cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Epicardial adipose excision slows the progression of porcine coronary atherosclerosis.

In humans there is a positive association between epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) volume and coronary atherosclerosis (CAD) burden. We tested the hypothesis that EAT contributes locally to CAD in a pig model. Ossabaw miniature swine (n = 9) were fed an atherogenic diet for 6 months to produce CAD. A 15 mm length by 3–5 mm width coronary EAT (cEAT) resection was performed over the middle segment of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) 15 mm distal to the left main bifurcation. Pigs recovered for 3 months on atherogenic diet. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) was performed in the LAD to quantify atheroma immediately after adipectomy and was repeated after recovery before sacrifice. Coronary wall biopsies were stained immunohistochemically for atherosclerosis markers and cytokines and cEAT was assayed for atherosclerosis-related genes by RT-PCR. Total EAT volume was measured by non-contrast CT before each IVUS. Circumferential plaque length increased (p < 0.05) in the proximal and distal LAD segments from baseline until sacrifice whereas plaque length in the middle LAD segment underneath the adipectomy site did not increase. T-cadherin, scavenger receptor A and adiponectin were reduced in the intramural middle LAD. Relative to control pigs without CAD, 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11βHSD-1), CCL19, CCL21, prostaglandin D2 synthase, gp91phox [NADPH oxidase], VEGF, VEGFGR1, and angiotensinogen mRNAs were up-regulated in cEAT. EAT volume increased over 3 months. In pigs used as their own controls, resection of cEAT decreased the progression of CAD, suggesting that cEAT may exacerbate coronary atherosclerosis.
Stages of Gonadal Development of the Southern Green Stink Bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae): Improved Visualization

The southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula (L.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), and other related species have become pests in cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., after successful eradication efforts for the boll weevil. In Central Texas, little is known regarding the ecology of N. viridula. The reproductive status of N. viridula adults can be used to estimate population density and overwintering survival, but previous studies failed to provide clear visualizations for the developmental stages of the reproductive systems. This study was undertaken to provide improved visualizations of the developmental stages of the reproductive systems. Results will be critical in the accurate assessment of population reproductive status, estimation of population densities, and overwintering survival. Additionally, images presented here may be applicable to other stink bug species that infest row and fruit crops.
Revealed Preferences for Neighbourhood Characteristics

The research reported here analyses the relative influence of a variety of neighbourhood characteristics, not by the more common means of aggregate comparative analysis, but by examination of major influences revealed by the observed market behaviour of an interviewed sample of actual movers in St Louis, Missouri. The most significant result was the failure of changing percentage non-white population to account for movers' revealed preferences, despite both study areas having had rapid increases in that percentage over the study period. Median family income was shown to be the strongest single influence, and several other results run contrary to traditional economic location models.
Cognitive status and behavioral problems in older hospitalized patients.

Objectives: (a) To determine the quantity and quality of behavioral problems in older hospitalized patients on acute care units; (b) to determine the burden of these behaviors on staff; and (c) to identify predictors of behavioral problems. Methods: Upon admission, patients performed the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and information was obtained on age, ethnicity, level of education, living arrangement, and psychiatric history. Two days post-admission, a clinical staff member caring for each patient, performed the Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Questionnaire (NPI-Q) to assess patients' behavioral problems and staff distress. Participants and setting : Forty-two patients, over 60 years of age, admitted to medical and surgical units of the Veterans Affairs Hospitals in Palo Alto and San Francisco, participated. Results: Twenty-three of 42 (55%) patients exhibited behavioral problems. Anxiety, depression, irritability, and agitation/aggression were the most frequently observed behaviors. The severity of the behavioral problems was significantly correlated with staff distress. Lower performance on the MMSE at admission was significantly associated with higher NPI-Q ratings. Specifically, of those cases with scores less than or equal to 27 on the MMSE, 66% had behavioral problems during hospitalization, compared to only 31% of those with scores greater than 27. Conclusion: Behavioral problems in older hospitalized patients appear to occur frequently, are a significant source of distress to staff, and can result in the need for psychiatric consultation. Assessment of the mental status of older adults at admission to hospital may be valuable in identifying individuals at increased risk for behavioral problems during hospitalization.
Automatic fault isolation techniques for digital systems

An automatic fault isolation technique to minimize fault isolation cost in digital systems is presented. Since the technique is implemented by additional hardware design instead of traditional software diagnostic procedures, the computation time and memory space required for fault isolation are eliminated. Two algorithms are developed, which specify the implementation of the design of the automatic fault isolation in terms of online or offline error detection, respectively. Based on the automatic fault isolation technique, highly available digital systems can be obtained since faults are isolated right after they are detected avoiding usual waiting time for fault isolation. Therefore, the recovery process can be executed as soon as possible. This technique has the ability to isolate intermittent faults while an online testing scheme is adopted in digital systems. The hardware overhead of the automatic fault isolation design is about 2% depending on digital system structures. >
On resilient consensus against replay attacks in operator-vehicle networks

We consider an operator-vehicle network where each unmanned vehicle is remotely maneuvered by an operator and its inputs are limited. The objective of the operator-vehicle network is to steer the vehicles to a consensus point within a given constraint set by means of coordination among operators and vehicles. Each operator-vehicle pair is attacked by an adversary who is able to maliciously replay the control commands sent from the operator. To play against adversaries, we come up with a novel replay resilient consensus algorithm based on receding-horizon control, and show that the algorithm can guarantee achieving the constrained consensus objective at a geometric rate. Our proposed algorithm shows an analogous resilience property to denial-of-service attacks.
Structure of hybrid backbone methylphosphonate DNA heteroduplexes: effect of R and S stereochemistry.

Methyl phosphonate oligonucleotides have been used as antisense and antigene agents. Substitution of a methyl group for oxygen in the phosphate ester backbone introduces a new chiral center. Significant differences in physical properties and hybridization abilities are observed between the Rp and Sp diastereomers. Chirally pure methylphosphonate deoxyribooligonucleotides were synthesized, and the solution structures of duplexes formed between a single strand heptanucleotide methylphosphonate, d(CpMeCpMeApMeApMeApMeCpMeA), hybridized to a complementary octanucleotide, d(TpGpTpTpTpGpGpC), were studied by NMR spectroscopy. Stereochemistry at the methylphosphonate center for the heptanucleotide was either RpRpRpRpRpRp (Rp stereoisomer) or RpRpRpSpRpRp (Sp stereoisomer, although only one of the six methylphosphonate centers has the Sp stereochemistry). The results show that the methylphosphonate strands in the heteroduplexes exhibit increased dynamics relative to the DNA strand. Substitution of one chiral cent...
Regulatory evaluation of antiviral drug resistance in the era of next-generation sequencing

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is changing the landscape of antiviral drug resistance analysis, allowing for deeper sequencing of viral populations at greatly reduced costs compared with Sanger sequencing [1]. Sofosbuvir (Sovaldi, approved December 2013) was the first antiviral drug approved by the US FDA based on resistance data from pivotal Phase 2 and 3 clinical trials using NGS data [2,3]. Prior to that approval, nonpivotal Phase 2 NGS resistance data were analyzed for simeprevir (Olysio, approved November 2013) [4]. In October 2014, the FDA approved the combination of sofosbuvir and ledipasvir (Harvoni) based in part on resistance data generated using NGS [5]. Given the emerging nature of NGS technology and the steadily reduced sequencing costs, the FDA Division of Antiviral Products (DAVP) anticipates that most drug sponsors will switch to NGS for resistance analysis in the future. DAVP conducts independent analyses of resistance data in their review of new drug applications (NDAs) for antiviral drugs to determine if: treatment-emergent amino acid substitutions can be correlated with treatment failure (emergence of resistance), resistant variants persist after treatment failure, shifts in cell culture susceptibility can be associated with treatment failure, baseline polymorphisms lead to reduced efficacy and resistance-associated substitutions confer cross resistance to other antiviral drugs. Historically, genotypic antiviral resistance data generated by Sanger sequencing were submitted to the DAVP using standardized datasets. In these cases, raw sequence data were not requested or analyzed. In contrast to Sanger sequencing, NGS is an emerging technology that presents many data analysis and data integrity issues that must be considered when conducting a regulatory review [2]. Some of these issues include:
Critical Issues Facing School Leaders Concerning Data-­Informed Decision-Making.

School systems have access to more data than ever before but most teachers and school leaders lack the skills to use the data for student and school improvement. Current attempts to use data have lacked depth and have been more focused on accountability and meeting state and federal requirements than on systematically investigating the factors that support and hinder the teaching and learning process. As a result, the potential benefits of data usage have not been realised. In this commentary I examine the critical issues facing school leaders concerning data-informed decision-making based on existing research and my experience working with principals in a south-east state.
Estimation of light duty vehicle emissions in Islamabad and climate co-benefits of improved emission standards implementation

Abstract Light Duty Vehicles (LDVs) hold a major share in Islamabad's vehicle fleet and their contribution towards air pollution has not been analyzed previously. Emissions for the base year (2014) and two optimistic ‘what-if’ scenarios were estimated by using the International Vehicle Emissions (IVE) model. Considering the recent implementation of Euro II as emission standard in Pakistan, scenario 1 assumed entire LDV fleet meeting at least Euro II standards while scenario 2 assumed all LDVs meeting Euro IV standards except motorcycles which would be meeting Euro III emission standards. Higher average age for all vehicles and lower share of Euro compliant vehicles was found in the base case. Low engine stress mode (lower speeds with frequent decelerations) was observed for all vehicles especially on arterials and residential roads. Highest overall emissions (59%) were observed on arterials, followed by residential roads (24%) and highways (17%) with higher emissions observed during morning (8–10 am) and evening (4–6 pm) rush hours. Composite emission factors were also calculated. Results reveal that 1094, 147, 11.1, 0.2 and 0.4 kt of CO 2 , CO, NOx, SO 2 and PM 10 respectively were emitted in 2014 by LDVs. Compared with the base year, scenario 1 showed a reduction of 9%, 69%, 73%, 13% and 31%, while scenario 2 exhibited a reduction of 5%, 92%, 90%, 92% and 81% for CO 2 , CO, NOx, SO 2 and PM 10 respectively. As compared to the base year, a 20 year CO 2 -equivalent Global Warming Potential (GWP) reduced by 55% and 64% under scenario 1 and 2 respectively, while a 100 year GWP reduced by 40% and 44% under scenario 1 and 2 respectively. Our results demonstrated significant co-benefits that could be achieved in emission reduction and air quality improvement in the city by vehicle technology implementation.
Size-exclusion chromatography of metal nanoparticles and quantum dots.

Abstract This review presents an overview of size-exclusion chromatographic separation and characterization of noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) and quantum dots (QDs) over the past 25 years. The properties of NPs and QDs that originate from quantum and surface effects are size dependent; to investigate these properties, a separation technique such as size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) is often needed to obtain narrow-distribution NP populations that are also separated from the unreacted starting materials. Information on the size distributions and optical properties of NPs has been obtained by coupling SEC to detection methods such as ultraviolet–visible and/or fluorescence spectroscopy. Problems associated with the sorption of NPs and QDs onto various SEC stationary phases, using both aqueous and organic eluents, are also discussed.
Commentary on: Alloplastic Augmentation of the Asian Face: A Review of 215 Patients

It is human nature to avoid responsibility when faced with unfortunate outcomes. Blame the gun, not the perpetrator; blame the implant, not the surgeon. Hence, as the authors of this article point out, alloplastic facial implants have been demonized by many in the plastic surgery community. To their credit, the authors document that, with appropriate technique, facial implants can be safe and effective.1 Using the same basic principles as the authors, but with some different personal preferences, I too have found facial implants to be effective with few complications. This commentary provides the opportunity to emphasize the important commonalities in our use of facial implants and mentions variations and preferences that I have found useful. Implant materials used for facial skeletal augmentation in the United States have been approved as safe and biocompatible by the federal Food and Drug Administration. They have an acceptable reaction between the material and the host. In general, the host has little or no enzymatic ability to degrade the implant with the result that the implant tends to maintain its volume and shape. Likewise, the implant has a minimal and predictable effect on the host tissue that surrounds it. Hence, implant materials per se do not have toxic effects on the host. Implant materials differ in their surface characteristics. …
Brain Damage in Glycogen Storage Disease Type I

The occurrence of brain damage in 19 patients (13 girls and 6 boys) with glycogen storage disease type I (GSDI) was evaluated at the Universita “Federico II”, Naples, Italy.
Wind Tunnel Investigations of Rigid Ram-Air Parachute Canopy Configurations

This set of experiments characterizes the aerodynamics of a finite span rigid ram-air parachute wing section. Results serve to populate a new aerodynamic and structural database. In particular, they provide data for a baseline validation configuration to be used in numerical simulations. Unlike drop test research, the rigid wind tunnel models provide standard force and moment data sets and achieve a greater diagnostic precision. Four model wing sections were tested to simulate two leading edges combined with two different canopy configurations; a round nose and flat nose both with straight and bent trailing edges. Target Reynolds numbers for all trials was 1.4 million which matches drop test data. To reach this Reynolds number without incurring effects of compressibility, a target Mach number of 0.25 was used. Since ram-air parachutes are rigged for a fixed angle of attack of 8° during steady glide with an undeflected trailing edge, the majority of testing was performed at this angle of attack. For the round nose with straight trailing edge model, a coefficient of lift of 0.688 and coefficient of drag of 0.086 was found, such that L/D = 8.
Examination of glucose-6- phosphate dehydrogenase mutation types with a method of dried blood spots on filter paper

Objective To understand gene mutant types of glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase (G 6 PD) deficiency among local Guangdong children and to evaluate the method using dried blood spots on filter paper in examination of patients suffered from acute hemolytic anemia caused by G 6 PD deficiency. Methods The subjects of this study were 87 hospitalized children suffering from acute hemolytic anemia episodes between 1993 and 1997. Among these children, 76 were male and 11 were female. The age of these cases ranged from 1.5 mo to 10 years and 7 mo. All the patients were diagnosed as having G 6 PD deficient disease on the basis of clinical symptoms and the methemoglobin reducing test or the activity of G 6 PD enzymes (NBT method). All these patients were native Guangdong people without blood relation to each other. Peripheral blood specimens were collected from the finger tips of the patients, then the blood was dropped on a sheet of special filter paper (SS) and the detection was performed after dry blood spot formed. Direct PCR amplification of the target gene segment was performed by using 5 pairs of special primers designed against 5 G 6 PD mutant types: G1376T, G1388A, A95G, G392T, and C1024T from dried blood spot on filter paper. The amplified products were added with related 5 different restriction endonucleases: BfrⅠ, NdeⅠ, MIuⅠ, BanⅠ, MboⅡ, and were digested at 37℃ overnight. The products obtained after digestion were analyzed with polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Results The detection rates of different gene mutant types were as follows: G1376T 35% (30 cases), G1388A 32% (28 cases), A95G 7% (6 cases), G392T 1% (1 case); C1024T was not found. In 22 cases the mutant types could not be defined. Of 7 cases with acute hemolytic anemia who had normal G 6 PD enzyme activity (NBT method), 5 were G1376T positive, one was G1388A positive and the remaining one was A95G positive. Conclusion G1376T and G1388A seemed to be the most common mutant types of G 6 PD among the subjects studied. The method of using dried blood spots on filter paper was useful for the patients suffered from acute hemolytic anemia caused by G 6 PD deficient disease. This method may have higher detection rates than methemoglobin reducing test and the G 6 PD enzyme activity tests which often show false negative results. The dry blood spot test has the advantages of easy to perform, using small quantity of blood sample, convenient to transport and store, which would make direct DNA amplification simple and accurate. This method appears to be suitable for mass screening for G 6 PD deficiency.
Design and Development of Aptamer–Gold Nanoparticle Based Colorimetric Assays for In-the-field Applications

The design and development of an aptamer–gold nanoparticle (AuNP) colorimetric assay for the detection of small molecules for in-the-field applications was examined. Target selective AuNP based color assays have been developed in controlled proof-of-concept laboratory settings. However, these schemes have not been exerted to a point of failure to determine their practical use beyond laboratory settings. This work describes a generic approach to design, develop, and troubleshoot an aptamer-AuNP colorimetric assay for small molecule analytes and using the assay for in-the-field settings. The assay is advantageous because adsorbed aptamers passivate the nanoparticle surfaces and provide a means to reduce and eliminate false positive responses to non-target analytes. Transitioning this system to practical uses required defining not only the shelf-life of the aptamer-AuNP assay, but establishing methods and procedures for extending the long-term storage capabilities. Also, one of the recognized concerns with colorimetric readout is the burden placed on analysts to accurately identify often subtle changes in color. To lessen the responsibility on analysts in the field, a color analysis protocol was designed to perform the color identification duties without the need for performing this task on laboratory grade equipment. The method for creating and testing the data analysis protocol is described. However to understand and influence the design of adsorbed aptamer assays, the interactions associated with the aptamer, target, and AuNPs require further study. The knowledge gained could lead to tailoring aptamers for improved functionality.
Supersymmetric Solitons: Wall-string junctions

In Chapter 8 we reviewed the construction of D -brane prototypes in field theory. In string theory D branes are extended objects on which fundamental strings can end. To make contact with this string/brane picture one may address a question whether or not solitonic strings can end on the domain wall which localizes gauge fields. The answer to this question is yes. Moreover, the string endpoint plays a role of a charge with respect to the gauge field localized on the wall surface. This issue was studied in [215] in the sigma-model setup and in [217] for gauge theories at strong coupling. A solution for a 1/4-BPS wall-string junction in the N = 2 supersymmetric U(1) gauge theory at weak coupling was found in [142], while [37] deals with its non-Abelian generalization. Further studies of the wall-string junctions were carried out in [172] where all 1/4-BPS solutions to Eqs. (4.5.5) were obtained, and in [218, 231] where the energy associated with the wall-string junction (boojum) was calculated, and in [232, 228] where a quantum version of the effective theory on the domain wall world volume which takes into account charged matter (strings of the bulk theory) was derived. Below we will review the wall-string junction solutions and then briefly discuss how the presence of strings in the bulk modifies the effective theory on the wall.
Principles of landscape conservation, management and design

Seminatural, rural and agricultural landscapes, interdispersed urban centres and relevant infrastructures such as highways, bridges, dykes, electricity poles etc. are widely distributed in the world. The emergent characteristics of these landscapes are in synthesis with the fragmentation of natural remnant vegetation, the high heterogeneity, the interdispersion of different matrices of fields. Size, shape and the spatial arrangement of the patches remain relevant for ecological processes. The overlap of technological infrastructures (roads, bridges, railways) with natural structures such as rivers, lakes, valley bottoms and ridges creates hindrances to many ecological processes, such as soil erosion and deposition, water flux, animal movements and plant dispersion.
Evaluation on the cost-effective threshold of osteoporosis treatment on elderly women in China using discrete event simulation model

This study used a simulation model to determine the cost-effective threshold of fracture risk to treat osteoporosis among elderly Chinese women. Osteoporosis treatment is cost-effective among average-risk women who are at least 75 years old and above-average-risk women who are younger than 75 years old. Aging of the Chinese population is imposing increasing economic burden of osteoporosis. This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of osteoporosis treatment among the senior Chinese women population. A discrete event simulation model using age-specific probabilities of hip fracture, clinical vertebral fracture, wrist fracture, humerus fracture, and other fracture; costs (2015 US dollars); and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) was used to assess the cost-effectiveness of osteoporosis treatment. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated. The willingness to pay (WTP) for a QALY in China was compared with the calculated ICER to decide the cost-effectiveness. To determine the absolute 10-year hip fracture probability at which the osteoporosis treatment became cost-effective, average age-specific probabilities for all fractures were multiplied by a relative risk (RR) that was systematically varied from 0 to 10 until the WTP threshold was observed for treatment relative to no intervention. Sensitivity analyses were also performed to evaluate the impacts from WTP and annual treatment costs. In baseline analysis, simulated ICERs were higher than the WTP threshold among Chinese women younger than 75, but much lower than the WTP among the older population. Sensitivity analyses indicated that cost-effectiveness could vary due to a higher WTP threshold or a lower annual treatment cost. A 30 % increase in WTP or a 30 % reduction in annual treatment costs will make osteoporosis treatment cost-effective for Chinese women population from 55 to 85. The current study provides evidence that osteoporosis treatment is cost-effective among a subpopulation of Chinese senior women. The results also indicate that the cost-effectiveness of using osteoporosis treatment is sensitive to the WTP threshold and annual treatment costs.
Vascular anatomical relationships of the retropubic space and the sacrospinous ligament, using three-dimensional imaging.

Pelvic anatomy is complex and intimate knowledge of variabilities in anatomical relationships is critical for surgeons to safely perform surgical procedures. Three-dimensional Imaging provides the opportunity to analyze undisturbed anatomical relationships. The authors hypothesized that three-dimensional models created from pelvic computed tomography angiograms could be used to obtain vascular anatomical measurements, and that the measurements obtained from three-dimensional models would be similar to those from cadaver studies. We included all pelvic computed tomography angiograms that were acquired in female patients older than 18 years at our institution within the previous 5 years. Three-dimensional models were created using the Invivo5 software based on the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine files. Structures of interest were virtually dissected and measured replicating previous cadaver studies. Statistical analysis of demographics and measurements was performed. The final analysis included 87 studies. The average age of the subjects was 66.9 years and their average BMI was 26.1 kg/m2. Of the 87 subjects, 12.6% had a history of hysterectomy, 2.3% a history of a continence procedure, and 1.1% a history of a prolapse procedure. The range of distance between the ischial spine and the pudendal artery was 3–17 mm. The closest vessels to the lower edge of the symphysis pubis were the obturator vessels. The aberrant corona mortis vessel was present in 27.9% of the subjects. Prior hysterectomy was associated with changes in the measurements of the obturator arteries with minimal changes in other measurements. Our results indicate that this technology provides similar measurements to those found in previous unembalmed cadaver studies. This technology offers a great opportunity to study anatomical relationships in a native undisturbed state.
Students' Gender Stereotypes about Running in Schools

ABSTRACTTwo hundred forty-six students (132 boys, 114 girls) were tracked from fifth to eighth grades, and changes in gender stereotypes about running as a male sport, running performance, interest in running, and intention for future running participation were assessed. Results revealed that neither sex held gender stereotypes about running as a male sport and students were less likely to hold such stereotypes as they progressed through school. Compared to girls, boys were more likely to perceive running to be more appropriate for boys. Girls with higher gender stereotyping mean scores reported lower interest in running and intentions for future running participation, while boys recording increases in running stereotyping were more likely to retain interest in running and future running participation. This study provides empirical documentation of running as a gender-neutral activity over time in a physical education/athletic setting. From the expectancy-value lens, including gender-neutral activities su...
Impact of eliminating the carcass chilling step in the production of pre-cooked chicken breast meat

SUMMARY Pre-cooked chicken meat products provide convenience to consumers and are growing in popularity globally. Poultry meat destined for pre-cooked meat products typically undergoes chilling on the carcass skeletal frame and deboning before cooking. However, cooking products directly without prior carcass chilling has the potential to reduce energy costs and more effectively destroy microorganisms. The objective of this study was to compare the use of non-chilled chicken fillets (either hot-boned or left intact on carcasses) to chilled fillets for pre-cooked products. Broiler carcasses were collected from the processing line immediately after evisceration. Fillets were either deboned or left intact on carcasses and cooked either directly without prior carcass chilling or deboned and cooked immediately after chilling. The tenderness of cooked products was estimated with the blunt Meullenet-Owens Razor Shear test. Results showed no difference (P > 0.05) in shear measurements between cooked non-chilled fillets and cooked chilled fillets regardless of deboning. Leaving fillets intact on carcasses during cooking resulted in lower shear values compared to deboned fillets regardless of chilling. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in cook yield between non-chilled fillets and chilled fillets. These results demonstrate that compared to chilled fillets, non-chilled fillets can be used for pre-cooked chicken breast meat in commercial practice without adverse effects on meat tenderness or cook yield. Fillets left intact on carcasses during cooking significantly improves shear of finished products.
Thermal Decomposition of Cigarette Paper. II Pyrolysis of Cigarette Paper from Flax Pulp Blended with Wood Pulp Treated with Various Burning Chemicals

Characteristics of thermal decomposition of cigarette paper from flax pulp blended with wood pulp (blend ratio 9 : 1) treated with various burning chemicals (organic acid salts and phosphates) were investigated by thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC) both in air and helium atmosphere respectively.The initial and the most active temperature at pyrolysis of blended pulp cigarette paper treated with burning chemicals were lower than those of the untreated cigarette paper both in air and helium. The amount of residual char of the treated cigarette paper was higher. A distinct effect on pyrolysis of the treated cigarette paper was observed at about 1% adsorption of burning chemicals.Sodium and potassium salts of burning chemicals exert the different characteristic effect on smoking flavor and taste of treated cigarette paper.
Repackaged “urban renewal”: Issues of spatial equity and environmental justice in new construction, suburban neighborhoods, and urban islands of infill

This study examines environmental justice issues; the tie between infill, sprawl, and inequity; and race and class discrimination as a hindrance to urban sustainability in newly constructed “starte...
NASA technology assessment using real options valuation: Regular Paper

We examine the use of real options valuation in the context of prioritizing advanced technologies for NASA funding. Further, we offer a set of computational procedures that quantifies the option value of each technology. Other researchers have applied a real options framework to private sector investments. In the case of NASA investments in advanced technologies, the underlying products, which must be used to justify the investments, are space-related scientific results and discoveries from completed missions to be shared worldwide. As in the private sector, uncertainty plays a significant role in the motivation to use real options in NASA. Uncertainty in NASA technology investments can be classified as development risk and programmatic risk (whether missions using the technology will actually fly). The latter might be called the technology “market risk.” We carried out the approach on a number of planetary exploration technologies. We illustrate the detailed calculations using one of them—lightweight propellant tank technology. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 7: 1–12, 2004
Chromosomal variation in the Sceloporus grammicus complex (Sauria, Phrynosomatidae)

The Sceloporus grammicus complex offers a valuable resource for studies of interrelated questions about population structure, the origin and fixation of new chromosomal rearrangements, the fitness consequences of structural chromosomal heterozygosity in hybrid zones, and the possible role of such rearrangements in reducing gene flow between chromosomally pure types in regions of parapatric contact. This complex, which ranges from extreme southern Texas south across most of mainland Mexico (see map in Sites et al., 1987), is composed of a number of distinct chromosome races (= cytotypes) with different 2n’s resulting largely from fixed simple Robertsonian rearrangements. Some of these cytotypes have diverged to the species level, as assessed by independent molecular markers, while others are less distinct. Similar chromosomal polytypy has been described in other vertebrates, notably eutherian mammals (Searle, 1992), but in contrast to most of these cases, many cytotypes in the S. grammicus complex exhibit extensive within-population polymorphism as well as between-population fixation for the same kinds of rearrangements. These observations, coupled with estimates of very low levels of isozyme divergence (see below), suggest that processes relevant to the origin, spread, and fixation (or maintenance as polymorphisms) of chromosomal rearrangements may still be actively occurring in this group. The apparent narrowness of a number of hybrid zones also suggests that even pairs of cytotypes capable of hybridizing and backcrossing are behaving as distinct gene pools, and that the between-race chromosomal differences may contribute significantly to speciation potential in this group (Hall, 1983). This paper reviews some aspects of recent work on a number of these issues by myself, students, and colleagues.
Liquid and solid-state tunable organic dye lasers for medical applications

Abstract: Organic dye lasers have the distinct privilege of being the first broadly tunable lasers. This broad tunability, directly in the visible spectrum, made the dye laser a pioneer in a plethora of revolutionary laser applications from fundamental physics to astronomy. Further, the liquid state of its gain media made it possible to demonstrate laser oscillation at high average powers, and with unsurpassed high-energy single pulse generation, in the visible spectrum. This chapter highlights high-performance dye lasers in the liquid state as well as high-performance solid-state organic dye lasers. Emphasis is given to laser characteristics and laser physics–technology aspects of high-efficiency narrow-linewidth tunable laser oscillators.
Marketing Health Services

Since the health care industry has now joined the other industries and professions that face intensely competitive environments, excess capacity, new types of competitors, and pressure to cut costs, marketing has become more visible and acceptable than at any time in the history of medicine. Marketing is a new business function in health care organizations in comparison with other management features such as personnel, finance, communications, and public relations. Marketing in health care has taken a low profile because of the medical profession’s unwillingness to promote (advertise) medical services and the physicians’ attitude that their competence and reputation were enough to attract and retain patients. However, as health care moves from the small-scale, cottage-industry practice to the large-scale, corporate organization, marketing programs will become common among health care providers and their organizations.
Presence of the Carcinogen N′-Nitrosonornicotine in Saliva of E-cigarette Users

Many harmful constituents are present in e-cigarettes at much lower levels than in cigarette smoke, and the results of analysis of urinary biomarkers in e-cigarette users are consistent with these findings. However, understanding the health effects of chronic exposures to e-cigarette aerosols may require thinking beyond these comparisons. In this study, we investigated the endogenous formation of the tobacco-specific oral and esophageal carcinogen N′-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) in e-cigarette users. Salivary NNN, nornicotine, and nicotine as well as urinary tobacco biomarkers, including total NNN, were analyzed in 20 e-cigarette users, 20 smokers, and 19 nonsmokers. Nornicotine and NNN levels in e-cigarettes used by the study participants were also analyzed. The mean of NNN in saliva of e-cigarette users was 14.6 (±23.1) pg/mL, ranging from nonquantifiable (below the limit of quantitation, LOQ) to 76.0 pg/mL. In smokers, salivary NNN ranged from below LOQ to 739 pg/mL, with 80% of smokers having salivary NNN...
A Pre-transplant Blood-based Lipid Signature for Prediction of Antibody-mediated Rejection in Kidney Transplant Patients

ABSTRACT There is a lack of biomarkers for pre-kidney transplant immune risk stratification to avoid over- or under-immunosuppression. Since the circulating lipidome is integrally involved in inflammation, we hypothesized that the lipidome may provide biomarkers that are helpful in the prediction of antibody-mediated rejection. We used mass spectrometry to detect the plasma lipidome in samples collected over 1 year post-kidney transplant from a prospective, observational cohort of adult kidney transplant recipients (KTR), classified in two groups, one with antibody mediated rejection (AMR) and the other with stable graft function (SC). We used linear discriminant analysis to generate predictive models of rejection. A ‘lipid-only’ model generated from samples taken on day of transplant (T1) revealed a seven lipid classifier (lysophosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine species) with misclassification rate of 8.9% [AUC = 0.95 (95% CI = 0.84-0.98), R2 = 0.63]. A clinical model [(using donor specific antibody (DSA) and panel reactive antibody (PRA)] was inferior with a misclassification rate of 15.6% [AUC = 0.82 (95% CI = 0.69-0.93), R2 = 0.41]. A combined model using four lipid classifiers and DSA improved the AUC further to 0.98 (95% CI = 0.89-1.0, R2 = 0.83) with a misclassification of only 2.2%. The polyunsaturated phospholipid subspecies that discriminated the two groups were much lower in the AMR group when compared to the SC group. While the lipidomic profile changed significantly among SC patients on serial sampling post-transplant, such changes were not seen in AMR patients. After taking serial lipidomic changes overtime in SC patients in to account, the AMR group still showed sustained decreased levels of specific lipids at the time of AMR. These findings suggest that a lack of anti-inflammatory polyunsaturated phospholipids could identify patients at a higher risk of AMR at the time of transplant.
Glucose 6 Phosphate Deficiency

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an enzyme defect with an X-linked recessive inheritance pattern that predisposes to hemolysis in response to certain triggers such as medications, infections, or diet (fava beans). The most important aspect in management of G6PD deficiency in both pregnant and nonpregnant patients is avoidance of triggers. Medications to avoid include antimalarials (dapsone, primaquine), antimycobacterials, antineoplastic agents, methylene blue, and antibiotics such as nitrofurantoin. Common anesthetic agents such as sevoflurane, ketamine, fentanyl, and benzodiazepines have not been reported to cause a hemolytic crisis in G6PD-deficient patients. Most pregnant women with G6PD deficiency can have neuraxial analgesia, and opioids and bupivacaine are safe to use.
Tandem reverse-electron-demand Diels-Alder reactions of 1,5-cyclooctadiene

Abstract Hexachlorocyclopentadiene and 5,5-dimethoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrachlorocyclopenta-2,4-diene react with 1,5-cyclooctadiene to produce a 1:4 syn to anti mixture of diadducts in good yield. The stereochemistry of the diastereomers is examined using X my and molecular mechanics calculations are used to explore some of the potential causes for the observed diastereoselectivity.
Novel Approaches for Attaining High Accelerating Fields in Superconducting Cavities

Present-day superconducting (SC) radio-frequency (rf) cavity structures used in particle accelerators provide accelerating fields (Eacc) up to 10 MV/m. Field emission is the most serious obstacle to reaching the higher fields called for in future applications. We have used heat treatment (up to 1500°C), along with high-power processing of cavities and temperature mapping, to suppress field emission and analyze emitter properties. In 27 fired cavities, we have raised the average Eacc to 26 MV/m from the 14 MV/m obtained with chemical treatment (CT) alone; the highest Eacc reached is 30 MV/m. Non-accelerating cavities have also been made to investigate the highest rf field SC Nb can support; 145 MV/m has been reached. A 6-cell cavity has been constructed in an effort to extend our achievements from single-cell test cavities toward the accelerating structures planned for TESLA (a TeV e−e+ linear collider); preliminary measurements with CT only reached Eacc = 17 MV/m. The conceptual design of a B-factory cavity is also briefly discussed.
Chapter 4 – Solid Processes

In this chapter, materials processing routes that involve the deformation of solid engineering materials are explored. The chapter begins with a fundamentals section that introduces the principles of deformation and plastic flow under uniaxial and triaxial stresses, and the typical mechanical responses of metals and thermoplastic polymers. The wire drawing process is covered in detail and analyzed using a forced balance (slab) method. This section reveals how sequential deformations lead to the final desired shape and how work hardening of the metal changes the process requirements. Extrusion, forging and rolling are covered to show how different shapes are processed from solids, and the importance of hot working. The last section is an introduction to several forming operations that begin with metal or plastic sheets, including bending, thermoforming, and superplastic forming.
Proteomic Signatures of Corals from Thermodynamic Reefs.

Unlike most parts of the world, coral reefs of Taiwan’s deep south have generally been spared from climate change-induced degradation. This has been linked to the oceanographically unique nature of Nanwan Bay, where intense upwelling occurs. Specifically, large-amplitude internal waves cause shifts in temperature of 6–9 °C over the course of several hours, and the resident corals not only thrive under such conditions, but they have also been shown to withstand multi-month laboratory incubations at experimentally elevated temperatures. To gain insight into the sub-cellular basis of acclimation to upwelling, proteins isolated from reef corals (Seriatopora hystrix) featured in laboratory-based reciprocal transplant studies in which corals from upwelling and non-upwelling control reefs (<20 km away) were exposed to stable or variable temperature regimes were analyzed via label-based proteomics (iTRAQ). Corals exposed to their “native” temperature conditions for seven days (1) demonstrated highest growth rates and (2) were most distinct from one another with respect to their protein signatures. The latter observation was driven by the fact that two Symbiodiniaceae lipid trafficking proteins, sec1a and sec34, were marginally up-regulated in corals exposed to their native temperature conditions. Alongside the marked degree of proteomic “site fidelity” documented, this dataset sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying acclimatization to thermodynamically extreme conditions in situ.
Palmar Rash in a Young Child.

A child presented with with a pruritic rash when on the palms when they were exposed to water.
What is an interpersonal ostracism message?: bringing the construct of ostracism into communication studies

Research on ostracism overwhelmingly suggests that being ostracized is a painful experience. Much of this research comes from the field of psychology and uses various adaptations of the Cyberball e...
From Institution to Inspiration: Why the Friars Minor Became Franciscans

Medieval religious institutions, such as the papacy or the religious orders, tend to designate a saint as their founding inspiration. For the papacy, this has been St Peter; for the religious orders, saints such as St Benedict, St Dominic or St Francis. While it might appear logical to think of these inspiring founders as preceding the establishment of such institutions, in reality the latter are almost entirely responsible for the making, maintaining and circulating of the image of a founding saint. Hence it is necessary to approach historiographical narratives with great caution in which an institution is thought to be diverging from the founder's path, falling short of the founder's ideals or deliberately distorting the image of a founder to justify their evolution. If such a discrepancy between the initial ideal and later practice is observed, the central point of investigation should focus on why the hagiographical and liturgical records regarding the founding saint included elements in conflict with the institutional practice. This article will investigate the medieval evidence and the historiographical narratives pertaining to the Order of Friars Minor.
Sample Return Container Opening Process Concept for Potential Mars Sample Return

Proposed Mars Sample Return (MSR) missions would require a pristine and secure opening method to ensure sample Contamination Control and backward Planetary Protection. In order to reach the samples, a series of five containers would need to be opened inside of a Mars Returned Sample Handling (MRSH) facility. The process would include opening the Containment Assurance Module (CAM) aboard the Earth Entry Vehicle (EEV), the Secondary Containment Vessel (SCV), Primary Containment Vessel (PCV), and the Orbiting Sample (OS) container, and finally removing and opening the Returned Sample Tube Assemblies (RSTA). Some of these containers can be opened by reversing the mechanical assembly process while, others would require destructive means. Several containers are still in a conceptual design phase, while others are en route to Mars aboard the M2020 rover. In order to inform the design of the containers that are still in the conceptual stages, a study was performed at each level of the containment assembly. The studies were used to determine the least destructive and most robust methods to disassemble and open the containers while minimizing risk to the samples or the personnel. In addition to the envisioned disassembly and breaching method, contingency plans were made for completing the disassembly if damage to the vehicle and containment system occurred.
Feeling Apollo: Sensory Engagement in the Sanctuary of Apollo at Klaros

This article explores the interplay between body and materiality in the ancient oracular Sanctuary of Apollo at Klaros. Drawing upon sensory archaeology and classical studies, the article moves bey...