cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Targeted and non-targeted analysis of young-of-year smallmouth bass using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Smallmouth bass in the Susquehanna River Basin, Chesapeake Bay Watershed, USA, have been exhibiting clinical signs of disease and reproductive endocrine disruption (e.g., intersex, male plasma vitellogenin) for over fifteen years. Previous histological and targeted chemical analyses have identified infectious agents and pollutants in fish tissues including organic contaminants, mercury, and perfluorinated compounds, but a common causative link for the observed signs of disease across this widespread area has not been determined. This study examines 146 young-of-year smallmouth bass collected from 14 sampling sites in the Susquehanna River Basin, Pennsylvania, USA with varying levels of disease prevalence. Whole fish were extracted by a recently developed modification to the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe extraction method and analyzed by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry. A targeted analysis was conducted to identify the presence and quantity of 127 known contaminants, including polychlorinated biphenyls, brominated diphenyl ethers, organochlorinated pesticides, and pharmaceutical and personal care products. A non-targeted analysis was conducted on the same data set to identify analytes of interest not included on routine target compound lists. Chromatographic alignment through Statistical Compare (ChromaTOF GC) was followed by Fisher ratio and principal component analysis to reduce the data set from thousands of peaks per sample to a final data set of 65 analytes of interest. Comparisons of these 65 compounds between Normal (no observed health anomalies) and Lesioned (observed health anomaly at time of collection) fish revealed increased levels of three chemical families in Lesioned fish including esters, ketones, and nitrogen containing compounds.
Evaluating A Skills Lab Curriculum: Determining Essential Skills for Pharmacists.

The profession of pharmacy is complex and diverse, encompassing a wide range of skills necessary in practice. Skills laboratory course faculty must determine which skills are essential for students and how these skills should be taught and assessed. This commentary aims to further the discussion on how the essential skills taught and assessed in skills laboratory curricula are identified, with the intention of preparing student pharmacists for both current and future pharmacy practice. Guidance on essential skills is provided by various organizations and documents, but ultimately each institution has the autonomy to decide what to teach. The importance of frequent curriculum evaluation is discussed in order to train the pharmacists of the future who practice at the top of their license rather than simply meeting competency with historical skills.
Fatal human eosinophilic meningo-encephalitis caused by CNS co-infection with Halicephalobus gingivalis and West Nile virus

The saprophytic nematode Halicephalobus is a rare cause of fatal human meningo-encephalitis, and West Nile virus is neurotropic flavivirus implicated in a variety of clinical neurologic syndromes. Here we report a case of rapidly progressive CNS encephalopathy and death. Serologic, immuno-histochemical, histopathologic and nucleic acid studies demonstrate the presence of active Halicephalobus and West Nile virus in the CNS tissue. This is the first reported case of co-infection with these neurotropic pathogens.
The Case for Restitution and Unjust Enrichment Remedies in Patent Law

A patent owner should have access to a restitutionary disgorgement remedy. The goals served by the remedy could operate to benefit patent law aims. Depending upon the desired parameters, the remedy could serve to prevent the infringer’s unjust enrichment, recapture wrongful gains to the owner who lost an opportunity to gain, deter infringement, and encourage bargaining for licenses. Congress’s deletion of the infringer’s profits from the Patent Act and the Supreme Court’s interpretation of congressional intent as an outright elimination of the remedy do not render restitutionary principles incompatible with patent law. Even pursuant to the Court’s flawed interpretation of congressional intent, an infringer’s gain is permissible evidence of a patent owner’s loss in appropriate cases. Also, existing law does not foreclose the option of disgorgement as a contempt sanction. To protect the limited monopoly established through a valid patent, Congress should reform the Patent Act to re-authorize a restitutionary disgorgement remedy. In keeping with disgorgement’s equitable roots, disgorgement could be reserved for cases in which legal damages are inadequate. Congress also could choose to limit disgorgement’s availability to instances of conscious infringement. Of course, Congress could determine that patent law’s goals are distinct from other intellectual property and that restitutionary principles do not foster the intended patent law aims. At least then elimination would be clear and access to the remedy would be denied on substantive grounds.
Monthly variation of hospital admission and mortality of peptic ulcer disease: A reappraisal of ulcer periodicity

The occurrence of peptic ulcer is characterized by a seasonal variation, the meaning of which is poorly understood. The present study examined the periodicity of hospital admissions and mortality resulting from gastric and duodenal ulcer to determine its etiologic relevance. Ulcer periodicity was studied in the nationwide data sets of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Health Care Financing Administration, and the Vital Statistics. Both ulcer types were characterized by similar patterns of periodicity. Hospital admissions peaked during the first 3 months of the year, followed by a marked decline during summer and a second smaller peak around October. This pattern occurred independently of age, sex, race, and place of residence. It also pertained to ulcers complicated by hemorrhage or perforation. Although total admissions peaked earlier during the year and showed a less consistent peak in October, there was a close resemblance between the periodicity of all diseases and that of peptic ulcer. Mortality was highest in January and lowest in July for all disease and ulcer diseases alike. The similarity between the periodicity of peptic ulcer and other diseases suggests that the major factors responsible for the cyclic behavior of gastric and duodenal ulcer are not particular to these diseases but affect other unrelated diseases alike.
A Document Image Analysis and Recognition System for Japanese Family Registration

A family registration data entry system with functions for automatic form layout analysis and character recognition was developed. The layout analysis module first detects characters and ruled lines by using information on the top and bottom boundaries of smeared black components. It then determines the layout and identifies each field in the layout by comparing predefined models with detected lines. Character strings in the fields are recognized and matched with a dictionary to check whether a sequence is plausible as a Japanese word or not. The text data are registered in a database after they have been examined by an operator and keywords have been extracted. This system was actually used for the initial entry of typed family registration forms in Tokyo's Toshima Ward, which contributed to establish the first computerized family registration system in Japan.
Uncovering nativity disparities in cancer patterns: Multiple imputation strategy to handle missing nativity data in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results data file.

BACKGROUND Although birthplace data are routinely collected in the participating Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registries, such data are missing in a nonrandom manner for a large percentage of cases. This hinders analysis of nativity-related cancer disparities. In the current study, the authors evaluated multiple imputation of nativity status among Hispanic patients diagnosed with cervical, prostate, and colorectal cancer and demonstrated the effect of multiple imputation on apparent nativity disparities in survival. METHODS Multiple imputation by logistic regression was used to generate nativity values (US-born vs foreign-born) using a priori-defined variables. The accuracy of the method was evaluated among a subset of cases. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to illustrate the effect of imputation by comparing survival among US-born and foreign-born Hispanics, with and without imputation of nativity. RESULTS Birthplace was missing for 31%, 49%, and 39%, respectively, of cases of cervical, prostate, and colorectal cancer. The sensitivity of the imputation strategy for detecting foreign-born status was ≥ 90% and the specificity was ≥ 86%. The agreement between the true and imputed values was ≥ 0.80 and the misclassification error was ≤ 10%. Kaplan-Meier survival curves indicated different associations between nativity and survival when nativity was imputed versus when cases with missing birthplace were omitted from the analysis. CONCLUSIONS Multiple imputation using variables available in the SEER data file can be used to accurately detect foreign-born status. This simple strategy may help researchers to disaggregate analyses by nativity and uncover important nativity disparities in regard to cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survival. Cancer 2014;120:1203–1211. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
The Crisis of the “Disadvantaged Child”: Poverty Research, IQ, and Muppet Diplomacy in the 1960s

In the early 1960s, the US federal government deemed poverty to be a national crisis, and actively intervened to solve this problem. My question for this article is how did preschool education become a key site to remedy this crisis? Government interventions were a combination of poverty research, racialized politics, and child development. I show how the discipline of early childhood education cohered around the term “disadvantaged child”, in turn influencing the War on Poverty policies, including the basis of Head Start preschool education. During this same decade proponents of Sesame Street—with private funding, along with extensive testing mechanisms by consultants—argued that the television could reach more children, therefore be more cost effective. This paper investigates how surplus populations became determined and demarcated, as early as three years old. I question how televised preschool taught “affective skills” and proper social relations during times of political crisis.
Matchings, matroids and submodular functions

This thesis focuses on three fundamental problems in combinatorial optimization: non-bipartite matching, matroid intersection, and submodular function minimization. We develop simple, efficient, randomized algorithms for the first two problems, and prove new lower bounds for the last two problems. For the matching problem, we give an algorithm for constructing perfect or maximum cardinality matchings in non-bipartite graphs. Our algorithm requires O(nω) time in graphs with n vertices, where ω < 2.38 is the matrix multiplication exponent. This algorithm achieves the best-known running time for dense graphs, and it resolves an open question of Mucha and Sankowski (2004). For the matroid intersection problem, we give an algorithm for constructing a common base or maximum cardinality independent set for two so-called "linear" matroids. Our algorithm has running time O(nr ω−1) for matroids with n elements and rank r. This is the best-known running time of any linear matroid intersection algorithm. We also consider lower bounds on the efficiency of matroid intersection algorithms, a question raised by Welsh (1976). Given two matroids of rank r on n elements, it is known that O( nr1.5) oracle queries suffice to solve matroid intersection. However, no non-trivial lower bounds are known. We make the first progress on this question. We describe a family of instances for which (log 2 3)n − o(n) queries are necessary to solve these instances. This gives a constant factor improvement over the trivial lower bound for a certain range of parameters. Finally, we consider submodular functions, a generalization of matroids. We give three different proofs that Ω(n) queries are needed to find a minimizer of a submodular function, and prove that Ω( n2/ log n) queries are needed to find all minimizers. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617-253-1690.)
Incorporation of μ3-CO3 into an MnIII/MnIV Mn12 cluster: {[(cyclam)MnIV(μ-O)2MnIII(H2O)(μ-OH)]6(μ3-CO3)2}Cl8·24H2O

The centrosymmetric title cluster, hexa­aquadi-μ3-carbonato-hexa­cyclamhexa-μ2-hydroxido-dodeca-μ2-oxido-hexa­mang­an­ese(IV)hexa­manganese(III) octa­chloride tetra­cosa­hydrate, [Mn12(CO3)2O12(OH)6(C10H24N4)6(H2O)6]Cl8·24H2O, has two μ3-CO3 groups that not only bridge octahedrally coordinated MnIII ions but also act as acceptors to two different kinds of hydrogen bonds. The carbonate anion is planar within experimental error and has an average C—O distance of 1.294 (4) A. The crystal packing is stabilized by O—H⋯Cl, O—H⋯O, N—H⋯Cl and N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds. Two of the four independent chloride ions are disordered over five positions, and eight of the 12 independent water mol­ecules are disordered over 21 positions.
Activation of Rho Is Required for Ligand-independent Oncogenic Signaling by a Mutant Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor

Mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor have been identified in several human tumor types, including gliomas. These receptor mutants have deletions in their extracellular ligand-binding domains and are, therefore, no longer regulated by ligand, resulting in constitutive activation of the receptor kinase. These mutants have been proposed to transduce oncogenic signals via ligand-independent signaling pathways. Avian viral homologues of these oncogenic epidermal growth factor receptors exhibit structurally homologous deletions and form tumors in chickens. One such mutant, S3v-ErbB, transforms fibroblasts in vitro, and transformation has been correlated with the formation of a novel tyrosine phosphoprotein complex. V-ErbB-mediated complex formation and transformation have been shown to occur independently of Ras activation. The major aims of this study are to further characterize this ligand-independent v-ErbB oncogenic signaling pathway. Here we show that both v-ErbB-mediated phosphoprotein complex formation and transformation are inhibited by a dominant negative mutant of Rho. This inhibition is specific for dominant negative Rho; dominant negative mutants of Rac and Cdc42 have no effect on transformation or on tyrosine phosphorylation of the phosphoprotein complex. Based on these observations, we propose that S3v-ErbB stimulates a Rho-dependent tyrosine kinase, resulting in complex formation and ultimately oncogenic transformation.
Reconstitution of a partially purified Na+ -independent d-glucose transport system from rat jejunal basolateral membranes☆

1. Basolateral membranes of rat small intestine were first solubilized in a 0.6% cholate buffer and then the insoluble fraction was reextracted with a 1.2 or 1.6% cholate buffer. 2. Proteoliposomes reconstituted from the 1.2 or 1.6% cholate-extracted membrane fraction demonstrated characteristic Na+-independent D-glucose transport of the native basolateral membrane vesicles: inhibitable by mercuric chloride and D-galactose. 3. To further purify this D-glucose transport system, the 1.6% cholate-extracted membrane fraction was chromatographed on either hydroxylapatite, concanavalin A, wheat-germ lectin or castor bean lectin-120 affinity gels. 4. Proteoliposomes reconstituted from the membrane proteins adsorbed on hydroxylapatite and subsequently passed through agarose-castor bean lectin-120 showed a 12-fold enrichment of Na+-independent D-glucose transport activity over that of the native membrane vesicles. 5. SDS-electrophoretic analysis showed that the protein composition of the hydroxylapatite-castor bean lectin-120 treated fraction was much simpler than that of both 1.6% cholate-extracted fraction and the native membrane vesicles.
Bis[4‐(1‐ethyl­propyl­imino)pentan‐2‐onato]zinc(II)

The title compound, [Zn(C10H18NO)2], is a monomeric homoleptic zinc complex. The Zn atom occupies the center of a distorted tetra­hedral environment and is coordinated by two O atoms [Zn—O = 1.9468 (9) and 1.9484 (10) A] and two N atoms [Zn—N = 2.0142 (12) and 2.0149 (11) A].
Metabolic actions of angiotensin receptor antagonists: PPAR-γ agonist actions or a class effect?

Accumulating basic and clinical data support the hypothesis that angiotensin receptor blockers have beneficial effects on glucose and lipid metabolism that are not shared by other classes of antihypertensive agents. These metabolic actions might only partially be shared by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. Specific benefits beyond those of other angiotensin receptor blockers have been claimed for telemesartan and, to a lesser extent, irbesartan based on a partial agonist action on PPAR-γ receptors. Although the evidence is strong in vitro, specific actions not shared by other angiotensin receptor blockers have not yet been convincingly demonstrated in vivo or in clinical trials. In many cases, a full range of doses has not been compared, and the apparent superiority of telmesartan could be an artifact of its higher receptor binding affinity, greater tissue penetration owing to lipophilicity, and longer half life.
Differential Effect of Common Ligands and Molecular Oxygen on Antimicrobial Activity of Silver Nanoparticles versus Silver Ions

The antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is partially due to the release of Ag+, although discerning the contribution of AgNPs vs Ag+ is challenging due to their common co-occurrence. We discerned the toxicity of Ag+ versus a commercially available AgNP (35.4 ± 5.1 nm, coated with amorphous carbon) by conducting antibacterial assays under anaerobic conditions that preclude Ag(0) oxidation, which is a prerequisite for Ag+ release. These AgNPs were 20× less toxic to E. coli than Ag+ (EC50: 2.04 ± 0.07 vs 0.10 ± 0.01 mg/L), and their toxicity increased 2.3-fold after exposure to air for 0.5 h (EC50: 0.87 ± 0.03 mg/L) which promoted Ag+ release. No significant difference in Ag+ toxicity was observed between anaerobic and aerobic conditions, which rules out oxidative stress by ROS as an important antibacterial mechanism for Ag+. The toxicity of Ag+ (2.94 μmol/L) was eliminated by equivalent cysteine or sulfide; the latter exceeded the solubility product equilibrium constant (Ksp), which is co...
Organizational Decision Making Behavior Under Varying Conditions of Uncertainty

The problem of decision making under uncertainty generally has been treated in a rather constrained fashion. Most writers assume that the decision is to be made by an entity the problem of utility function amalgamation is ignored, that the process whereby it is reached is of no consequence, and that an adequate definition of uncertainty is that traditionally provided in game theory. We contend, on the other hand, that these assumptions are un-realistically restrictive, and that it would do well to look at the problem in its broader aspects. A general framework is provided for this purpose, and it is used in a relatively simple example to demonstrate a possible application.
SEMIDEFINITE PROGRAMMING AND MULTIVARIATE CHEBYSHEV BOUNDS

Abstract Chebyshev inequalities provide bounds on the probability of a set based on known expected values of certain functions, for example, known power moments. In some important cases these bounds can be efficiently computed via convex optimization. We discuss one particular type of generalized Chebyshev bound, a lower bound on the probability of a set defined by strict quadratic inequalities, given the mean and the covariance of the distribution. We present a semidefinite programming formulation, give an interpretation of the dual problem, and describe some applications.
Distributed hyperplane learning using consensus algorithm for sensor networks

In this paper, we study distributed classification of targets in a large scale sensor network setting. Specifically, we consider sensor nodeswhich canmeasure only a part of the feature vec- tor and whose communication capabilities are limited to only their neighbouring nodes. We formulate a distributed classifi- cation algorithm that learns the optimal (large-margin) hyper- plane separating the two classes, using the projected-gradient approach. The sensor nodes reach a consensus on the gradient to be used for weight update at each step of the optimization algorithm. We prove the convergence of the proposed algorithm and provide a joint calibration and signature learning method for acoustic sensor networks as an application.
Hormonal Activation of the Striatum and the Nucleus Accumbens Modulates Paced Mating Behavior in the Female Rat

Sexual behavior in the female rat has both sensorimotor and motivational components, which can be distinguished when the female rat is able to pace the rate of copulation. The experiments reported were conducted to determine whether estrogen application to the striatum and/or nucleus accumbens affects pacing behavior. In order to induce sexual receptivity, ovariectomized rats received sequential bilateral implants of 17β-estradiol followed by progesterone into the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus. Then, bilateral implants of 17β-estradiol or cholesterol were administered into either the dorsolateral striatum or the nucleus accumbens. Pacing behavior was tested 4 hr later. It was found that intrastriatal application of estradiol significantly facilitated the percent exits exhibited after copulatory contact, whereas application of estradiol in the nucleus accumbens affected the return latency. To determine whether estrogen in the striatum or nucleus accumbens normally plays a role in pacing behavior, intrastriatal or intra-accumbens implants containing the steroidal antiestrogen ICI 182,780 or vehicle were given to ovariectomized female rats treated systemically with estrogen and progesterone. The antiestrogen treatment decreased the percent exits when delivered to the striatum and affected return latency when delivered to the nucleus accumbens. The results indicate that estrogen acts directly in the striatum and in the nucleus accumbens to differentially modulate specific components of pacing behavior.
Plasma Levels of Imipramine (IMI) and Desmethylimipramine (DMI) and Clinical Response in Prepubertal Major Depressive Disorder: A Preliminary Report

Abstract A study is in progress to examine the relationship between clinical response to imipramine (IMI) of prepubertal major depressive disorder at 5 weeks and plasma levels of IMI and its metabolite desmethylimipramine (DMI). Data are presented on the first 13 children in the study. A strong correlation is emerging in nondelusional subjects between total plasma level and clinical response. A total plasma level of 146 ng/ml separates respondent from nonresponders. These data parallel those previously reported in adult major depressive disorder by several investigators.
Search for solar axions.

We have searched for a flux of axions produced in the Sun by exploiting their conversion to x rays in a static magnetic field. The signature of a solar axion flux would be an increase in the rate of x rays detected in a magnetic telescope when the Sun passes within its acceptance. From the absence of such a signal we set a 3\ensuremath{\sigma} limit on the axion coupling to two photons ${\mathit{g}}_{\mathit{a}\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\gamma}}$\ensuremath{\equiv}1/M3.6\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}9}$ ${\mathrm{GeV}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$, provided the axion mass ${\mathit{m}}_{\mathit{a}}$0.03 eV and 7.7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}9}$ ${\mathrm{GeV}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ for 0.03 ${\mathit{m}}_{\mathit{a}}$0.11 eV.
Immunization of pregnant women: reproductive, medical and societal risks

Establishing successful vaccine programs for pregnant women would be the quintessence of preventive medicine when you realize the preventive potential for reproductive problems of many of the new and old vaccines. The development of vaccines to prevent maternal, fetal and newborn disease is actually in its infancy. The risks and benefits are discussed in detail as well as the most appropriate and inappropriate time to immunize women of reproductive age and pregnant women. The great majority of risks are theoretical, but the problem is that birth defects and other developmental and reproductive problems are in the group of "diseases of affliction" which means that there are tremendous emotional upheavals in families affected with serious reproductive problems. The failures in reproduction are so common that immunization of a pregnant women has potential deleterious consequences. A consortium of government, academia and industry must work together and an appeal to the more responsible members of the law profession to solve the problem of non-meritorious litigation has be in place before manufacturers of vaccines will be willing to initiate the development of new vaccines. The potential for reducing the incidence of birth defects, prematurity and neonatal infectious disease exists, but it will be difficult to initiate these programs because vaccine makers may be unwilling to assume an additional burden of negligence litigation. Certainly, it is clear that we could provide a safe vaccine for Group B streptococcus and infant botulism that would be of immediate benefit and the potential for reducing other diseases is realistic. This is not going to be an easy task.
A Dynamic Model for Condition Monitoring of a High-Power CO2 Industrial Laser

Industrial laser systems handle high power consumptions and may function under undesirable operating conditions if the systems are not properly maintained. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose why a laser is not functioning properly because the optical output is the result of complex interactions among many parameters such as the total gas pressure, effectiveness of the laser cooling system, operating environment, and gradual deterioration of laser components. In this paper, a dynamic power distribution model is developed to characterize the power distribution of a high-power transverse-flow DC-excited CO 2 laser to account for dynamic effects such as continuously ramping up and down the laser output power and the cyclic nature of the chiller. The model contains the essential dynamic features of a CO 2 laser system and yields solutions sufficiently accurate for practical diagnostic purposes.
Hinged Ilizarov external fixation for correction of antebrachial deformities

Objective—To evaluate hinged circular external fixation for correction of antebrachial deformities in dogs. Study Design—Uncontrolled clinical trial. Animal Population—Seven client-owned dogs. Methods—Six dogs had one radius corrected and one dog had both radii corrected. Preoperative planning included measurement of the craniocaudal and mediolateral angular deformities, rotational deformity, length deficit, origin of deformity, graphical or mathematical determination of the amplitude and direction of the actual limb deformity, and frame assembly. Results—Preoperatively, function and cosmesis were assessed to be fair to poor in all dogs. Deformity correction started 48 to 60 hours postoperatively and ranged from 0.46 mm to 1.36 mm twice daily. Hospitalization time ranged from 4 to 6 days. Corrections were mostly made by the owners, at home. Lengthening and angular correction ranged from 3 to 38 mm and 18° to 48°. Mean residual deformities were 2.7% of radial length and 2.7°. The time duration with the circular external fixators in place ranged from 29 to 71 days. Two additional surgeries were necessary in one dog because of wire breakage. Mean follow-up was 40 months. Long-term function and cosmesis were good to excellent in all dogs. Conclusion—Although complications were present in six of seven dogs, the outcome of hinged Ilizarov external fixation was successful in all dogs treated for deformities of the antebrachium. Clinical Relevance—Despite complex preoperative planning, the placement of hinged circular external fixators is straightforward, and allows precise correction of complex antebrachial deformities with minimal tissue trauma.
The search for dark matter

Abstract Overwhelming observational evidence indicates that most of the matter in the Universe consists of non-baryonic dark matter. One possibility is that the dark matter is Weakly-Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs) that were produced in the early Universe. These relics could comprise the Milky Way's dark halo and provide evidence for new particle physics, such as Supersymmetry. After reviewing some of the evidence for dark matter and the WIMP hypothesis, I will describe the strategy for searching for WIMPs, along with a survey of the current status and outlook. In particular, dark matter searches have begun to explore the region of parameter space where SUSY particles could provide dark matter candidates. A broad range of technological developments promises to greatly extend these searches over the coming years.
Mesoporous-molecular-sieve-supported Polymer Sorbents for Removing H2S from Hydrogen Gas Streams

A series of sorbents with a linear polyethylenimine (PEI) supported on the mesoporous molecular sieves, including MCM-41, MCM-48 and SBA-15, have been prepared and used to remove H2S from a model gas containing 0.40 v% of H2S and 20 v% H2 in N2 gas. The sorption was conducted in a fixed-bed system at a temperature range of 22–75 °C, a GHSV range of 337–1,011 h−1 and atmospheric pressure. The effects of the operating temperature, GHSV, the amount of PEI loading and the different molecular sieve supports were studied. A reduction in the temperature and GHSV improves the sorption performance of the supported PEI sorbents. A synergetic effect of the SBA−15 support and PEI on the H2S sorption performance was observed. Loading 50 wt% PEI on SBA-15 gave the best breakthrough capacity, while loading 65 wt% PEI on SBA-15 had the highest saturation capacity. The mesoporous molecular sieve with large pore size and three-dimensional channel structure favors increasing the kinetic capacity of the supported PEI sorbent. In addition, the developed sorbents can be regenerated easily at mild conditions (temperature range of 75–100 °C) and have excellent regenerability and stability. The results indicate that the mesoporous-molecular-sieve-supported polymer sorbents are promising for removing H2S from hydrogen gas streams.
Histomorphometry and bone biomarkers in cynomolgus females: a study in young, mature, and old monkeys

Although ovariectomized cynomolgus monkeys are used extensively for studies examining perimenopausal changes in the skeleton, very little is known about the changes that occur naturally during growth and aging in these animals. To evaluate the changes in bone during growth and aging in female cynomolgus monkeys, 29 monkeys ranging from 3 years to >22 years of age were given a bone fluorochrome label and iliac biopsies were collected. Serum and urine were collected at the time of biopsy to determine alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), serum and urinary calcium, estradiol, urinary creatinine, and urinary CrossLaps levels. The biopsies from 8 young (3-4 years of age), 13 mature (11-16 years of age) and 8 old (>22 years of age) were analyzed histomorphometrically. ALP, TRAP, and urinary CrossLaps levels were lower in the mature and old monkeys when compared with the young group. Urinary calcium/urinary creatinine levels increased with age. Bone volume (BV/TV), trabecular number (Tb.N), bone formation rate (BFR), and activation frequency (Ac.f) were greatest in the young monkeys and declined in the older groups. The biomarker and histomorphometric indices in the young animals reflect the growth that was occurring in this group. The older monkeys do not appear to differ significantly between 10 and 22 years of age.
A note on the urban‐nonurban imbalance in American recreational research

Recreation is a many‐faceted phenomenon. It is curious that so dominant a place in American recreational literature has been held, virtually without exception, by studies of recreational activities in dominantly rural settings. The necessity of examining and understanding the characteristics of and utilization of recreation facilities within nonurban environments is not in question. The rapidly increasing economic and social significance of leisure in American life certainly requires studies of recreation in all its forms. Such frequently publisized trends in the American economy as the rising percentage of employment within the service industries, including recreation, should encourage interest in the economic aspects of the approaching era of greater leisure among more people. Accelerating urbanization has led understandably, to a search for additional nonurban sites for recreation, and to a program of analysis of the trends within and problems associated with outdoor recreation.
IRON DEFICIENCY IN PREGNANCY, OBSTETRICS, AND GYNECOLOGY

Iron deficiency remains a major health risk in the United States, despite the apparent availability of a high-quality diet. In the United States, at least 7.8 million adolescent girls and premenopausal women are iron-deficient. Worldwide, the challenge of identifying and treating iron deficiency is enormous. Physicians involved in the primary care and in the obstetric and gynecologic care of women of all ages must be aware of the nature of the problem and the correct approach to screening, diagnosis, and treatment. The potential benefit to newborns and infants and to their mothers is substantial. Furthermore, a thorough diagnostic evaluation has considerable potential for uncovering a potentially lethal disease, such as gastrointestinal malignancy, in a curable phase.
Heterotaxia in Chick Embryos

Abstract DURING the second day of incubation a rotation of the embryo begins which normally results in the turning of the chick to lie on its left side. A reverse movement causing the chick to lie on its right side is known as heterotaxia and is often associated with inversion of the viscera (Lillie 1 ). Fol and Warynski 2 experimentally produced reversal of the unequal development of the two sides of the body and an assumption of the heterotaxic position by application of heat from a cauter held above exposed 36-hour chick embryos. Dareste 3 stated that heterotaxia normally was extremely rare but cites evidence for its production by unequal heating of parts of the embryo. Taylor, Gunns, and Moses 4 experimenting on the effect of interrupted incubation found heterotaxia in 0.20 and 0.08 percent of dead embryos from chilled and control lots respectively. In terms of fertile eggs, the incidence was 0.115 and 0.029 . . .
Risk stratification in cardiac surgery: is it worthwhile?

Outcome analysis of many surgical procedures has become increasingly important to surgeons, institutions, and the public. Because there may be wide differences in case mix, outcomes must be evaluated in light of the patient's preoperative status. All relevant pre-operative conditions must be identified and weighted, so that when risk factor scores are combined in some fashion, they will provide a single preoperative risk estimate for the individual patient, representing the likelihood of dying as a consequence of the operation. Comparing the mean risk adjusted score of a group of patients undergoing the same procedure with the observed mortality rate for the same group yields an index of the quality of care, provided all preoperative risk scores are calculated with reference to the same benchmark. We question the logic and wisdom of surgical outcome analysis because of the infinitely complex nature of biological and pathological processes, as well as the practical problems of reliable data collection. The assumption of true scientific accuracy may be illusory. Even though risk adjusted outcome analysis has merit in studying trends in therapy, it should be regarded with caution when used as a tool for evaluating quality of care. If publicized at all, the results should not be represented as “hard” scientific fact.
ER-associated and proteasomemediated protein degradation: how two topologically restricted events came together

A protein-degradation pathway associated with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) can selectively remove polypeptides from the secretory pathway. The mechanisms of this ER-associated protein degradation were obscure, but recent studies using both yeast and mammalian cells have indicated that substrates for degradation are targeted to the cytosol where proteolysis is catalysed by the proteasome. The degradation process is now known to comprise at least three distinct events: first, recognition of a polypeptide for degradation; second, efflux of this substrate from the ER to the cytosol; and, finally, degradation by the proteasome. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding how each of these steps is achieved.
Mechanisms of coal fragmentation by a continuous miner

Abstract An analysis of coal fragmentation due to the action of a continuous miner is presented. Underground coal cutting by a drum-type continuous miner was simulated in the laboratory using a specially designed unique automated rotary coal cutting simulator (ARCCS). The rotary coal cutter provided the versatility of varying the operating and in-situ parameters to provide information on the effects of generating 37 μm (0.0015 in) particles. In these tests, coal blocks with an approximate dimension of 50.8 ×35.6×20.32 cm (20×15×8 in) were first subjected to confining pressures equivalent to in-situ conditions. The blocks were then cut by the rotary cutting head of the ARCCS, thus simulating the action of the continuous miner in underground coal mining. During the tests under a particular set of in-situ and operating parameters a number of other parameters such as (1) penetration of bit into coal, (2) penetration resistance (thrust and cutting pressures), (3) rotating velocity of cutting head, and (4) acoustic emission activity in the coal block were monitored. During the test, all the cut products were collected for size distribution analysis. After each cutting cycle the fractured surfaces were photographed and a velocity survey was conducted using a sonic technique. At the end of each experiment the cutting paths of the bits in coal were photographed using a camera attached to an optical microscope. The results led to a better understanding of the mechanisms of the fragmentation process during coal cutting and the effect of operating parameters, in-situ conditions and coal type on the size distribution of the cut product.
Atomic force microscopy study of diamond-like atomic-scale composite films

Abstract Amorphous “diamond-like/quartz-like” composites a-(C:H/Si:O) constitute a novel class of diamond-related materials with a number of unique bulk and surface properties. In order to gain a more fundamental understanding of the growth and surface properties of these diamond-like atomic-scale composite materials we have performed an atomic forcemicroscopy investigation of the surfaces of a-(C:H/Si:O) films (deposited on Si (001) substrates) ranging in thickness from 50 A to 5 × 104 nm.
Delta and vega exposure trading in stock and option markets

Abstract This paper introduces an empirical method to evaluate the composition of trading activity in stock and option markets that is based on signed trade count imbalances in these markets. This method can be used to estimate the extent to which traders use option markets to obtain exposure to stock return volatility (i.e., vega exposure) versus exposure to the sign of stock returns (i.e., delta exposure), as well as examine traders' preferences on trading venue by desired exposure type. We present evidence suggesting that trading for vega exposure is a much larger component of option activity than is trading for delta exposure. The results also imply that delta-motivated traders have a preference for trading stocks over options, while both delta- and vega-motivated traders appear more prone to trade calls over puts.
A New Articular Facet in the Upper Jaw of the Cyprinid Fish Genus Pseudorasbora

115 (1941). 4. LEWIS, M. R., anfl N.\XWELiL, D. B. Surgery, 30. 6R5 1951). 5. ALIEN, F. M. Arch. kS`urg., 41, 79 (1940). 6. Federation, Proc., 3. 89 (1944). 7. ZALIL, P. A. Science, 114, 180 (1951). S. LEnwis, M. R., and APTEKMAN, P. M. Cancer, 5, 411 11952). 9. Li,%vis, M. R.. andl GOLAND, P. P. Am. J. Med. Sci., 215, 282 (19481. 1/l. L.Ewis, M. R.. GOLAND, 1'. P., and SLOVITER, H. A. Cancet R'cx(carch, 9, 736 (19491.
Effect of keratinocyte growth factor on cell viability in primary cultured human prostate cancer stromal cells

In normal prostate, keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), also known as fibroblast growth factor-7 (FGF-7) serves as a paracrine growth factor synthesized in stromal cells that acts on epithelial cells through its receptor, KGFR. KGF and KGFR were found in human cancer epithelial cells as well as stromal cells. Since KGF expressed in epithelial cells of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and in prostate cancer, it has been suggested that KGF might act as an autocrine factor in BPH and prostate cancer. To investigate the roles of KGF in cancerous stroma, primary cultured human prostate cancer stromal cells (PCSCs) were isolated and evaluated. These PCSCs possessed estrogen receptors and KGFR, but not androgen receptor as determined by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. KGF exhibited mitogenic and anti-apoptotic effects that correlated with induction of cyclin-D1, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and phospho-Akt expression in PCSCs, where treatment with KGF antiserum abolished cell proliferation and anti-apoptotic protein expression. PCSCs exposed to KGF for various time periods resulted in phosphorylation of Akt and subsequent up-regulation of Bcl-2. KGF modulated dynamic protein expression indicated that KGF triggered cell cycle machinery and then activated anti-apoptotic actions in PCSCs. Cell proliferation analysis indicated that tamoxifen or ICI 182,780 reduced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner; however, KGF prevented this inhibition, which further demonstrated KGF triggered anti-apoptotic machinery through activating Bcl-2 and phospho-Akt expression. In summary, KGF has an autocrine effect and serves as a survival factor in primary cultured human prostate cancer stromal cells.
Causality and model abstraction

Abstract Much of science and engineering is concerned with characterizing processes by equations describing the relations that hold among parameters of objects and govern their behavior over time. In formal descriptions of processes in terms of parameters and equations, the notion of causality is rarely made explicit. Formal treatments of the foundations of sciences have avoided discussions of causation and spoken only of functional relations among variables. Nevertheless, the notion of causality plays an important role in our understanding of phenomena. Even when we describe the behavior of a system formally in terms of acausal, mathematical relations, we often give an informal, intuitive explanation of why the system behaves the way it does in terms of cause-effect relations. In this paper, we will present an operational definition of causal ordering. The definition allows us to extract causal dependency relations among variables implicit in a model of a system, when a model is represented as a set of acausal, mathematical relations. Our approach is based on the theory of causal ordering first presented by Simon [22]. The paper shows how to use the theory and its extension in reasoning about physical systems. Further, the paper studies the relation of the theory to the problems of model aggregation.
Absolute Subcriticality Measurement without Calibration and Detection Efficiency Dependence by the 252Cf Source-Driven Noise Method

The 252Cf-source-driven noise analysis method determines the subcriticality of a system containing fissionable material from the ratio of cross power spectral densities between the detectors that detect particles from the fission process and between these detectors and an ionization chamber containing a spontaneously fissioning neutron source which provides neutrons to induce fission in the system. This method has two advantages: (a) a calibration is not required and thus subcriticality can be determined from measurements only on the subcritical system of interest, and (b) the subcriticality is independent of the type of detector or its efficiency. These properties of this technique are illustrated by measurements.
Dysferlin Forms a Dimer Mediated by the C2 Domains and the Transmembrane Domain In Vitro and in Living Cells

Dysferlin was previously identified as a key player in muscle membrane repair and its deficiency leads to the development of muscular dystrophy and cardiomyopathy. However, little is known about the oligomerization of this protein in the plasma membrane. Here we report for the first time that dysferlin forms a dimer in vitro and in living adult skeletal muscle fibers isolated from mice. Endogenous dysferlin from rabbit skeletal muscle exists primarily as a ∼460 kDa species in detergent-solubilized muscle homogenate, as shown by sucrose gradient fractionation, gel filtration and cross-linking assays. Fluorescent protein (YFP) labeled human dysferlin forms a dimer in vitro, as demonstrated by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) and photon counting histogram (PCH) analyses. Dysferlin also dimerizes in living cells, as probed by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). Domain mapping FRET experiments showed that dysferlin dimerization is mediated by its transmembrane domain and by multiple C2 domains. However, C2A did not significantly contribute to dimerization; notably, this is the only C2 domain in dysferlin known to engage in a Ca-dependent interaction with cell membranes. Taken together, the data suggest that Ca-insensitive C2 domains mediate high affinity self-association of dysferlin in a parallel homodimer, leaving the Ca-sensitive C2A domain free to interact with membranes.
Changes in postural control with aging and Parkinson's disease

Deterioration of the neural mechanisms that govern postural stability and other mechanisms can disrupt the balance system. This article briefly outlines the research on postural control in elderly adults and patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Parkinson's disease may be considered a form of accelerated aging, and as such, many of the abnormal postural control characteristics found in the elderly are observed and magnified in PD patients. The symptoms contributing to impaired postural control include the amplitude of body sway, delayed sensory and response processing, as well as prolonged, reduced, and inflexible responses to perturbations. In general, the research suggests that although aging and PD contribute to changes in postural control, some symptoms are not inherent to age or disease but can be modified through the health and physical fitness of the person.