cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Longevity of Granular Iron in Groundwater Treatment Processes: Solution Composition Effects on Reduction of Organohalides and Nitroaromatic Compounds

Although granular iron permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) are increasingly employed to contain subsurface contaminants, information pertaining to system longevity is sparse. The present investigation redresses this situation by examining the long-term effects of carbonate, silica, chloride, and natural organic matter (NOM) on reactivity of Master Builders iron toward organohalides and nitroaromatic contaminants. Six columns were operated for 1100 days (approximately 4500 pore volumes) and five others for 407 days (approximately 1800 pore volumes). Nine were continuously exposed to mixtures of contaminant species, while the other two were only intermittently exposed in order to differentiate deactivation induced by water (and inorganic cosolutes) from that resulting from contaminant reduction. Contaminants investigated were trichloroethylene, 1,2,3-trichloropropane, 1,1-dichloroethane, 2-nitrotoluene, 4-nitroacetophenone, and 4-nitroanisole. Column reactivity declined substantially over the first 300 days and was dependent on the feed solution chemistry. High carbonate concentrations enhanced reactivity slightly within the first 90 days but produced poorer performance over the long term. Both silica and NOM adversely affected reactivity, while chloride evinced a somewhat mixed effect. Observed contrasts in relative reactivities suggest that trichloroethylene, 1,2,3-trichloropropane, and nitroaromatic compounds all react at different types of reactive sites. Our results indicate that differences in groundwater chemistry should be considered in the PRB design process.
Challenges and opportunities facing maternal and child health (MCH) professionals.

The challenges facing today’s maternal and child health (MCH) professionals will require leaders who can adapt to a dramatically changing public health and health care landscape, and also make decisions and move forward with incomplete information [1]. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (the Affordable Care Act) outlines promising new opportunities for seamlessly moving between personal health care and population health, which are critical if as a nation we are to achieve the triple aim of health reform of improved quality, increased emphasis on population health, and decreased costs [2, 3]. However, challenges also abound. Areas of concern include shrinking public health budgets, an aging workforce, reorganizations, furloughs, and vacant public health positions for which health agencies are not recruiting [4, 5]. MCH professionals have a long and rich history of successfully overcoming challenges to assure the health of the nation’s mothers and children, as evidenced from the very beginning of support for MCH public health professionals in the US. A History of Support for MCH Professionals: Focusing on Education to Address Persistent and Emerging MCH Public Health Issues
Attitude Determination Via Nonlinear Filtering

The theory of nonlinear filtering has been applied to the problem of the attitude determination of a satellite. Two approximation methods have been studied with a view to practical implementation. Computer simulation results are included.
Relationship of circulating adipokines to body composition in pregnant women.

Circulating adipokines are associated with physiological and pathophysiological processes in both obesity and pregnancy. Obesity in pregnancy increases the risk of pregnancy complications and the majority of research uses body mass index (BMI) to assess fatness. Specific fat compartments are associated with obesity-induced health risks yet it is not known how abdominal fat mass in pregnancy is related to circulating adipokines. Plasma leptin, resistin, visfatin, and adiponectin were measured by immunoassay in healthy pregnant women of normal weight (BMI 18.5–24.9; n = 17) and overweight/obese pregnant women (BMI 25.0–40, n = 21) in the third trimester. Total body and abdominal subcutaneous and visceral fat mass were measured at 1–3 weeks postpartum. Overweight/obese women had greater total body fat (t = −6.210, P < 0.001) and abdominal subcutaneous fat (t = −5.072, P < 0.001) than normal-weight women while there was no difference in abdominal visceral fat. Overweight/obese women had higher leptin (66.3 ± ...
Bidiagonalization and symmetric tridiagonalization by systolic arrays

We give a systolic algorithm and array for bidiagonalization of ann × n matrix inO(n logn) time, usingO(n2) cells. Bandedness of the input matrix may be effectively exploited. If the matrix is banded, withp nonzero subdiagonals andq nonzero superdiagonals, then 4n ln(p+q)+O(n) clocks and 2n(p+q)+O((p+q)2+n) cells are needed. This is faster than the best previously reported result by the factor log2e=1.44.... Moreover, in contrast to earlier systolic designs, which require the matrix to be preloaded into the array and the result matrix extracted after bidiagonalization, the present arrays are pipelined.
Hydrology of fish culture ponds in Gualaca, Panama

Abstract During 1985, rainfall, evaporation and seepage were measured in 12 experimental fish culture ponds at the Gualaca Freshwater Aquaculture Research Station, Gualaca, Panama, to provide baseline pond hydrology data for the area and a water budget for the station. Mean monthly rainfall ranged from 0 to 27 mm day −1 , while pond evaporation ranged from 1·4 to 8·4 mm day −1 . An equation was developed to predict pond evaporation from solar radiation measured by photometry. Among the 12 ponds, mean seepage ranged from 19 to 58 mm day −1 and averaged 31. Seepage accounted for 87% of water lost from the ponds. A regression equation was developed to predict the quantity of water gained by runoff into ponds during rainfall. Monthly water balances (mm day −1 ) for the station ranged from −39 to 14 and averaged −13. Water deficits occurred during 9 of 12 months. The annual water deficit could be reduced to zero should seepage be reduced by 66%. Particular attention needs to be given to pond construction on kaolinitic soils, which although high in clay, may be very porous.
Automatic generation and detection of highly reliable fiducial markers under occlusion

This paper presents a fiducial marker system specially appropriated for camera pose estimation in applications such as augmented reality and robot localization. Three main contributions are presented. First, we propose an algorithm for generating configurable marker dictionaries (in size and number of bits) following a criterion to maximize the inter-marker distance and the number of bit transitions. In the process, we derive the maximum theoretical inter-marker distance that dictionaries of square binary markers can have. Second, a method for automatically detecting the markers and correcting possible errors is proposed. Third, a solution to the occlusion problem in augmented reality applications is shown. To that aim, multiple markers are combined with an occlusion mask calculated by color segmentation. The experiments conducted show that our proposal obtains dictionaries with higher inter-marker distances and lower false negative rates than state-of-the-art systems, and provides an effective solution to the occlusion problem. HighlightsWe propose an algorithm for generating configurable marker dictionaries.We derive the maximum theoretical inter-marker distance.A method for automatically detecting the markers and correcting errors is proposed.A solution to the occlusion problem in augmented reality applications is shown.
Motivation and ability as predictors of play behavior in state-sponsored lotteries: An empirical assessment of psychological control

This research explores the interaction of motivation and ability to explain individuals' level of participation in state-sponsored lotteries. The motivation–ability framework is considered from the perspective of perceived control wherein Rotter's (1966) locus of control serves as a perceived ability to influence lottery outcomes, and the Burger and Cooper (1979) desire for control serves as a motivation to play. With the use of a sample of adult consumers residing in a state with a government-sponsored lottery, predicted results were found. Specifically, the consumers who played the lottery to the greatest extent were those with internal locus of control (high perceived ability) and high desire for control (high motivation). © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Increasing the ADC precision with oversampling in a flash ADC

This paper proposes new design to implement high resolution ADC using the idea of oversampling in flash ADCs. We used 6-bit Flash ADC with 65 times oversampling to gain a resolution of 12-bit Flash ADC. Conventional Flash ADCs are implemented using 2n comparators while proposed design requires only (26 + L(n)) comparators, Where L(n) is an exponential operator in n with order less than 2n/3. This reduction in chip area would reduce power consumption, since sampling rates for both (conventional Flash ADC and proposed) designs are the same. Signal-to-Noise ratio (SNR) and Distortion (SINAD) of the proposed 12-bit Oversampled-Flash ADC output was only at most 1.7% decrease compared to ideal 12-Bit Sigma-Delta (∑Δ) ADC. Moreover if an ideal 6-bit flash ADC is used to implement a 12-bit Oversampled-Flash ADC, DNL and INL values for proposed 12-bit oversampled-Flash ADC would be zero.
The Inverse Problem of Electrical Conductivity in the Mantle

Summary The general method of Backus and Gilbert is applied to the inverse problem of electrical conductivity in the mantle. The data of Banks are reworked to obtain a new model and its uncertainties. It is concluded that the levelling-off in conductivity previously obtained is only barely resolvable with current observations. A great improvement in the accuracy of the model could be expected if more precise data were available in the same frequency range.
Femtosecond laser fabrication of directional couplers and Mach-Zehnder interferometers

Spectral behavior of directional couplers and unbalanced Mach-Zehnder interferometers fabricated in glass with a MPC Ti:sapphire laser is characterized. Spectral features can be controlled by controlling physical device parameters as well as writing speed.
Measurements of Cavity Ringdown Spectroscopy of Acetone in the Ultraviolet and Near-Infrared Spectral Regions: Potential for Development of a Breath Analyzer

We report a study on the cavity ringdown spectroscopy of acetone in both the ultraviolet (UV) and the near-infrared (NIR) spectral regions to explore the potential for development of a breath analyzer for disease diagnostics. The ringdown spectrum of acetone in the UV (282.4-285.0 nm) region is recorded and the spectrum is in good agreement with those obtained by other spectral techniques reported in the literature. The absorption cross-section of the C-H stretching overtone of acetone in the NIR (1632.7-1672.2 nm) is reported for the first time and the maximum absorption cross-section located at 1666.7 nm is 1.2 x 10(-21) cm(2). A novel, compact, atmospheric cavity with a cavity length of 10 cm has been constructed and implemented to investigate the technical feasibility of the potential instrument size, optical configuration, and detection sensitivity. The detection limit of such a mini cavity employing ringdown mirrors of reflectivity of 99.85% at 266 nm, where acetone has the strongest absorption, is approximately 1.5 ppmv based on the standard 3 criteria. No real breath gas samples are used in the present study. Discussions on the detection sensitivity and background spectral interferences for the instrument development are presented. This study demonstrates the potential of developing a portable, sensitive breath analyzer for medical applications using the cavity ringdown spectral technique.
Theory of Abnormal Line-to-Neutral Transformer Voltages

The abnormal voltages considered here are due to the occurrence of a large harmonic of fractional, even, or odd frequency in the line-to-neutral voltages of certain Y-connected transformer circuits. These phenomena were first described before the Institute in 1915, and other papers on the same subject have appeared since. The results of a detailed study of the instantaneous currents, voltages, and transformer flux densities in the type of circuit involved are presented in this paper. From this study the origin and characteristics of the abnormal voltages have been deduced. In general the voltages are found to be self-excited by successive alternate saturations in the transformer cores. The first saturation, which starts the phenomena, occurs within one cycle after the voltage is applied, due to the starting conditions of voltage and residual core density. When coupled with the system capacitance in the circuit of this discussion, each saturation establishes the condition for producing a succeeding and alternate saturation so that the process is self-continuing. The frequency of the harmonic voltage generated by a succession of alternate saturations is dependent only upon the rate at which they occur. It is not surprising, therefore, that harmonics of unusual frequencies have been observed. The wide variations between the initial core conditions in the three transformers result in highly irregular saturations and correspondingly irregular voltages at the start. Such irregularities are of a transient nature.
Interactions between macromolecules and ions: The Hofmeister series.

The Hofmeister series, first noted in 1888, ranks the relative influence of ions on the physical behavior of a wide variety of aqueous processes ranging from colloidal assembly to protein folding. Originally, it was thought that an ion's influence on macromolecular properties was caused at least in part by ‘making’ or ‘breaking’ bulk water structure. Recent time-resolved and thermodynamic studies of water molecules in salt solutions, however, demonstrate that bulk water structure is not central to the Hofmeister effect. Instead, models are being developed that depend upon direct ion–macromolecule interactions as well as interactions with water molecules in the first hydration shell of the macromolecule.
Rapid quantification of imidazolium-based ionic liquids by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography: Methodology and an investigation of the retention mechanisms.

Abstract The separation of nine N,N′-dialkylimidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) by an isocratic hydrophilic interaction high-performance liquid chromatographic method using an unmodified silica column was investigated. The chosen analytical conditions using a 90:10 acetonitrile–ammonium formate buffer mobile phase on a high-purity, unmodified silica column were found to be efficient, robust, and sensitive for the determination of ILs in a variety of solutions. The retention window (k′ = 2–11) was narrower than that of previous methods, resulting in a 7-min runtime for the nine IL homologues. The lower limit of quantification of the method, 2–3 μmol L−1, was significantly lower than those reported previously for HPLC-UV methods. The effects of systematically modifying the IL cation alkyl chain length, column temperature, and mobile-phase water and buffer content on solute retention were examined. Cation exchange was identified as the dominant retention mechanism for most of the solutes, with a distinct (single methylene group) transition to a dominant partitioning mode at the highest solute polarity.
Acute alcohol response phenotype in heavy social drinkers is robust and reproducible.

Background: In 3 previously published works (Brumback et al., 2007, Drug Alcohol Depend 91:10–17; King et al., 2011a, Arch Gen Psychiatry 68:389–399; Roche and King, 2010, Psychopharmacology (Berl) 212:33–44), our group characterized acute alcohol responses in a large group of young, heavy binge drinkers (n = 104) across a variety of subjective, eye-tracking, and psychometric performance measures. Methods: The primary goal of the current study was to directly replicate prior findings of alcohol response in heavy social drinkers (HD) in a second independent cohort (n = 104) using identical methodology. A secondary goal was to examine the effects of family history (FH) of alcohol use disorders (AUD) on acute alcohol response in both samples. Participants attended 2 randomized laboratory sessions in which they consumed 0.8 g/kg alcohol or a taste-masked placebo. At pre- and post-drink time points, participants completed subjective scales, psychomotor performance and eye-movement tasks, and provided salivary samples for cortisol determination. Results: Results showed that the second cohort of heavy drinkers exhibited a nearly identical pattern of alcohol responses to the original cohort, including sensitivity to alcohol’s stimulating and hedonically rewarding effects during the rising breath alcohol content (BrAC) limb, increases in sedation during the declining BrAC limb, a lack of cortisol response, and psychomotor and eye-tracking impairment that was most evident at peak BrAC. The magnitude and temporal pattern of these acute effects of alcohol in the second cohort were similar to the first cohort across all measures, with the exception of 3 eye-movement measures: pro- and antisaccade accuracy and antisaccade velocity. FH of AUD did not affect alcohol response in the first cohort, and this was replicated in the second cohort. Conclusions: In sum, in 2 independent samples, we have demonstrated that HD display a consistent and reliable sensitivity to alcohol’s subjective effects and impairment of eye-tracking and psychomotor performance, which is not affected by FH status. This acute alcohol response phenotype in heavy, fre
The influence of intergenerational contact on child care participants' attitudes toward the elderly

It has been demonstrated that children's attitudes toward the elderly are formulated early in life. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether intergenerational contact and familiarity with the elderly in a child care setting influences children's attitudes toward older people. The findings suggest that familiarity is more important than contact in terms of its influence on children's attitudes toward photographs of elderly women. Results are discussed in relation to the implications for intergenerational activities in early childhood programs.
Illusion magnitude as a function of visual field exposure

Forty-eight right-handed subjects divided into four groups, each consisting of six males and six females, were employed in an investigation of cerebral hemispheric influence on the perception of tachistoscopically presented simultaneous and successive versions of the Mueller-Lyer figure. The simultaneous version exposed in the left visual field resulted in a larger effect than did right visual field exposures. The successive version exposed in the right visual field resulted in a larger illusion magnitude than it did in the left visual field. The magnitude of visual field differences in response to the successive version was greater than visual field differences found in response to the simultaneous version
SEASONAL VARIABILITY IN MORPHOLOGY OF BLUE CRAB, CALLINECTES SAPIDUS, MEGALOPAE AND EARLY JUVENILE STAGE CRABS, AND DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS AMONG CO-OCCURRING PORTUNIDAE

Abstract Declines in abundance of the commercially important blue crab Callinectes sapidus have led fishery managers to search for new management strategies. Assessing year-class strength at megalopal or early juvenile stages may contribute to this effort, but separation from co-occurring species is difficult in many areas because morphological characteristics vary with season and published descriptions do not adequately distinguish C. sapidus from C. similis and other related species. Callinectes sapidus and C. similis megalopae were collected monthly and cultured in the laboratory to a size at which positive identification could be made. Measurements on intact megalopae and early crab exuviae of both species revealed seasonal differences, with spring megalopae having larger carapaces, longer rostral spines and antennae and more setae on some mouth parts than fall megalopae. This seasonal pattern of morphological variability was verified through examination of samples collected from MS (1976–1979) and NC...
Down to the bitter end.

“The daintiest last, to make the end most sweet,” comes to us from Shakespeare’s Richard II , but in the most recent edition of Blood , the paper from Martinez-Lopez et al[1][1] suggests that by using minimal residual disease (MRD) testing by sequencing, we may be nearing the “end most sweet
Ship Scheduling and Network Design for Cargo Routing in Liner Shipping

Acommon problem faced by carriers in liner shipping is the design of their service network. Given a set of demands to be transported and a set of ports, a carrier wants to design service routes for its ships as efficiently as possible, using the underlying facilities. Furthermore, the profitability of the service routes designed depends on the paths chosen to ship the cargo. We present an integrated model, a mixed-integer linear program, to solve the ship-scheduling and the cargo-routing problems, simultaneously. The proposed model incorporates relevant constraints, such as the weekly frequency constraint on the operated routes, and emerging trends, such as the transshipment of cargo between two or more service routes. To solve the mixed-integer program, we propose algorithms that exploit the separability of the problem. More specifically, a greedy heuristic, a column generation-based algorithm, and a two-phase Benders decomposition-based algorithm are developed, and their computational efficiency in terms of the solution quality and the computational time taken is discussed. An efficient iterative search algorithm is proposed to generate schedules for ships. Computational experiments are performed on randomly generated instances simulating real life with up to 20 ports and 100 ships. Our results indicate high percentage utilization of ships' capacities and a significant number of transshipments in the final solution.
Experimental Studies of Equilibrium Vortex Properties in a Bose-Condensed Gas

We characterize several equilibrium vortex effects in a rotating Bose-Einstein condensate. Specifically we attempt precision measurements of the vortex-lattice spacing and vortex-core size over a range of condensate densities and rotation rates. These measurements are supplemented by numerical simulations, and both experimental and numerical data are compared to theory. Finally, we study the effect of the centrifugal weakening of the trapping spring constants on the critical temperature for quantum degeneracy and the effects of finite temperature on vortex contrast00.
Trauma bij een patiënt met hemofilie

Hemofilie is een zeldzame stollingsstoornis die zich uit in een verhoogde bloedingsneiging en die bij adequate behandeling een normale levensverwachting geeft. Omdat bloedingen na een trauma meestal met enige vertraging optreden, bestaat de neiging om het risico hierop te onderschatten. Adequate therapie kan bloedingen, morbiditeit en blijvende schade voorkomen. Aan de hand van enkele voorbeelden gaan we op het belang van adequate, acute opvang in.
Atrial fibrillation: A major risk factor for cognitive decline

Atrial fibrillation is a common disease of the elderly, conferring considerable morbidity and mortality related to cardiovascular effects and thromboembolic risks. Anticoagulation, antiarrhythmic medications, and rate control are the cornerstone of contemporary management, whereas ablation and evolving surgical techniques continue to play important secondary roles. Growing evidence shows that atrial fibrillation is also a risk factor for significant cognitive decline through a multitude of pathways, further contributing to morbidity and mortality. At the same time, cognitive decline associated with cryptogenic strokes may be the first clue to previously undiagnosed atrial fibrillation. These overlapping associations support the concept of cognitive screening and rhythm monitoring in these populations. New research suggests modulating effects of currently accepted treatments for atrial fibrillation on cognition; however, there remains the need for large multicenter studies to examine the effects of novel oral anticoagulants, rhythm and rate control, and left atrial appendage occlusion on long-term cognitive function.
Polymeric reagents for derivatizations in micellar electrokinetic chromatography

A polymer immobilized o-nitrobenzophenone reagent was prepared for analysis of amine drugs in micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC). A model compound, propylamine, was used to characterize the reagent's performance in MEKC. Derivatizations were performed on the CE instrument with reagent in the sample vial. The yielded derivative was directly sampled from the reaction mixture, and directly injected onto the MEKC system. The derivatization reagent was also applied to the derivatization of n-alkyl amine mixtures and amino acids. The method was validated for adamantanamine in urine and in plasma by single-blind spike analysis. Precisions and accuracies for all samples were less than 6.0% for urine samples and 10% for plasma samples. The procedure was a direct injection technique requiring minimal sample preparation for the analysis of drugs in biofluids.
Efficient summarization of spatiotemporal events

Raster datasets at discrete temporal instances capture a variety of spatiotemporal phenomena. These phenomena and the respective datasets that capture them may span various spatial and temporal scales, like a car's trajectory as it is captured by various cameras at video rates, or the long-term erosion of a river's edge captured by an annual series of aerial imagery.
Role of Adenine Nucleotides and Growth Factors in Increased Proliferation following Damage to Cells

STIMULATION to tissue repair in wound healing has been attributed variously to polypeptides and amino-acids1, sulphhydryl compounds2, nucleoproteins3, fatty acids4, or certain nucleic acid derivatives5, and it has been proposed that the stimulating substances are secretions of leucocytes (“rephones” 1) or damaged-cell disintegration products (“wound hormones” 13). Since cell secretions or damaged-cell products influence normal cells through the intercellular milieu, a direct and quantitative approach to this problem is afforded by the comparison of intercellular fluids from damaged cells (I) and from normal cells (II), with regard to their chemical composition and effects on cell metabolism. Such comparisons have shown that (I) greatly exceeds (II) in stimulating cellular proliferation6,7 and respiration8,9 and in increasing capillary permeability10, and that when (I), but not (II), from animal tissue sources is injected repeatedly into animals, overgrowths result7.
Isolation of the Antheridiogen of Anemia phyllitidis

The antheridiogen (antheridium-inducing substance) of the fern species Anemia phyllitidis has been obtained in pure form based on the isolation procedure described below. Pure antheridiogen is active to a dilution of 10 μg/l in antheridium formation and 0.3 μg/l in dark-germination. Its molecular formula is C19H22O5.
Antipyretic effect of central α-MSH summates with that of acetaminophen or ibuprofen

Abstract The neuropeptide α-melanocyte stimulating hormone has potent antipyretic properties when given centrally or systemically. Little is known about the mechanism of the antipyretic action and virtually nothing is known about interactions among the antipyretic effects of α-MSH and commonly used antipyretic agents. Randomized studies in which α-MSH, acetaminophen or ibuprofen, or a combination of α-MSH and antipyretic drug, were given IV to rabbits made febrile by endogenous pyrogen, indicate that the antipyretic effect of the peptide is summative with those of the drugs. α-MSH has been shown to have a wide safety margin in earlier research and the results suggest that combinations of peptide and antipyretic drugs might be safer and have fewer side effects than larger quantities of the drugs alone.
Reaction of ethanethiol on clean and carbon-modified Mo(110) surfaces as a function of sulfur coverage

Abstract The reactivity of ethanethiol was studied on carbon-modified Mo(110) surfaces using temperature-programmed desorption (TPD), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), and low-energy electron diffraction (LEED). Ethanethiol TPD experiments performed on clean Mo(110) surfaces yielded ethane and ethylene as reaction products via an ethanethiolate surface intermediate. Relative to clean Mo(110) surfaces, TPD experiments performed on defective p(4×4)-C/Mo(110) surfaces showed no significant differences in reactivity, selectivity, or reaction pathways. Overall, the presence of an ordered carbon overlayer does not appear to affect ethanethiol surface chemistry. Ethanethiol TPD experiments were also conducted on clean and carbided Mo(110) surfaces with adsorbed sulfur. As sulfur coverage is increased, both the Mo(110) and defective p(4×4)-C/Mo(110) surfaces become progressively less reactive towards ethanethiol. Sulfur is thought to bond to adsorption sites and block the formation of the ethanethiolate surface intermediate, resulting in decreased surface reactivity. At sulfur coverages of 0.66 or higher, the ethane reaction pathway shuts down to the point that ethylene is the sole reaction product.
Transmission properties of holographic Fabry-Perot filters

Transmission properties of holographic Fabry-Perot filters are investigated. The effects of such filters on incident spatially partially coherent light are studied. In particular, the effects of such a filter on the intensity and the degree of spatial coherence of an incident partially coherent Gaussian Schell-model beam are analyzed. Numerical examples are presented.
Pentacoordinated Organo and Hydrido Cyclic Silanes via Sulfur Donor Action1

The new cyclic organosilanes S(C10H6O)2SiMe2 (1) and S(C10H6O)2SiPh2 (2) were obtained by the reaction of R2Si(NMe2)2 (R = Me, Ph) with thiobis(2,2‘-naphthol), while S[Me2C6H2O]2SiH(Me) (3) and S[(t-Bu)MeC6H2O]2SiH(Me) (4) were formed by reaction of Cl2SiH(Me) with the appropriate diol in the presence of Et3N. Characterization was achieved by 29Si and 1H solution NMR, 29Si solid-state NMR, and X-ray structural studies. As a result of sulfur donor interaction, pentacoordinate geometries were obtained where 3 and 4 were displaced further toward a trigonal bipyramid (TBP) compared to 1 and 2. Variable-temperature NMR spectra showed 1 to be fluxional with an activation energy of 9.4 kcal/mol. An exchange mechanism involving rupture of the Si−S donor interaction accompanying a ring pseudorotation is postulated. The less symmetric silanes 3 and 4 do not exchange, as indicated by the 1H NMR data. Comparison of the degree of Si−S donor interaction of 1−4 with that of related cyclic organosilanes possessing Si−O a...
Autism as early neurodevelopmental disorder: evidence for an sAPPα-mediated anabolic pathway

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by social skills and communication deficits and interfering repetitive behavior. Intellectual disability often accompanies autism. In addition to behavioral deficits, autism is characterized by neuropathology and brain overgrowth. Increased intracranial volume often accompanies this brain growth. We have found that the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) associated amyloid-β precursor protein (APP), especially its neuroprotective processing product, secreted APP α (sAPPα), is elevated in persons with autism. This has led to the “anabolic hypothesis” of autism etiology, in which neuronal overgrowth in the brain results in interneuronal misconnections that may underlie multiple autism symptoms. We review the contribution of research in brain volume and of APP to the anabolic hypothesis, and relate APP to other proteins and pathways that have already been directly associated with autism, such as fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), Ras small GTPase/Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase (Ras/ERK), and phosphoinositide 3 kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR). We also present additional evidence of MRI intracranial measurements in favor of the anabolic hypothesis. Finally, since it appears that APP’s involvement in autism is part of a multi-partner network, we extend this concept into the inherently interactive realm of epigenetics. We speculate that the underlying molecular abnormalities that influence APP’s contribution to autism are epigenetic markers overlaid onto potentially vulnerable gene sequences due to environmental influence.
Impact of 'fire drill' training and dedicated obstetric resuscitation code in improving fetomaternal outcome following cardiac arrest in a tertiary referral hospital setting in Singapore.

Cardiac arrest in pregnancy is a rare but catastrophic obstetric emergency, with a quoted incidence of 1:20,000 pregnancies. Speedy multidisciplinary interventions are crucial for good maternal and foetal outcomes. A perimortem caesarean section (PMCS) initiated within 4 min of onset of cardiac arrest to minimise the effect of aortocaval compression on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has been recommended as a key intervention, which is likely to improve survival of both mother and foetus. Sudden collapse is uncommon in pregnant women and their management is more challenging than in a non-pregnant patient. This article aims to emphasise the significance of early identification and management of impending or established maternal cardiac arrest. We propose that a focus on effective and good-quality CPR, utilising key interventions such as early airway control, left uterine displacement and a timely decision for a PMCS with multidisciplinary input is more likely to result in good maternal and foetal survival and neurological outcomes. We also discuss the role of ‘fire drill’ obstetric training for key staff and the use of a dedicated hospital-wide resuscitation code for managing collapse in obstetric patients in improving survival and outcomes. We present four cases of maternal cardiac arrest managed with PMCS in our hospital, highlighting the evolution in management and with improved outcomes following changes to our resuscitation guidelines, training and workflows.
Investigation of the oxidation kinetics of silicon carbide heaters

In the range 1200–1500°C the mechanism of oxidation of industrial heating elements containing 97–99% silicon carbide is approximately identical with, and is controlled in the same way, as the oxidation of pure silicon carbide [1, 2], in the main by oxygen diffusion through a film of SiO2.
Increased psychiatric morbidity after abdominal aortic surgery: risk factors for stress-related disorders.

Objective Research on surgical outcomes has focused on technical results and physical morbidity. However, postoperative psychiatric complications are common and can undermine functional results. High rates of posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder have been documented after cardiac events or surgery. These complications are also expected after abdominal aortic surgery, but their incidence and relevant risk factors in this population have not been documented. Methods We examined the development of posttraumatic stress and depressive symptoms in patients with aortic aneurysms or occlusive disease, comparing surgical with nonsurgical patients and predicting that surgery and a prolonged intensive care stay would contribute to the development of psychiatric morbidity. A consecutive sample of vascular surgery patients (n = 109) was recruited 6 months to 2 years after surgery. Data were analyzed by using group comparisons, regression, and path analyses. Results Rates of objectively determined postoperative psychiatric morbidity were extremely high (32%). Surgical patients were more than four times more likely to develop psychiatric disorders (odds ratio, 4.8; P = .02). Being younger, having increased preoperative blood pressure, and being intubated at the end of surgery were linked to greater rates of psychiatric morbidity (P Conclusions New-onset psychiatric symptoms are common after abdominal aortic surgery, and preoperative and surgical factors were more predictive than postoperative complications and stress, as reflected in intensive care unit stays. Prospective examination of vulnerability in this model could identify risk factors for stress-related psychiatric morbidity and help improve surgical outcomes.
On deriving ‘ought’ from ‘is’

A new hand turns to an old task when John R. Searle joins those others who purport to offer transport from ‘is’ to ‘ought’ without using such vehicles as ‘evaluative statements, moral principles, or anything of the sort.’1 Mr Searle’s demonstration has two steps. The first presents and defends an instance of an evaluation derived exclusively from descriptive premises. The second step sketches a theory of language capable of generating an indefinite number of cases of the sort given in step one.
Teratological effects of industrial solvents

Increasing exposure of pregnant mothers to various industrial solvents due to voluntary abuse or involuntary exposure in the work place is raising the possibility of production of teratological effects in the offsprings. Ethanol, which can be broadly categorized as a solvent and which is also extensively abused, is well known for its teratological deragements in humans, termed as “fetal alcohol syndrome” as well as in animals. Benzene and its derivatives (xylene and toluene), alcohols, glycols and glycol ethers, and other solvents have also been reported to produce various types of teratogenic effects in animal (e.g., mice, rats, and rabbits) studies. In the case of toluene, some teratogenic anomalies have been reported in three children of mothers exposed to pure toluene vapor throughout the pregnancy.
Teen motherhood and pregnancy prototypes: the role of social context in changing young African American mothers' risk images and contraceptive expectations

Despite the declining rate of teen pregnancies in the United States, academic and public health experts have expressed concern over the still relatively high rate of rapid repeat pregnancies among adolescents, particularly among minority youth. Using a sample of over 300 African American female adolescents, the current study used insights from the prototype/willingness model of adolescent risk behavior to explore this risk. More specifically, it assessed the relationship between entry into unwed motherhood during mid-to-late adolescence and changes in prototypes of unmarried pregnant teens. Further, it explored the extent to which these changing prototypes accounted for young mothers' later contraceptive expectations. We tested the possibility that social images were affected not only by personal experience (the birth of a child) but also by the family and community context in which this experience took place. The findings show that the early entrance into teen motherhood was associated with a shift toward more favorable prototypes of unwed pregnant teens, but that this was only the case for young mothers in disadvantaged contexts. Given this, prototype changes helped to explain the link between teen motherhood and contraceptive expectations only for those in disadvantaged contexts. We discuss these findings in terms of their practical and theoretical implications.
VULNERABILITY OF BOT FLY (Cuterebra) INFECTED Peromyscus maniculatus TO SHORTTAIL WEASEL PREDATION IN THE LABORATORY

In the laboratory, Peromyscus bearing a single Cuterebra larva are no more vulnerable to weasel predation than are uninfected control mice, and may be taken less often under certain conditions. Mice bearing two or more larvae appear to be more vulnerable than either controls or singly infected mice. Their increased vulnerability probably results from their failure to use arboreal pathways. Decreased activity may be responsible for the relative advantage of singly infected mice. Previous reports of higher survivorship among mice with a single bot parasite than among uninfected mice, and of lower survivorship among multiply infected mice, may result in part from differential predation rates.
Vaginal surgery for stress urinary incontinence

Urinary incontinence is a common source of physical and social disability, resulting in an estimated direct cost of $10 billion per year in the United States. Stress urinary incontinence results in significant morbidity in between one quarter to one third of middle-aged and elderly women, and its evaluation and treatment comprise a significant component. of the average urologist’s clinical practice. Therapeutic efforts for stress urinary incontinence should be tailored to the severity of the symptoms and their effects on the patient’s function, and directed toward correction of the underlying pathophysiology responsible for the condition. In general, stress incontinence is only one manifestation of a deficiency of pelvic support. Associated anatomic abnormalities accompanying those resulting in the incontinence also must be considered during the evaluation and treatment of stress urinary incontinence.
RELIGION, RELATIVISM AND CONCEPTUAL SCHEMAS

Difficultes du systeme de D. Z. Phillips qui affirme la relativite des langages religieux| conciliation possible avec la croyance objective.
Hydrogen bonding and Fermi resonance in n-propylamine

Abstract Polarized spectra of neat n -propylamine were taken over the temperature range of 197–298 K in the NH valence region. Regression analysis effected separation of the experimental envelope into its component bands. The correlation of changes in band parameters with temperature was explained in terms of hydrogen bonding. In addition, a Fermi resonance treatment was performed in order to interpret the low frequency bands in the region under study.
SENSE: A WIRELESS SENSOR NETWORK SIMULATOR

A new network simulator, called SENSE, has been developed for simulating wireless sensor networks. The primary design goal is to address such factors as extensibility, reusability, and scalability, and to take into account the needs of different users. The recent progresses in component-based simulation, namely the component-port model and the simulation component classification, provided a sound theoretical foundation for the simulator. Practical issues, such as efficient memory usage, sensor network specific models, were also considered. Consequently, SENSE becomes an ease-of-use and efficient simulator for sensor network research.
Influence of Maternal Depression on Household Food Insecurity for Low-Income Families

Abstract Objective To examine whether maternal depression predicts future household food insecurity for low-income families. Methods This was a secondary data analysis using data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort (ECLS-B). The study cohort consisted of 2917 low-income mothers, defined as Results At baseline, 16% of mothers were depressed (raw score >9). Most mothers were white, unemployed, and born in the United States. The majority received Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) (86%); 39% received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). At follow-up, 11.8% of mothers reported household food insecurity. In multivariable analysis, maternal depression at baseline was significantly associated with food insecurity at follow-up (adjusted odds ratio 1.50; 95% confidence interval 1.06–2.12). Conclusions Our results suggest that maternal depression is an independent risk factor for household food insecurity in low-income families with young children. Multidisciplinary interventions embedded within and outside the pediatric medical home should be developed to identify depressed mothers and link them to community-based mental health and food resources. Further longitudinal and interventional studies are needed to understand and address the complex relationship between poverty, maternal depression, social safety nets, and food insecurity.
β2-Adrenergic Receptor Signaling Acts via No Release to Mediate Ach-Induced Activation of Atp-Sensitive K+ Current in Cat Atrial Myocytes

In atrial myocytes, an initial exposure to isoproterenol (ISO) acts via cAMP to mediate a subsequent acetylcholine (ACh)-induced activation of ATP-sensitive K+ current (IK,ATP). In addition, β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) stimulation activates nitric oxide (NO) release. The present study determined whether the conditioning effect of β-AR stimulation acts via β1- and/or β2-ARs and whether it is mediated via NO signaling. 0.1 μM ISO plus ICI 118,551 (ISO-β1-AR stimulation) or ISO plus atenolol (ISO-β2-AR stimulation) both increased L-type Ca2+ current (ICa,L) markedly, but only ISO-β2-AR stimulation mediated ACh-induced activation of IK,ATP. 1 μM zinterol (β2-AR agonist) also increased ICa,L and mediated ACh-activated IK,ATP. Inhibition of NO synthase (10 μM L-NIO), guanylate cyclase (10 μM ODQ), or cAMP-PKA (50 μM Rp-cAMPs) attenuated zinterol-induced stimulation of ICa,L and abolished ACh-activated IK,ATP. Spermine-NO (100 μM; an NO donor) mimicked β2-AR stimulation, and its effects were abolished by Rp-cAMPs. Intracellular dialysis of 20 μM protein kinase inhibitory peptide (PKI) abolished zinterol-induced stimulation of ICa,L. Measurements of intracellular NO ([NO]i) using the fluorescent indicator DAF-2 showed that ISO-β2-AR stimulation or zinterol increased [NO]i. L-NIO (10 μM) blocked ISO- and zinterol-induced increases in [NO]i. ISO-β1-AR stimulation failed to increase [NO]i. Inhibition of Gi-protein by pertussis toxin significantly inhibited zinterol-mediated increases in [NO]i. Wortmannin (0.2 μM) or LY294002 (10 μM), inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3′-kinase (PI-3K), abolished the effects of zinterol to both mediate ACh-activated IK,ATP and stimulate [NO]i. We conclude that both β1- and β2-ARs stimulate cAMP. β2-ARs act via two signaling pathways to stimulate cAMP, one of which is mediated via Gi-protein and PI-3K coupled to NO-cGMP signaling. Only β2-ARs acting exclusively via NO signaling mediate ACh-induced activation of IK,ATP. NO signaling also contributes to β2-AR stimulation of ICa,L. The differential effects of β1- and β2-ARs can be explained by the coupling of these two β-ARs to different effector signaling pathways.
The DNA binding and 3′-end preferential activity of human tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase

Human tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase (Tdp1) processes 3′-blocking lesions, predominantly 3′-phosphotyrosyl bonds resulting from the trapping of topoisomerase I (Top1) cleavage complexes. The controversial ability of yeast Tdp1 to hydrolyze 5′-phosphotyrosyl linkage between topoisomerase II (Top2) and DNA raises the question whether human Tdp1 possesses 5′-end processing activity. Here we characterize the end-binding and cleavage preference of human Tdp1 using single-stranded 5′- and 3′-fluorescein-labeled oligonucleotides. We establish 3′-fluorescein as an efficient surrogate substrate for human Tdp1, provided it is attached to the DNA by a phosphodiester (but not a phosphorothioate) linkage. We demonstrate that human Tdp1 lacks the ability to hydrolyze a phosphodiester linked 5′-fluorescein. Using both fluorescence anisotropy and time-resolved fluorescence quenching techniques, we also show the preferential binding of human Tdp1 to the 3′-end. However, DNA binding competition experiments indicate that human Tdp1 binding is dependent on DNA length rather than number of DNA ends. Lastly, using surface plasmon resonance, we show that human Tdp1 selectively binds the 3′-end of DNA. Together, our results suggest human Tdp1 may act using a scanning mechanism, in which Tdp1 bind non-specifically upstream of a 3′-blocking lesion and is preferentially stabilized at 3′-DNA ends corresponding to its site of action.