cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification and Quantitation of Linear Alkanes in Lubricant Base Oils by Using GC×GC/EI TOF Mass Spectrometry

Linear alkanes are a class of compounds known to negatively affect the physical performance of lubricant base oils. The ability to rapidly identify and quantify linear alkanes in lubricant base oils would enable oil companies to more effectively evaluate their refinery methods for converting crude oil to lubricant base oils. While mass spectrometry is a powerful method for elucidation of the structures of compounds in complex mixtures, it is not innately quantitative. An approach is presented here for the identification and quantitation of linear alkanes in base oil samples by utilizing GC×GC/EI TOF MS. Identification of the linear alkanes in base oils was achieved based on their retention times in both GC columns as well as their EI mass spectra. Linear alkane model compound mixtures were used to generate calibration plots for quantitation of the linear alkanes in the base oils. The accuracy of this method was greater than 83.8%, within-day precision lower than 6.2%, between-day precision lower than 16.2%, and total precision lower than 17.2%. All noted figures of merit surpass the acceptable limits for a new validated quantitative method, where accuracy must be better than 80% and precision lower than 20% at the lower limit of quantitation. The n-alkane content in both base oil samples was further validated using a GC×GC/FID method (the gold standard for quantitation), which provided nearly identical results to those obtained using the GC×GC/EI TOF MS method. Therefore, GC×GC/EI TOF MS can be used to both identify and quantitate linear alkanes.
Abstract interpretation of distributed network control planes

The control plane of most computer networks runs distributed routing protocols that determine if and how traffic is forwarded. Errors in the configuration of network control planes frequently knock down critical online services, leading to economic damage for service providers and significant hardship for users. Validation via ahead-of-time simulation can help find configuration errors but such techniques are expensive or even intractable for large industrial networks. We explore the use of abstract interpretation to address this fundamental scaling challenge and find that the right abstractions can reduce the asymptotic complexity of network simulation. Based on this observation, we build a tool called ShapeShifter for reachability analysis. On a suite of 127 production networks from a large cloud provider, ShapeShifter provides an asymptotic improvement in runtime and memory over the state-of-the-art simulator. These gains come with a minimal loss in precision. Our abstract analysis accurately predicts reachability for all destinations for 95% of the networks and for most destinations for the remaining 5%. We also find that abstract interpretation of network control planes not only speeds up existing analyses but also facilitates new kinds of analyses. We illustrate this advantage through a new destination "hijacking" analysis for the border gateway protocol (BGP), the globally-deployed routing protocol.
Efficient Modeling of HIL Multi-Grid System for Scalability & Concurrency in CPS Security Testbed

Cyber-event-triggered power grid blackout compels utility operators to intensify cyber-aware and physics-constrained recovery and restoration process. Recently, coordinated cyber attacks on the Ukrainian grid witnessed such a cyber-event-triggered power system blackout. Various cyber-physical system (CPS) testbeds have attempted with multitude designs to analyze such interdependent events and evaluate remedy measures. However, resource constraints and modular integration designs have been significant barriers while modeling large-scale grid models (scalability) and multi-grid isolated models (concurrency) under a single real-time execution environment for the hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) CPS security testbeds. This paper proposes a meticulous design and effective modeling for simulating large-scale grid models and multi-grid isolated models in a HIL realtime digital simulator environment integrated with industry-grade hardware and software systems. We have used our existing HIL CPS security testbed to demonstrate scalability by the realtime performance of a Texas-2000 bus US synthetic grid model and concurrency by the real-time performance of simultaneous ten IEEE-39 bus grid models and an IEEE-118 bus grid model. The experiments demonstrated significant results by 100% realtime performance with zero overruns, low latency while receiving and executing control signals from SEL Relays via IEC-61850 protocol and low latency while computing and transmitting grid data streams including stability measures via IEEE C37.118 synchrophasor data protocol to SEL Phasor Data Concentrators.
Pediatric Functional Neuroimaging: Practical Tips and Pearls

OBJECTIVE. Functional MRI (fMRI) is clinically used for localization of eloquent cortex before surgical intervention, most commonly motor and language function in patients with tumors or epilepsy. In the pediatric population, special considerations for fMRI relate to limited examination tolerance, small head size, developing anatomy and physiology, and diverse potential abnormalities. In this article, we will highlight pearls and pitfalls of clinical pediatric fMRI including blood oxygenation level-dependent imaging principles, patient preparation, study acquisition, data postprocessing, and examination interpretation. CONCLUSION. Clinical fMRI is indicated for presurgical localization of eloquent cortex in patients with tumors, epilepsy, or other neurologic conditions and requires a solid understanding of technical considerations and data processing. In children, special approaches are needed for patient preparation as well as study design, acquisition, and interpretation. Radiologists should be cognizant of developmental neuroanatomy, causes of neuropathology, and capacity for neuroplasticity in the pediatric population.
G2S3: a gene graph-based imputation method for single-cell RNA sequencing data

Single-cell RNA sequencing provides an opportunity to study gene expression at single-cell resolution. However, prevalent dropout events result in high data sparsity and noise that may obscure downstream analyses. We propose a novel method, G2S3, that imputes dropouts by borrowing information from adjacent genes in a sparse gene graph learned from gene expression profiles across cells. We applied G2S3 and other existing methods to seven single-cell datasets to compare their performance. Our results demonstrated that G2S3 is superior in recovering true expression levels, identifying cell subtypes, improving differential expression analyses, and recovering gene regulatory relationships, especially for mildly expressed genes.
Comparison and Validation of Preoperative Planning Techniques for Distal Femoral Osteotomies and Proximal Tibial Osteotomies.

Preoperative planning is important for accurate intraoperative execution in many surgical fields. Planning for distal femoral osteotomies (DFOs) and proximal tibial osteotomies (PTOs) consists of choosing the level of the osteotomy, measuring the angle of the osteotomy based on hip-knee-ankle alignment, and choosing a proper osteotomy wedge size. Medical imaging IT solutions company Sectra has implemented a new osteotomy tool in their radiographic system that is simpler than the accepted standard of modified center of rotation of angulation (mCORA) technique, yet unvalidated. In this study, we aim to compare the Sectra osteotomy tool versus the mCORA technique to measure the osteotomy angles as well as wedge sizes in both DFOs and PTOs to validate this new tool. We enrolled n = 30 consecutive patients with DFOs and n = 30 PTOs from the last year. The Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) along with descriptive statistics was used to evaluate for similarity between the two techniques. We also compared interobserver and intraobserver reliability using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). The PCC for osteotomy angles in DFOs and PTOs were both 0.998 (p The Sectra osteotomy tool is a validated tool for preoperative measurements of DFOs and PTOs. It is reliable and simpler than the current practice of the mCORA technique. We suggest future studies to analyze this Sectra osteotomy tool in other settings as to incorporate it into widespread clinical use.
The Rise and Fall of the Forge Booth

This chapter describes the history of the Forge Booth at Gen Con, an international gaming convention whose origins are intertwined with that of Dungeons & Dragons. It describes the organization of an effort by members of the Forge to help Ron Edwards sell and demonstrate his game Sorcerer in 2001, and how that effort evolved into an annual project to showcase indie games for the broader culture of TRPG gaming. It discusses the experience of Forge Booth participants, and explores some of the tensions that contributed to changes at the Forge Booth before its eventual cessation as part of the broader ‘Winter of the Forge.’
Primary isolated CABG restrictive blood transfusion protocol reduces transfusions and length of stay.

BACKGROUND Cardiac surgery accounts for 10-15% of blood transfusions in the US, despite benefits and calls of limiting its use. We sought to evaluate the impact of a restrictive transfusion protocol on blood use and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing isolated primary coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS Blood conservation measures, instituted in 2012, include preoperative optimization, intraoperative anesthesia, and pump fluid restriction with retrograde autologous priming and vacuum-assisted drainage, use of aminocaproic acid and cell saver, intra- and postoperative permissive anemia, and administration of iron and low-dose vasopressors if needed. Medical records of patients who underwent isolated primary CABG from 2009 to 2012 (group A; n = 375) and 2013 to 2016 (group B; n = 322) were compared. RESULTS CABG with grafting to three or four coronary arteries was performed in 262 (70%) and 222 (69%) patients and bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting in 202 (54%) and 196 (61%) patients in groups A and B, respectively. Mean preoperative and intraoperative hematocrit was 40.3% and 40.7%, 28.9% and 29.4% in groups A and B, respectively. Total blood transfusion was 24% and 6.5%, intraoperative transfusion 11% and 1.2%, and postoperative transfusion 20% and 5.6% (P < .0001 for all) in groups A and B, respectively. Median postoperative length of stay was 5.0 days in group A and 4.5 days in group B (P = .02), with no significant differences in mortality or morbidity. CONCLUSIONS A restrictive transfusion protocol reduced blood transfusions and postoperative length of stay without adversely affecting outcomes following isolated primary CABG.
The Influence of Cognitive Dual Tasks on Concussion Balance Test Performance

OBJECTIVE To determine the influence of a cognitive dual task on postural sway and balance errors during the Concussion Balance Test (COBALT). METHODS Twenty healthy adults (12 females, eight males; aged 21.95 ± 3.77 years; height = 169.95 ± 9.95 cm; weight = 69.58 ± 15.03 kg) partook in this study and completed single- and dual-task versions of a reduced COBALT. RESULTS Sway velocity decreased during dual-task head rotations on foam condition (p = .021, ES = -0.57). A greater number of movement errors occurred during dual-task head rotations on firm surface (p = .005, ES = 0.71), visual field flow on firm surface (p = .008, ES = 0.68), and head rotations on foam surface (p < .001, ES = 1.61) compared with single-task conditions. Cognitive performance was preserved throughout different sensory conditions of the COBALT (p = .985). DISCUSSION Cognitive dual tasks influenced postural control and destabilized movements during conditions requiring advanced sensory integration and reweighting demands. Dual-task versions of the COBALT should be explored as a clinical tool to identify residual deficits past the acute stages of concussion recovery.
Counterexample Classification.

In model checking, when a given model fails to satisfy the desired specification, a typical model checker provides a counterexample that illustrates how the violation occurs. In general, there exist many diverse counterexamples that exhibit distinct violating behaviors, which the user may wish to examine before deciding how to repair the model. Unfortunately, obtaining this information is challenging in existing model checkers since (1) the number of counterexamples may be too large to enumerate one by one, and (2) many of these counterexamples are redundant, in that they describe the same type of violating behavior. In this paper, we propose a technique called counterexample classification. The goal of classification is to partition the space of all counterexamples into a finite set of counterexample classes, each of which describes a distinct type of violating behavior for the given specification. These classes are then presented as a summary of possible violating behaviors in the system, freeing the user from manually having to inspect or analyze numerous counterexamples to extract the same information. We have implemented a prototype of our technique on top of an existing formal modeling and verification tool, the Alloy Analyzer, and evaluated the effectiveness of the technique on case studies involving the well-known Needham-Schroeder protocol with promising results.
Restoring light transmission of dusty glass surfaces on the Moon

Abstract The Lunar Laser Ranging Retro-reflectors (LRR) allow for the precise measurement of the travel time of laser pulses from the Earth to the lunar surface and back. Dust accumulation on the LRRs scatters the reflected light used for laser interferometry measurements leading to a reduction in the return signal amplitude by a factor of ≃ 10. We report on a series of experiments utilizing a method of an iterative application and removal of an acrylic adhesive kapton tape to remove lunar dust simulant from a glass substrate. The effectiveness of adhesive tape was determined by measuring the transmission of an expanded laser beam through a glass substrate with a dusted surface. Calibration data was obtained before the glass was exposed to any dust, and light transmission was measured after each iteration of adhesive removal using a power meter. The procedure was repeated using heavy gloves while keeping the glass substrate at 120 ° C to simulate the temperature conditions of a lunar day on the surface. A third test was conducted at room temperature in high-vacuum to ensure functionality in the lunar environment. These experiments show that glass substrates can be restored to 98 ± 2 % of their original transmission using the adhesive tape method. Therefore the light that travels into and out of the quartz surface of the LLRs can be restored up to 96 ± 4 % of their initial transmission.
Examining a Ititudes and Purchase Intentions of Students Towards Environmentally Safe Products

This pilot study explores the relationships between students’ attitudes toward the environment and their willingness to switch to environmentally safe products. Results indicate a weak to moderate (but positive) relationship. The study concludes with implications and directions for future research.
WE-D-213-03: Preparing for Part 3 of the ABR Diagnostic Physics Exam

Adequate, efficient preparation for the ABR Diagnostic and Nuclear Medical Physics exams is key to successfully obtain ABR professional certification. Each part of the ABR exam presents its own challenges: Part I: Determine the scope of basic medical physics study material, efficiently review this material, and solve related written questions/problems. Part II: Understand imaging principles, modalities, and systems, including image acquisition, processing, and display. Understand the relationship between imaging techniques, image quality, patient dose and safety, and solve related written questions/problems. Part III: Gain crucial, practical, clinical medical physics experience. Effectively communicate and explain the practice, performance, and significance of all aspects of clinical medical physics. All three parts of the ABR exam require specific skill sets and preparation: mastery of basic physics and imaging principles; written problem solving often involving rapid calculation; responding clearly and succinctly to oral questions about the practice, methods, and significance of clinical medical physics. This symposium focuses on the preparation and skill sets necessary for each part of the ABR exam. Although there is some overlap, the nuclear exam covers a different body of knowledge than the diagnostic exam. A separate speaker will address those aspects that are unique to the nuclear exam. Medical physicists who have recently completed each of part of the ABR exam will share their experiences, insights, and preparation methods to help attendees best prepare for the challenges of each part of the ABR exam. In accordance with ABR exam security policy, no recalls or exam questions will be discussed. Learning Objectives: 1. How to prepare for Part 1 of the ABR exam by determining the scope of basic medical physics study material and related problem solving/calculations 2. How to Prepare for Part 2 of the ABR exam by understanding diagnostic and/or nuclear imaging physics, systems, dosimetry, safety and related problem solving/calculations 3. How to Prepare for Part 3 of the ABR exam by effectively communicating the practice, methods, and significance of clinical diagnostic and/or nuclear medical physics
Wine tourism: motivating visitors through core and supplementary services.

Abstract Wine tourism is a relatively fledgling industry sector facing a number of important economic development issues. One such issue is the industry's ability to foster a sustainable revenue base for small and medium wineries. Winery visitation is a significant concern and in this paper is defined as the visitor's intention to pay a first or return visit to a winery. The purpose of this exploratory study is to compare specific factors that may influence wine tourists' intentions to visit or revisit a winery or wine region in North Carolina. A theoretical model of core and supplementary services is examined to see which of a number of factors are most influential in decisions to visit a winery and to determine the role of winescape and tourism services in promoting wine tourism. The importance of customer service was found to be the primary predictor of intentions for repeat visitation.
Managing Perceptions: A New Paradigm for Residential Group Care

The literature on residential group care includes many critiques of the point and level systems that pervade those settings. Loosely based on reinforcement theory, these interventions ostensively employ behavior modification techniques. These approaches have been attacked for their concern with control, their insensitivity to developmental and emotional needs, and the way they promote adversarial relationships and power struggles between residents and staff. This article suggests that what is needed is not only a multitude of alternative approaches but also a new unifying theme. A paradigm that emphasizes the importance of the perceptions of youth and children in care incorporates contemporary theories of human behavior as well as offering many empirically tested interventions derived from them.
Use of fast pulsed power for high-pressure equation-of-state studies

Summary form only given. Recent developments in fast pulsed power have enabled an innovative approach for obtaining accurate high-pressure equation-of-state (EOS) data. The new method, referred to as the Isentropic Compression Experiment (ICE), uses the large currents produced over time intervals of 200-300 ns on the Z Accelerator to perform EOS experiments. Sample configurations have been developed on the accelerator to continuously load planar specimens with a magnetic field to peak pressures exceeding 200 GPa (2 Mbar). Time-resolved velocity measurements performed on the specimen are then used to extract EOS data along a material path that is quasiisentropic. The ability to perform quasi-isentropic EOS experiments over this pressure range has been a goal of the shock wave community for several years because these measurements provide unique EOS data previously unavailable. This loading condition is also useful for studying other physical effects, such as pressure-induced phase transitions or compressive material strength that are not easily studied with other methods. The ICE technique represents a major advance in shock physics and has opened a new sub-field of high-pressure research. This paper will review development of the ICE technique, including use of MHD codes to design and analyze ICE and flyer plate experiments. Several recent examples will be presented to illustrate the versatility of the method. Finally, prospects for increasing peak pressures and flyer plate velocities achievable with the technique will be discussed.
Evaluation of LightCycler PCR for Implementation of Laboratory Diagnosis of Herpes Simplex Virus Infections

Five hundred specimens (288 genital, 192 dermal, and 20 ocular) were extracted by technologists, and the DNA was assayed by LightCycler PCR (DNA polymerase and thymidine kinase [TK] gene targets) and by conventional tube and shell vial cell culture. One hundred fifty-eight confirmed (by cell culture and TK target PCR) positive and LightCycler-positive specimens were detected during the first 30 PCR cycles. LightCycler PCR-positive results for cycles 31 to 45 (39 of 67 [58.2%]) required confirmation by another PCR target (TK). LightCycler PCR is more sensitive (n = 197; 23.1%) than cell cultures (n = 150) for the routine laboratory detection of herpes simplex virus infections.
Ultrafast Spectroscopy of Electron-Phonon Coupling in Gold

Transient reflectance of gold was measured using ultrafast spectroscopy by varying the wavelength of the probe laser beam in the visible range. Based on the band structure of gold, the influence of the probe beam wavelength on the signal trend is analyzed in terms of sensitivity, effect of nonthermalized electrons, and relaxation rate. It is found that probing around 490 nm renders the best sensitivity and a simple linear relation between the transient reflectance and the electron temperature. The two-temperature model (TTM) is applied to calculate the electron-phonon coupling factor by fitting the transient reflectance signal. This work clarifies the ultrafast energy transfer dynamics in gold and the importance of using proper probe laser wavelength for modeling the transient heat transfer process in metal. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4028543]
Evaluation of Choice Allocation Between Positive and Negative Reinforcement During Functional Communication Training with Young Children

We evaluated choice-making procedures during in-home assessment and functional communication training (FCT) with two young children with developmental disabilities. Functional analysis results showed that one child’s destructive behavior was maintained by negative reinforcement and the 2nd child’s behavior was maintained by both positive and negative reinforcement. A choice assessment was conducted to identify each child’s relative preference for positive reinforcers that were then included in the FCT program. Treatment conditions consisted of FCT for escape-maintained behavior with and without a choice-making component (FCT + choice). We evaluated whether the positive reinforcers identified during the choice assessment would influence the child to choose to participate in FCT even though avoidance or escape from task demands (i.e., negative reinforcement) was provided as an option during FCT + choice treatment procedures. Results showed that both children chose to participate in FCT when given a choice and displayed reductions in destructive behavior across treatment conditions. These results demonstrated how positive reinforcers identified via a choice assessment may be used in the treatment of escape-maintained destructive behavior.
Nonsurgical treatment of a neonate with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum by transcatheter puncture and balloon dilation of the atretic valve membrane.

Abstract Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum remains one of the more difficult congenital cardiac defects to treat successfully, with low morbidity and mortality. 1,2 Balloon valvuloplasty has recently been shown to be effective in a staged approach to treatment of this lesion by further opening the valve membrane in patients who have had a limited surgical valvotomy. 3 This report describes our first patient treated by transcatheter perforation of the atretic valve membrane followed by balloon valvuloplasty.
Electron transfer sites on AlPO4, AlPO4SiO2 and AlPO4Al2O3 catalysts

Abstract The electron transfer properties of AlPO 4 , AlPO 4 Al 2 O 3 and AlPO 4 SiO 2 catalysts have been investigated using a spectrophotometric method. For AlPO 4 , phenothiazine adsorption has been correlated with total acidity, while 1,3-dinitrobenzene adsorption occurs on two different types of sites: one only responsible for donor properties and the other responsible for both base and donor properties. The results provide evidence that the surfaces of these catalysts possess oxidizing and reducing properties, and that these are indeed connected to their acid—base nature. It was noted that basic sites coexist on the surface of catalysts with the donor sites, and that basic and reducing centres are not entirely independent.
Changing causes of death of elderly people in the United States, 1950-1990.

Background: Causes of death have changed greatly in the United States during the 20th century. Objective: To detail these changes in elderly people during 1950–19
Coupled infrared extinction and size distribution measurements for several clay components of mineral dust aerosol

[1] Simultaneous size distributions and Fourier transform infrared extinction spectra have been measured for several clay components of mineral dust aerosol (illite, kaolinite, and montmorillonite) in the fine particle–sized mode (D = 0.1–1 μm). Published optical constants have been used in combination with the measured size distributions in spectral simulations for comparison to the measured extinction spectrum. In general, the Mie theory simulation does not accurately reproduce the peak position or band shape for the prominent Si—O stretch resonance near 9.5 μm (ca. 1050 cm−1) for any of the clays. The resonance peak in the Mie simulation is consistently blue shifted (27–44 cm−1) relative to the experimental spectrum. Additionally, the integrated absorbance in the resonance band is underpredicted for all three clay compounds. Spectral simulations based on various distributions of ellipsoid-shaped particles better reproduce the experimental spectrum including the peak position, band shape, and integrated absorbance for these fine clay aerosols.
1100-Meter Dive in the Bathyscaph Trieste

This paper describes a dive made in the bathyscaph trieste on July 3, 1957, with the writer as the scientific observer and Jaques Piccard as the pilot. This was the fifth dive of a series of twenty-eight dives made during 1957 and sponsored by the U. S. Office of Naval Research. The dive lasted 2 hours and 31 minutes, with 36 minutes spent on the bottom.
Nickel in tektites by activation analysis

Abstract The nickel abundances of most of the major occurrences of tektites, as well as several meteorite impact glasses and obsidians, have been determined using neutron activation analysis. Iron abundances have been determined in the same specimens and Ni/Fe abundance ratios tabulated. These ratios, determined for the first time on the Libyan Desert glass, the Ivory Coast tektites, and the bediasites, indicate all these specimens fall within the known range of this ratio for the other tektite occurrences. On the basis of this ratio, major differences are observed among specimens from the indochinite tektite occurrence, but no significant differences are observed among specimens from three separate philippinite sites. The differences in the Ni/Fe ratios for tektites and known meteorite impact glasses suggest different modes of formation.
Teaching about being an oppressor. Some personal and political considerations.

In the US womens studies programs have seriously challenged every academic disciplines conceptualizations of gender ethnicity class and sexuality. It has been one of the fastest growing academic fields and has forever changed the face of academia. In this article Steven P. Schacht explores his own attempts as a White male professor to meaningfully contribute to the womens studies programs on the various campuses he has taught and to the larger feminist movement. Schacht notes that in all his classroom discussions he offers his own experiences of doing unearned male privilege and recognize the harm it inflicted on others--both female and male. Often male and female students also offer their experiences of dominance and being oppressed. This perspective demonstrates how all too common oppression is how harmful it is for so many and why women and men should join together to bring about its end.
User-centric viewpoint computation for haptic exploration and manipulation

We present several techniques for user-centric viewing of the virtual objects or datasets under haptic exploration and manipulation. Depending on the type of tasks performed by the user, our algorithms compute automatic placement of the user viewpoint to navigate through the scene, to display the near-optimal views, and to reposition the viewpoint for haptic visualization. This is accomplished by conjecturing the user's intent based on the user's actions, the object geometry, and intra- and inter-object occlusion relationships. These algorithms have been implemented and interfaced with both a 3-DOF and a 6-DOF PHANToM arms. We demonstrate their application on haptic exploration and visualization of a complex structure, as well as multiresolution modeling and 3D painting with a haptic interface.
Hypertension Management and Microvascular Insulin Resistance in Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is in essence a vascular disease and is frequently associated with hypertension, macrovascular events, and microvascular complications. Microvascular dysfunction, including impaired recruitment and capillary rarefaction, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. Microvascular insulin resistance and renin-angiotensin system upregulation are present in diabetes, and each contributes to the development of hypertension and microvascular dysfunction. In the insulin-sensitive state, insulin increases microvascular perfusion by increasing endothelial nitric oxide production, but this effect is abolished by insulin resistance. Angiotensin II, acting via the type 1 receptors, induces inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to impaired insulin signaling, reduced nitric oxide availability, and vasoconstriction. Conversely, it acts on the type 2 receptors to cause vasodilatation. Because substrate and hormonal exchanges occur in the microvasculature, antihypertensive agents targeted to improve microvascular insulin sensitivity and function may have beneficial effects beyond their capacity to lower blood pressure in patients with diabetes.
Does neuropsychological test performance predict resumption of drinking in posttreatment alcoholics

The prediction of resumption of drinking in posttreatment alcoholics was investigated as a function of five possible confounding variables: depression, anxiety, childhood symptoms of attention deficit and conduct disorders and family history of alcoholism. Male and female detoxified alcoholics (n = 103) in inpatient treatment programs were administered a neuropsychological battery and retested as outpatients 14 months later; peer nonalcoholics (n = 73), given the same battery, had a similar interest interval. Alcoholics who resumed drinking (N = 41) performed significantly poorer on an overall neuropsychological performance index than abstainers (N = 62) who performed significantly poorer than nonalcoholics. Stepwise multiple regression equations using the variables noted above revealed that depressive symptoms, ADD and the performance index were the only variables to enter the prediction (R2 = .26, p < .001); depression accounted for most of the variance. At retest all three groups improved significantly, but not differentially, and were as significantly different at retest as at initial testing. Implications of these results are discussed.
miR-125b Is an adhesion-regulated microRNA that protects mesenchymal stem cells from anoikis.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the capacity for multilineage differentiation and are being explored as a source for stem cell-based therapies. Previous studies have shown that adhesion to extracellular matrix plays a critical role in guiding MSC differentiation to distinct lineages. Here, we conducted a focused screen of microRNAs to reveal one microRNA, miR-125b, whose expression changes as a function of cell adhesion. miR-125b expression was upregulated by limiting cell-matrix adhesion using micropatterned substrates, knocking down beta5 integrin or placing cells in suspension culture. Interestingly, we noted that suspending human MSCs (hMSCs) did not induce substantial apoptosis (anoikis) as is typically observed in adherent cells. Although miR-125b appeared to have some effects on hMSC differentiation, we demonstrated a striking role for miR-125b in protecting hMSCs from anoikis. Knockdown of miR-125b increased anoikis while expressing a mimic protected cells. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that miR-125b protected against anoikis by increasing ERK phosphorylation and by suppressing p53. Lastly, we found that miR-125b expression is quite limited in endothelial cells and mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). The rapid anoikis normally observed in endothelial cells was antagonized by transfection of a miR-125b mimic, suggesting that miR-125b can confer resistance to anoikis in multiple cell types. We also found that endogenous miR-125b was significantly upregulated during reprogramming of MEFs to induced pluripotent cells, suggesting that miR-125b expression may be associated with stem cell populations. Collectively, these observations demonstrate a novel link between cell-matrix adhesion, miR-125b expression, and a stem cell-specific survival program triggered in adhesion-limited contexts such as might occur in early development and wound healing. STEM CELLS 2012;30:956–964
Bending natural frequencies of circular CFRP shafts with a metal core or casing

It has recently been shown that some carbon fiber-reinforced composite shafts with a metal core or casing are superior to all carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) or metal shafts from the viewpoint of the natural frequencies. However, it has not been reported whether or not the benefit of the metal/CFRP hybrid shafts exists in the general cases of various fiber angles, length-to-diameter ratios, material properties, and thicknesses of metal layers. In this study, the effects of a steel core or casing on the bending natural frequencies of CFRP shafts are analytically investigated. In order to calculate the frequencies, the equations of motion are obtained for metal/CFRP hybrid shafts. Several beam theories are evaluated, and differences between these theories in the prediction of the frequencies are also presented. It is found that, in certain cases, an optimum thickness of steel exists to maximize the frequencies of the steel/CFRP shafts. Parametric studies are also carried out over wide ranges of desi...
Posterior temporal epilepsy : electroclinical features

In the course of evaluating children with posterior temporal lobe epilepsy with subdural electrodes, we observed that their seizures commonly arose from basal rather than convexity foci and that they followed a stereotyped clinical sequence. Seizures characteristically began with behavioral arrest that coincided with basal temporal seizure discharges and progressed to motor signs as the seizure activity spread to the ipsilateral cortical convexity. Behavioral automatisms were observed in approximately half the patients, but were never the first or most prominent ictal manifestation. Focal lesions were identified preoperatively in 7 patients. We performed tailored temporal lobe resections in 14 patients, 10 (71%) of whom were seizure free (N = 9) or had occasional auras (N = 1) at a mean follow-up of 2 years. These findings suggest that in childhood, posterior temporal seizures frequently arise from basal cortex and have a consistent and recognizable ictal and electrographic semiology. In medically refractory patients, tailored temporal resection is an effective therapy.
THE VISCOELASTIC WAVE PRODUCED BY RETRACTION OF A STRETCHED REGION

A relatively short segment at one end of a stretched string of viscoelastic material is stretched by an additional amount and then released. A loading wave propagates into the less-stretched region, followed by an unloading wave reflected from the end of the string. The problem is analysed by using linear viscoelasticity theory, specialized to the case of a power-law modulus. The results differ from Kolsky's tensile-shock observations, which seem to show a very high speed for the unloading wave. A possible reason for the discrepancy is suggested
Molecular encapsulation via metal-to-ligand coordination in a Cu(I)-folded molecular basket.

A molecular basket, composed of a semirigid C3v symmetric tris-norbornadiene framework and three pyridine flaps at the rim, has been shown to coordinate to a Cu(I) cation and thereby fold in a multivalent fashion. The assembly was effective (Ka = 1.73 ± 0.08 × 105 M−1) and driven by enthalpy (ΔH° = −7.2 ± 0.1 kcal/mol, ΔS° = −0.25 eu). Variable temperature 1H NMR studies, assisted with 2D COSY and ROESY investigations, revealed the existence of Cu(I)-folded basket 10b with a molecule of acetonitrile occupying its interior and coordinated to the metal. Interestingly, 10b is in equilibrium with Cu(I)-folded 10a, whose inner space is solvated by acetone or chloroform. The incorporation of a molecule of acetonitrile inside 10a was found to be driven by enthalpy (ΔH° = −3.3 ± 0.1 kcal/mol), with an apparent loss in entropy (ΔS° = −9.4 ± 0.4 eu); this is congruent with a complete immobilization of acetonitrile and release of a “loosely” encapsulated solvent molecule during 10a/b interconversion. From an Eyring ...
Video-assisted thorascopic removal of migratory acupuncture needle causing pneumothorax

We report the case of a 25-year-old African-American man presenting to the Henry Ford Hospital emergency department with acute dyspnea secondary to a pneumothorax resulting from a migratory acupuncture needle. The patient received acupuncture treatment approximately 5 years prior to this presentation for treatment of posttraumatic chronic right shoulder pain. Chest radiography revealed retained needles in his right shoulder girdle and a needle overlying the thoracic cage with an attendant pneumothorax. Catheter aspiration for simple pneumothorax provided immediate symptomatic relief. Video-assisted thoracoscopy was then used to remove the migratory acupuncture needle from the chest wall. The patient recovered without complication and was discharged to home.
Brief announcement: a simple stretch 2 distance oracle

We present a distance oracle that, for weighted graphs with n vertices and m edges, is of size 8n4/3m1/3log2/3n and returns stretch-2 distances in constant time. Our oracle achieves bounds identical to the constant-time stretch-2 oracle of Pǎtrascu and Roditty, but admits significantly simpler construction and proofs.
Time Travel: Why It May Not Pay to Work out All the Kinks

Here, we hypothesize that a smooth nongeodesic closed timelike curve is never most efficient with respect to total acceleration if a kink is permitted at the initial (terminal) point. We support our hypothesis in a variety of ways. Most notably, we show Malament’s opposing conjecture concerning Godel space-time to be false.
LEAVES OF ARCHAEOSIGILLARIA VANUXEMII, A DEVONIAN LYCOPOD FROM NEW YORK

The leaf of mid Devonian Archaeosigillaria vanuxemii from Gilboa, N.Y. is known to have a thick conical base. This study demonstrates by the uncovering technique the attachment of leaves to the stem, the flattened lamina that is deltoid in outline with a toothed margin, and an apex prolonged into a hair. Comparisons are made with specimens from Kazakhstan. The morphology of leaves of other species of Archaeosigillaria and the slowly accumulating data on leaves of Devonian lycopods are discussed. ARCHAEOSIGILLARIA VANUXEMII (Gopp.) Kidston 1901 is an early Paleozoic lycopod. The holotype was drawn and briefly described by Vanuxem (1842). Much later, Grierson and Banks (1963) provided a detailed description and good illustrations of the type specimen that had been collected in lower Upper Devonian (Frasnian) strata of New York State (Allen's Quarry, Owego, Tioga County). Grierson and Banks (1963) reexamined the holotype, studied additional material from the Devonian of New York, and dem
Algal succession in a Macrocystis pyrifera forest

Algal succession within a subtidal forest of the giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera was studied by following colonization and community development on concrete blocks fastened to the bottom. Sets of blocks were placed in the bed at 3-month intervals. Subsequent algal development on each set was followed for over a year. All macroscopic species attached to the substrata were noted, and the number and lenght of basal branches determined every 1 to 3 months. Colonizing plants fell into 3 categories: rapid-growing ephemerals, and rapid and slow-growing perennials. Ephemerals such as Giffordia (Ectocarpus) mitchellae, Colpomenia peregrina, and diatom films generally produced and initial bloom on the blocks but were gradually replaced by perennials (articulated corallines, Rhodymenia spp., Gigartina spp.) characteristic of the mature kelp community. These stages, rather than representing “ecological” succession, seemed to reflect differences in growth rate and success in interspecific competition for space and light. Colonization on the blocks varied with season, indicating that most species have either a spring-summer or fall-winter period of maximum reproduction. M. pyrifera sporophyte colonization was greatest in spring. During community development, algal diversity (H), number of species (s) and evenness (J) all reached a peak within 100 to 200 days regardless of the time the blocks were started. Diversity and number of species then fell as ephemeral species disappeared. These species were apparently unable to compete with perennials and, once gone, did not recolonize. Evenness remained high.
The utility of routine postoperative upper GI series following laparoscopic gastric bypass

Background Routine upper gastrointestinal (UGI) studies following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP) have the potential advantage of early identification of anastomotic complications. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of routine postoperative UGI and its relationship to clinical outcomes.
Micromachined SFM Probes for High-Frequency Electric and Magnetic Fields

We discuss micromachined localized high-frequency electric (coaxial) and magnetic (loop) field probes integrated with scanning force microscopes. Our approach enables simultaneous acquisition of both field and topography in the radio frequency (RF) through millimeter-wave regime, enabling more complete characterization of materials, devices and circuits.
Highly efficient pH-induced intramolecular quenching of luminescence in rhenium complexes containing the hydroxypyridinde ligand

Rhenium(I) tricarbonyl complexes have been studied as possible luminescence-based pH probes. A dramatic change in luminescence intensity near pH 7 was observed for those species containing the hydroxypyridine ligand. The change in intensity was not accompanied by any significant change in excited state lifetime, indicating a static quenching mechanism. A bimolecular quenching study with phenol and phenolate ions indicates that an intramolecular quenching mechanism is responsible for the observed photophysical changes.
Center-surround filters for the detection of small targets in cluttered multispectral imagery: background and filter design

Center-surround (CS) fields have long been identified in the human visual system as having properties of edge enhancement that facilitate the detection, location, and tracking of small objects. Unfortunately, the automatic digital implementation of such capabilities is not straightforward, since digital computers lack the neural functionality and connectivity inherent in the retina, optic chiasm, geniculate nuclei, and visual cortex. In this paper, we discuss efficient techniques for implementing CS detectors in terms of a class of nonlinear filters. In particular, we emphasize image enhancement schemes that cue the registration of CS detectors over the target, thus rendering our filters implementationally feasible in terms of hit rate and computational cost. Examples are given of the CS detectors that we call the adaptive Double- Gated and Triple-Gated filters (DGF and TGF). Such filters account for spatial nonstationary input. We further show how the DGF and TGF are useful for object detection in multispectral imagery. Analyses emphasize error and computational cost in practical sensing scenarios.
SUMO2/3 is associated with ubiquitinated protein aggregates in the mouse neocortex after middle cerebral artery occlusion

Protein modifications cooperatively act to protect the proteome from cellular stress. Focal cerebral ischemia increases protein ubiquitination, resulting in formation of ubiquitin-rich aggregates. A concurrent elevation in small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO)-conjugated proteins has also been reported, but a potential connection to ubiquitin remains unexplored. Here we show that SUMO2/3 conjugates are present in postischemic ubiquitin-rich aggregates, physically associated with ubiquitin. The coaggregation of SUMO2/3 and ubiquitin is induced rapidly after ischemia, depends on reperfusion, and is also observed in the absence of ischemic damage. The association between SUMO and ubiquitin suggests overlapping functional roles after ischemia/reperfusion.
Electrical characteristics of n- and p-MOSFETs with N2O-reoxidized NH3-nitrided N2O oxides as gate dielectrics.

In this paper, we have systematically investigated the effects of NH 3 nitridation of N 2 O oxides and subsequent reoxidation on MOSFET performance and reliability. Results indicate that as compared to oxides grown in pure O 2 or N 2 O ambient, NH 3 nitridation of N 2 O oxides (with or without reoxidation) slightly degrades the electron mobility ((mu) e,eff ) of n-MOSFETs at low V G , but enhances (mu) e,eff significantly at high V G . For p-MOSFETs, nitridation of N 2 O oxides degrades hole mobility ((mu) h,eff ) slightly for all V G . In addition, reoxidation of NH 3 -nitrided N 2 O oxides is required to improve the hot-carrier immunity for both n- and p-MOSFETs under various static bias configurations, with N 2 O-reoxidation being considerable more effective than O 2 -reoxidation. It is demonstrated that N 2 O reoxidation is capable of completely removing nitridation- induced electron traps, resulting in devices with hot-carrier reliability comparable to N 2 O oxide devices. The superior reliability characteristics together with demonstrated improved resistance to boron penetration make N 2 O-reoxidized NH 3 -nitrided N 2 O oxides a very promising gate dielectric candidate for deep- submicrometer dual-gate CMOS applications.