cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synergy Effects in Selective Oxidation Catalysis

Abstract Studies performed over multi-phase selective oxidation catalysts such as MnMoO 4 /MoO 3 and CdMoO 4 /MoO 3 for the partial oxidation of C 4 hydrocarbons have shown the presence of strong synergy effects. This phenomenon was investigated through detailed catalyst characterization and reaction kinetics studies. Pure phases as well as multi-phase catalysts were characterized using techniques such as BET surface area, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, laser Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Steady-state reaction experiments examining the effect of oxygen partial pressure, transient response studies using isotopic labeling, and oxygen chemisorption experiments were performed to investigate the catalytic job distribution among different components of the active catalyst. More recent studies combining in-situ laser Raman spectroscopy with isotopic labeling technique provided further evidence of the mechanism of synergy in these model multi-phase catalysts. Using a specially designed in-situ cell, samples were reduced by 1,3-butadiene and then reoxidized by labeled oxygen, thus allowing observation of Raman band shifts which could be identified with catalytic sites responsible for specific steps in the oxidation scheme.
Preemptive analgesia in children. Does it exist

Background and Objectives Preemptive analgesia has been evident in animals, but few adult human studies exist demonstrating this concept exist, and there are fewer still in children. Caudal epidural blocks with local anesthetics are often placed for postoperative analgesia in children. This study evaluated whether these blocks are more effective when placed prior to surgical incision. Methods Children aged 1-6 years and ASA I and II (n = 51), undergoing elective herniorrhaphy, orchidopexy, or circumcision were randomly assigned to receive a caudal epidural block with 0.6 mL/kg of 0.25% bupivacaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine, either before incision (n = 28) or after surgery (n = 23). In all patients, anesthesia was induced and maintained with oxygen, nitrous oxide, and halothane, and caudal epidural blocks were placed. Postoperative pain was scored by a blinded observer using a Faces Pain Scale in the recovery room and was also assessed at home by the parents. Analgesic requirement during the 24-hour period was recorded. Results The Faces Pain Scale scores and analgesic requirements did not differ between the groups, either in the recovery room or at home (P > .05). Conclusions Although preemptive analgesia has been successfully demonstrated in some earlier clinical studies, our results indicate that pre- and postincisional caudal epidural blocks with 0.25% bupivacaine were equally effective in children.
Die Ausdehnung der elektrolytischen Gesetze auf die Leitung in Gasen

Das Wort „Elektron“ hat zum ersten Male Dr. G. Johnstone Stoney im Jahre 1891 gebraucht, und zwar als Bezeichnung fur die „naturliche Einheit der Elektrizitat“, d. h. fur jene Elektrizitatsmenge, welche durch eine Losung fliesen mus, damit an der einen Elektrode ein Wasserstoffatom oder ein Atom irgendeines aquivalenten Stoffes frei wird.
Examining the Benefits and Harms of Genetic Information

Introduction to the September issue of Virtual Mentor on the theme of ethical questions in genetic testing. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Components of Foreign Direct Investment Flows: Evidence and Implications of Differences

Foreign direct investment (FDI) flows constitute an important element of both regional and global integration. FDI data are often appraised as if they consist exclusively of new equity flows, when in fact they also include reinvested earnings as well as short-term and long-term intra-company debt flows. This paper examines these “components” of inward FDI flows in the balance-of-payments of Latin American countries, and compares them with inward and outward FDI flows for OECD countries, including the United States. The paper examines whether the component flows for individual countries are substitutes or complements for each other, or whether they are independent of one another; the results indicate that the component flows often are independent of each other. Therefore, differences in alternative FDI theories can be partially resolved by more explicit recognition of differences in the determinants and consequences of the components of FDI. Such differences, furthermore, have a variety of implica...
Results of Three Neutron Diagnosed Subcritical Experiments

Neutron diagnosed subcritical experiments (NDSEs) aim to measure the fission chain decay of subcritical test objects initiated by neutrons from an external source. The ultimate goal of future NDSEs...
Molecular detection and phylogenetic tree of infectious laryngotracheitis virus in layers in Al-Diwaniyah province, Iraq.

Background and aim Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) of chickens is a substantial issue to be studied in Iraq because this disease is one of the most highly contagious respiratory diseases in the world caused by a herpesvirus. However, in Iraq, the ILT virus (ILTV) infection and disease have yet not been confirmed in layers, so farm owners do not vaccinate these layers. The current study aimed to document the detection and characterization of ILTV in layer hens from Al-Diwaniyah city, for the first time in Iraq, using molecular techniques like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. Materials and methods Four layer farms (15,000 unvaccinated layers/farm) in Al-Diwaniyah province, Iraq, suffered a severe ILT outbreak, was diagnosed and reported by clinical and PCR tests. This disease has been reported in Iraq, and more recently, it began to show outbreaks in Al-Diwaniyah city. The current work opted to investigate the ILTV using PCR and DNA sequencing techniques. The study targeted the p32 gene of ILTV using pooled tracheal swabs and organs including the trachea, lung, and kidneys which were collected from dead and clinically infected chickens. Results The analyses revealed that four of six suspected field samples showed positive results by PCR. The DNA sequencing results showed the homology of the amplified fragments with the studied gene. Conclusion This study confirmed the presence of ILTV in hens with respiratory signs during the outbreak.
Impact of using 29 MHz high-resolution micro-ultrasound in real-time targeting of transrectal prostate biopsies: initial experience.

This report presents our early experience at Cleveland Clinic replacing conventional ultrasound with a novel 29 MHz high-resolution micro-ultrasound system for both systematic sampling and real-time targeting of suspicious regions during prostate biopsy. The added value of micro-ultrasound and MRI over systematic biopsy is presented. Sixty-seven consecutive subjects (January–August 2018) from our prospective database who underwent prostate biopsy using the micro-ultrasound system were included. 19/67 had prostate MRI imaging available. MRI targets were sampled using the UroNav fusion system. Patients had a median PSA of 5.37 ng/mL (IQR 4.13–8.74). 38/67 (56.7%) subjects were positive for prostate cancer. In six of these cases, systematic biopsy was negative with only micro-ultrasound targeted samples detecting cancer. In two other cases, patients were upgraded from Grade Group 1 to Grade Groups 4 and 2 based on micro-ultrasound targets. Micro-ultrasound targets detected cancer in two subjects where MRI was negative (Grade Groups 3 and 2). MRI targets alone did not change the overall diagnosis of any subjects. Switching biopsy guidance to real-time micro-ultrasound increased detection rate on prostate biopsy from 44.8% (30/67) to 56.7% (38/67), a relative increase of 26.7%. High-resolution micro-ultrasound identified clinically significant cancer that would have, otherwise, been missed by both MRI fusion and systematic biopsy and was useful in both biopsy naive and repeat negative patients. Early results from this small, single-center cohort are promising, particularly given the ease with which micro-ultrasound can replace the conventional ultrasound in standard prostate biopsy procedures.
Conceptual and theoretical models for cybercivility in education in health professions: a scoping review protocol.

ABSTRACTObjective:The objective of this scoping review is to examine conceptual and theoretical models used to educate health professions students about cybercivility.Introduction:Civil behavior in cyberspace is an important element of online communications. However, this is challenging to define an
Spirituality/religion and substance use disorders

Abstract Substance use disorders (SUD) are complex biopsychosocial processes involving proximal risk factors (e.g., anxiety, depression, life stressors), a pattern of losing control over substance intake, craving, as well as detrimental consequences. A large and consistent literature has tied spirituality and religion (S/R) to lower incidence and severity of SUD in the general population, and clinical research among substance users has substantiated clear benefits of S/R engagement on short- and long-term course of SUD. This chapter reviews the extant literature on S/R and SUD, and outlines clinical methods to facilitate the application and integration of S/R coping into treatment, including 12-step programs. More broadly, we describe now S/R can be integrated by mental health clinicians into the SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment) approach to SUD, an evidence-based framework that is widely-utilized in a variety of service settings. In sum, integration of S/R practices should be considered as part of a menu of options for care, when treating individuals with SUD.
Capture Hi-C: Characterization of chromatin contacts

Abstract Hi-C (high throughput chromosome conformation capture) is a powerful tool designed to explore the genome-wide collection of chromosomal contacts within a cell population. However, the highly complex nature of Hi-C libraries often precludes the robust identification of interactions between individual restriction fragments with high resolution and statistical significance. This challenge led to the incorporation of sequence capture technology into Hi-C protocols, giving rise to a Capture Hi-C methodology. In this chapter, we review the general principles of the technique and provide a view emanating from our experience employing this approach to study the dynamics of episomal viral DNA contacts during specific stages of the viral life cycle.
Comparison of dry needling and trigger point manual therapy in patients with neck and upper back myofascial pain syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Patients with myofascial pain syndrome of the neck and upper back have active trigger points and may present with pain and decreased function. Dry needling (DN) and trigger point manual therapy (TM...
Stable fiber-based polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography using polarization maintaining common-path interferometer

Significance: Our work advances the development of fiber-based polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) by stabilizing the output polarization state of the light beam when the system is under environmental disturbance. While the fiber-based PS-OCT has been demonstrated previously, it remains a challenge for the traditional fiber-based PS-OCT to obtain a stable measurement when the optic fibers are disturbed by the environment. This important issue is addressed, paving the path for clinical translation of PS-OCT, which can provide a unique perspective of the biological samples. Aim: Polarization maintaining common-path (CP) interferometer is fabricated with the goal of providing a stable fiber-based PS-OCT imaging system that is only responsive to the polarization changes generated by the sample, immune to environmental conditions. Approach: The system is implemented by incorporating a CP interferometer together with polarization maintaining (PM) fibers. The PM fibers are used to preserve the two orthogonal linearly polarized components of the light during propagation. By sharing the CP in the sample and reference arms, any variations in phase retardation can be eliminated between the two channels in the PM fibers. The combination of the PM fiber and the CP interferometer ensures the stability of the output polarization state. Results: The stability of the proposed PS-OCT system is tested when a periodically stressed disturbance is applied to the fibers within the system. Stable in vivo PS-OCT images of the mouse thigh are demonstrated. Conclusions: We have demonstrated a stable fiber-based PS-OCT system that combined the PM fiber and the CP configuration together. We have shown that the output polarization states and the system sensitivity can keep stable over time under the environmental disturbances to the system.
The future of long-term care requires investment in both facility- and home-based services

The COVID-19 pandemic highlights how elder-care facilities have failed to protect older adults in many countries — investing in home care while also reimagining facility-based models is required.
Lottery-Based Incentive in Ohio and COVID-19 Vaccination Rates.

This study assesses changes in COVID-19 vaccination rates before and after the Ohio vaccine lottery announcement compared with national rates to control for the expansion of vaccine indications to adolescents.
What do farmers bring to market? Exploring good types, number of vendors, and founding dates by SES and race/ethnicity

Farmers markets have been promoted as an avenue to improve access to food in neighborhoods that have been traditionally underserved by other outlets. Residents of these neighborhoods are encouraged to attend market sessions because the foods available are thought to increase access to foods that are healthier and of more variety. While previous studies have shown that farmers markets are choosing to locate in underserved areas, little research has examined how often this is occurring and what these markets offer to customers. Using survey data from 560 farmers markets across nine U.S. states and demographic data from the American Community Survey, this analysis contributes to this understanding by comparing and contrasting the founding years, number of vendors, and types of goods available at markets by neighborhood socio-economic status and racial/ethnic composition. Results show a more recent growth of farmers markets in low-income neighborhoods when compared to more affluent neighborhoods and a relative similarity of growth when looking at racial and ethnic composition. However, the types of goods available and number of vendors are significantly lower in low socio-economic status and high racial and ethnic minority neighborhoods when compared to more affluent and whiter neighborhoods. This suggests that there is continued and increasing farmers market presence in areas traditionally underrepresented, but that there is more work to be done to increase the number of vendors present and the diversity of offerings at these markets.
Strategies for Evaluating Treatment Effectiveness

Beginning with the preface to this volume and continuing throughout the majority of its chapters, a heavy emphasis has been placed on the concept of empiricism and its role in the determination of treatment effectiveness. Simply put, the empirical model involves a quantifiable or data-based approach to clinical decision making that is heavily weighted by objective observation and yields information that is verifiable through replication. It is unfortunate that within many of the professional disciplines that serve mentally retarded clients, such as psychology, psychiatry, and special education, the empirical model is equated strictly with research and, all too often, is dismissed from its potentially valuable contribution to clinical practice, in general.
Introduction to “Computational Fluid Dynamics, Structural Analysis and Mesh Partioning Techniques”

Large scale scientific computing problems associated with the numerical simulation of physical processes such as those occurring in fluid flow and structural dynamics have greatly stimulated the recent evolution of numerical algorithms suitable for parallel computing architectures. The development of efficient parallel numerical simulation algorithms is particularly difficult since computer software and hardware are also evolving at a relatively rapid pace to satisfy the ever-increasing demand for floating point arithmetic performance. Even though a diverse (almost combinatorial) range of architectural possibilities must be carefully weighed by the software architect, the papers contained in this chapter discuss a number of important reoccuring themes in the development of efficient numerical simulation codes
Two phase interleaved ISOP connected high step down ratio phase shift full bridge DC/DC converter with GaN FETs

High voltage DC (400 V) power supply architecture is becoming a standard in today's data center power supply. To further convert from 400 V to 1 V, usually several power stages are connected in series. Therefore, even if the efficiency of each power stage is high; the overall system efficiency is limited because of the multiplication of each converter's efficiency. In this paper, a single power stage system which converts 400 V to 1 V directly and performs as the high voltage point of load (HV POL) is proposed. A multi-phase interleaved phase shift pulse width modulation (PWM) DC/DC converter with input series and output parallel (ISOP) connection is selected as the power stage topology. A simplified two phase connected system is discussed in this paper. Common duty cycle control technique is used to control the ISOP connected converters. Input voltage sharing and output current sharing is analyzed with different types of mismatches in the circuit. Finally, the preliminary testing results are given.
The foldings of a square to convex polyhedra

The structure of the set of all convex polyhedra foldable from a square is detailed. It is proved that five combinatorially distinct nondegenerate polyhedra, and four different flat polyhedra, are realizable. All the polyhedra are continuously deformable into each other, with the space of polyhedra having the topology of four connected rings.
Chapter 32 Bubbles and Crashes in Experimental Asset Markets: Common Knowledge Failure?

Publisher Summary In the experiment, subjects have tables at their disposal that indicate the expected future dividend stream, which corresponds to the fundamental value, at any time. Subjects take a quiz on how to read the table before the market opens. Thus the fundamental value of the asset is common knowledge at all times during the experiment. Nonetheless, a considerable fraction of total transactions take place at prices higher than the maximum possible realization of the future dividend stream. These are dominated purchases that can only be classified as errors on the part of the buyer. Furthermore, the time series of transaction prices exhibits the bubble and crash pattern, suggesting that the errors are of a type that has a role in generating bubbles in markets when resale is allowed.
Phenolic compounds, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties of pomace extracts from four Virginia‐grown grape varieties

Grape pomace is a potential source of natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agents. Phenolic compounds, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties of pomace extracts from four Virginia-grown grape varieties were investigated. White grape pomaces had higher (P < 0.05) solvent extraction yield than red varieties. Concentrations of total phenolic (TPC), total flavonoid (TFC), total anthocyanin (TAC), tannins, condensed tannins (CT), as well as antioxidant capacities (DPPH• and ABTS•+free radical scavenging) differed (P < 0.05) among four pomace extracts. ABTS•+ scavenging capacity was positively correlated with TPC, TFC, tannins, and CT (P < 0.05), whereas DPPH• capacity was positively correlated with TAC (P < 0.05). Nine flavonoid compounds were identified, of which catechin and epicatechin were the two most abundant. Antibacterial activity was observed against Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 7644 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, but not against Escherichia coli O157:H7 ATCC 3510 and Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 14028. L. monocytogenes was more susceptible than S. aureus.
Computerized tomography applied to gynecologic oncology.

Abstract Forty patients on the gynecologic oncology service at the University of North Carolina were evaluated with CT scans. Accuracy and clinical benefit of these scans were compared to those of manual clinical examinations. The CT scans were generally superior and had fewer (9) verified errors in the regions of the pelvic wall and para-aortic area than did the manual examinations(17). Both the CT and bimanual examinations had the same number of verified errors (3) in the central pelvic region. The authors found the CT scans to be beneficial in evaluation of pelvic wall and para-aortic regions for treatment planning of either primary or recurrent cancer.
The effect of sildenafil citrate administration on selected physiological parameters of exercising Thoroughbred horses.

Summary Reasons for performing study: Sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor vasodilator, increases cGMP concentrations by inhibiting enzymatic degradation. Marketed to treat erectile dysfunction in men, it also reduces pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP). Because it reduces PAP, sildenafil may enhance performance and/or prevent exercise induced-pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH). Objective: To determine if sildenafil citrate administration altered commonly measured indices of performance or reduced EIPH in exercised horses. Methods: Thirteen athletically conditioned Thoroughbred horses (2 mares and 11 geldings, age 3–12 years) were administered sildenafil citrate or placebo in 2 crossover design exercise testing studies. In a step-wise test to exhaustion, inspired/expired gas analysis, blood lactate, heart rate, runtime and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cytology were measured. In a 13 m/s test to exhaustion, blood lactate, heart rate, runtime, BAL cytology and pulmonary arterial pressure were measured. Data were analysed with paired and unpaired t tests, one-way ANOVA and Tukey's pair-wise multiple comparison and Friedman repeated measure analysis of variance on ranks. Results: The administration of sildenafil did not alter mean inspired/expired gas measurements, plasma lactate concentrations or acute pulmonary haemorrhage in either exercise test or pulmonary arterial pressure measurement in the 13 m/s trial. Heart rates in both stress tests were significantly different at submaximal speeds and during the early recovery period. Run time was not affected by sildenafil administration in the step-wise trial (P = 0.622) or in the 13 m/s trial (P = 0.059). Conclusions: Sildenafil did not alleviate pulmonary haemorrhage or enhance performance-related indices in these trials. Sildenafil administration altered cardiovascular adaptation to intense exercise as evidenced by altered heart rates at submaximal speeds and post exercise. The effect of these alterations on other performance perimeters was not evident.
A simple span selector for periodogram smoothing

SUMMARY One approach to estimating the spectral density of a stationary time series is to smooth the periodogram and one important component of this approach is the choice of the span for smoothing. This note proposes a new span selector which is based on unbiased risk estimation. The proposed span selector is simple, and does not impose strong conditions on the unknown spectrum. For example, it does not require the unknown spectrum to possess a second derivative, which is a typical requirement of most plug-in type or spline-based methods. The finite sample performance of the proposed span selector is illustrated via a small simulation.
Fungal β-Glucan, a Dectin-1 Ligand, Promotes Protection from Type 1 Diabetes by Inducing Regulatory Innate Immune Response

β-Glucans are naturally occurring polysaccharides in cereal grains, mushrooms, algae, or microbes, including bacteria, fungi, and yeast. Immune cells recognize these β-glucans through a cell surface pathogen recognition receptor called Dectin-1. Studies using β-glucans and other Dectin-1 binding components have demonstrated the potential of these agents in activating the immune cells for cancer treatment and controlling infections. In this study, we show that the β-glucan from Saccharomyces cerevisiae induces the expression of immune regulatory cytokines (IL-10, TGF-β1, and IL-2) and a tolerogenic enzyme (IDO) in bone marrow–derived dendritic cells as well as spleen cells. These properties can be exploited to modulate autoimmunity in the NOD mouse model of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Treatment of prediabetic NOD mice with low-dose β-glucan resulted in a profound delay in hyperglycemia, and this protection was associated with increase in the frequencies of Foxp3 + , LAP + , and GARP + T cells. Upon Ag presentation, β-glucan–exposed dendritic cells induced a significant increase in Foxp3 + and LAP + T cells in in vitro cultures. Furthermore, systemic coadministration of β-glucan plus pancreatic β cell Ag resulted in an enhanced protection of NOD mice from T1D as compared with treatment with β-glucan alone. These observations demonstrate that the innate immune response induced by low-dose β-glucan is regulatory in nature and can be exploited to modulate T cell response to β cell Ag for inducing an effective protection from T1D.
Supported Homogeneous Film Catalysts

Supported homogeneous film catalysts are described which, in effect, heterogenize biphasic systems. Water-soluble catalysts are added to hydrophilic films, e.g., polyethylene glycol 600, to catalyze the reactions of hydrophobic substrates. Activities are obtained for the hydroformylation of 1-hexene equal to those obtained in homogeneous systems. Experiments are described that indicate that the reactions are occurring in the homogeneous film dispersed over the solid support.
Violence involvement, substance use, and sexual activity among Mexican-American and European-American adolescents.

Abstract Purpose This study examined longitudinal associations between violence involvement, substance use, and sexual activity. Methods A total of 302 urban Mexican-American and European-American adolescents were randomly selected and recruited from the membership lists of a large health maintenance organization. Data were obtained from interviews conducted when the mean ages of adolescents were 15, 18, and 19 years. Results Independent of age, gender, ethnicity, family socioeconomic status, and previous levels of health risk behavior, adolescents who had been victimized by violence at age 15 were more likely to use tobacco at age 19. Adolescents who had been victimized by or perpetrated violence at age 18 had a greater number of sexual partners and were more likely to use marijuana at age 19. In addition, adolescents who had perpetrated violence at age 18 engaged in greater alcohol use at age 19. A second set of analyses showed that independent of demographics and previous violence involvement, adolescents who had used marijuana at age 15 were more likely to report violence involvement at age 19. Adolescents who had used tobacco or who had a greater number of sexual partners at ages 15 or 18 were more likely to report violent victimization at age 19. Conclusions Associations between violence involvement and other forms of health risk behavior are bidirectional. Adolescents involved with violence are at risk for increases in substance use and sexual behavior over time. Adolescents who engage in substance use and sexual behavior with multiple partners are also at risk for later violence involvement.
The Location of Medieval/Pre-Modern and Biblical Ziklag

Most modern attempts to identify biblical Ziklag build on the pioneering work of Edward Robinson. Analysis of the medieval and pre-modern observations made by Father Felix Fabri, in Evagatorium in ...
Age at sexual assault and posttraumatic stress disorder among women: prevalence, correlates, and implications for prevention.

Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating psychiatric condition that can occur in people who experience extremely stressful or traumatic life events. Sexual assault is one of the most traumatic stressors in life. Although several studies have investigated the association between history of sexual assault and PTSD, studies on the impact of age at first sexual assault on PTSD are limited. Methods: A cross-sectional telephone survey was conducted among 1,769 adult female residents of Virginia. A detailed screening questionnaire was used to ascertain the occurrence and age at first sexual assault. The DSM-IV diagnostic criteria were used to define PTSD. Results: The prevalences of PTSD among women with no history of sexual assault, those victimized for the first time before the age of 18, and those assaulted for the first time at ≥18 were 8.1%, 35.3%, and 30.2%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression model showed an increased risk of PTSD among women assaulted at a younger age...
Structural Domains in Chondroitin Sulfate Identified by Anti-Chondroitin Sulfate Monoclonal Antibodies. Immunosequencing of Chondroitin Sulfates

Monoclonal antibodies have been developed that recognize epitopes in native chondroitin sulfate chains. One of these antibodies, CS-56, reportedly recognizes chondroitin 4- and 6-sulfates. However, this antibody, and four other anti-chondroitin sulfate antibodies, 4C3, 4D3, 6C3 and 7D4, do not recognize epitopes in chondroitin sulfate chains from Swarm rat chondrosarcoma proteoglycan, an indication that native chondroitin sulfate epitopes are more structurally complex than the standard 0-, 4-, and 6-sulfated disaccharide repeats that constitute the backbone of chondroitin sulfate chains. A series of limited chondroitinase digestions was performed on the large aggregating proteoglycan monomer extracted from embryonic chick chondrocyte cultures to identify the digestion parameters required to release the different native chondroitin sulfate epitopes. Some epitopes were more accessible to enzymatic digestion than other epitopes. The approximate location of epitopes was determined by measuring the size of undigested oligosaccharides retained on the core protein following a limited digestion, and correlating this with the level of immunoreactivity for the different antibodies. These analyses identified the locations of three different antigenic domains. Domain 1 resides at the linkage region and contains epitopes for two of the five antibodies, and a portion of the epitopes for a third antibody. Domain 2 lies in the interior of the chain and contains epitopes for three of the five antibodies. Domain 3 resides at the non-reducing terminus and does not contain epitopes for any of the anti-chondroitin sulfate antibodies used in this study. These results indicate that specific native chondroitin sulfate epitopes are non-randomly distributed within the linear framework of chondroitin sulfate chains.
Interference of silver, gold, and iron oxide nanoparticles on epidermal growth factor signal transduction in epithelial cells.

Metallic nanomaterials, including silver, gold, and iron oxide, are being utilized in an increasing number of fields and specialties. The use of nanosilver as an antimicrobial agent is becoming ever-more common, whereas gold and iron oxide nanomaterials are frequently utilized in the medical field due to their recognized “biocompatibility”. Numerous reports have examined the general toxicity of these nanomaterials; however, little data exists on how the introduction of these nanomaterials, at nontoxic levels, affects normal cellular processes. In the present study the impact of low levels of 10 nm silver (Ag-NP), gold (Au-NP), and iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) on epidermal growth factor (EGF) signal transduction within the human epithelial cell line, A-431, was investigated. Following a biocompatibility assessment, the nanoparticle-induced interference at four specific targets within the EGF signaling process was evaluated: (1) nanoparticle-EGF association, (2) Akt and Erk phosphorylation, (3) Akt acti...
Effect of monocular deprivation on binocular neurones in the owl's visual Wulst

Despite the two hundred million years during which their evolutionary history was different from mammals, birds possess a central visual apparatus with surprising functional similarities to the striate cortex of cats and monkeys. The visual Wulst of the owl contains neurones which can be binocularly activated and which show precise selectivity for the orientation, direction of movement and binocular disparity of moving straight line contours, all characteristic properties of single neurones recorded from the striate cortex of cats and monkeys. We were interested to determine whether binocular neurones in the owl's Wulst are also sensitive to visual experience in the neonatal period since another important characteristic of binocular neural connections in cat and monkey visuail cortex is their extreme sensitivity to monocular deprivation during the critical period. The preliminary observations we present here, on young, monocularly-deprived owls, suggest that the functional parallel between the mammalian striate cortex and the avian Wulst extends to the phenomenon of plasticity as well.
Cytotoxicity of amphotericin B for fibroblasts in human heart valve leaflets.

Abstract The cytotoxicity of amphotericin B (Fungizone, containing deoxycholate) was investigated for human heart valve leaflet fibroblasts. Leaflets were obtained from human aortic and pulmonic valves and incubated in culture medium containing amphotericin B. Upon completion of incubation, some leaflet sets were analyzed immediately, and others were cryopreserved and stored below -135°C. Quantitative fibroblast viability assays were performed. The results can be summarized by consideration of the data obtained from autoradiographic analysis of [3H]proline incorporation into collagen. Incubation with 10 μg/ml amphotericin B at 37°C resulted in approximately 11% loss of fibroblast viability. After cryopreservation, the leaflets incubated with amphotericin B experienced an additional 42% loss of fibroblast viability. These results indicate that use of amphotericin B, in this form, is ill advised for treatment of human heart valves prior to cryopreservation.
Twenty-four-hour esophageal pH monitoring: The most useful test for evaluating noncardiac chest pain

Study Objective: To compare the diagnostic capabilities of traditional esophageal tests (manometry and provocative testing with acid and edrophonium) and 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring in identifying an esophageal cause of chest pain. Design: A prospective study of 100 consecutive patients referred by cardiologists to the esophageal laboratory for evaluation of esophageal causes of chest pain. Setting: Tertiary-referral university hospital. Methods: Esophageal manometry performed with 10 wet swallows of water. Acid perfusion (0.1 N hydrochloric acid) and edrophonium (80 μg/kg intravenously) tests were placebo-controlled with a positive study defined as replication of typical chest pain. Esophageal pH monitoring identified (1) abnormal acid exposure times in the upright, supine, or combined position, and (2) correlation between symptoms and acid reflux, i.e., symptom index. The esophagus was identified as "probably" contributing to chest pain only if the acid or edrophonium test was positive or if there was a positive correlation between symptoms and acid reflux during pH monitoring. Results: Esophageal manometry was abnormal in 32 patients (32%), but patients were asymptomatic during the study. The acid perfusion test was positive in 18 of 95 patients (19%), and the edrophonium test was positive in 15 of 78 patients (19%). Abnormal acid exposure times were found in 48 patients (48%). Of the 83 patients with spontaneous chest pain during 24hour pH testing, 37 patients (46%) had abnormal reflux parameters and 50 patients (60%) had a positive symptom index (mean positive score 56%, range 6% to 100%). Conclusions: Acid reflux is a common and potentially treatable cause of noncardiac chest pain. Traditional esophageal tests usually miss this diagnosis. Twenty-four-hour esophageal pH monitoring with symptom correlation is the single best test for evaluating patients with noncardiac chest pain.
Clean process for propanal oxidation to lactic acid

Abstract There is growing interest to use lactic acid in the production of biodegradable plastics and solvents. A clean process has been developed for oxidation of propanal to lactic acid using heterogeneous catalysts. The process involves five steps. The first step is the acetalization of propanal with alcohol over zeolite, followed in step two by the conversion of the acetal to vinyl ether. In step three, the vinyl ether is oxidized to the hydroxyl acetal using hydrogen peroxide or organic peroxide over Ti-molecular sieves. Hydrolysis of the hydroxyl acetals over zeolite (step four) resulted in two products: hydroxypropanal as a major product and hydroxyacetone. In step five the hydroxypropanal is oxidized to lactic acid with air using Pt/C. The overall yield is above 80% to lactic acid. Only hydroxyacetone was formed as a by-product, which is a high value chemical.
Two-dimensional dipolar scattering with a tilt

We study two-body dipolar scattering in two dimensions with a tilted polarization axis. This tilt reintroduces the anisotropic interaction in a controllable manner. As a function of this polarization angle, we present the scattering rates in both the threshold and semiclassical regimes. Additionally, we study the properties of the molecular bound states as a function of the polarization angle.
Military intervention and the democratic peace

The finding generated by numerous empirical investigations that democracies do not wage war against one another has inspired hope that the democratic “pacific union” envisioned by Immanuel Kant and Woodrow Wilson might be created in the late 1990s as democracy spreads worldwide. This paper examines democracies' use of overt military intervention, exploring if the democratic peace applies to small‐scale as well as large‐scale war. The research uncovers 15 instances in which free democratic states have moved their regular troops into the territory of other free states and 32 instances of free states intervening into partly free states between 1974 and 1988. Focusing on these anomalous cases, the paper assesses the extent to which this interventionist activity comprises a potential “danger zone in the democratic peace,” and a concludes with a discussion of the role that interventionism is likely to play in a democratic twentieth‐century peace.
Reading Room Electives: Say Goodbye to the “Radi-Holiday”

Reading room electives are among the most challenging curricula to develop for medical student educators. Students tend to have few responsibilities and poorly defined learning objectives. The authors review the components of a successful reading room elective. The important components include a thorough orientation, written goals and expectations, attendance and feedback systems, objective mid-elective and end-of-elective evaluations, and an end-of-elective debriefing session. Many educational activities, tools, and assessments are available and should be considered to supplement the curriculum. Radiology electives must break free of the "radi-holiday" stereotype and adopt increased responsibilities and expectations, similar to rigorous clinical subinternships.
SPATIAL OFFSETS OF INTERPLANETARY ION AND ELECTRON SOURCE REGIONS

Observations of impulsive solar energetic particles provide unique insight into the process of particle acceleration in the solar atmosphere. X-ray and γ-ray observations of precipitating particles from solar flares have shown offsets between the ion and the electron emission. We present Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) observations of interplanetary energetic ion and suprathermal electron events with intensity variations related to connection or lack thereof to the particle source. These results indicate an offset between the acceleration regions of ions and electrons of the same order of magnitude as that observed in the γ-ray events. However, if the particle event originates at the magnetic footpoints of an interplanetary coronal mass ejection, the ACE observations do not exhibit this offset, suggesting that different magnetic geometry or acceleration processes may be present in those regions.
22.1: Novel Black/White Flexible ChLC Display

In this report, a novel coatable, encapsulated ChLC material and the corresponding device would be presented. The ChLCs with plurally reflective properties were mixed via emulsion and dispersion. A black/white and high contrast reflective electro-optical device could be fabricated by the simple processes.
Dispositional impulsivity in normal and abnormal samples.

Abstract Impulsive behaviors, which can include aggression, substance use and suicide, are common and core features of the DSM Axis II Cluster B personality disorders. The construct of dispositional impulsivity is multidimensional and a number of self-report measures have been created to represent features of this trait (e.g., novelty seeking, behavioral disinhibition, nonplanning). Because these questionnaires are rarely administered together in the same sample, little is known about how they are related to one another. The current study was conducted to examine the structure of dimensional impulsive personality traits in a large normative sample (n = 351). Analyses revealed that dispositional impulsivity was represented by three moderately correlated latent factors labeled thrill seeking, nonplanning and disinhibited behavior. Confirmatory factor analyses were also used to examine the extent to which the internal structure of these impulsive personality traits was similar in a sample defined as abnormal (i.e., DSM-III-R Cluster B PD diagnoses; n = 70). Results revealed that the structure of these traits was consistent across the two samples in a model that constrained factor loadings and structural covariances (NFI = 0.89; CFI = 95; RMSEA = 0.04). In addition, correlational relationships between the impulsivity factor scores and behavioral and sociodemographic factors (e.g., socioeconomic status, substance use) were consistent across the two samples. These results help to establish a common framework for understanding the multidimensional nature of impulsivity. Results from these analyses also lend support to a large body of work that demonstrates that normal and abnormal personality features are related.
Preischemic hyperglycemia‐aggravated damage: Evidence that lactate utilization is beneficial and glucose‐induced corticosterone release is detrimental

Aerobic lactate utilization is crucial for recovery of neuronal function posthypoxia in vitro. In vivo models of cerebral ischemia pose a conceptual challenge when compared to in vitro models. First, the glucose paradox of cerebral ischemia, namely, the aggravation of delayed neuronal damage by preischemic hyperglycemia, cannot be reproduced in vitro. Second, in vitro elevated glucose levels protect against ischemic (hypoxic) damage, an outcome that has seldom been reproduced in vivo. Employing a rat model of cardiac-arrest-induced transient global cerebral ischemia (TGI), we found that hyperglycemic conditions, when induced 120-240 min pre-TGI, significantly reduced post-TGI neuronal damage as compared to normoglycemic conditions. In contrast, hyperglycemia, when induced 15-60 min pre-TGI, significantly aggravated post-TGI neuronal damage. Brain lactate levels in rats loaded with glucose either 15 min or 120 min pre-TGI were significantly and equally higher than those of control, saline-injected rats. The beneficial effect of 120 min pre-TGI glucose loading was abolished by lactate transport inhibition. A significant increase in blood corticosterone (CT) levels was observed upon glucose loading that peaked at 15-30 min and returned to baseline levels by 60-120 min. When rats loaded with glucose 15 min pre-TGI were treated with metyrapone, a CT synthesis inhibitor, a significantly lower degree of delayed neuronal damage in comparison to both untreated, 15 min glucose-loaded rats and normoglycemic, control rats was observed. Thus, although elevated levels of brain lactate cannot explain the glucose paradox of cerebral ischemia, hyperglycemia-induced, short-lived elevation in CT blood levels could. More importantly, lactate appears to play a crucial role in improving postischemic outcome.
Love, Sex, Romance, and Psychoanalytic Goals

There are many ways for people to have meaningful relationships and satisfying lives, which may differ from the implicit Freudian psychoanalytic ideal of the couple that sustains love, intimacy, romance, and genital sexual passion throughout life. An alternative is proposed, based on the work of Harry Stack Sullivan, which examines the ability of the person to find love, sexual satisfaction, security, and happiness in a combination and arrangement that feels satisfying and that allows for interpersonal intimacy without coercing or harming another person. Good clinical work also considers what John Money called the “lovemap,” a cluster of relational and sexual patterning for the individual that can be relatively enduring throughout the lifespan.
Resistance to antineoplastic therapy: The oncogenic tyrosine kinase-Bcl-xL axis

The discovery two decades ago that the Philadelphia chromosome encodes an oncogenic fusion of Bcr and Abl remains among the most important contributions to our understanding of the process of malignant transformation. We now know that Bcr-Abl is one of more than 30 aberrantly activated tyrosine kinases that are expressed in a variety of tumors. Conventional treatment of the tumors in which these proteins are expressed is usually doomed to failure because the activated tyrosine kinases render the tumor cells stubbornly resistant to apoptosis. In this context, it is notable that Zhao and coworkers have uncovered a novel weapon in the resistance armamentarium of these rogue kinases, the suppression of the inactivating deamidation of Bcl-xL (this issue of Cancer Cell).
Finistic dimensions of serial-like rings

Abstract Bounds are determined for the finitistic dimensions of one-sided almost serial rings in terms of the projective dimensions of the simple modules of finite projective dimension and in terms of the number of the simple modules, and we discuss when the little finitistic dimension and the big finitistic dimension (to be defined below) are equal for some serial-like rings.
Inadvertent epidural injection of ephedrine in labor

Drugs mistakenly administered into the epidural space can have serious neurologic sequelae. This case reports the inadvertent administration of ephedrine during labor in a 17-year-old woman. The possible complications for both the mother and fetus are discussed and compared with other published literature reports.
Intraoperative Administration of Nitric Oxide

Despite its therapeutic efficacy in various clinical scenarios in the intensive care unit setting, there are limited reports regarding the intraoperative applications of nitric oxide (NO). The authors present 2 pediatric patients to whom inhaled NO was administered intraoperatively. In one patient, NO was used to treat hypoxemia that developed after the institution of one-lung ventilation during thoracoscopic resection of a bronchiectatic section of lung. In the second patient, NO was used to alleviate pulmonary hypertension and cardiovascular dysfunction with pulmonary artery cross-clamping for placement of a modified Blalock-Taussig shunt. The potential intraoperative applications and techniques for the intraoperative delivery of NO are presented.