cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Specific extraction of chromium(VI) using supercritical fluid extraction.

Abstract In some situations, it is no longer sufficient to give a total concentration of a metal. Instead, what is required to understand the potential toxicity of a sample is the concentration of metal species or oxidation state. When developing species specific methods, the major concern is that the integrity of the species ratio is not changed. In other words, the sample preparation or the analytical method will not convert metal ions from one oxidation state to another. Normal extraction techniques and chromatography methods have shown some tendencies to change species ratios. An ideal extraction method would extract the metal efficiently while retaining the metal's oxidation state. The properties of supercritical fluids should approach the ideal of retention of oxidation states. For example, the need for speciation of chromium is obvious since Cr(III) is considered an essential element while Cr(VI) is thought to be toxic and carcinogenic. This paper presents the results of a species specific extraction of Cr(VI) using two different carbamate derivatives as the chelator. Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) coupled with a fluorinated dithiocarbamate and a methanol modifier allows extraction of 1 ppm Cr(VI) from a solid matrix with a recovery level of 88.4±2.57% using the NIST standard sample. The optimized conditions using the HP 7680 supercritical fluid extractor were: 0.1 ml of methanol, 0.05 ml of pure water, and 0.01 g of chelate via a saturation chamber.
The antimicrobial efficacy of sustained release silver–carbene complex-loaded l-tyrosine polyphosphate nanoparticles: Characterization, in vitro and in vivo studies

The pressing need to treat multi-drug resistant bacteria in the chronically infected lungs of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients has given rise to novel nebulized antimicrobials. We have synthesized a silver-carbene complex (SCC10) active against a variety of bacterial strains associated with CF and chronic lung infections. Our studies have demonstrated that SCC10-loaded into L-tyrosine polyphosphate nanoparticles (LTP NPs) exhibits excellent antimicrobial activity in vitro and in vivo against the CF relevant bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Encapsulation of SCC10 in LTP NPs provides sustained release of the antimicrobial over the course of several days translating into efficacious results in vivo with only two administered doses over a 72 h period.
Maps and Absent Symbols

absence is the claim that, if a symbol appears on a map, then absence of the symbol from some map coordinate signifies absence of the corresponding property from the corresponding location. This claim is highly intuitive and widely endorsed. And if it is true, then cartographic representation is strikingly different from linguistic representation. I argue, however, that absence is false of various maps and that we have no reason to believe it is true of any maps. The intuition to the contrary results from mistaking what a map simply conveys for what it literally represents.
Strategies from Bedside Nurse Perspectives in Conducting Evidence-based Practice Projects to Improve Care

This article presents the bedside nurses' perspectives on their experience with conducting an evidence based practice project. This is especially important in the climate of hospitals working to achieve Magnet Recognition. The facilitators and barriers to project design and completion are discussed in detail. Strategies to overcome barriers are presented. Facilitators for bedside nurses include motivation and professional development. Most common barriers were lack of time and limited knowledge about the process. Interventions aimed at research utilization can be successful when mindful of commonly understood barriers to project completion with steps taken to resolve those barriers.
Adaptations of Polygynous Breeding in the Bobolink, Dolichonyx oryzivorus

In some species of polygynous songbirds, males assist in feeding nestlings of their first (primary) female but ignore offspring of subsequent (secondary) mates. A number of adaptations important in minimizing the disadvantages of a secondary status in female Bobolinks ( Dolichonyx oryzivorus ) have been discovered. In Bobolinks, clutches of secondary females are significantly smaller than those of primary females, thereby adjusting brood size to correspond better with food delivery capabilities of secondary hens. Commencement of incubation with deposition of the penultimate egg allows additional brood size adjustment, for the resulting hatching asynchronism promotes efficient culling of the late-hatching chick in times of food shortage, without endangering the entire brood. Secondary females differ from primary pairs in food exploitation techniques by capitalizing on insects found close to the nest and by showing less discrimination in food selection. Such behavior permits compensation in the rate of food delivery trips to secondary nestlings so as to equal the tempo maintained by both members of the primary pair, yet results in quantitative disparities in food brought to primary and secondary nestlings. Flexibility in male feeding responses, resulting in partial male assistance at secondary nests in situations where secondary brood size is exceptionally large, is also important in helping to maximize the reproductive performance of birds engaging in this mating strategy.
Kinetic isotope effects in cycloreversion of rhenium (V) diolates.

Cycloreversion of 4-methoxystyrene from the corresponding Tp‘Re(O)(diolato) complex (Tp‘ = hydrido-tris-(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate) was measured competitively for various isotopomers at 103 °C. Primary (12C/13C) and secondary (1H/2H) kinetic isotope effects were determined. The primary KIEs were k12C/k13C = 1.041 ± 0.005 at the α position and 1.013 ± 0.006 at the β position. Secondary KIEs were kH/kD = 1.076 ± 0.005 at the α position and 1.017 ± 0.005 at the β position. Computational modeling (B3LYP/LACVP*+) located a transition state for concerted cycloreversion of styrene from TpRe(O)(OCH2CHPh) exhibiting dramatically different C−O bond lengths. A Hammett study on cycloreversions of substituted styrenes from a series of Tp‘Re(O)(diolato) showed dichotomous behavior for electron donors and electron-withdrawing groups as substituents: ρ = −0.65 for electron donors, but ρ = +1.13 for electron-withdrawing groups. The data are considered in light of various mechanistic proposals. While the extrusion of 4...
The arthropoda of the Southern Islands of New Zealand (9) Diptera

Abstract Some of the Diptera collected in recent expeditions to the Southern Islands of the New Zealand Sub-region are recorded. All pertinent data of occurrence, distribution and habitats, as recorded in previous publications are incorporated so that information on all species is complete as far as is known. The families dealt with are: Anisopodidae; Mycetophilidae; Dolichopodidae (some) ; Lonchopteridae; Syrphidae ; Agromyzidae ; Asteiidae ; Australimyzidae ; Canaceidae; Chloropidae; Coelopidae; Cypselosomatidae; Drosophilidae; Ephydridae; Helcomyzidae; Heleomyzidae; Sapromyzidae; Sciomyzidae; Sphaeroceridae; Tethinidae; Muscidae (some) ; Calliphoridae; Hippoboscidae. The islands in this survey are: Antipodes, Auckland, Bounty, Campbell, Macquarie and Snares. Six new species are described: Liriomyza lepidii and Liriomyza antipoda (Agromyzidae) ; Polytocus costatus (Sciomyzidae) ; Protoborborus brevis (Cypselosomatidae) ; Scatella abbreviata (Ephydridae) ; Tethina horningi (Tethinidae). One new synonymy ...
Improved Maintenance Approach for Large Generator Armature Windings Subject to Insulation Migration

Forced outages due to failures of asphalt-mica insulated armature windings have been investigated. Based on information obtained from the public utilities, it is shown how the grounding and maintenance methods affect the possible core damage on older large turbine-generators. The probability of an outage can be greatly reduced by planned inspection, maintenance tests, and by replacement of those faulty bars which are most likely to fail.
Serum concentrations and cellular uptake of vitamin E.

Abstract The high affinity receptor for low density lipoprotein (LDL) is demonstrated to function as a mechanism for delivery of vitamin E to cells. It is suggested that LDL which serves as its carrier is specific for d-alpha tocopherol which in turn is the most active biological formof vitamin E in human adults; also, its concentration is the highest in human adults serum as compared to other forms such as beta, gamma, delta, alpha tocopherol succinate and acetate when serum concentrations of human adults were measured after ingestion of various alpha tocopherol preparations the highest concentration in serum was achieved by d-alpha tocopherol over other forms as alpha tocopherol acetate or alpha tocopherol succinate. This data pemits one to conclude that the most important biological form of vitamin E for absorption, transport and utilization is the d-alpha tocopherol. Specific receptor sites are apparent for d-alpha tocopherol in LDL, for which a high affinity receptor exists in the cells. This has been demonstrated to be a mechanism for cellular uptake of d-alpha tocopherol and cholesterol by cells.
Finite element analysis on nanoindentation with friction contact at the film/substrate interface

Abstract Finite elements (FE) provide a numerical method to calculate complex nanoindentation problems. Correlation of FE analysis with experimental data on nanoindentation may lead to improved characterization of the mechanical properties of thin films and coating systems. In this study, a model of the friction contact at the interface of thin films and substrates is established using FE analysis about a cone indenter, which imitates a Berkovich nanoindenter. Finite element nanoindentation simulations were performed at three different interface friction contact conditions. The following conclusions were depicted through the study of the simulation data. First, for increasing values of the friction coefficient, the indenter’s force versus displacement response of the film/substrate-friction-contact (F/SFC) model coincides with the response of the film/substrate-perfectly-bonded (F/SPB) model. Second, when the indenter’s maximum displacement is less than 10% of the film thickness the deformed nanoindentation area is concentrated under the indenter tip for both F/SFC and F/SPB models. Third, a mechanical response is generated along the F/SFC interface while the mechanical response along the F/SPB interface is negligible. Finally, the nanoindentation simulation data indicate that the calculated mechanical properties intrinsically depend on the interfacial contact conditions of the film/substrate even when the maximum displacement of the indenter is controlled within the 10% of the thin-film thickness.
A Model of Interactive Teaching

Previous teaching models in the learning theory community have been batch models. That is, in these models the teacher has generated a single set of helpful examples to present to the learner. In this paper we present an interactive model in which the learner has the ability to ask queries as in the query learning model of Angluin. We show that this model is at least as powerful as previous teaching models. We also show that anything learnable with queries, even by a randomized learner, is teachable in our model. In all previous teaching models, all classes shown to be teachable are known to be efficiently learnable. An important concept class that is not known to be learnable is DNF formulas. We demonstrate the power of our approach by providing a deterministic teacher and learner for the class of DNF formulas. The learner makes only equivalence queries and all hypotheses are also DNF formulas.
Knockdown of αIIb by RNA degradation by delivering deoxyoligonucleotides piggybacked with control vivo-morpholinos into zebrafish thrombocytes

Morpholino and vivo-morpholino gene knockdown methods have been used to study thrombocyte function in zebrafish. However, a large-scale knockdown of the entire zebrafish genome using these technologies to study thrombocyte function is prohibitively expensive. We have developed an inexpensive gene knockdown method, which uses a hybrid of a control vivo-morpholino and a standard antisense oligonucleotide specific for a gene. This hybrid molecule is able to deliver antisense deoxyoligonucleotides into zebrafish thrombocytes because it piggybacks on a control vivo-morpholino. To validate use of this hybrid molecule in gene knockdowns, we targeted the thrombocyte specific αIIb gene with a hybrid of a control vivo-morpholino and an oligonucleotide antisense to αIIb mRNA. The use of this piggyback technology resulted in degradation of αIIb mRNA and led to thrombocyte functional defect. This piggyback method to knockdown genes is inexpensive since one control vivo-morpholino can be used to target many different genes by making many independent gene-specific oligonucleotide hybrids. Thus, this novel piggyback technology can be utilized for cost-effective large-scale knockdowns of genes to study thrombocyte function in zebrafish.
Application of Metabolite Profiling Tools and Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry in the Identification of Transformation Products of Iopromide and Iopamidol during Advanced Oxidation

The efficiency of wastewater treatment systems in removing pharmaceuticals is often assessed on the basis of the decrease in the concentration of the parent compound. However, what is perceived as “removal” during treatment may not necessarily mean mineralization of the pharmaceutical compound but simply conversion into different transformation products (TPs). Using liquid chromatography coupled to a quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer (LC-QToF-MS), we demonstrated conversion of iopromide in wastewater to at least 14 TPs after an advanced oxidation process (AOP) using UV (fluence = 1500 mJ/cm2) and H2O2 (10 mg/L). Due to the complexity of the wastewater matrix, the initial experiments were performed using a high concentration (10 mg/L) of iopromide in order to facilitate the identification of TPs. Despite the high concentration of iopromide used, cursory inspection of UV and mass spectra only revealed four TPs in the chromatograms of the post-AOP samples. However, the use of METLIN database and st...
Enhanced Expression of the α7β1 Integrin Reduces Muscular Dystrophy and Restores Viability in Dystrophic Mice

Muscle fibers attach to laminin in the basal lamina using two distinct mechanisms: the dystrophin glycoprotein complex and the α7β1 integrin. Defects in these linkage systems result in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), α2 laminin congenital muscular dystrophy, sarcoglycan-related muscular dystrophy, and α7 integrin congenital muscular dystrophy. Therefore, the molecular continuity between the extracellular matrix and cell cytoskeleton is essential for the structural and functional integrity of skeletal muscle. To test whether the α7β1 integrin can compensate for the absence of dystrophin, we expressed the rat α7 chain in mdx/utr−/− mice that lack both dystrophin and utrophin. These mice develop a severe muscular dystrophy highly akin to that in DMD, and they also die prematurely. Using the muscle creatine kinase promoter, expression of the α7BX2 integrin chain was increased 2.0–2.3-fold in mdx/utr−/− mice. Concomitant with the increase in the α7 chain, its heterodimeric partner, β1D, was also increased in the transgenic animals. Transgenic expression of the α7BX2 chain in the mdx/utr−/− mice extended their longevity by threefold, reduced kyphosis and the development of muscle disease, and maintained mobility and the structure of the neuromuscular junction. Thus, bolstering α7β1 integrin–mediated association of muscle cells with the extracellular matrix alleviates many of the symptoms of disease observed in mdx/utr−/− mice and compensates for the absence of the dystrophin- and utrophin-mediated linkage systems. This suggests that enhanced expression of the α7β1 integrin may provide a novel approach to treat DMD and other muscle diseases that arise due to defects in the dystrophin glycoprotein complex. A video that contrasts kyphosis, gait, joint contractures, and mobility in mdx/utr−/− and α7BX2-mdx/utr−/−mice can be accessed at http://www.jcb.org/cgi/content/full/152/6/1207.
The challenges of combustion for chemical theory

A variety of studies drawn from the thermochemistry and kinetics of combustion are used to assess both recent advances and continuing challenges in theoretical chemistry. In all studies examined, the underlying molecular interactions as expressed by the potential energy surface are emphasized. In thermochemistry, very high level calculations on H 2 O and OH show the absolute limits of accuracy (0.1–0.2 kcal/mol) that can be currently achieved by ab initio techniques. On the other hand, high-level semiempirical G n calculations, whose parameters are specifically turned to only a few members of a family of molecules, can in some circumstances achieve errors only a few times larger for a long sequence of family members. In reaction kinetics, for reactions with barriers, the tuning of high-level semiempirical theories to the barriers of reaction families are just beginning and several successes and failures will be discussed. For barrierless recombination reactions, detailed theoretical studies of six reactions (CH 3 +CH 3 , H+CH 3 , H+C 2 H 3 , H+C 2 H 5 , H+C 3 H 3 and H+NO 2 ) during the past few years are compared with each other and with experiment. The residual disagreements are driving more detailed analysis of the limitations of theoretical and experimental techniques. The recent experimental/theoretical efforts on a seventh reaction (CH 3 +O) confirm that, for a variety of addition-elimination reactions, substantial amounts of reaction products can not be described in terms of reaction paths. This discovery and its implications are discussed. In inelastic, collisional energy transfer kinetics, recent experimental and theoretical studies on H+O 2 recombination with H 2 O as the bath gas emphasize the importance of electrostatic interactions in enhancing collisional energy transfer with the bath gas.
A remote monitoring system for treating Pectus Carinatum

The purpose of this research was to improve the current treatment process for Pectus Carinatum (PC). PC is a chest deformity where the sternum and surrounding area are pushed outwards as a result of an excessive amount of rib cartilage. The current treatment process involves wearing a chest brace to slowly pull the shape of the chest back into a normal shape. The current treatment process lasts for about seven months and the brace has to be worn for at least seven hours each day during this process [1].
Impact of center volume on outcomes of increased‐risk liver transplants

The use of high-risk donor livers, which is reflective of the gross national shortage of organs available for transplantation, has gained momentum. Despite the demand, many marginal livers are discarded annually. We evaluated the impact of center volume on survival outcomes associated with liver transplantation using high–donor risk index (DRI) allografts. We queried the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients database for deceased donor liver transplants (n = 31,576) performed between 2002 and 2008 for patients who were 18 years old or older, and we excluded partial and multiple liver transplants. A high-DRI cohort (n = 15,668), which was composed of patients receiving grafts with DRIs > 1.90, was analyzed separately. Transplant centers (n = 102) were categorized into tertiles by their annual procedure volumes: high-volume centers (HVCs; 78-215 cases per year), medium-volume centers (MVCs; 49-77 cases per year), and low-volume centers (LVCs; 5-48 cases per year). The endpoints were allograft survival and recipient survival. In comparison with their lower volume counterparts, HVCs used donors with higher mean DRIs (2.07 for HVCs, 2.01 for MVCs, and 1.91 for LVCs), more donors who were 60 years old or older (18.02% for HVCs, 16.85% for MVCs, and 12.39% for LVCs), more donors who died after a stroke (46.52% for HVCs, 43.71% for MVCs, and 43.36% for LVCs), and more donation after cardiac death organs (5.04% for HVCs, 4.45% for MVCs, and 3.51% for LVCs, all P values < 0.001). Multivariate risk-adjusted frailty models showed that increased procedure volume at a transplant center led to decreased risks of allograft failure [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.89-0.98, P = 0.002] and recipient death (HR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.83-0.97, P = 0.004) for high-DRI liver transplants. In conclusion, HVCs more frequently used higher DRI livers and achieved better risk-adjusted allograft and recipient survival. A greater understanding of the outcomes of transplantation with high-DRI livers may improve their utilization, the postoperative outcomes, and future allocation practices. Liver Transpl 17:1191–1199, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.
Infrared countermeasure flares

AbstractSince the emergence of aircraft in the twentieth century, the control of airspace has become of major tactical importance in times of conflict. This has led to the introduction of various anti-aircraft weapon systems that can be deployed from a variety of platforms. The infrared countermeasure (IRCM) flare has been developed to seduce or decoy the heat seeking types of missile threat away from their targets. In particular, shoulder launched surface-to-air heat-seeking missiles have accounted for a great many aircraft losses since they came into service, and the first generation are now relatively cheap and widely available as shown in the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. These weapon systems are also becoming increasingly sophisticated and aircraft must be equipped with suitable countermeasures to protect against an ever-growing variety of threats. This paper outlines the history of the IRCM flare and details developments in flare technology that have arisen to counter the ever-evolving m...
A UHV STM/STS and ab initio investigation of covellite {001} surfaces

Covellite (CuS) {001} surfaces are examined in ultra-high vacuum using atomically resolved scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy (STM/STS), ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS), and low energy electron diffraction (LEED). The layered structure of covellite is predicted to cleave along two possible basal planes based on a bond critical point analysis of the electron density from ab initio periodic calculations. The electronic structures of the two surfaces are expected to differ primarily based on the presence of copper dangling bond states, which have an impact on the interpretation of STM/STS data. The calculated total density of states for the three-dimensional crystal are in good agreement with He I valence band spectra and the calculations indicate that the highest occupied states are of S 3p character. Atomically resolved STM images show a periodic hexagonal array of surface sites consistent with the measured surface lattice constant using LEED. Atomically resolved STS spectra show n-type rectifying behavior due to the presence of a Schottky barrier and tip modification of the bending of the bulk bands in the sample. This behavior is indicative of a band gap surface which is due to the lack of copper dangling bonds. In this case, high tunneling current sites are assigned to S sites.
An investigation of the influence of porosity variations on the performance of liquid phase packed bed chemical reactors at low Reynolds numbers

Abstract The influence of a fluid—solid interaction on the performance characteristics of a single liquid phase packed bed catalytic reactor at low Reynolds numbers has been investigated. A simple theoretical model is suggested which allows for the influence of fine scale dispersion as well as more gross mixing phenomena associated with packing irregularities. The validity of the concept was tested experimentally by measuring the conversion from a chemical reactor and the residence time distribution simultaneously. A comparison of the experimental and theoretical results for beds of various packing arrangements suggests that a fluid—solid interaction is present and that it can be described by the proposed model.
Lessons from the GOODS

Abstract The Great Observatories Origins Deep Survey (GOODS) is a multi-facility project that combines data from NASA’s Hubble, Chandra and Spitzer space telescopes with spectroscopy and ancillary optical and near-IR imaging from the ground (VLT, Keck, Gemini, Subaru, NOAO) to provide a database for studying galaxy and AGN evolution up to redshifts z ∼ 6.5 and higher. The survey covers ∼0.1 deg2 in two fields, one in each celestial hemisphere, centered around the historical Hubble Deep Field (HDF) and Chandra Deep Field (CDF). The Spitzer and the Hubble images, which nears the depth of the HDF, are matched in sensitivity to sample the spectral energy distribution of even very blue sources with comparable signal-to-noise ratios. The GOODS combination of depth, angular resolution, wavelength and area coverage is currently unparalleled by other extragalactic surveys, and here we review some areas in the field of galaxy evolution where GOODS had brought (or will soon bring) significant progress and where it will need further work.
Investigation of the subgrid-scale stress and its production rate in a convective atmospheric boundary layer using measurement data

The subgrid-scale (SGS) stress in the atmospheric surface layer is studied using measurement data. Field measurements employing a novel array technique were conducted to provide data for obtaining resolvable- and subgrid-scale variables. We analyse the conditional SGS stress and the conditional stress production rate conditional on the resolvable-scale velocity, which must be reproduced by the SGS model for large-eddy simulation (LES) to predict correctly the one-point resolvable-scale velocity statistics. The results show that both buoyancy and shear play important roles in the physics of the SGS stress. Strong buoyancy and vertical shear associated with updrafts and positive streamwise velocity fluctuations cause conditional forward energy transfer and strong anisotropy in the conditional SGS stress. Downward returning flows associated with large convective eddies result in conditional energy backscatter and much less anisotropic SGS stress. Predictions of the conditional SGS stress and the conditional stress production rate predicted using several SGS models are compared with measurements. None of those models are able to predict correctly the trends of both statistics. The Smagorinsky and one nonlinear model under-predict the anisotropy and the variations of the anisotropy, whereas the other nonlinear model and the mixed model over-predict both. The deficiencies of the SGS models that cause inaccurate LES statistics, such as the over-prediction of the mean shear and under-prediction of the vertical velocity skewness, are identified. The present study shows that analyses of conditional SGS stress and conditional SGS stress production provide a systematic approach for studying SGS physics and evaluating SGS models and can potentially be used to target specific aspects of LES that are important for a given application.
Influence of inducing luteal regression before a modified controlled internal drug-releasing device treatment on control of follicular development.

At the initiation of most controlled internal drug-releasing (CIDR) device protocols, GnRH has been used to induce ovulation and reset follicular waves; however, its ability to initiate a new follicular wave is variable and dependent on stage of the estrous cycle. The objectives of the current studies were to determine 1) if inducing luteal regression before the injection of GnRH at time of insertion of a CIDR resulted in increased control of follicular development, and 2) if removing endogenous progesterone by inducing luteal regression before insertion of the CIDR decreased variation in LH pulse frequency. In Exp. 1 and 2, Angus-cross cycling beef heifers (n = 22 and 38, respectively) were allotted to 1 of 2 treatments: 1) heifers received an injection of PGF(2α) on d -3, an injection of GnRH and insertion of a CIDR on d 0, and a PGF(2α) injection and CIDR removal on d 6 (PG-CIDR) or 2) an injection of GnRH and insertion of a CIDR on d 0 and on d 7 an injection of PGF(2α) and removal of CIDR (Select Synch + CIDR). In Exp. 3, Angus-cross beef heifers (n = 15) were assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: 1) PG-CIDR; 2) PGF(2α) on d -3, GnRH on d 0, and PGF(2α) on d 6 (PG-No CIDR); or 3) Select Synch + CIDR. Follicular development and ovulatory response were determined by transrectal ultrasonography. Across all experiments, more (P = 0.02) heifers treated with PG before GnRH initiated a new follicular wave after the injection of GnRH compared with Select Synch + CIDR-treated heifers. In Exp. 1, after CIDR removal, interval to estrus did not differ (P = 0.18) between treatments; however, the variance for the interval to estrus was reduced (P 0.76). In summary, induction of luteal regression before an injection of GnRH increased the percentage of heifers initiating a new follicular wave. Removal of endogenous progesterone tended to increase LH pulse frequency, and the modified treatment increased the synchrony of estrus after CIDR removal.
Sphaerodromiidae (Brachyura: Dromiacea: Dromioidea) in the Fossil Record

Abstract The definition of the genus Dromilites has become extended over the past nearly 200 years to include most any dromioid crab from Eocene rocks. We examined type material of Dromilites spp. and restrict the genus to four species. The remaining species are removed to other genera or families incertae sedes. The remarkable preservation of the type species and a second species make it possible to assign with confidence Dromilites sensu stricto to Sphaerodromiidae. The unique features of this family, which Guinot and Tavares (2003) had erected as a subfamily within Dromiidae, support its elevation to family status. A new genus referred to Sphaerodromiidae embraces a Campanian (Late Cretaceous) species from South Dakota, Ferricorda kimberleyae (Bishop, 1987). Sphaerodromiidae now extends into the Late Cretaceous. The fossil record of Dromiidae sensu lato and sensu stricto is currently under investigation.
Updated hysterectomy surveillance and factors associated with minimally invasive hysterectomy.

Background and objectives The goal of this study is to obtain updated surveillance statistics for hysterectomy procedures in the United States and identify factors associated with undergoing a minimally invasive approach to hysterectomy. Methods A cross-sectional analysis of the 2009 United States Nationwide Inpatient Sample was performed. Subjects included all women aged 18 years or older who underwent hysterectomy of any type. Logistic regression and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the proportion of hysterectomies performed by various routes, as well as factors associated with undergoing minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopic, vaginal, or robotic). Results A total of 479,814 hysterectomies were performed in the United States in 2009, 86.6% of which were performed for benign indications. Among the hysterectomies performed for benign indications, 56% were completed abdominally, 20.4% were performed laparoscopically, 18.8% were performed vaginally, and 4.5% were performed with robotic assistance. Factors associated with decreased odds of a minimally invasive hysterectomy included the following: minority race (P 50 years (P 1 day was most common in abdominal hysterectomy cases (96.1%), although total mean charges were highest for robotic cases ($38,161). Conclusion The US hysterectomy incidence in 2009 decreased from prior years' reports, with an increasing frequency of laparoscopic and robotic approaches. Racial and socioeconomic factors influenced hysterectomy mode.
Effect of ethanol toxicity on enzyme activity in anaerobic respiration in plants.

Ethanol, a metabolic toxin, is produced by plants during anaerobic fermentation. Traditionally, it was hypothesized wetland plants, which are tolerant of anaerobic conditions in sediments, might be those most tolerant of ethanol toxicity. Even though ethanol does not typically accumulate to toxic levels in field conditions, whether flooding tolerance in plants is related to tolerance of ethanol remains an open question. Therefore, we compared flood-tolerant and flood-sensitive species to assess susceptibility to ethanol exposure. Ten species of plants were compared; 4–10 replicate plants of each species were grown in flooded (anaerobic) and drained (aerobic) soil conditions in a greenhouse. Following seven days of treatment, roots were harvested and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) was extracted, a key enzyme in anaerobic fermentation. Effects of increasing ethanol concentrations were measured on activities of ADH. Root ADH activities increased in sensitive species with flooding. Increasing ethanol concentrati...
Transition from homogeneous Langmuir-Blodgett monolayers to striped bilayers driven by a wetting instability in octadecylsiloxane monolayers.

We show that two dips of an oxidized silicon substrate through a prepolymerized n-octadecylsiloxane monolayer at an air−water interface in a rapid succession produces periodic, linear striped patterns in film morphology extending over macroscopic area of the substrate surface. Langmuir monolayers of n-octadecyltrimethoxysilane were prepared at the surface of an acidic subphase (pH 2) maintained at room temperature (22 ± 2 °C) under relative humidities of 50−70%. The substrate was first withdrawn at a high dipping rate from the quiescent aqueous subphase (upstroke) maintained at several surface pressures corresponding to a condensed monolayer state and lowered soon after at the same rate into the monolayer covered subphase (downstroke). The film structure and morphology were characterized using a combination of optical microscopy, imaging ellipsometry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. An extended striped pattern, perpendicular to the pushing direction of the second stroke, resulted for all surf...
Dextrous manipulation by rolling and finger gaiting

Many practical dextrous manipulation tasks involve large-scale motion of the grasped object while maintaining a stable grasp. To plan such task, one must control both the motion of the object and the contact locations, while also adhering to the workspace constraints typical of multi-fingered hands. We integrate the relevant theories of contact kinematics, nonholonomic motion planning, coordinated object manipulation, grasp stability and finger gaits to develop a general framework for dextrous manipulation planning. To illustrate our approach, the framework is applied to the problem of manipulating a sphere with three hemi-spherical fingertips. The simulation results are presented.
Clozapine treatment increases serum glutamate and aspartate compared to conventional neuroleptics

To examine whether serum excitatory amino acid concentrations change with clozapine treatment and whether these changes correlate with improvement in negative symptoms, serum excitatory amino acids were measured and clinical scales administered in seven subjects with schizophrenia before and after switching from conventional neuroleptics to clozapine. Clozapine treatment was associated with increased serum glutamate and aspartate concentrations. Clinical improvement was negatively correlated with baseline glycine concentrations. These results support the hypothesis that clozapine acts at least in part by increasing glutamatergic activity.
Expression of mammalian paralogues of HRAD9 and Mrad9 checkpoint control genes in normal and cancerous testicular tissue

Human and mouse paralogues of the evolutionarily conserved mammalian HRAD9 and Mrad9 cell cycle checkpoint control genes have been isolated and called HRAD9B and Mrad9B, respectively. HRAD9B encodes a protein that is 414 amino acids long and is 55% similar and 35% identical to the HRAD9 gene product. The Mrad9B protein is 398 amino acids long and is 50% similar and 35% identical to its paralogue. We demonstrate that the encoded human protein is nuclear and can physically interact with checkpoint proteins HRAD1, HRAD9, HHUS1, and HHUS1B, much like HRAD9. Northern blot analysis to detect tissue specificity indicates that the human and mouse genes are expressed predominantly in the testis. The abundance of HRAD9B RNA, as judged by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR, is very low in most testicular tumors, particularly those of germ cell origin, i.e., seminomas, relative to normal testis control, nonseminomas, or Leydig tumor cells. RNA levels corresponding to HRAD17, another checkpoint control gene, demonstrated a similar pattern, but in general, higher quantities of this message were detected in samples. Furthermore, normal/tumor tissue differences were not as dramatic or consistent from sample to sample, especially for the seminomas. Our results demonstrate for the first time that HRAD9 and Mrad9 are part of a gene family and reveal a new genetic element encoding a product that interacts with multiple, known cell cycle checkpoint control proteins. The findings also indicate that HRAD9B can serve as a biomarker in particular for testicular seminomas and might be causally related to the disease.
Multidisciplinary care of children with repaired esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula.

OBJECTIVES Children with congenital esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) require complex medical and surgical care, but few guidelines exist to guide the long term care of this population. The purpose of this study is to describe the findings and initial management of a comprehensive aerodigestive team in order to understand the ongoing needs of children with repaired TEF. METHODS A retrospective chart review was performed on children with TEF who were seen in the multidisciplinary Aerodigestive Clinic at Children's Hospital Colorado. Diagnostic studies were ordered based on physician discretion. RESULTS Twenty-nine children with TEF were evaluated (mean age 3.8 years) between 2010 and 2014. All children had symptoms attributed to breathing, swallowing, and digestive difficulties. Less than half of the children had seen a pulmonary or gastrointestinal specialist in the past year. Tracheomalacia was diagnosed in all children who had a bronchoscopy (23/23), and the presence of dysphagia was correlated with severe tracheomalacia. 7/25 children who had a swallow study had aspiration. 7/25 children had a diagnosis of active reflux despite current management. Four patients were diagnosed with bronchiectasis as a result of the multidisciplinary evaluation. CONCLUSION Although all children had persistent aerodigestive symptoms, over 50% had not been seen by an appropriate subspecialist in the year prior to the clinic visit. The multidisciplinary evaluation resulted in new diagnoses of bronchiectasis and active reflux, which can both lead to long-term morbidity and mortality. Children with TEF require evaluation by multiple subspecialists to manage not only current symptoms but also long term risks. Ongoing care should be guided by protocols based on known risks. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:576-581. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Facile Synthesis and Tensile Behavior of TiO2 One-Dimensional Nanostructures

High-yield synthesis of TiO2 one-dimensional (1D) nanostructures was realized by a simple annealing of Ni-coated Ti grids in an argon atmosphere at 950 °C and 760 torr. The as-synthesized 1D nanostructures were single crystalline rutile TiO2 with the preferred growth direction close to [210]. The growth of these nanostructures was enhanced by using catalytic materials, higher reaction temperature, and longer reaction time. Nanoscale tensile testing performed on individual 1D nanostructures showed that the nanostructures appeared to fracture in a brittle manner. The measured Young’s modulus and fracture strength are ~56.3 and 1.4 GPa, respectively.
Privacy-preserving screen capture

Display Omitted Maximizing health IT effectiveness requires documenting and analyzing usability problems.Such logging should not violate privacy of patients and providers.Such logging can also not rely on access to software internals or structured output.We present a prototype system that solves this problem while abiding by these constraints. As information technology permeates healthcare (particularly provider-facing systems), maximizing system effectiveness requires the ability to document and analyze tricky or troublesome usage scenarios. However, real-world health IT systems are typically replete with privacy-sensitive data regarding patients, diagnoses, clinicians, and EMR user interface details; instrumentation for screen capture (capturing and recording the scenario depicted on the screen) needs to respect these privacy constraints. Furthermore, real-world health IT systems are typically composed of modules from many sources, mission-critical and often closed-source; any instrumentation for screen capture can rely neither on access to structured output nor access to software internals.In this paper, we present a tool to help solve this problem: a system that combines keyboard video mouse (KVM) capture with automatic text redaction (and interactively selectable unredaction) to produce precise technical content that can enrich stakeholder communications and improve end-user influence on system evolution. KVM-based capture makes our system both application-independent and OS-independent because it eliminates software-interface dependencies on capture targets. Using a corpus of EMR screenshots, we present empirical measurements of redaction effectiveness and processing latency to demonstrate system performances. We discuss how these techniques can translate into instrumentation systems that improve real-world health IT deployments.
Gain-of-function Chinese Hamster Ovary Mutants LEC18 and LEC14 Each Express a Novel N-Acetylglucosaminyltransferase Activity

LEC18 and LEC14 cells are gain-of-function glycosylation mutants isolated from Chinese hamster ovary cells for resistance to pea lectin. Structural studies have shown that LEC18 cells synthesize complex N-glycans with a GlcNAc residue linked at the O-6 position of the core GlcNAc (Raju, T. S., Ray, M. K., and Stanley, P. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 30294-30302), whereas LEC14 cells synthesize complex N-glycans with a GlcNAc residue linked at the O-2 position of the core beta-linked Man residue (Raju, T. S., and Stanley, P. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 7484-7493). Both modifications are novel and have not been reported in glycoproteins from any other source. We now show that, in both LEC18 and LEC14 cells, GlcNAc transfer is mediated by a distinct N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (GlcNAc-T) activity. The LEC18 activity, termed GlcNAc-TVIII, transfers GlcNAc to GlcNAcbeta1-O-pNP and to a GlcNAc-terminating, biantennary, complex N-glycan, with or without a core fucose. By contrast, the LEC14 transferase, termed GlcNAc-TVII, does not have significant activity with simple acceptors, and transfers GlcNAc preferentially to a GlcNAc-terminating biantennary glycopeptide that contains a core fucose residue. The acceptor specificities and other biochemical properties of GlcNAc-TVII and GlcNAc-TVIII differ from previously characterized GlcNAc-transferases including GlcNAc-TIII, indicating that they represent new members of the mammalian GlcNAc-T group of transferases.
On the Evaluation of Critical Thrust for Delamination-Free Drilling of Composite Laminates

The existing analytical models in the literature for estimating the critical thrust force of the drill to avoid delamination of composite laminates during drilling assume the drill force as a point load on the laminate. Also, they are based on small deflection assumptions even while considering the pushing out of the last one or two plies at drill exit. In this paper, the effects of these two assumptions on the critical thrust value have been examined by taking an alternate assumption of a distributed thrust over the drill diameter, and large deformation of un-cut plies during drill exit. The effects of both these assumptions are calculated and analyzed separately.
Utilization and cost of health care services for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Background. Despite an increasing prevalence of diagnosed attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among children, the impact of ADHD on utilization and costs of health care services is largely unknown. Objective. To examine differences in health care utilization and costs between children with and without ADHD. Design. Retrospective matched cohort study conducted from January 1 to December 31, 1997. Setting. Health maintenance organization in western Washington State. Participants. Children aged 3 through 17 years who were continuously enrolled in the health maintenance organization and used services during 1997 were eligible. Children were identified with ADHD if they had a diagnosis of ADHD or a prescription for a stimulant medication using automated patient files. Children without ADHD were randomly selected as controls and matched 4:1 to children with ADHD on age and sex. Outcome Measure. Utilization and costs of specific categories of health care services. Results. A total of 2992 children (5.2%) were identified with ADHD. Children with ADHD incurred significantly greater per capita total costs ($1465 vs $690) than children without ADHD. Children with ADHD had 9.9 times more outpatient mental health visits (1.35/year vs 0.14/year), 3.4 times more pharmacy fills (11.25/year vs 3.30/year), and 1.6 times more primary care visits (3.84/year vs 2.36/year) than children without ADHD. The adjusted incremental costs were estimated to be $375 (95% confidence interval: $336–$416) for children with ADHD alone and $812 (95% confidence interval: $671–$973) for children with ADHD plus coexisting mental health disorders. Conclusions. Children with ADHD use significantly more health care resources and incur significantly higher costs than children without ADHD. Coexisting mental health disorders substantially increase the cost of treating ADHD. Resource allocation decisions should consider the contributions of primary care, outpatient mental health, and pharmacy costs to the overall costs of care for children with ADHD.