cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
BENGAL, BRITAIN, FRANCE: THE LOCATIONS AND TRANSLATIONS OF TORU DUTT

To a far greater degree than many of us have yet realized, late-nineteenth-century women's poetry may be a poetry of alien homelands: of cultural spaces, that is, in which the domestic proves alien, even as technically alien territory comes to represent some form of home. And partly for this reasosn, to explore poetry in English may require moving not only beyond Britain, but also beyond English itself. Think, for example, of Christina Rossetti, who composed poems in Italian; of Mathilde Blind, with her German accent and translation of the French edition of the Journal of Marie Bashkirtseff; of Agnes Mary Frances Robinson Darmesteter Duclaux, whose poetry preceded a long, successful career of writing in great part in and for the French; of Louisa S. Bevington Guggenberger, with her German home and husband; or, for that matter, of nineteenth-century India's first influential English-speaking woman poet, Toru Dutt. As generations of Indian critics have stressed, as early anthologizer E. C. Stedman made clear, and as certain editors of recent nineteenth-century poetry collections have also acknowledged, Dutt's writing played a suggestive role within late-century understandings of “British literature.” Indeed, even now, growing attention to her work is helping extend our conception of the geographical origins of “Victorian” poetry from Britain to Bengal. Still, if we are to develop a full exploration of Dutt's cultural presence, we may need to move further as well, connecting Indo-Anglian literature to that of France.
A Validation Study of Early Adolescents' Pubertal Self-Assessments.

This study aimed to determine whether self-assessed puberty is sufficiently reliable and valid to substitute for physician examination when feasibility of physician examination is low (e.g. behavioral research). Adolescents (convenience sample N = 178 endocrinology patients and N = 125 from educational trial; mean age 12.7 and 11.3 years respectively) participated. Self-assessments were validated against physician Tanner ratings and by associations with bone density gender and age. Highest exact agreement between physicians and adolescents was 54% for females’ and 55% for males’ ratings of pubic hair. More than 85% agreement within one stage was obtained for most measures. Significant associations were found for age and bone between adolescents in earlier and later stages of development and for developmental stage between genders for each age group. Results suggest predictive and discriminate validity of self-assessments. Self-assessments may be useful when estimates of pubertal development are sufficient and for studies barred from physician examination. (authors)
Tryptase activates isolated adult cardiac fibroblasts via protease activated receptor-2 (PAR-2).

Protease activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) derived cycloxygenase-2 (COX-2) was recently implicated in a cardiac mast cell and fibroblast cross-talk signaling cascade mediating myocardial remodeling secondary to mechanical stress. We designed this study to investigate in vitro assays of isolated adult cardiac fibroblasts to determine whether binding of tryptase to the PAR-2 receptor on cardiac fibroblasts will lead to increased expression of COX-2 and subsequent formation of the arachodonic acid metabolite 15-d-Prostaglandin J2 (15-d-PGJ2). The effects of tryptase (100 mU) and co-incubation with PAR-2 inhibitor peptide sequence FSLLRY-NH2 (10-6M) on proliferation, hydroxyproline concentration, 15-d-PGJ2 formation and PAR-2/COX-2 expression were investigated in fibroblasts isolated from 9 week old SD rats. Tryptase induced a significant increase in fibroproliferation, hydroxyproline, 15-d-PGJ2 formation and PAR-2 expression which were markedly attenuated by FSLLRY. Tryptase-induced changes in cardiac fibroblast function utilize a PAR-2 dependent mechanism.
Compact probe design for power monitoring from the narrow side of the reduced height waveguide

Due to confined space in a stack of reduced height waveguides, power detection of the incident and reflected wave in the reduced height waveguide is extremely difficult. A new compact probe to monitor the incident and reflected wave from the narrow side of the reduced height waveguide has been developed. This compact probe consists of 2 current loops, a directional coupler, and a small trimmer capacitor. The two current loops are placed on the narrow side of the waveguide with a quarter guide wavelength (/spl lambda//sub g//4) spacing. The outputs of the current loops are connected to the directional coupler. In order to optimize phase adjustment, a trimmer capacitor is attached in series with one of the current loops. Test results show that more than 30 dB directivity at 4.6 GHz is achieved by using this compact probe.
Residential segregation: The mitigating effects of past military experience.

This paper uses the case of military service to test the premise of the social contact theory-that minoritymajority social contact will lead to higher levels of racial tolerance and integration (Allport 1954, Robinson and Preston 1976; Sigelman and Welch 2001). As the only large-scale institution in which African Americans are over-represented and in which blacks and whites come into frequent and prolonged contact with one another, the military may be one of the most well-situated US environments in which to test social contact theory. In this paper we ask whether there are long term implications for race relations resulting from military service. Using restricted data from the fourth follow-up to NELS, this paper is the first to examine whether white veterans are more likely than white civilians to reside in racially integrated neighborhoods. We find that controlling for a variety of individual, household, and metropolitan level factors, prior military service is associated with residence in neighborhoods with fewer non-Hispanic whites and greater overall diversity. *DRAFT VERSION: PLEASE DO NOT CITE WITHOUT AUTHOR’S WRITTEN PERMISSION
The Effect of Phosphorous on the Corrosion Resistance of Glassy Copper-Zirconium Alloys

Phosphorous has been shown to have a beneficial effect on reducing the corrosion rate of various metal alloys. This research was undertaken to determine by what mechanism the phosphorous is able to improve the corrosion resistance of metals. The amorphous copper-zirconium system was chosen for experimentation because the amorphous structure eliminates the complications due to crystalline defects. The zirconium forms zirconia (ZrO 2 ), which is normally a protective surface oxide. Copper-zirconium alloys with and without phosphorous were melt-spun, and were tested in various electrolytes. In comparing Cu-42Zr-2P with Cu-4OZr, the results show that the corrosion rate of Cu-42Zr-2P is lower in 1N sulfuric acid, and significantly lower in 3.5 w/o NaCl, and in 1N HCl. ESCA analysis shows that phosphorous is present in the zirconia film, and has a valence of +5. Photocurrent experiments suggest that phosphorous alters the semiconductor properties of the zirconia film.
Study of Eutrophication in Main Stream and Tributaries of Yangtze River in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area

The upper reaches of the Yangtze River in Chongqing is densely populated.Due to some historical reasons,the environmental infrastructure there is backward.Huge quantities of intreated industrial wastewater,sewage from cities,shipping pollutants and surface runoff of large areas of farmlands are poured into the Yangtze River and its sub-rivers.In particular after the completion and storage of the Three Gorges Dam,the flow velocity of the main channel as well as the tributaries obviously slows down in addition to the long-distance backwater,so the eutrophication has arisen in certain sub-rivers since the year 2003 and has a tendency to worsen.In this paper,the nutritional status of the inflow rivers of the Three Gorges Reservoir were integratedly studied,and a comprehensive assessment of the nutritional status of the branch rivers was obtained.Finally,some suggestions were made for preventing and controlling the eutrophication in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area by summarizing some effective measures of the prevention and control of eutrophication at home and abroad.
Determination of seven halohyolrocarbons in drinking water with headspace gas chromatography

Objective:To develop a method to determine the seven halohydro-carbons in drinking water.Methods:The seven halohydrocarbons(chloroform,tetrachloromehtane,trichloroethylene,bromodichloromethane,dibromochloromethane,tetrachloroentene and bromoform) in drinking water determined by headspace capillary gas chromatography.Results:Under the optimal experimental conditions,the recoveries of the seven halohydrocarbons were in the range of 94.1%～102.3%,the relative standard deviations were 1.55%～4.86%,and the determination limit was 0.048~1.3 μg/L.Conclusion:The method we developed is rapid,simple and accurate.Using the method,a variety of halohydrocarbons can be determined simultaneously.
The effect of water temperature on growth parameters of intensively reared juvenile peled Coregonus peled

The effect of water temperature on growth and food intake of juvenile peled Coregonus peled was tested with specimens of initial age 75 days and 230 days posthatching (dph). The 75-day group (initial body weight 0.6 ± 0.04 g) were reared for 63 days and 230-day group (initial body weight 13.75 ± 2.93 g) for 42 days at temperatures of 13, 16, 19, 22 and 25°C under 12:12 L:D photoperiod. The optimal temperature range for the 75 dph fish was found to be 19–22°C. The fish reached final mean weight of 9.7 ± 2.5 g at 19°C and 9.0 ± 2.7 g at 22°C. Final mean weight of 230 dph fish did not differ significantly among temperature groups. Mortality increased at higher temperatures, with the critical temperature of 25°C for both age groups. Maximum food intake (19.0 ± 4.7, 18.8 ± 5.2, 18.6 ± 4.6 g kg−1biomass) was observed in groups reared at temperatures of 19, 22 and 25°C with no significant differences among groups.
Controlled Directional Crystallization of Oligothiophenes Using Zone Annealing of Preseeded Thin Films

We demonstrate a simple route to directionally grow crystals of oligothiophenes, based on 2,5-bis(3-alkylthiophen-2-yl)thieno[3,2-b]thiophene with degrees of polymerization of 2 (BTTT-2) and 4 (BTTT-4) via zone annealing (ZA) of preseeded films. ZA of spun-cast films of BTTT-2 does not yield highly aligned crystals. However, if the film is oven-annealed briefly prior to ZA, highly aligned crystals that are millimeters in length can be grown, whose length depends on the velocity of the ZA front. The precrystallized region provides existing nuclei that promote crystal growth and limit nucleation of new crystals in the melted region. Aligned crystals of BTTT-2 can be obtained even when the moving velocity for ZA is an order of magnitude greater than the crystal growth rate. The relative nucleation rate to the crystallization rate for BTTT-4 is greater than that for BTTT-2, which decreases the length over which BTTT-4 can be aligned to ∼500 μm for the conditions examined. The temperature gradient and moving v...
Metastatic Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Ascitic Fluid: A Report of a Case With Cytologic and Histologic Findings

The fibrolamellar variant of hepatocellular carcinoma (FL-HCC) is distinguished from other hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) by its unique clinical and pathologic features. Cytologic features of this tumor by fine-needle aspiration (FNA) have been described earlier. We present here a unique case of metastatic FL-HCC to the omentum diagnosed by omental biopsy …
Some effects of particles on discharges in oil/paper systems

The influence of particles on partial discharges and voltage breakdown in oil has been summarized previously by the authors.1 In this paper, the effect of particles on the breakdown of a more complex system of impregnated paper in series with an oil gap is discussed. Due to the long times involved for complete drying and impregnation, the number of test specimens employed was limited as was the number of complete voltage breakdowns. On the other hand, for paper in series with oil, partial discharges often occurred and these could be measured before breakdown took place. Under direct voltage, the leakage current and the desorption current were also measured. For the work described here, 2–5 μm iron particles were added to the oil. Particle motion was observed and photographed.
Radioprotection as a Method to Enhance the Therapeutic Ratio of Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is a commonly used local and regional treatment for cancer. Although important advances in radiation treatment delivery have been made in recent years, normal tissue damage remains a major cause of toxicity from radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy regimens. Efforts to reduce normal tissue injury have included technical improvements to minimize normal tissue exposure to high doses of irradiation. Extensive preclinical research and a growing field of clinical research are focusing on the development of agents to protect normal tissues from the deleterious effects of irradiation. In this review, we discuss the characteristics of these agents, the research required to translate these agents into clinical trials, and highlight some challenges and successes in these efforts.
Solid-State Evidence for Alkali Metal to Arene Pi-Complexation

We report a variety of alkali metal cation-π interactions, documented by X-ray crystallography. These include interactions with the neutral arenes benzene, phenol, and indole. We also include structural results for lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, and cesium cation-π complexes in which the arene has enhanced electron richness owing to an adjacent or integral charge.
Dysregulated Arginine Metabolism and Elevated Arginase Activity in Thalassemia.

Abstract Pulmonary hypertension (PHT) is associated with high mortality rate and is a leading factor in heart failure and death in thalassemia (Thal) intermedia. However, data on PHT and Thal major is limited. While there are several risk factors for PHT in Thal major, ongoing chronic hemolysis, despite transfusion, supports the development of hemolysis-associated PHT. Recently, we reported in sickle cell disease a novel paradigm whereby hemolysis liberates vasoactive hemoglobin and erythrocyte arginase, resulting in impaired NO bioavailability, endothelial dysfunction, PHT and death. Since arginase activity is also elevated in Thal red cells, we hypothesize that elevated arginase contributes to dysregulated arginine (Arg) metabolism in Thal. Pilot data was analyzed from transfused Thal patients (8 Thal-major, 4 E-beta Thal, 2 Hb H alpha Thal). Echocardiogram were performed in steady state in 10 of the patients; 70% (7/10) demonstrated PHT (tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity ≥ 2.5 m/s). Plasma Arg trended lower in patients with Thal (19.5 to 122mM, median 50 mM) compared to controls. Ornithine (Orn) levels were higher, and Arg/Orn ratio was lower in Thal vs. contrls. Plasma arginase activity was significantly elevated (median 0.83 mmol/cc/hr, range 0.06 – 1.17). Proline, a downstream metabolite of arginase causing pulmonary vascular remodeling was also elevated. Exhaled nitric oxide (NO) levels are significantly elevated in Thal vs. controls (49±41 parts per billion vs.18±8 ppb, p=0.02), suggesting upregulation of NO synthase in the lungs in addition to higher plasma arginase activity. Recent findings indicate diverse origins of PHT share similar pathophysiologic abnormalities, particularly decreased Arg bioavailability and a shift of metabolism towards ornithine-dependent pathways. Hemolysis is most likely a trigger for these pathologic pathyways in hemoglobinopathies. Therapies that maximize Arg and NO bioavailability may benefit patients with thalassemia. Variable NL Control (n=36) Thalassemia (n=14) p* Arginine (μM) 67±18 57±26 (50) 0.15 Ornithine (μM) 62±22 85±68 0.05 Arg/Orn ratio 1.2±0.5 0.79±0.4 Proline (μM) 161±48 258±116 Citrulline (μM) 25±11 42±17 Arginase (μmol/cc/hr) 0.33±0.2 (n=45) 0.71±0.3
Risk and Protective Factors Associated with Surgical Infections among Spine Patients.

Abstract Background: The purpose of the study was to identify patient-specific and procedure-specific risk and protective factors associated with post-operative surgical site infections (SSIs) among surgical spine patients. Methods: CINAHL, PubMed, Ovid, Medline, and EBSCO databases were searched for articles within the past 10 years (January 2003–March 2015). The keywords and combinations used in the search included: Spine surgery, post-operative infection, risk factors, orthopedic infections. The search resulted in 842 articles of which 29 met inclusion criteria. This systematic review adheres to preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. Results: Evidence about patient-specific and procedure-specific factors associated with increased risk of post-operative SSIs among patients undergoing orthopedic spinal surgery is inconclusive. Gender (male), age, body mass index, cigarette smoking, diabetes mellitus, a history of infection and alcohol abuse were identified as commo...
Loading of Extracellular Vesicles with Chemically Stabilized Hydrophobic siRNAs for the Treatment of Disease in the Central Nervous System

Efficient delivery of oligonucleotide therapeutics, i.e., siRNAs, to the central nervous system represents a significant barrier to their clinical advancement for the treatment of neurological disorders. Small, endogenous extracellular vesicles were shown to be able to transport lipids, proteins and RNA between cells, including neurons. This natural trafficking ability gives extracellular vesicles the potential to be used as delivery vehicles for oligonucleotides, i.e., siRNAs. However, robust and scalable methods for loading of extracellular vesicles with oligonucleotide cargo are lacking. We describe a detailed protocol for the loading of hydrophobically modified siRNAs into extracellular vesicles upon simple co-incubation. We detail methods of the workflow from purification of extracellular vesicles to data analysis. This method may advance extracellular vesicles-based therapies for the treatment of a broad range of neurological disorders.
Group Supervision of First Year Doctoral Students in Social Skills Training:: A Lesson in Integration

This paper describes a group supervision of first-year graduate students in a practicum course in cognitive-behavior therapy in which social skills training was part of the curriculum. The experience is discussed in the terms of an integration of psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral frameowork. Different phases of the supervision are described and the salient characteristics of the corresponding supervisory approaches are identified. Examples are provided of how the integration of the two theoretical frameworks was used in teaching principles and methods of social skills training, and in meeting supervisees' needs as they adapted to a new training process and to new professional roles. Implications of this ecperience in the training of clinicians are noted.
Cognitive Versus Software Fusion for MRI-targeted Biopsy: Experience Before and After Implementation of Fusion.

Abstract Objective To compare the diagnostic performance of the 2 most common approaches of magnetic resonance imaging targeted biopsy (TB)—cognitive registration targeted biopsy (COG-TB) and software fusion targeted biopsy (FUS-TB)—we assessed our institutional experience with both methods. TB has emerged to complement systematic template biopsy (SB) in prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis; however, which magnetic resonance imaging targeting methodology is diagnostically better remains unclear. Materials and methods A total of 510 patients underwent TB at our institution before and after the adoption of fusion software with the UroNav platform (Invivo Corporation, Gainsville, FL). All patients had concurrent 12-core SB. We compared rates of clinically significant PCa detection, and rates of upstaging and missed diagnosis in reference to SB among patients who received COG-TB and patients who received FUS-TB. We also compared both COG-TB and FUS-TB results to their paired SB results. Results The rates of upstaging or missing clinically significant PCa with FUS-TB (in reference to SB) was not significantly different from COG-TB (P = 0.172), nor was the risk of missing clinically significant PCa different between FUS-TB vs COG-TB on logistic regression ( Odds ratio = 0.55, P = 0.106). No significant difference in biopsy outcomes was observed between FUS-TB and COG-TB (P = 0.171). We did find significant differences between FUS-TB and SB and between COG-TB and SB, with SB finding more clinically insignificant PCa (P Conclusion In our institutional experience, no significant difference was observed between the diagnostic ability of COG-TB vs FUS-TB for detecting clinically significant PCa. Greater evidence demonstrating an advantage of FUS-TB over COG-TB would be required for clear recommendations in favor of FUS-TB.
The Three-Minute Slide as an Effective Tool for Developing Oral Communication Skills

It is essential that chemists develop strong oral communication skills. At the undergraduate level, this requires students to build confidence in their ability to speak without a script and to utilize graphics effectively. We have developed a short activity that helps address common presentation issues such as overuse of text and reading verbatim off slides. The three-minute slide activity is an engaging exercise for the students and is easy for instructors to implement.
Modeling and Solving a Selection and Assignment Problem

In this paper, we first provide an MIP formulation of a selection/assignment problem and then we discuss a solution method based both on the use of a commercial general-purpose scatter-search and a simple implementation of tabu search. This optimization problem is related to a research project supported by the Office of Naval Research where sailors need to be selected to perform a set of jobs that require specific skill levels. The results of our computational experiments indicate the usefulness of the software system for workforce planning that we have developed.
The Role of Humoral Immunity in Mouse Hepatitis Virus Induced Demyelination

Pathogenesis induced by mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) infection of rodents is characterized by acute viral encephalomyelitis and demyelination which progresses to a persistent CNS infection associated with ongoing myelin loss, pathologically similar to multiple sclerosis (MS). Although humoral immunity appears redundant for the control of acute virus replication, it is vital in maintaining virus at levels detectable only by RNA analysis. T cell mediated control of acute infection cannot be sustained in antibody (Ab) deficient mice, resulting in virus reactivation. The protective role of Ab during persistence is strongly supported by detection of Ab in the cerebrospinal fluid of MHV infected rodents and maintenance of virus specific Ab secreting cells (ASC) in the CNS long after virus clearance. Ab mediated neutralization constitutes the major mechanism of protection, although fusion inhibition also plays a minor role. Delayed accumulation of ASC, concomitant with a decline in T cell function, assures control of residual virus while minimizing T cell mediated pathology. Although there is little evidence for a detrimental role of Ab in demyelination, an association between Ab mediated protection and remyelination is unclear.
Vinorelbine and estramustine in androgen-independent metastatic prostate cancer: a phase II study.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to determine the safety and activity of vinorelbine in combination with estramustine in men with androgen-independent metastatic prostate cancer. METHODS Twenty-five men with androgen-independent metastatic prostate cancer were treated with the combination of vinorelbine and estramustine. Vinorelbine 25 mg/m2 was administered by intravenous bolus on Days 1 and 8. Estramustine 140 mg was administered three times a day by mouth on Days 1 through 14. Treatment was repeated every 21 days. RESULTS A total of 132 cycles of treatment were administered. The median number of cycles per patient was 5 (range: 1–16). Mild Grade 1 or 2 gastrointestinal toxicity and fatigue were the most common adverse effects. Hematologic toxicity was minimal. Treatment resulted in a sustained > 50% decrease in serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in 6 of 25 patients (24% of patients; 95% confidence interval (CI) 9–45%). The median duration of PSA response was 10 weeks (range: 3–39 weeks). Of the five men with bidimensionally measurable disease, none achieved a complete or partial response. There were no documented improvements in post-treatment bone scans. Median overall survival time was 14.1 months. CONCLUSIONS The combination of vinorelbine and estramustine is a well-tolerated and modestly active regimen in men with androgen-independent metastatic prostate cancer. Cancer 2000;89:1824–8. © 2000 American Cancer Society.
Ambush Predation of Stingless Bees ( Tetragonisca angustula ) by the Solitary-Foraging Ant Ectatomma tuberculatum

Social insect colonies are high-value foraging targets for insectivores, prompting the evolution of complex colony defensive adaptations as well as specialized foraging tactics in social insect predators. Predatory ants that forage on other social insects employ a diverse range of behaviors targeted at specific prey species. Here, we describe a solitary foraging strategy of the ant Ectatomma tuberculatum, on nest guards of the stingless bee Tetragonisca angustula. We observed multiple instances of E. tuberculatum ambushing and successfully capturing the hovering and standing guards of T. angustula near nest entrances. The unique hovering behavior of the guard caste of this bee species, an adaptation to frequent cleptoparasitism by other stingless bees, may make these guards particularly vulnerable to ground-based, ambush attacks by E. tuberculatum. Likewise, the behavior of the foraging ants appears to adaptively exploit the defensive formations and activity patterns of these bees. These observations suggest an adaptive and targeted predatory strategy aimed at gathering external guard bees as prey from these heavily fortified nests.
Quantitative evaluation of white matter hyperintensities in the central nervous system in infantile Pompe disease

Pompe disease is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by deficiency of acid-alpha glucosidase. There are limited data on central nervous system (CNS) involvement in survivors of infantile Pompe disease (IPD). The objective of this cross-sectional study is to implement the Fazekas scale, a visual MRI rating scale, to quantify white matter hyperintensities (WMH) on T2-weighted-Fluid Attenuated Inversion Recovery (T2-FLAIR) brain MRI images and to determine the extent of white matter (WM) involvement in the CNS of patients with IPD. Twelve patients (aged 6.1-18.1 years, 7 males, 5 females) with IPD and on long-term enzyme replacement therapy were included in the study. We assessed WM involvement in ten anatomical areas of the brain- juxtacortical U-fibers, subcortical WM, periventricular WM in the centrum semiovale and in the frontal and parietal lobes at the level of corona radiata, corpus callosum, anterior and posterior limb of the internal capsule, external capsule, corticospinal tracts at cerebral peduncles, midbrain, and pons and the medullary decussation of corticospinal tracts. Based on the severity of WMH, each area was graded on the Fazekas scale from zero (absent) to 3 (severe) and a total score (range 0-30) was obtained. Ten patients (ages 6.6-18.1 years) had WMH on brain MRI (range of scores: 2-23) using the Fazekas scale. Five of the 10 patients (ages 6.7-18.1 years) had scores greater than 15 (range 16-23) indicating severe WMH and 2/10 patients (aged 6.1 years and 7.3 years) had no WM involvement with a score of zero. Our results provide a means to quantify WM involvement in the CNS of patients with IPD. Fazekas scale could serve as a biomarker for longitudinal follow up of WM abnormalities in patients with IPD and to better understand the extent of CNS involvement in IPD. [A portion of this study was funded by Genzyme Sanofi]
The Herds of Bulls and Bears in Leveraged ETF Market

The authors investigate the unexplored herding behavior of investors in a leveraged exchange-traded funds (LETFs) market by examining U.S.-listed LETFs, which offers both long and short positions w...
Influence of titania on zirconia promoted Cu/SiO2 catalysts for methanol synthesis from CO/H2 and CO2/H2

The effects of adding mixtures of titania and zirconia on the methanol synthesis activity and selectivity of Cu/SiO2 were investigated. The synthesis of methanol from both CO/H2 and CO2/H2 mixtures was examined at 0.65 MPa and temperatures between 448 and 573 K. For CO hydrogenation, the addition of ZrO2 alone increased the methanol synthesis activity of Cu/SiO2 by up to three-fold. Substitution of a portion of the ZrO2 by TiO2 decreased the methanol synthesis activity of the catalyst relative to that observed when only ZrO2 is added. ZrO2 addition also enhanced the methane synthesis activity by as much as seven fold. In the case of CO2 hydrogenation, the maximum methanol synthesis activity is achieved when a 50/50 wt% mixture of ZrO2 and TiO2 is added to Cu/SiO2. Neither the presence of the oxide additive nor its composition had any effect on the activity of the reverse water–gas-shift reaction, which suggests that this reaction proceeds only on Cu. The observed effects of ZrO2 and TiO2 on the catalytic activity of methanol synthesis from CO and CO2, and methane synthesis from CO, are interpreted in terms of the strength and concentration of acidic and basic groups on the surface of the dispersed oxide.
Spontaneous ventilation of the frontal sinus after fractures involving the frontal recess.

Abstract Purpose Frontal sinus fractures (FSF) have potentially catastrophic consequences due to frontal recess (FR) obstruction and proximity to the brain and orbit. Lack of follow-up and ability to predict which type of fractures predispose to complications has biased surgeons toward definitive interventions such as sinus obliteration and cranialization. These procedures carry inherent risk and may be unnecessary in a subset of patients. This study seeks to better characterize spontaneous ventilation in subjects with FSFs, including those involving the FR. Materials and methods Review of a prospectively maintained trauma database between 2009 and 2013 at a level 1 trauma center. Patients with frontal sinus fractures with follow-up imaging (> 6 weeks) available were included. The medical records and imaging were reviewed for evidence of spontaneous ventilation of the frontal sinus. Results Nineteen patients sustained frontal sinus fractures in the study period with mean imaging interval of 67.4 weeks (range, 6–188.4 weeks). Injury mechanisms included fall (32%), assault (31%), motor vehicle accident (17%), pedestrian-versus-automobile (12%), and gunshot wound (8%). 8/19 patients (42%) sustained FSFs involving the FR and 7/8 (87.5%) spontaneously ventilated by time of interval imaging. The one patient with persistent radiographic sinus opacification was associated with a naso orbital ethmoid and medial orbital blowout fracture. 6/19 patients (32%) sustained FSF sparing the FR, and all spontaneously ventilated by the time of interval imaging. 5/19 patients (26%) underwent surgical intervention. Conclusions An expectant, sinus-preserving approach to acute FSFs involving the FR is safe and effective. Etiology of re-ventilation failure may be due to tissue obstruction, rather than the frontal recess fracture itself.
Incorporating Narrative Identity into Structural Approaches to Personality and Psychopathology

Abstract Structural models that connect personality and psychopathology have tended to adopt a somewhat narrow view of personality, focused on dispositional traits. In this paper, we lay the groundwork for incorporating narrative identity into future research on the structure of personality and psychopathology. Narrative identity is a well-mapped domain of personality, one with demonstrated incremental validity in the association with and prediction of psychological well-being. In this paper, we provide a brief overview of the construct of narrative identity, situate it within the broader endeavor of integrating basic personality science with the science of psychopathology, particularly involving personality pathology, and describe an agenda for future research on this vital and largely overlooked topic.
The impact of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines on serotype 19A nasopharyngeal carriage

Introduction: By preventing nasopharyngeal carriage acquisition among vaccinated persons, and thus reducing transmission, pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) provide protection against pneumococ...
Perceived Public Support of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Nigeria

Internal displacement of citizens places them as one of the most vulnerable populations in any given society. This is more worrisome in a pandemic situation. Thus, using qualitative research method...
Evaluation of measuring thermal conductivity of isotropic and anisotropic thermally insulating materials by transient plane source (Hot Disk) technique

The transient plane source (TPS) technique, also referred as the Hot Disk method, has been widely used due to its ability to measure the thermal properties of an extensive range of materials (solids, liquids, and powder). Recently, it has been recognized that typical Hot Disk sensors can influence TPS results of thermally insulating materials and lead to an overestimation of thermal conductivity. Although improvements have been proposed, they have not yet been implemented in the commercial TPS, leaving researchers with non-standardized modifications or options provided by a commercial Hot Disk apparatus. An empirical study of thermally insulating materials such as extruded polystyrene (XPS) and aerogel blanket is conducted in order to address the factors that affect the reliability of thermal conductivity k obtained using the commercial TPS apparatus. Sensor size, input power, duration of the measurements, applied pressure, and, in the case of anisotropic materials, heat capacity are investigated, and the results are compared with those using a Heat Flow Meter apparatus. The effect of sensor size on the k value is ascribed to heat loss through connecting leads and is more pronounced in smaller sensors and in materials with lower k values. In the case of XPS and aerogel, the effect becomes minimal for sensors with a radius r ≥ 6.4 mm. The low input power yields a high scattering of the results and should be avoided. Applied contact pressure and the tested region of the specimen play an important role in experiments with low-density fibrous materials due to the large percentage of heat being transferred by radiation and the heterogeneous nature of the samples, respectively. Additionally, the sensitivity of anisotropic measurements to the value of the material’s volumetric heat capacity (ρCp) is shown, emphasizing the need for the precise determination.
A Prograde Gravitational Capture Model for a Sizeable Volcanoid Planetoid (or Asteroid) for Mars

In this chapter we explore the consequences of capturing a 0.1 moon-mass (~0.01 mars-mass) planetoid from a mars-like heliocentric orbit into a stable prograde orbit of large major axis and high eccentricity. One of the major paradoxes of the gravitational capture process is that most of the energy for capture must be stored and subsequently dissipated in the body of the encountering planetoid. This statement seems counterintuitive and has been a major conceptual “hurdle” for capture proponents. Once a planetoid is captured into a planetocentric orbit (marocentric in this case), it then undergoes a lengthy period of marocentric orbit evolution. During this marocentric orbit evolution the primordial rotation rate of the mars-like body decreases systematically from 24.6 to ~88 hr/day as angular momentum is transferred from the rotating planet to the orbit of the satellite. A calculated estimate of the time scale for orbit circularization to 10% eccentricity is about 4.0 billion years. If the satellite mass is increased to 0.2 moon-mass, then the time-scale for orbit circularization decreases considerably to about 1.5 billion years. Equilibrium rock tidal amplitudes on Mars for a 0.1 moon-mass planetoid are about 10 km for the initial (capture) encounter and for a 0.2 moon-mass planetoid the tidal amplitudes are about 20 km. During a prograde capture and orbit circularization sequence of events much of the primitive crust of the mars-like body, especially in the equatorial zone, would be subducted by rock tidal activity over a short period of marologic time and would be replaced by a basaltic-gabbroic crustal complex. Assuming an ample supply of surface water, habitable conditions would prevail for a few eons following the prograde capture episode.
Quantitative hyperspectral microscopy for evaluating nanoparticle biodistribution in histological sections with single particle sensitivity

Nanoscale materials are routinely developed, characterized, and evaluated as diagnostic and therapeutic agents for disease treatment in humans. However, the size and composition of many such agents result in poor clearance profiles within biological tissues, thereby posing profound challenges to translational clinical applications. Herein, we present a hyperspectral imaging technique capable of quantifying plasmonic nanoparticle biodistribution with single particle limit of detection and microanatomical detail. Using this method, we find that, although intravenous administration of plasmonic nanoparticles remains largely infeasible from a biodistribution perspective, alternate routes relevant to treatment of oral and gastrointestinal diseases are within translational reach.
Worse Outcomes Are Associated With Proximal Femoral Replacement Following Periprosthetic Joint Infection.

Abstract Background Proximal femoral replacements (PFRs) are often used in the setting of severe bone loss. As osteolysis has become less common, PFR may be used to address other causes of bone loss such as infection or periprosthetic fracture. The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical outcomes of PFR for non-neoplastic conditions. Methods A retrospective review of 46 patients undergoing PFR at a single institution was performed. The electronic records were reviewed to extract relevant information including the reason for use of PFR, surgical variables, follow-up, and complications. Survivorship curves were generated and differences in survivorship were evaluated using the log-rank test. Radiographic evaluation was also performed. Results Using revision as an endpoint, the Kaplan-Meier analysis of the entire cohort demonstrated a survival rate of 74% at 1 year and 67% at 5 years. Patients with a preoperative diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection demonstrated the lowest survivorship with a failure rate of 47%. Furthermore, a high dislocation rate at 17.4% (n = 8) was observed. The use of dual-mobility articulation was effective in reducing dislocation. Conclusion PFR is a valuable reconstructive option for patients with massive proximal femoral bone loss. This study demonstrates that patients with periprosthetic joint infection who undergo PFR reconstruction are at very high risk of subsequent failure, most commonly from reinfection and instability. The use of a dual-mobility articulation in association with PFR appears to help mitigate risk of subsequent dislocation.
Association of sleep apnoea risk and aortic enlargement in Marfan syndrome.

Background Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a connective tissue disorder characterised by complex aortic pathology and a high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). OSA produces intrathoracic transmural stresses that may accelerate aortic injury. The current study was designed to examine the associations between OSA risk and markers of aortic enlargement in MFS. Method Consecutive patients with MFS were recruited at Johns Hopkins if they completed a STOP-BANG survey. Composite survey scores were categorised into those with low OSA risk (STOP-BANG Results Of the 89 participants studied, 28% had a high OSA risk and 32% had aortic grafts. Persons with high OSA risk had greater aortic root diameter (mm) (s=4.13, SE=1.81, p=0.027) and aortic root dilatation (s=2.80, SE=1.34, p=0.046) compared with those with low OSA risk . In addition, the odds of prior aortic root replacement was three times greater in those with high OSA risk compared with those with low OSA risk. Conclusion In MFS, high OSA risk is associated with aortic enlargement and a threefold increased risk of having had prior aortic root replacement. These findings invite further exploration of the relationship between OSA and aortic disease in MFS, and studies to clarify whether targeted interventions for OSA might mitigate aortic disease progression in MFS. Registration number IRB00157483.
Exon sequencing of PAX3 and T (brachyury) in cases with spina bifida.

BACKGROUND: Based on studies in animals and humans, PAX3 and T (brachyury) are candidate genes for spina bifida. However, neither gene has been definitively identified as a risk factor for this condition. METHODS: Sanger sequencing was used to identify variants in all PAX3 and T exons and promoter regions in 114 spina bifida cases. For known variants, allele frequencies in cases were compared with those from public databases using unadjusted odds ratios. Novel variants were genotyped in parents and assessed for predicted functional impact. RESULTS: We identified common variants in PAX3 (n 52) and T (n 53) for which the allele frequencies in cases were significantly different from those reported in at least one public database. We also identified novel variants in both PAX3 (n 511) and T (n 51) in spina bifida cases. Several of the novel PAX3 variants are predicted to be highly conserved and/or impact gene function or expression. CONCLUSION: These studies provide some evidence that common variants of PAX3 and T are associated with spina bifida. Rare and novel variants in these genes were also identified in affected individuals. However, additional studies will be required to determine whether these variants influence the risk of spina bifida. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 00:000–000, 2013. V C 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Metabolism of coho salmon Ig. Catabolic rate of coho salmon tetrameric Ig in serum.

Catabolic rates of purified normal tetrameric Ig, anti-fluorescyl and anti-Aeromonas salmonicida antibodies were determined in vivo in 1–2 yr old coho salmon. An average catabolic decay rate (t12) of ~ 49 hr at 12°C (ambient) was measured for purified normal Ig. Specifically purified antibodies showed rates of catabolism of 36–37 hr at 12°C. The 7S monomer, derived by thiol reduction from normal tetrameric Ig, displayed the same decay rate as the parent polymer. Based on relative catabolic rate determinations at 6,12 and 18°C, a temperature coefficient of 1.5 hr/deg was derived.
Trastuzumab, an appropriate first-line single-agent therapy for HER2-overexpressing metastatic breast cancer

Overexpression of the HER2/Neu (ErbB2) proto-oncogene is associated with breast cancer progression and poor patient prognosis. Herceptin (trastuzumab) is a humanized IgG1 against the ectodomain of the HER2 receptor. In combination with chemotherapy, it induces regression of HER2-overexpressing metastatic breast tumors and prolongs patient survival. Single-agent Herceptin in patients with HER2-amplified breast tumors also induces a definite objective response and clinical benefit rates, and is well tolerated. These data suggest that Herceptin is an effective first-line single-agent therapy for a predictable cohort of metastatic breast cancers and can therefore be used as a platform for therapeutic discovery against tumors that overexpress HER2.
On the Middle Miocene avifauna of Maboko Island, Kenya ☆

Abstract The Middle Miocene sediments of Maboko Island (Lake Victoria) in western Kenya yielded numerous avian bones, which remained, however, little studied. The significance of this material is shown by the recent identification of an opisthocomiform bird. In the present study, further avian remains from Maboko Island are described. Most of the specimens belong to aquatic or semi-aquatic groups, of which some are closely related to taxa known from Early and Middle Miocene European avifaunas, that is, Nectornis cormorants (N. africanus nov. sp.) and Laricola-like Laromorphae. The fossil material also includes Ciconiidae (cf. Ciconia), Pelecanidae, Phoenicopteridae (Leakeyornis aethiopicus), Musophagidae, and a species of Ardeidae, which closely resembles the taxon Pikaihao from the Early Miocene of New Zealand. Some avian remains from Maboko Island belong to higher-level taxa unknown from the Middle Miocene of Europe. The occurrence of a giant Jacanidae (?Nupharanassa mabokoensis nov. sp.) is of particular interest, because these are globally absent in extant avifaunas and were previously only known from the Late Eocene/Early Oligocene of Egypt. Further unknown from contemporaneous European sites are small representatives of Jacanidae, Bucerotidae, and Alcedinidae, with the fossils of the latter two taxa being among the earliest published records of their respective groups. Several of the taxa that are common in contemporaneous European avifaunas have not been found in Maboko, and in spite of less pronounced climatic differences, Middle Miocene Afrotropical avifaunas already appear to have been distinct from contemporaneous European ones.
Effects of Substitution of Methionine, Leucine, Phenylalanine, or Valine by Their α-Hydroxy Analogs in the Diet of Rats

Weanling male rats were fed diets containing essential amino acids as the sole source of nitrogen at a level of either 6 or 15% by weight of the diet. When L-valine was replaced isonitrogenously by calcium L-alpha-hydroxyisovalerate in the 15% amino acid diet, growth ceased and urea excretion increased; urea clearance was unaffected. When L-leucine was replaced isonitrogenously by calcium L-alpha-hydroxyisocaproate in this diet, growth and feed efficiency fell approximately 60% and urea excretion rose, but urea clearance doubled. L-Phenylalanine was replaced both isonitrogenously and without supplemental glutamate by calcium L-phenyllactate in both the 6 and 15% amino acid diets and was also added in twice equimolar quantities to the 6% amino acid diet. When the 15% amino acid diet was fed, growth was severly reduced, but when the 6% diet was fed, the double dose of phenyllactate reduced growth and feed efficiency only 25%. Urea clearance was not consistently altered. When D,L-methionine was replaced by calcium K,L-alpha-hydroxy-gamma-thiobutyrate in the 15% amino acid diet, growth and feed efficiency improved whether or not glutamate was added to make diets isonitrogenous, and also whether or not 0.1% neomycin was included. Urea clearance did not differ among these groups but was significantly higher in rats receiving the hydroxy analog or D,L-methionine than that in controls receiving L-methionine. Thus, the ability of these hydroxy analogs to replace the corresponding amino acids in the diet of rats varies from complete (methionine) to partial (leucine and phenylalanine) or virtually nonexistent (valine).