of discrepant results, the sensitivity of PCR on urethral swabs was 98.4% and the specificity was 99.0%, with positive and negative predictive values of 93.8% and 99.8%, respectively. These same measures for Chlamydiazyme were 43.5%, 100%, 100%, and 92.2%, respectively. The sensitivity of PCR on urine samples was 87.1%, the specificity was 98.0%, and the positive and negative predictive values were 90.0% and 97.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS This PCR test is more sensitive than Chlamydiazyme in detecting male urethral chlamydial infections in an STD clinic population, and appears to be equally efficacious on urethral swabs and urine samples.
A Review of: “Smart Light-Responsive Materials—Azobenzene-Containing Polymers and Liquid Crystals, edited by Yue Zhao and Tomiki Ikeda”

Azobenzene-containing materials have attracted a great deal of attention over the past two decades. Upon exposure to light, the azobenzene chromophores undergo trans-cis-transisomerization. This ph...
Influence of monovalent cation concentrations on monocyte-mediated ADCC.

Studies of effector cell biochemical processes associated with cell-mediated cytolysis have been undertaken by numerous laboratories to define the conditions required for the expression of cytolytic activity, and hopefully to ultimately eludicate mechanisms of cytolysis. By such studies, the requirements for the divalent cations, Ca++ and/or Mg++, in T-cell and non-T cell-mediated cytolysis have been demonstrated using chelating agents (1,2). Similar studies of the possible importance of the monovalent cations, Na+ and K+, had been impeded by lack of equally selective means of altering their intracellular concentrations. However, inhibition of cytolytic activity by ouabain (3,4). which specifically blocks membrane active transport of Na+ and K+ (5), indicates that these cations as well may influence cytolytic activity.
The Homeoprotein DLX4 Stimulates NF-κB Activation and CD44-Mediated Tumor-Mesothelial Cell Interactions in Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancers often highly express inflammatory cytokines and form implants throughout the peritoneal cavity. However, the mechanisms that drive inflammatory signaling and peritoneal metastasis of ovarian cancer are poorly understood. We previously identified that high expression of DLX4, a transcription factor encoded by a homeobox gene, is associated with reduced survival of ovarian cancer patients. In this study, we identified that DLX4 stimulates attachment of ovarian tumor cells to peritoneal mesothelial cells in vitro and increases the numbers of peritoneal implants in xenograft models. DLX4 induced expression of the cell surface molecule CD44 in ovarian tumor cells, and inhibition of CD44 abrogated the ability of DLX4 to stimulate tumor–mesothelial cell interactions. The induction of CD44 by DLX4 was attributed to increased activity of NF-κB that was stimulated by the inflammatory cytokine IL-1β, a transcriptional target of DLX4. The stimulatory effects of DLX4 on CD44 levels and tumor–mesothelial cell interactions were abrogated when IL-1β or NF-κB was inhibited in tumor cells. Furthermore, DLX4 expression levels strongly correlated with NF-κB activation and disease stage in clinical specimens of ovarian cancer. Collectively, these findings indicate that DLX4 induces CD44 by stimulating IL-1β–mediated NF-κB activity, thereby promoting peritoneal metastasis of ovarian cancer.
Observational study of the prevalence of febrile neutropenia in patients who received filgrastim or pegfilgrastim associated with 3-4 week chemotherapy regimens in community oncology practices.

FoRMuLAR y MAnA geMenT single injection was required. In these patients treated with a heterogeneous group of chemotherapy regimens with a broad range of risk of FN, overall, an absolute 1.8% increase in the incidence of developing FN was observed in patients who received filgrastim compared with patients who received pegfilgrastim, (absolute rates of 6.5% and 4.7%, respectively).
Five-year cumulative incidence of invasive anal cancer among HIV-infected patients according to baseline anal cytology results: an inception cohort analysis.

Objectives The aim of the study was to estimate the cumulative incidence of, and rates of progression to, invasive anal cancer (IAC) according to baseline anal cytology screening category in an unselected HIV clinical care cohort in the antiretroviral era.
Salient EEG Channel Selection in Brain Computer Interfaces by Mutual Information Maximization

Modern brain computer interface (BCI) applications use information obtained from the user's electroencephalogram (EEG) to estimate the mental states. Selecting an optimal subset of the EEG channels instead of using all of them is especially important for ambulatory EEG where the user is mobile due to reduced data communication and computational load requirements. In addition, elimination of irrelevant sensors improves the robustness of the classification system by reducing dimensionality. In this paper, we propose a filter approach for EEG channel selection using mutual information (MI) maximization. This method ranks the EEG channels, such that the MI between the selected sensors and class labels is maximized. This selection criterion is known to reduce classification error. We employ a computationally efficient approach for MI estimation and EEG channel ranking. This approach is illustrated on EEG data recorded from three subjects performing two mental tasks. Experiment results show that the proposed approach works well and the position of the selected channels using the proposed method is consistent with the expected cortical areas for the mental tasks
An unusual response to carotid sinus pressure.

Abstract A case is reported in which carotid pressure precipitated an attack of paroxysmal auricular tachycardia. The same measure abolished readily spontaneous attacks.
Cardiac Arrhythmias and Ictal Events Within an Epilepsy Monitoring Unit

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and describe the factors influencing ictal cardiac arrhythmias in children with epilepsy. A 2-year review within a pediatric epilepsy monitoring unit revealed 2066 electrographically confirmed seizures in 139 patients. Demographic, seizure, and cardiac variables were collected for each patient. Fisher's exact test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient were used to identify significant differences and associations at the seizure and patient levels. In 244 seizures meeting inclusion criteria, ictal cardiac arrhythmias were seen in 45% of the seizures (40% of the patients). The most common arrhythmia was benign respiratory sinus arrhythmia (78% of seizures with arrhythmias, 70% of patients with arrhythmias). Potentially serious arrhythmias included irregular variable arrhythmias, and abnormal QRS intervals were seen in 12% of all the patients. In seizures with ictal arrhythmias, 64% occurred in male patients (P = 0.016) and 78% occurred in white patients (P = 0.013). This study estimates the incidence of ictal arrhythmias within the pediatric population that need further medical attention and management.
Resection of Intracaval Leiomyomatosis Using Abdominal Approach and Venovenous Bypass

Background Intravenous leiomyomatosis is the venous involvement of a histologically benign uterine tumor. This uncommon tumor can present contemporaneously with the primary uterine tumor or in a delayed fashion. Tumor extends up the venous system, via the iliac or ovarian veins, and can involve portions or all of the inferior vena cava and can extend into the heart as well. Complete resection of this tumor is the therapeutic goal. Previous reports have described the use of combined thoracic and abdominal approaches, cardiopulmonary bypass, circulatory arrest, and a single report of an entirely abdominal approach to resection without bypass. Methods and Results We present a review of the existing literature describing surgical intervention for intravenous leiomyomatosis and describe two cases of tumor extending up the intra-abdominal vena cava. Using venovenous bypass without need for thoracotomy, we were able to resect both tumors with minimal blood loss and no hemodynamic instability. Conclusions We suggest that venovenous bypass is an excellent tool in resection of these tumors and should be considered for many cases in lieu of full cardiopulmonary bypass or circulatory arrest.
Heat-Shock Protein Synthesis in Chicken Macrophages: Influence of In Vivo and In Vitro Heat Shock, Lead Acetate, and Lipopolysaccharide

Abstract Synthesis of heat-shock proteins (HSP) in chicken macrophages, in response to thermal and nonthermal stressors, was determined. Cornell K-strain 6-wk-old White Leghorn females were injected with Sephadex and approximately 42 h later subjected to elevated temperatures in order to achieve a core body temperature (CBT) of 44 C. Peritoneal macrophages were isolated at 30 and 60 min after heat treatment. A parallel group of chickens, maintained at the normal CBT of 41C, was used as controls and peritoneal macrophages were isolated after 60 min of treatment. For in vitro study of HSP response, cells of a chicken macrophage cell line (MQ-NCSU) were subjected to 45 C ambient temperature to produce heat shock (HS, thermal stress), lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 15 μg), and lead acetate (nonthermal stress) exposure for varying time periods. The HSP profiles of macrophages following various treatments were determined by one- and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. The results showed that macrophages isolated from the 44 C CBT group synthesized HSP90, HSP70, HSP23, and a heat-inducible P32 protein. This HSP synthesis profile was similar to the HSP expression by MQ-NCSU cells exposed in vitro to 45 C conditions. Exposure to MQ-NCSU cells to lead acetate induced the same four proteins previously expressed by macrophages after in vivo or in vitro heat treatment. Two-dimensional analysis of lysates from cells treated with LPS, HS, or LPS plus HS treatments revealed a doublet protein molecule (70a and 70b) with identical molecular mass of 70 kDa. However, the pI value (isoelectric point) of 70b was higher (5.1) than that of 70a, which, along with HSP90 and HSP23, focused more toward the acidic side with a pI value of less than 4.6. The present study is the first to report pI profiles of chicken macrophage HSP. The in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that chicken macrophages respond to thermal and nonthermal stressors by producing similar kinds of “stress proteins”.
Piezoresistance Coefficients of (100) Silicon nMOSFETs Measured at Low and High ( $\sim$ 1.5 GPa) Channel Stress

A flexure-based four-point mechanical wafer bending setup is used to apply large uniaxial tensile stress (up to 1.2 GPa) on industrial nMOSFETs with 0 to ~700 MPa of process-induced stress. This provides the highest uniaxial channel stress to date at ~1.5 GPa. The stress altered drain-current is measured for long and short (50-140 nm) devices and the extracted pi-coefficients are observed to be approximately constant for stresses up to ~1.5 GPa. For short devices, this trend is seen only after correcting for the significant degradation in the pi-coefficients observed due to parasitic source/drain series resistances (Rsd/)
Improving Group Selection and Assessment in an Asynchronous Collaborative Writing Application

Two critical issues of the typical computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) systems are inappropriate selection of student groups and inaccurate assessment of individual contributions of the group members. Inappropriate selection of student groups often leads to ineffective and inefficient collaboration, while inaccurate assessment of individual contributions of the group members (1) hinders healthy working relationships among members and (2) prevents teachers from providing precise interventions to specific students. To address these issues, our proposed iHUCOFS framework forms student groups by balancing the students' competence (what the students know) and compatibility (whom they like as peers) for each group. The competence and compatibility are calculated using the assessment of student contributions derived from a newly implemented asynchronous collaborative writing module's detailed tracking information. Results suggest that: (1) the use iHUCOFS framework may improve: (a) the effectiveness and efficiency of the groups, (b) the perception of the students of their peers and their groups, and (c) the collaboration among students with low and high competence and (2) the teacher can use the detailed information tracked by the collaborative writing module to: (a) improve the design of the CSCL tools and (b) provide precise intervention to improve collaboration among the students.
Gender and General Strain Theory A Comparison of Strains, Mediating, and Moderating Effects Explaining Three Types of Delinquency

The present study of 659 Korean adolescents tests General Strain Theory’s (GST) utility in explaining gender differences in delinquency causation. It models the effects of key strains, negative emotions, and a composite measure of several conditioning factors separately for boys and girls and for delinquency. Consistent with the theory, males and females experience different strains and different emotions in response, and they vary in influences hypothesized to alter the connections of strains or emotions to delinquency. Strains that males experience more than females are significantly related to their violent and property delinquency, and those concentrated among females explain their status offending. For boys, family conflict influences different types of delinquency and examination-related strain predicts violent and status offending. The empirical research suggested that GST falls short in explaining boys’ and girls’ property and status offending, and in showing how a composite measure of conditionin...
The Emerging Role of IGF-1 Deficiency in Cardiovascular Aging: Recent Advances

This review focuses on cardiovascular protective effects of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, provides a landscape of molecular mechanisms involved in cardiovascular alterations in patients and animal models with congenital and adult-onset IGF-1 deficiency, and explores the link between age-related IGF-1 deficiency and the molecular, cellular, and functional changes that occur in the cardiovascular system during aging. Microvascular protection conferred by endocrine and paracrine IGF-1 signaling, its implications for the pathophysiology of cardiac failure and vascular cognitive impairment, and the role of impaired cellular stress resistance in cardiovascular aging considered here are based on emerging knowledge of the effects of IGF-1 on Nrf2-driven antioxidant response.
LOCATION OF NORMAL AND ABNORMAL TYROSYL RESIDUES IN RIBONUCLEASE.

Iodination at pH 9.5 has converted three of the six tyrosyl residues of ribonuclease to 3,5-diiodotyrosyl residues. The iodinated ribonuclease is still enzymatically active toward ribonucleic acid. The diiodotyrosyl residues have approximately normal pK's, while the tyrosyl residues remaining have abnormally high pK's. Hence, iodination has taken place on the normal tyrosyl residues. Two of the iodinated tyrosyl residues have been shown to be No. 115 and No.92; hence, these appear to be normal tyrosyl residues. One of the non-iodinated tyrosyl residues is No. 97, and hence is one of the abnormal tyrosyl residues. The location of the other normal tyrosyl residue (or the other two abnormal ones) remains uncertain.
A closed loop process for recycling spent lithium ion batteries

Abstract As lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries continue to increase their market share, recycling Li-ion batteries will become mandatory due to limited resources. We have previously demonstrated a new low temperature methodology to separate and synthesize cathode materials from mixed cathode materials. In this study we take used Li-ion batteries from a recycling source and recover active cathode materials, copper, steel, etc. To accomplish this the batteries are shredded and processed to separate the steel, copper and cathode materials; the cathode materials are then leached into solution; the concentrations of nickel, manganese and cobalt ions are adjusted so Ni x Mn y Co z (OH) 2 is precipitated. The precipitated product can then be reacted with lithium carbonate to form LiNi x Mn y Co z O 2 . The results show that the developed recycling process is practical with high recovery efficiencies (∼90%), and 1 ton of Li-ion batteries has the potential to generate $5013 profit margin based on materials balance.
Saturation effects in coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering spectroscopy of hydrogen

Saturation of coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) spectra of the Q(1) line of the hydrogen (1, 0) vibrational transition was investigated experimentally by using high-resolution lasers and theoretically by solving the time-dependent density matrix equations. The saturation behavior of hydrogen is complicated by the large Doppler width of the resonance and the high rate of velocity-changing collisions relative to dephasing collisions. Experimentally, GARS line shapes and saturation curves were measured in pure hydrogen at pressures of 100 and 3050 Torr. Surprisingly, the measured saturation intensity was found to be less at 3050 Torr than at 100 Torr. The time-dependent density matrix equations were numerically integrated to obtain CARS saturation curves and line shapes. Excellent agreement between calculated and experimental line shapes was obtained at both 100 and 3050 Torr, and the predicted saturation intensity was less at 3050 Torr than at 100 Torr. Based on the good agreement between theory and experiment obtained at 100 and 3050 Torr, the theoretical results were extended over a much wider pressure range, from 0.1 to 100,000 Torr. Below 1 Torr the saturation behavior is independent of pressure because collision times are long compared with times associated with laser excitation of the resonance, and the molecular response is completely transient. Between 1 and a few hundred Torr the saturation intensity increases as the rate of velocity-changing collisions increases. Above a few hundred Torr, however, the saturation intensity begins to decrease because the high rate of velocity-changing collisions ensures that all molecules couple effectively with the Raman-pumping lasers. Calculations show a minimum in saturation intensity at 2000 Torr. For even higher pressures, saturation is controlled by dephasing collisions, and the saturation intensity increases rapidly with pressure.
Low-power DWT-based quasi-averaging algorithm and architecture for epileptic seizure detection

In this paper, we have developed a low-complexity algorithm for epileptic seizure detection with a high degree of accuracy. The algorithm has been designed to be feasibly implementable as battery-powered low-power implantable epileptic seizure detection system or epilepsy prosthesis. This is achieved by utilizing design optimization techniques at different levels of abstraction. Particularly, user-specific critical parameters are identified at the algorithmic level and are explicitly used along with multiplier-less implementations at the architecture level. The system has been tested on neural data obtained from in-vivo animal recordings and has been implemented in 90nm bulk-Si technology. The results show up to 90 % savings in power as compared to prevalent wavelet based seizure detection technique while achieving 97% average detection rate.
Theory of genomic imprinting conflict in social insects

Genomic imprinting refers to the differential expression of genes inherited from the mother and father (matrigenes and patrigenes). The kinship theory of genomic imprinting treats parent-specific gene expression as products of within-genome conflict. Specifically, matrigenes and patrigenes will be in conflict over treatment of relatives to which they are differently related. Haplodiploid females have many such relatives, and social insects have many contexts in which they affect relatives, so haplodiploid social insects are prime candidates for tests of the kinship theory of imprinting. Matrigenic and patrigenic relatednesses are derived for individuals affected in a variety of contexts, including queen competition, sex ratio, worker laying of male eggs and policing, colony fission, and adoption of new queens. Numerous predictions emerge for what contexts should elicit imprinting, which individuals and tissues will show it, and the direction of imprinting effects. The predictions often vary for different genetic structures (varying queen and mate number) and often contrast with predictions for diploids. Because the contexts differ from the normal imprinting case, and because nothing is currently known about imprinting in social insects, these predictions can serve as a strong a priori test of the kinship theory of imprinting. If the predictions are correct, then social insects, which have long served as exemplars of cooperation between individuals, will also be shown to be extraordinary examples of competition within individual genomes.
Generic properties, one-parameter deformations, and the BCU method [power system stability]

This paper discusses the theoretical justification of the BCU method for the evaluation of power system stability. Recent literature has suggested that the method can be mathematically justified in terms of a one-parameter deformation between two systems. This paper shows that the assumptions of this method do not hold generically for power system models. In particular, the one-parameter transversality conditions inherent in the deformation argument do not apply for a large region in parameter space, thus, the validity of the BCU method cannot be theoretically justified by this procedure.
Stochastic scheduling of parallel queues with set-up costs

We consider the problem of allocating a single server to a system of queues with Poisson arrivals. Each queue represents a class of jobs and possesses a holding cost rate, general service distribution, and a set-up cost. The objective is to minimize the expected cost due to the waiting of jobs and the switching of the server. A set-up cost is required to effect an instantaneous switch from one queue to another. We partially characterize an optimal policy and provide a simple heuristic scheduling policy. The heuristic's performance is evaluated in the cases of two and three queues by comparison with a numerically obtained optimal policy. Simulation results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of our heuristic over a wide range of problem instances with four queues.
An LTCC superstrate patch antenna for 60-GHz package applications

The increasing capabilities of high speed silicon germanium (SiGe) and complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) technologies have made millimeter wave (mmWave) frequencies attractive for low-cost applications. An overview of the capabilities can be found in [1]. Promising applications could be high data rate wireless personal-area networks (WPAN) at 60 GHz [2], automotive radars at 76–77 GHz or 78–81 GHz [3], and imaging at 94 GHz [4]. These applications require small, low-profile, but high-performance packages at moderate to low cost. Such mmWave systems require not only highly-integrated radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs), but also high-performance antennas. However, integrating an antenna into a package is not an easy task. The realization of a robust, efficient and broadband mmWave antenna within a plastic or multilayer organic (MLO) package is challenging due to assembly difficulties, limited material selection and manufacturing tolerances. In [5] we indicated that our cavity-backed folded dipole superstrate antenna has potential for integration with our 60-GHz SiGe chipset [1] in a plastic land-grid array (LGA) package [6]. This package concept includes a fused-silica substrate with antenna structures, a metal frame forming the cavity and providing the support for the fused- silica substrate, a package carrier to carry the radio frequency (RF) chip and the antenna assembly, and glob-top to protect the chip and the antenna. Although this package shows excellent performance, the assembly is still complicated and expensive. In [7], we proposed an aperture-coupled superstrate patch antenna with an embedded air cavity and an open cavity for antenna evaluation (possibly also for holding an RFIC chip). The antenna, based on printed circuit board (PCB) or MLO technology, provides high efficiency and wide bandwidth.
Acute cerebellar ataxia due to Sjögren syndrome

Acute cerebellar ataxia is more common in pediatric patients than in adults and is usually caused by a postinfectious process or drug ingestion. Although a myriad of other causes have been described, acute cerebellar ataxia has not been reported as the presenting symptom of Sjogren syndrome. We report a previously healthy adolescent girl who was examined for acute cerebellar ataxia and MRI findings of parotitis and who was diagnosed with primary Sjogren syndrome (PSS). A girl aged 16 years developed a headache; evaluation at a local emergency department with head CT revealed sinusitis, and she was treated with antibiotics. A few days later, she developed leg numbness, dysarthria, and ataxia. An MRI at another hospital demonstrated “cerebellar inflammation,” and a lumbar puncture revealed a protein of 110 and leukocyte count of 210 with a lymphocytic pleocytosis. Treatment with cefotaxime and acyclovir was stopped after CSF cultures, herpes simplex virus PCR, and blood cultures were negative. After discharge, her primary doctor …
Creating fen initiation conditions: a new approach for peatland reclamation in the oil sands region of Alberta

Summary Reclaiming peatland ecosystems is challenging our understanding of how to rebuild functioning landscapes. Assisted succession may provide a practical approach to guide the reestablishment of peatlands in denuded landscapes. In Alberta, the majority of peatlands began as fens during the paludification process. This research focuses on creating fen initiation conditions to establish fen moss species on mineral sediment as an approach for peatland reclamation in the oil sands region. In a field mesocosm experiment, we evaluated the establishment of five common fen mosses (Drepanocladus aduncus, Ptychostomum (Bryum) pseudotriquetrum, Campylium stellatum, Tomentypnum nitens and Aulacomnium palustre) introduced in equal proportions to clay loam. To determine the optimal hydrologic conditions for the establishment of each species, we tested four water levels (0, −10, −20 and −30 cm). We created vegetation types similar to those identified at the peat–mineral interface in peat profiles to determine the effect of herbaceous plant, low shrub and wood-strand mulch cover treatments on moss establishment. Three seasons after introduction, total moss cover averaged 40% and was greatest under all cover treatments and at the 0 cm water level. Total moss biomass averaged 95·5 g m−2 in moss introduction mesocosms and was greatest under low shrubs and herbaceous plants and at the 0 and −30 cm water levels. Fen moss species distribution was significantly influenced by water-table depth. Drepanocladus aduncus and Ptychostomum pseudotriquetrum were most common at 0 cm and Aulacomnium palustre and Tomentypnum nitens at −30 cm. In this approach, we created vegetation types similar to those found on mineral sediments at the base of Alberta peat cores and successfully established distinct fen moss communities along a water-table gradient and under shade cover. Introducing a suite of fen moss species that inhabit a range of hydrologic niches under low shrubs or herbaceous plants improves moss establishment. Synthesis and applications. Our research shows that it is possible to create fen initiation conditions on clay loam sediment by introducing foundation moss and vascular plant species at optimal water levels. Restoring the community structure and biomass accumulation that occurs in the initial stages of fen development appears to be a suitable target for peatland reclamation. These methods introduce a practical strategy to reclaim peatlands in the heavily impacted oil sands region of Alberta.
A practical solution for the classification in interval-valued information systems

Complex information systems have to manage enormous quantity of data, representing different measurements or attributes from various sources. Classification of this set of data is a difficult task that frequently requires special methods for being solved. The problem of classification in information systems has been studied by many authors, and different methods have been developed. The use of rough sets, fuzzy logic, neural networks, entropy, or the combination of these methods has been used widely. When information is diffuse and the number of obtained values for each attribute is large, so is the number of rules obtained for the classification. Even worst is hidden information in the data that makes the process complicated. Due to this fact, an interval of values is defined for each attribute, moving from the minimum to the maximum obtained values in the collected database. This is what is defined as interval-valued information systems. Differently from other works, the concept of information measure is used in this paper, together with a fuzzy logic discrimination tool. Using these concepts, initially an attribute reduction is obtained and then fuzzy logic is applied for discriminating among the possible solutions. This method is simpler than others, and provides accuracy not less than the usually employed methods.
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Practice Patterns Among Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

Purpose The purpose of this investigation is to assess the current clinical practices by oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMSs) in the United States regarding diagnosis and treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Materials and Methods We implemented a cross-sectional survey of academic OMSs in the United States via an electronic survey. The survey included respondent demographic data, patient volumes, diagnostic methods, and management practices for children with JIA and TMJ involvement. The results of the survey were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results The study respondents were composed of 52 surgeons. Most respondents were men (n = 43, 87.8%), were aged 51 to 60 years (n = 20, 39.2%), were in full-time academics (n = 42, 84%), had more than 20 years of experience (n = 26, 50%), and were seeing 1 to 5 patients with JIA per month (n = 21, 46.7%). Most patients were aged 11 to 15 years (n = 22, 61.1%) and were managed with 1 to 2 systemic medications (n = 30, 81.1%). All OMSs reported evaluating TMJ involvement by reviewing patient history, clinical examination, and imaging. The most commonly used imaging modality was panoramic radiographs (n = 24, 63.2%) and magnetic resonance imaging (n = 22, 57.9%). OMSs decided to inject intra-articular medication based on history and symptoms (n = 36, 94.7%). Once in remission, patients were followed up at yearly (n = 12, 36.4%) or 6-month (n = 10, 30.3%) intervals. Conclusions Our study shows that, in general, there is consensus among US OMSs regarding diagnosis of TMJ involvement in children with JIA. There is less concordance among the respondents regarding treatment. Currently, management of TMJ involvement in children with JIA is mostly based on expert opinions and retrospective studies. This study further highlights the need for randomized clinical trials and multi-institution collaboration to allow for evidence-based diagnosis and treatment.
High content analysis platform for optimization of lipid mediated CRISPR-Cas9 delivery strategies in human cells ☆

Abstract Non-viral gene-editing of human cells using the CRISPR-Cas9 system requires optimized delivery of multiple components. Both the Cas9 endonuclease and a single guide RNA, that defines the genomic target, need to be present and co-localized within the nucleus for efficient gene-editing to occur. This work describes a new high-throughput screening platform for the optimization of CRISPR-Cas9 delivery strategies. By exploiting high content image analysis and microcontact printed plates, multi-parametric gene-editing outcome data from hundreds to thousands of isolated cell populations can be screened simultaneously. Employing this platform, we systematically screened four commercially available cationic lipid transfection materials with a range of RNAs encoding the CRISPR-Cas9 system. Analysis of Cas9 expression and editing of a fluorescent mCherry reporter transgene within human embryonic kidney cells was monitored over several days after transfection. Design of experiments analysis enabled rigorous evaluation of delivery materials and RNA concentration conditions. The results of this analysis indicated that the concentration and identity of transfection material have significantly greater effect on gene-editing than ratio or total amount of RNA. Cell subpopulation analysis on microcontact printed plates, further revealed that low cell number and high Cas9 expression, 24 h after CRISPR-Cas9 delivery, were strong predictors of gene-editing outcomes. These results suggest design principles for the development of materials and transfection strategies with lipid-based materials. This platform could be applied to rapidly optimize materials for gene-editing in a variety of cell/tissue types in order to advance genomic medicine, regenerative biology and drug discovery. Statement of Significance CRISPR-Cas9 is a new gene-editing technology for “genome surgery” that is anticipated to treat genetic diseases. This technology uses multiple components of the Cas9 system to cut out disease-causing mutations in the human genome and precisely suture in therapeutic sequences. Biomaterials based delivery strategies could help transition these technologies to the clinic. The design space for materials based delivery strategies is vast and optimization is essential to ensuring the safety and efficacy of these treatments. Therefore, new methods are required to rapidly and systematically screen gene-editing efficacy in human cells. This work utilizes an innovative platform to generate and screen many formulations of synthetic biomaterials and components of the CRISPR-Cas9 system in parallel. On this platform, we watch genome surgery in action using high content image analysis. These capabilities enabled us to identify formulation parameters for Cas9-material complexes that can optimize gene-editing in a specific human cell type.
Developing, Implementing, and Adhering to a Code of Ethics

(1992). Developing, Implementing, and Adhering to a Code of Ethics. Hospitality & Tourism Educator: Vol. 4, No. 3, pp. 59-72.