cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Data analysis methods for gas chromatography

Abstract Data analysis methods are essential to transform chromatographic data into useful information. There is an ongoing evolution of data analysis methods as increasingly challenging applications need to be addressed, instrumentation advances occur, separation speeds increase, data dimensionality increases, and growing volumes of data are collected. As the traditional data analysis methods have been covered in prior chapters, this chapter focuses primarily on advanced data analysis methods known as chemometrics. Chemometrics are mathematical methods that glean useful information from large volumes of complex chemical data that are not amenable to manual or traditional analysis. Chemometrics fill several analytical roles. First, the ability to identify and quantify analytes at extremely low chromatographic resolution can be provided. Second, pattern recognition and classification are often implemented by treating chromatograms as a chemical fingerprint. Third, groups of compounds may be simultaneously quantified using chemometric methods. Finally, another area of broad interest is predicting retention times to optimize separation parameters.
Effects of feeding ponderosa pine needles during pregnancy: comparative studies with bison, cattle, goats, and sheep.

Four experiments were conducted to determine the effect of feeding dried pine needles (Pinus ponderosa; PN) on the abortion rate of ruminants. In Exp. 1, cattle were fed 5.4 kg of PN daily for 21 d starting at 116, 167, 215, or 254 d of pregnancy. The PN did not cause abortions when started at 116 d; thereafter, the percentage of cows that aborted increased linearly, and the interval to abortion decreased linearly (both P < .01); all cows fed PN beginning at 254 d aborted. In Exp. 2, cattle were fed .7, 1.4, or 2.7 kg of PN for 21 d or 2.7 kg for 1 or 3 d. Sheep and goats were fed .8 and .5 kg of PN, respectively, starting at 121 d of pregnancy. The PN induced some abortions in cattle when fed for 1 (11%) or 3 (30%) d, but the abortion rate was greater (P < .01) when the PN were fed for longer periods of time (80, 90, and 100% aborted in 19, 17, and 10 d for .7-, 1.4-, and 2.7-kg doses, respectively). No goats or sheep aborted in response to PN feeding. Pregnancy rates during the next breeding season for cows that aborted in response to the PN were slightly higher than rates for control cows (94 vs 87%). In Exp. 3, buffalo (Bison bison) and cattle were fed 2.25 kg of PN from the same collection. Abortions were induced in all buffalo and cattle that were fed PN.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Speed-sensorless direct torque and flux control of PMSM based on extended Kalman filter using space vector modulation

In recent years direct torque control (DTC) has become an alternative to the well known vector control especially for permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM). But it presents a problem of field linkage and torque ripple. In order to solve this problem the conventional DTC is combined with space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM). This control theory has achieved great success in the control of PMSM. The main objective of this paper gives us an introduction of the SVPWM-DTC control theory of PMSM which associated to an extended Kalman filter is order to estimate the rotor speed. That has been simulating on each part of the system via Matlab/Simulink based on the mathematical modeling. Moreover, the outcome of the simulation proved that the improved SVPWM-DTC of PMSM has a good dynamic and static performance.
Growth and properties of nanocrystalline germanium and germanium-carbide films and devices

Nanocrystalline Ge:H and (Ge,C):H are potentially important materials for photovoltaic energy conversion. In this paper, we report on the growth of these materials using remote ECR plasma deposition techniques. The materials were grown using a high degree of hydrogen to germane dilution. The as-grown materials had predominantly orientation. Grain size was found to depend critically upon hydrogen dilution, with low hydrogen dilutions yielding larger grains. Hall measurements showed electron mobility to be as large as 6 cm/sup 2//V-sec. p-n junction devices were made in the material and showed photovoltaic effect. The quantum efficiency extended out to 0.8 eV. Addition of C to Ge reduced the crystallinity.
The Constitutional Thought of Alexander Hamilton

Alexander Hamilton was one of the strongest minds behind the development of modern constitutionalism, both in theory and in practice. Hamilton shared the constitutional principles of his republican contemporaries in his commitment to bicameral legislatures, elected executives, the separation of powers, checks and balances in government, and representative (rather than direct) democracy. He differed somewhat in his much stronger commitment to federalism, to executive power, and to judges, as the bulwark of constitutional liberty. Hamilton became as "Publius" (with James Madison) in "The Federalist" the foremost advocate and interpreter of constitutional government as it would ultimately be implemented in the United States. All these principles, widely accepted in theory by "enlightened" political writers of Hamilton's era, were reduced to practice in the American constitutions, and the Federal constitution of 1787, from which they have extended across the globe. Hamilton is one of the most perceptive and effective fathers of modern constitutional thought.
Vestigial Literalism in the Interpretation of Corporate Financing Instruments

Although modernly one will study the law of contracts as a homogeneous body of law, the construct breaks down on detailed inspection. This article provides an illustration by examining aspects of the law governing instruments of corporate finance -- legal principles at the intersection of the law of contracts and corporation law.This article examines the application of contract doctrine to corporate financing transactions to a number of ends. First, it illustrates substantial inconsistencies in the application of contract doctrine depending on the subject matter. Principles applied to interpret corporate financing instruments are different from those typically applied modernly to interpret other agreements. Second, this article illustrates the inherent impracticability of achieving the goals justifying the use of different interpretive principles. The putative rationale for applying different interpretive principles is to assure consistency and predictability in interpretation. However, that goal is not achieved. Different interpretive principles apply to different parts of corporate financing agreements, yielding an incoherent interpretative mosaic and ongoing uncertainty as to whether anomalous interpretive principles will continue to be applied in particular contexts. Third, this article notes that the idiosyncratic interpretative principles applied to corporate financing instruments impede investors’ ability to diversify and increase the extent to which the law reaches erroneous interpretative conclusions.
Laboratory X-ray Powder Diffraction

Laboratory diffractometers form the introduction to powder diffraction for most researchers. On a basic level for phase ID, etc., one diffractometer is very much like another. However when configuring a system for more challenging and advanced experiments, a variety of options and choices confront the experimentalist. Rather than cover the basics of diffractometer operation and geometry we will discover how a good understanding of the concepts behind laboratory diffractometers and their components is vital to getting the best from a system and pushing the limits of what can be achieved with lab instrumentation. Laboratory instrumentation will never compete with the sheer power and resolution of a synchrotron beamline. However, by departing from the conventional setups, it can be surprising what may be achieved in-house without resorting to the delay and inconvenience of synchrotron beamtime proposals.
Laser-Matter Interaction Studies at NRL

Experimental and theoretical studies at NRL are directed toward understanding the interaction of a focused, high-brightness laser pulse with a solid target. The physics of laser-fusion and efficient x-ray generation are of particular interest. A Nd-doped, YAG-glass laser system is used which has rod and disc amplifiers and protection against back-reflected pulses. Experimental studies are discussed of x-ray emission, neutron production, magnetic field generation and back-reflected laser light. Theoretical studies include both analytic and numerical treatments of radiation emission and transport, magnetic field dependent plasma transport phenomena and the role of magnetic fields in plasma collective effects.
Spiritual and religious factors in substance use, dependence, and recovery

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the spiritual and religious factors in substance use, and its dependence, and recovery. It examines the clinical research and programmatic interventions addressing the influence of religiousness and spirituality on substance use, abuse, and recovery. Harmful substance use targeted in this chapter includes alcohol, drugs of abuse, and tobacco. According to this chapter, there are important evidence that suggests positive role of religiousness factors in substance use, abuse, dependency, and spiritual factors in recovery from addictions. The strongest evidence for the religiousness-substance non-abuse relationship is at the initial and continued substance abuse stages. The chapter states that research is also needed with respect to the role of specific spiritual factors and processes in substance use and abuse. It also suggests that researchers should attempt to develop consistent measures of spiritual and religious components. The chapter summarizes that with better operational definitions of spirituality, religiousness, and substance use, one will be better able to provide the empirical support for the development of more proficient and cost-effective treatment interventions. The chapter provides evidence that religious and spiritual factors play an important role in substance abuse and recovery.
Early necrosis and apoptosis of Schwann cells transplanted into the injured rat spinal cord

Poor survival of cells transplanted into the CNS is a widespread problem and limits their therapeutic potential. Whereas substantial loss of transplanted cells has been described, the extent of acute cell loss has not been quantified previously. To assess the extent and temporal profile of transplanted cell death, and the contributions of necrosis and apoptosis to this cell death following spinal cord injury, different concentrations of Schwann cells (SCs), lentivirally transduced to express green fluorescent protein (GFP), were transplanted into a 1-week-old moderate contusion of the adult rat thoracic spinal cord. In all cases, transplanted cells were present from 10 min to 28 days. There was a 78% reduction in SC number within the first week, with no significant decrease thereafter. Real-time polymerase chain reaction showed a similar 80% reduction in GFP-DNA within the first week, confirming that the decrease in SC number was due to death rather than decreased GFP transgene expression. Cells undergoing necrosis and apoptosis were identified using antibodies against the calpain-mediated fodrin breakdown product and activated caspase 3, respectively, as well as ultrastructurally. Six times more SCs died during the first week after transplantation by necrosis than apoptosis, with the majority of cell death occurring within the first 24 h. The early death of transplanted SCs indicates that factors present, even 1 week after a moderate contusion, are capable of inducing substantial transplanted cell death. Intervention by strategies that limit necrosis and/or apoptosis should be considered for enhancing acute survival of transplanted cells.
Development and initial validation of a procedural and distributive just world measure

Abstract Belief in a Just World Theory proposes that individuals need to believe that people get what they deserve. We suggest that individual differences in just world beliefs may reflect perceived deservedness of both procedural and distributive justice criteria. Two samples were used to analyze the reliability, factor structure, invariance and validity of a newly proposed just world measure. In both samples, there was strong evidence of distinct procedural and distributive just world beliefs, suggesting that individuals may be characterized not only by their consideration for the deservingness of outcomes, but also rules, processes or interpersonal treatment. This new focus on a procedural–distributive just world distinction can bridge individual differences issues with other areas of justice research, where the importance of procedural justice judgments is well recognized.
An FT-IR Method for Performing Dynamic Kinetic Experiments

A method is shown for the determination of kinetic parameters from dynamic FT-IR experiments. The effect heating rate has on the reproducibility of the calculated activation energy is discussed. The curing of PMDA/ODA polyimide at several heating rates is given as an example.
Perspectives in non-traditional biofluid mechanics.

Although biofluid mechanics has been studied extensively, most of the studies have concentrated on cardiovascular biofluid mechanics. Very little attention has been paid to the other important problems in biomedicine. Several non-traditional areas which offer interesting and challenging problems remain unexplored, and fluid mechanics can have fruitful interaction with these disciplines. This paper brings into focus some of the important areas of biomedicine which offer fertile grounds for biofluid mechanics studies.
In-hospital initiation of statins: taking advantage of the 'teachable moment'.

For a variety of reasons, starting a statin in the hospital increases long-term compliance.
Role of Interleukin-1 in Hematopoiesis

IL-1 is considered a phylogenetically old molecule that predates the evolution of lymphocytes and immunoglobulins [35]. Its activities transcend immune function and encompass general inflammatory changes induced by pathogenic organisms. Depending upon the degree of endogenous activation of IL-1 production, its pleiotropic actions may be efficacious or deleterious. In so far as IL-1 has potential as a myelostimulatory agent in idiopathic or iatrogenic neutropenias, it has proved critical to define a dose and timing of administration designed to facilitate hematopoietic stimulation and yet avoid toxicity. Preclinical studies suggest that this is an attainable goal and clinical trials are currently underway.
Midcanopy growth following thinning in young-growth conifer forests on the Olympic Peninsula western Washington

Midcanopy layers are essential structures in ''old-growth'' forests on the Olympic Peninsula. Little is known about which stand and tree factors influence the ability of midcanopy trees in young-growth forests to respond to release; however, this information is important to managers interested in accelerating development of late-successional structural characteristics. We examined basal area growth response of midcanopy trees following variable-density thinning in an effort to determine the effect of thinning and local environment on the release of western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.) and western redcedar (Thuja plicata ex. D. Don) on the Olympic Peninsula in western Washington. Release was measured as the difference between average annual basal area growth over the 5-year prior to thinning and the 3-to-6 year period following thinning. Results indicate that while growth rates were similar prior to thinning (5.4 cm 2 year � 1 in both thinned and unthinned patches) midcanopy trees retained in a uniformly thinned matrix grew significantly more (8.0 cm 2 year � 1 ) than those in unthinned patches (5.4 cm 2 year � 1 ) for western hemlock and for western redcedar. Crown fullness and crown crowding affected the release of western hemlock in the thinned matrix. Initial tree size, relative age, local crowding and measures of crown size and vigor affected the release of western redcedar in the thinned matrix. Our results indicate that midcanopy western hemlock and western redcedar retain the ability to respond rapidly with increased growth when overstory competition is reduced and the magnitude of response is related to neighborhood variables (intracohort competition, overstory competition, and tree vigor), thus suggest that variable-density thinning can be an effective tool to create variability in the growth of midcanopy trees in young-growth stands. We expect that this rapid response will produce even greater variability over time.
Error Correction for Voice Grade Data Communication Using a Communication Processor

A general purpose communication processor is investigated as a vehicle for decoding two specific classes of cyclic codes having properties appropriate for voice grade data communication channels. First, a model of a processor is described, and then it is used in conjunction with two cost metrics to measure the complexity of programming the decoding functions. No special Galois field (GF) arithmetic instructions are used. For decoding both Bose-Chadhuri-Hocquenghem (BCH) and Fire codes, a method which allows the encoding program to be used in the initial steps of decoding is given and evaluated. The evaluation indicates that both encoding and decoding, for voice grade data communication facilities, can be done in contemporary communication processors with core storage in the 1000 word range and instruction cycles in the microsecond range. In addition, the results show how the cost metrics vary with parameters such as the block length, the number of errors or the burst length correctable, and the block error probability introduced by the channel. Other conclusions, such as the areas in which significant improvements are needed and in which hardware assist can improve performance are drawn from data giving the relative costs of the elements of the decoding process.
Stopping of earthquake ruptures at dilational fault jogs

Palaeoseismic studies over the past several years have indicated that segments of certain major faults tend to rupture at fairly regular intervals in characteristic earthquakes of about the same size1. This implies the presence of local structural controls which govern the nucleation and stopping of ruptures. Understanding rupture arrest is important, not only because it governs the size of characteristic earthquakes, but also because deceleration of ruptures results in the radiation of high-frequency energy leading to strong ground motion2. I show here that rapid opening of linking extensional fracture systems to allow passage of earthquake ruptures through dilational fault jogs in fluid-saturated crusts is opposed by transient suctional forces induced near the rupture tips3. Rupture arrest may then be followed by delayed slip transfer as fluid pressures re-equilibrate by diffusion.
THE EFFECT OF BOARD CLASSIFICATION IN THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY

Previous literature suggests that classified boards of directors could impact firm performance in the context of firm-specific characteristics. In continuation of this discussion, this study investigates the effect of classified boards on firm value in the restaurant industry. Even though classified boards can reduce firm value because of higher monitoring costs, existing literature argues that classified boards are devoted to protecting investors and shareholders against opportunistic bids, which in turn increases their debt financing capabilities. Data from U.S. restaurant firms was analyzed by Compustat and RiskMetrics from 2007–2011 to investigate whether classified boards impact firm value in the restaurant industry. Our results indicate that classified boards of directors lower the value destruction of restaurant firms in terms of cost of debt. That is, cost of debt is lower in classified board firms, thereby reducing their negative impact on firm value. The implications and limitation of this resea...
Explorations in Ethnobiology: The Legacy of Amadeo Rea

Review of Explorations in Ethnobiology: The Legacy of Amadeo Rea . Marsha Quinlan and Dana Lepofsky, eds. 2013. Society of Ethnobiology, Denton, TX. Pp. 310, color illustrations, maps, tables. $56.95 (paperback). ISBN 978‐0988733008.
First Report of Pythium schmitthenneri Causing Maize Seedling Blight in Iowa.

In spring 2012, maize farmers in southeast and south central Iowa reported stand losses due to pre- and post-emergence damping-off, and many of the fields had to be replanted. Symptoms of the disease included rotted seed, or brown, rotted, water-soaked mesocotyls and root tips. Maize seedlings with severe root and mesocotyl symptoms were yellow and wilted, stunted, or dead. The disease occurred approximately 2 weeks after cool, wet conditions. Symptomatic mesocotyls and roots were washed for 30 min, rinsed with sterile distilled water, and blotted dry on sterile paper towels. Isolation of the pathogen was performed by aseptically cutting 2- to 3-mm sections of tissue from the edge of a lesion, placing the segments under corn meal agar (CMA) containing pimaricin, ampicillin, rifampicin, and pentachloronitrobenzene (PARP), and incubating at 22°C in the dark. Colonies that developed were putatively identified as Pythium species based on morphological characteristics and cultural features when compared to pub...
Some implications of linear-quadratic-linear radiation dose-response with regard to hypofractionation

Recent technological advances enable radiation therapy to be delivered in a highly conformal manner to targets located almost anywhere in the body. This capability has renewed the clinical interest in hypofractionation wherein the tumor is delivered a few fractions of very large dose per fraction. Extrapolating clinical experience from conventional regimens to fractions of high dose is important to designing hypofractionated treatments. The concept of biologically effective dose (BED) based on the linear-quadratic (LQ) formulation e(-(alphaD+betaD2) is a useful tool for intercomparing conventional fractionations but may be hampered if the value of alpha/beta is dose range dependent and/or when extrapolating to fractions of high dose because the LQ curve bends continuously on the log-linear plot. This does not coincide with what is observed experimentally in many clonogenic cell survival studies at high dose wherein radiation dose-response relationships more closely approximate a straight line. Intercomparison of conventional fractionations with hypofractionated regimens may benefit from BED calculations which instead use a dose range independent linear-quadratic-linear (LQ-L) formulation which better fits the experimental data across a wider range of dose. The dosimetric implications of LQ-L are explored using a simple model which requires only the specification of a dose D(T) at which the LQ curve transitions to final linearity and the log(e) cell kill per Gy in the final linear portion of the survival curve at high dose. It is shown that the line tangent to the LQ curve at transition dose D(T) can often be used to approximate the final slope of the dose response curve. When D(T) = 2alpha/ beta Gy, the line tangent to the LQ curve at D(T) intersects the e(-alphaD) and e(-betaD2) curves at dose alpha/ beta Gy and also closely fits the linear response in the high dose region of some classic in vitro cell survival curves for which the value of alpha/beta is low. It is hypothesized that D(T) will increase as the magnitude of alpha/beta increases. Examples are presented illustrating how to recognize LQ-L behavior in multifraction isoeffect studies of late responses such as spinal cord and lung. When planning hypofractionated regimens involving reactions with low alpha/beta, recognizing LQ-L behavior could be important because the dose-response is likely to transition to final linearity within the contemplated range of hypofractional doses.
Tensor to scalar ratio of phantom dark energy models

We investigate the anisotropies in the cosmic microwave background in a class of models which possesses a positive cosmic energy density but negative pressure, with a constant equation of state $w=(p/\ensuremath{\rho})l\ensuremath{-}1.$ We calculate the temperature and polarization anisotropy spectra for both scalar and tensor perturbations by modifying the publicly available code CMBFAST. For a constant initial curvature perturbation or tensor normalization, we have calculated the final anisotropy spectra as a function of the dark energy density and equation of state w and of the scalar and tensor spectral indices. This allows us to calculate the dependence of the tensor-to-scalar ratio on w in a model with phantom dark energy, which may be important for interpreting any future detection of long-wavelength gravitational waves.
Effect of anharmonicity on diffusion jump rates

Rate theory is modified to take explicit account of anharmonicity. In general, the ''watershed'' saddle surface is curved rather than planar. Certain almost tangential trajectories then cut the saddle surface two or more times without intervening randomization. We calculate explicit saddle surfaces for model fcc crystals using potential-energy functions derived from Morse and Lennard-Jones pair potentials. The theory is developed to determine how the fraction of dynamical return jumps which occur in thermal equilibrium depends on the shape of the saddle surface. For models of Ag, Al, Ar, and Cu we determine that an upper limit of only about 5% of return jumps take place, even at temperatures near the melting temperatures, and still less occur at lower temperatures. The validity of the rate-theory approach is therefore established. The shape of the saddle surface also determines the isotope effect in diffusion. The anharmonic contribution to the isotope effect factor kappa does not exceed 2% of the harmonic part for any of the four substances, and the values calculated from the model results appear reasonable when compared with experimentally determined values for metals. The results presented here prepare the way for explicit Monte Carlo calculations of the jump frequency and ofmore » its precise dependence on state variables in model crystals.« less
Optimum depth for PV cooling ducts

A theoretical foundation is given for a previously-reported design rule for the geometry of PV cooling ducts. It is confirmed that the temperature rise of the face of the duct near its exit, and hence of the PV array in contact with it, is minimised when the ratio L/D of the duct length to its hydraulic depth is around 20. Choosing this proportion will minimise the loss of efficiency of the cells of the array, due to a raised operating temperature. It is further shown that the optimum proportion is practically independent of the slope of the array. A straightforward first-order analysis is employed, which might also be suitable for teaching purposes.
The clinical gerontologist.

: A major objective now and in the future should be that of maximizing health and well-being during our essentially fixed span of life. It is proposed that this objective be delegated to a new field of medicine, perhaps to be known as clinical gerontology — a combination of preventive medicine and geriatrics.
Rate of the reaction of atomic hydrogen with propyne over an extended pressure and temperature range

The technique of flash photolysis coupled with time resolved detection of H via resonance fluorescence has been used to obtain rate constants for the reaction of atomic hydrogen with propyne at temperatures from 215 to 460 K and at pressures in the range 5–600 torr. The rate constants are strongly pressure dependent and the high pressure limiting values give rise to the Arrhenius expression k= (6.00±1.20) ×10−11 exp(−2450±100/1.987 T) cm3 molecule−1⋅s−1. The results are discussed and compared with those of previous studies.
Direct Formation of Ge−C Bonds from GeO2

Germanium dioxide in the presence of 5% KOH reacted with dimethyl carbonate (DMC) at 250 degrees C to give (MeO)(4)Ge. The reaction of GeO(2) and DMC is similar to that reported for SiO(2); however, the rate of reaction for germanium is much higher than that of the corresponding silicon reaction. In a side-by-side experiment using SiO(2) and GeO(2) where the surface area of the silicon dioxide was 2 orders of magnitude higher than that of the GeO(2), the base-catalyzed reaction with DMC was about an order of magnitude higher for the germanium dioxide. When GeO(2) and 5% KOH were reacted with DMC at 350 degrees C, two products formed: (MeO)(4)Ge (70%) and MeGe(OMe)(3) (30%). Confirmation of the identity of MeGe(OMe)(3) was by GCMS, (1)H and (13)C NMR, and comparison to an authentic sample made by reaction of MeGeCl(3) with NaOMe. Experiments to determine the mechanism of the direct formation of Ge-C from GeO(2) ruled out participation from CO, H(2), or carbon. The KOH-catalyzed reaction of other metal oxides was explored including B(2)O(3), Ga(2)O(3), TiO(2), Sb(2)O(3), SnO(2), and SnO. Boron reacted to give unknown volatile products. Antimony reacted to give a solid which analyzed as Sb(OMe)(3). SnO reacted with DMC to give a mixture that included (MeO)(4)Sn and possibly Me(3)Sn(OMe).
Outcomes of viabil covered stent placement for treatment of hepaticojejunostomy strictures

Purpose Viabil ePTFE/FEP-covered biliary stents have shown excellent patency and reported migration rates of 0.3% based on early clinical studies in patients with malignant biliary strictures. Strictures at surgical hepaticojejunostomy sites present a particular challenge because of the short landing zone within the duct. The purpose of this study is to assess outcomes of Viabil stent placement for hepaticojejunostomy strictures. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed our records for Viabil stent placement procedures performed between Feb. 2006 and Sept. 2012 and included in this study patients who had undergone Viabil placement to treat hepaticojejunostomy strictures. The cause of stricture and follow-up clinical and radiographic data were collected. Results Of a total of 90 Viabil placement procedures in 88 patients, 13 patients underwent 14 interventions in which a Viabil stent was deployed across a hepaticojejunostomy for malignant (n=12) and benign (n=1) biliary strictures. The following sizes were used: 8×4 (n=5), 8×6 (n=6), 10×6 (n=4), 10×8 (n=1), and 10×10 (n=1) (mm diameter × cm length). One patient underwent stent placement in a double-barrel configuration, and another underwent stent placement in a Y configuration. During followup (mean 115 d, range 0-404 d), three stents (21% of placements), all 8x4 size, migrated: one on the day of placement and two detected 200 and 340 days later. There were no complications from stent passage. Three patients required reintervention for occluded 10 mm stents (21% of placements): One with benign stricture underwent stent removal (381 d), and two underwent biliary drain placement (137 and 155 d). One of the stent occlusion patients had Viabil stents placed in a Y configuration. Conclusion Viabil placement for hepaticojejunostomy strictures is technically feasible but is associated with higher rates of stent migration (21%) than described in the literature. As the migrated stents were only 4 cm long, use of longer fenestrated stents, with greater apposition to the hepatic ducts, may be helpful to avoid that complication.
From the diet to the nucleus: Vitamin A and TGF-β join efforts at the mucosal interface of the intestine

The vitamin A metabolites, including retinoic acid (RA), form ligands for retinoic acid-related nuclear receptors and together they play pleiotropic roles in various biological processes. Recently, we described that RA also functions as a key modulator of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta)-driven immune deviation, capable of suppressing the differentiation of interleukin-17 secreting T helper cells (T(H)17) and conversely promoting the generation of Foxp3(+) T regulatory (Treg) cells. This review will focus on the role of RA in the reciprocal TGF-beta-driven differentiation of T(H)17 and Treg and on the importance of such regulatory mechanism to control a functional immune system, in particular at the mucosal interface of the intestine.
Auto ignition synthesis and consolidation of Al2O3–ZrO2 nano/nano composite powders

An “Auto Ignition” technique was utilized in synthesizing Al2O3 –ZrO2 powders with nano/nano microstructure. The process used the corresponding nitrates as oxidizers and urea as the fuel. The as-synthesized powders were characterized by x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. It was observed that the microstructure consisted of crystallites of Al2O3 and ZrO2, both of which were nanocrystalline. As opposed to the other nanocomposite ceramics, this feature of the microstructure classifies the present powders as nano/nano type. This nanocrystallinity of the microstructure (crystallite size less than 100 nm) was maintained even after a soaking at 1200 °C for 2 h. Since the microstructure is stable at high temperatures, it was possible to densify the powders by hot isostatic pressing at 1200 °C. The product was 99% of the theoretical density and maintained nanocrystalline grain size. The average hardness and toughness values, as determined by an indentation technique, were 4.45 GPa and 8.38 MPa · m1/2, respectively. These values represent evidence of ductility in these composites since transformation toughening was ruled out in this case. The potential application of these results is expected to be in net shape deformation forming of ceramics.
Acute Medicine: Uncommon Problems and Challenges

Acute Medicine: Uncommon Problems and Challenges is an elegant summary of many less common, although potentially important, medical conditions and issues written concisely for rapid reference. The preface states that ‘‘this book is meant to be different,’’ and I think that it delivers on a couple of fronts. First, topics are arranged alphabetically in generally short bulleted monographs. Included along with the topics are medications, conditions, and problems that may be encountered in acute care. This is a reference work of differentials, with enough information to further evaluate or begin treatment. Discussions are minimal and generally include at least one good review literature reference. The contents read more like an index of all the topics covered or cross-referenced in the text. Second, interspersed throughout the text are some very amusing medical humor cartoons. I found the interspersed levity buried among discussion of serious medical issues a delightful contrast. I found this book very easy to read and in just a few hours managed to read through the topics covered. The intended use as quick place to look up a topic that helps begin or further direct clinical assessment and early management seems to have been accomplished. This book may be a very useful tool for rapid information, and reads easily and quickly once the desired topic is located. Students and residents on service, as well as physicians in need of some quick reminders, should find this valuable. An electronic version may prove even of more use with hyperlinking to additional information. doi:10.1111/j.1553-2712.2012.01373.x
Laminar location of cervical spinal neurons contributing to the crossed ascending pathways in the kitten.

Abstract Cervical neurons in the newborn kitten contributing to the crossed ascending spinal pathways have been identified by retrograde changes following unilateral interruption of the fibers of the spinal lemniscus at the level of the midbrain. Responses to axotomy in neonatal animals include both cellular loss and chromatolysis. The laminar and intralaminar location of reacting cells was determined from serial, parasagittal sections of the C5 spinal segment. Significant numbers of neurons responding to axonal injury were observed in all laminae with the exception of II and III, contralateral to the side of the midbrain lesion. Both large and small nerve cells were affected by the unilateral division of axons in the mesencephalon. These results confirm the widespread but nonrandom distribution of cervical level source cells of the contralateral spinal lemniscus for this species reported by other investigators utilizing alternative methods.
An experimental study of electronic factors in the dehydrogenation of ethanol on thin film ZnO

Abstract Electron transfer mechanisms involved in the adsorption and catalytic dehydrogenation of ethanol on thin-film zinc oxide were investigated. A primary objective was to measure changes in the electrical conductivity of the catalyst resulting from adsorption and surface reaction processes, and to study the effects of electrical fields in activity, selectivity and adsorptive capacity of the zinc oxide. At low temperatures ( 225 °C) the composite adsorbate layer, ethanol plus reaction products, also behaved as a donor. Individual components hydrogen, water, and ethylene adsorb as weak donors at 150 °C, while acetaldeyde adsorbs as a strong acceptor under such conditions. These results indicate that under reaction conditions the adsorbed layer consists primarily of ethanol and hydrogen product, the reaction step involving immediate desorption of acetaldehyde product. Field-effect experiments were conducted for temperatures from 100 to 250 °C. The activity and selectivity of the catalyst were not changed by external dc fields up to 104 V/cm, however strong effects of the field on the adsorptive capacity of the catalyst were observed for T ≥ 200 °C. These results indicate that the rate-limiting step is not affected by the surface concentration of free electrons and also suggests that the overall reaction rate is not limited by adsorption-desorption steps.
High Voltage TAL Erosion Characterization

Extended operation of a D-80 anode layer thruster at high voltage was investigated. The thruster was operated for 1200 hours at 700 Volts and 4 Amperes. Laser profilometry was employed to quantify the erosion of the thruster's graphite guard rings and electrodes at 0, 300, 600, 900, and 1200 hours. Thruster performance and electrical characteristics were monitored over the duration of the investigation. The guard rings exhibited asymmetric erosion that was greatest in the region of the cathode. Erosion of the guard rings exposed the magnet poles between 600 to 900 hours of operation.
Laparoscopic appendectomy: An unnecessary and expensive procedure in children?

Background/Purpose: Laparoscopic Appendectomy (LA) is a safe procedure in adults resulting in shorter hospitalization and sooner return to activity. The relative merits of LA and open appendectomy (OA) are evaluated in this first prospective and randomized study in children. Methods: A total of 129 children with appendicitis were included. Forty-three boys and 45 girls, age 1 to 16 years, were enrolled. Randomization was determined by sealed assignment card. OA utilized a 3- to 4-cm right lower quadrant, muscle-splitting incision. Wounds were closed without drains. Antibiotics, when used, consisted of gentamycin, clindamycin, and ampicillin. LA was performed by experienced surgeons utilizing a 3-trocar technique with reusable instruments. Twenty-one children (24%) were perforated. Patients were discharged as soon as they were taking a diet and afebrile. Statistical comparisons were by Fisher's Exact and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. Results: There were no differences in postoperative analgesia, resumption of oral intake, length of hospitalization, return to normal activities, or morbidity. Laparoscopic appendectomy was associated with longer operating times and increased cost. Conclusions: Laparoscopic appendectomy in children is not associated with the same advantages reported in adults. LA is a more expensive alternative and offers no advantages related to pain relief, length of stay, return to normal activities, or morbidity.
Sexual coercion among university students: A comparison of the United States and Sweden

Sociocultural theorists, including feminist theorists, propose that the prevalence of sexual coercion in a society is related to male dominance in the social structure and a culture that sustains it. Other theorists also propose that the prevalence of sexual coercion is directly related to the general level of violence in a society. Numerous studies support the views that women in Sweden have more institutional power and social benefits than do women in the United States, the double standard of sexuality is weaker in Sweden than in the United States, and levels of violent crime and types of interpersonal violence are lower in Sweden. In the research reported here, we examined factors associated with, and differences in, the prevalence of sexual coercion among a sample of students at a university in Sweden (N = 570) and one in the United States (N = 407). U.S. university students reported higher rates of both physical and nonphysical sexual coercion than did Swedish university students. These findings are ...
Ambulatory Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

The objective data for these simple observations are well established and include the traditional morbidities of ventilator-associated pneumonias, barotrauma as a consequence of positive pressure ventilation, the requirements of sedation and paralytics to facilitate permissive hypercapnea as a strategy to limit barotrauma, and the profound deconditioning of both respiratory and skeletal muscle because of “ventilated, bed-bound” care. Although the use of ambulatory ECMO is an extension of traditional extracorporeal technologies, it is more “goal
HIV-1 DNA in fibroblast cultures infected with urine from HIV-seropositive cytomegalovirus (CMV) excretors

Interactions between HIV-1 and CMV may be important in the pathogenesis of AIDS. We have studied whether active CMV infection alters the cell tropism of HIV-1 in dually-infected individuals. Urines from HIV-seropositive individuals excreting CMV were compared to urines from CMV non-excretors. Sixty-six urines from HIV-seropositive individuals were tested. Infectious HIV-1 was not detected in any of the concentrated urines tested. The urines were filtered, concentrated, DNase-treated and cultured on HIV-1 non-permissive human forestin fibroblasts. HIV-1 DNA was detected by PCR withpol gene primers in 5 of 39 MRHF cell cultures inoculated with CMV culture positive urine (p=0.037). HIV-1 DNA was not detected by PCR in uninfected fibroblasts, in fibroblasts inoculated with CMV uninfected urine from 27 HIV-seropositive patients or in fibroblasts cultured with 9 CMV culture positive urines from 16 HIV-seronegative renal transplant recipients. Supernatant fluid from an HIV-1 PCR-positive culture was passaged onto another fibroblast monolayer, and these cells were negative for HIV-1 DNA. Direct inoculation of fibroblasts with HIV-1 did not yield evidence of infection by PCR. CMV infection may facilitate HIV-1 DNA entry into ordinarily non-permissive cells.
Field independence and input grouping in free recall

High and low scorers on the Hidden Figures Test were compared on a free recall task that involved word triads having both an associative and a rhyming relationship. The words were presented either one at a time or in a simultaneous display, with the triad members either blocked or randomly arranged in the input sequence. Field independence had little effect on total recall, and any effect on organization seemed to favor field-dependent subjects.
Induced Neuronal Cells: How to Make and Define a Neuron

Cellular plasticity is a major focus of investigation in developmental biology. The recent discovery that induced neuronal (iN) cells can be generated from mouse and human fibroblasts by expression of defined transcription factors suggested that cell fate plasticity is much wider than previously anticipated. In this review, we summarize the most recent developments in this nascent field and suggest criteria to help define and categorize iN cells that take into account the complexity of neuronal identity.
What can (and can't) be measured in superconducting networks

Abstract The ability to fabricate nearly any planar superconducting network, and to vary the magnetic field applied to a network, makes them useful for studying ordering in a rich variety of systems. However, while the basic equations describing these networks are simple in appearance, it is difficult to calculate measurable quantities in all but a few cases. Three types of difficulties occur. Many quantities which are calculated, such as correlation functions, cannot be measured directly in networks. Some quantities which can be measured, such as temperature-dependent conductance, are often not calculated. Finally, some predicted quantities can be measured, but not in the limit (very close to a transition temperature, or with negligible current) for which they are calculated. This paper outlines these differences between theory and experiment in superconducting networks.
Indium-111 DTPA-Heparin: Radiolabeling, Pharmacokinetics, and Biodistribution Following Intravenous Administration in Rat and Rabbit

Heparin was coupled to DTPA using the bicyclic anhydride and labeled with Indium-111. This resulted in a radiochemically pure preparation (greater than 95% activity in one peak) as determined by high pressure liquid radiochromatography and did not affect the anticoagulant properties of heparin. Biodistribution in the rat at 1, 20, and 60 minutes after intravenous injection showed rapid blood clearance with uptake in the liver followed by bone and kidney when expressed as percent injected total dose per organ and liver followed by kidney and spleen when expressed as percent injected total dose per gram. Blood elimination in the rabbit was 18.5 minutes which decreased to 7.5 minutes when followed by the injection of protamine. Radioactivity cleared from the liver and lungs as a single exponential with a half-time of 30 minutes, but there was very rapid increase of radioactivity in the lungs, peaking at 1-2 minutes, following the injection of protamine. Indium-111 DTPA-heparin may be used to study in vivo pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of heparin.
The effect of metalloporphyrins and heme liposomes on δ-aminolevulinate synthase activity in rat liver

Abstract Heme administration causes inhibition of δ-aminolevulinate synthase (ALAS), best tested in the allylisopropylacetamide (AIA)-treated rat, a model for hepatic porphyrias. Because heme suspended in aqueous media (for injection) is unstable and has adverse effects on coagulation, alternate therapeutic modalities are being explored. The present study tries to answer two questions: 1) are any heme analogs as effective inhibitors of ALAS as heme is; and 2) does heme administration in the form of liposomes increase its effectiveness? None of the liposome compositions tested, even if containing lactosylceramide for preferential hepatocyte uptake, was more effective in inhibiting AIA-induced ALAS activity than heme in buffer. As for the function of the heme analogs, although deuteroheme and heme dimethyl ester proved ineffective, mesoheme and cobalt protoporphyrin were nearly as effective as heme itself, indicating that both hydrophobic side chains in positions 2 and 4 and free propionate groups at 6 and 7 are essential for ALAS inhibition, as is the presence of a central cobalt or iron atom.
The wettability of n-octadecylamine, n-octadecyl alcohol and n-octadecanoic acid films adsorbed on thermally treated metal oxide surfaces

Abstract A study was made of the wettability of films of normal C 18 amine, acid, and alcohol isolated on various polished metal surfaces by retraction from appropriate solutions. The metals had been heated just previously at selected temperatures up to 300°C. The films were formed at 25°C. The octadecylamine films showed a decrease in molecular packing in the monolayer with progressive thermal treatment of the substrate up to 200°C. Above 200°C, however, packing of the amine molecule appeared to increase with pretreatment temperature. From anhydrous solution neither the alcohol nor the acid formed close-packed monolayers on iron or steel. On the other hand, when the metal substrates were heavily hydrated and the adsorbate solution was saturated with water, the acid initially formed close-packed monolayers followed at long adsorption times by the appearance of microscopic particles on the surface.