cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Incidence of bloodstream infections in small bowel transplant recipients receiving selective decontamination of the digestive tract: A single-center experience

Pediatric patients undergoing small bowel transplantation are susceptible to postoperative CLABSI. SDD directed against enteric microbes is a strategy for reducing CLABSI. We hypothesized that SDD reduces the frequency of CLABSI, infections outside the bloodstream, and allograft rejection during the first 30 days following transplant. A retrospective chart review of 38 pediatric small bowel transplant recipients at CCHMC from 2003 to 2011 was conducted. SDD antimicrobials were oral colistin, tobramycin, and amphotericin B. The incidence of CLABSI, infections outside the bloodstream, and rejection episodes were compared between study periods. The incidence of CLABSI did not differ between study periods (6.9 CLABSI vs. 4.6 CLABSI per 1000 catheter days; p = 0.727), but gram positives and Candida predominated in the first 30 days. Incidence of bacterial infections outside the bloodstream did not differ (p = 0.227). Rejection occurred more frequently during the first month following transplant (p = 0.302). SDD does not alter the incidence of CLABSI, bacterial infections outside the bloodstream, or allograft rejection in the immediate 30 days post-transplantation. However, SDD does influence CLABSI organism types (favoring gram positives and Candida) and Candidal infections outside the bloodstream.
The counterconditioning of a vomiting habit by sips of ginger ale

Abstract A 60-yr-old woman had been vomiting for a 6-week period following an acute myocardial infarction. Medical investigation yielded no organic cause for the vomiting which, on psychiatric evaluation, was found to be a conditioned response to stimuli from the depression that had started very shortly before the onset of the infarction. The conditioned vomiting was counter-conditioned by the use of small doses of ginger ale producing forward peristalsis. The depression was treated by the introduction of behaviors incompatible with the depression. At a 5-month follow-up, the patient remained free of vomiting and the depression had ameliorated.
Changes in Physical Properties of Stored Erthrocytes

ATP depletion of blood stored in ACD is associated with the disc-sphere transformation, fragmentation loss of membrane lipid, decrease in critical hemolytic volume and a striking increase in cellular rigidity reflected by increased viscosity and decreased filterability. Improved survival after restoration of cellular ATP which results from incubation with adenosine is not associated with any reversal of the lipid loss or critical hemolytic volume. Improved survival correlates with restoration of the ATP-dependent parameters of cell shape (r = 0.96) and deformability as measured by filterability (r = 0.84) and viscosity (r = 0.73). The interrelated parameters of shape and deformability appear critical as determinants of erythrocyte survival. It is suggested that deterioration of these physical properties is central to the “storage lesion.”
Effect of Fluid Compressibility on Journal Bearing Performance

An analysis was undertaken to determine the effect of fluid film compressibility on the performance of fluid film bearings. A new version of the Reynolds equation was developed, using a polytropic expansion, for both steady-state and dynamic conditions. Polytropic exponents from 1 (isothermal) to 1000 (approaching an incompressible liquid) were evaluated for two bearing numbers, selected from a range of practical interest for cryogenic application, and without cavitation. Bearing loads were insensitive to fluid compressibility for low bearing numbers, as was expected. The effect of compressibility on attitude angle was significant, even when the bearing number was low. A small amount of fluid compressibility was enough to obtain stable running conditions. Incompressible liquid lacked stability at all conditions. Fluid compressibility can be used to control the bearing dynamic coefficients, thereby influencing the dynamic behavior of the rotor-bearing system.
Three-dimensional unstructured grid Euler computations using a fully-implicit, upwind method

A method has been developed to solve the Euler equations on a three-dimensional unstructured grid composed of tetrahedra. The method uses an upwind flow solver with a linearized, backward-Euler time integration scheme. Each time step results in a sparse linear system of equations which is solved by an iterative, sparse matrix solver. Local-time stepping, switched evolution relaxation (SER), preconditioning and reuse of the Jacobian are employed to accelerate the convergence rate. Implicit boundary conditions were found to be extremely important for fast convergence. Numerical experiments have shown that convergence rates comparable to that of a multigrid, central-difference scheme are achievable on the same mesh. Results are presented for several grids about an ONERA M6 wing.
High quality postgrowth emission wavelength engineering of InAs/InAlGaAs/InP quantum dash-in-well laser

We demonstrate bandgap tuned InAs/InAlGaAs quantum-dash-in-well lasers grown on InP material using postgrowth quantum heterostructure intermixing. Compared to the control (non-intermixed) lasers, the light-current characteristics of lasers with emission wavelength tuned by over 100 nm shows insignificant changed suggesting that the quality of the intermixed material is well-preserved.
Medical students' interest in child psychiatry: a clerkship intervention.

Objective The authors examine the efficacy of a brief presentation to enhance clerkship student interest in child and adolescent psychiatry as a career choice.
The political economy of US policy on LDC debt relief: Executive-legislative relations, 1977–1980

Abstract This paper studies the evolution of US policy on LDC dept relief in the context of Executive-Legislative branch relations in the US government. After introducing the political economy of the dept relief issue in general terms of the North-South dialogue, the author traces the origins and the progress of an amendment intended to provide for Retroactive Terms Adjustment (RTA) as a part of the US aid package for the ‘relatively least developed countries’ (RLDCS). He studies the evolution of US policy in the Treasury and State Departments and in the various Congressional committees which are responsible for formulating the final legislation. The author analyses the bureaucratic and political/economic interactions which affected the outcome and concludes that no single paradigm appears relevant to the full range of US international economic policy-making. He indicates that further study is required to fully understand the policy-making process.
On the asymmetric adsorption of phenylalanine enantiomers by kaolin.

The attempt is described to verify a recent report that kaolin adsorbs D- and L-phenylalanine enantiomers to different extents from aqueous solutions at both pH 5.8 and pH 2. No evidence whatsoever could be found for the differential adsorption of D- versus L-phenylalanine by kaolin from either pH 6 or pH 2 solutions.
Categorical Abstract Algebraic Logic: Algebraic Semantics for π-Institutions

Various aspects of the work of Blok and Rebagliato on the algebraic semantics for deductive systems are studied in the context of logics formalized as π-institutions. Three kinds of semantics are surveyed: institution, matrix (system) and algebraic (system) semantics, corresponding, respectively, to the generalized matrix, matrix and algebraic semantics of the theory of sentential logics. After some connections between matrix and algebraic semantics are revealed, it is shown that every (finitary) N -rule based extension of an N -rule based π-institution possessing an algebraic semantics also possesses an algebraic semantics. This result abstracts one of the main theorems of Blok and Rebagliato. An attempt at a Blok-Rebagliato-style characterization of those π-institutions with a mono-unary category of natural transformations on their sentence functors having an algebraic semantics is also made. Finally, a necessary condition for a π-institution to possess an algebraic semantics is provided. c
Use of Opioids in Long-Term Management of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

The long-term treatment of patients with chronic temporomandibular joint dysfunction has been challenging. The long-term use of opioids in these patients can be neither supported nor refuted based on current evidence. However, evidence is available to support the long-term use of opioids in other chronic noncancer pain states with reduced pain, improved function, and improved quality of life. One group of patients with chronic temporomandibular joint pain, for whom both noninvasive and invasive treatment has failed, might benefit from long-term opioid medication. The choices include morphine, fentanyl, oxycodone, tramadol, hydrocodone, and methadone. Adjunct medication, including antidepressant and anticonvulsant drugs, can also be used. The safety of these medications has been well established, but the potential for adverse drug-related behavior does exist, requiring appropriate patient selection, adequate monitoring, and intervention when needed.
Postscript to Generalizations of an algorithm of Sebastião e Silva

An error in the proof of a part of the main result in the previous paper is corrected and some comments made on the significance of the result.
Probing through bond connectivities with MQMAS NMR

Abstract Polarization transfer from quadrupolar ( 27 Al) to spin-1/2 ( 31 P) nuclei via J -coupling is employed to measure two-dimensional 27 Al– 31 P heteronuclear correlation spectra with isotropic resolution. The proposed experiment, MQ- J -HETCOR, uses multiple quantum magic angle spinning (MQMAS) NMR for elimination of the second-order quadrupolar broadening and INEPT, INEPTR, INEPT+ and DEPT sequences for the polarization transfer. The experimental conditions leading to best sensitivity and resolution are detailed using AlPO 4 -14 as a test sample.
Stage-Specific Gene Expression during Appressorium Formation of Magnaporthe grisea

Abstract Lee, Y.-H., and Dean, R. A. 1993. Stage-specific gene expression during appressorium formation of Magnaporthe grisea. Experimental Mycology 17, 215-222. Magnaporthe grisea , the rice blast pathogen, develops specialized infection structures to infect plants. Following germination of conidia on a plant surface, extension of the germ tube ceases and the tip swells to form an appressorium, a darkly pigmented adhesion structure. Subsequently, an infection hypha emerges that penetrates through the cuticle and cell wall of epidermal cells. To begin to elucidate the mechanism of infection, genes expressed during early stages of differentiation following germination were isolated by differential screening of a genomic DNA library of strain 70-15. 32 P-labeled cDNA probes were prepared from poly(A) + RNA isolated from M. grisea induced to form appressoria and from undifferentiated germlings. Several clones were found to contain genes that were highly expressed during appressorium formation. Northern blot analyses of two clones, 28C6 and 29G11, indicated that both contained genes within Eco RI fragments (5.0 and 8.0 kb, respectively) stage-specifically expressed during appressorium formation. These genes designated mif 23 (28C6) and mif 29 (29G11) ( M agnaporthe in f ection) have transcript sizes of approximately 1.2 and 3.1 kb, respectively. Gel blot analysis of chromosome DNA indicates that these genes are present as single copies in the haploid genome of M. grisea.
The effect of a circular inclusion on the stresses around a line crack in a sheet under tension

Based on the two-dimensional theory of elasticity and by the use of Muskhelishvili technique, the effect of a circular inclusion of different elastic material on the stress state around a line crack in an infinite plate subject to tension is discussed. Here, the circular inclusion is supposed to be on the line of prolongation of the crack. Numerical calculations were carried out and the variation of the crack-tip stress intensity factor due to the geometry and elastic properties of two media was clarified.
Reactive scattering of halogen molecules from 〈111〉 surfaces of silicon and germanium: Comparison with oxygenic species

Abstract The values of the reaction probabilities of Cl2, Br2 and I2 were determined to be 0.3–0.5 independent of surface temperature at low gas pressures and surface temperatures above about 900 and 1100 °K for single-crystal surfaces of germanium and silicon, respectively. These values were the same magnitude as those for O and O3 and were at least an order of magnitude higher than the reaction probability of molecular oxygen. The differences in reactivity of O, O2, O3 and the halogens was interpreted in terms of virtual dangling surface bonds which account qualitatively for the chemical interaction between the gas and solid during collision. In these terms the reactivity of molecular oxygen was low due to the severe steric requirement imposed by the necessity for interaction with adjacent surface orbitals to effect chemisorption. Atomic oxygen and the halogens were easily chemisorbed on a single site. Ozone interacted through its terminal oxygens with adjacent surface orbitals to produce dissociation.
Multiple fault simulation in linear active circuits

An efficient algorithm is described for simulating the effects of multiple faults in linear active circuits. The process is also applicable to the multiparameter large-change sensitivity analysis of linear circuits. It is based on a generalisation of the branch-at-a-time circuit-analysis algorithm of Kron and Branin.
Computation and visualization of photonic quasicrystal spectra via Bloch’s theorem

Previous methods for determining photonic quasicrystal (PQC) spectra have relied on the use of large supercells to compute the eigenfrequencies and/or local density of states. In this paper, we present a method by which the energy spectrum and the eigenstates of a PQC can be obtained by solving Maxwell's equations in higher dimensions for any PQC defined by the standard cut-and-project construction, to which a generalization of Bloch's theorem applies. In addition, we demonstrate how one can compute band structures with defect states in the same higher-dimensional superspace. As a proof of concept, these general ideas are demonstrated for the simple case of one-dimensional quasicrystals, which can also be solved by simple transfer-matrix techniques.
α1-Acid glycoprotein high-performance liquid chromatography column (EnantioPAC) as a screening tool for protein binding

Abstract An attempt was made to correlate retention behavior on a high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) system employing an immobilized α1-acid glycoprotein (AAG) column with AAG binding behavior for various compounds. Protein binding was assessed by propranolol displacement studies in an equilibrium dialysis system using isolated AAG. HPLC retention behavior poorly correlated with propranolol displacement from AAG. This system is not suitable for use as a screening tool for AAG affinity.
Investigation of Mechanoresponsive Behaviors of Human Embryonic Stem Cells Using Microfabricated Elastomeric Post Arrays

Much effort has been recently directed to investigate how soluble factors in the local cellular microenvironment of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) regulate their fate decisions [1]; however, effects of mechanical signals in the local cellular microenvironment on the fates of ESCs are still not yet well understood. Early experimental evidence established in recent years has shown that mechanical signals and external forces experienced through interactions with extracellular matrix (ECM) mechanics can play critical roles in regulating survival, proliferation and differentiation of ESCs. However, there is still limited knowledge of how mechanical signals in the local cellular microenvironment regulate the fate decisions of human ESCs (hESCs), and advancing such knowledge will be critical for both fundamental understanding and clinical applications of hESCs. This work was thus set to explicitly investigate the mechanosensitive properties of hESCs.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Quantitative and qualitative measures of open-field social behavior in the rat

Rat pairs were observed in two experiments in an open-field testing situation for a period of 10 consecutive days. Measures of contact time, aggressive, submissive, and other social behaviors were recorded during 5-, or 5- and 15-min periods. As in previous studies, contact time increased over days throughout the 10-day period. Aggressive, submissive, and other social behaviors observed in the open field were fairly consistent over days, but large qualitative differences were sometimes found between individual pairs of rats. There was a high correlation between 5- and 15-min observation periods for all variables measured.
Heterometallic Homo- and Heteroleptic Porphyrinate Dimers with a Rhodium-Thallium Bond.

The synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of four heterometallic porphyrinate dimers containing rhodium−thallium metal−metal bonds are reported. The investigated compounds are represented by...
Soliton initiation and decay in stimulated Raman scattering.

Although \ensuremath{\pi} phase shifts in an input Stokes beam are known to initiate soliton formation in a Raman amplifier, the observed shot-to-shot amplitude fluctuations have gone unexplained. It has been suggested that recently observed frequency shifts caused by quantum fluctuations may be related to the observed soliton decay. We show that frqequency shifts of the magnitude observed from these quantum fluctuations lead to soliton decay, and thus, are indeed the probable cause of observed soliton decay.
Three-dimensional treatment of convective flow in the earth's mantle

A three-dimensional finite-element method is used to investigate thermal convection in the earth's mantle. The equations of motion are solved implicitly by means of a fast multigrid technique. The computational mesh for the spherical problem is derived from the regular icosahedron. The calculations described use a mesh with 43,554 nodes and 81,920 elements and were run on a Cray X. The earth's mantly is modeled as a thick spherical shell with isothermal, free-slip boundaries. The infinite Prandtl number problem is formulated in terms of pressure, density, absolute temperature, and velocity and assumes an isotropic Newtonian rheology. Solutions are obtained for Rayleigh numbers up to approximately 106 for a variety of modes of heating. Cases initialized with a temperature distribution with warmer temperatures beneath spreading ridges and cooler temperatures beneath present subduction zones yield whole-mantle convection solutions with surface velocities that correlate well with currently observed plate velocities.
Less lethal technology: medical issues

Purpose – Less lethal weapons have become a critical tool for law enforcement when confronting dangerous, combative individuals in the field. The purpose of this paper is to review the medical aspects and implications of three different types of less lethal weapons.Design/methodology/approach – The paper conducted a comprehensive medical literature review on blunt projectiles, irritant sprays including oleoresin capsicum (OC), and conducted energy devices such as the Taser™. It reviews the history, mechanisms of action, intended and other physiologic effects, and medical safety risks and precautions of these devices. In particular, the paper focuses on the issue of sudden in‐custody death and less lethal weapons, reviewing case reports, animal research and human investigative studies on this topic.Findings – In general, these three different types of less lethal weapons have been effective for their intended use. Each type of less lethal weapon has a number of physiologic effects and specific medical issu...
CA1 Pyramidal Cell Theta-Burst Firing Triggers Endocannabinoid-Mediated Long-Term Depression at Both Somatic and Dendritic Inhibitory Synapses

Endocannabinoids (eCBs) are retrograde lipid messengers that, by targeting presynaptic type 1 cannabinoid receptors (CB1Rs), mediate short- and long-term synaptic depression of neurotransmitter release throughout the brain. Short-term depression is typically triggered by postsynaptic, depolarization-induced calcium rises, whereas long-term depression is induced by synaptic activation of Gq/11 protein-coupled receptors. Here we report that a physiologically relevant pattern of postsynaptic activity, in the form of theta-burst firing (TBF) of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons, can trigger long-term depression of inhibitory transmission (iLTD) in rat hippocampal slices. Paired recordings between CA1 interneurons and pyramidal cells, followed by post hoc morphological reconstructions of the interneurons' axon, revealed that somatic and dendritic inhibitory synaptic inputs equally expressed TBF-induced iLTD. Simultaneous recordings from neighboring pyramidal cells demonstrated that eCB signaling triggered by TBF was highly restricted to only a single, active cell. Furthermore, pairing submaximal endogenous activation of metabotropic glutamate or muscarinic acetylcholine receptors with submaximal TBF unmasked associative iLTD. Although CB1Rs are also expressed at Schaffer-collateral excitatory terminals, long-term plasticity under various recording conditions was spared at these synapses. Consistent with this observation, TBF also shifted the balance of excitation and inhibition in favor of excitatory throughput, thereby altering information flow through the CA1 circuit. Given the near ubiquity of burst-firing activity patterns and CB1R expression in the brain, the properties described here may be a general means by which neurons fine tune the strength of their inputs in a cell-wide and cell-specific manner.
Effect of high and intermediate ligation on survival and recurrence rates following curative resection of colorectal cancer

PURPOSE: How wide excision of the regional mesenteric lymphatic drainage influences survival and recurrence rates following curative resection of colorectal cancers needs to be more clearly defined. METHODS: A series of 2,409 consecutive patients undergoing curative resections with detailed descriptions of the operative procedure and the lymphatic drainage in the surgical specimens provided a unique database to provide meaningful comparisons between high and intermediate level ligation. RESULTS: High ligation made a statistically significant difference in the death rate from recurrent cancer in patients with Dukes B, AC, and C1 cancers. Based on cancer-related deaths, the probability of five-year survival rate increased with high ligation from 73.9 to 84 percent in patients with Dukes B colon cancers and from 49.0 to 58.6 percent in patients with Dukes C1 colon cancers. In patients with Dukes AC cancers, high ligation increased the five-year survival rate from 64.9 to 80.4 percent. In patients with Dukes C cancers with involved middle level lymph nodes, the five-year survival rate increased from 20.5 to 33 percent and the death rate from recurrent cancer fell from 77 to 59 percent with high ligation. In patients with Dukes AC cancers with four or less involved nodes, the five-year survival rate was increased by high ligation from 50 to 78.6 percent in the colon and from 40 to 71.4 percent in the rectum. When more than four lymph nodes were involved, the survival rate was unaffected by the level of ligation. Although high ligation reduced distant recurrences, its greatest effect was observed in the incidence of local and suture line recurrence. The five-year local recurrence rate in patients with Dukes B who were managed by high ligation was 11.4 percent compared with 18.7 percent with intermediate ligation. In patients with Dukes C cancer, the local recurrence rate was 20.8 percent five years following high ligation compared with 30.7 percent for intermediate ligation. In patients with Dukes B cancer who were undergoing curative resections, the incidence of suture line recurrence was 39 percent following high ligation compared with 5.5 percent following intermediate ligation. In patients with Dukes C cancer, the incidence of suture line recurrence was 6.9 percent with high ligation and 11.4 percent with intermediate ligation. CONCLUSION: In certain stages of colorectal cancer, the more extensive resection of mesenteric lymphatic drainage associated with high ligation appears to increase the survival rate and reduce the recurrence rate following curative resections.
Playing linear numerical board games promotes low‐income children's numerical development

The numerical knowledge of children from low-income backgrounds trails behind that of peers from middle-income backgrounds even before the children enter school. This gap may reflect differing prior experience with informal numerical activities, such as numerical board games. Experiment 1 indicated that the numerical magnitude knowledge of preschoolers from low-income families lagged behind that of peers from more affluent backgrounds. Experiment 2 indicated that playing a simple numerical board game for four 15-minute sessions eliminated the differences in numerical estimation proficiency. Playing games that substituted colors for numbers did not have this effect. Thus, playing numerical board games offers an inexpensive means for reducing the gap in numerical knowledge that separates less and more affluent children when they begin school.
Heparin resistance and decreased hepatic triglyceride hydrolase release during long-term estrogen-progestin treatment☆

Abstract These studies were undertaken to define the mechanism for the depression of postheparin triglyceride hydrolase activity in women treated with estrogen-progestin oral contraceptives. Six treated and six control women were studied. Total, protamine-inhibited, and protamine-resistant triglyceride hydrolase activities were measured after six different intravenous doses of heparin in each subject in order to determine the dose-response relationships for lipase release. As has been reported during short-term treatment with estrogens, long-term treatment with oral contraceptive agents is accompanied by selective depression of protamine-resistant (hepatic) lipase activity. This depression can be partly reversed by the administration of large heparin doses, but maximally releasing heparin doses fail to restore postheparin protamine-resistant activity to control values. These data are compatible with the idea that the releasable pool of hepatic triglyceride hydrolase activity is diminished in women who receive oral contraceptive agents and that the pharmacokinetics of its release are altered in such a way that only relatively high concentrations of heparin displace the enzyme from this pool.
Functional Status Does Not Predict Complicated Clinical Course in Older Adults in the Emergency Department with Infection

Objectives: To identify the relationship between functional status and complicated clinical course in older adults in the emergency department (ED) with suspected infection and to identify other independent predictors of complicated clinical course. Design: A prospective observational cohort study. Setting: An academic, tertiary care ED with 70,000 visits per year. Participants: Aged 65 and older, blood cultures obtained in the ED, and final ED physician diagnosis of acute infection. Measurements: Functional status was obtained using the Older Americans Resources Scale (OARS). Complicated clinical course was defined as in-hospital mortality, need for intensive care unit (ICU)-level care, or worsening in sepsis criteria within 48 hours. Analysis was performed using multivariable logistic regression. Results: One hundred five participants were enrolled, 34 with the primary outcome. OARS was not predictive of complicated clinical course in univariate (P = .13) or multivariable (P = .90) models. An OARS score of 25 or less was also not significant (P = .22). Independent predictors were immunosuppression (odds ratio (OR) = 3.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.06�11.20), systolic blood pressure (OR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.96�1.00), pulse (OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.00�1.06), metabolic acidosis (OR = 3.46, 95% CI = 1.08�11.09), severe sepsis or septic shock (OR = 10.24, 95% CI = 1.44�72.79), and suspected bloodstream infection (OR = 3.56, 95% CI = 1.13�11.16). Conclusion; For older adults admitted to the ED with infection, functional status did not predict complicated clinical course, but several other variables were predictive, including immunosuppression, several variables associated with hypoperfusion, and suspected bloodstream infection. Emergency physicians could consider these variables as potential indicators of complicated clinical course when making disposition decisions for this population.
Soy Protein Isolate/Corn‐Zein Laminated Films: Transport and Mechanical Properties

Soy protein films were thermally laminated with either single or double coats of corn-zein. Microstructural characterization of the surfaces and cross-sections reveals a ductile protein matrix of the soy component, but a brittle layered structure for the corn-zein component. The hydrophobic nature of the corn-zein improved the water vapor barrier properties of the laminates, while the superior oxygen barrier characteristics remained unaffected, as compared with the base soy film. The haze values of the laminates increased without much change in total light transmission. Tensile properties supported observations from microscopy, in that tensile properties indicated ductile behavior of the soy films, but a brittle behavior for the double-coat laminates.
Aromatics/Aliphatics Separation by Adsorption: New Sorbents for Selective Aromatics Adsorption by π-Complexation

New sorbents for benzene/cyclohexane separation based on π-complexation were prepared by dispersion of transition metal salts on a high-surface-area substrate. PdCl2 or AgNO3 dispersed on SiO2 gel exhibited high equilibrium adsorption ratios of benzene over cyclohexane. PdCl2 loading of 0.88 g/g of SiO2 showed the best benzene/cyclohexane ratio of 3.2. The heats of adsorption of benzene on these sorbents were in the range 7−12 kcal/mol and followed the rank order CuCl > PdCl2 > AgNO3 > AuCl3 > PtCl4, compared to 5−7 kcal/mol for cyclohexane. Molecular orbital calculations for the bonding of benzene and chlorides of these metals were performed at the Hartree−Fock (HF) and density functional theory (DFT) levels using effective core potentials. The theoretical bond energies were (in kcal/mol) 12.5 (CuCl), 10.8 (PdCl2), 8.6 (AgCl), 6.5 (AuCl3), and 5.2 (PtCl4), in fair agreement with the experimental results. The M−C interactions followed classical π-complexation in most cases, and differences in the bonds wi...
Intramedullary metastasis in breast cancer – A comprehensive literature review

Abstract Background Intramedullary breast cancer metastasis (IMBCM) is considered rare but its true incidence is unknown. Previous reviews of this subject are few and provided limited information. Objective To evaluate the precise location(s) of IMBCM, its concurrence rate with brain metastasis, its frequency compared to other cancers, intervals between breast cancer diagnosis and detection of IMBCM and between detection of IMBCM and death, frequency of various clinical symptoms, neuroimaging, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and biomarker data, treatment strategies and survival issues. Study design All relevant literature from 1900 to present was identified through Yale search Engine including but not limited to Medline/Pub Med, Ovid and Erasmus. Results A total of 36 publications were identified describing 85 patients with IMBCM. Breast cancer was the second highest source of intramedullary metastasis after lung (26.5% versus 45%). Cervical and thoracic cord was equally affected. Presence of thoracic cord lesions (P = 0.039), concurrent brain metastasis, bladder dysfunction and Brown–Sequard syndrome were associated with a more unfavorable prognosis. Treatment strategies which included surgery suggested prolonged survival. Patients with breast metastasis to the spinal cord had longer survival than lung metastasis (P = 0.05). The data on CSF and tumor markers was too limited to be conclusive. Conclusions Introduction of Magnetic Resonance Imaging has significantly increased the detection rate of IMBCM. Factors associated with better prognosis are presented. Definition of the true incidence of IMBCM would require a prospective clinical and neuroimaging study.
Comparison of Three Methods for the Derivation of a Biologic Scaffold Composed of Adipose Tissue Extracellular Matrix

Extracellular matrix (ECM)-based scaffold materials have been used successfully in both preclinical and clinical tissue engineering and regenerative medicine approaches to tissue reconstruction. Results of numerous studies have shown that ECM scaffolds are capable of supporting the growth and differentiation of multiple cell types in vitro and of acting as inductive templates for constructive tissue remodeling after implantation in vivo. Adipose tissue represents a potentially abundant source of ECM and may represent an ideal substrate for the growth and adipogenic differentiation of stem cells harvested from this tissue. Numerous studies have shown that the methods by which ECM scaffold materials are prepared have a dramatic effect upon both the biochemical and structural properties of the resultant ECM scaffold material as well as the ability of the material to support a positive tissue remodeling outcome after implantation. The objective of the present study was to characterize the adipose ECM material resulting from three methods of decellularization to determine the most effective method for the derivation of an adipose tissue ECM scaffold that was largely free of potentially immunogenic cellular content while retaining tissue-specific structural and functional components as well as the ability to support the growth and adipogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells. The results show that each of the decellularization methods produced an adipose ECM scaffold that was distinct from both a structural and biochemical perspective, emphasizing the importance of the decellularization protocol used to produce adipose ECM scaffolds. Further, the results suggest that the adipose ECM scaffolds produced using the methods described herein are capable of supporting the maintenance and adipogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells and may represent effective substrates for use in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine approaches to soft tissue reconstruction.
Stopping distributions for right processes

LetX be a transient right process for which semipolar sets are polar. We characterize the measures which can arise as the distribution ofX T withT a non-randomized stopping time.
A technical description of the TSS-1 ROPE investigation

The Research on Orbital Plasma Electrodynamics (ROPE) investigation was designed to study the complex of phenomena and processes expected to exist around the highly biased satellite of the TSS-1 system. Specifically, ROPE was to study the characteristics of the high-voltage sheath and study ionization processes in the vicinty of the satellite. To accomplish this, two banks of sensors were mounted on the satellite. One was flush-mounted on the satellite's surface and the other was located at the end of the satellite's fixed boom. Of particular note is the ability to drive the boom probes' surface potential to the local floating potential. In conjunction with satellite spin, the surface-mounted sensors could map the distribution of electron flux to the satellite's surface while the boom-mounted sensors could measure the ion and electron fluxes in and out of the satellite's plasma sheath.
Estimating Deterioration Level of Aircraft Engines

This paper describes an approach to estimate the deterioration level of aircraft engines using engine monitoring data and a physics-based engine model. The estimation process is carried out by a neural network, which is trained by data generated using a physical-based engine model complemented with an empirically derived engine deterioration model. The deterioration model allows manipulation of several engine health parameters, such as module efficiency and flow capacity, to simulate engine deterioration. Simulated sensor outputs are used to build independent transfer functions relating the sensor values to a deterioration level. A calibration model corrects the sensor readings to a reference condition so that the effect of variation of operating condition is minimized. The proposed approach can be used to assess engine deterioration level in real time. The proposed deterioration estimation approach is validated using real-world engine data.Copyright © 2007 by General Electric Company
Significance of non-central forces in atomistic studies of grain boundaries in bcc transition metals

Abstract The effects of non-central forces in atomistic studies of grain boundaries in molybdenum and tungsten, the transition metals with half-filled d-band, are investigated. For this purpose we have used two different types of potential which include different number of moments of the local density of electronic states when evaluating the total energy: the central-force Finnis-Sinclair potentials which include the scalar second moment and the potentials constructed by Carlsson which include the fourth and the matrix second moments. The energy terms associated with these two moments represent non-central interactions and assure that the bcc-fcc structural energy difference is reproduced with good accuracy. For the three boundaries studied, the non-central forces have been found to be very important in determining the lowest energy structures. In particular, the energy differences between multiple structures depend on specific orientations and geometries of the atomic clusters at and near the interface. ...
Correlation of reproductive aging with function in selected organ systems

Abstract Objective: To compare day 3 FSH levels with biomarkers of aging in other organ systems in healthy, older, reproductive age women. Design: Cross-sectional pilot study. Setting: Healthy volunteers in an academic, tertiary care center. Patient(s): Healthy, regularly cycling women aged 40 to 45 years divided into two groups: those with normal day 3 FSH levels and those with elevated day 3 FSH levels. Intervention(s): Blood and urine collection with blood pressure measurement, pulmonary function testing, bone densitometry, and skin biopsy. Main Outcome Measure(s): Comparison between groups for serum creatinine, albumin, glucose, hematocrit, DHEAS, fasting insulin, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels; creatinine clearance (CrC1); forced expiratory volume in 1 second; forced vital capacity; bone density at the wrist, hip, and lumbar spine; and mean dermal thickness. Result(s): Hematocrit and CrC1 values were significantly lower in the group with high FSH levels. Creatinine clearance also was significantly negatively correlated with FSH level. After Bonferroni adjustment for multiple testing, all measures were no longer different at the P ⩽ 0.05 level. Conclusion(s): Aging of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis may parallel aging in other organ systems. Further longitudinal analyses are necessary to ascertain whether these measures will predict reproductive reserve before irreversible dysfunction occurs.
Selection of SPE cartridge for automated solid-phase extraction of pesticides from water followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

In environmental analyses there is an ever-increasing need to develop simple and sensitive multi-residue methods. In many agricultural regions, there is particular concern of the potential for pesticides to enter rivers and other waterways. This study reports on the development and validation of a multi-residue method of analysis for 30 pesticides in water samples using solid-phase extraction (SPE) followed by LC-MS/MS. The electrospray and MS/MS parameters were optimised for each pesticide, including capillary voltage, collision-induced dissociation voltage, and selection of a precursor ion and two product ions. A variety of SPE sorbents were tested for sample pre-concentration, including numerous polymeric based phases. Bond Elut PPL and Oasis HLB were the only phases capable of retaining the majority of the target analyte classes in a single method. An off-line pre-concentration method using a Gilson Aspec system was optimised using the Bond Elut PPL cartridges, with a concentration factor of 25 producing limits of quantitation in the order of 6-100 ng/L. Excellent linearity (r2 > 0.9), precision ( 60%) was obtained for nearly all of the analytes, covering a wide variety of chemical and physical properties. This is the first study to fully validate Bond Elut PPL cartridges for use in multi-residue pesticide analysis.
THE EFFECT OF SLICE THICKNESS AND MIXING TIME ON THE PALATABILITY AND COOKING CHARACTERISTICS OF RESTRUCTURED BEEF STEAKS

Restructured beef steaks were made from chuck meat that was flaked (6 mm) or sliced at various thicknesses (2.5, 5.0 or 7.5 mm). Each formulation was mixed for 5, 10, 15 or 20 min, pressed into logs, frozen and cut into steaks. Steaks were evaluated for fat and moisture contents, cooking characteristics, and sensory attributes. Slice thickness had little effect on sensory properties; however, the restructured steaks were significantly more tender and possessed a more desirable texture and flavor than the intact chuck steaks. Restructured steaks made from meat that was mixed for 5 or 10 min were significantly more tender and received higher texture desirability and overall palatability ratings than restructured steaks made from meat that was mixed for 15 or 20 min.
An elasto-chemical theory of tilt boundaries

The grain boundary energy of a crystalline solid near the melting point is calculated using a model of an infinite array of interacting dislocations. The complete elastic interaction among dislocations is included via a traction-free core condition. The elastic energy is coupled to the chemical energy of the core by an energy minimization scheme involving the core radius. The present theory is compared with experiment, uncovering rather stringent requirements which grain boundary data must meet for a meaningful theoretical analysis.
Terminal Zirconium Imides Prepared by Reductive C−N Bond Cleavage

Toluene reflux of ZrCl4 with Li(Nacnac) (Nacnac- = [Ar]NC(tBu)CHC(tBu)N[Ar], Ar = 2,6-[CH(CH3)2]2C6H3) provides the complex (Nacnac)ZrCl3 in 75% yield. Cl- substitution for OTf- is readily achieved with 3 equiv of AgOTf to yield 77% of the complex (Nacnac)Zr(OTf)2(η2-OTf). The coordination mode of the three triflato groups was determined by a combination of single-crystal X-ray analysis and 19F COSY experiments. Addition of 2 equiv of LiCH2XMe3 (X = C, Si) to (Nacnac)ZrCl4 in Et2O affords the bis(alkyl) systems (Nacnac)Zr(CH2XMe3)2Cl in good yield (X = C, 86%; X = Si, 91%). In contrast, reaction of (Nacnac)Zr(OTf)2(η2-OTf) with 2 equiv of LiCH2CMe3 leads instead to formation of the terminal zirconium−imido complex [(NactBu)ZrNAr(μ2-OTf)]2 (NactBu- = [2,6-(CHMe2)2C6H3]NC(tBu)CHC(tBu)). Likewise, reduction of (Nacnac)ZrCl3 with 2 equiv of KC8 in THF also affords a terminal zirconium−imido species, (NactBu)ZrNAr(Cl)(THF). The zirconium−imido compounds described herein result from reductive cleavage of the C−...
The economics of land transfer and title insurance

In the presence of uncertainty over the title of land (due to fraud or error), a legal system can protect either the current (innocent) owner, or a previous owner who claims title. The predominant system in the United States generally awards title to the latter in the event of legitimate claim. Thus, current owners frequently purchase title insurance to provide indemnification in the event of a loss. In contrast, the Torrens system awards title to the current owner, but provides for indemnification of any legitimate claimants. We evaluate these two systems and argue that if transaction costs are low, both promote efficient assignment of title (according to the Coase Theorem), but if transaction costs are high, the Torrens system is more likely to award title to the party that values it the most (namely, the current possessor).
Solution-Processed Aluminum Oxide Phosphate Thin-Film Dielectrics

Aluminum oxide phosphate thin films have been deposited via spin coating from aqueous solution and utilized as gate dielectrics in thin-film transistors. Films are atomically smooth, dense, and amorphous, while exhibiting excellent morphological stability to 1000 °C. Film chemistry and structure are investigated by using an array of analytical techniques including X-ray diffraction, FT-IR spectroscopy, and electron-microprobe analysis. Dielectric film functionality and quality are explored through integration in capacitor and thin-film transistor devices. Film permittivity for an Al2PO5.5 composition is found to be 4.8 in combination with leakage current densities <10 nA cm-2 at 1 MV cm-1 and current-limited breakdown fields up to 10 MV cm-1. Thin-film transistors fabricated with these oxide phosphate dielectrics and sputtered ZnO channels exhibit strong field-effect and current saturation with incremental mobilities up to 3.5 cm2 V-1 s-1. The ability of the amorphous matrix to accommodate additional oxid...
The electron capture ratio and the conversion coefficient of the 14.4 keV gamma ray in the decay of 57Co

Abstract A proportional counter and a thin window scintillation counter have been used to investigate the low energy electromagnetic radiations in the decay of 57 Co. The value found for the internal conversion coefficient of the 14.4 keV gamma ray is 9.94±0.60 and for the electron capture ratio is 0.118±0.014.
Electrochemical Incineration of Wastes

The novel technology of waste removal in space vehicles by electrochemical methods is presented to convert wastes into chemicals that can be eventually recycled. The important consideration for waste oxidation is to select a right kind of electrode (anode) material that should be stable under anodic conditions and also a poor electrocatalyst for oxygen and chlorine evolution. On the basis of long term electrolysis experiments on seven different electrodes and on the basis of total organic carbon reduced, two best electrodes were identified. The effect of redox ions on the electrolyte was studied. Though most of the experiments were done in mixtures of urine and waste, the experiments with redox couples involved 2.5 M sulfuric acid in order to avoid the precipitation of redox ions by urea. Two methods for long term electrolysis of waste were investigated: (1) the oxidation on Pt and lead dioxide electrodes using the galvanostatic methods; and (2) potentiostatic method on other electrodes. The advantage of the first method is the faster rate of oxidation. The chlorine evolution in the second method is ten times less then in the first. The accomplished research has shown that urine/feces mixtures can be oxidized to carbon dioxide and water, but current densities are low and must be improved. The perovskite and Ti4O7 coated with RuO2 are the best electrode materials found. Recent experiment with the redox agent improves the current density, however, sulphuric acid is required to keep the redox agent in solution to enhance oxidation effectively. It is desirable to reduce the use of acid and/or find substitutes.
The safety of water fluoridation

This article disputes claims of anti-fluoridationists linking water fluoridation with Down’s syndrome, cardiovascular disease, cancer in humans and animals, and other conditions. Controlled fluoridation of community water has been shown to be the most effective public health measure in reducing caries. Anti-fluoridationists have attempted to link water fluoridation with allergies, Down’s syndrome, heart disease, and cancer. There is no evidence that water containing optimal concentrations (0.7–1.2 ppm) of fluoride impairs general health.