cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Selective Recognition and Extraction of the Uranyl Ion

A tripodal receptor capable of extracting uranyl ion from aqueous solutions has been developed. At a uranyl concentration of 400 ppm, the developed ligand extracts ∼59% of the uranyl ion into the organic phase. The new receptor features three carboxylates that converge on the uranyl ion through bidentate interactions. Solution studies reveal slow exchange of the carboxylates on the NMR time scale. The crystal structure of the complex shows that the carboxylates coordinate to uranyl ion while the amides hydrogen bond to one of the uranyl oxo-oxygen atoms. The hydrophobic coating of the ligand and its rigidity contribute to its ability to selectively extract uranyl ion from dilute aqueous solutions.
An Infrared Electromagnetic Theory of Diapause Inducement and Control in Insects

An infrared theory of diapause control is presented. This theory is based, first, on the high infrared output of tungsten bulbs and mercury arc-argon tubes used to irradiate larvae; second, on the fact that infrared frequencies can penetrate many natural substances such as wood, leaves, etc.; and third, on the physical configuration of larval spines. Such spines may serve as waveguides to transmit the frequencies to the nervous system.
Introduction of Active Carbon Production Criterion Detection Criterion——EU Criterion

This paper introduced the production criterions and a part of detection criterions,which china active carbon enter EU mart must follow.
Genetic Causation: A Cross Disciplinary Inquiry

Abstract The growth of genome-wide and Candidate Gene Association Studies have elevated genetic causality in medicine and behavioral science. This chapter explores the concept of causality as it has been applied in genetic explanations and distinguishes the varieties of methods used to establish genetic causation. The essay ends with a cautionary note on applying genetic causation to compelx human behaviors and neurocognitive abnormalities.
What is the Truth of Death and Dying? Reflections on Fulton, Foucault, and Finitude:

This article highlights Michel Foucault's neglected insights regarding the social and discursive construction of death in contemporary Western societies. It also describes the limitations of Foucau...
Musculoskeletal Stem Cells

Stem cells can be isolated from various musculoskeletal tissues, including bone marrow, muscle and intervertebral disc. Depending on the cell source, some of these stem cells are clearly assigned as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), according to the minimal criteria for MSCs defined by the International Society for Cellular Therapy in 2006, whereas other musculoskeletal stem cells are described in the literature as mesenchymal progenitor cells or MSC-like cells. Criteria to identify MSCs include their adhesion to plastic, their ability to differentiate, and their expression of a set of cell surface markers. MSCs are generally thought to reside in special microenvironments, and to home to the site of inflammation, differentiate into tissue specific cell types, and to secrete trophic factors and exert immunosuppressive effects in response to injury. These characteristics, along with their easy in vitro expansion, make musculoskeletal-derived stem cells an attractive source for different clinical indications. Indeed, these cells have been successfully applied for the treatment of bone and cartilage disorders, diabetes, and improvement of cardiac function. One of the challenges of MSC production is that stem cell populations are a heterogeneous group of cells. Furthermore, lack of alignment between isolation and expansion protocols, morphological changes during monolayer expansion, lack of knowledge of stem cell origin and characteristics and function in their naive environment are additional challenges that need to be faced. This chapter reviews the literature relevant to the different musculoskeletal stem cells, gives information about their derivation and classification, characteristics and properties, and describes isolation, proliferation and differentiation protocols. Finally, the investigation of these cells in different clinical trials, the importance of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and future challenges are presented.
The Ice Pack Test in a young infant with myasthenia gravis

Abstract Diagnosis of myasthenia gravis in young infants in challenging, as clinical features are often non-specific and investigations are non-confirmatory. We report a 2-month infant with poor suck, hypotonia and ptosis. She had positive result on Ice Pack Test and an excellent response to treatment with pyridostigmine. We review the value of the Ice Pack Test for bedside evaluation of myasthenia gravis with ocular signs.
Prophylactic Treatment of Factor VIII Deficiency

Two patients with classical hemophilia, and twins with a combination of classical hemophilia and von Willebrand’s disease, were treated prophylactically with cryopercipitate for periods up to two years. All had significantly fewer spontaneous hemorrhages during therapy. The prophylactic regimen required to prevent spontaneous hemorrhage was different in each case. Progressive enlargement of an inoperable hemophilic pseudotumor was arrested in one. Complications encountered included hepatitis in one case and occasional urticaria in another. Prophylactic treatment appears to be practical and indicated in selected cases.
Stock market responses to firms’ greening strategies in the face of climate change

This study seeks to examine oil and gas firms greening efforts through alliances and acquisitions in the face of climate change. We argue that alliances and acquisitions related to green technologi...
Compassionomics: Hypothesis and experimental approach

Recent reports indicate that healthcare is experiencing a compassion crisis - an absence of (or inconsistency in) compassionate patient care. It is currently unclear if, or to what extent, this exerts significant effects on health and healthcare. Experimental data are few, and this represents a critical knowledge gap for all health sciences. We hypothesize that compassionate care is beneficial for patients (better outcomes), healthcare systems and payers (lower costs), and healthcare providers (lower burnout). Compassionomics is the branch of knowledge and scientific study of the effects of compassionate healthcare, and herein we describe a framework for hypothesis testing. If the hypotheses are confirmed, compassionate healthcare can be established in the domain of evidence-based medicine.
Microbiome Data Accurately Predicts the Postmortem Interval Using Random Forest Regression Models

Death investigations often include an effort to establish the postmortem interval (PMI) in cases in which the time of death is uncertain. The postmortem interval can lead to the identification of the deceased and the validation of witness statements and suspect alibis. Recent research has demonstrated that microbes provide an accurate clock that starts at death and relies on ecological change in the microbial communities that normally inhabit a body and its surrounding environment. Here, we explore how to build the most robust Random Forest regression models for prediction of PMI by testing models built on different sample types (gravesoil, skin of the torso, skin of the head), gene markers (16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA), 18S rRNA, internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS)), and taxonomic levels (sequence variants, species, genus, etc.). We also tested whether particular suites of indicator microbes were informative across different datasets. Generally, results indicate that the most accurate models for predicting PMI were built using gravesoil and skin data using the 16S rRNA genetic marker at the taxonomic level of phyla. Additionally, several phyla consistently contributed highly to model accuracy and may be candidate indicators of PMI.
Southern Exceptionalism and the Perils of Region

Contemporary political trends associated with the rise of Donald Trump seem to confound traditional regional designations in the United States. Yet the concept of region remains salient in popular ...
Nordhaus–Gaddum problems for power domination

Abstract A power dominating set of a graph G is a set S of vertices that can observe the entire graph under the rules that (1) the closed neighborhood of every vertex in S is observed, and (2) if a vertex and all but one of its neighbors are observed, then the remaining neighbor is observed; the second rule is applied iteratively. The power domination number of G , denoted by γ P ( G ) , is the minimum number of vertices in a power dominating set. A Nordhaus–Gaddum problem for power domination is to determine a tight lower or upper bound on γ P ( G ) + γ P ( G ¯ ) or γ P ( G ) ⋅ γ P ( G ¯ ) , where G ¯ denotes the complement of G . The upper and lower Nordhaus–Gaddum bounds over all graphs for the power domination number follow from known bounds on the domination number and examples. In this note we improve the upper sum bound for the power domination number substantially for graphs having the property that both the graph and its complement are connected. For these graphs, our bound is tight and is also significantly better than the corresponding bound for the domination number. We also improve the product upper bound for the power domination number for graphs with certain properties.
Functional and structural connectivity of the amygdala underpins locus of control in mild cognitive impairment

Locus of control (LOC) is an important personality trait. LOC over cognitive competency reflects an individual's perceived control of desired cognitive outcomes, which is critical for maintaining successful cognitive aging. It is important to understand the neural substrates of LOC over cognitive competency in older adults, especially for individuals at high risk of dementia. Here, we characterized a cohesive functional and structural connectivity profile underlying LOC among 55 older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), combining resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging. The results showed that both functional and structural connectivity between the medial prefrontal cortex and amygdala were significantly correlated with external LOC. The functional connectivity mediated the correlation between structural connectivity and external LOC. In addition, aging-associated neurodegeneration moderated the relationship between structural connectivity and external LOC, showing that the structural connectivity was positively correlated with external LOC in low, but not high neurodegeneration. Our results suggest a critical role of the functional amygdala-frontal network, which may serve as a bridge between its white matter tract and LOC over cognitive competency in groups at high risk for dementia.
Outlandish Hypotheses and the Limits of Thought Experimentation

Thought experimentation has a long reach. Even an impossibility can be thought about, talked about, discussed, and be considered in ways that treat it merely as an object of thought.
STUDIES ON THE MECHANISM OF SALICYLATE HYDROXYLASE

Salicylate hydroxylase, a bacterial flavoprotein, has been studied by kinetiC., spectro-photometriC., and stopped-flow rapid-reaction techniques. The molecule is a dimer with 2 FAD per mole, but the flavins appear to act independently. Benzoate, a “pseudosub-strate”, causes rapid disappearance of DPNH but is not itself hydroxylated, and causes rapid production of H 2 0 2 . In catalysis of salicylate hydroxylation and of benzoate-stimu-lated peroxide production, the enzyme forms an ES complex with substrate which facilitates DPNH binding and determines the rate of enzyme reduction to E-FH 2 . However, the reoxidation of reduced enzyme by 0 2 to form, EF ox H 2 0 2 , is independent of the nature or even the presence of aromatic compound. This complex, “EF ox H 2 0 2 ” is short-lived and appears to represent the hydroxylating species. It can either hydroxylate a suitable substrate such as salicylate, or decompose rapidly to H 2 0 2 .
Mixed hidden sector-visible sector dark matter and observation of a C P odd Higgs boson at HL-LHC and HE-LHC

It is very likely that, similarly to the case of visible matter, dark matter (DM) is composed of more than one stable component. In this work, we investigate a two-component dark matter with one component from the visible sector and the other from the hidden sector. Specifically, we consider a $U(1{)}_{X}$ hidden-sector extension of the minimal supersymmetric standard model with supergravity (MSSM/SUGRA), where we allow for kinetic and Stueckelberg mass mixing between the two Abelian $U(1)$'s, i.e., $U(1{)}_{X}$ and $U(1{)}_{Y}$. We further assume that the hidden sector has chiral matter which leads to a Dirac fermion as a candidate for dark matter. The lightest neutralino in the visible sector and the Dirac fermion in the hidden sector then constitute the two components of dark matter. We investigate in particular MSSM/SUGRA models with radiative breaking occurring on the hyperbolic branch where the Higgs mixing parameter $\ensuremath{\mu}$ is small (the order of the electroweak scale), which leads to the lightest neutralino being dominantly a Higgsino. While dark matter constituted only of Higgsinos is significantly constrained by data on dark matter relic density and by limits on the spin-independent proton-DM scattering cross section, consistency with data can be achieved if only a fraction of the dark matter relic density is constituted of Higgsinos, with the rest coming from the hidden sector. An aspect of the proposed model is the prediction of a relatively light $CP$-odd Higgs $A$ (as well as a $CP$-even $H$ and a charged Higgs ${H}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$) which is observable in the High-Luminosity and High-Energy Large Hadron Collider projects (HL-LHC and HE-LHC). We perform a detailed collider analysis search for the $CP$-odd Higgs using boosted decision trees in ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{h}{\ensuremath{\tau}}_{h}$ final states and compare the discovery potential at the HL-LHC and HE-LHC. We show that while several of the points among our benchmarks may be observable at the HL-LHC, all of them are visible at the HE-LHC with much lower integrated luminosities, thus reducing significantly the run-time for discovery. Thus, the discovery of a $CP$-odd Higgs would lend support to the existence of the hyperbolic branch, a small $\ensuremath{\mu}$, and point to the multicomponent nature of dark matter. It is also shown that a part of the parameter space of the extended model can be probed in next-generation direct-detection experiments such as XENONnT and LUX-ZEPLIN.
Intensive Parenting Ideologies and Risks for Recidivism among Justice-Involved Mothers

Intensive parenting is the dominant parenting ideology in the United States, and it holds parents, especially mothers, accountable for the outcomes of their children, and urges them to expend exten...
Cytokine biomarkers associated with clinical cases of acute flaccid myelitis

Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a serious neurological illness first recognized in the United States in 2014, with subsequent outbreaks every two years. Following extensive etiologic testing by multiple laboratories of hundreds of specimens collected from patients diagnosed with AFM, no consistent cause of AFM has been identified. However, viruses, including enteroviruses, have been implicated through detection in non-sterile site specimens and antibody studies. Cytokines and chemokines play important roles in the modulation of the innate and adaptive immune response to pathogens. In the current study, we measured levels of cytokines and chemokines in serum and CSF collected from confirmed AFM patients and non-AFM control patients, to identify unique biomarkers as potential hallmarks of AFM pathogenesis. Analysis of ratios of cytokines and chemokines in the CSF compared to the serum indicate that the pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines IP-10 and IL-6 were significantly elevated in AFM patients compared to non-AFM patients. These results may provide additional insight into potential etiologies, pathogenic mechanisms, and treatments for AFM.
Intellectual Property Pools and Aggregation

This chapter in the forthcoming case book "Intellectual Property Licensing and Transactions: Theory and Practice" covers IP pooling, with an emphasis on patents. It begins with a discussion of the theoretical benefit of pooling, including efficiency gains and the avoidance of blocking positions, thickets and anti-commons. It then addresses antitrust analysis of pooling transactions from Standard Oil (Indiana) v. United States (U.S. 1931) through the 2017 DOJ-FTC Antitrust Guidelines. The chapter then turns to pools created to facilitate standard-setting, including the MPEG-2 and 3GPP Pools, and discusses the concept of complementarity and essentiality of pooled assets. It concludes with brief discussions of Princo v. ITC (Fed. Cir. 2010) and the rise of patent aggregators such as RPX Corp.
Testamentary Substitutes: Retained Interests, Custodial Accounts and Contractual Transactions — A New Approach

The authors propose guidelines to resolve ambiguities and eliminate deficiencies in elective share statutes. These guidelines, if implemented, should result in enlarging the net estate subject to the right of election while diminishing a decedent's ability to disinherit his surviving spouse.
From observation on social media to offline political participation: The social media affordances approach:

Building on prior studies suggesting that social media can facilitate offline political participation, this study seeks to clarify the mechanism behind this link. Social media may encourage social ...
Mental health and developmental disabilities in US children admitted in hospice care.

Background: Of the 40 000 children who die annually in the US, thousands are admitted to hospice care. Little is known about the mental health and developmental disabilities of these children. Aims...
Computer vision for detecting field-evolved lepidopteran resistance to Bt maize.

BACKGROUND Resistance evolution of lepidopteran pests to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins produced in maize and cotton is a significant issue worldwide. Effective toxin stewardship requires reliable detection of field-evolved resistance to enable the implementation of mitigation strategies. Currently, visual estimates of maize injury are used to document changing susceptibility. In this study, we evaluated an existing maize injury monitoring protocol used to estimate Bt resistance levels in Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). RESULTS We detected high interobserver variability across multiple injury metrics, suggesting that the precision and accuracy of maize injury detection could be improved. To do this, we developed a computer vision-based algorithm to measure H. zea injury. Algorithm estimates were more accurate and precise than a sample of human observers. Moreover, observer estimates tended to overpredict H. zea injury, which may increase the false-positive rate, leading to prophylactic insecticide application and unnecessary regulatory action. CONCLUSIONS Automated detection and tracking of lepidopteran resistance evolution to Bt toxins are critical for genetically engineered crop stewardship to prevent the use of additional insecticides to combat resistant pests. Advantages of this computerized screening are: (i) standardized Bt injury metrics in space and time, (ii) preservation of digital data for cross-referencing when thresholds are reached, and (iii) the ability to increase sample sizes significantly. This technological solution represents a significant step toward improving confidence in resistance monitoring efforts among researchers, regulators and the agricultural biotechnology industry.
A New Kind of Radar for Collision Avoidance

An experimental automobile radar has been demonstrated which is designed to avoid rear end collisions on highways. A completely passive reflector, mounted on the back of vehicles, returns the second harmonic of the frequency transmitted from the trailing vehicle. The radar is immune to clutter since its receiver is tuned to the second harmonic frequency only. It is also immune to blinding by cars traveling in the opposite direction, as well as to other interference problems inherent in a dense environment. /Author/
Immunologically Mediated Corneal Neovascularization in Inbred Mice

The rabbit cornea has previously been utilized as a model for the study of corneal neovascularization (CNV) induced by the intrastromal injection of stimulated lymphocytes. In order to determine the relative inportance of host-related variables in the pathogenesis of immunologically mediated CNV, we studied this response in inbred mice.
Regulation of glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase in the meal-fed rat.

Meal-feeding of a high sucrose diet produces a diurnal cycle (i.e., food response) in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD) levels resulting in an elevated level of these enzymes at approximately 12 hours after the start of a 2-hour meal and a return to base level by 24 hours. The effects of actinomycin D and cycloheximide on the 12-hour increases in G6PD and 6GPD were determined. Cycloheximide completely blocked the increase in G6PD if administered 2 or 4 hours after start of the meal, while actinomycin D completely blocked the increase in G6PD if administered at 2 hours and almost completely at 4 hours after start of the meal. These results were obtained previously with starved rats refed a sucrose diet. The diurnal increases in G6PD and 6PGD in meal-fed rats and the induction of G6PD in starved-refed rats thus appear to be regulated by the same mechanism requires RNA synthesis within 4 hours after start of re-feeding. The response of 6PGD to cycloheximide and to actinomycin D at 2 or 4 hours after start of the meal is essentially the same as that of G6PD. These data suggest that the increases in G6PD and 6PGD (and other enzymes) brought about by carbohydrate refeeding AFTER starvation or by carbohydrate meal-feeding on a diurnal cycle are mediated by a rapid change in RNA synthesis. This appears most compatible with a coordinate control of gene expression through messenger RNA synthesis.
A patient-focused framework integrating self-management and informatics.

Purpose This article introduces a framework to (a) guide chronic illness self-management interventions through the integration of self-management and nursing informatics, (b) focus self-management research, and (c) promote ethical, patient-empowering technology use by practicing nurses. Methods Existing theory and research focusing on chronic illness, self-management, health-enabling technology, and nursing informatics were reviewed and examined and key concepts were identified. A care paradigm focusing on concordance, rather than compliance, served as the overall guiding principle. Findings This framework identifies key relationships among self-management (patient behaviors), health force (patient characteristics), and patient-defined goals. The role of health-enabling technology supporting these relationships is explored in the context of nursing informatics. Conclusions The Empowerment Informatics framework can guide intervention design and evaluation and support practicing nurses’ ethical use of technology as part of self-management support. Clinical Relevance Nurses worldwide provide support to patients who are living with chronic illnesses. As pressures related to cost and access to care increase, technology-enabled self-management interventions will become increasingly common. This patient-focused framework can guide nursing practice using technology that prioritizes patient needs.
Why Civil Recourse Theory Is Incomplete

The latest prominent theory of torts is the rich “civil recourse” theory of Professors John C. P. Goldberg and Benjamin C. Zipursky. Pursuant to civil recourse, tort is a law of wrongs. Specifically, tort law’s purpose is “providing victims with an avenue of civil recourse against those who have wrongfully injured them.” As such, Goldberg & Zipursky, with certain de minimis exceptions, deny that tort’s purpose is to serve as an instrument to achieve social and public policy goals. Although I agree with Goldberg & Zipursky that wrongs are an essential component of tort law, their exclusion of instrumentalist concerns, such as deterrence, loss spreading, and administrative efficiency, is overly broad. Using tort reform as a perspective by which to examine torts, I chronicle the growth of instrumentalism in tort law. All of the major tort reforms over the last century were based in instrumentalism. Moreover, when the reforms are viewed chronologically, a pattern develops, In each successive reform, instrumentalism made increasing inroads into tort. Thus, as a positive account of tort law, civil recourse is incomplete. Tort law, as a positive matter, is about wrongs, but not exclusively wrongs. It is pluralist, including elements of instrumentalism as well.
An innovative architecture for industrial controller

The authors describe an innovative architecture for industrial controller design. The design alleviates the shortcomings of slow communication, poor resolution, and separate digital and analog input/output (I/O) boards commonly found in the currently available controllers. There are dual processors in the board, one processor for communication and the main processor for executing the control program. A piggyback analog I/O module can be installed on the digital I/O board. The controller board design reduces the communication interface overhead, accommodates various communication protocols, and offers an efficient way of integrating analog and digital I/O functions. >
Minimally Invasive Total Hip Arthroplasty Using the Two-Incision Approach

Minimally invasive surgery has the potential for minimizing surgical trauma, pain and recovery. These minimally invasive techniques in total hip replacement include single-incision and two-incision techniques. This chapter describes a minimally invasive hip-replacement procedure performed with two incisions: one incision for acetabular preparation and placement, the other for the femoral preparation and placement. This new minimally invasive technique avoids transecting any muscle or tendon, thereby minimizing morbidity and recovery. Unique instruments have been developed to facilitate this technique. Fluoroscopy aids in many steps in this process to ensure the proper starting points for the incisions and accurate component position and alignment. Standard implants are used to maintain the present expectation for implant durability.
What is the Proper Sample Size for Studies of Periodontal Treatment

Small sample sizes are a common problem in biomedical research, and the periodontal literature is no exception. It is a problem leading to not only reduced statistical power but also an inappropriate statistical inference of a treatment effect. Using statistical methods with an insufficient sample size may give rise to an increased chance of falsely detecting treatment efficacy. This article provides some guidelines to cope with the small sample size problem. The authors discuss adequate sample sizes in several statistical tests and then suggest alternative statistical methods that are valid with a small sample size.
Gender and the pre‐clinical experiences of female medical students: a taxonomy

Medical Education 2011: 45: 249–260 Context The number of women entering medical school has increased substantially in recent years. However, practising female doctors still report gender-associated professional challenges. We focused on female medical students to characterise how gender shapes the range of their professional experiences during the pre-clinical years of medical school. Methods We conducted a qualitative study from 2006 to 2007 using in-depth interviews with 12 Year 3 female medical students at a private New England medical school who had completed their pre-clinical years of training. All transcripts were analysed using a grounded theory approach; the code structure was developed through a process of inductive reasoning. Coding team members coded all transcripts line by line, using a constant comparative method of analysis. Results The resulting taxonomy identifies three domains that capture the recurrent gender-associated experiences of our participants: (i) observations of the effect of gender on pre-clinical educational experiences through instructor, student and institutional behaviour; (ii) responses to observations of gender-based occurrences in terms of emotional reactions and strategic responses, and (iii) gender-associated expectations for the clinical years and beyond brought about by a heightened awareness of gender. Participants reported subtle as well as overt gender-based experiences and emotional consequences of both. Conclusions Female medical students continue to report numerous gender-based experiences during their pre-clinical training. Such experiences have both emotional and educational consequences and institutions should develop multifaceted approaches to address the full spectrum of gender-based experiences that affect medical students.
Genome organization of Magnaporthe grisea: integration of genetic maps, clustering of transposable elements and identification of genome duplications and rearrangements.

A high-density genetic map of the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe grisea (Guy11×2539) was constructed by adding 87 cosmid-derived RFLP markers to previously generated maps. The new map consists of 203 markers representing 132 independently segregating loci and spans approximately 900 cM with an average resolution of 4.5 cM. Mapping of 33 cosmid probes from the genetic map generated by Sweigard et al. has allowed the integration of two M. grisea maps. The integrated map showed that the linear order of markers along all seven chromosomes in both maps is in good agreement. Thirty of eighty seven markers were derived from cosmid clones that contained the retrotransposon MAGGY (M. grisea gypsy element). Mapping of single-copy DNA sequences associated with the MAGGY cosmids indicated that MAGGY elements are scattered throughout the fungal genome. In eight cases, the probes associated with MAGGY elements showed abnormal segregation patterns. This suggests that MAGGY may be involved in genomic rearrangements. Two RFLP probes linked to MAGGY elements, and another flanking other repetitive DNA elements, identified sequences that were duplicated in the Guy11 genome. Most of the MAGGY cosmids also contained other classes of repetitive DNA suggesting that repetitive DNA sequences tend to cluster in the M. grisea genome.
Second-Harmonic Generation in an Optical Medium with Second- and Third-Order Nonlinear Susceptibilities

Second-harmonic generation (SHG) is investigated for a dispersive medium with quadratic and cubic nonlinearities. All possible solutions assuming a zero initial value for the second harmonic are obtained and tabulated. Based on the analysis, the optimal condition for SHG is deduced and the dependence of the SHG conversion efficiency upon the nonlinearity, the dispersion, and the input field intensity is discussed. Also, a thorough numerical study of the behavior of SHG efficiency is performed and the results are reported. A technique for estimation of the unknown third-order nonlinearity coefficients of a material from SHG observation is proposed.
Racemates and enantiomers in drug development

Abstract Drug stereoisomerism is increasingly being recognised as an issue having clinical, research and regulatory implications. Differences in the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of stereoisomers, molecules differing only in the spatial arrangement of certain atoms or groups at asymmetrical centres, is well documented. More than 400 drugs are administered as racemates. Racemic drugs usually contain 50% or more of an ‘inactive’ isomer that is presumed harmless. Measurements of such drugs in biological fluids have, nevertheless, been based on techniques unable to differentiate between enantiomers. Since the initial 50:50 enantiomeric ratio of racemic drugs may rapidly change to unknown ratios in the body, the value of plasma levels and pharmacokinetic parameters obtained with racemates is highly questionable. Numerous examples of racemic drugs possessing stereoselective pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic differences can be cited. Mechanisms by which isomers differ — intrinsic activity, potency, disposition — also vary and numerous stereo- selective drug-drug interactions have been reported. Drug stereoisomerism is likely to be the focus of greater attention in the future in the areas of clinical practice, research and drug regulation. This paper lists what constitutes a full description of a drug's stereostructure and the resultant therapeutic and toxicological implications.
Differential leaf absorption of a high-molecular-weight phosphate in maize (Zeamays, L.) plants of differing cytoplasms*

Summary The absorption of foliar applied tripolyphosphate is significantly greater in cytoplasmic male-sterile (Tcms) plants than in plants having normal (N) cytoplasm. There is no difference in orthophosphate absorption between Tcms and N cytoplasm, nor is there any difference in the translocation of either source of phosphorus (P) inside the plant 12 days after application. The differential uptake of the large molecular P compound by the Tcms and N cytoplasm is believed related to membrane permeability.
Auger recombination of excitons in one-dimensional systems

In tightly confined one-dimensional (1D) systems, the effective Coulomb interaction is greatly enhanced and optical transitions generally lead to the formation of strongly bound excitons. When more than one exciton is present, the Coulomb interaction also leads to rapid exciton-exciton annihilation through an Auger recombination process. This effect, which may be significant even at low exciton densities, can be described by a rate law governing two-body interactions. The Auger recombination rate for excitons in a strongly confined 1D system is analyzed. The rate increases sharply with exciton binding energy, but varies only weakly with temperature. An explicit expression for the Auger recombination rate in terms of the exciton binding energy, optical matrix element and reduced carrier mass is derived for a two-band model in which the Coulomb interaction is approximated by a point-contact potential. Results for the prototypical 1D system of single-walled carbon nanotubes are obtained and compared with experiment.
Bay‐type H···H “bonding” in cis‐2‐butene and related species: QTAIM versus NBO description

We use comparative natural bond orbital (NBO) and quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) methods to analyze the proximal bay-type H···H interactions in cis-2-butene and related species, which lead to controversial interpretation as attractive "HH bonding" in the QTAIM framework. We address the challenging questions concerning well established structural, conformational, and vibrational properties of such species that appear to be sharply at odds with the QTAIM interpretation. In contrast to the purported "HH bonding" of QTAIM theory, NBO-based evaluation of steric (donor-donor) and hyperconjugative (donor-acceptor) interactions unambiguously portrays such H···H contacts as dominated by steric clashes that are only partially softened by weak secondary hyperconjugative interactions, contributing negligibly (bHH < 0.01) to H···H bond order. Additional details of NBO-based versus QTAIM-based description are provided by natural bond critical point analysis of topological bond critical point properties, which further emphasizes the contrast between the problematic bay-type H···H contacts and remaining noncontroversial (consensus) chemical bonds. NBO analysis is thereby shown to be fully consistent with the traditional physical organic concept of repulsive bay-type H···H contacts, including the corollary array of structural, conformational, and vibrational properties. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Situated neoliberalism and urban crisis in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

The implosion of the socialist military government in 1991 ushered in a ‘new’ period in Ethiopia. This article examines the reincorporation of the country into the sphere of neoliberalism after a hiatus of 17 years of socialist experimentation accompanied by a social engineering project which brought unprecedented misfortune in the modern history of the country. The Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), which assumed power, adopted market‐oriented structural and institutional reforms as a condition of getting an infusion of transnational capital and credit to resituate the Ethiopian economy which had been stagnant throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Two arguments are advanced is this article. First, the neoliberal project in Ethiopia which began in 1992 by privatizing the economy, devaluing the currency, reducing the fiscal deficit and abolishing state monopolies and price controls as a condition of the country's entry to the global system has been ineffective in addressing the structural ...
The beta spectrum of 207Tl

Abstract The shape of the beta spectrum of 207 Tl decaying into the ground state of 207 Pb has been determined. The shape factor for this decay between doubly magic minus one nuclei is compared to recent single-particle model calculations. Differences from the theoretical predictions are explained in terms of core polarization. For this study two silicon solid state detectors in 4π geometry have been used.
Safety of “Bridging” With Eptifibatide for Patients With Coronary Stents Before Cardiac and Non-Cardiac Surgery

Patients with previously implanted coronary stents are at risk for stent thrombosis if dual-antiplatelet therapy is prematurely discontinued. Bridging with a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor has been advocated as an alternative, with few supporting data. The aim of this study was to determine the safety of such a strategy by retrospectively analyzing bleeding in 100 consecutive patients with previously implanted coronary stents who were bridged to surgery with eptifibatide after discontinuing thienopyridine therapy. A propensity-matched control comparison was performed for a subgroup of 71 patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery. Blood transfusions were required in 65% in the bridged group versus 66% in the control group (p = 0.86). The mean numbers of units transfused were 4.84 ± 6.93 and 3.65 ± 7.46, respectively (p >0.25). Rates of return to the operating room for bleeding or tamponade were 10% and 2.9%, respectively (p = 0.085). Increased rates of transfusion were noted for patients who received concomitant aspirin and/or intravenous heparin infusion. In conclusion, there does not appear to be any increase in the need for blood transfusions or rate of return to the operating room for patients being bridged with eptifibatide when thienopyridines are discontinued in the perioperative period, but concomitant use of additional antiplatelet or anticoagulant agents may increase transfusions and delays to surgery. Clinicians who are considering this strategy must weigh the risks of stent thrombosis versus bleeding.
Changes in platelet membrane proteins during normal pregnancy

Abstract Purpose: Pregnancy has been described as a hypercoagulable state in which coagulation factors are elevated; however, platelet count may be normal. The purpose of this study was to determine whether distinct functional changes occur between platelets from nonpregnant and pregnant subjects. Methods: Blood collected from nonpregnant and pregnant subjects was incubated with monoclonal antibodies to adhesion (CD29, CD36, CD42a, CD42b); aggregation (CD41, CD61); and activation proteins (CD62, PAC-1); subsequently it was analyzed using flow cytometry. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the expression of GPIIIa (CD61), GPIV (CD36), GPIX (CD42a) and GPIb (CD42b) between the pregnant and nonpregnant group when comparing the mean and peak channel of fluorescence. There was, however, a nearly twofold increase in the binding to integrin B1 (CD29), a platelet integrin used in the attachment of platelets to the extracellular matrix. In addition, there was a 50% increase in both the mean and peak fluorescence in the binding to GPIIb (CD41), a platelet aggregation protein, in the pregnancy group. Platelet activation, identified by the antibody CD62, also was increased in the pregnancy group. Conclusions: These results demonstrate an increase in adhesion, aggregation, and activation proteins in normal pregnancy, which is consistent with the hypercoagulable state of pregnancy.
Transition Curves for Electron and Photon Produced Showers

An investigation has been made of the air-to-lead transition curves for electron and photon initiated showers. The results show that the maximum of the curve for photon-produced showers is displaced to the right with respect to the maximum for electron produced showers by a thickness of about 3 mm of lead. This is in agreement with the prediction of shower theory. It was also confirmed that the maximum for large showers lies at a greater thickness than that for small showers. The occurrence of a "second maximum" in the air-to-lead transition curve was checked and a negative result obtained.
Morality or Modality? What Does the Attribution of Intentionality Depend On?

It has been argued that the attribution of intentional actions is sensitive to our moral judgment (Knobe 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, see also Mele 2003, Phelan & Sarkissian 2008). I will examine these arguments and Suggest an alternative explanation for the experiments they are based on. Joshua Knobe conducted the following experiment (Knobe 2003) to support this claim. Subjects were given two vignettes that differed only in one small detail and this difference influenced their attribution of intentionality. The first vignette was the following: The vice-president of a company went to the chairman of the board and said, ‘We are thinking of starting a new program. It will help us increase profits, but it will also harm the environment.’ The chairman of the board answered, ‘I don't care at all about harming the environment. I jus)t want to make as much profit as I can. Let's start the new program.’ They started the new program. Sure enough, the environment was harmed.
Raman Spectroscopy Study of SOFC Electrode Surfaces

Raman spectroscopy has been applied to probe and map surface species and incipient phases on th e surfaces of electrodes in fuel cells, batteries, and su percapacitors under different conditions. In this presentation, we report our recent progress in the development of surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for enhancement of sensitivity to surface species and incipient phases on materials used in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). In particular, we demonstrated that SiO2 shell isolated Ag nanoparticles have excellent thermal robustness and chemical stability for SERS study of electrode materials at high te mperatures, providing information vital to understanding the mechanisms of materials performance and degradation, thus offering cri tical insights for rational design of new materials with higher functionalities and performance.
Ischemic anoxia and cerebral serotonin levels

Abstract Cerebral arteriovenous (A-V) differences for whole blood 5-HT were studied during and after ischemic anoxia to the brain stem and cerebral cortex produced by serial occlusion of both vertebral and carotid arteries in 12 baboons. Ischemia of the brain stem and possibly the cerebral cortex caused release of 5-HT into the cerebral venous blood. When cerebral blood flow was restored, 5-HT accumulated in the brain. These observations are discussed in relation to the symptomatology of cerebrovascular disease.
Evulvalution: The Portrayal of Women's External Genitalia and Physique across Time and the Current Barbie Doll Ideals

Media images of the female body commonly represent reigning appearance ideals of the era in which they are published. To date, limited documentation of the genital appearance ideals in mainstream media exists. Analysis 1 sought to describe genital appearance ideals (i.e., mons pubis and labia majora visibility, labia minora size and color, and pubic hair style) and general physique ideals (i.e., hip, waist, and bust size, height, weight, and body mass index [BMI]) across time based on 647 Playboy Magazine centerfolds published between 1953 and 2007. Analysis 2 focused exclusively on the genital appearance ideals embodied by models in 185 Playboy photographs published between 2007 and 2008. Taken together, results suggest the perpetuation of a "Barbie Doll" ideal characterized by a low BMI, narrow hips, a prominent bust, and hairless, undefined genitalia resembling those of a prepubescent female.
Pain in ambulatory patients with lung or colon cancer. Prevalence, characteristics, and effect.

Background. Few studies have evaluated the epidemiology and effect of pain in ambulatory patients with cancer who are undergoing active therapy. This information is needed to develop strategies for supportive care in this population. Methods. The prevalence and characteristics of pain were determined in a prospective survey of ambulatory patients with lung or colon cancer. To reduce bias and acquire comprehensive information, the methodology used face-to-face interviews by trained quality assurance analysts, a multifaceted assessment instrument, and multivariate statistical analysis. Results. In a telephone interview, “persistent or frequent” pain during the previous 2 weeks was reported by 57 of 145 (39.3%) patients with lung cancer and 52 of 181 (28.7%) patients with colon cancer; 91 of these patients (47 lung and 44 colon) were interviewed in detail. All patients had excellent performance status, and with the exception of pain location, there were no significant differences between the two tumor types. One-third of the patients had more than one discrete pain. Median pain duration was 4 weeks (range, less than 1 week-468 weeks), and average pain intensity was moderate. Approximately 90% of patients experienced pain more than 25% of the time. Pain interfered moderately or more with general activity and work in approximately half of the patients; more than half reported moderate or greater pain interference in sleep, mood, and enjoyment of life. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the daily frequency of pain, the intensity of the worst pain, the score on a mood scale, and the frequency of the worst pain accounted for 58.7% of the variance in average pain intensity. Likewise, 52.1% of the variance in a derived measure of pain interference in function was explained by the mood score, frequency of the worst pain, number of pains, and pain intensity. Conclusions. These data indicate that pain is prevalent among well-functioning ambulatory patients and substantially compromises function in approximately half of the patients who experience it. Pain is a complex symptom; aspects other than intensity, such as frequency, strongly influence its effect.
Anomalous energy losses for light projectiles traversing a polyvinylformyl resin

Measurements of the stopping powers of the polyvinylformyl resin known as formvar for 0.67–1.75 MeV protons, 1.19–3.02 MeV alpha particles, and 3.9–10.4 MeV 7Li ions have been analyzed in terms of modified Bethe–Bloch theory for the purpose of extracting values of the dominant parameters of the formalism employed. These parameters are the target mean excitation energy and the Barkas-effect parameter, plus a single effective-charge parameter to characterize the interactions of 4He and 7Li projectiles with the target. Whereas results for the Barkas-effect parameter agreed well with the expected value of 1.4±0.1, results for the mean excitation energy lay about 20% below the value of 71.9 eV based on the assumption of linear additivity of stopping effects. Speculation as to the source of this difference is offered. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2001