cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of yttria-stabilized zirconia nanoparticles by decomposition of metal nitrates coated on carbon powder

Weakly agglomerated nanoparticles of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) were synthesized by a novel process which involved the decomposition of metal nitrates that had been coated on ultrafine carbon black powder, after which the carbon black was gasified. The use of ultrafine, high-surface-area carbon black powder apparently allowed the nanocrystalline oxide particles to form and remain separate from each other, after which the carbon black was gasified at a somewhat higher temperature. As a result, the degree of agglomeration was shown to be relatively low. The average crystallite size and the specific surface area of the as-synthesized YSZ nanoparticles were 5{approximately}6 nm and 130 m{sup 2}/g, respectively, for powder synthesized at 650{degree}C. The as-synthesized YSZ nanoparticles had a light brown color and were translucent, which differs distinctly from conventional YSZ particles which are typically white and opaque. The mechanism of the synthesis process was investigated, and indicated that the gasification temperature had a direct effect on the crystallite size of the as-synthesized YSZ nanoparticles. High-density and ultrafine-grained YSZ ceramic articles were prepared by fast-firing, using a dwell temperature of 1250{degree}C and a dwell time of two minutes or less. {copyright} {ital 1996 Materials Research Society.}
Macroeconomic news and the returns of financial companies

This research is concerned with the response of the NASDAQ Financial 100 index to macroeconomic news. The paper employs the newly developed technique of generalized impulse response analysis to examine how macroeconomic shocks affect the performance of the financial sector. The results identify the magnitude and persistence of the response of financial companies stock returns arising from shocks to the stance of monetary policy, real output, inflation, and risk. The findings add to the literature on the determinants of financial sector stocks and on the relationship between the stock market and the macroeconomy. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
VLSI development of smart-pixel ICs: a hybrid DSP core and a multi-threaded programmable DSP

The purpose of the programmable DSP chip is to provide a prototype of the processor that will be a part of the multi-processor multi-chip 3-D OESP demonstrator system. This chip design extends upon the DSP core above to provide more flexibility and functionality. The architecture for this chip is motivated by the desire to match the processor performance to the access time of the static RAM included with the processor. To achieve this, the separable nature of algorithms such as FFT and DCT was exploited. Multiple parts of the problem can be stored in separate RAMs and "threaded" through the processor so as to allow the RAM appropriate recovery time between accesses.
Kinetics of Nucleotide Incorporation Opposite DNA Bulky Guanine N2 Adducts by Processive Bacteriophage T7 DNA Polymerase (Exonuclease–) and HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase

Six oligonucleotides with carcinogen derivatives bound at the N2 atom of deoxyguanosine were prepared, including adducts derived from butadiene, acrolein, crotonaldehyde, and styrene, and examined for effects on the replicative enzymes bacteriophage DNA polymerase T7- (T7-) and HIV-1 reverse transcriptase for comparison with previous work on smaller DNA adducts. All of these adducts strongly blocked dCTP incorporation opposite the adducts. dATP was preferentially incorporated opposite the acrolein and crotonaldehyde adducts, and dTTP incorporation was preferred at the butadiene- and styrene-derived adducts. Steady-state kinetic analysis indicated that the reduced catalytic efficiency with adducted DNA involved both an increased Km and attenuated kcat. Fluorescence estimates of Kd and pre-steady-state kinetic measurements of koff showed no significantly decreased affinity of T7- with the adducted oligonucleotides or the dNTP. Pre-steady-state kinetics showed no burst phase kinetics for dNTP incorporation with any of the modified oligonucleotides. These results indicate that phosphodiester bond formation or a conformational change of the enzyme.DNA complex is rate-limiting instead of the step involving release of the oligonucleotide. Thio elemental effects for dNTP incorporation were generally relatively small but variable, indicating that the presence of adducts may sometimes make phosphodiester bond formation rate-limiting but not always.
Trade Liberalisation and Capital Spending by US Manufacturers

This is the first paper to study the impact of long-term tariff reductions on capital spending by US manufacturers. We investigate fluctuations in investment for approximately 400 different four-digit industries during the period 1974–2005. Our results indicate that the dismantling of tariff and quota protection has had a stimulatory effect on US manufacturing investment, despite the relatively low average tariff rate that existed at the start of our sample period. However, our findings reveal that reductions in input tariffs rather than output tariffs were the source of this effect, suggesting that better access to foreign inputs rather than increased foreign competition at the output level served as the primary stimulus for increased US manufacturing investment.
Computer-aided Three-dimensional Reconstruction and Measurement of Facial Canal Dehiscence

Location, shape and dimensions of the dehiscence in the facial canal to the middle ear space were studied in 20 temporal bones obtained from 19 individuals aged 1 day to 72 years at death by using our computer reconstruction and measurement method. The most frequent site of dehiscence was the oval window area (70%), particularly in its posterior half and on the inferior to inferomedial aspect of the canal. The shape of the dehiscence tended to be oval in the oval window area, but rather irregular in the other areas. The dehiscence ranged from 0.4 to 2.64 mm in length, from 0.12 to 1.59 mm in width, and from 0.03 to 1.87 mm2 in surface area. Proximity of these dehiscences to the field of otological surgery is stressed.
A Comparison of Three Job Engagement Measures: Examining their Factorial and Criterion‐Related Validity

Background Engagement is an emerging job attitude that purports to measure employees' psychological presence at and involvement in their work. This research compares three academic approaches to engagement, and makes recommendations regarding the most appropriate conceptualisation and measurement of the construct in future research. The current research also investigates whether any of these three approaches to engagement contribute unique variance to the prediction of turnover intentions above and beyond the predictive capacity of alternative constructs. Methods An online survey was taken by 382 employees and managers from a mid-sized financial institution. Results Results failed to support either a multi- or unidimensional factor structure for the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) engagement measure. For the Shirom-Melamed Vigor Measure (SMVM), a multi-dimensional structure was identified as a good fit, while a unidimensional structure fit poorly. The uni-factorial structure of Britt's engagement measure was confirmed. The Schaufeli measure of engagement was a strong predictor of work outcomes; however, when controlling for job satisfaction and affective commitment, that measure lost its ability to predict intentions to leave. Two components of the Shirom vigor measure held their predictive validity. Conclusions Collectively, these findings suggest that the Shirom vigor measure may provide better insight into whether and how much a person is 'into' his or her job. The Schaufeli measure was a good predictor of important work outcomes, but when job satisfaction and affective commitment were controlled, it lost its predictive validity. We were not able to confirm the three-factor structure of the Schaufeli measure. Two components of the Shirom vigor measure predicted turnover intentions after controlling for job satisfaction and affective commitment, suggesting less overlap with those constructs than the Schaufeli measure of engagement. This research adds important information on the nature of engagement and is expected to contribute toward a better understanding of the construct itself, as well as its measurement.
CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIAS PRODUCED BY CATECHOLAMINES IN ANESTHETIZED DOGS.

1. Electrograms have been recorded simultaneously from the right atrium, bundle of His, and both ventricles, together with the lead II electrocardiogram in dogs receiving cyclopropane and oxygen. Following the administration of norepinephrine, both bigeminal rhythms and monofocal ventricular tachycardias were observed. 2. In our studies both the coupled and the monofocal ventricular beats originated distal to the His electrode. 3. The mechanism of the coupled beats could not be analyzed using either gross or intracellular recording methods; the monofocal tachycardias appeared to result from increased pacemaker activity in the ventricular conducting system. 4. The present results emphasize the hazards of proposing mechanisms to explain arrhythmias solely on the basis of electrocardiographic evidence.
A different approach to implementing PHM based RCM

The introduction of PHM based RCM has been a slow process and may be too big a step to be achieved in a single bound. We need an incremental way forward that deploys the elements of RCM founded on PHM such that each step is self-financing and lays the foundations for the next stage of deployment leading to a finished system and process. 1 2
An Integrated Effort for the SHM of On-Orbit Satellite Boom Structures

Achievement of a robust structural health monitoring (SHM) system for on-orbit composite boom structures requires development of proper structural models and accurate interpretation of sensor response are of great importance. In this paper, an integrated approach which includes multiscale modeling, Lamb wave analysis, and vibration based modal analysis is proposed to detect microscale matrix cracking in boom structures that are subjected to a flattening and wrapping process around a circular hub. Multiscale modeling of the booms provides a theoretical estimation of the material properties at different length scales, which becomes the reference for Lamb wave and modal analysis. The Lamb wave based active sensing technique proposed in this study is used to detect signal changes due to structural degradation with the aid of Matching Pursuit Decomposition (MPD) as a damage feature extraction tool. Vibration based modal analysis provides new damage features by correlating composite material degradation with modal frequency shifts. The comparison of different SHM methods confirms the effectiveness of the proposed integrated SHM approach. The proposed methodologies have been validated experimentally.
A sub-mW 960-MHz ultra-wideband CMOS LNA

This paper presents a sub-mW ultra-wideband (UWB) fully-differential CMOS low-noise amplifier (LNA) operating below 960 MHz for sensor network applications. By utilizing both NMOS and PMOS transistors to boost the transconductance, coupling the input signals to the back-gates of the transistors, and combining the common-gate and shunt-feedback topologies, the LNA achieves 13 dB of power gain, a 3.6 dB noise figure, -15 dB input match, and -10 dBm of IIP3 with only 0.72 mW of power consumption from a 1.2 V supply.
Regulation of fatty acid release with particular reference to pituitary factors

The sections in this article are: 1 Hormones Affecting the Release of Fatty Acids 2 Adipokinetic Pituitary Hormones 2.1 Growth Hormone 2.2 Corticotropin, Intermedins and Related Synthetic Peptides 2.3 Fraction H, Peptide I, Peptide II 2.4 Thyrotropin 3 Conclusions
The classic paper of Tobie, von Brand, and Mehlman (1950) revisited.

In 1950, Tobie et al. described a diphasic blood agar medium that supported the cultivation of proventricular forms of the human sleeping sickness parasites, Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense and T. b. gambiense, which was a major advance over similar systems used by other investigators. First, rabbit blood was used in place of human blood in preparation of the diphasic blood agar. Second, the culture system supported the differentiation of bloodstream-form trypanosomes, which could not at that time be cultured in vitro, into proventricular tsetse forms, which could be cultured. This provided the opportunity for controlled investigations of these parasites. Third, the trypanosomes grew to a high density, yielding about 2 X 107 organisms per milliliter, an adequate number for biochemical analysis of the cultured organisms. Tobie et al. (1950) exploited the system to carry out quantitative studies on sugar utilization by the parasites. They showed that the proventricular form of T. brucei was an aerobic fermenter, but that the sugar concentration in medium was not a limiting factor for their growth. This is now explained by knowledge of carbon source preference by these and other trypanosomes (Brun, 1982; Bienen et al., 1991; Ter Kuile, 1997; Obungu et al., 1999). When read today, the paper by Tobie et al. (1950) does not appear exciting or novel. However, one must remember that Tobie and colleagues worked in an era where little was known regarding trypanosome biochemistry and biology, and few systems were available for the investigation of biochemical processes in parasites. In fact, until the work of Hirumi et al. (1977), the only stage of the trypanosome that could be grown in vitro was the procyclic stage. The creative exploitation of the procyclic trypanosome culture system by Tobie et al. (1950) inspired other investigators to adapt similar systems as tools to investigate parasite biochemistry. The impact of the Tobie et al. (1950) paper on the field of parasite biochemistry is evidenced by frequent citation by their contemporaries, and an occasional citation even now. The paper has a well-deserved reputation as a "classic".
Size Distributions of Particles Extracted from Disk Drive Parts: Comparison with the MIL-STD-1246 Distribution

MIL-STD-1246B states that naturally occurring particulate contamination on surfaces follows a lognormal distribution with a geometric mean of 1 micron. Thus, when the logarithm of cumulative particle count is plotted against the square of the logarithm of particle size, an approximate straight line should result. However, deviations from this "natural" behavior have been observed in many manufacturing environments involving specialized machining or cleaning. Complex disk drive components, such as machined castings or ground surfaces, must be inspected by first extracting contaminants into a fluid by some means (e.g., ultrasonically, or with a pressurized spray), and then monitoring the particle population in the fluid. The cleaning method and the extraction method, in particular, can cause a significant departure from the lognormal approximation. The substrate material also influences the extent of this departure, as does its cleanliness level. These aspects are brought out by the plotting of actual parti...
In Vitro Studies of Werner Syndrome Cells: Aberrant Growth and Chromosome Behavior

When he was a medical student in the ophthalmology clinic at Kiel University, Otto Werner (1904) described four siblings who had “scleroderma in association with cataracts.” Although he felt that there was no “evidence for a degenerative condition” in the family, the pedigree is classical for an autosomal recessive condition. Thannhauser (1945) reviewed published cases, listed twelve characteristics of the syndrome, including the tendency to occur in siblings, and pointed out that the skin changes were not true scleroderma. The modern era of Werner syndrome research was ushered in by the publication of Epstein et al. (1966), in which 125 cases were reviewed and the natural history, pathologic changes, and genetics of the condition were defined.
Die Bedeutung der chronischen Tuberkulose für die Überwindung der Tuberkulose als Volkskrankheit hinsichtlich der Betreuung in der Praxis

Die „Chroniker“ haben fur die ambulante Praxis eine grose Bedeutung, sowohl von der Zahl her als auch wegen der Zusammensetzung dieser Patientengruppe. Man hat ungefahr mit 30000 Chronikern zu rechnen, die ambulant behandelt werden. In dieser Patientengruppe finden sich viele sogenannte „schwierige“ Patienten, disziplinarisch und vorzeitig Entlassene, Therapieversager, altere Patienten mit mehrfacher Keimresistenz und mit Zweitkrankheiten behaftet. Die Chemotherapie dieser Gruppe richtet sich genau nach den fur die Klinik geltenden Richtlinien. Auch fur die ambulante Praxis ist zu fordern: 1. ausreichende Dosierung, 2. regelmasige Einnahme, 3. genugend lange Durchfuhrung.
"Psychophysics of Prices": A Reappraisal

In a recent JMR article [7] Kamen and Toman concluded that their data overwhelmingly supported a "fair price" theory and contradicted Weber's Law as applied to price. The implication is that substantiation of the fair price theory invalidates Weber's Law. Other evidence [1, 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12] tends to support two conclusions concerning the subjective perception of price: (1) the subjective price scale of the buyer seems to follow a logarithmic scale, and (2) there is a range of acceptable prices for certain products. As Kamen and Toman recognize, the second conclusion is similar to the fair price notion. The first conclusion can be derived from Weber's Law, and both conclusions are compatible. This communication will show:
Microscopic Theory of the Long-Time Diffusivity and Intermediate-Time Anomalous Transport of a Nanoparticle in Polymer Melts

The transport of a single nanoparticle in unentangled and entangled polymer melts is studied based on a microscopic, force-level, self-consistent generalized Langevin equation approach. Nanoparticle self-motion and length-scale-dependent polymer relaxation enter as two parallel and competing channels of force relaxation. For entangled melts, particle long-time mobility exhibits size-dependent non-Stokes–Einstein behaviors controlled by (i) fast diffusion and length-scale-dependent collective relaxation of the unentangled matrix for particles smaller than the tube diameter and (ii) polymer relaxation via reptation for nanoparticles larger than the tube diameter. The two regimes are connected by a relatively sharp but continuous crossover. Recovery of hydrodynamic behavior requires the nanoparticle to be roughly 10 times larger than the tube diameter. Theoretical predictions for the diffusion constant are in good agreement with recent simulations of unentangled and lightly entangled melts, including the cro...
Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.).

Agrobacterium-mediated transformation is the most common method for the incorporation of foreign genes into the genome of potato as well as many other species in the Solanaceae family. This chapter describes protocols for the genetic transformation of three species of potato: Solanum tuberosum subsp. tuberosum (Desiree), S. tuberosum subsp. andigenum (Blue potato), and S. tuberosum subsp. andigena using internodal segments as explants.
Research and application of geopressure controlling technology in drilling infilling wells

For the long-time separate layer injection and production in Sazhong oilfield,the pore pressure distribution has varied greatly and abnormal high-pressure formations, normal pressure formations and underpressured formations coexist in the longitudinal profile of a single well.It has brought difficulty in maintaining the drilling construction safety,controlling drilling fluid and reservoir protection when drill infilling wells.In this paper,based on reservoir characteristics and development practice of this oilfield,the decompression laws of the different flooding pattern is found out and proper decompression program of the injection wells,reasonable concentration of drilling fluid,right close time and the limited area are determined.Meanwhile,it has obtained the methods of pressure maintenance in high-permeability and low-pressure zone.Through controlling wellhead pressure of the injection wells,it can blow down the interlayer pressure difference,decrease the drilling fluid concentration and reduce the reservoir pollution.This research is important to the reservoir protection and improvement of the quality of drilling projects.
Non-viral nucleic acid containing nanoparticles as cancer therapeutics

ABSTRACTIntroduction: The delivery of nucleic acids such as DNA and short interfering RNA (siRNA) is promising for the treatment of many diseases, including cancer, by enabling novel biological mechanisms of action. Non-viral nanoparticles are a promising class of nucleic acid carriers that can be designed to be safer and more versatile than traditional viral vectors.Areas covered: In this review, recent advances in the intracellular delivery of DNA and siRNA are described with a focus on non-viral nanoparticle-based delivery methods. Material properties that have enabled successful delivery are discussed as well as applications that have directly been applied to cancer therapy. Strategies to co-deliver different nucleic acids are highlighted, as are novel targets for nucleic acid co-delivery.Expert opinion: The treatment of complex genetically-based diseases such as cancer can be enabled by safe and effective intracellular delivery of multiple nucleic acids. Non-viral nanoparticles can be fabricated to d...
The Pediatrician’s Role in Reading Disorders

This article summarizes clinically pertinent information on dyslexia and various disorders that contribute to school failure. Clinical, school, and research findings related to dyslexia are discussed. The role of the eyes, visual system, and controversial therapies are explored. The author emphasizes the role of the pediatrician as a team leader on the multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis, therapy, and counseling of children with learning disabilities.
Anaphylaxis Manifested by Hypotension Alone

Three instances of life-threating adverse reations to intravenous contrast media and penicillin have been presented. Hypotension was the major presenting sign, and was prolonged and relieved only by copious dluid therapy. In 1 case the onset of hypotension was delayed for an hour. Urologists should be aware of the variety and proper treatment of drug reactions.
Estimating the timing of multiple admixture events using 3-locus Linkage Disequilibrium

Estimating admixture histories is crucial for understanding the genetic diversity we see in present-day populations. Existing allele frequency or phylogeny-based methods are excellent for inferring the existence of admixture or its proportions, but have less power for estimating admixture times. Recently introduced approaches for estimating these times use spatial information from admixed chromosomes, such as the local ancestry or the decay of admixture linkage disequilibrium (ALD). One popular method, implemented in the programs ALDER and ROLLOFF, uses two-locus ALD to infer the time of a single admixture event, but is only able to estimate the time of the most recent admixture event based on this summary statistic. We derive analytical expressions for the expected ALD in a three-locus system and provide a new statistical method based on these results that is able to resolve more complicated admixture histories. Using simulations, we show how this new statistic behaves on a range of admixture histories. As an example, we also apply our method to the Colombian and Mexican samples from the 1000 Genomes project.
The Archaeology of Underground Mining Landscapes

The mining industry is known for leaving dramatic landscapes in its wake, and among these are the workings hidden below the surface. As dangerous places, underground mines exerted important holds over community life and shaped the formation of mining identities. Despite this centrality to the mining life, historical archaeological research underground remains limited because the hazards have never dissipated. This article establishes prospective ground for the archaeology of underground mines, taking its lead from several pioneering studies in order to better assess the nature of recoverable archaeological information. In particular, it is argued that the material evidence from the workplace enables localized insights into scalar transformations occurring in the industry, the cultures of work practice, and the mechanisms by which miners coped with uncertain environments. This article also considers strategies by which future investigations might safely proceed.
Flow electrification in transformer oil/cellulosic systems

Liquids are commonly used in power apparatus to both transfer heat and withstand high electric stress. The combination of charge separation at interfaces between the moving oil and boundaries and forced convection can give rise to the generation of electric fields. Either alone, or in consort with the fields imposed by energization of the equipment, these can contribute to insulation failure. Examples include freon cooled static power conditioning equipment and oil cooled transformers. Both to ensure reliable operation of existing equipment and to guide in the development of the next generation of power apparatus, it is desirable that flow electrification be reduced to an engineering science.
A Local Inflammatory Renin-Angiotensin System Drives Sensory Axon Sprouting in Provoked Vestibulodynia.

Abstract Vestibulodynia is a form of provoked vulvodynia characterized by profound tenderness, hyperinnervation, and frequently inflammation within well-defined areas of the human vestibule. Previous experiments in animal models show that inflammatory hypersensitivity and hyperinnervation occur in concert with establishment of a local renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Moreover, mechanical hypersensitivity and sensory axon sprouting are prevented by blocking effects of angiotensin II on angiotensin II receptor type 2 (AT2) receptors. This case-control study assessed whether a RAS contributes to hyperinnervation observed in human vestibulodynia. Vestibular biopsies from asymptomatic controls or patients’ nontender areas showed moderate innervation and small numbers of inflammatory cells. In women with vestibulodynia, tender areas contained increased numbers of mechanoreceptive nociceptor axons, T-cells, macrophages, and B-cells, whereas mast cells were unchanged. RAS proteins were increased because of greater numbers of T cells and B cells expressing angiotensinogen, and increased renin-expressing T cells and macrophages. Chymase, which converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II, was present in constant numbers of mast cells. To determine if tender vestibular tissue generates angiotensin II that promotes axon sprouting, we conditioned culture medium with vestibular tissue. Rat sensory neurons cultured in control-conditioned medium showed normal axon outgrowth, whereas those in tender tissue-conditioned medium showed enhanced sprouting that was prevented by adding an AT2 antagonist or angiotensin II neutralizing antibody. Hypersensitivity in provoked vestibulodynia is therefore characterized by abnormal mechanonociceptor axon proliferation, which is attributable to inflammatory cell-derived angiotensin II (or a closely related peptide) acting on neuronal AT2 receptors. Accordingly, reducing inflammation or blocking AT2 represent rational strategies to mitigate this common pain syndrome. Perspective This study provides evidence that local inflammation leads to angiotensin II formation, which acts on the AT2 to induce nociceptor axon sprouting in vulvodynia. Preventing inflammation and blocking AT2 therefore present potential pharmacological strategies for reducing vestibular pain.
An orthogonalized platform for genetic code expansion in both bacteria and eukaryotes

In this study, we demonstrate the feasibility of expanding the genetic code of Escherichia coli using its own tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase and tRNA (TrpRS-tRNATrp) pair. This was made possible by first functionally replacing this endogenous pair with an E. coli-optimized counterpart from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and then reintroducing the liberated E. coli TrpRS-tRNATrp pair into the resulting strain as a nonsense suppressor, which was then followed by its directed evolution to genetically encode several new unnatural amino acids (UAAs). These engineered TrpRS-tRNATrp variants were also able to drive efficient UAA mutagenesis in mammalian cells. Since bacteria-derived aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase (aaRS)-tRNA pairs are typically orthogonal in eukaryotes, our work provides a general strategy to develop additional aaRS-tRNA pairs that can be used for UAA mutagenesis of proteins expressed in both E. coli and eukaryotes.
Using Analytic Morphomics to Describe Body Composition Associated with Post-Kidney Transplantation Diabetes Mellitus

Background Better risk assessment tools are needed to predict post-transplantation diabetes mellitus (PTDM). Using analytic morphomic measurements from computed tomography (CT) scans, we aimed to identify specific measures of body composition associated with PTDM. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 99 non-diabetic kidney transplant recipients who received pre-transplant CT scans at a single institution between 1/2005 and 5/2014. Analytic morphomic techniques were used to measure abdominal adiposity, abdominal size, and psoas muscle area and density, standardized by gender. We measured the associations of these morphomic factors with PTDM. Results One-year incidence of PTDM was 18%. The morphomic factors significantly associated with PTDM included visceral fat area (OR=1.84 per standard deviation increase, p=0.020), body depth (OR=1.79, p=0.035), and total body area (OR=1.67, p=0.049). Clinical factors significantly associated with PTDM included African American race (OR=3.01, p=0.044), hypertension (OR=2.97, p=0.041), and dialysis vintage (OR=1.24 per year on dialysis, p=0.048). Body mass index was not associated with PTDM (OR=1.05, p=0.188). On multivariate modeling, visceral fat area was an independent predictor of PTDM (OR=1.91, p=0.035). Conclusions Analytic morphomics can identify pre-transplant measurements of body composition that are predictive of PTDM in kidney transplant recipients. Pre-transplant imaging contains a wealth of data that may inform PTDM prevention strategies. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Environmental reproductive justice: intersections in an American Indian community impacted by environmental contamination

In order to fully understand the impact of contamination on Indigenous communities, this paper explores how intersectionality has been integral to the development of environmental justice (EJ) and ...
Heterogeneous Catalytic Aqueous Phase Oxidative Cleavage of Styrenes to Benzaldehydes: An Environmentally Benign Alternative to Ozonolysis

The oxidative cleavage of styrenes to benzaldehydes by an environmentally benign heterogeneous catalytic method is described. The commercially available, inexpensive KSF montmorillonite was applied as a catalyst for the cleavage reaction at moderate temperatures using air as a sustainable oxidant in aqueous medium. The approach has been thoroughly optimized by testing several commercially available heterogeneous catalysts, including supported Pd and Rh catalysts, acidic montmorillonites and other common oxides such as silica or alumina. A broad variety of reaction conditions were assessed, including catalyst/reactant/solvent ratios, temperature, solvent and reaction time. The optimized conditions yielded benzaldehyde from styrene with high yield and exclusive selectivity. The scope of the reaction has also been investigated by using substituted styrenes as substrates. The data indicate that KSF is an excellent and at the same time sustainable catalyst for the oxidative cleavage. When also considering the simplicity of this method, it makes for a good alternative that can serve as a green replacement for the traditional ozonolysis reaction.
To freeze or not to freeze: decision regret and satisfaction following elective oocyte cryopreservation

Objective To characterize the degree of decision regret following elective oocyte cryopreservation (EOC) for social indications, and identify factors associated with regret. Design Retrospective cohort survey study. Setting Academic center. Patients Two hundred one women who underwent EOC for fertility preservation between 2012 and 2016. Interventions None. Main Outcome Measures Decision Regret Scale (DRS) score, from 0–100, with a cut-off >25 indicative of moderate to severe regret; and attitudes regarding decision satisfaction. Results Median DRS score was 0 (interquartile range 0–15) and the mean was 10 (range 0–90). Thirty-three women (16%) experienced moderate to severe decision regret. Factors associated with decision regret included: number of eggs frozen, perceived adequacy of information prior to EOC, adequacy of emotional support during EOC, and patient-estimated probability of achieving a live birth using their banked eggs. In a multivariate logistic model, increased perceived adequacy of information (adjusted odds ratio 0.63, 95% confidence interval 0.42–0.97) and patient-estimated probability of achieving a live birth (adjusted odds ratio 0.80, 95% confidence interval 0.67–0.96) were associated with reduced odds of regret. One hundred sixty-seven women (88%) reported increased control over reproductive planning following EOC. One hundred eighty-three (89%) affirmed they will be happy they froze eggs, even if they never use them. Conclusions The risk of decision regret following EOC is non-negligible. Low number of mature oocytes cryopreserved is a risk factor for increased regret, while perceptions of adequate information and emotional support, and increased patient-estimates of achieving a live birth using banked eggs are associated with reduced risk of regret.
Approximate KKR Band-Structure Schemes for Transition Metals

In recent years there has been much progress in the solution of the energy band problem i.e., the determination of the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the Schroedinger equation for a given periodic potential. The two principal reasons for this are (i) the progress made in computer technology giving rise to bigger (i.e. larger core size) and faster computers required for the numerical solution of the Schroedinger equation, and (ii) improved methods for solving the latter equation. The main purpose of this paper is to review and critically compare some of the methods which have been developed during the past year or two for solving the energy band problem for transition metals. It will become apparent from the theory that simple metals (i.e., non-transition metals), and in particular pseudopotential theory (Harrison (1966)), can be treated as an approximation to the theory developed in section 3 of this paper.
A case of Brucella aortitis associated with development of thoracic aortic aneurysm and aortobronchial fistula.

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this case report is to document the occurrence of granulomatous aortitis complicated by formation of a saccular aneurysm and aortobronchial fistula due to Brucella infection. Methods A 65-year-old man with a history of feral swine hunting presented with hemoptysis and was found to have a saccular thoracic aortic aneurysm and associated aortobronchial fistula. The aneurysm underwent operative repair with closure of the aortobronchial fistula. Results Histopathological examination of the aneurysm wall revealed evidence of granulomatous aortitis. Cultures of the blood and aortic wall tissue were positive for Brucella suis. Conclusions Although rare, Brucella infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of aortic aneurysm with granulomatous aortitis.
Stereotactic body radiation therapy with higher biologically effective dose is associated with improved survival in stage II non-small cell lung cancer.

Abstract Objectives The role of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in treating stage II non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. This study evaluates SBRT dose prescription patterns and survival outcomes in Stage II NSCLC using the National Cancer Database (NCDB). Materials and methods Patients diagnosed with Stage II NSCLC and treated with SBRT between 2004–2013 were identified in NCDB. The biologically effective dose with α/β = 10 Gy (BED10) was calculated. Overall survival (OS) was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression models. Results Of 56,543 patients with Stage II NSCLC, 451 (0.8%) received SBRT. There were 360 patients (79.8%) with node-negative and 91 patients (20.2%) with node-positive disease. The most common prescriptions were 10 Gy x 5 (35.9%) and 12 Gy x 4 (19.3%). The mean and median BED10 were 114.9 Gy and 105.6 Gy, respectively. With median follow-up of 19.3 months, overall median survival was 23.7 months. Median survival was 22.4 months for those treated with BED10 Conclusion SBRT is infrequently utilized to treat Stage II NSCLC in the United States. Treatment with higher BED10 was associated with improved survival, and the benefit was limited to patients with node-negative disease.
Preventing elopement in children with autism spectrum disorder.

Reports of missing children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are common in the media, and elopement can lead to dire consequences. This study quantified the use of preventive measures that target elopement, plus identified child/family characteristics associated with elopement and the use of preventive measures. This cross-sectional study included 394 caregivers of children ages 2-17 years with ASD followed in an academic medical center's Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics clinic. Details about elopement, preventive measure use, and sociodemographic characteristics were assessed via an investigator-designed, parent advocate-approved questionnaire, while pertinent clinical factors were extracted from patients' electronic health records. Two hundred and sixty-seven caregivers (68%) reported elopement by their child. Elopement risk was not associated with sociodemographic characteristics, nor with any specific comorbidity or neurobehavioral medication. Children with limited communication skills were more likely to have a history of elopement (OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.30-3.84; P = 0.004). The most common preventive measure used was lock(s) at top of doors (51%), while less than a quarter of families were using handicap permits, signs/visual markers, or tracking devices. Implementation of certain modifications was statistically associated with socioeconomic status and comorbidities of interest. In addition to supporting previous literature about the increased elopement risk in children with limited communication skills, this study is the first to reveal that caregiver use of numerous preventive measures varies widely. The associations noted with use of specific preventive measures can help guide recommendations for this dangerous comorbid symptom, and provide information needed for future studies to assess the efficacy of various preventive measures. Autism Res 2019, 12: 1139-1146. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: Elopement, defined as leaving an area without permission and placing oneself in a potentially dangerous situation, is a behavior exhibited by many children with autism. There is little information about the use of various modifications that target elopement in the pediatric population. This study identifies child/family characteristics that were related to elopement and the use of modifications, and stresses the importance of counseling families of children with autism about elopement.
Practical Aspects of Near-Field Optical Microscopy

The study of synaptic transmission has been significantly facilitated by the use of optical techniques to monitor calcium influx and vesicle cycling. However, the optical microscope is limited by diffraction putting a lower limit of 250 nm on spatial resolution. Near-field Scanning Optical Microscopy (NSOM) is a scanning probe technique that utilizes a sub wavelength light source in close proximity to the surface of a sample to generate optical images with a lateral optical resolution below the diffraction limit (about 20–50 nm). In this chapter the NSOM technique is discussed together with its initial application to biological samples. The concept of NSOM predates its more familiar cousins of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) by six decades. It was first considered theoretically in 1928 by Synge[l] and first demonstrated with microwave radiation in 1972 by Ash and Nicholls [2]. However, due to experimental difficulties it was not until 1984, and the advent of STM, that it was possible to demonstrate the technique using visible light [3].
Dairy, soy, and risk of breast cancer: those confounded milks

Background Associations between soy, dairy intakes and breast cancer risk are inconsistent. No studies exist with large numbers of dairy consumers and soy consumers to assess mutual confounding. Methods The study cohort contains 52 795 North American women, initially free of cancer, followed for 7.9 years (29.7% were Black). Dietary intakes were estimated from food frequency questionnaires and, for 1011 calibration study subjects, from six structured 24-h dietary recalls. Incident invasive breast cancers were detected mainly by matching with cancer registries. Analyses used multivariable proportional hazards regression. Results The participants (mean age of 57.1 years) experienced 1057 new breast cancer cases during follow-up. No clear associations were found between soy products and breast cancer, independently of dairy. However, higher intakes of dairy calories and dairy milk were associated with hazard ratios (HRs) of 1.22 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05-1.40] and 1.50 (95% CI 1.22-1.84), respectively, comparing 90th to 10th percentiles of intakes. Full fat and reduced fat milks produced similar results. No important associations were noted with cheese and yogurt. Substituting median intakes of dairy milk users by those of soy milk consumers was associated with HR of 0.68 (95% CI: 0.55-0.85). Similar-sized associations were found among pre- and post-menopausal cases, with CIs also excluding the null in estrogen receptor (ER+, ER-), and progesterone receptor (PR+) cancers. Less biased calibrated measurement-error adjusted regressions demonstrated yet stronger, but less precise, HRs and CIs that still excluded the null. Conclusions Higher intakes of dairy milk were associated with greater risk of breast cancer, when adjusted for soy intake. Current guidelines for dairy milk consumption could be viewed with some caution.
Reports from SIGSOFT CAPS Travel Awardees of ASE 2019

ACM SIGSOFT, via its CAPS program, supports students and professionals to attend conferences in software engineering and related fields. This report summarizes the conference experiences from CAPS awardees of ASE 2019, and introduces a recent initiative to broaden the CAPS travel support for professionals (e.g., junior researchers and faculty members).
Dose-dependent Effect of Biochar as Soil Amendment on Reducing Copper Phytotoxicity and Mobility

Using biochar to remediate metal-contaminated agricultural soil has attracted increasing attention due to it is relatively low cost and high efficiency. In this study chemical speciation, greenhouse experiments, and column leaching study were conducted to understand the mechanisms of copper (Cu) immobilization by pine needle biochar (PNB) and sweet potato residue biochar (SPRB) to evaluate the effect of biochar amendment rate for remediation Cu contaminated soils. The results showed that both PNB and SPRB amendment effectively raised soil pH and converted Cu into more stable chemical forms. 1% (W/W) SPRB was adequate for reducing exchangeable Cu fractions from 43.3 to 9.9 mg kg−1 in the contaminated soils. 1% (W/W) SPRB and 5% (W/W) PNB treatments show the best result to promote sweet potato growth. Over liming caused by 5% (W/W) SPRB resulted in inhibition of plant growth. 5% (W/W) PNB treatment also shows the best result for reducing Cu mobility: the cumulative amount of Cu in the leachate after 9 leaching events was reduced from 7.0 to 1.0 mg kg−1. However, 5% (W/W) SPRB amendment is a little effective for reducing Cu mobility. Although the biochar amendment can provide additional sorption sites for metal pollution remediation, soil pH after an amendment is also a critical factor to estimate optimal biochar application dosage for promoting plant growth and reduce metal leachability.
Closure operations in complete local rings of mixed characteristic

Abstract The extended plus ( epf ) closure and the rank 1 ( r1f ) closure are two closure operations introduced by Raymond C. Heitmann for rings of mixed characteristic. Recently, he and Linquan Ma proved that the epf closure satisfies the usual colon-capturing property under mild conditions. In this paper, we extend their result and prove that the epf closure satisfies what we call the p-colon-capturing property. Based on that, we define a new closure notion called “weak epf closure,” and prove that it satisfies the generalized colon-capturing property and some other colon-capturing properties. This gives a new proof of the existence of big Cohen-Macaulay algebras in the mixed characteristic case. We also show that any module-finite extension of a complete local domain is epf -phantom, which generalizes a result of Mel Hochster and Craig Huneke about “phantom extensions.” Finally, we prove some related results in characteristic p.
Long Island enhanced aerosol event during 2018 LISTOS: Association with heatwave and marine influences.

Abstract The co-occurrence of enhancement in aerosol concentration, temperatures, and ozone mixing ratio was observed between June 29 and July 4, 2018 (enhanced period, EP) on Long Island (LI) and the greater NYC metropolitan area during part of the 2018 Long Island Sound Tropospheric Ozone Study (LISTOS). Two aerosol formation pathways were identified during the EP, the first being the condensation of semi- and intermediate volatility oxidation products of anthropogenic volatile organic compounds (AVOCs) under stagnant synoptic flow conditions, high temperatures and afternoon sea-breeze circulation. While this first pathway was prevalent, the most abundant organic aerosol factor was less oxidized oxygenated organic aerosol or LO-OOA. The second formation pathway occurred during a period of more persistent (synoptic) on-shore flow transporting more aged aerosol which consisted of an internal mixture of more oxidized oxygenated organic aerosol (MO-OOA), methanesulfonic acid (MSA) and sulfate. It was estimated that 35% of the sulfate observed during the mature period (an average of about 1.2 μg m−3) originated from oceanic dimethyl sulfide (DMS) emissions. These two formation pathways helped elucidate the sources of fine particle pollution, highlighted the interaction between human emissions and natural DMS emission, and will help our understanding of pollution affecting other urban areas adjacent to large bodies of water during hot and stagnant periods.