cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermal and photochemical addition of alkyl and aryl halides to tetrakis(μ-pyrophosphito) diplatinum(II) tetraanion

Alkyl halides RI (R = Me, Et, n-Pr, i-Pr, n-pentyl, CF3, CH2I2) undergo a thermal reaction with Pt2(pop)44− (pop = pyrophosphite) to give the axially substituted “lantern” complexes Pt2(pop)4RI4−. For R = Me, the pure complex can be isolated The solution structure has been characterized by a combination of 1H, 13C, 31P and 195Pt NMR spectroscopy. With the higher homologues, (R = Et, n-Pr, i- Pr, n-pentyl) the reaction gives a mixture of Pt2(pop)4RI4− and Pt2(pop)4I24−. A radical pathway is proposed. Aryl halides ArX (X = Cl, Ar = Ph; X = Br, Ar = Ph, p-FC6H4, p-HOC6H4, p-CH3OC6H4, p-HO2CCH4, p-CH3C6H4; X = I, Ar = Ph) photochemically add to the triplet excited state Pt2(pop)44−★ to give Pt2(pop)4ArX4−. For the photochemical reaction with C6F5Br, CCl4, CHCl3, CH2ClCO2H, CH2BrCO2H and p-BrC6H4NH3+ the product is the dihalo complex Pt2(pop)4X24− (X = Cl, Br).
Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Propane over Vanadia–Magnesia Catalysts Prepared by Thermolysis of OV(OtBu)3 in the Presence of Nanocrystalline MgO

Abstract The influence of vanadium content on the performance of V–Mg–O catalysts for the oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of propane was investigated. High-surface-area (380 m 2 /g) MgO was prepared by hydrolysis of Mg(OCH 3 ) 2 followed by hypercritical drying. Vanadia was deposited on this support by thermolysis of OV(O t Bu) 3 . Catalysts prepared by this means have BET surface areas of 187–299 m 2 /g and apparent surface densities of V 2 O 5 of 1.1–10.3 VO x /nm 2 . All of the catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, temperature-programmed reduction, and Raman, UV–visible, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The environment of the V atoms depends strongly on the apparent surface density of vanadia. Isolated VO 4 2− units are present at very low apparent surface densities (∼1 VO x /nm 2 ). As the vanadia density increases, magnesium vanadate structures are formed and above a surface density of 3.5 VO x /nm 2 well-dispersed magnesium orthovanadate domains become evident. The rate of ODH per V atom increases with increasing VO x surface density and reaches a maximum value at 3.5 VO x /nm 2 . Above this surface density, the rate of ODH per V atom decreases because an increasing fraction of the V atoms lie below the catalyst surface and, hence, are inaccessible. Consistent with this interpretation, the ODH activity per unit surface area reaches a plateau at a VO x surface density of about 4 VO x /nm 2 . The propane ODH selectivity of the catalysts increases with increasing VO x surface density and reaches a plateau of 80% for an apparent surface density of about 4 VO x /nm 2 . Rate coefficients for propane ODH ( k 1 ), propane combustion ( k 2 ), and propene combustion ( k 3 ) were calculated for each catalyst. The value of k 1 increases with increasing VO x surface density, reaching a maximum at about 4 VO x /nm 2 . By contrast, the ratios ( k 2 / k 1 ) and ( k 3 / k 1 ) decrease monotonically with increasing VO x surface density. The observed trends in k 1 , ( k 2 / k 1 ), and ( k 3 / k 1 ) are discussed in terms of the surface structure of the catalyst.
Incidence and severity of epidural fibrosis after back surgery: an endoscopic study.

Background: Epidural fibrosis has been implicated in the etiology of persistent pain after back surgery (Failed Back Surgery Syndrome [FBSS]). Using spinal endoscopy to view the lumbosacral epidural cavity, the incidence, severity, and appearance of epidural fibrosis was evaluated in patients with FBSS. Methods: A prospective cohort observational study using epidural endoscopy was done involving 78 patients with persistent pain after back surgery. Patients were evaluated prospectively for the presence of epidural fibrosis and fibrosis was rated using a 4-level grading system based on appearance and resistance to epiduroscope advancement. The incidence of fibrosis detected by epiduroscopy vs. the incidence as reported in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies for the same patients were compared. Results: As diagnosed with epiduroscopy, 83.3% of all patients with persistent pain after back surgery had severe (grade 3 or 4) epidural fibrosis, while 91.0% had significant (grade 2, 3, or 4) fibrosis. In patients who had undergone more extensive surgery, severe fibrosis was present in 91.1% and significant fibrosis in 95.6%. Using MRI, epidural fibrosis was diagnosed only in 16.1% of these patients. All patients with severe epidural fibrosis had a filling defect on epidurography. Concordant pain was present in 84.3% of patients and depended on the severity of fibrosis. Results were statistically evaluated using analysis of frequencies and t-test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Conclusions: Epiduroscopy demonstrates that the prevalence of severe epidural fibrosis after FBSS is substantially higher than is generally reported in MRI evaluations. Severe epidural fibrosis is an underlying pathology in most patients with FBSS.
Construct validation of a model for professional behavior in physical therapist students.

Background and Purpose. For physical therapist educators, professional behavior has been difficult to define. The purpose of this study was to test the construct validity of a model of professional behavior that was previously established through consensus and reported in the literature. Subjects and Methods. One hundred eighty-three students from 2 professional programs participated in the study. Using a self-administered questionnaire, students assessed how frequently they performed 152 behaviors on a 7-point Likert scale. Data were analyzed using principal components factor analysis. A Cronbach alpha was used to demonstrate internal consistency of items within each factor. Factor scores were submitted as dependent variables in analyses of variance to examine the differences in abilities according to amount of clinical education completed. Results. The analysis identified 7 factors that explained 52% of the variance. These factors were labeled Professionalism, Critical Thinking, Professional Development, Communication Management, Personal Balance, Interpersonal Skills, and Working Relationships. Cronbach alphas ranged from .81 to .95. Behaviors increased in frequency in 4 of the 7 areas identified according to the level of students' progress in the educational program. Discussion and Conclusion. The 7 factors corresponded fairly well to the 10 generic abilities previously identified. Although some behaviors may increase in frequency over the course of students' educational experience, others may be displayed at admission.
A Baculovirus-Expressed Dicistrovirus That Is Infectious to Aphids

Detailed investigation of virus replication is facilitated by the construction of a full-length infectious clone of the viral genome. To date, this has not been achieved for members of the family Dicistroviridae. Here we demonstrate the construction of a baculovirus that expresses a dicistrovirus that is infectious in its natural host. We inserted a full-length cDNA clone of the genomic RNA of the dicistrovirus Rhopalosiphum padi virus (RhPV) into a baculovirus expression vector. Virus particles containing RhPV RNA accumulated in the nuclei of baculovirus-infected Sf21 cells expressing the recombinant RhPV clone. These virus particles were infectious in R. padi, a ubiquitous aphid vector of major cereal viruses. The recombinant virus was transmitted efficiently between aphids, despite the presence of 119 and 210 vector-derived bases that were stably maintained at the 5 and 3 ends, respectively, of the RhPV genome. The maintenance of such a nonviral sequence was surprising considering that most RNA viruses tolerate few nonviral bases beyond their natural termini. The use of a baculovirus to express a small RNA virus opens avenues for investigating replication of dicistroviruses and may allow large-scale production of these viruses for use as biopesticides. Small RNA viruses (SRVs) (60 nm in diameter) are common in insect populations and are known to induce epizootics (13), but they have received little attention for use as biopesticides. This may be due to the perceived difficulty of production, either in vivo because of a lack of product purity or in vitro because of the lack of cell lines that support replication (13). In contrast, considerable attention has been paid to the large-scale production of baculoviruses both for use as protein expression vectors and for use as biopesticides (4, 23). Although the baculovirus expression system has been used for the production of a wide range of virus particles (9), baculovirus expression of a heterologous infectious virus is rare (21, 28). We know of no examples where a baculovirus-expressed virus has been demonstrated to infect its natural host. Here we describe the construction of a full-length clone of the RNA genome of Rhopalosiphum padi virus (RhPV) and baculovirusmediated expression of the clone to produce virions that are infectious to aphids. This study suggests that baculovirus vectors may be useful for the production of SRV biopesticides (11, 12, 30, 42). RhPV was first isolated from the bird cherry-oat aphid, R. padi, a pest of members of the family Gramineae, especially maize, barley, oats, and wheat. R. padi is the major vector of many cereal viruses such as Barley yellow dwarf virus (38). Both R. padi and Barley yellow dwarf virus occur worldwide, wherever cereals are grown. RhPV infection decreases aphid longevity and fitness and reduces aphid colony populations (15). RhPV circulates within the phloem of plants, thereby using plants as passive reservoirs for transmission (20). RhPV belongs to the picornavirus-like Dicistroviridae family and has a positive-sense
Risk aversion and adaptive management: : Insights from a multi-armed bandit model of invasive species risk

This article explores adaptive management (AM) for decision-making under environmental uncertainty. In the context of targeting invasive species inspections of agricultural imports, I find that risk aversion increases the relative value of AM and can increase the rate of exploratory action. While calls for AM in natural resource management are common, many analyses have identified modest gains from this approach. I analytically and numerically examine the distribution of outcomes from AM under risk neutrality and risk aversion. The inspection decision is framed as a multi-armed bandit problem and solved using the Lagrangian decomposition method. Results show that even when expected gains are modest, asymmetry in the distribution of outcomes has important implications. Notably, AM can serve to buffer against large losses, even if the most likely outcome is a small loss.
Finite difference delay modeling with runge-kutta methods for the discretization of time domain integral equations

Time domain integral equation (TDIE) methods are becoming increasingly popular for solving electromagnetic scattering problems though some difficulties with accuracy and stability remain. A new technique, called finite difference delay modeling (FDDM) [1], has some unique advantages for addressing these problems. (The method is known as convolution quadrature in the math literature.) In its implementation, the temporal discretization is realized by substituting a Z-domain finite difference approximation for the Laplace domain s parameter. Previous FDDM work used first- and second-order backward difference formulas (BDFs) for the approximation. Unfortunately, BDF approximations of greater than second order are never absolutely stable [2], which limits the scheme to low convergence orders.
The Use of Sphere Indentation Experiments to Characterize Ceramic Damage Models

Sphere impact experiments are used to calibrate and validate ceramic models that include statistical variability and/or scale effects in strength and toughness parameters. These dynamic experiments supplement traditional characterization experiments such as tension, triaxial compression, Brazilian, and plate impact, which are commonly used for ceramic model calibration. The fractured ceramic specimens are analyzed using sectioning, X-ray computed tomography, microscopy, and other techniques. These experimental observations indicate that a predictive material model must incorporate a standard deviation in strength that varies with the nature of the loading. Methods of using the spherical indentation data to calibrate a statistical damage model are presented in which it is assumed that variability in strength is tied to microscale stress concentrations associated with microscale heterogeneity.
Decision Making in Strategic Alliances: An Experimental Investigation

This paper experimentally investigates the determinants of the deviation between potential and realized value creation in strategic alliances. To better understand how decision making in alliances may influence success, we use an experimental design that juxtaposes two important factors that affect alliance members’ decisions: economic incentives and communication. The evidence derived from our experimental design sheds light on the relative impact of each, and importantly, how both factors interact to explain the probability of successful outcomes in an alliance. These empirical results are robust to the use of undergraduates, MBAs and seasoned executives who averaged over 20 years of work experience.
The Political Tensions of Representations and Misrepresentations: Intellectuals and Mestizos in Cuzco (1919–1990)

This article focuses on the dynamics of racial and ethnic identities in the city of Cuzco from the 1920s to 1990. It analyzes the explicit and implicit dialogues between elite Cuzqueno intellectuals and mestizos, the working class women that represented a sexualized social obsession for Indigenistas and Neo-lndigenistas. The first group of academics launched the modernizing project of Indigenismo. Crucial to this project was bio-moral/cultural purity. Neo-Inddigenistas reversed this paradigm and praised hybridity. Both projects described mestizas as quintessential erotic beings. Through market place struggles, these women responded to the local intelligentsia by proposing an image as mujeres de respeto
Effect of Clindamycin on Acute and Chronic Toxoplasmosis in Mice

The effect of clindamycin on survival of mice during acute infection with the RH and C56 strains of Toxoplasma and the ability of this drug to prevent congenital transmission during the acute stage of the infection in the mother and to eradicate the parasite from tissues of mice chronically infected with the C56 strain were evaluated. The drug effectively prevented death due to the acute infection and, in the experimental model employed, eradicated the organism at least from the liver, spleen, and brain of approximately 30 to 50% of the acutely infected animals which survived. Clindamycin also effectively prevented congenital transmission during the acute infection in the mother. During short-term treatment (7 days), persistent parasitemia in the chronic infection was effectively diminished or eradicated. More prolonged treatment resulted in a significant clearing of the organisms from the spleens and livers, but not from the brains, of chronically infected mice.
Development of Electrically Conductive Poly(3-Hexylthiophene) as a Thin Film Sensor for Hydrazine Vapor

Thin films of the electrically conducting polymer, poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT), were developed as sensors for hydrazine vapor at the part-per-billion level. The P3HT films were fabricated by a spin coating technique onto quartz substrates incorporating gold interdigitated electrodes, and were rendered conductive by doping with an NOPF6 solution. The sensors respond strongly and instantaneously to hydrazine concentrations as low as 1 part-per-billion with a measurement accuracy of ±20%. In addition, the sensors exhibited excellent environmental stability, long shelf life, and good interference rejection.
Management of early renal anaemia: diagnostic work‐up, iron therapy, epoetin therapy

initiating epoetin therapy for the majority of patients; and (iii) ensuring adequate iron supply for erythropoiesis. Diagnostic inquiry is warranted whenever the haemoglobin concentration is below the normal range Introduction adjusted for age and gender. The most efficient diagnostic approach is to assume erythropoietin The diagnosis and management of early renal anaemia deficiency, exclude iron deficiency, and pursue further are governed by the anticipated pathophysiology. diagnostic tests only when red-cell indices are abnormal Erythropoietin deficiency, iron deficiency, and or when leukopenia or thrombocytopenia are also inflammatory disease are responsible for causing anaepresent. Macrocytosis should prompt an inquiry into mia in the majority of cases of chronic renal disease. alcoholism, B 12 deficiency, or folate deficiency. In most of these patients, sufficient erythropoietin and Microcytosis suggests iron deficiency or thalassaemia. iron replacement therapy corrects the anaemia effectAssociated cytopenias raise the possibility of alcohol ively. The diagnostic challenge, therefore, is to develop
γH2A-Binding Protein Brc1 Affects Centromere Function in Fission Yeast

The coordinated replication and transcription of pericentromeric repeats enable RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated transmission of pericentromeric heterochromatin in fission yeast, which is essential for the proper function of centromeres. Rad3/ATR kinase phosphorylates histone H2A on serine-128/-129 to create γH2A in pericentromeric heterochromatin during S phase, which recruits Brc1 through its breast cancer gene 1 protein (BRCA1) C-terminal (BRCT) domains. Brc1 prevents the collapse of stalled replication forks; however, it is unknown whether this activity influences centromere function. Here, we show that Brc1 localizes in pericentromeric heterochromatin during S phase, where it enhances Clr4/Suv39-mediated H3 lysine-9 dimethylation (H3K9me2) and gene silencing. Loss of Brc1 increases sensitivity to the microtubule-destabilizing drug thiabendazole (TBZ) and increases chromosome missegregation in the presence of TBZ. Brc1 retains significant function even when it cannot bind γH2A. However, elimination of the serine-121 site on histone H2A, a target of Bub1 spindle assembly checkpoint kinase, sensitizes γH2A-deficient and brc1Δ cells to replication stress and microtubule destabilization. Collective results suggest that Brc1-mediated stabilization of stalled replication forks is necessary for fully efficient transmission of pericentromeric heterochromatin, which is required for accurate chromosome segregation during mitosis.
Using Scaffolding to Improve Written Communication of Software Engineering Students

The complexity and scale of modern software systems require that such software be developed by teams. Good communication skills are critical to the success of software development efforts. However, software engineering students typically have little experience in conveying information in a clear, complete, and unambiguous manner. In this paper we describe the use of document templates as a way to provide infrastructure to students to help them understand and better communicate software engineering information. We begin by discussing scaffolding for learning and then describe the template approach. We outline the use of templates at two different academic institutions and then discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using templates to scaffold student software engineering learning.
Deficiency of ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters A1 and G1 in Macrophages Increases Inflammation and Accelerates Atherosclerosis in Mice

Rationale:Plasma high-density lipoprotein levels are inversely correlated with atherosclerosis. Although it is widely assumed that this is attributable to the ability of high-density lipoprotein to promote cholesterol efflux from macrophage foam cells, direct experimental support for this hypothesis is lacking. Objective:To assess the role of macrophage cholesterol efflux pathways in atherogenesis. Methods and Results:We developed mice with efficient deletion of the ATP-binding cassette transporters A1 and G1 (ABCA1 and ABCG1) in macrophages (MAC-ABCDKO mice) but not in hematopoietic stem or progenitor populations. MAC-ABCDKO bone marrow (BM) was transplanted into Ldlr−/− recipients. On the chow diet, these mice had similar plasma cholesterol and blood monocyte levels but increased atherosclerosis compared with controls. On the Western-type diet, MAC-ABCDKO BM–transplanted Ldlr−/− mice had disproportionate atherosclerosis, considering they also had lower very low-density lipoprotein/low-density lipoprotei...
A review of ELMs in divertor tokamaks

Abstract Edge localized modes (ELMs) are the focus of increasing attention by the edge physics community because of the potential impact that the large divertor heat pulses due to ELMs would have on the divertor design of future high power tokamaks such as ITER. This paper reviews what is known about ELMs, with an emphasis on their effect on the scrape-off layer and divertor plasmas. ELM effects have been measured in the ASDEX-U, C-Mod, COMPASS-D, DIII-D, JET, JFT-2M, JT-60U and TCV tokamaks, and are reported here. At least three types of ELMs have been identified and their salient features determined. Type 1 giant ELMs can cause the sudden loss of up to 10–15% of the plasma stored energy, but their amplitude ( ΔW W ) does not increase with heating power. Type 3 ELMs are observed near the H-mode power threshold and produce small energy dumps (1–3% of the stored energy). All ELMs increase the scrape-off layer plasma and produce particle fluxes on the divertor targets which are as much as ten times larger than the quiescent phase between ELMs. The divertor heat pulse is largest on the inner target, unlike that of L-mode or quiescent H-mode; some tokamaks report radial structure in the heat flux profile which is suggestive of islands or helical structures. The power scaling of type 1 ELM amplitude and frequency has been measured in several tokamaks and has recently been applied to predictions of the ELM size in ITER. Concern over the expected ELM amplitude has led to a number of experiments aimed at demonstrating active control of ELMs. Impurity gas injection with feedback control on the radiation loss in ASDEX-U suggests that a promising mode of operation (the CDH-mode) with very small type 3 ELMs can be maintained with heating power well above the H-mode threshold, where giant type 1 ELMs are normally observed. While ELMs have many potential negative effects, the beneficial effect of ELMs in providing density control and limiting the core plasma impurity content in high confinement H-mode discharges should not be overlooked.
Dynamic Provisioning for High Energy Efficiency and Resource Utilization in Cloud RANs

Current Distributed Radio Access Network (DRAN) architectures, which are characterized by a static configuration and deployment of Base Stations (BSs), have exposed their limitations in handling the temporal and geographical fluctuations of capacity demand as well as the electromagnetic interference caused by the high band reuse, making them inadequate to support the ever-increasing users' data-rate requests. Cloud Radio Access Network (C-RAN) is a new centralized paradigm based on virtualization that has emerged as a promising architecture to address efficiently such fluctuations. C-RAN provides high energy efficiency and resource utilization across Software Defined Wireless Networks (SDWNs). A novel reconfigurable solution based on C-RAN is proposed to adapt dynamically and efficiently to fluctuations in per-user capacity demand. A real-time test bed is used to compare the proposed dynamic provisioning solution against the traditional static approach.
Atomic-Scale Design for Enhanced Low Temperature Twinning in ZrCr2-Based Laves Phases

Recently, we have designed and produced several transition metal Laves phases with low-temperature compressive ductility. These improved alloys demonstrate that manipulation of atomic-scale structure can have a drastic effect on meso-scale deformation behavior. To gain a basic understanding of the role of atomic-scale substitutions on the room temperature mechanical properties, a systematic investigation of the Laves ZrCr2-based alloy system alloyed with Hf, Nb, Ta and Ti was conducted and is reported here. Extensive room temperature ductility was obtained in the Hf-alloyed ternary Laves phase alloy system. Mechanical twinning is found to be the predominant deformation mode at room temperature in this alloy system. It is emphasized that Hf substitution in the Zr sublattice of ZrCr2 may play the most prominent role in changing the local electronic structure resulting in easier twinning.
Transition-State Enthalpy and Entropy Effects on Reactivity and Selectivity in Hydrogenolysis of n-Alkanes

Statistical mechanics and transition state (TS) theory describe rates and selectivities of C–C bond cleavage in C2–C10 n-alkanes on metal catalysts and provide a general description for the hydrogenolysis of hydrocarbons. Mechanistic interpretation shows the dominant role of entropy, over enthalpy, in determining the location and rate of C–C bond cleavage. Ir, Rh, and Pt clusters cleave C–C bonds at rates proportional to coverages of intermediates derived by removing 3–4 H-atoms from n-alkanes. Rate constants for C–C cleavage reflect large activation enthalpies (ΔH⧧, 217–257 kJ mol–1) that are independent of chain length and C–C bond location in C4+ n-alkanes. C–C bonds cleave because of large, positive activation entropies (ΔS⧧, 164–259 J mol–1 K–1) provided by H2 that forms with TS. Kinetic and independent spectroscopic evidence for the composition and structure of these TS give accurate estimates of ΔS⧧ for cleavage at each C–C bond. Large differences between rate constants for ethane and n-decane (∼10...
REGENERATION IN THE VERTEBRATE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM.

Publisher Summary Through observations on the developing nervous system by the methods of experimental embryology and on nerve regeneration in the adult nervous system, three hypotheses have evolved regarding the factors involved in eventual guidance of a growing nerve fiber toward its goal. These have been termed, respectively, “the chemical,” “electrical,” and “mechanical theories” of nerve outgrowth orientation. The chemical theory states that particular specific chemical substances secreted by localized centers attract the growing nerve fiber. The third theory, which to date appears to have very convincing experimental data, emphasizes the importance of mechanical factors in the development of nerve patterns. The electrical theory proposed that differences in electrical potentials have an orienting effect on nerve fibers. A phylogenetic analysis of the problem of regeneration in the vertebrate central nervous system is introduced by pointing out the factors considered important in leading or guiding a developing nerve fiber to its destination during ontogenesis.
Evaluation of Commercial CFD Code Capabilities for Prediction of Heavy Vehicle Drag Coefficients

In collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Heavy Vehicle Aerodynamic Drag Team, Argonne National Laboratory is developing guidelines for the near-term use of existing commercial computational tools by the heavy vehicle manufacturing industry. These guidelines are being developed based upon measured drag coefficients as well as detailed surface pressure distributions from wind tunnel experiments completed at NASA Ames Laboratory using a generalized 1/8 th -scale conventional U.S. tractor-trailer geometry, the Generic Conventional Model (GCM). Studies consider the effects of selection of global and near surface mesh size parameters and selection of turbulence modeling strategies. Initial results indicate that drag coefficients can be predicted within 1 percent of measured values and that reasonable agreement with measured surface pressure distributions can be achieved.
Formerly Incarcerated Women Speak Out

AbstractThis article presents the stories of formerly incarcerated women as they transition from prison back to their communities. The purpose of the article, based on feminist and visual ethnographic research methods, is to learn from the women themselves about the entities that support their efforts to rebuild their lives and stay out of prison as well as the barriers that impede such efforts. A major focus of this article is the women who mobilized on behalf the civil and human rights for all formerly incarcerated people and thus become their own advocates for change in policies and societal attitudes toward those with criminal records.
Clinical Value ofTumor Necrosis Factor-ɑ in Serum and Cerebrospinal Fluid in Children with Viral Encephalitis

Objective:Via detecting level changes of tumor necrosis factor-ɑ (TNF-ɑ) and its receptor in serum and cerebrospinal fluid,validating the mechanism of TNF-ɑ in encephalitis. Methods:Encephalitis children involved 15 with severe (SVE) and 10 with mild (MVE),10 children with femoral hernia were included. The levels of TNF-ɑ was detected before treatment using ELISA in serum and CSF of all children. Results:Before treatment,the TNF-ɑ level in serum and CSF elevated significantly while compared with control group; The serum and CSF TNF-ɑ level in SVE group was higher than MVE group was,the difference was significant (p0. 01). After treatment,TNF-ɑ decreased in both group of SVE and MVE compare with levels before treatment (0. 01). Conclusion:The TNF-ɑ level in serum increased in children with VE,the results indicate that the serum and CSF TNF-ɑ level has an positive correlation with the severity of the disease.
Epidemiological studies of perinatal carcinogenesis

Epidemiological evidence for prenatal carcinogenesis includes associations between cancer in young people and intrauterine exposure to X-rays, drugs and hormones and prezygotic events such as specific chromosomal aberrations associated with specific cancers. Recent findings suggest that the hormonal environment during early gestation can result not only in the development of clear-cell adenocarcinoma of the vagina but also in the development of germ cell tumours of the testes and ovary. Hormone-related risk factors for testicular germ cell neoplasms include maternal use of exogenous oestrogens during early gestation and, possibly, maternal nausea, maternal obesity and race as well. Ovarian germ cell tumours also appear to be related to maternal use of hormones and obesity. Several epidemiological studies of cancer in young people have been directed towards suggested associations with parental occupational exposures, parental cigarette smoking and household exposures to electric and magnetic fields (EMF). The findings of the many studies of parental occupational exposures are inconsistent and are often nonspecific with respect to the type of childhood cancer and the job exposure implicated. Parental cigarette smoking has been associated in some studies with an increased risk for cancer among children and young adults, and in other studies with an increased risk among mature adults, but the findings are not consistent across studies. Three studies of all types of childhood cancer found risk to be related to household exposures to EMF; in all three, the risk for central nervous system tumours was increased, and in two of the three leukaemia risk as well. A fourth study showed no association between childhood leukaemia and EMF. A hypothesis is proposed which suggests that prenatal and early childhood exposure to N-nitroso compounds (NOC) may be related to the development of primary tumours of the brain in children. Experimentalists have shown that various NOC are potent nervous system carcinogens, particularly when animals are exposed transplacentally. This experimental model and findings from a Los Angeles case-control study (209 pairs) of brain tumours in young people led to the proposed epidemiological hypothesis. Although this and other epidemiological studies of NOC have major limitations, findings from epidemiological studies of congenital defects and of other childhood cancers lend the hypothesis some support. A large international collaborative case-control study of childhood brain tumours was begun recently. This study has a major advantage over most case-control studies in adults because the exposure period of greatest interest (gestation) is clearly defined.
Memristive nanodevices: CMOS compatibility and novel applications

Memristive devices are promising nanoelectronic components for the next generation non-volatile memory and unconventional computing. As they are most likely be used together with CMOS platform, it is important to develop CMOS compatible memristive devices in terms of materials, processes, and most importantly, electrical performance. In this paper, we first introduce our efforts towards low-voltage fully CMOS compatible memristive devices. Devices based on HfO2, tantalum doped SiOx, and purely SiO2 switching layers are discussed. We then present a self-rectifying p-Si/SiO2/n-Si device that is fabricated using a room-temperature fluid-supported single-crystal silicon membrane transfer technique. Finally, we demonstrate a novel application of memristive devices as radiofrequency (RF) switches that have low insertion loss, high isolation and an average cutoff frequency of 35 THz.
The Specific Pattern of Social Problems Linked to the New Middle Class

The globalization process has brought with it a remarkable economic productive capacity. It has begun to elevate the life-style and life chances of large segments of the world’s population. The globalization process, by helping to create a large well-educated middle class, has also enhanced the stability of modern legal-representative democracy in the developed nations, and engendered its beginnings in the developing nations.
Microbiology: The bacterial cell wall takes centre stage

An unexpected function has been assigned to part of the molecular machinery that synthesizes the bacterial cell wall — a dramatic shift in our understanding that may have major implications for antibiotic development. See Article p.634 It has been generally accepted that the cell wall peptidoglycans of the bacterial exoskeleton are synthesized by penicillin binding proteins (PBPs) known as class A PBPs. Now, using genetic manipulation, phylogenetic analysis and functional experiments in Bacillus subtilis, David Rudner and colleagues have identified SEDS family proteins as the main peptidoglycan polymerases more broadly conserved than class A PBPs. Specifically in B. subtilis, they show that the SEDS protein RodA, a widely conserved component of the Rod complex involved in elongation of rod-shaped bacteria, acts with class B PBPs as the core cell wall synthase of the cell elongation and division machinery. The authors conclude that B. subtilis and probably most bacteria use two distinct classes of polymerases to synthesize their exoskeleton. This work also suggests that SEDS family proteins should be attractive targets for antibiotic development.
3D printed reconfigurable helical antenna based on microfluidics and liquid metal alloy

This paper demonstrates a new approach to build 3D reconfigurable antennas at an extremely low cost and the first 3D printed reconfigurable helical antenna based on microfluidics and liquid metal alloy (LMA). With the fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing technique, 3D microfluidic channel can be fabricated in a short production cycle cost-effectively. EGaIn, a non-toxic LMA, is filled into a 3D printed helix channel and form the helical antenna. As the gain of the antenna is determined by the number of turns of the helix which is controlled by the volume of LMA, the gain of the antenna can be tuned when needed. A more than 4 dB gain increase around 5 GHz is measured with the prototype when the number of turns of helix increases from 2 to 8 (0.2 mL LMA volume change), which demonstrates the reconfigurability of the proposed helical antenna.
Generation of nephron progenitor cells and kidney organoids from human pluripotent stem cells

A variety of protocols have been developed that demonstrate the capability to differentiate human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into kidney structures. Our goal was to develop a high-efficiency protocol to generate nephron progenitor cells (NPCs) and kidney organoids to facilitate applications for tissue engineering, disease modeling and chemical screening. Here, we describe a detailed protocol resulting in high-efficiency production (80-90%) of NPCs from hPSCs within 9 d of differentiation. Kidney organoids were generated from NPCs within 12 d with high reproducibility using 96-well plates suitable for chemical screening. The protocol requires skills for culturing hPSCs and careful attention to morphological changes indicative of differentiation. This kidney organoid system provides a platform for studies of human kidney development, modeling of kidney diseases, nephrotoxicity and kidney regeneration. The system provides a model for in vitro study of kidney intracellular and intercompartmental interactions using differentiated human cells in an appropriate nephron and stromal context.
Tailored Explanation: A Strategy to Minimize Nonresponse in Demographic Items Among Low-income Racial and Ethnic Minorities

There is a high rate of nonresponse for demographic items in survey research, particularly for racial and ethnic minority respondents. This present study examined whether providing an explanation to racial and ethnic minority respondents prior to asking a set of demographic questions would increase respondents' motivation to reduce nonresponse to gender, income, age, and race items. Using a cross-sectional, randomized comparison design, 99 respondents were randomly assigned to two groups. Group 1 did not receive an explanation for asking the demographic questions. Group 2 received an explanation designed to be relevant and meaningful to them concerning the significance and potential use of demographic information for racial and ethnic minority populations. A proportional difference test was used to calculate the differences in the proportion of respondents' motivation to complete demographic survey items between the groups. A proportional difference effect size (Cohen's h effect size) was used to determine the magnitude of difference between the two groups. Over 50% of respondents were African Americans. While none of the item non-responses for both groups is statistically significant in terms of proportional differences, there is small (Cohen's h= 0.184) to moderate (Cohen's h=0.342) effect in reducing demographic item non-response when an explanation was provided to respondents. Specifically, adding an explanation made the biggest improvement in reporting income. The study findings support the importance of providing participants with an explanation that is relevant and meaningful to increase motivation and thereby minimize item nonresponse.
Policy Options for Enhancing Individual and Organizational Integrity

Understanding the potential root causes for the different forms of police deviance will permit police leaders and policy makers to consider and develop revised policy and procedural guidelines that could enhance individual and organizational integrity and professionalism. Prehiring vetting measures can be improved to ensure that potentially problematic employees would not be hired in the first place. Considerations in this regard would involve specifically enhanced psychological screening and more thorough background investigation. Further research is required to determine if the findings of identified indices on commonly used psychological screening instruments and personality indices that have proven to be highly correlated with police deviance and later misconduct can be replicated in an effort to more effectively screen for potentially problematic behavior later in an officer’s career. Many research studies have indicated that requiring 2–4 years of college education prior to hiring will generally result in more professional and effective police personnel. In addition, random and targeted drug and alcohol testing should be strongly considered in an effort to maintain higher police professional standards.
Nitric Oxide Inhibits Tumor Cell Metastasis via Dysregulation of the NF-κB/Snail/RKIP Loop

The major cause of cancer-related death is metastasis. A clearer understanding of the underlying mechanisms of metastasis should improve current therapies following the design of new treatment modalities. In this chapter, we discuss the therapeutic potential of endogenous nitric oxide (NO) or NO donors in the inhibition of both the tumor progression and the induction of metastasis through inhibition of the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Briefly, the findings show that NO donors’ treatment of metastatic human cancer cell lines results in several modifications of cell survival signaling pathways that regulate metastasis and particularly EMT. NO donors inhibit NF-κB activity and downstream the metastasis inducer transcription factor, Snail. In addition, NO donors trigger the metastasis suppressor Raf-1 kinase inhibitor protein (RKIP) via inhibition of the RKIP transcription repressor Snail. NO-induced inhibition of NF-κB and Snail and induction of RKIP established the NO-induced dysregulation of the NF-κB/Snail/RKIP circuitry in the regulation of metastasis. These findings suggest the therapeutic role of NO donors in the inhibition of metastasis.
Pediatric Global Health Issue—Editorial

Although significant strides have been made to improve child survival, child mortality continues to be a poignant marker of global health disparity, with most under-five deaths concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia. A staggering number of children continue to die each day from mostly preventable conditions, many of which are infectious in nature, and modifiable risk factors. Prevention will continue to be the cornerstone of child survival initiatives. This issue of the Current Tropical Medicine Report on pediatric global health focuses on the prevention of leading diseases and conditions that contribute to global deaths of children under 5 years of age.
A Survey of Algorithms for Keyword Search on Graph Data

In this chapter, we survey methods that perform keyword search on graph data. Keyword search provides a simple but user-friendly interface to retrieve information from complicated data structures. Since many real life datasets are represented by trees and graphs, keyword search has become an attractive mechanism for data of a variety of types. In this survey, we discuss methods of keyword search on schema graphs, which are abstract representation for XML data and relational data, and methods of keyword search on schema-free graphs. In our discussion, we focus on three major challenges of keyword search on graphs. First, what is the semantics of keyword search on graphs, or, what qualifies as an answer to a keyword search; second, what constitutes a good answer, or, how to rank the answers; third, how to perform keyword search efficiently. We also discuss some unresolved challenges and propose some new research directions on this topic.
Oral manifestations of HIV infection. Definitions, diagnostic criteria, and principles of therapy. The U.S.A. Oral AIDS Collaborative Group.

A set of definitions and diagnostic criteria for the more common oral features of human immunodeficiency virus infection were prepared as the result of a consensus reached by a group of dental and medical clinicians, epidemiologists, and other experts. These are intended for use in epidemiologic surveys, where the presumptive diagnoses are recommended, and in clinical care, pathogenesis and therapy studies, where the definitive diagnoses are appropriate.
Distance Learning: Some Fundamental Questions for Public Affairs Education

This article raises fundamental questions that should be asked about the implications of distance education for public affairs teaching and practice. The questions discussed relate to educational o...
Accuracy of Tonopen Versus iCare in Human Cadaveric Eyes With Edematous Corneas Over a Wide Range of Intraocular Pressures.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of 2 portable tonometers, Tonopen and iCare, in extreme corneal edema, while also accounting for the location of pressure measurement over a wide range of intraocular pressure (IOP). METHODS Utilizing an experimental laboratory investigation, IOP measurements were obtained with iCare and Tonopen against an internal digital manometer in 2 enucleated human cadaveric eyes with edematous corneas. Pachymetry was used to measure central corneal thickness in each eye. Each eye was then mounted on an upright-positioned mannequin, and a 30-G needle connected to a digital manometer was introduced into the anterior chamber at the limbus. Pressures were maintained at 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mmHg using the digital manometer. Three measurements were taken with the tonometers at the central cornea, limbal cornea, and sclera, for a total of 9 measurements per device per eye at each manometric pressure reading. RESULTS Comparing the mean absolute error of Tonopen versus iCare measurements at the central cornea for each manometric pressure reading, both devices underestimated the control at pressures >10 mmHg, with mean error increasing as IOP increased [mean absolute error (MAE) ranged from 1.67 to 13.33 with Tonopen and 3.67 to 21.00 with iCare]. Tonopen more accurately estimated pressure with an average MAE of 5.72 at the central cornea, compared with MAE of 10.83 at the central cornea for iCare (P<0.03). Comparing MAE between the devices at the limbus, there was no significant difference between the 2 (P=0.91), with average MAE for the Tonopen 5.47 and average MAE for the iCare 5.22. There was no significant difference between average MAE for Tonopen measurements at the central cornea versus the limbus (P=0.89), while the iCare was more accurate at the limbus with average MAE of 5.22 than the central cornea with average MAE of 10.83 (P<0.03). When measuring at the sclera, there was no statistically significant difference between average MAE for Tonopen (18.03) versus iCare (10.39) (P=0.24). DISCUSSION Tonopen was more accurate than iCare when measuring at the central cornea, but consistently underestimated the control. MAE for both devices increased linearly with increasing true IOP. With limbus measurements in an edematous cornea, Tonopen and iCare performed similarly. The iCare performed better at the limbus than at the central cornea. Scleral measurements for both Tonopen and iCare were poor. In this experimental model, Tonopen performed superiorly to iCare with central cornea measurements in a grossly edematous cornea. Both devices underestimated true IOP.
Foucault's concepts of structure … and agency?: A critical realist critique

What is the relationship between structure and agency? French philosopher Michel Foucault weighed in on this question, and I argue that some of his writings indicate that he held views that were st...