cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Removal of Refractory Organics by Aeration. VIII. Air Stripping of Benzene Derivatives

Abstract The removal of several benzene derivatives from water was carried out by bubble column aeration. The presence of NaCl enhanced removal rates, while the presence of alcohols decreased them. Mixtures of two hydrophobic solutes are removed by aeration as if each were present alone. The use of the equilibrium assumption for mass transport between phases seems to be reasonably (but not perfectly) satisfactory. Henry's law constants calculated from aeration data are in fairly good agreement with those calculated from vapor pressure and solubility data. Toluene, ethylbenzene, p-xylene, chlorobenzene, p-dichlorobenzene, styrene, benzene, and 3-pentanone were studied. As predicted, the ketone is not removed by aeration at a significant rate. Removal rates of the other compounds are reasonably rapid, with Henry's law constants in the range of roughly 0.1 to 0.3 (dimensionless).
Surface electromyogram signal modelling.

The paper reviews the fundamental components of stochastic and motorunit-based models of the surface electromyogram (SEMG). Stochastic models used in ergonomics and kinesiology consider the SEMG to be a stochastic process whose amplitude is related to the level of muscle activation and whose power spectral density reflects muscle conduction velocity. Motor-unit-based models for describing the spatio-temporal distribution of individual motor-unit action potentials throughout the limb are quite robust, making it possible to extract precise information about motor-unit architecture from SEMG signals recorded by multi-electrode arrays. Motor-unit-based models have not yet been proven as successful, however, for extracting information about recruitment and firing rates throughout the full range of contraction. The relationship between SEMG and force during natural dynamic movements is much too complex to model in terms of single motor units.
Design, construction and characterization of a set of insulated bacterial promoters

We have generated a series of variable-strength, constitutive, bacterial promoters that act predictably in different sequence contexts, span two orders of magnitude in strength and contain convenient sites for cloning and the introduction of downstream open-reading frames. Importantly, their design insulates these promoters from the stimulatory or repressive effects of many 5 0 -o r 3 0 -sequence elements. We show that different promoters from our library produce constant relative levels of two different proteins in multiple genetic contexts. This set of promoters should be a useful resource for the synthetic-biology community.
Assessing disease disclosure in adults with cystic fibrosis: the Adult Data for Understanding Lifestyle and Transitions (ADULT) survey Disclosure of disease in adults with cystic fibrosis

As more patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) reach adulthood and participate in age-appropriate activities (e.g. employment, dating), disclosure of medical status becomes more important. This study assessed rates of disclosure and its perceived impact on relationships using the Adult Data for Understanding Lifestyle and Transitions (ADULT) online survey. Adults with CF participated in the survey via the United States national network of CF Centers. Descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized. Participants (n = 865) were more likely to disclose to relatives (94%) and close friends (81%) than to dating partners (73%), bosses/supervisors/teachers (51%) or co-workers (39%). Respondents generally reported a neutral/positive effect on relationships following disclosure. Negative effects of disclosure were infrequent, but more likely with dating partners or bosses/supervisors/teachers. Results also indicated that disclosure may be influenced by severity of lung disease and gender, with those having normal/mild lung disease less likely to disclose their diagnosis to both co-workers (p < 0.01) and bosses/supervisors/teachers (p < 0.01), and women being more likely to disclose to close friends (p < 0.0001) and dating partners (p < 0.05) than men. Most adults with CF disclosed their disease to relatives and close friends. Individuals with severe CF lung disease were more likely to disclose their diagnosis to coworkers and supervisors/teachers. It may be helpful to provide support for disclosure of disease in situations such as employment and dating.
Incorporating vanishing-point geometry in building extraction techniques

Knowledge about the imaging geometry and acquisition parameters provides useful geometric constraints for the analysis and extraction of man-made features in aerial imagery, particularly in oblique views. In this paper, we discuss the application of vanishing points for the identification of vertical and horizontal lines, and the use of multiple views for verification of these lines. The vertical and horizontal attributions are used to constrain the set of possible building hypotheses. Preliminary results exploiting these attributions are described.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The crystal and molecular sturcture of cyclopentadienyliron dicorbnyl isothiocyanate

Abstract The crystal structure of (η5-C5H5)Fe(CO)2NCS has been determined by single crystal X-ray methods. The title compound has a monoclinic unit cell with a 6.400(6), b 7.907(4), c 9.115(8) A and γ 91.48(8)° containing two formula units. The space group is P2 1 m and the calculated density is 1.69g cm-3. The structure was refined by least-squares methods to a conventional R index of 0.10 using multiple-film equi-inclination Weissenberg data. The FeNCS fragment is essentially linear and the FeNCS and FeCO linkages are approximately orthogonal. The shortest non-bonded Fe…S interaction is 4.52(1) A.
Epigenetic Changes Coincide with in Vitro Primate GnRH Neuronal Maturation

Cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying pulsatile GnRH release are not well understood. In the present study, we examined the developmental changes in intracellular calcium dynamics, peptide release, gene expression, and DNA methylation in cultured GnRH neurons derived from the nasal placode of rhesus monkeys. We found that GnRH neurons were functionally immature, exhibiting little fluctuation in intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) and sparse pulses of GnRH peptide release in the first 12 d in vitro (div). By 14-18 div, GnRH neurons exhibited periodic [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations, synchronizing at approximately 60-min intervals and GnRH pulses occurred at approximately 60-min intervals. Interestingly, the total GnRH peptide release further increased after 18 div. Measurement of GnRH mRNA and gene CpG methylation status at 0, 14, and 20 div indicated that mRNA levels significantly (P < 0.05) increased between 14 and 20 div, just as maximal decapeptide release was observed. By bisulfite sequencing across a 5' CpG island of the GnRH gene, we further found that methylation at eight of 14 CpG sites significantly (P < 0.05) decreased between 0 and 20 div. These data indicate that epigenetic differentiation occurs during GnRH neuronal development and suggest that increased GnRH gene expression and decreased CpG methylation status are molecular phenotypes of mature GnRH neurons. To our knowledge, this is the first report that developmental DNA demethylation occurs in postmitotic neurons toward a stable neuronal phenotype.
Asymptotic efficiency and admission control for discrete communication networks

The problem of reducing the effects of traffic uncertainties on the efficiency of digital communication networks is considered. The emphasis is on maximizing the efficiency of high capacity communication networks, subject to traffic uncertainties with unmodeled statistics. The note concentrates on the optimal selection of the data admitted into the network.
Phosphine-Induced Oxidative Stress in Hepa 1c1c7 Cells

Abstract Phosphine (PH3), from hydrolysis of metal phosphides, is an important insecticide (aluminum phosphide) and rodenticide (zinc phosphide) and is considered genotoxic and cytotoxic in mammals. This study tests the hypothesis that PH3-induced genotoxicity and cytotoxicity are associated with oxidative stress by examining liver (Hepa 1c1c7) cells for possible relationships among cell death, increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation, and elevated 8-hydroxyguanine (8-OH-Gua) in DNA. PH3was generated from 0.5 mM magnesium phosphide (Mg3P2) to give 1 mM PH3as the nominal and maximal concentration. This level causes 31% cell death at 6 h, measured by lactate dehydrogenase leakage, with appropriate dependence on concentration and time. The intracellular ROS level is elevated within 0.5 h following exposure to PH3, peaking at 235% of the control by about 1 h. Lipid peroxidation (measured as malondialdehyde plus 4-hydroxyalkenals) is increased up to 504% by PH3at 6 h in a time-dependent manner. The level of 8-OH-Gua in DNA, a biomarker of mutagenic oxidative DNA damage analyzed by GC/MS, increases to 259% at 6 h after PH3treatment. Antioxidants significantly attenuate the PH3-induced ROS formation, lipid peroxidation, 8-OH-Gua formation in DNA, and cell death, with the general order for effectiveness of GSH (5 mM) and d -mannitol (10 mM) (hydroxyl radical scavengers), then Tempol (2.5 mM) and sodium azide (3 mM) (superoxide anion and singlet oxygen scavengers, respectively). These studies support the hypothesis that PH3-induced mutagenic and cytotoxic effects are due to increased ROS levels, probably hydroxyl radicals, initiating oxidative damage.
The first photocrystallographic evidence for light-induced metastable linkage isomers of ruthenium sulfur dioxide complexes

Light-induced metastable linkage isomers of trans-[Ru(NH(3))(4)Cl(SO(2))]Cl and trans-[Ru(NH(3))(4)(H(2)O)(SO(2))](C(6)H(5)SO(3))(2) have been identified for the first time using photocrystallographic methods. In both linkage isomers the SO(2) ligand is side bound, but the Ru-O and Ru-S distances are considerably longer and almost equal in the trans-H(2)O isomer. DFT calculations confirm that both isomers correspond to minima on the ground-state potential energy surface and also predict the existence of a second oxygen-bound isomer for both compounds. The decay of the light-induced species has been studied by both DSC and IR. Activation energies for the thermal back-reaction, as derived from the temperature-dependent disappearance of light-induced IR bands, are 50.0 and 58.4 kJ/mol for the two isomers, which is larger than the corresponding numbers for photoinduced side-bound nitrosyl linkage isomers.
Quantification of the cytoplasmic spaces of living cells with EGFP reveals arrestin-EGFP to be in disequilibrium in dark adapted rod photoreceptors.

The hypothesis is tested that enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) can be used to quantify the aqueous spaces of living cells, using as a model transgenic Xenopus rods. Consistent with the hypothesis, regions of rods having structures that exclude EGFP, such as the mitochondrialrich ellipsoid and the outer segments, have highly reduced EGFP fluorescence. Over a 300-fold range of expression the average EGFP concentration in the outer segment was approximately half that in the most intensely fluorescent regions of the inner segment, in quantitative agreement with prior X-ray diffraction estimates of outer segment cytoplasmic volume. In contrast, the fluorescence of soluble arrestin-EGFP fusion protein in the dark adapted rod outer segment was approximately threefold lower than predicted by the EGFP distribution, establishing that the fusion protein is not equilibrated with the cytoplasm. Arrestin-EGFP mass was conserved during a large-scale, light-driven redistribution in which ~40% of the protein in the inner segment moved to the outer segment in less than 30 minutes. Summary
Pre-existing Tolerance Shapes the Outcome of Mucosal Allergen Sensitization in a Murine Model of Asthma

Recent published studies have highlighted the complexity of the immune response to allergens, and the various asthma phenotypes that arise as a result. Although the interplay of regulatory and effector immune cells responding to allergen would seem to dictate the nature of the asthmatic response, little is known regarding how tolerance versus reactivity to allergen occurs in the lung. The vast majority of mouse models study allergen encounter in naive animals, and therefore exclude the possibility that previous encounters with allergen may influence future sensitization. To address this, we studied sensitization to the model allergen OVA in mice in the context of pre-existing tolerance to OVA. Allergen sensitization by either systemic administration of OVA with aluminum hydroxide or mucosal administration of OVA with low-dose LPS was suppressed in tolerized animals. However, higher doses of LPS induced a mixed Th2 and Th17 response to OVA in both naive and tolerized mice. Of interest, tolerized mice had more pronounced Th17-type inflammation than did naive mice receiving the same sensitization, suggesting pre-existing tolerance altered the inflammatory phenotype. These data show that a pre-existing tolerogenic immune response to allergen can affect subsequent sensitization in the lung. These findings have potential significance for understanding late-onset disease in individuals with severe asthma.
Network Protocol Designs: Fast Queuing Policies via Convex Relaxation

With the recent rise of mobile and multimedia applications, other considerations such as power consumption and/or Quality of Service (QoS) are becoming increasingly important factors in designing network protocols. As such, we present a new framework for designing robust network protocols under varying network conditions that attempts to integrate various given objectives while satisfying some pre-specified levels of Quality of Service. The proposed framework abstracts a network protocol as a queuing policy, and relies on convex relaxation methods and the theory of mixing time for finding the fast queuing policies that drive the distribution of packets in a queue to a given target stationary distribution. In addition, we show how to augment the basic proposed framework to obtain a queuing policy that produces e-approximation to the target distribution with faster convergence time which is useful in fast-changing network conditions. Both theoretical and simulation results are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed framework.
Evaluations of Attachment Relationships by Jewish Israeli-Day-Care Providers

Israeli day-care providers (N = 109) viewed one 20-minute videotape of a mother and infant interacting in the Strange Situation. After viewing the videotape, subjects completed a questionnaire that included items related to the labeling and evaluation of infant behavior in the Strange Situation. In addition, subjects were asked to rank order eight definitions-descriptions of the eight subcategories comprising the traditional categorical system on how well they described the infant in the videotape. On 12 of the 16 labeling and evaluation items, groups were significantly differentiated, with most differences in the expected direction. Sixty-one percent of the care providers ranked the correct classification as their first or second choice, and 82% of the care providers who did not rank the correct definition in first or second place classified the infant in a conceptually adjacent category. These Israeli care providers preferred to interact with B2 infants and liked the C1 infants least, suggesting approva...
The Competitive Market Efficiency of Hotel Brands: An Application of Data Envelopment Analysis:

The objective of this article is to illustrate how managers in the hotel industry can analyze and improve their brands’market efficiency using data envelopment analysis (DEA). The authors evaluated...
Forest carbon storage in the northeastern United States: Net effects of harvesting frequency, post-harvest retention, and wood products

Abstract Temperate forests are an important carbon sink, yet there is debate regarding the net effect of forest management practices on carbon storage. Few studies have investigated the effects of different silvicultural systems on forest carbon stocks, and the relative strength of in situ forest carbon versus wood products pools remains in question. Our research describes (1) the impact of harvesting frequency and proportion of post-harvest structural retention on carbon storage in northern hardwood-conifer forests, and (2) tests the significance of including harvested wood products in carbon accounting at the stand scale. We stratified Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) plots to control for environmental, forest structural and compositional variables, resulting in 32 FIA plots distributed throughout the northeastern U.S. We used the USDA Forest Service's Forest Vegetation Simulator to project stand development over a 160 year period under nine different forest management scenarios. Simulated treatments represented a gradient of increasing structural retention and decreasing harvesting frequencies, including a “no harvest” scenario. The simulations incorporated carbon flux between aboveground forest biomass (dead and live pools) and harvested wood products. Mean carbon storage over the simulation period was calculated for each silvicultural scenario. We investigated tradeoffs among scenarios using a factorial treatment design and two-way ANOVA. Mean carbon sequestration was significantly (α = 0.05) greater for “no management” compared to any of the active management scenarios. Of the harvest treatments, those favoring high levels of structural retention and decreased harvesting frequency stored the greatest amounts of carbon. Classification and regression tree analysis showed that management scenario was the strongest predictor of total carbon storage, though site-specific variables were important secondary predictors. In order to isolate the effect of in situ forest carbon storage and harvested wood products, we did not include the emissions benefits associated with substituting wood fiber for other construction materials or energy sources. Modeling results from this study show that harvesting frequency and structural retention significantly affect mean carbon storage. Our results illustrate the importance of both post-harvest forest structure and harvesting frequency in carbon storage, and are valuable to land owners interested in managing forests for carbon sequestration.
Colonoscopy by a Family Physician: A Case Series Demonstrating Health Care Savings

ABSTRACT Army community hospitals (ACHs) without gastroenterologists require civilian referrals for colonoscopy. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a colonoscopy-trained, military family physician (FP) saved health care dollars at an ACH by decreasing outside referrals. We present a chart review of all 182 colonoscopies performed by a FP at an ACH from September 2003 to May 2005. The total facility cost was determined using the cost of personnel, lost clinic hours, equipment, supplies, medications, continuing medical education, missed diagnoses, procedure complications, and need for additional studies. The potential referral cost was determined using local civilian colonoscopy billing codes and TRICARE reimbursement rates for 2004. The total facility cost was $53,517.14 ($294.05 per colonoscopy). The total referral cost would have been $156,197.60 ($858.23 per colonoscopy). Using a FP saved the hospital $102,680.46 ($564.18 per colonoscopy). A colonoscopy-trained FP saved significant healt...
Methods for measuring glycogen cycling

Simultaneous synthesis and breakdown of glycogen is called glycogen cycling. The extent of hyperglycemia and decreased glycogen stores in diabetes mellitus may relate in part to the extent cycling ...
Realization of a tiled-grating compressor for the OMEGA EP Petawatt Laser System

Eight tiled-grating assemblies (TGApsilas) have been developed for the OMEGA EP Petawatt laser system. The methods and results for tiling individual TGApsilas and for optimizing the overall tiling performance of the compressors will be described.
Quantitative Analysis of the Speed of Snakes as a Function of Peg Spacing

1. The speed of snakes moving by lateral undulation was measured on a smooth board studded with equally spaced pegs arranged in a hexagonal pattern. 2. For some snakes speed was drastically reduced (by as much as 50%) as the ratio of body length to peg spacing was reduced from values as high as twelve to values near or below three. 3. Speed is also influenced by the relative orientation of the pegs contacted by the moving snake. 4. Snakes which can sidewind use this ability to maintain a constant speed when the number of contact points available is insufficient for continuous lateral undulation.
Confidentiality in Crisis Counseling: A Philosophical Perspective.

Crisis interventionists frequently confront a moral dilemma when violating client trust seems necessary if self-destructive behavior is to be prevented. Two fundamental moral values conflict in such cases: concern for client welfare and respect for client rights and autonomy. Each of these values is grounded in one of two important Western ethical traditions: Utilitarianism and Kantian Formalism, respectively. Following critical examination of each of these theories, attention is given to a series of hypothetical cases involving the confidentiality dilemma.
Acute CT perfusion changes in seizure patients presenting to the emergency department with stroke-like symptoms: correlation with clinical and electroencephalography findings☆

Aim To determine acute computed tomography perfusion (CTP) changes in seizure patients presenting with stroke-like symptoms and to correlate those changes with clinical presentation and electroencephalography (EEG). Materials and methods The medical records of all patients who presented to the emergency department with acute stroke-like symptoms and underwent CTP ( n =1085) over a 5.5-year period were reviewed. Patients were included who had primary seizure as the final diagnosis, and underwent CTP within 3 hours of symptom onset. A subset of patients had a follow-up EEG within 7 days. The perfusion changes and EEG findings were compared between different clinical presentations. Results Eighteen of 1085 patients (1.7%) who underwent CTP following an acute stroke-like presentation were included. The abnormality on CTP was usually focal, unilateral hyperperfusion — increased relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and volume (rCBV) ( n =14/18), which most often affected the temporal lobe. Those patients who presented with a motor or speech deficit ( n =12) had a higher temporal lobe rCBV, and rCBF, and lower relative mean transit time (rMTT) compared to those with non-focal neurological deficit at presentation. Early EEG was available in 13 patients; a sharp-spike epileptiform EEG discharge pattern ( n= 5) was associated with higher temporal lobe ipsilateral rCBF and rCBV, and lower rMTT on admission CTP examination. Conclusion Seizure patients who present with a unilateral motor or speech deficit most commonly have contralateral hyperperfusion in the corresponding eloquent brain regions on the acute-stage CTP examination. In such patients, epileptiform discharges on the early follow-up EEG are associated with ipsilateral hyperperfusion on the admission CTP.
Stress-induced outer membrane vesicle production by Pseudomonas aeruginosa

As an opportunistic Gram-negative pathogen, Pseudomonas aeruginosa must be able to adapt and survive changes and stressors in its environment during the course of infection. To aid survival in the hostile host environment, P. aeruginosa has evolved defense mechanisms, including the production of an exopolysaccharide capsule and the secretion of a myriad of degradative proteases and lipases. The production of outer membrane-derived vesicles (OMVs) serves as a secretion mechanism for virulence factors as well as a general bacterial response to envelope-acting stressors. This study investigated the effect of sublethal physiological stressors on OMV production by P. aeruginosa and whether the Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS) and the MucD periplasmic protease are critical mechanistic factors in this response. Exposure to some environmental stressors was determined to increase the level of OMV production as well as the activity of AlgU, the sigma factor that controls MucD expression. Overexpression of AlgU was shown to be sufficient to induce OMV production; however, stress-induced OMV production was not dependent on activation of AlgU, since stress caused increased vesiculation in strains lacking algU. We further determined that MucD levels were not an indicator of OMV production under acute stress, and PQS was not required for OMV production under stress or unstressed conditions. Finally, an investigation of the response of P. aeruginosa to oxidative stress revealed that peroxide-induced OMV production requires the presence of B-band but not A-band lipopolysaccharide. Together, these results demonstrate that distinct mechanisms exist for stress-induced OMV production in P. aeruginosa.
Easily Regenerable Solid Adsorbents Based on Polyamines for Carbon Dioxide Capture from the Air

Adsorbents prepared easily by impregnation of fumed silica with polyethylenimine (PEI) are promising candidates for the capture of CO2 directly from the air. These inexpensive adsorbents have high CO2 adsorption capacity at ambient temperature and can be regenerated in repeated cycles under mild conditions. Despite the very low CO2 concentration, they are able to scrub efficiently all CO2 out of the air in the initial hours of the experiments. The influence of parameters such as PEI loading, adsorption and desorption temperature, particle size, and PEI molecular weight on the adsorption behavior were investigated. The mild regeneration temperatures required could allow the use of waste heat available in many industrial processes as well as solar heat. CO2 adsorption from the air has a number of applications. Removal of CO2 from a closed environment, such as a submarine or space vehicles, is essential for life support. The supply of CO2-free air is also critical for alkaline fuel cells and batteries. Direct air capture of CO2 could also help mitigate the rising concerns about atmospheric CO2 concentration and associated climatic changes, while, at the same time, provide the first step for an anthropogenic carbon cycle.
Clustering of Contact Zones, Hybrid Zones, and Phylogeographic Breaks in North America

Abstract: A recent test for the existence of suture zones in North America, based on hybrid zones studied since 1970, found support for only two of the 13 suture zones identified by Remington in 1968 (Swenson and Howard 2004). One limitation of that recent study was the relatively small number of hybrid zones available for mapping. In this study, we search for evidence of clustering of contact zones between closely related taxa using data not only from hybrid zones but from species range maps of trees, birds, and mammals and from the position of phylogeographic breaks within species. Digital geographic range maps and a geographic information system approach allowed for accurate and rapid mapping of distributional data. Areas of contact between closely related species and phylogeographic breaks within species clustered into areas characterized by common physiographic features or predicted by previously hypothesized glacial refugia. The results underscore the general importance of geographic barriers to dis...
Does Productivity in the Formal Food Sector Drive Human Ebola Infections in Sub-Saharan Africa?

As the hunting, butchering, processing, and consumption of bushmeat is a potential source of human Ebola virus infections, the extent to which bushmeat is a substitute for food produced in the formal market sector suggests that the relative price of formal non-bushmeat food could matter for the incidence of human Ebola virus infections. This paper considers if productivity in the formal food sector is a driver of human Ebola virus infections in Sub-Saharan Africa. We estimate count data specifications of country level human Ebola virus infections as a function of food sector productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa over the 1976-2013 time period. Our parameter estimates suggest that if productivity in the formal food sector was on average 1 percent higher over the 1976-2013 time period, the incidence of human EV infection would have been 42.5 percent lower. This is consistent with bushmeat being a substitute for non-bushmeat, as food productivity increases lower the price of non-bushmeat relative to bushmeat. Our findings suggest that productivity in the formal food sector is a driver of human EV infections in Sub-Saharan Africa as increases in food productivity have a favorable and dramatic effect on reducing the incidence of human EV infection.
Inside the spiral of dysfunction: The personal consequences of working for a dysfunctional leader

Dysfunctional leaders suffocate others with coercive power and ego, are unpredictable, and often lack self-awareness about their dysfunction. Dysfunctional leaders are incredibly difficult to work with and can cause a series of cascading personal consequences for employees who work with them. This Perspectives in Human Resource Development essay details a proposed spiral of dysfunction as well as practical strategies for overcoming the wounds of working underneath a dysfunctional leader. Strategies include personal boundary setting, knowing emotional triggers, and building social support, among others.
Surface Charging and Trion Dynamics in CdSe-Based Core/Shell Quantum Dots

Static and time-resolved fluorescence and high- and low-power transient absorption results on CdSe/CdS and CdSe/ZnSe core/shell particles are presented. Three CdS shell thicknesses were examined, and all of the particles had either octadecylamine (ODA) and tributylphosphine (TBP) or just ODA ligands. The results can be understood in terms of a mechanism in which there is a thermal equilibrium between electrons being in the valence band or in chalcogenide localized surface states. Thermal promotion of a valence band electron to a surface state leaves the particle core positively charged. Photon absorption when the particle is in this state results in two valence band holes and a conduction band electron—a positive trion. The trion can undergo a fast Auger recombination, making the particle nonluminescent. A lack of TBP ligands results in more empty surface orbitals and therefore shifts the equilibrium toward surface trapped electrons and hence trion formation. Low- and high-power transient absorption measu...
The Russian Decision Process Governing Trade

Trade between the U.S.S.R. and the United States may increase sharply in the next decade. Therefore, U.S. companies must understand Russian decision-making policies on trade to participate fully in the substantial trade expansion anticipated. The authors examine the formal and informal trade decision-making structure in the U.S.S.R. and offer alternative approaches to trade negotiations with the Russians.
Synthesis, characterization, and spectroscopic characteristics of chromium(6+) and -(4+) silicalite-2 (ZSM-11) materials.

The systematic incorporation of Cr ions into a phase-pure silicalite-2 lattice was accomplished through hydrothermal synthesis using 3,5-dimethylpiperidinium as a templating agent. The Cr ions, after calcination to remove the template, were in the 6+ oxidation state, with their incorporation into the lattice verified by the systematic expansion of the unit cell as a function of Cr loading. The structures of these materials as revealed by electronic spectroscopy and X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) were consistent with the dioxo structure typically exhibited by Cr6+ in an amorphous silica matrix. These materials were highly luminescent, with the emission spectra showing an unusually well-resolved vibronic structure characteristic of an emissive site with little inhomogeneous broadening. The site was reduced under flowing CO to Cr4+, as characterized by XANES. The reduction of Cr from 6+ to 4+ resulted in unit-cell volumes that are systematically smaller than those observed with Cr6+, even th...
Using Native Chromatin Immunoprecipitation to Interrogate Histone Variant Protein Deposition in Embryonic Stem Cells

Chromatin immunoprecipitation combined with massive parallel sequencing (ChIP-Seq) is a powerful epigenetics technique for interrogating the genome-wide localization of histone modifications, histone variants, and other chromatin-associating factors. In brief, chromatin pellets are fractionated from the nuclei, and then fragmented by enzymatic digestion or sonication. Chromatin regions associated with proteins of interest are enriched by immunoprecipitation with specific antibodies. After the immunoprecipitation, DNA fragments are extracted, amplified during sequencing library construction, and sequenced by high-throughput sequencing. Here, we describe the native chromatin immunoprecipitation of a rare histone variant, H2A.X, followed by high-throughput sequencing, in mouse embryonic stem cells.
Improved recovery of cardiac function after hypothermic ischemic storage with ouabain.

We investigated the hypothesis that ouabain would reduce energy expenditure in the hypothermic, ischemic heart by inhibiting membrane-bound sodium/potassium-activated adenosine triphosphatase and lead to improved function on reperfusion. Additionally, we compared ouabain with another potential adjunct, the calcium channel blocker verapamil. The isolated rabbit heart was used as a model, and three experimental groups were studied after 1, 6, 12, and 24 hours of 4° C ischemia. Hearts in group I were stored in a standard high potassium solution; hearts in groups II and III were stored in the same solution supplemented with verapamil (2 mg/L) and ouabain (3 mg/L), respectively. After ischemia, all hearts were reperfused for 45 minutes on a modified Langendorff apparatus, and left ventricular function was measured before freeze-clamping the heart for metabolite determination. At 1 and 6 hours, hearts in all groups functioned well, but the group HI hearts had higher levels of adenosine triphosphate, phosphocreatine, total adenine nucleotides, and glycogen. After 12 hours of ischemia, function was significantly better in group Hi hearts (p
Fibrodysplasia (Myositis) Ossificans Progressiva

Abstract Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare and illustrative genetic disorder in which bone forms episodically in soft connective tissues during childhood and throughout adult life, often in response to injury. The extraskeletal bone in FOP develops through endochondral ossification and is caused by activating mutations in ACVR1, the gene encoding the ALK2 BMP type I receptor, that enhance activation of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway. The identification of the causative gene in FOP, together with the development of animal models for heterotopic ossification and FOP, have stimulated rapid advances in understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of bone formation and the pathological induction of heterotopic ossification. This knowledge leads to the development of novel therapeutic approaches to inhibit BMP signaling and heterotopic ossification.
Manganese-oxide solids as water-oxidation electrocatalysts: The effect of intercalating cations

Author(s): Tao, L; Stich, TA; Jaccard, H; Britt, RD; Casey, WH | Abstract: A set of birnessite-type manganese oxides with both monovalent alkaline cations (Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+ or Cs+) and divalent alkaline- earth cations (Ca2+ or Mg2+) has been synthesized using electrolytic deposition methods. X-ray diffraction gives typical birnessite-type patterns, with diffraction peaks at 2θ = ∼12.01° and 24.7° assigned to (001) and (002) planes. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectra suggest differences in the stability of Mn(III) species in manganese-oxide layer, which is more stable in birnessite samples with divalent cations than samples with monovalent cations. The activity of samples for an anodic O2-evolution reaction is considerably affected by electrostatic potential and Lewis acidity of the monovalent cation, following the sequence of Li+ g Na+ g K+ g Rb+ g Cs+. While for samples with intercalating divalent alkaline-earth cations, there was slightly lower activity for O2 evolution, which may be correlated to different stability of Mn(III) species in the birnessite layers. In addition, we observed much higher O2-evolution activity at an overpotential of ca. 220 - 230 mV if the samples were heat-treated between 300 - 500 °C once they were electrolytically deposited as LiMnOx films. Clearly dry heating causes changes in both the crystalline structure and electronic structure of manganese-oxide layers, as indicated by associated changes in water-oxidation activity.
Structural and Functional Coupling between BK Channels and NMDA Receptors

The large-conductance, calcium-activated potassium (BK) channel is dually activated by voltage and Ca2+ and thus well positioned as negative feedback regulators of membrane potential and intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i). Because of their high thresholds to Ca2+ and voltage for channel activation, most native BK channels are thought to co-localize with Ca2+-permeable channels to sense the high levels of [Ca2+]i around the open pore of Ca2+ channels. Although the co-localization of BK channels to CaV (voltage-gated Ca2+) channels has been well established, little is known about the involvement of other Ca2+-permeable channels in direct association with and activation of BK channels. N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are ligand-gated and voltage-dependent Ca2+-permeable cation channels whose opening requires coincident glutamate binding and membrane depolarization. Isaacson and Murphy in 2001 (Neuron, 31: 1027-34) reported that NMDARs were functionally coupled to BK channels at extrasynaptic sites of rat olfactory bulb granule cells. Our proteomic analyses of NMDARs and BK channels revisited the concept of BK-NMDAR coupling. By immuno-purification and subsequent mass spectrometric and/or immunoblot analyses of NMDARs and BK channels from rat brain tissues, we identified the presence of BK-NMDAR protein complexes in whole brain and various brain regions, consisting of the obligatory BKα and GluN1 subunits and at least the regulatory GluN2A and GluN2B subunits. In a heterologous expression system (HEK-293 cells), BK channels specifically interacted with GluN1 likely via their transmembrane domains and were robustly activated by NMDAR-mediated Ca2+ influx at even negative voltages (e.g., −40 mV) in the presence of EGTA, suggesting a likely direct association between these two ion channels. We anticipate that the structural and functional coupling between BK channels and NMDARs, like the well-known BK-CaV coupling, should have broad impact on neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission.
Pine Wood Extracted Activated Carbon through Self-Activation Process for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Battery

Self-activation is an ecological friendly and inexpensive process for the fabrication of large scale activated carbon (AC), which precludes the use of activating agents and takes advantage of the emitted gases from the simple pyrolysis of pine wood to stimulate the converted carbon. The tailoring of process parameters such as dwelling time assists in optimizing the pore size distribution comprised of meso- and micropores, offering favorable physical properties including specific surface area of 2738 m2 g−1 and specific pore volume of 2.209 cm3 g−1 for superior electrochemical performance of Li-ion batteries. The AC-based anode shows a high cycling stability with a reversible specific capacity of 384 mAh g−1 at 1C after 200 cycles, which is close to the theoretical specific capacity of graphite. The finding suggests that the self-activation process, a green, scalable, and efficient process, has great potential to be developed into next-generation high-performance electrode materials for electrochemical energy storage devices.
Circuit synthesizable guaranteed passive modeling for multiport structures

In this paper we present a highly efficient algorithm to automatically generate circuit synthesizable dynamical models for passive multiport structures. The algorithm is based on a natural convex relaxation of the original nonconvex problem of modeling multiport devices from frequency response data, subject to global passivity constraints. The algorithm identifies a collection of first and second order passive networks interconnected in either series or parallel fashion. Passive models for several multiport structures, including Wilkinson type combiners, power and ground distribution grids and coupled on-chip inductors are provided to corroborate the theoretical development and show efficacy of the implemented algorithm. To demonstrate the practical usage of our algorithm, the identified models are also interfaced with commercial simulators and used to perform time domain simulations while being connected to highly nonlinear power amplifiers.
Insulin resistance and reduced brain glucose metabolism in the aetiology of Alzheimer’s disease

Significant epidemiological and clinical evidence has emerged that suggests Alzheimer’s disease (AD) can be added to the list of chronic illnesses that are primarily caused by modern diets and lifestyles at odds with human physiology. High intakes of refined carbohydrates insufficient physical activity, suboptimal sleep quantity and quality, and other factors that may contribute to insulin resistance combine to create a perfect storm of glycation and oxidative stress in the brain. Specific neurons lose the ability to metabolise and harness energy from glucose, ultimately resulting in neuronal degeneration and death. Simultaneously, chronic peripheral hyperinsulinaemia prevents ketogenesis, thus depriving struggling neurons of a highly efficient alternative fuel substrate. The intimate association between type 2 diabetes and AD suggests that they have common underlying causes, namely insulin resistance and perturbed glucose metabolism. Preclinical evidence of AD is detectable decades before over symptoms appear, indicating that AD progresses over time, with observable signs manifesting only after the brain’s compensatory mechanisms have failed and widespread neuronal atrophy begins to interfere with cognition and performance of daily life tasks. That dietary and environmental triggers play pivotal roles in causing AD suggests that nutrition and lifestyle based interventions may hold the key to ameliorating or preventing this debilitating condition for which conventional pharmaceutical treatments are largely ineffective. Results from small scale clinical studies indicate that dietary and lifestyle strategies may be effective for reversing dementia and cognitive impairment. Increased research efforts should be dedicated towards this promising avenue in the future.
Biological applications of infrared spectrometry

A brief overview of infrared studies of biological systems is presented. Relevant studies of the four classes of biomolecules, the proteins, the lipids, the carbohydrates and the nucleic acids are exemplified with results from the recent literature. The great potential of infrared spectrometry for biological studies is demonstrated.
Design of Chassis and Adjustable Elements to Support Posture for Pediatric Wheelchair

Wheelchairs are devices designed to help with the transportation of people in motor disability condition; are elements used by patients of different ages, weights, heights and diseases. However, most have the same problem as the chassis and postural support elements are fixed which creates several problems: poor posture, overruns to suit the measurements of each person, deformation in the column and in the case of growing children, wheelchair chance not comply with the new measures. In this Project, works in the design of a chassis and the postural support elements of a wheelchair for children in motor disability condition in their lower extremities. The design was developed considering the state of the art of wheelchairs, anthropometric measures of Colombian population of children 5 to 9 years, determining functional requirements (needs) of users, using design methodologies of product, generating design proposals, performing mechanical calculations, mathematical analysis of loads and stresses supported by the chassis and accessories, by the finite element method and through a dynamic simulation of the operation of the device using Autodesk Inventor software. It got to the design of an adjustable chassis width, height and depth, and their postural support elements: headrests, armrests, trunk support, leg supports, footrests, graduating to position and provide body support the user and he reached the conclusion is that design is not only functional for the construction of more ergonomic and functional wheelchairs but also serves as medical or orthopedic custom tool prescription wheelchair.
Designing for Group Math Discourse

We are developing a socio-technical system to support group cognition among math students in the form of significant mathematical discourse about dependencies in dynamic-geometry constructions. Analysis of a pilot trial in a typical early cycle of our design-based-research approach revealed barriers to group success from both software and mathematics issues, and demonstrated that participants “cycled” between these types of issues. We are responding by developing a curriculum to address the uncovered technical and cognitive issues. We present the findings of our pilot study and the curriculum design criteria that are emerging from continuing cycles of re-design, prototyping, testing and analysis.
Expanding the Criteria for Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy in Patients With Poor Prognostic Features.

Abstract Background In this study we aimed to review the outcomes of nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) in the setting of expanded criteria: previous breast surgery/irradiation, neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), post-NSM irradiation, and to assess conversion to acceptable criteria after NAC. Patients and Methods In this single-institution institutional review board-approved retrospective review, we identified patients who underwent NSM after previous breast intervention or NAC from January 2010 to February 2017. Clinicopathologic features, previous breast surgeries, response rate, complications, and recurrences were recorded. Results Sixty-three patients underwent 106 NSMs. Among 63 patients, 39 (61.9%) received NAC, 30 (47.6%) previous lumpectomy, 4 (6.3%) with cosmetic implants, 4 (6.3%) with mastopexy, 5 (7.9%) with previous radiation therapy, and 21 (33%) underwent post-NSM radiation therapy. Transient epidermolysis occurred in 24 patients (38.1%), with 16 patients (66.6%) having complete flap recovery and nipple loss in 8 patients (12.6%). All 10 patients with central disease on pre-NAC imaging converted to acceptable criteria, with 9 having successful NSM. At mean 67.2-month follow-up, 56 patients (88.9%) were disease-free, 5 (7.9%) experienced a systemic recurrence, and 2 (3.2%) a local recurrence. Conclusion NSM is oncologically acceptable in this patient cohort. Patients with large central tumors who undergo NAC should be reconsidered after completion of chemotherapy because many might convert to successful nipple-areolar preservation.
No MacWilliams duality for codes over nonabelian groups

Dougherty, Kim, and Sol\'e [3] have asked whether there is a duality theory and a MacWilliams formula for codes over nonabelian groups, or more generally, whether there is any subclass of nonabelian groups which have such a duality theory. We answer this in the negative by showing that there does not exist a nonabelian group $G$ with a duality theory on the subgroups of $G^n$ for all $n$.