cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
7. Lentiviral Vector-Mediated CFTR Gene Transfer to CF Pig Airways Corrects the Anion Transport Defect In Vivo

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common autosomal recessive disorder in Caucasian populations and is caused by mutations in CFTR. Complementation of CFTR rescues the anion transport defect in vitro, making this monogenetic disease a candidate for CF gene therapy. Lentiviral vector-mediated CFTR gene transfer has long been discussed as a promising strategy for gene therapy. Lentiviral vectors can efficiently transduce non-dividing cells and persistently express a therapeutic transgene. We previously demonstrated that the non-primate lentiviral vector derived from feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and pseudotyped with a GP64 envelope confers gene transfer to porcine airway epithelia both in well-differentiated primary cultures in vitro and in wild-type pig lungs in vivo. The CF pig model recapitulates many features of human disease and provides a new platform for preclinical gene therapy studies. Here, we show that lentiviral-mediated delivery of CFTR to nasal and lung epithelia corrects the anion channel defect in the CF pig model. We delivered GP64-FIV-pigCFTR to the nose and lung of 2-week old gut-corrected CF pigs using a MADgic atomizer. Two weeks post-transduction, we harvested sinus, trachea, and bronchus tissue to assay for gene correction. In freshly excised trachea and bronchus tissue explants, we observed a short-circuit current response to forskolin and IBMX (F&I) and inhibition by GlyH-101, consistent with CFTR function. Compared to non-transduced animals, cultured ethmoid sinus epithelia also showed evidence of correction by short-circuit current measurements. Loss of CFTR results in reduced bicarbonate transport and a lower ASL pH. A reduction in ASL pH impairs bacterial killing. Following gene transfer, we observed an increase in nasal and tracheal pH and rescue of bacterial killing. Together, these exciting results demonstrate the first evidence of functional in vivo correction of CFTR by a lentivirus in the CF pig model. These findings support the utility of a lentivirus for CF gene therapy.
Maternal Engineered Nanomaterial Exposure Disrupts Progeny Cardiac Function and Bioenergetics

Cardiac function is evaluated, for the first time, in progeny following maternal nanomaterial inhalation. The findings indicate that exposure to nano-sized titanium dioxide (nano-TiO2) during gesta...
Silicon microring weight banks for multivariate RF photonics

Microring weight banks enable novel analog processing approaches in integrated photonics. Incorporating multivariate statistical techniques, microring weight banks can implement wideband, analog dimensionality reduction. We demonstrate principal component analysis of three 1GHz signals performed in a silicon microring weight bank.
Effects of compositional variables on fouling behavior of thin stillage

Abstract The presence of fouling in evaporators can increase energy consumption as well as capital and labor costs. During corn ethanol production, fouling occurs when thin stillage is concentrated in multiple effect evaporators to form condensed distillers solubles. Limited studies have been conducted on fouling of corn ethanol processing. Process streams are biological in origin and have variable compositions. The objective of this study was to develop an improved understanding of components that accelerate fouling of thin stillage evaporators. An annular fouling probe was used to evaluate compositional variables on fouling behavior of dry grind corn thin stillage. Three experiments were performed with commercial processing streams. In the first experiment, the effects of carbohydrate materials in thin stillage on evaporator fouling were investigated by adding starch and sucrose. In the second experiment, commercial thin stillage samples were treated by adding wet cake. The third experiment was designed to observe if the age of thin stillage sample would affect fouling. The results indicate that fouling resistances increased with starch addition, as well as with wet cake addition, at equal total solids contents. Insoluble starch addition had larger effects than soluble sucrose addition. Sucrose alone did not cause increased rapid fouling.
End-Functionalized Palladium SCS Pincer Polymers via Controlled Radical Polymerizations.

A direct and facile route toward semitelechelic polymers, end-functionalized with palladated sulfur–carbon–sulfur pincer (PdII-pincer) complexes is reported that avoids any post-polymerization step. Key to our methodology is the combination of reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization with functionalized chain-transfer agents. This strategy yields Pd end-group-functionalized materials with monomodal molar mass dispersities (Đ) of 1.18–1.44. The RAFT polymerization is investigated using a PdII-pincer chain-transfer agent for three classes of monomers: styrene, tert-butyl acrylate, and N-isopropylacrylamide. The ensuing PdII-pincer end-functionalized polymers are analyzed using 1H NMR spectroscopy, gel-permeation chromatography, and elemental analysis. The RAFT polymerization methodology provides a direct pathway for the fabrication of PdII-pincer functionalized polymers with complete end-group functionalization.
Design of low-energy on-chip electro-optical 1 × M wavelength-selective switches

A theoretical design is presented for a 1×M wavelength-selective switch (WSS) that routes any one of N incoming wavelength signals to any one of M output ports. This planar on-chip device comprises of a 1×N demultiplexer, a group of N switching “trees” actuated by electro-optical or thermo-optical means, and an M-fold set of N×1 multiplexers. Trees utilize 1×2 switches. The WSS insertion loss is proportional to [log2 (M+N+1)]. Along with cross talk from trees, cross talk is present at each cross-illuminated waveguide intersection within the WSS, and there are at most N−1 such crossings per path. These loss and cross talk properties will likely place a practical limit of N=M=16 upon the WSS size. By constraining the 1×2 switching energy to ∼1 fJ/bit, we find that resonant, narrowband 1×2 switches are required. The 1×2 devices proposed here are nanobeam Mach–Zehnders and asymmetric contra-directional couplers with grating assistance.
LITIGATING, AUDITING AND OFFICIATING

Accounting historians often encounter the arduous and interesting task of uncovering the truth insulated by myriad layers of embellishment. In the spirit of full disclosure, like Don Quixote of old, we set out in search of the truth from three related perspectives—officers of the court, financial auditors and athletic officials. Truth, shaded by the human element, is the basis for their significant decisions impacting society.
Deterministic Dendritic Cell Algorithm Application to Smart Grid Cyber-Attack Detection

The Distributed Network Protocol v3.0 (DNP3) is one of the most widely used protocols for smart grid communications. Security challenges which could cause great scale of damages to critical infrastructure like the smart grid have emerged in recent years. This paper investigates the attacks that target smart grids which utilize the DNP3 protocol, and how these attacks can be detected using the deterministic version of the Dendritic Cell Algorithm (DCA) which is an Artificial Immune System (AIS)-based algorithm. To evaluate DCAs effectiveness, we generated a testing dataset, by implementing various attacks then executing them in a DNP3 smart grid environment. We present our results, showing that these attacks can be successfully detected using an architecture based on the DCA.
Development of the Home Arm Movement Stroke Training Environment for Rehabilitation (HAMSTER) and Evaluation by Clinicians

Stroke commonly results in severe impairment of upper extremity function, which limits independence in activities of daily living. Continued and frequent use of the affected limb can result in increased function. However, long term access to therapy is frequently limited, and home exercise compliance is low. The following paper presents the design and clinician evaluation of a Kinect based home therapy system called Home Arm Movement Stroke Training Environment (HAMSTER). The development, which focused on reducing commonly observed impairments after stroke, is discussed. Additionally the system was evaluated by twelve clinicians (occupational and physical therapists) with an average of 18 years of clinical experience with individuals with chronic stroke. The clinicians were asked about commonly prescribed home exercises, and for feedback about the HAMSTER system. Although only two of the clinicians had used the Kinect previously, the clinicians reported good usability and general satisfaction with the system. All of the clinicians felt that HAMSTER would be beneficial for individuals with chronic stroke.
First clinical implementation of real-time, real anatomy tracking and radiation beam control.

Purpose We describe the acceptance testing, commissioning, periodic quality assurance, and workflow procedures developed for the first clinically implemented magnetic resonance imaging-guided radiation therapy (MR-IGRT) system for real-time tracking and beam control. Methods The system utilizes real-time cine imaging capabilities at 4 frames per second for real-time tracking and beam control. Testing of the system was performed using an in-house developed motion platform and a commercially available motion phantom. Anatomical tracking is performed by first identifying a target (a region of interest that is either tissue to be treated or a critical structure) and generating a contour around it. A boundary contour is also created to identify tracking margins. The tracking algorithm deforms the anatomical contour (target or a normal organ) on every subsequent cine frame and compares it to the static boundary contour. If the anatomy of interest moves outside the boundary, the radiation delivery is halted until the tracked anatomy returns to treatment portal. The following were performed to validate and clinically implement the system: (a) spatial integrity evaluation; (b) tracking accuracy; (c) latency; (d) relative point dose and spatial dosimetry; (e) development of clinical workflow for gating; and (f) independent verification by an outside credentialing service. Results The spatial integrity of the MR system was found to be within 2 mm over a 45-cm diameter field-of-view. The tracking accuracy for geometric targets was within 1.2 mm. The average system latency was measured to be within 394 ms. The dosimetric accuracy using ionization chambers was within 1.3% ± 1.7%, and the dosimetric spatial accuracy was within 2 mm. The phantom irradiation for the outside credentialing service had satisfactory results, as well. Conclusions The first clinical MR-IGRT system was validated for real-time tracking and gating capabilities and shown to be reliable and accurate. Patient workflow methods were developed for efficient treatment. Periodic quality assurance tests can be efficiently performed with commercially available equipment to ensure accurate system performance.
My Perspectives on Particle Physics: Summary of Orbis Scientiae, 1976

When my old teacher and friend, Syd Meshkov, called me some weeks ago to ask if I would summarize the conference, I happened to be rereading a letter Vicki Weisskopf received from his teacher at the time of the discovery of parity violation -- another era of excitement and rapid progress in particle physics. It was fascinating reading, because the writer was musing on many of the problems that we are trying to unravel and understand even today. But I am not here to elaborate on Pauli’s insight; what inspired me to accept this challenging task was the last sentence in this historical document,1 which was “Viele Fragen, keine Antworten.” This is, in the summer talk I don’t have to answer any profound questions, but I need only summarize questions raised in the conference! This is what gave me the courage to accept the challenge.
Inference of Global Reservoir Connectivity from Static Pressure Data with Fast Coarse-Scale Simulation Models

Characterization of field-scale reservoir connectivity is critical for production optimization and field development planning. The information content of the data corresponding to different physical processes, coupled with the discrepancy in production data and geologic model resolutions, complicate the estimation of global field connectivity. Due to its diffusive nature, pressure varies smoothly in the reservoir, a characteristic that can be adequately captured using coarse-scale description of the connectivity in the reservoir model. On the other hand, flowrate and watercut information are relatively more localized and require higher-resolution models to adequately describe their variations. Hence, pressure and flowrate data carry information pertinent to their respective scales. In this paper, a fast workflow is presented for estimating large-scale reservoir connectivity from static reservoir pressure measurements. For this purpose, a coarse-scale grid system with Delaunay triangulation is developed to represent the global reservoir connectivity. Flow-based upscaling is applied to create the initial coarse-scale static simulation models from geological or simulation models. The ensemble Kalman filter is then applied to calibrate the initial models against static pressure data and to identify field-scale connectivity parameters that control the global pressure distribution, such as aquifer strength, continuity/discontinuity in reservoir properties, and fault transmissibilities. This approach enables fast characterization of field-scale reservoir connectivity from pressure data with a coarser description of the reservoir connectivity, which offers a parameterization level that is commensurate with the resolution and information content of the static pressure measurements. The proposed calibration approach can serve as preconditioning to generate initial reservoir models with consistent global connectivity patterns for full-scale history matching. To illustrate the feasibility and performance of the method, examples are drawn from real field cases in which static pressure data are integrated to infer global reservoir connectivity maps. In this paper, the resulting connectivity maps are used to obtain facies probability maps to generate initial facies models for full-scale history matching.
Abstract MP46: Fasting Glucose Variability in Young Adulthood and Incident Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, and Mortality: The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study

Introduction: Whether long-term variability in fasting glucose (FG) independent of incident diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality is unclear....
Arthroscopically Assisted Transosseous Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Foveal Tear Repair in the United States Military

Purpose To compare subjective and objective midterm functional clinical outcomes of knotless arthroscopic assisted transosseous (AAT) triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) repairs specifically in a cohort of military service members. Methods Patient charts were reviewed to identify all cases of TFCC repair by a single surgeon from 2012 to 2016. Primary outcome variables were the Quick–Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score and return to full military duty. Secondary outcome variables were visual analog scale for pain, Mayo Modified Wrist Score, Single-Assessment Numeric Evaluation, and the number of push-ups in 2 minutes during a record physical fitness test. Inclusion criteria were adult active duty service members who underwent AAT TFCC repair with a minimum of 2 years' follow-up. Terminal follow-up was determined by a telephone interview. Exclusion criteria were distal radioulnar joint instability, revision procedures, cases involving other ligamentous repair procedures, and those with an incomplete medical record or who could not be reached for the survey. Results Fifteen patients, average age 21 years (range, 18–29 years), met inclusion and exclusion criteria with mean follow-up of 3.8 years (range, 2–5.9 years). Average Quick–Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 9.7 (range, 0–29.5) and 93% were able to remain on active duty. Average secondary outcomes scores were: visual analog scale = 1.3 (range, 0–4); Single-Assessment Numeric Evaluation = 87.3 (range, 30–100); Mayo Modified Wrist Score = 84.3 (range, 55–100); and push-ups = 72 (range, 42–90) in 2 minutes. One patient required a secondary surgery. Conclusions Knotless AAT TFCC repair may be a safe and effective procedure that may return military service members to a preinjury level of activity. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.
Submandibular Gland Invasion by Oral Cavity Cancers: A Systematic Review.

ObjectiveThe submandibular gland (SMG) is typically included in level I neck dissection specimens despite limited data demonstrating SMG invasion. The main objective of this article is to determine...
Mitigating the Energy Impacts of VBTI Aging in Photonic Networks-on-Chip Architectures with Multilevel Signaling

Photonic networks-on-chip (PNoCs) can enable higher bandwidth and lower latency data transfers at the speed of light. Such PNoCs consist of photonic waveguides with dense-wavelength-division-multiplexing (DWDM) for signal traversal and microring resonators (MRs) for signal modulation and reception. To enable MRs to modulate and receive DWDM photonic signals, change in the free-carrier concentration in or operating temperature of MRs through their voltage biasing is essential. But long-term operation of MRs with constant or time-varying temperature and voltage biasing causes aging. Such voltage bias and temperature induced (VBTI) aging in MRs leads to resonance wavelength drifts and Q-factor degradation at the device-level, which in turn exacerbates three key spectral effects at the photonic link level, namely the intermodulation crosstalk, heterodyne crosstalk, and signal sidelobes truncation. These adverse spectral effects ultimately increase signal power attenuation and energy-per-bit in PNoCs. Our frequency-domain analysis of photonic links shows that the use of the four pulse amplitude modulation (4-PAM) signaling instead of the traditional on-off keying (OOK) signaling can proactively reduce signal attenuation caused by the VBTI aging induced spectral effects. Our system-level evaluation results indicate that, compared to OOK based PNoCs with no aging, 4-PAM based PNoCs can achieve 5.5% better energy-efficiency even after undergoing VBTI aging for 3 Years.
Constructing Spiritual Motherhood in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Drawing on an ethnographic study of Roman Catholic sisters in the Democratic Republic of Congo, I show how women in the Global South draw on religious imagery to redefine cultural ideals of womanho...
The Myth of the Secular: Religion, War, and Politics in the Twentieth Century

Abstract The apparently sudden reemergence of religious movements in world politics since the 1970s stunned scholars of international relations who had clung to the myth that secularization of politics and diplomacy began when the Peace of Westphalia in 1648 ended Europe's “Wars of Religion.” The author challenges that myopia, arguing that even in (or especially in) the twentieth and twenty-first centuries religion remains a principal driver of politics in European civilization and the current “Clash of Civilizations.”
A survey on conic relaxations of optimal power flow problem

Abstract Conic optimization has recently emerged as a powerful tool for designing tractable and guaranteed algorithms for power system operation. On the one hand, tractability is crucial due to the large size of modern electricity transmission grids. This is a result of the numerous interconnections that have been built over time. On the other hand, guarantees are needed to ensure reliability and safety for consumers at a time when power systems are growing in complexity. This is in large part due to the high penetration of renewable energy sources and the advent of electric vehicles. The aim of this paper is to review the latest literature in order to demonstrate the success of conic optimization when applied to power systems. The main focus is on how linear programming, second-order cone programming, and semidefinite programming can be used to address a central problem named the optimal power flow problem. We describe how they are used to design convex relaxations of this highly challenging non-convex optimization problem. We also show how sum-of-squares can be used to strengthen these relaxations. Finally, we present advances in first-order methods, interior-point methods, and nonconvex methods for solving conic optimization. Challenges for future research are also discussed.
Governance Amid the Transition to Renewable Energy in the Middle East and North Africa

While some states in the Middle East and North Africa have pursued renewable energy policies, others have doubled-down on conventional fossil fuels and eschewed the development of renewable energy. What explains this variation? What implications do these choices have on domestic and international politics? Drawing on theories from political science and the political economy of development, we explore the transition from conventional to renewable energy in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. We consider the impact of decarbonized, diversified economies on demands for inclusive governance and democratic institutions. First, we argue that the renewable energy transition will diffuse existing and future societal pressures by increasing youth employment, hindering corruption, and reducing fiscal volatility. Compared to the concentrated political economy of petroleum-reliant states, we posit that the up and coming renewables sector provides an opportunity for states to broaden and diversify their sources of economic and international political power. Second, we build theoretical expectations that fiscal reliance on oil exports and government time horizons explain variation in renewable energy policies in the MENA. We conclude with potential scenarios for how the transition will affect fiscal and political stability.
Analysis of Environmental Law Scholarship 2018-2019

The Environmental Law and Policy Annual Review (ELPAR) is published by the Environmental Law Institute’s (ELI’s) Environmental Law Reporter in partnership with Vanderbilt University Law School. ELPAR provides a forum for the presentation and discussion of some of the most creative and feasible environmental law and policy proposals from the legal academic literature each year.
Automatic titration of free fatty acids

FFA have been titrated automatically in a single-phase system, obtained by adding isopropanol to nonpolar extracts. Good reproducibility and linearity were obtained in the titration of standard palmitic acid. Titration results for serum extracts were comparable with those obtained manually by an experienced worker.
Quasi-Minuscule Quotients and Reduced Words for Reflections

We study the reduced expressions for reflections in Coxeter groups, with particular emphasis on finite Weyl groups. For example, the number of reduced expressions for any reflection can be expressed as the sum of the squares of the number of reduced expressions for certain elements naturally associated to the reflection. In the case of the longest reflection in a Weyl group, we use a theorem of Dale Peterson to provide an explicit formula for the number of reduced expressions. We also show that the reduced expressions for any Weyl group reflection are in bijection with the linear extensions of a natural partial ordering of a subset of the positive roots or co-roots.
Uptake of noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) in women following positive aneuploidy screening.

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate how the introduction of noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) impacted women's testing choices following a positive prenatal screening (PNS) result. Methods Beginning in March 2012, women referred to our Prenatal Diagnosis Center following a positive PNS result were offered NIPT or invasive prenatal diagnosis. Rates of invasive testing and declining follow-up were compared with testing decisions the prior year. Differences were compared using t-test and chi-square. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of test choice. Results Between March 2012 and February 2013, 398 screen positive women were seen: 156 (39.2%) underwent invasive testing, 157 (39.4%) had NIPT and 84 (21.1%) declined further testing. In the prior year, 638 screen positive patients were seen: 301 (47.2%) had invasive testing and 337 (52.8%) declined. The rate of invasive testing declined significantly (p = 0.012). Moreover, fewer women declined follow-up testing after introduction of NIPT, 21.2% versus 52.8%, p ≤ 0.001. Race/ethnicity and timing of results (first versus second trimester) were predictors of testing choices; payer and maternal age were not. Conclusion The introduction of NIPT resulted in a significant decrease in invasive diagnostic testing. Additionally, fewer women declined further testing when NIPT was available. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Abstract Data Types: A Retrospective and Prospective View

This paper presents a retrospective view of the last decade's research in a number of related areas: programming methodology, formal semantics, program specification and verification, and programming languages. The synergistic effect of these threads of research is especially evident in the area called abstract data types, and this area is taken as the focus of the paper. After reviewing some of the history and status of the area, some important open problems are identified.
Spontaneous Changes in Mitochondrial Membrane Potential in Cultured Neurons

Using the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm)-sensitive fluorescent dyes 5,5′,6,6′-tetrachloro-1,1′,3,3′-tetraethylbenzimidazolocarbocyanine iodide (JC-1) and tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester (TMRM), we have observed spontaneous changes in the ΔΨm of cultured forebrain neurons. These fluctuations in ΔΨm appear to represent partial, transient depolarizations of individual mitochondria. The frequency of these ΔΨmfluctuations can be significantly lowered by exposure to a photo-induced oxidant burden, an ATP synthase inhibitor, or a glutamate-induced sodium load, without changing overall JC-1 fluorescence intensity. These spontaneous fluctuations in JC-1 signal were not inhibited by altering plasma membrane activity with tetrodotoxin or MK-801 or by blocking the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP) with cyclosporin A. Neurons loaded with TMRM showed similar, low-amplitude, spontaneous fluctuations in ΔΨm. We hypothesize that these ΔΨmfluctuations are dependent on the proper functioning of the mitochondria and reflect mitochondria alternating between the active and inactive states of oxidative phosphorylation.
Spectrophotometric determination of the critical micellar concentration of bile salts using bilirubin monoglucuronide as a micellar probe. Utility of derivative spectroscopy

We have developed a simple biologically non-invasive method for determining the critical micellar concentration (CMC) of bile salts using pure naturally occurring bilirubin IX alpha monoglucuronide (BMG), an important bile pigment present in virtually all mammalian biles. This methodology employs visible absorbance spectroscopy of BMG in bile salts over a range of bile salt concentrations that include the reported CMC. Using 100 microM-BMG in 0.4 M-imidazole buffer at pH 7.8, we calculated that the CMC for sodium taurochenodeoxycholate is between 2.5 and 3.0 mM based on: (1) an abrupt change in lambda max. in this concentration range, (2) a precipitous decrease in the amplitude of the absorbance shoulder at 450 nm, (3) a sudden decrease in the second derivative absorbance of BMG at 400 nm and an increase in absorbance at 470 nm, (4) a sharp change in the 4th derivative absorbance at 375 and 395 nm. In contrast, sodium taurocholate, a bile salt that reportedly does not have a CMC but continuously self-associates over a wide concentration range, exhibited none of these changes. The use of derivative spectroscopy enhances the ability to detect the CMC changes and also indicates the number of BMG species in solution and their relative energy states.
Islam, Territory, and Contested Space in Post-Soviet Russia

A noted American specialist on nationalism and identity politics in the former USSR reviews the political, institutional, and territorial complexities identified with the Muslim minority in the Russian Federation. Coverage includes the size and distribution of Muslim communities, the government's approach to the diverse adherents of Islam (including Wahhabis), fragmentation of Islamic institutions, and federal policies before and after the October 2004 terrorist attack on the school in Beslan, North Ossetia. Considerable attention is devoted to differences between Islamo-internationalism and Islamo-nationalism in Chechnya, as well as similarities and differences among approaches to Muslim affairs in Russia and other parts of Europe. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: O15, O18, Z13. 1 table, 53 references.
Protecting victims’ identities in press coverage of child victimization

When the names of child victims and other identifying information appear in the media it can exacerbate trauma, complicate recovery, discourage future disclosures and inhibit cooperation with authorities for the children involved. In this study, we evaluated the amount of identifying information available in a systematic sample of 561 newspaper articles about non-fatal child victimizations published from 1 January 2003 to 31 December 2004. Identifying information about the victim (e.g. name of the child’s street, school or a family member’s full name) was published in 51 percent of articles covering child victimizations. For cases of sexual assault, victim identifiers were most likely to be included when the alleged offender was related to the victim or was a high-profile community member. Based on these findings, we examine the arguments for and against more restrictive policies regarding identifying information, and suggest some guidelines that would provide additional protections for child victims.
Time-dependent isotherm shape of organic compounds in soil organic matter : Implications for sorption mechanism

Batch 1-, 30-, and 180-d sorption isotherms were constructed for 1,3-dichlorobenzene, 2,4-dichlorophenol, and metolachlor (2-chloro-N-[2-ethyl-6-methylphenyl]-N-[2-methoxy-1-methylethyl] acetamide) in aqueous suspension of a fine sandy loam soil (3% organic matter) and a peat soil (93% organic matter) at sorptive concentrations ranging over three to five orders of magnitude. The isotherms were fitted to the Freundlich model, S = KCN, where S and C are the sorbed and solution-phase concentrations and K and N are constants. Both K and N were time-dependent. K increased by as much as 2.7-fold beyond the 1-d period. N was less than unity in all cases and decreased with increasing sorption. Also, the isotherms were operationally separated into a “fast” fraction (amount sorbed after 1 d) and a “slow” fraction (amount sorbed thereafter). Ns was significantly smaller than Nf in all systems tested. The results show that partitioning in soil organic matter (SOM) is appreciably less ideal for the slow fraction. It is concluded that SOM has both partition and adsorption domains analogous to the dual-mode sorption model of glassy polymers. The adsorption component is more prominent for the slow fraction, indicating that the adsorption sites are internal to the SOM matrix and unevenly distributed with respect to access by sorbing molecules. Sorption by these natural materials was compared with sorption by polyvinylchloride, a glassy polymer that exhibits dual-mode sorption. That system gave nonlinear isotherms with an N that was invariant with time, consistent with its nature as a homogeneous polymer having evenly distributed adsorption sites.
Impact of cataract surgery on self-reported visual difficulties: comparison with a no-surgery reference group.

Abstract Purpose To examine the impact of cataract surgery on older adults’ self-reported visual difficulties and compare them with those of patients with cataract who declined surgery over the same period. Setting Twelve area practices. Methods This was a consecutive chart review over a 6-month period. Primary inclusion criteria were 55 years or older, cataract in 1 or both eyes with 20/40 visual acuity or worse (best corrected, distance), and no previous cataract surgery in either eye. The Activities of Daily Vision Scale (ADVS) and visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and disability glare tests were administered at baseline and at a 1-year follow-up visit. Results This study comprised 245 patients, 156 of whom elected to have cataract surgery and 89 of whom declined. Those electing surgery were more likely to be white, female, and have worse visual acuity and no ocular comorbidities. At baseline, ADVS subscale scores ranged from 53 to 76 in the surgery group and from 72 to 89 in the no-surgery group. In the surgery group, subscale scores improved by 15 to 21 points on average at the 1-year follow-up; scores were unchanged or worse in the no-surgery group over this period. This difference between the groups remained statistically significant after adjustment for group baseline differences in demographics, vision, and ADVS score. In the surgery group, visual acuity improvement in the first eye was an independent predictor of increases in the ADVS overall score and night driving and glare disability subscales; contrast sensitivity was an independent predictor of improvement in the night driving subscale. A reduction in disability glare in the second eye was independently linked to increases in the overall ADVS score and the night driving, near vision, and glare disability subscales. Conclusions Baseline findings suggest that cataract patients who have surgery have more difficulty in visual tasks than those who decline surgery. After surgery, patients reported less difficulty with visual tasks. In the no-surgery group, no change was reported. Improvements in visual acuity and contrast sensitivity and reductions in disability glare after surgery were independently linked to improvements in ADVS scores.
An Unusual Case of Dermatitis Herpetiformis

An adolescent boy whose initial presentation consisted of an asymmetric, nonvesicular rash was eventually diagnosed with dermatitis herpetiformis (DH). Certain factors, including lesions limited to the genitals, an initial biopsy revealing nonspecific findings on microscopy studies, and the absence of characteristic direct immunofluorescence findings lessened initial clinical suspicions of DH over that of scabies infestation. Classic microscopic findings of DH were identified on repeat biopsy. Serologic studies revealed immunoglobulin A (IgA) endomysial and IgA tissue transglutaminase positivity. Response to dapsone proved dramatic. Histopathologic findings, serology, and response to treatment rather than classical clinical findings and direct immunofluorescence supported the diagnosis of DH in this case.
Crystallographic features and growth of creep cavities in a Ni-18Cr-18Fe alloy

Abstract The crystallographic nature and growth of creep cavities in a Ni–18Cr–18Fe alloy were examined as part of the study of behavior of nickel base superalloyys at high temperatures. Creep experiments were carried out at 973 K and 52 MPa, and grain boundary cavitation damage was examined in polished sections, as well as by scanning electron microfractography of surfaces exposed after hydrogen charging. Well developed cavities, whose development tended to favor one side of the grain boundary, were observed and identified with vacancy condensation on {111} planes. The preference is attributed to cavity nucleation in the grain in which the carbide-matrix interface is incoherent and vacancy condensation is energetically favored. A model for cavity growth patterned after crystal growth is suggested and discussed.
Fractured Devonian Shale Reservoir, Appalachian Basin: ABSTRACT

Detailed structural analysis along the west flank of the Appalachian basin in Kentucky and West Virginia demonstrates the importance of detached and basement deformation in developing fracture permeability within Devonian shales. A porous fracture facies of regional extent within the organic-rich lower Huron Member of the Devonian shale partially relates to unique physical properties of the organic sediments, but an important factor for widespread gas production is fractures caused by differential shortening of sediments above a detachment surface in the lower Huron Member. Mineralized, uniquely oriented, and slickensided fractures, and increased fracture intensity within the organic lower Huron shales perpendicular to Alleghanian stress support this interpretation. The p rous fracture facies is most permeable (commercial) beyond the region of major tectonic transport where permeability is only local in extent. Linear trends of abnormally high final open flows in the producing area relate to trends of intensely fractured organic shale. These fracture zones seemingly reflect unique, complex, and perhaps more intense shear stress within organic shale found in flexures above basement faults. Gas migrated updip along open fractures placing the best wells slightly updip along the fracture trend or on the flank of adjacent low-relief flexures. This unique reservoir forms its own source and seal, and the lithologically restricted fracture facies imparts the permeability. Tailoring completion techniques which limit the vertical extent of induced fractures and whi h enhance recovery in the more common orthogonally fractured shale of the mid-continent region will be important for future development of this huge resource. End_of_Article - Last_Page 630------------
Basic processes in glow discharge plasmas

Abstract Direct current and radio frequency glow discharge plasmas are described in terms of their evolution, mechanism, spatial characteristics, and voltage-current relationship. The basic plasma processes such as excitation, ionization/dissociation and recombination are reviewed using examples of the chemically reactive H 2 + O 2 /H 2 O and N 2 + H 2 /NH 3 plasmas. This is followed by a discussion of some of the heterogeneous processes occurring at the walls and substrates, namely film formation, etching, nitriding and analogous reactions.
Noun Modifier Inflection in German: A Morphological System in Flux

Traditionally, noun modifiers in German fall into two classes, the so-called der- and ein-words, and descriptive or attributive adjectives. In the noun phrase, members of these word classes are inflected by the addition of one or another of two sets of endings, i.e., the primary, strong, or pronominal endings, or the secondary, weak, or nominal endings, in highly predictable combinations. In the data collected by Ljungerud (1955), however, sequences of endings in noun phrases containing nine modifiers occur with noticeable departures from the norm, i.e., folgend, samtlich, ander-, einig-, viel-, manch-, welch-, irgendwelch-, and solch-. It is concluded that the anomalous sequences of endings in phrases containing these modifers are motivated by the growing association of certain sequences of endings with the feature +/-Generality as a component of the meaning of the noun phrase as a whole.
Effect of whitecaps on determination of chlorophyll concentration from satellite data.

The effects of heightened sea state on the computation of chlorophyll concentration from satellite radiance data are modeled for Case 1 waters. Errors in estimating chlorophyll can result when increasing winds create an increasingly whitecapped air-sea interface. The resulting errors in estimating chlorophyll concentration are shown for a range of windspeeds of 0–25 m/s and for a range of chlorophyll concentrations of 0–20 mg/m3. Model results are furnished for correcting remotely sensed chlorophyll for varying sea states provided that some estimate of surface wind fields is available.
Volumetric NMR imaging with time‐varying gradients

A novel generalized processing system is described whereby, using time-varying gradients, simultaneous data acquisition can be provided for all points in a volume. This is in sharp distinction to the sensitive-point method where only the null region is imaged. It is shown that time-varying gradients systems provide unique phase modulation functions which, when appropriately decoded, enable every point in the volume to be simultaneously imaged from a single FID signal. Methods are shown using the technique to provide simultaneously acquired, localized NMR spectra. Alternative gradient signals are considered including both periodic and aperiodic waveforms.
Simulations of bcc tantalum screw dislocations: Why classical inter-atomic potentials predict {1 1 2} slip

Abstract A thorough molecular dynamics study is performed to investigate the predicted {1 1 2} yield behavior associated with the slip of a single screw dislocation using classical atomistic potentials of body-centered cubic metals. Previous works have drawn an association between the structure of the stable screw dislocation core and the resulting slip nature showing that a polarized core can lead to {1 1 2} slip, while a non-polarized core is expected to slip on {1 1 0} planes. Here, results from five different potentials for tantalum are presented as they all show slip to be primarily active along {1 1 2} planes even though the stable core structure is non-polar. This {1 1 2} slip occurs through dislocation glide on two different {1 1 0} planes due to the presence of a metastable split core structure, and regardless of the relative magnitudes of resolved shear stresses for the two {1 1 0} planes. Further investigations shows that the split core structure, an artifact of the atomic potentials used, also influences slip behavior associated with dynamic motion of kinked dislocations in ambient temperature simulations.
Teaching prevention in pediatrics

Pediatrics has attempted to inculcate the "culture of prevention" into practice, both through anticipatory guidance in well-child care and through behavioral interventions in sick care. The effectivenesses of many components of well-child care have not been conclusively demonstrated, particularly in health education, counseling, and anticipatory guidance, nor has teaching prevention in pediatrics been thoroughly evaluated. This article reviews methods of teaching prevention in pediatrics and highlights innovative programs. Teaching programs use the wide range of approaches now common in medical education, in a variety of inpatient and outpatient sites. Programs across the country are trying new approaches to teaching traditional topics or are introducing new topics into their curricula. Examples of specific programs are given, organized by the themes of the programs. The field needs to develop in three major directions. First, there is a need to develop competencies and curricula in prevention issues of contemporary importance, including the new morbidities, cross-cultural issues, cost-effectiveness, quality of care, and practice in managed care and other community settings. Second, further work is needed to evaluate programs and measure educational outcomes. This feedback must in turn be used to redefine competencies, curricula, and programs, Third, there needs to be an accessible clearinghouse, and educational tools need to be disseminated. To be effective, a curriculum for prevention in pediatrics cannot stand alone, but must be part of a vertically and horizontally integrated curriculum. Further, creating horizontally and vertically integrated curricula in prevention teaching across disciplines should be the standard.
How International Experience Affects Teaching: Understanding the Impact of Faculty Study Abroad

This paper explicates the causal linkages between short-term study abroad experiences of college faculty and the global content of their classroom teaching. Information for the study comes from sel...
The Value of Serum CA 19-9 in Predicting Cholangiocarcinomas in Patients with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

CA 19-9 has been used with questionable accuracy to aid diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma complicating primary sclerosing cholangitis. We aimed to characterize the test properties of CA 19-9 and of a change in CA 19-9 over time in predicting cholangiocarcinoma. Charts of 208 patients were reviewed. Fourteen patients had cholangiocarcinoma. Median CA 19-9 was higher with cholangiocarcinoma (15 vs. 290 U/ml, p < 0.0001). A cutoff of 129 U/ml provided: sensitivity 78.6%, specificity 98.5%, adjusted positive predictive value 56.6% and negative predictive value 99.4%. The median change over time was 664 U/ml in cholangiocarcinoma compared to 6.7 U/ml in primary sclerosing cholangitis alone (p < 0.0001). A cutoff of 63.2 U/ml for change in CA 19-9 provided: sensitivity 90%, specificity 98% and positive predictive value 42%. Only 2 patients with cholangiocarcinoma were the candidates for curative therapy. In conclusion, the positive predictive value of an elevated CA 19-9 was 56.6%; only advanced cases were detected by this method.
Binary collision cascade prediction of critical ion-to-atom arrival ratio in the production of thin films with reduced intrinsic stress

Abstract It is well established that ion beam assisted desposition produces thin films that are more dense and contain less intrinsic stress than films deposited without energy input from an ion beam. In some cases, a critical ion-to-atom arrival ratio has been measured, above which the stress is reduced. We have calculated this critical arrival ratio using the binary collision approximation to simulate collision cascades. Good agreement with data in the literature is obtained by making the assumption that each deposited atom must lie within the volume affected by an ion induced cascade. This model is simple to implement and should provide predictive capability for other covalently bonded systems.
The responsibilities and contributions of professional educators in surgery departments

Abstract Background The purpose of the study is to describe the academic preparation, scope of duties, and scholarly activity of professional educators in surgery departments. Methods Educators with doctoral degrees employed as full-time faculty in surgery departments were surveyed to determine terms of employment, academic preparation, scope of duties, and job satisfaction. Results Twelve of 13 educators responded and participated in the study. Educators spent, on average, 22% of their time on research activities, 33% on administrative responsibilities, 13% on teaching, 13% counseling students and residents, and 7% writing grants. They spent approximately 34% of their time with surgical faculty, 19% with residents/fellows, and 14% with medical students. Educators' contributions to surgery departments included improvements in assessment and evaluation, educational conferences, recruitment, and research productivity. Conclusions Professional educators provide support needed to meet the growing demands and requirements of surgical education. Study findings may inform those interested in recruiting a professional educator to their faculty.
Rotating cryogenic Bénard cell

Abstract Construction and first operation of a rotating cryogenic Benard convection cell is described. Results on the stabilization of convection by rotation are presented and compared with theoretical calculations.