cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of pMOST bias-temperature instability on circuit reliability performance

This work investigated the impact of pMOST bias-temperature (BT) degradation on logic product speed (F/sub max/) and minimum allowed operating voltage (V/sub ccmin/). Fluorine implants after poly etch and before hard-mask removal are utilized to separate out the BT instability effects from other reliability degradations. Physical mechanisms and models are proposed to explain the interaction of fluorine with device and circuit reliability. A reliability guardband in F/sub max/ and V/sub ccmin/ is recommended as part of the production testing to ensure reliable logic product performance and functionality during the product's lifetime.
Subject-Centric Group Feature for Person Reidentification

Abstract This paper presents a subject-centric group feature for person reidentification. Our approach is inspired by the observation that people often tend to walk alongside others or in a group. We argue that cotravelers' information, including geometry and visual cues, can reduce the reidentification ambiguity and lead to better accuracy, compared to approaches that rely only on visual cues. We introduce person–group feature to capture both geometry and visual information of cotravelers around a subject. We compute the dis-similarity between person–group features by solving an integer programming problem. The proposed approach is evaluated in its ability to improve the accuracy of reidentification of people traveling within groups. The results show that our approach outperforms state-of-the-art visual based as well as group information based methods.
Unsteady characteristics of a slat-cove flow field

The slat flow field of a multi-element airfoil is experimentally studied. Mean turbulence statistics and phase-locked data link shear layer structures to narrowband peaks in the surface pressure spectra. Most notably, a bulk cove oscillation related to shear layer flapping is found.
A Reevaluation of the Mexican Species of Glandularia (Verbenaceae)

Umber (1979) provided a brief overview of Glandularia for North America. In this treatment he recognized 21 taxa as occurring in Mexico (excluding the widely cultivated G. pulchella), 19 species, with two of these (G. bipinnatifida and G. elegans) possessing varietal categories. From among these I can recognize only 15 species G. amoena, G. bajacalifornica (including G. shrevei), G. bipinnatifida (including 3 varieties), G. brachyrhynchos, G. delticola, G. elegans (without designated varieties), G. gooddingii, G. lilacina, G. polyantha, G. pumila, G. quadrangulata (including G. racemosa and G. verecunda, these believed to be forms having nutlets without apical appendages), G. teucriifolia (including G. rinconensis), G. tumidula, and G. turneri Nesom, the latter described after Umber's treatment. Additionally, one new species from southern Nuevo Leon and closely adjacent Zacatecas, G. alejandrana B. L. Turner, is proposed and illustrated. A key to all of the species is provided, along with maps showing their distributions.
A Cognitive-Emotive Analysis of Hanslick’s Formalism

Although this chapter is a critique of the views of Hanslick, the arguments apply equally well to subsequent formalists. Kivy states (1993: 6): Hanslick’s monograph still lies at the core of all teaching and thinking about the ‘philosophy of music’ where the vexed question of ‘music and the emotions’ is being considered.1
Interactivity Benefits Low Self-Efficacy Smokers More: The Combinatory Effects of Interactivity and Self-Efficacy on Defensive Response and Quitting Intention

The current study examines the persuasive effects of interactivity on smokers’ quitting intentions moderated by their self-efficacy to quit. A single-factor experiment (screenshot versus video vers...
Systems of Care to Improve Timeliness of Reperfusion Therapy for ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction During Off Hours: The Mayo Clinic STEMI Protocol

Objectives We implemented the Mayo Clinic ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) protocol and evaluated the timeliness of reperfusion therapy during off hours versus regular hours. Background Patients with STEMI who present during off hours have longer door-to-balloon times and door-to-needle times. Methods The Mayo STEMI protocol was implemented in May 2004 to optimize timeliness of reperfusion therapy for STEMI patients presenting to Saint Marys Hospital, a tertiary facility with on-site percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and for those presenting to 28 regional hospitals located up to 150 miles away from Saint Marys Hospital. We compared door-to-balloon times and door-to-needle times for 597 consecutive patients who presented during off hours (weekdays from 5 pm to 7 am and any time on weekends or holidays) versus regular hours (weekdays from 7 am to 5 pm). In 2003, prior to implementing the protocol, median door-to-balloon time at Saint Marys Hospital was 85 min during regular hours and 98 min during off hours. Results Among 258 patients who presented to Saint Marys Hospital, median door-to-balloon time was 65 min during regular hours versus 74 min during off hours (p = 0.085). Among 105 patients transferred from regional hospitals for primary PCI, median door-to-balloon time was 118 min during regular hours versus 114 min during off hours (p = 0.15). Among 131 patients treated with fibrinolytic therapy at regional hospitals, median door-to-needle time was 21 min during regular hours versus 26 min during off hours (p = 0.067). Conclusions The Mayo Clinic STEMI protocol demonstrates the rapid times that can be achieved through coordinated systems of care for STEMI patients presenting during off hours and regular hours.
Barcoding biological reactions with DNA-functionalized vesicles

Targeted vesicle fusion is a promising approach to selectively control interactions between vesicle compartments and would enable the initiation of biological reactions in complex aqueous environments. Here, we explore how two features of vesicle membranes, DNA tethers and phase-segregated membranes, promote fusion between specific vesicle populations. We show that membrane phase-segregation provides an energetic driver for membrane fusion that increases the efficiency of DNA-mediated fusion events. Using this system, we show that orthogonality provided by DNA tethers allows us to direct fusion and delivery of DNA cargo to specific vesicle populations. We then demonstrate that vesicle fusion between DNA-tethered vesicles can be used to initiate in vitro protein expression that leads to the synthesis of model soluble and membrane proteins. The ability to engineer orthogonal fusion events between DNA-tethered vesicles will provide a new strategy to control the spatio-temporal dynamics of cell-free reactions, expanding opportunities to engineer artificial cellular systems.
Rescue Maneuver for Dislocated Woven EndoBridge Device in Middle Cerebral Artery.

Background Intrasaccular flow disruption has emerged as a useful modality for treatment of wide-necked saccular aneurysm at vessel bifurcations. The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device is one such device that has been evaluated in several series with excellent safety and good midterm efficacy. Bailout techniques to retrieve or reposition a dislocated WEB device are sparse and associated with significant risks. We describe a case of a dislocated WEB device that was repositioned with a microcatheter alone. Methods We describe a case of a WEB device that inadvertently detached in the parent vessel and the technique we used to reposition it. A number of bailout techniques are discussed with pros and cons associated with each maneuver. Results An unruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm was treated by endovascular embolization with a WEB device. The WEB was deployed within the aneurysm without incident. However, the device failed to detach. While attempting to resheath the device, it extruded out of the aneurysm and then inadvertently detached in the MCA. After many options were considered, a microcatheter alone was used to push the device back into the aneurysm. Conclusion Caution should be exercised, especially when detaching the WEB device. Microcatheter repositioning by pushing the dislocated device may be attempted, especially if part of the device is within the aneurysm. This is the first description of the described microcatheter repositioning rescue maneuver.
Novel Application of Exhaled Carbon Monoxide Monitors: Smoking Cessation in Orthopaedic Trauma Patients.

OBJECTIVES To determine whether an in-office exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) monitor can increase interest in smoking cessation among the orthopaedic trauma population. DESIGN Prospective. SETTING Level I trauma center. PATIENTS One hundred twenty-four orthopaedic trauma patients. INTERVENTION In-office measurement of exhaled CO. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Stage of change, Likert scale score on willingness to quit today, patient's request for referral to a quitline, and increase in readiness to quit. RESULTS The use of an exhaled CO monitor increased willingness to quit in 71% of participants still smoking and increased willingness to quit on average by 0.8 points on a 10-point Likert scale (P < 0.001). Fifteen percent of patients modified their stage of change toward quitting. Forty percent of patients after exhaled CO monitor requested referral to a quitline, compared with 4% presurvey (P < 0.001). Anecdotally, most participants were very interested in the monitoring device and its reading, expressing concern with the result. The value of exhaled CO was not associated with any measured outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The use of an exhaled CO monitor increased willingness to quit smoking in 71% of patients, but the effect size was relatively small (0.8 points on a 10-point Likert scale). However, use of the CO monitor resulted in a large increase (40% vs. 4%) in referral to the national Quitline. Use of the Quitline typically increases the chance of smoking cessation by 10 times the baseline rate, suggesting that this finding might be clinically important. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Translating a fluorescent DNA-repair inhibitor.

Epithelial cancers of the upper intestinal tract in animals, in biopsied human tissue and in a human patient can be detected via a fluorescently labelled inhibitor of the DNA-repair enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1.
A Comparison of the Diagnostic Accuracy of in-situ and Digital Image-Based Assessments of Coral Health and Disease

The prevalence of coral disease is steadily increasing throughout the global ocean and there is a growing need for efficient methods for detecting and monitoring coral health. At present, coral health assessments are primarily conducted using in-situ surveys, which record visual observations of disease in the field. Recent technological advancements allow researchers to instead collect high-resolution imagery of benthic habitats, and these images can be used in conjunction with digital tools to assess the health of coral colonies at a later time. However, little is known about the relative efficacy or diagnostic accuracy of these two approaches. This study contrasts the diagnostic accuracy of in-situ and digital methodologies for detecting diseases affecting corals. Multiple 1-m$^2$ plots are surveyed on coral reefs located on both the windward and leeward side of Hawaii Island. For each plot, an in-situ visual analysis of coral health is conducted by a diver and images are collected and rendered into a high-resolution orthomosaic for subsequent digital analysis. Both methods assess the same coral colonies, resulting in paired health diagnoses for multiple health conditions. Lacking a gold-standard diagnosis of disease, a latent class model is used to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of both methods. We find that in-situ assessments of coral health have a higher sensitivity and lower specificity in detecting diseases when compared to digital analyses based on orthomosaics. However, the effect size is relatively modest, indicating that while the in-situ method provides a more sensitive diagnostic approach, the techniques are of comparable accuracy and should both be considered viable methods of characterizing and monitoring coral health.
Supporting Early Career Alternatively Certified Teachers: Evidence from the Beginning Teacher Longitudinal Survey.

BackgroundAlternatively certified (AC) teachers have generally been found to turn over at higher rates than traditionally certified (TC) teachers. These higher turnover rates are generally attribut...
Surface-Initiated Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization: A Method for Synthesizing Polymer-Functionalized Nanoparticles Exhibiting Semicrystalline Properties and Diverse Macromolecular Architectures

Polymer-grafted nanoparticles are effective for designing hybrid materials with optimal component dispersion and enhanced material properties. The olefin chemistry accessible through ring-opening m...
Comparison of Outcomes for Laser Trabeculoplasty after Kahook Dual Blade Goniotomy Versus in Goniotomy-Naive Eyes

This was a comparison of laser trabeculoplasty (LTP) outcomes in eyes with prior Kahook Dual Blade (KDB) goniotomy versus in goniotomy-naive control eyes. This was a retrospective matched comparative case series. We identified a cohort of patients undergoing LTP between February 2017 and July 2020 at University of Missouri. Patients were grouped by history of KDB goniotomy versus goniotomy-naivety as a control group. Inclusion criteria included age at least 18 years, minimum of 6 months follow-up after LTP, and minimum period of 6 months between KDB goniotomy and LTP. All KDB procedures were combined with uncomplicated phacoemulsification. Patients who had any additional intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering procedures between KDB goniotomy and LTP were excluded. Patients in the control group received a single LTP procedure. Primary outcome consisted of the comparison of LTP success, defined as IOP reduction of at least 20% or reduction of glaucoma medications from pre-LTP baseline. Secondary outcomes included IOP and medication reduction from pre-LTP baseline. Twenty-one eyes of 19 patients with history of KDB goniotomy and 42 eyes of 36 control patients without previous angle or laser procedures were included. Baseline characteristics including age, gender, ethnicity, type and severity of glaucoma, baseline IOP, and baseline medications were matched between groups. The LTP success rate was higher in the control group, but was not statistically significant (64% vs 57%, p = 0.58). IOP reduction was only significant in the control eyes (2.50 ± 4.0 mmHg, p = 0.01 vs 2.35 ± 4.7 mmHg, p = 0.08). The number of glaucoma medications was not significantly reduced in either group. LTP may have a limited IOP- and medication-lowering effect in eyes with a history of KDB goniotomy compared to goniotomy-naive eyes.
Commercial Prices for Prostatectomy and Treatment among Younger, Privately Insured Men with Prostate Cancer

AbstractIntroduction:Consensus is lacking about whether or how to treat men with prostate cancer, making it susceptible to nonclinical factors. The extent to which financial incentives afforded thr...
HPLC-free and cassette-based nucleophilic production of [ 18 F]FDOPA for clinical use

Radiotracer 3,4-dihydroxy-6-[18F]fluoro-L-phenylalanine (L-6-[18F]fluorodopa or [18F]FDOPA) is widely used for PET imaging of dopamine metabolism in several diseases including Parkinson's Disease, brain tumor, neuroendocrine tumors, and focal hyperinsulinism of infancy. In 2019, [18F]FDOPA was approved by US FDA for detection of dopaminergic nerve terminals in the striatum of adult patients with suspected Parkinsonian Syndromes. A convenient and reliable method is desired for fully automated production of [18F]FDOPA under cGMP compliance to meet the increasing clinical need. In this study, we reported a cassette-based automated production of [18F]FDOPA using a GE Fastlab 2 module and the quality control (QC) under fully cGMP compliant environment. Briefly, automated radiosynthesis of [18F]FDOPA was processed via nucleophilic radio-fluorination using FDOPA Fastlab cassette and solid phase extraction (SPE) purification. The QC tests of [18F]FDOPA, including appearance, pH, half-life, radiochemical purity and identity, enantiomeric purity, chemical impurities, molecular activity, radioactive concentration, filter integrity, endotoxin, and sterility, were conducted at the end of synthesis (EOS) and 8 h after EOS during the validation runs. Three consecutive productions of [18F]FDOPA were reliably achieved with desired radiochemical yield and high radiochemical/enantiomeric purities and molar activity. The uncorrected radiochemical yields of [18F]FDOPA were 9.3-9.8% with a total synthesis time of ~140 min. Both radiochemical and enantiomeric purities of [18F]FDOPA were >99.9% and the molar activities were 2.1-3.9 Ci/μmole at EOS. The full QC results at EOS and 8 h after EOS showed that the produced [18F]FDOPA met all release criteria for clinical use within 8 hours of expiration time. Three consecutive validation runs and QC results demonstrated the efficacy of cassette-based production of [18F]FDOPA for routine clinical use.
Memory Strategies in Learning: Training Children to Study Strategically

The aim in this volume is to present a series of case studies to illustrate how the accumulation of basic knowledge in psychology has led to information of applied value; the particular charge of this chapter is to consider developmental memory research in this light. Traditionally there has been a division between basic and applied developmental research, and the majority of research reviewed and described in this chapter would be regarded as basic since it is laboratory inspired and conducted. The problem of practical application is more difficult for the basic researcher as his studies are rarely initiated to answer specific applied questions. Nonetheless, while the possibility of practical application is of more central interest for the applied researcher, the topic cannot and should not be avoided by those concerned with basic research.
Molecular cloning of ovine connexin44 and temporal expression of gap junction proteins in a lens cell culture.

PURPOSE. The lens plasma membranes of several mammalian species have been shown to contain three different connexin proteins. The goal of this study was to clone the sheep homologue of rat connexin46 identified as sheep connexin44 and to determine the temporal changes in the expression of the three sheep connexin proteins in a lens primary cell culture system. METHODS. A sheep genomic library was screened with a rat lens connexin46 cDNA probe. Lens junctional protein and mRNA levels were determined in a sheep primary cell culture system by Western and Northern blot analyses, respectively. RESULTS. Sheep connexin44, the homologue of rat lens connexin46, was identified as a single-copy gene with a predicted molecular weight of 43,989 Daltons that is contained within a single exon. Northern blot analysis detected a 2.2-kb connexin44 transcript in RNA isolated from lens but not that isolated from heart, kidney, liver, or lung. During the in vitro differentiation of lens epithelial cells from 5 to 20 days in culture, connexin43 mRNA levels declined approximately 75%, whereas connexin49 RNA levels increased approximately 24 fold. The 40% decrease in the level of connexin43 protein and the 21-fold increase in the level of connexin49 protein did not directly correlate with the changes in mRNA levels encoding these proteins during this same period. Although detectable, the amount of connexin44 mRNA and protein remained low throughout the 20-day period during which lens cells were grown in culture. Neither mRNA nor protein encoding MP20 or MP26 transcripts could be detected in even the oldest 20-day lens cultures. CONCLUSIONS. Steady state mRNA levels of sheep connexin43 and connexin49 do not appear to be the only factor regulating the expression of these genes during in vitro differentiation of lens cells in culture. Although a decreased level of expression of connexin43 was accompanied by an increased level of expression of connexin49 over the 20-day period in culture, connexin44 mRNA and protein levels remained low throughout this 20-day period. Overall, these results suggest that these junctional proteins have a unique temporal pattern of expression during differentiation, and this lens primary cell culture system provides a valuable tool to better understand this process.
Gynecologic surgery in the elderly with special reference to risks and results.

Abstract 1. 1. The increasing numbers of elderly women presenting a variety of gynecologic disorders bring new responsibilities to the gynecologist and to the internist. 2. 2. This study of 202 cases of women over sixty years of age who were subjected to 217 surgical procedures, with only two deaths, indicates that the range of surgery may be safely extended for this age group. 3. 3. Careful preoperative studies of these patients by the team of gynecologist and internist sharply limited the operative risk. 4. 4. These elderly women presented a variety of systemic conditions, associated with the local lesions. The implications of hypertension, arteriosclerotic heart disease, anemia, diabetes, and malnutrition have been discussed in relation to the determination of surgical risk. 5. 5. Modern methods of anesthesia, liberal use of whole blood transfusions, early rising, the use of chemotherapy and antibiotics prevented or modified complications of the postoperative period. 6. 6. In general, we believe that the careful evaluation of the functional capacity of older individuals will eliminate false emphasis on chronological age, and thus point the way to successful therapy.
Corruption and Economic Development

Abstract This paper presents a review of corruption's consequences and causes. Among the consequences are a reduction in economic efficiency, a diminution of capital formation and ultimately a slowdown in economic growth. In addition, income inequality becomes worse. Corruption's causes are numerous: economic, cultural, ethnic, social, religious and gender factors. Corruption-reduction programs, such as liberalization, privatization and reducing the benefit-cost ratio of corruption, can reduce corruption but only if implemented carefully and transparently.
Non-impact printer power and motor control system on a chip

An integrated circuit chip set has been developed that realizes a color nonimpact printer power supply and motor control system. The two ICs include three switch mode PWM controllers, two unipolar stepper motor drivers, a DC motor H-bridge, a serial control port, and a host of peripheral system functions. Focus is placed on power management and how individual circuits are customized to minimize on-chip power dissipation. >
Co-channel interference of microcellular systems on shadowed Nakagami fading channels

The probability of cochannel interference is evaluated for a microcellular environment with log-normal shadowing and Nakagami fading. For the case when the interfering signals have the same shadowing and fading statistics, an exact mathematical expression is presented for the probability of cochannel interference. For the case when the interfering signals have different shadowing and fading statistics, the probability of cochannel interference is evaluated by approximating the individual interfering signals as having a log-normal distribution, and then applying Schwartz and Yeh's method to obtain a purely log-normal distribution for total interference, while maintaining a composite Nakagami log-normal distribution for the desired signal.
Managing paediatric death in the emergency department.

Death of a child in an emergency department is a rare occurrence, but one with significant impact on the family and staff involved. The rarity means few emergency department clinicians feel ‘expert’ in the overall management process. However, most have some knowledge and experience which can be augmented by collaborating with other health professionals. By exploring some of the main management issues and challenges for the emergency department, key aspects of care are identified for emergency department clinicians to consider in reviewing local procedures and guidelines.
Methyl 5,6-dimeth­oxy-1H-indole-2-carboxyl­ate

The title compound, C12H13NO4, was prepared as a precursor to an indole derivative with possible anti­mitotic properties. The mol­ecule is very nearly planar; the maximum deviation of any non-H atom from the mean plane of the indole ring is 0.120 (3) A for each of two meth­oxy C atoms. The pairs of mol­ecules related by the inversion centre at (0,0,1\over2) are connected by two symmetry-equivalent N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, while the pairs of mol­ecules related by the inversion centre at (0,0,0) exhibit a π-stacking inter­action of the indole rings, with an inter­planar separation of 3.39 (3) A.
Assessing collaborative and experiential learning

Collaborative and experiential learning has many proven merits. Team projects with real clients motivate students to put in the time for successfully completing demanding projects. However, assessing student performance where individual student contributions are separated from the collective contribution of the team as a whole is not a straightforward, simple task. Assessment data from multiple sources, including students as assessors of their own work and peers' work, is critical to measuring certain student learning outcomes, such as responsible team work and timely communication. In this paper we present our experience with assessing collaborative and experiential learning in five Computer Information Systems courses. The courses were scheduled over three semesters and enrolled 57 students. Student performance and student feedback data were used to evaluate and refine our assessment methodology. We argue that assessment data analysis improved our understanding of (1) the assessment measures that support more closely targeted learning outcomes and (2) how those measures should be implemented.
Asymptotic Properties of a Family of Minimum Quantile Distance Estimators

Abstract A family of estimators based upon M specified quantiles is defined. These procedures take as the estimate the vector that minimizes a quadratic distance measure between M sample quantiles and a parametric family of quantile functions. Under regularity conditions these estimators are consistent, asymptotically normal, and robust. For a specific quadratic form the estimator is optimal among a class of asymptotically normal estimators, and it approaches full efficiency as M approaches infinity. The asymptotic relative efficiency is computed for various sets of quantiles and various parameter values of the three-parameter lognormal distribution. The small-sample properties and robustness of the optimal M-quantile estimator for the three-parameter lognormal distribution are investigated in Monte Carlo studies.
The Bank Job: A Field Study of Sexually Discriminatory Performance on a Neutral‐Role Task

Sixty-four checks were cashed in a field examination of sex role discrimination using a non-sex-role stereotyped (neutral role) task. Experimenter (customer) sex, subject (teller) sex, amount of the check, and bank branch were varied to produce a 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 design. Transaction times were longer for female customers than for male customers, and were longer with male tellers than with female tellers. Results were interpreted as supporting the hypothesis of greater sex role salience in cross-sex, as compared with same-sex dyads. Suggestions are made for further research using neutral-role tasks to better define certain role concepts.
Surgical treatment of recurrent carotid artery stenosis

Ninety-two surgical procedures were performed in 82 patients for recurrent carotid artery stenosis. The etiology was recurrent atherosclerosis in 45 cases, myointimal hyperplasia in 20, organized thrombus without a significant underlying plaque in 20, and scarring along the proximal arteriotomy site in seven. The operations included a repeat endarterectomy in 66 cases and reconstruction with an interposition graft in 22. All five major neurological complications occurred in symptomatic patients, and included three instances of intraoperative embolization during exposure of the carotid artery. The majority of neurological complications occurred in symptomatic patients who had intraluminal thrombus confirmed at surgery. There were four perioperative deaths, due to cerebral hemorrhage in two patients and myocardial infarction in two. In the patients whose original surgery was performed at the Mayo Clinic, the risk of recurrent carotid artery stenosis was 3.1% with a primary closure compared to 1.6% when a patch graft was used. These results indicate that surgery for recurrent carotid artery stenosis is technically more difficult and carries a significantly higher risk than surgery for primary disease. The difficulty is due to the friable recurrent plaque associated with intraluminal thrombus, which increases the risk of embolization during carotid artery exposure. In the majority of patients with recurrent atherosclerosis, a repeat endarterectomy can be achieved. However, in some patients, there is scarring without a definite plane of cleavage between the recurrent disease and the underlying media, making an endarterectomy difficult. In these cases, excision of the diseased segment and reconstruction with an interposition graft is the best treatment. The findings presented here also suggest that closure of the original arteriotomy with a patch graft decreases the risk of recurrent carotid artery stenosis.
Updating the ‘internal working model’ construct: Some reflections

(1999). Updating the ‘internal working model’ construct: Some reflections. Attachment & Human Development: Vol. 1, No. 3, pp. 343-357.
Formation of nonclassical carbonyls of Au3+ in zeolite NaY : Characterization by infrared spectroscopy

Adsorption of CO on gold supported in zeolite NaY at 85 K led to the formation of (i) various carbonyls and isocarbonyls typical of the zeolite and (ii) carbonyls formed at cationic gold sites (observed in the 2186−2171 cm-1 region). Analysis of the behavior of the bands allows their assignment to carbonyls of Au3+ ions. At temperatures higher than 220 K, CO adsorption led to the formation of a new type of Au3+−CO species (2207 cm-1). Once formed, these complexes could be transformed into the dicarbonyls Au3+(CO)2 when the sample was cooled to 85 K in the presence of CO. The results are explained by migration of Au3+ ions to more accessible positions within the zeolite at increasing temperatures. When a CO molecule is already adsorbed, it stabilizes the Au3+ ion in the new position, and a second CO molecule can be coordinated, thus forming a geminal species. These results are the first evidence of Au3+(CO)2 complexes.
Physicochemical aspects of controlled release of substituted benzoic and naphthoic acids from Carbopol® gels

Drug release from a matrix consisting of a physical mixture of Carbopol and a weak acid is dependent on the influence of the physicochemical properties of the drug on gel formation in the matrix. Water hydrates the polymer in the matrix which results in swelling and the formation of a gel layer. The solubility and ionization properties of the dissolving drug influence the thickness and viscosity of the gel layer. In turn, the properties of the gel layer affect drug release rate by influencing drug diffusivity and the diffusional pathlength. Examination of the physicochemical properties of the drug is an important factor in elucidating the mechanism of release from Carbopol gels.
COMPARISON OF MODERATE-ENERGY PROTON-PROTON MODELS. III.

The published phases of Scotti and Wong, and of the Yale YLAM and YRBl representations, are compared to the 647 pieces of 10 to 320-Mev scattering data used in a previous comparison. A ten-parameter comparison representation for the phase shifts is found to fit the data about as well as most models, and considerably better than the Scotti-Wong phases. (auth)
Valor diagnóstico de la fecha del coito fecundante para la estimulación de la edad fetal

With the purpose of evaluating the date of the fecundating coitus for estimating fetal age, under the hypothesis of its high predictive capability, a cohort of 243 pregnant women being controlled at the primary care medical center of the city of Vina del Mar, in Chile, were studied. Each pregnant woman had three fetal age appraisals: the first, between the dates of fecundating coitus and last menstruation, the second, by means of precocious ecography, and the third, considered as the age of reference, was obtained from the newborn by means of the Extended Ballard examination. Correlation and concordance analyses between the determinations and between these and the frame of reference were performed; thereafter, a model of ordinal logistic regression was applied to establish the level of diagnostic precision. It was observed that the fetal age according to fecundating coitus is in close correlation with the age of reference (r=0.84) and even more when the woman presents a date of the last reliable.menstruation (r=0.90). Upon comparative analysis, the diagnostic value of the studied date does not significantly differ from that of the precocious ecography (p=0.19). The logistic regression equation reaches a sensibility of 86% and a specificity of 94% in the presence of a reliable date of last menstruation. The conclusion is that the date of the fecundating coitus is a semiological resource useful for estimating fetal age; its precision is comparable to the first three-month ecography of pregnancy, for which reason its incorporation to routine obstetric anamnesis is recommended.
β-Carotene, an active component of chloroplasts

Abstract When freeze-dried chloroplast fragments were extracted with petroleum ether at 0 °C., their ability to reduce 2,6-dichlorophenol-indophenol in the light was greatly reduced. Evaporation of the extract on the extracted material almost completely restored this activity. Fractionation of the petroleum ether extract on a magnesium oxide column gave a band with an absorption spectrum almost identical to that of β-carotene. Addition of the material in only this band caused partial reactivation of the petroleum ether-extracted chloroplasts. A similar addition of pure β-carotene also reactivated the petroleum ether-extracted chloroplast fragments. Since extraction by petroleum ether removes β-carotene and inactivates the chloroplast material and the addition of β-carotene restores the activity, it appears that β-carotene may be an active component of the photochemical system of chloroplasts.
Mechanism of glucocorticoid protection of airway smooth muscle from proasthmatic effects of long-acting β2-adrenoceptor agonist exposure

Background Chronic use of long-acting β2-adrenergic receptor agonists (LABAs), resulting in β2-adrenergic receptor desensitization, has been associated with increased asthma morbidity. When LABAs are used in combination with inhaled glucocorticoids, however, asthma control is improved, raising the following question: Do glucocorticoids inhibit the proasthmatic mechanism that mediates altered contractility in LABA-exposed airway smooth muscle (ASM)? Objective This study aimed to identify the potential protective role and mechanism of action of glucocorticoids in mitigating the effects of prolonged LABA exposure on ASM constrictor and relaxation responsiveness. Methods Cultured human ASM cells and isolated rabbit ASM tissues were examined for induced changes in agonist-mediated cyclic adenosine monophosphate accumulation, constrictor and relaxation responsiveness, and expression of specific glucocorticoid-regulated molecules after 24-hour exposure to the LABA salmeterol in the absence and presence of dexamethasone. Results Salmeterol-exposed ASM exhibited impaired cyclic adenosine monophosphate and relaxation responses to isoproterenol and increased acetylcholine-induced contractility. These proasthmatic effects of prolonged LABA exposure were attributed to upregulated phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) activity and were ablated by pretreatment with dexamethasone. Further studies demonstrated that (1) dexamethasone suppressed activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), which upregulate PDE4 expression in salmeterol-exposed ASM; and (2) the inhibitory actions of dexamethasone on salmeterol-induced ERK1/2 activation and resultant PDE4-mediated changes in ASM responsiveness were prevented by gene silencing or pharmacologic inhibition of dexamethasone-induced expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 1, an endogenous deactivator of ERK1/2 signaling. Conclusion Glucocorticoids prevent the adverse proasthmatic effects of prolonged LABA exposure on airway responsiveness as a result of glucocorticoid-induced upregulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 1, which inhibits proasthmatic ERK1/2 signaling in the LABA-exposed ASM.
Long-term functional analysis of the ileoanal reservoir.

Since November 1980, 180 patients underwent abdominal colectomy, rectal mucosectomy, ileoanal reservoir construction, and ileoanal anastomosis at the authors' institutions. One hundred twenty-nine patients had restoration of intestinal continuity before the end of 1986. One hundred fourteen of these patients (88 percent) were available for follow-up at a mean length of time of 5.0 years from ileostomy closure (range, 16 to 88 months). The mean number of pouch evacuations was 5.4±2.5 during the day (range, 1 to 12) and 1.5±1.0 at night (range, 0 to 6). Ninety-one percent of patients reported perfect or almost perfect daytime continence, and 74 percent found this true at night. Sixty-three percent of patients believed their pouch function continued to improve over many years. Ninety-five percent of patients questioned would choose an ileoanal reservoir again instead of a permanent ileostomy. This long-term assessment of the function of the ileoanal reservoir confirms that it is a viable, although not perfect, option in the management of ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis.
White matter hyperintensities and dynamics of postural control

Background: White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) on MRI have been associated with age, cardiovascular risk factors and falls in the elderly. This study evaluated the relationship between WMHs and dynamics of postural control in older adults without history of falls. Methods: We studied 76 community-living subjects without history of falls (age 64.5±7.3 years). Brain and WMH volume calculations and clinical rating were done on fluid-attenuation inversion recovery (FLAIR) and MP-RAGE MR images on 3 T. Balance was assessed from the center of pressure displacement using the force platform during 3 min of quiet standing using traditional and dynamic measures (using stabilogram-diffusion analysis). Gait speed was measured from 12-min walk. Results: Age-adjusted periventricular and focal WMHs were associated with changes in certain dynamic balance measures, including reduced range of postural sway in anteroposterior direction (fronto-temporal WMHs, P=.045; parieto-occipital WMHs, P=.009) and more irregular long-term mediolateral fluctuations (P=.046). Normal walking speed was not affected by WMHs. Conclusions: Periventricular and focal WMHs affect long-term dynamics of postural control, which requires engagement of feedback mechanisms, and may contribute to mobility decline in the elderly.
Complex Integer to Complex Residue Encoding

Recently, a new algebra for manipulating complex residue numbers was reported. Its advantage over traditional methods is a reduced complex multiplication budget. In this work a complex integer to complex residue encoder is developed for use with this new numbering system.
Detection and imaging of the reconstituted pyropheophorbide-cholesterol oleate labeled low-density lipoprotein in the HepG2 tumor

We utilized the nude mouse model bearing the human hepatoblastoma G2 (HepG2) tumor and B-16 Murine Melanoma tumor to study the delivery and detection of the reconstituted Pyropheophorbide Cholesterol Oleate (r-pyroCE) molecular beacon. The delivery vehicle, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), labeled with the porphyrin derivative, was employed in response of the overexpression of LDL receptors in the HepG2 tumor. The B-16 melanoma tumor was also observed in this study for its overexpression of the LDL receptors. The tumors were imaged using the 3D low temperature scanner to produce images throughout several sliced sections of each tumor. The fluorescence signal of the pyropheophorbide was detected at 720nm when excited at 670nm in the tumor tissue. The uniform distribution of the signal in the HepG2 tumor shows extravasation of the beacon from the blood vessels. The B-16 tumor did not exhibit strong fluorescent signals and successful delivery as the HepG2 tumor outside the blood vessels and into the tumor tissue.
P + layer effects on a-Si:H solar cell performance

Influences of the p+ layer, i.e., deposition condition, post-deposition annealing, thin film deposition sequence, internal light reflection, electrode film quality, and SiN X chamber pretreatment on the a-Si:H solar cell performance have been studied. The conversion efficiency is improved using the pin stack structure with a high final annealing temperature and a high reflective bottom electrode due to the decrease of the contact resistance, the reduction of defects in the film, the increase of the hole transport efficiency, the improvement of light absorption, and the minimum cross contamination. The high solar cell efficiency was obtained by optimizing the p+ related film process.
Hydrogen Adsorption at the Graphene Surface: A vdW-DF Perspective

Abstract We use the recently developed van der Waals density functional (vdW-DF) along with the C09x exchange functional to explore the interactions of molecular hydrogen with a single sheet of graphene. Our calculations demonstrate the importance of the inclusion of dispersion interactions for evaluating the adsorption capacity of graphitic, sparsely packed materials. In particular we show that, although the commonly used local density approximation (LDA) exchange-correlation functional gives reasonable H2-graphene separation distances, these interactions are in fact too strong and decrease too rapidly as the H2-graphene distance increases. On the other hand, calculations employing the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) for exchange and correlation exhibit very little binding. The vdW-DFC09x functional, however, gives binding very similar to benchmark second-order Moller-Plesset (MP2) theory results for the H2-coronene interaction and has an appropriate long range interaction with the graphene sheet. This shortcoming of the LDA and GGA functionals is shown to have signi_cant consequences on the overall adsorption densities of H2 near the graphene, thus emphasizing the fundamental importance of properly characterizing the interactions of adsorbed molecules in porous media.
Growth, metastasis, and expression of CCL2 and CCL5 by murine mammary carcinomas are dependent upon Myd88

Previously we reported that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment of murine mammary carcinomas resulted in decreased growth of the tumors. Here we show the decreased growth following LPS treatment was mediated through effects downstream of TLR4 and Myd88. Perhaps more notably, simply reducing TLR4 or Myd88 levels was sufficient to slow tumor growth rates. Moreover, reduced levels of Myd88 correlated with a significant reduction in lung metastasis as well as decreased CCL2 and CCL5 expression. To determine whether inhibiting Myd88 function could also alter tumor growth and chemokine expression we used a Myd88 homodimerization inhibitory peptide. Indeed, inhibiting Myd88 function in four different murine mammary carcinomas as well as the human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 led to decreased growth as well as CCL2 and CCL5 expression. These data imply that Myd88 is important for growth and metastasis of breast cancer, and expression of at least two proinflammatory chemokines.
Mission and the Ephesian Moment of World Christianity: Pilgrimages of Pain and Hope and the Economics of Eating Together

Abstract The historic 1910 Edinburgh missionary conference was a watershed moment for world Christianity as it established a framework for international cooperation in the task of bringing the whole gospel to the whole world.’ That goal has more or less been realized. In fact, with the shift of Christianity’s center of gravity from its traditional heartlands in Europe and the US to the “Global South” of Africa, Asia, and Latin America, the focus of mission must also shift from a preoccupation with ‘transmission’ so as to engage the wider issues of the teleology of missio Dei. Using Andrew Walls’ depiction of the Ephesian Moment, the author explores mission as God’s activity of bringing together diverse social fragments (as bricks of a single building or as parts of the same body) so as to realize what Paul describes as the ‘very height of Christ’s full stature.” In describing the Pilgrimage of Pain and Hope and a visit to an organic farm in Uganda, the author offers “pilgrimage” as an example of mission practice, which reflects and advances this telos. The act of eating together, which pilgrimage fosters, is not only the expression and the test of the Ephesian moment it is the context within which the most pressing theological, pastoral and ecclesiological issues of world Christianity are illumined and engaged.
Some general properties of the liquidus surface of a “pseudobinary” solid solution (A1 − uBu)1 − δC1 + δ

Abstract A ternary A-B-C system forming a narrow homogeneity-range solid solution (A1 − uBu)1 − δC1 + δ with congruently melting end members is considered. Two properties of the liquidus isotherms are proven that are independent of the detailed thermodynamic behavior of the liquid or solid solution phases. These are (1) the liquid coexisting with a solid of fixed u-value at its solidus temperature contains 50 at.% of component C, and (2) only when the liquid is ideal does the liquidus in a section of constant atomic ratio B A have its maximum at 50 at.% C. The properties are illustrated for the ideal case.
The potential role of radiation therapy to the primary site of disease in stage IV breast cancer presenting with synchronous metastasis.

Introduction The benefit of local therapy in the form of surgery or radiation therapy to the chest wall or intact breast remains unproven in patients diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer. Traditional therapy for these patients consisted of primary systemic therapy, with surgery or radiation therapy reserved for palliation of symptomatic local disease only after control of systemic disease. Stage IV breast cancer patients constitute a heterogeneous population with regard to molecular subtype, age, overall disease burden, visceral organ involvement, and treatment response to endocrine therapy, biologic agents, or chemotherapy, all of which contribute to prognosis. With the advent of new therapeutic strategies, the 3-year survival rate increased from 27% to 44% in a French multicenter study. With the increasing efficacy of systemic therapy, a subgroup of stage IV patients may achieve a complete clinical and radiologic response. Emerging data, mostly examining the efficacy of surgery, suggest an overall survival (OS) advantage with aggressive management of the primary site of disease in stage IV breast cancer. Similar findings to support surgical resection in select stage IV patients have also been reproduced with the database of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program of the National Cancer Institute and institutional observational protocols. The benefit of radiation therapy to the primary tumor, either following or replacing surgery, in this cohort of patients remains unknown. Our clinical commentary visits the role of locoregional therapy of the primary tumor in patients with metastatic disease at diagnosis. Further, we explore the existing data and the potential role of radiation in this setting.