cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Polysomnography in obese children with a history of sleep‐associated breathing disorders

We hypothesized that obese children with a history of breathing difficulty during sleep would demonstrate (1) evidence of complete and partial obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with hypercarbia and/or hypoxemia; and (2) correlation between symptoms, degree of obesity, adenoid and tonsil size, and polysomnography (PSG) results. We evaluated 32 obese children [% ideal body weight (IBW), 196 +/- 45%] with a sleep history questionnaire, airway radiographs, electrocardiograms (ECG), and PSG. By history, we found snoring (100%), difficulty breathing (59%), sweating (44%), restlessness (53%), arousals (41%), apnea (50%), worsening with upper respiratory infection (URI) (81%), hypersomnolence (59%), and mouth breathing (59%). We found adenoid and/or tonsil enlargement on 75% of airway x-ray pictures. ECGs were abnormal in 5 patients. Among all patients, mean sleep study oxyhemoglobin saturation (SaO2) was 85 +/- 16% and mean end-tidal CO2 (PetCO2) was 51 +/- 7 torr; 84% had paradoxical inward movement of the chest on inspiration, 59% had OSA, and 66% had partial OSA. In those with > or = 200% IBW and adenotonsillar enlargement, elevated PetCO2 and the presence of hypoxemia (SaO2 or = 5% of the total sleep time (TST) were correlated, unlike in patients of similar weight but without adenotonsillar enlargement. Individuals symptoms did not correlate with the severity of PSG abnormalities. By discriminant analysis, using three variables (IBW, presence of adenotonsillar tissue, and presence of > or = 5 symptoms), we could predict PSG abnormalities with up to 81% reliability. Our findings indicate that in obese children, particularly those with %IBW > or = 200 and adenotonsillar hypertrophy, with sleep-disordered breathing evaluation by polysomnography should be considered.
Do fears of malpractice litigation influence teaching behaviors

Background : Medical malpractice is prominently positioned in the consciousness of American physicians, and the perceived threat of malpractice litigation may push physicians to practice defensively and alter their teaching behaviors. Purpose : The purposes of this study were to characterize the attitudes of academic medical faculty toward malpractice litigation and to identify teaching behaviors associated with fear of malpractice litigation. Methods : We surveyed 270 full-time clinically active physicians in the Department of Medicine at a large academic medical center. The survey assessed physicians' attitudes toward malpractice issues, fear of malpractice litigation, and self-reported teaching behaviors associated with concerns about litigation. Results: Two hundred and fifteen physicians responded (80%). Faculty scored an average of 25.5 ± 6.9 (range = 6–42, higher scores indicate greater fear) on a reliable malpractice fear scale. Younger age (Spearman's ρ = 0.19, p = .02) and greater time spent in ...
Effect of nitrogen dioxide on the activities of cytochrome oxidase and succinic dehydrogenase on homogenates of some organs of the rat

Abstract The effect of nitrogen dioxide on cytochrome oxidase and succinic dehydrogenase on several organs of the rat were studied. In vitro studies were made by exposing homogenates of the lung, liver, kidney, and spleen to nitrogen dioxide (3300m). The flow rate was 0.5 L/minute for one minute. Measurements of cytochrome oxidase and succinic dehydrogenase were made spectrophotometrically according to the method of Cooperstein and Lazarow. (I) In all cases, it was observed that this air pollutant significantly reduced the activities of the two enzymes.
Quantitative determination of neutral monosaccharide residues in glycoproteins and glycopeptides by thin-layer densitometry.

A procedure is described for the microdetermination of fucose, galactose, and mannose residues in glycoproteins and glycopeptides by direct densitometry of thin-layer chromatograms. A column of ion-exchange resin is employed for the removal of peptides, amino acids, amino sugars, and inorganic ions from hydrolyzates prior to chromatography. Separation is carried out on 250 μ cellulose layers, and aniline phthalate reagent is used for color development. Accuracy is about ±10% for a single determination. Application of the method to the analysis of human α1 acid glycoprotein and ovine luteinizing hormone is described.
Mechanical design of Altair, the Gemini-North adaptive optics system

Altair is the facility adaptive optics system for the Gemini-North 8-meter Telescope. This paper gives an overview of the key mechanical systems and feature of Altair including the optical bench assembly mechanics and opto- mechanics, the instrument structure, and the electronics enclosure.
Efficient matchings and mobile augmented reality

With the fast-growing popularity of smart phones in recent years, augmented reality (AR) on mobile devices is gaining more attention and becomes more demanding than ever before. However, the limited processors in mobile devices are not quite promising for AR applications that require real-time processing speed. The challenge exists due to the fact that, while fast features are usually not robust enough in matchings, robust features like SIFT or SURF are not computationally efficient. There is always a tradeoff between robustness and efficiency and it seems that we have to sacrifice one for the other. While this is true for most existing features, researchers have been working on designing new features with both robustness and efficiency. In this article, we are not trying to present a completely new feature. Instead, we propose an efficient matching method for robust features. An adaptive scoring scheme and a more distinctive descriptor are also proposed for performance improvements. Besides, we have developed an outdoor augmented reality system that is based on our proposed methods. The system demonstrates that not only it can achieve robust matchings efficiently, it is also capable to handle large occlusions such as passengers and moving vehicles, which is another challenge for many AR applications.
Survival differences in women with serous tubal, ovarian, peritoneal, and uterine carcinomas

Objective The fallopian tube has been implicated as the primary origin of pelvic serous cancers. We proposed to determine the survival outcomes of serous tubal, ovarian, peritoneal, and uterine cancer patients. Study Design Data were obtained from the National Cancer Institute between 2004 and 2009. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards models were used for analysis. Results Of 12,336 high-grade serous cancer patients, 563 were tubal (TC), 8560 ovarian (OC), 1037 primary peritoneal (PPC), and 2176 uterine cancer (USC). The median ages of these patients were 63 vs 62 vs 67 vs 68 years, respectively. The majority were white (89% vs 88% vs 91% vs 74%). The overall 5 year, disease-specific survival was 37%. The survivals of those with TC, OC, PPC, and USC were 50%, 37%, 26%, and 40% ( P P P P Conclusion In advanced-staged serous cancer patients, tubal cancer patients have better survivals compared with ovarian, peritoneal, and uterine cancer.
A realistic experiment to demonstrate macroscopic quantum coherence

Abstract According to quantum theory, microscopic objects exist in a superposition of distinct states until they are “observed”. Nobody knows whether such quantum coherence can actually exist in a macroscopic system. In the experiment described here, a superconducting quantum interference device is extremely well isolated from any interaction with internal or external modes, and a superposition state can be demonstrated even if it lasts for less than 1 ns. This is accomplished by using superconducting digital electronic circuitry as the experimental apparatus. If successful, it is the first step toward a future full-scale quantum computer fabricated using integrated circuit manufacturing techniques.
Hydroxychloroquine and the retina.

Hydroxychloroquine sulfate is widely prescribed in the treatment of systemic lupuserythematosus (SLE), rheumatoidarthritis, and related autoimmunediseases, and it has largely superseded the use of chloroquinephosphate for these conditions. Furthermore, hydroxychloroquine isnowbeingevaluated forothermedical uses, including controlofbloodglucose levelsandasanadjunct tochemotherapyfor cancer.Althoughhydroxychloroquinehas relatively fewsystemicadverse effects, a specter of potential retinal toxicity hangs over its use, and regular screening isnecessary todetectearly changes in the retina before vision is compromised.1 The study by Nika et al2 in JAMAOphthalmologyshowsthatdespitetheriskof toxicity,manypatientsusinghydroxychloroquine forSLEandrelateddisordersarestill not seeing eye care professionals or getting appropriate diagnostic tests. This is a wake-up call to physicianswho prescribe this drug. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) has published guidelines for screening that call for a baseline examination at the start of hydroxychloroquine therapy and then annual screening beginning after 5 years of use.3 Nika et al2 reviewed records from 6339 patients using hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine (98.6% took hydroxychloroquine) in a managed care network. Among new users of these drugs, less than half had a baseline examination (recommended to rule out other macular disease) within the first year of therapy. Among long-term users ( 5 years), one-quarter had no examinations in years 6 and 7. Many of those who did see an eye care professional did not receive visual field testing (a key procedure recommended for screening). Among patients classified to be at “high” risk, one-third had no diagnostic testing at all during the 5 years of the study. Patients under a rheumatologist’s care or with higher education receivedmore screening so that patient understanding appears to be an important component to the maintenance of screening. The disparity between eye care visits during which only basic examinations were performed JAMAOPHTHALMOLOGY
Metachronous Bilateral Posterior Tibial Artery Aneurysms in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Type IV

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV is a life-threatening genetic connective tissue disorder. We report a 24-year-old woman with EDS-IV who presented with metachronous bilateral aneurysms/pseudoaneurysms of the posterior tibial arteries 15 months apart. Both were treated successfully with transarterial coil embolization from a distal posterior tibial approach.
Effect of experimental cerebral infarction in rat brain on catecholamines and behaviour

ALTHOUGH cerebral vascular accident or stroke is a frequent clinical problem, there has been little systematic research into the cause of the common behavioural consequences such as emotional lability, depression and motor and cognitive deficits. Ischaemic brain injury affects the content and metabolism of brain catecholamines in rats1, monkeys and gerbils2, as well as the concentration of monoamines in human cerebrospinal fluid3. In an attempt to study experimental stroke, we have occluded surgically the middle cerebral artery in rats and found, during the 40-d postoperative period, changes in both behaviour and brain catecholamines.
Galilean-invariant gauge theory.

It is generally characteristic of a field theory with a zero-mass particle that it does not possess a nontrivial Galilean limit. Since all the well-known gauge theories require (at least in the free-field limit) such massless excitations, there are no known examples at this time of Galilean-invariant gauge field theories. However, by making use of a recently formulated gauge theory in two spatial dimensions in which there is no elementary photon, it is shown that there does exist a Galilean theory which incorporates the gauge principle. The general N-particle state for this theory is constructed and subsequently used to obtain the corresponding N-particle Schroedinger equation. In the case of two particles the scattering process is considered explicitly, it is being shown that for all partial waves one obtains the same nonzero phase shift.
Audioprofiles and antioxidant enzyme genotypes in presbycusis.

Objectives/Hypothesis: Audiometric patterns have been shown to indirectly provide information regarding the pathophysiology of presbycusis and be useful in the phenotyping of hereditary deafness. Study Design and Methods: Hospital-based cohort study of adults with presbycusis, comparing the association of audiometric patterns and polymorphisms of antioxidant enzymes that have been linked to presbycusis: GSTT1, GSTM1 and NAT2. All subjects underwent a clinical evaluation and completed questionnaires regarding ototoxicity and noise exposure. Pure-tone threshold audiometry was obtained and subjects' audiograms were classified into specific patterns. DNA was extracted from blood and the polymorphisms of GSTT1, GSTM1, and the NAT2 variants (NAT2* 5A; NAT2* 6A,B) were analyzed by PCR. Results: The audiometric patterns that were more prevalent in our cohort were “High-Frequency Steeply Sloping” or HFSS (33%), “High-Frequency Gently Sloping” or HFGS (31%), and “Flat” (27%), with other patterns being rare. We did not find a statistical significant effect of gender, age, hearing level, and ear side on the audiometric pattern. Subjects with mutant alleles for GSTT1 were more likely to have a HFSS audiogram than subjects with the wild type genotype. Conclusions: In this cohort, there was a similar prevalence for the three audiometric configurations HFSS, HFGS, and Flat, with other configurations being rare. Subjects with mutant alleles for GSTT1 were more likely to have a HFSS audiogram than subjects with the wild type genotype, suggesting that the basal turn of the cochlea is susceptible to GSTT1 regulated oxidative stress. However, further studies of audioprofiles with larger sample sizes may be needed to establish phenotype-genotype correlations in presbycusis. Laryngoscope, 2012
Genetic Variability and Its Ecological Implications in the Clonal Plant Carex scopulorum Holm. in Colorado Tundra

Abstract We assayed the amount and distribution of genetic variability in the clonal polyploid plant Carex scopulorum var. scopulorum. We used 5 polymorphic protein loci to sample 7 populations on the tundra in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, U.S.A. Carex has levels of variability comparable to those found in nonclonal species. In the loci studied, transmission is disomic, as in diploid species. Of 148 tillers tested, 59.5% had different 5-locus genotypes. The distributions of genotypes fit Hardy-Weinberg expectations at 4 loci in most populations. These results suggest that there is significant cross-pollination and establishment by seed in this tundra plant. There were significant differences in allele frequencies between adjacent populations occupying wet versus moist environments at alcohol dehydrogenase, an enzyme known to be relevant to metabolism under oxygen-limiting conditions. There was no relationship between geographic distance and genetic distance at the scale we studied.
Bayesian Multistatic Tracking: Results on Simulated Data from the Multistatic Tracking Working Group

The Multistatic Tracking Working Group (MSTWG) was formed in 2005 as an international team of experts focused on the unique challenges in the burgeoning field of multistatic tracking. This paper presents results from three common simulated data sets provided by MSTWG members. A Bayesian tracking method is described which represents the posterior probability distribution as an ensemble of sample points. The advantages of this approach are evaluated in light of standard metrics of performance, as measured on the three aforementioned data sets.
Research Review: Family group decision‐making: a promising practice in need of more programme theory and research

The use of family group decision-making (FGDM) in child protection is rapidly increasing throughout the world. This paper provides a brief overview of the research evidence from 1996 to 2005 and proposes future directions for both practice and research. The purpose of the review is to help move the discussion of FGDM from a promising practice to an evidence-based practice. The research review considers what is known about the child welfare outcomes of FGDM. The paper then turns to research concerning which families are offered FGDM and which FGDM processes appear to be important. The paper concludes with specific suggestions for developing FGDM programmes that can improve child protection practice and then testing these specific programmes in rigorous trials.
The Reports of the Sicherheitsdienst on the Church and Religious Affairs in Germany, 1939–1944

The volume of literature on the Kirchenkampf is expanding at an accelerating rate. Several bibliographical articles have already appeared, the most recent of which is by the Canadian scholar, John S. Conway. Of the 63 titles of books, articles, and collections discussed by Conway, 47 were published in the 1960s. Nearly all studies of the Kirchenkampf either defend or criticize the church in varying degrees. Most of the older accounts, as Conway points out in the introduction to his own comprehensive study, were written by clergymen and historians who actually participated in the Kirchenkampf . These scholars selected those facts which demonstrated that the church steadfastly, if not always effectually, opposed National Socialist tyranny in word and deed. The larger volume of Protestant works emphasized the activity of the Confessing Church, while the unaccountably smaller number of Roman Catholic accounts focused upon particular bishops and priests who protested courageously and suffered imprisonment or martyrdom. During the past ten years, however, a small group of mostly younger historians have published works sharply critical of the Roman Catholic Church in particular. These historians, the most prominent of whom are Gordon Zahn, Hans Muller, and Guenter Lewy, assert that the Roman Catholic Church failed to exert the kind of moral and political leadership which might have mitigated the horrors of National Socialism.
Police controlled antecedents which significantly elevate prosecution and conviction rates in domestic violence cases

Logistic regression was used to assess five different police actions that an investigating police officer can choose to employ when handling a domestic violence call. Each significantly increases the likelihood the prosecutor will file charges: obtain photographs (60 percent); find and arrest the defendant (94 percent); obtain an emergency protective order (87 percent); locate additional witnesses (68 percent); and list more than one criminal charge in the police report (284 percent). Three optional police actions increase the likelihood of criminal conviction: find and arrest the defendant (78 percent); obtain an emergency protective order (102 percent); list more than one charge (142 percent). Survival analysis shows a sixth action, completing the investigation the same day, to significantly increase rates of criminal case filing and also rates of criminal conviction. A strong case, best practices model for the investigation of domestic violence incidents was validated and is presented. Police discretion is discussed. Lawmakers should consider making these optional investigative actions mandatory. Language: en
Complex Partial Seizures Associated with a Temporomandibular Joint Defect

A case of a 32-year-old man is reported with complex partial seizures secondary to a right inferior temporal epileptic focus immediately overlying an abnormality of the temporomandibular joint, with a defect in the middle temporal fossa that allowed the mandibular condyle to contuse the temporal lobe.
Targeting glucose metabolism in patients with cancer

Nearly a century ago, Otto Warburg made the astute observation that the metabolic properties of cancer cells differ markedly from those of normal cells. Several decades passed before the concept of exploiting cancer cell metabolism came into clinical practice with the advent of chemotherapy, the underlying principle of which is to target rapidly dividing cells by interfering with critical processes that are all, on some level, driven by cell metabolism. Although chemotherapy can be quite effective, success rates are highly variable and the adverse effects associated with treatment often outweigh the benefits due to the fact that chemotherapy is indiscriminately cytotoxic against all rapidly dividing cells, cancerous or healthy. During the past several years, a more intricate understanding of cancer cell metabolism has permitted the development of targeted therapies that aim to specifically target cancer cells and spare healthy tissue by exploiting the altered metabolism of cancer cells. The identification of new metabolic targets and the subsequent development of small-molecule inhibitors of metabolic enzymes have demonstrated the utility and promise of targeting cancer cell metabolism as an anticancer strategy. This review summarizes recent advances in the identification and characterization of several metabolic enzymes as emerging anticancer targets.
Organization of the cerebellum in the pigeon (Columba livia): I. Corticonuclear and corticovestibular connections.

The projections of the cerebellar cortex upon the cerebellar nuclei and the vestibular complex of the pigeon have been delineated using WGA-HRP as an anterograde and retrograde tracer. Injections into individual cortical lobules (II–IXa) produce a pattern of ipsilateral terminal labeling of both the cerebellar and vestibular nuclei. The pattern of corticonuclear projections indicates both a rostrocaudal and a mediolateral organization with respect to the lobules and is consistent with a division of the cerebellar nuclei into a medial (CbM) and a lateral (CbL) nucleus. The retrograde experiments indicate that these nuclei receive projections, respectively, from Purkinje cells within medial (A) and lateral (C) longitudinal zones, which alternate with longitudinal zones (B, E) projecting upon the vestibular complex. Purkinje cells in (vestibulocerebellar) lobules IXb–X show only limited projections upon the cerebellar nuclei, but do project extensively upon the cerebellovestibular process (PCV), as well as upon the medial, superior, and descending vestibular nuclei. As the injection site shifts from medial to lateral, there is a corresponding shift in focus of the. projection within PCV from areas bordering CbM to those abutting CbL. The topographic organization of corticovestibular projections is less clear-cut than those of the corticonuclear projections. Lobules II–X project upon the lateral vestibular nucleus (anterior lobe) or the dorsolateral vestibular nucleus (posterior lobe). These projections originate from either side of the lateral (C) zone. Projections originating from the medialmost (B) zone are interrupted in lobules VI and VII. The anterior and posterior portions of the lateralmost (E) zone overlap along lobules VI and VII. In addition, the E zone of the anterior lobe is the source of projections upon the medial, the descending, and the superior vestibular nuclei. Projections from the auricle and adjacent lateral unfoliated cortex (F zone) focus upon the infracerebellar nucleus, the medial tangential nucleus, and the medial division of the superior vestibular nucleus. The data suggest that the cerebellar cortex of the pigeon, like that of mammals, may be subdivided into a mediolaterally oriented series of longitudinal zones, with Purkinje cells in each zone projecting ipsilaterally to specific cerebellar nuclei or vestibular regions. For cortical regions exclusive of the auricle and lateral unfoliated cortex, three such zones (A, B, and C) are defined that are comparable in their efferent targets with the A, B, and C zones of mammals. There does not appear to be a D zone in the pigeon. The results are discussed in relation to comparative data on amphibians, reptiles, and mammals.
Aligned Carbon Nanotube‐Silicon Sheets: A Novel Nano‐architecture for Flexible Lithium Ion Battery Electrodes

Aligned carbon nanotube sheets provide an engineered scaffold for the deposition of a silicon active material for lithium ion battery anodes. The sheets are low-density, allowing uniform deposition of silicon thin films while the alignment allows unconstrained volumetric expansion of the silicon, facilitating stable cycling performance. The flat sheet morphology is desirable for battery construction.
DPL-1 DP, LIN-35 Rb and EFL-1 E2F Act With the MCD-1 Zinc-Finger Protein to Promote Programmed Cell Death in Caenorhabditis elegans

The genes egl-1, ced-9, ced-4, and ced-3 play major roles in programmed cell death in Caenorhabditis elegans. To identify genes that have more subtle activities, we sought mutations that confer strong cell-death defects in a genetically sensitized mutant background. Specifically, we screened for mutations that enhance the cell-death defects caused by a partial loss-of-function allele of the ced-3 caspase gene. We identified mutations in two genes not previously known to affect cell death, dpl-1 and mcd-1 (modifier of cell death). dpl-1 encodes the C. elegans homolog of DP, the human E2F-heterodimerization partner. By testing genes known to interact with dpl-1, we identified roles in cell death for four additional genes: efl-1 E2F, lin-35 Rb, lin-37 Mip40, and lin-52 dLin52. mcd-1 encodes a novel protein that contains one zinc finger and that is synthetically required with lin-35 Rb for animal viability. dpl-1 and mcd-1 act with efl-1 E2F and lin-35 Rb to promote programmed cell death and do so by regulating the killing process rather than by affecting the decision between survival and death. We propose that the DPL-1 DP, MCD-1 zinc finger, EFL-1 E2F, LIN-35 Rb, LIN-37 Mip40, and LIN-52 dLin52 proteins act together in transcriptional regulation to promote programmed cell death.
A mechanistic model of copper accumulation in Hyalella azteca

A mechanistic model is proposed for describing the accumulation of copper in Hyalella azteca. The metal is assumed to diffuse passively into and out of the animal. Once inside, it binds primarily to a ligand (X), the function of which is probably to supply copper to copper-requiring essential macromolecules. Once X is saturated, no further copper is accumulated. The rate of approach to the steady-state is much faster during uptake than during depuration because the number of binding sites (Xt) is limited. Diffusion across the animal's body surface does not seem to be rate-limiting. The binding strength of copper to X (KCu-X) is stronger than the binding of copper to fish gills, but this is not necessarily a valid comparison because KCu-X is the product of several constants, including the equilibrium for diffusion across the animal's surface and the strength of the internal binding site. Prolonged exposure to elevated copper in the water gradually reduces the concentration of Xt, primarily through growth dilution. Regulation of body copper appears to be through control of the concentration of Xt, rather than through control of copper influx or efflux rates, and chronic mortality is not affected by changes in Xt.
A humble chicken virus that changed biology and medicine.

1The discovery of Rous sarcoma virus is now seen as a landmark event that had a profound eff ect on medicine and biology. However, it was only after a long lag period that the importance of Rous’ discovery was fully realised. In the mid-1900s, work on bacteriophage inspired the introduction of quantitative genetic, biochemical and cell biological methods into animal virology. This provided a foundation for the study of Rous sarcoma virus and set in motion a scientifi c progression defi ned by four key developments. The fi rst achievement was the design of a cell culture method for oncogenic transformation of individual cells, allowing precise determination of virus concentrations. 2 Subsequent analysis of viral infection and replication with this so-called focus assay led to a paradoxical fi nding: the replication of Rous sarcoma virus, an RNA virus, required DNA synthesis. No other RNA virus relied on a DNA intermediary. The discovery of reverse transcriptase, an enzyme that transcribes RNA into DNA, explained the singular nature of Rous sarcoma virus replication, and confi rmed the hypothesis that it was a provirus with an integrated viral state similar to lysogenic phage. 3,4 The RNA genome of
Modeling injury outcomes of crashes involving heavy vehicles on Texas highways

Concern related to crashes that involve large trucks has increased in Texas recently because of the potential economic impacts and level of injury severity that can be sustained. However, detailed studies on large truck crashes that highlight the contributing factors leading to injury severity have not been conducted in Texas, especially for its Interstate system. The contributing factors related to injury severity were analyzed with Texas crash data based on a discrete outcome-based model that accounts for possible unobserved heterogeneity related to human, vehicle, and road-environment factors. A random parameter logit (i.e., mixed logit) model was estimated to predict the likelihood of five standard injury severity scales commonly used in the Crash Records Information System in Texas: fatal, incapacitating, nonincapacitating, possible, and none (i.e., property damage only). Estimation results indicated that the level of injury severity outcomes was highly influenced by several complex interactions betw...
Watermarking for image authentication

A data embedding method is proposed for image authentication based on table look-up in frequency domain. A visually meaningful watermark and a set of simple features are embedded invisibly in the marked image, which can be stored in the compressed form. The scheme can detect and localize alterations of the original image, such as the tampering of images exported from a digital camera.
Crack propagation in catalytic pellets due to thermal stresses

Catalytic combustion reactions and reacting systems that operate in the parameter sensitivity region of the kinetic regime are likely to experience sudden temperature changes, resulting in the development of thermal stresses in the catalyst support. The unified theory of Hasselman is used to study the onset and extent of crack propagation in catalyst support media. This theory is based on the principle that cracks propagate (terminate) when the total energy of the system increases (decreases) with additional crack growth. It is shown that the total energy of the medium (elastic and fracture energy) varies with time and position in the medium, and the extent of crack growth also varies from one point to the other. Within the limitation of the assumption that the crack density is low enough, the model provides valuable insight into the durability and mechanical strength of ceramic support media.
Building Blocks for Developing Spatial Skills Evidence From a Large, Representative U.S. Sample

There is evidence suggesting that children's play with spatial toys (e.g., puzzles and blocks) correlates with spatial development. Females play less with spatial toys than do males, which arguably accounts for males' spatial advantages; children with high socioeconomic status (SES) also show an advantage, though SES-related differences in spatial play have been less studied than gender-related differences. Using a large, nationally representative sample from the standardization study of the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-Fourth Edition, and controlling for other cognitive abilities, we observed a specific relation between parent-reported frequency of spatial play and Block Design scores that was invariant across gender and SES. Reported spatial play was higher for boys than for girls, but controlling for spatial play did not eliminate boys' relative advantage on this subtest. SES groups did not differ in reported frequency of spatial play. Future research should consider quality as well as quantity of play, and should explore underlying mechanisms to evaluate causality.
Noninvasive Electroanatomic Mapping of Human Ventricular Arrhythmias with Electrocardiographic Imaging

The rapid heartbeat of ventricular tachycardia (VT) can lead to sudden cardiac death and is a major health issue worldwide. Efforts to identify patients at risk, determine mechanisms of VT, and effectively prevent and treat VT through a mechanism-based approach would all be facilitated by continuous, noninvasive imaging of the arrhythmia over the entire heart. Here, we present noninvasive real-time images of human ventricular arrhythmias using electrocardiographic imaging (ECGI). Our results reveal diverse activation patterns, mechanisms, and sites of initiation of human VT. The spatial resolution of ECGI is superior to that of the routinely used 12-lead electrocardiogram, which provides only global information, and ECGI has distinct advantages over the currently used method of mapping with invasive catheter-applied electrodes. The spatial resolution of this method and its ability to image electrical activation sequences over the entire ventricular surfaces in a single heartbeat allowed us to determine VT initiation sites and continuation pathways, as well as VT relationships to ventricular substrates, including anatomical scars and abnormal electrophysiological substrate. Thus, ECGI can map the VT activation sequence and identify the location and depth of VT origin in individual patients, allowing personalized treatment of patients with ventricular arrhythmias.
A survey of delivery room resuscitation practices in the United States.

Objective. To determine current resuscitation practices of neonatologists in the United States. METHODS. A 15-question survey was developed and mailed to neonatal directors in May 2004. ELRESULTS. Of the total of 797 surveys mailed, 84 were returned undeliverable or unanswered and 450 were returned completed (63% response rate). Respondents were mainly (70%) from level III NICUs. Most programs resuscitate newborns in the delivery room (83%), rather than in a separate room. The number and background of individuals attending deliveries vary greatly, with 31% of programs having <3 individuals attending deliveries. Flow-inflating bags are most commonly used (51%), followed by self-inflating bags (40%) and T-piece resuscitators (14%). Pulse oximeters are used during resuscitation by 52% of programs, and 23% of respondents indicated that there was a useful signal within 1 minute after application. Blenders are available for 42% of programs, of which 77% use pure oxygen for the initial resuscitation and 68% use oximeters to alter the fraction of inspired oxygen. Thirty-two percent of programs use carbon dioxide detectors to confirm intubation, 48% routinely and 43% when there is difficulty confirming intubation. Preterm infants are wrapped with plastic wrap to prevent heat loss in 29% of programs, of which 77% dry the infant before wrap application. A majority of programs (76%) attempt to provide continuous positive airway pressure or positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) during resuscitation, most commonly with a flow-inflating bag (58%), followed by a self-inflating bag with PEEP valve (19%) and T-piece resuscitator (16%). A level of 5 cm H2O is used by 55% of programs. CONCLUSIONS. Substantial variations exist in neonatal resuscitation practices, some of which are not addressed in standard guidelines. Future guidelines should include recommendations regarding the use of blenders, oximeters, continuous positive airway pressure/PEEP, and plastic wrap during resuscitation.
Accuracy of a new ring-opening metathesis elastomeric dental impression material with spray and immersion disinfection

Statement of problem A new elastomeric impression material has been formulated with a ring-opening metathesis chemistry. In addition to other properties of clinical significance, the impression accuracy must be confirmed. Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of the new elastomeric impression material with vinyl polysiloxane and polyether following both spray and immersion disinfection. Material and methods Impressions of a modified dentoform with a stainless steel crown preparation in the lower right quadrant were made, and type IV gypsum working casts and dies were formed. Anteroposterior (AP), cross-arch (CA), buccolingual (BL), mesiodistal (MD), occlusogingivobuccal (OGB), and occlusogingivolingual (OGL) dimensions were measured using a microscope. Working cast and die dimensions were compared to those of the master model. The impression materials were a newly formulated, ring-opening metathesis-polymerization impression material (ROMP Cartridge Tray and ROMP Volume Wash), vinyl polysiloxane (VPS, Aquasil Ultra Monophase/LV), and a polyether (PE, Impregum Penta Soft/Permadyne Garant L). Fifteen impressions with each material were made, of which 5 were disinfected by spray for 10 minutes (CaviCide), 5 were disinfected by immersion for 90 minutes (ProCide D), and 5 were not disinfected. There were significant cross-product interactions with a 2-way ANOVA, so a 1-way ANOVA and Dunnett's T3 multiple comparison test were used to compare the dimensional changes of the 3 impression materials, by disinfection status and for each location (α=.05). Results For ROMP, there were no significant differences from the master, for any dimension, when comparing the control and 2 disinfectant conditions. No significant differences were detected among the 3 impression materials for CA, BL, and MD. The working die dimensions of OGB and OGL for VPS with immersion disinfection were significantly shorter than with PE and ROMP ( P Conclusions The accuracy of gypsum working casts and working dies from the new and 2 existing types of impression material were similar, for both spray and immersion disinfection. Judicious application of a die spacer can compensate for the small differences observed. VPS may require additional laboratory accommodation to compensate for a shorter working die.
A Comparison of the Levels of Oil, Carotenoids, and Lipolytic Enzyme Activities in Modern Lines and Hybrids of Grain Sorghum

Carotenoids are potentially valuable components in grain sorghum and there is a need to better understand their concentration, composition, and value. Thirteen modern commercial grain sorghum hybrids and five sorghum lines were extracted and analyzed and the levels of oil and carotenoids were compared. The same samples were also evaluated for lipolytic enzyme activity. The oil content in all eighteen samples ranged from 3.21 to 4.29 wt%. Lutein and zeaxanthin were the predominant carotenoids and the levels of total carotenoids ranged from 3.82 to 19.5 ppm in the oil, which was much lower than the levels of total carotenoids in two yellow corn samples (70.8 and 103 ppm). Lipolytic enzyme activity was estimated by storing milled kernel samples for 2 weeks at 25 °C and measuring the levels of total free fatty acids. After 2 weeks, the levels of free fatty acids in the oil of the eighteen sorghum samples ranged from 11.49 and 52.17 wt%, compared to 10.29 and 17.54 wt% in oil from the two corn samples. This new data will be useful for persons using grain sorghum for food, biofuels and other industrial applications. Examples of sorghum genotypes with high and low levels of carotenoids and high and low levels of lipolytic enzymes were both identified.
The Seven Questions of Marketing Strategy

This simple model of marketing strategy can provide keys to creating a sustainable competitive advantage. Suitable for MBA and executive formats, this technical note demonstrates that individual marketing strategy concepts are interconnected, which renders the strategic process vulnerable to the political machinations of executives. Evolving customer needs and competitors’ proactive efforts to steal market share require a dynamic marketing strategy.
Strengthening Cultural Competence in Prenatal Care With a Virtual Community: Building Capacity Through Collaboration.

Objective The purpose of this project was to design, implement, and evaluate a virtual simulation experience (VSE) facilitating student access to diverse cultures and strengthening their ability to provide culturally congruent care. Design Faculty from two universities collaborated in designing a pre/postnatal VSE with African American and Amish patients. Students viewed patient assessments, interacted with patients, worked in teams to develop culturally appropriate care plans, and engaged in debriefing. Outcomes measurements included Jeffreys' Transcultural Self-Efficacy Test (TSET), researcher developed care plans, and program evaluation. Results Over 80% ( N =141) of the invited students consented. Significant increases occurred in overall and subscale post-TSET scores ( P Conclusions This study suggests that VSEs are effective in transcending geographic barriers, gaining access to diverse cultures, and strengthening students' cultural competence.
Behavioral Integrity –Perceived Word-Action Alignment -- as a Driver of the Power of Words

Behavioral integrity is the perception that another party lives by his or her word – keeps promises and enacts espoused values, or aligns words and actions (Simons, 2002). This perception, applied to leaders, has substantial impact on leader credibility and thus on the power of their words to effect change or drive performance (Simons, 2008; Simons Tomlinson & Leroy, 2011). This symposium assembles a set of papers at the forefront of behavioral integrity research that examine different aspects of the impact of behavioral integrity. Using laboratory and field methods, these papers focus on the impact of perceived word-action alignment, actual word-action alignment, and the relationship between the two. A Behavioral Integrity Lens On Climate Research Presenter: Lisa Hisae Nishii; Cornell U. Presenter: Hannes Leroy; Cornell U. Presenter: Tony L Simons; Cornell U. What Happens To Employee Behavior When Ethical Leaders Do Not Practice What They Preach? Presenter: James B. Avey; Central Washington U. Presenter:...
Cell Phones and the Risk of Brain Cancer Mortality: A Twenty-Five Year Cross-Country Analysis

Background: Research into the connection between cellphones and brain cancer faces several difficulties, including recall bias, accounting for confounding factors, and attempting to identify effects that may only be detectable over multiple decades. Methods: We use data on country-level brain cancer death rates between 1990 and 2012 from the World Health Organization and lagged country-level mobile phone subscription rates from the World Bank to investigate the association between cell phones and brain cancer. We use a measure of mobile phone use that is not subject to recall problems, include controls for other country-level characteristics that may influence the prevalence of brain cancer and its mortality rate and identify effects that may only be detectable in the aggregate and over a period of multiple decades.Results: Mobile phone subscription rates are positively associated with death rates from brain cancer 15 years later [pConclusions: Mobile phone use may be associated with increased risk of brain cancer deaths.Impact: As new data become available, it will be possible to use our methods to connect recent variation in mobile phone use with lagged brain cancer mortality. To err on the side of caution, individuals may want to make greater use of the speaker phone and/or texting options on their cell phones or investigate cell phone cases that may deflect radiation away from their ears.
ACM IUI 2016 conference highlights

As co-chairs of the 21st ACM International Conference on Intelligent User Interfaces (ACM IUI 2016), we are pleased to share with the SIGAI community our thoughts and experiences with this year's edition of the conference. This year's conference was held in Sonoma, California, USA (http://iui.acm.org/2016/), a short drive to the north of San Francisco in the heart of California's wine production region.
Effects of Antenatal Glucocorticoids On The Developing Brain

Glucocorticoids (GCs) regulate distinct physiological processes in the developing fetus, in particular accelerating organ maturation that enables the fetus to survive outside the womb. In preterm birth, the developing fetus does not receive sufficient exposure to endogenous GCs in utero for proper organ development predisposing the neonate to complications including intraventricular hemorrhage, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Synthetic GCs (sGCs) have proven useful in the prevention of these complications since they are able to promote the rapid maturation of underdeveloped organs present in the fetus. While these drugs have proven to be clinically effective in the prevention of IVH, RDS and NEC, they may also trigger adverse developmental side effects. This review will examine the current clinical use of antenatal sGC therapy in preterm birth, their placental metabolism, and their effects on the developing brain.
Retinal Arterioles in Hypo-, Normo-, and Hypertensive Subjects Measured Using Adaptive Optics

Purpose Small artery and arteriolar walls thicken due to elevated blood pressure. Vascular wall thickness show a correlation with hypertensive subject history and risk for stroke and cardiovascular events. Methods The inner and outer diameter of retinal arterioles from less than 10 to over 150 μm were measured using a multiply scattered light adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope (AOSLO). These measurements were made on three populations, one with habitual blood pressures less than 100/70 mm Hg, one with normal blood pressures without medication, and one with managed essential hypertension. Results The wall to lumen ratio was largest for the smallest arterioles for all three populations. Data from the hypotensive group had a linear relationship between outer and inner diameters (r2 = 0.99) suggesting a similar wall structure in individuals prior to elevated blood pressures. Hypertensive subjects fell below the 95% confidence limits for the hypotensive relationship and had larger wall to lumen ratios and the normotensive group results fell between the other two groups. Conclusion High-resolution retinal imaging of subjects with essential hypertension showed a significant decrease in vessel inner diameter for a given outer diameter, and increases in wall to lumen ratio and wall cross-sectional areas over the entire range of vessel diameters and suggests that correcting for vessel size may improve the ability to identify significant vascular changes. Translational relevance High-resolution imaging allows precise measurement of vasculature and by comparing results across risk populations may allow improved identification of individuals undergoing hypertensive arterial wall remodeling.
Multimedia in Cognitive-Intensive Practices: A Case with ATLAS.ti Supporting HCI Qualitative Research

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) area uses qualitative research methods to guide its user experience studies. These methods involve collecting and analyzing large amounts of empirical materials registered in different multimedia contents. Qualitative Data Analysis (QDA) tools support HCI qualitative research activities in some level, but the cognitive-intense work of producing structured and related data, building meaningful knowledge from it, and making decisions based on this knowledge is mainly the HCI researcher's duty. We present a case with Atlas.ti 7, a QDA tool, and in that scenario, we identify and assess key features that support HCI qualitative research. We discuss how those features could evolve to augment human capacity and understanding throughout the qualitative data analysis, considering the cognitive computing approach. We considered multimedia concepts to discuss the evolution of QDA tools as potential investigation paths for research in multimedia and cognitive systems.
Frontier Configuration Theory of Spin Selection

The spin selection problem revolves about the determination of the sign and magnitude of the energy difference between two different spin states \( {\Lambda _1}\;and\,{\Lambda _2} \) for a given geometry, g, and a given number of electron pairs, n. For our purposes, g can be either a Huckel AO (HAO) or Mobius AO (MAO) geometry.