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The influence of ordering inside the crystalline regions of semi‐crystalline polymer thin films on charge transport is investigated by analyzing the electric field dependence of mobility calculated using Monte Carlo simulation. The degree of ordering inside the ordered regions is varied by changing the overlap between the hopping transport sites. Negative field dependence of mobility extending to higher electric field strengths along with an increase in the mobility are observed upon increasing the overlap between transport sites inside the ordered region. These observations are attributed to the variation in the charge transport, which affects the transit time that not only decreases but also shows a gradual shift from negative to positive field dependence at lower electric field strengths (∼<3 × 105 V/cm). Variations in the transit time are explained using the variation in the field dependence of hops performed by the carrier inside the ordered and disordered regions. Field dependence of mobility is also simulated with ballistic charge transport inside the ordered regions. At low concentrations of ordered regions (COR), higher carrier mobility is attained with hopping transport (∼<70%). Ballistic transport provides higher mobility at higher COR (∼>70%). This suggests that a very high order inside the ordered region may not necessarily provide higher mobility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Recent reports have raised concerns about the association of chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR‐T) with non‐negligible cardiotoxicity, particularly atrial arrhythmias. First, we conducted a pharmacovigilance study to assess the reporting of atrial arrhythmias following CD19‐directed CAR‐T. Subsequently, to determine the incidence, risk factors and outcomes of atrial arrhythmias post‐CAR‐T, we compiled a retrospective single‐centre cohort of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma patients. Only commercial CAR‐T products were considered. Atrial arrhythmias were nearly fourfold more likely to be reported after CAR‐T therapy compared to all other cancer patients in the FAERS (adjusted ROR = 3.76 [95% CI 2.67–5.29]). Of the 236 patients in our institutional cohort, 23 (10%) developed atrial arrhythmias post‐CAR‐T, including 12 de novo arrhythmias, with most (83%) requiring medical intervention. Atrial arrhythmias frequently co‐occurred with cytokine release syndrome and were associated with higher post‐CAR‐T infusion peak levels of IL‐10, TNF‐alpha and LDH, and lower trough levels of fibrinogen. In a multivariable analysis, risk factors for atrial arrhythmia were history of atrial arrhythmia (OR = 6.80 [2.39–19.6]) and using CAR‐T product with a CD28‐costimulatory domain (OR = 5.17 [1.72–18.6]). Atrial arrhythmias following CD19‐CAR‐T therapy are prevalent and associated with elevated inflammatory biomarkers, a history of atrial arrhythmia and the use of a CAR‐T product with a CD28 costimulatory domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Network‐on‐chip (NoC) is adopted as a flexible and effective communication backbone by multiprocessor systems with core counts ranging from a few to hundreds. The performance of NoC based systems greatly rely on the communication between cores when two dependent tasks of an application are mapped to these cores. Hence, application mapping becomes a critical issue in NoC‐based systems as it affects the overall performance of the system. Application mapping aims to reduce the communication among the cores by carefully mapping the highly communicating tasks. Most of the existing static mapping approaches consider only single‐task platforms. In this article, we propose an efficient multi‐task static mapping algorithm called SpecMap$$ SpecMap $$, for regular 2D NoC systems. SpecMap$$ SpecMap $$ consists of three stages namely, (i) graph partitioning, (ii) topology clustering, and (iii) mapping. In the graph partitioning stage, SpecMap$$ SpecMap $$ accurately identifies and groups the highly communicating tasks based on spectral graph partitioning. Then, the clustering and mapping stages allocate the most communicating tasks in the same or adjacent multi‐tasking cores. It also eliminates the interference between multiple applications by mapping them into different clusters of the NoC network. Simulations of SpecMap$$ SpecMap $$ have been conducted on different synthetic and real‐life applications using Gem5 simulator. The simulation results show considerable improvements for SpecMap in terms of communication cost, average network latency, energy consumption, throughput, and execution time as compared to the state‐of‐the‐art algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, caused by rapidly evolving variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2), continues to be a global health threat. SARS‐CoV‐2 infection symptoms often intersect with other nonsevere respiratory infections, making early diagnosis challenging. There is an urgent need for early diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers to predict severity and reduce mortality when a sudden outbreak occurs. This study implemented a novel approach of integrating bioinformatics and machine learning algorithms over publicly available clinical COVID‐19 transcriptome data sets. The robust 7‐gene biomarker identified through this analysis can not only discriminate SARS‐CoV‐2 associated acute respiratory illness (ARI) from other types of ARIs but also can discriminate severe COVID‐19 patients from nonsevere COVID‐19 patients. Validation of the 7‐gene biomarker in an independent blood transcriptome data set of longitudinal analysis of COVID‐19 patients across various stages of the disease showed that the dysregulation of the identified biomarkers during severe disease is restored during recovery, showing their prognostic potential. The blood biomarkers identified in this study can serve as potential diagnostic candidates and help reduce COVID‐19‐associated mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article published in Liver International discusses the need for improved screening methods for metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) in individuals with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in primary care settings. The study highlights the limitations of current screening pathways and suggests that transient elastography (TE) may be a more effective and cost-efficient method for detecting significant fibrosis in this population. Additionally, the article emphasizes the importance of incorporating factors such as waist circumference and HDL cholesterol levels in screening algorithms to enhance diagnostic accuracy. Overall, the research underscores the necessity for more accurate and accessible screening tools for MASLD in individuals with T2DM. [Extracted from the article]

Dengue virus (DENV) is a mosquito‐borne flavivirus that causes frequent outbreaks in tropical countries. Due to the four different serotypes and ever‐mutating RNA genome, it is challenging to develop efficient therapeutics. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent the severe form of dengue, leading to mortality. In the past decade, rapid advancement in the high throughput sequencing technologies has shed light on the crucial regulating role of non‐coding RNAs (ncRNAs), also known as the "dark matter" of the genome, in various pathological processes. In addition to the human host ncRNAs like microRNAs and circular RNAs, DENV also produces ncRNAs such as subgenomic flaviviral RNAs that can modulate the virus life cycle and regulate disease outcomes. This review outlines the advances in understanding the interplay between the human host and DENV ncRNAs, their regulation of the innate immune system of the host, and the prospects of the ncRNAs in clinical applications such as dengue diagnosis and promising therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functionality and stimuli‐response of natural and artificial elastomeric materials depend significantly on the morphology of their surfaces. Structural transformability and tunable responsiveness of wrinkles on elastomeric materials can enable numerous applications in flexible electronics, optics, and adhesives. Currently existing fabrication techniques rely on sophisticated instrumentation, complex experimental setups, and expensive reagents. These methods are limited in terms of mechanical robustness of the wrinkles produced. Here, a simple, inexpensive, scalable, and reproducible strategy, making use of buckling instability for the creation of soft surface wrinkles on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), is presented. PDMS with lower elastic modulus is spin‐coated onto a mechanically stretched film of PDMS with a higher elastic modulus. Thermal curing followed by the release of prestrain resulted in the formation of wrinkles in the top layer of the PDMS. The hydrophobic soft surface wrinkles with compositional homogeneity exhibit efficient fog water collection and triboelectric charge generation useful for the preparation of triboelectric nanogenerator devices. Furthermore, the substrates show high mechanical stability and mechanoresponsive optical behaviors. The simplicity and general applicability of the method presented here is expected to establish a promising pathway toward the formation of soft wrinkles in other elastomeric systems also, facilitating important applications in various fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past 3 decades, the emerging technology in manufacturing sector other than conventional manufacturing is additive manufacturing (AM). The additive manufacturing principle was completely born from the research gaps of conventional manufacturing concepts such that the elimination of wastage and produce the component layer upon layer. Every new technology obtains the sustainability that may consider in the supply chain management principle of the raw material to finished products and decision-making techniques are to reach the consumer or customer as properly and periodically but these things are addressed challenges in additive manufacturing. This review paper aims to narrate the common research gaps on additive manufacturing, the structure of the supply chain management on AM, MCDM tools/techniques, AM application in different fields, challenges of selection of additive manufacturing, AM processes, and its application. The traditional method of literature review has been used for this review. The outcome of this review has helped the new researcher's decision making on the AM various problems as easily and the new researchers may give the experimental solution for explored research gaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aerosol Liquid Water Content (ALWC), a ubiquitous component of atmospheric aerosols, modulates atmospheric chemistry through aerosol surface reactions and reduces the atmospheric visibility. However, the complex dependency of ALWC on aerosol chemistry and relative humidity (RH) in the Indian region remains poorly characterized. Here, we combine available measurements of aerosol chemical composition with thermodynamic model, ISORROPIA2.1, to reveal a comprehensive picture of ALWC in fine mode aerosols during the winter season over the Indian continental region. The factors modulating ALWC are primarily dependent on the RH, such that the effect of aerosol dry mass and hygroscopicity are significant at high RH while the effect of hygroscopicity significantly reduces with decreasing RH. ALWC is observed to display a sharp non‐linear rise, beyond a critical value of ambient RH dependent on the particle hygroscopicity. Further analysis by coupling Weather Research Forecasting‐Chem simulation with ISORROPIA2.1 revealed significant spatial heterogeneity in ALWC over India, strongly associating with regions of high aerosol mass loading and RH. The Indo‐Gangetic Plain is consequently observed to be a hotspot of higher ALWC, which explains the prevalent conditions of haze and smog during winter in this region. Our findings re‐emphasize that high aerosol mass resulting from intense pollution is vital in modulating aerosol–climate interaction under favorable meteorological conditions. Observations suggest the need for localized pollution control strategies, directed at the reduction in aerosol emissions of specific chemical composition observed to contribute to the enhancement in PM through an increase in ALWC during wintertime in the region. Plain Language Summary: Water vapor condenses on particulates in the air (known as atmospheric aerosols) due to the presence of chemical species with high water affinity. The condensed water, referred to as Aerosol Liquid Water Content (ALWC), is primarily responsible for weather conditions of low visibility like haze and smog, which have impacts on human health, and economy. This study has calculated ALWC using existing measurement data of the chemical composition of fine sized aerosols from literature, for contrasting and diverse environments in India. The study has focused on the winter season marked by spike in pollution levels and haze. Relative humidity, total particle concentration, and chemical composition were identified to play a significant role in influencing ALWC. The Indo‐Gangetic Plain has been identified to be a hotspot of high ALWC due to high pollution levels and relative humidity, particularly during winter season. The study emphasizes on the extensive study of local aerosol chemistry for targeted reduction of the emission of specific chemical species, which would enable the improvement of air pollution and visibility reduction in the region. Key Points: Aerosol Liquid Water Content (ALWC) is ubiquitous in atmospheric aerosols in the Indian region during winterALWC is enhanced drastically at high aerosol loading with high relative humidityNH3 and NOx emissions are observed to be the drivers of extreme ALWC in the Indo‐Gangetic Plain [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphology of soft materials, including those of natural systems has great influence in controlling their surface functionalities and responses to external stimuli. Surface morphological features of natural soft systems are produced through controlled cell growth and tissue growth. Artificial systems capable of emulating the morphology‐dependent physicochemical responses of natural soft substrates can be prepared through various methods such as surface oxidation, thermal stress, compressive stress, etc. Wrinkling is an important morphological irregularity on soft substrates which can be leveraged in this direction. Wrinkling in artificial soft systems can be achieved through several experimental strategies such as compressive stress, thermal stress, surface oxidation, etc. The tunable, reversible and responsive nature of wrinkled soft substrates make them a potential tool for numerous applications in electronics, optics, adhesives, etc. In this review, have briefly summarized and commented on recent developments in different types of wrinkled soft substrates, their preparation, and emergent applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Improvising Packet Delivery and Reducing Delay Ratio in Mobile Ad-hoc Network Using Neighbor Coverage Based Topology Control Algorithm" - Authored by P, Punitha; J, Shanthini; S, Karthik: This research work [ 16 ] is focused on delay and neighbor connectivity-based constrain in MANET architectures. 2019; e4263. https://doi.org/10.1002/dac.4263 16 Rajakumari K, Punitha P, Lakshmana Kumar R, Suresh C. Improvising packet delivery and reducing delay ratio in mobile ad hoc network using neighbor coverage-based topology control algorithm. The papers in this issue introduce new challenges, solutions, and networking algorithms in cognitive communication systems, advancing capsule network research towards deeper communication pattern understanding and the ability to communicate about that understanding. We are delighted to present this special issue of IJCS on CapsNet-based computing in cognitive communications. [Extracted from the article]

Plastic is a resilient, chemically inert, lightweight, and low-cost material. It sticks around in the environment for more than hundred years, threatening nature and spreading toxins. The current study deals with the use of waste polymeric materials and de oiled cake for the production of liquid oil and its blend on the performance and emission characteristics of diesel engine. The tests were conducted in an engine fuelled with diesel and four distinct blends such as 5% (B5), 10% (B10), 15% (B15), and 20% (B20), respectively. The liquid oil was produced by co-pyrolysis of neem de oiled cake (NDC) and waste polystyrene (WPS) in 1 : 2 blend ratio. The raw pyrolysis oil and its different blends were tested for their physical and chemical characteristics in order to find their suitability. Brake power (BP), brake thermal efficiency (BTE), brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC), emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbon (HC), and nitrogen oxide (NOx) are used to assess the performance of the engine. The experimental results reveal that BTE at all blends is lower than diesel at all loads and the BSFC increases with increasing blend ratio and falls with increasing engine load. At higher loads, the deviation of performance and emission values from baseline diesel up to B10 is very small. It is found from the results that the liquid oil derived from NDC and WPS up to 10% blend will be the promising additive for fossil fuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The availability of the smart existing systems utilizes the system assets for crucial internet of things (IoT). The IoT visions to develop effectively with the processing model. Past customary versatile figuring set‐ups utilize advanced mobile phones and portables. A sensor could drop out for various reasons, for the system to act naturally adjusting and consider multipath steering. Dynamic topology for a remote sensor arranges all the detecting hubs that are associated together for gathering information that are transmitted. The goals that are accompanying are set for exploring the work that are to be finished. Several sensor hubs in the system are arranged for the improvement of proficiency dynamic topology. The novel strategy has been proposed for the improvement in oneself sorting out, multi‐bounce systems for the remote sensor hubs. Because of its ability to decrease energy utilisation, a cluster‐based model is the best in the remote sensor arrangement. The cluster head selection processes are a lumbering procedure that influences execution on the system execution. Few investigations propose the determination of the cluster head techniques that are being large portion of them that are not fitting for a powerful grouping condition. The calculations for the proposed methodology work better inside a solitary bounce grouping model structure, and the system lifetime establishes a major issue if there should be an occurrence of multi‐jump bunching conditions. The manuscript presents cluster head determination technique novel single‐hop and multi‐hop cluster head selection by GA (S/M HCH‐GA) in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) for both one‐hop as well as multi‐hop cluster models. The technique that is proposed intends to meet the prerequisites of dynamic situations; this is done by choosing cluster head that is dependent on the energy that remains along with the energy that is consumed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: In the past two decades, there has been a profound increase in the incidence of metabolic disorders among the general population, and psychotropics are also said to play a major role in the development of metabolic syndrome. Aim: Determining the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and sexual dysfunction (SD) and their correlation in psychiatric patients treated with psychotropics in a tertiary care hospital in Salem region, Tamil Nadu, India. Materials and Methods: A cross‐sectional study was conducted in the psychiatric department of Vinayaka Mission's Medical College and Hospitals, Salem on patients (n = 108) treated with psychotropics. The sociodemographic information, anthropometric measurements, and laboratory tests for metabolic functions were collected and assessed to determine the presence of metabolic syndrome (as per NCEP ATP III criteria). All the results were statistically analysed and P‐value <.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: The overall prevalence of MetS in the study population was 25.93%. The study found significant relationships between using olanzapine, risperidone, buspirone, and the presence of MetS. Depression was also found to be associated with the development of MetS. Conclusion: From this current study, it may be concluded that the psychiatric population is at risk for developing MetS, and the use of atypical antipsychotics (olanzapine, risperidone), anti‐anxiety agent (buspirone) and clinical depression is significantly associated with metabolic syndrome. Hence, the metabolic function of psychiatric patients must be regularly assessed for early detection and management of any metabolic abnormalities. The study did not find a significant correlation between SD and MetS in psychiatric patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sertraline is known to undergo changes in pharmacokinetics during pregnancy. CYP 2C19 has been implicated in the interindividual variation in clinical effect associated with sertraline activity. However, knowledge of suitable dose titrations during pregnancy and within CYP 2C19 phenotypes is lacking. A pharmacokinetic modeling virtual clinical trials approach was implemented to: (i) assess gestational changes in sertraline trough plasma concentrations for CYP 2C19 phenotypes, and (ii) identify appropriate dose titration strategies to stabilize sertraline levels within a defined therapeutic range throughout gestation. Sertraline trough plasma concentrations decreased throughout gestation, with maternal volume expansion and reduction in plasma albumin being identified as possible causative reasons. All CYP 2C19 phenotypes required a dose increase throughout gestation. For extensive metabolizer (EM) and ultrarapid metabolizer (UM) phenotypes, doses of 100–150 mg daily are required throughout gestation. For poor metabolizers (PM), 50 mg daily during trimester 1 followed by a dose of 100 mg daily in trimesters 2 and 3 are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evolution in material centric devices like batteries and electrocatalytic reactors have predominantly been made possible via the exploitation of the thermodynamic ground state of pristine or defective bulk crystal, referred to as the "Native polymorph" (NP) here. A significant increase in the material search space is possible by utilizing "Non‐Native polymorphs (NNP)," which are materials that have different translational symmetry with respect to NP. As the NNP have a distinct coordination structure from that of the NP, critical material properties can be anticipated to be different, making NNP a potential substitute material for the aforementioned applications, which are the focus of this review. To obtain a structure–function relationship, systematic approaches to the synthesis of NNP has been demonstrated. Following certain generalities behind NNP, we classify synthesis techniques into few categories with the hope of rationalizing the underlying mechanism of these synthesis and stabilization strategies. We discuss the utility of NNPs in the context of electrochemical water electrocatalytic reactions. Typically, the NNPs have more open volume space enabling lower lithium‐ion diffusion barrier, higher lithium‐ion binding energies, thereby making NNP efficient in the context of energy storage material. However, NNP have lesser stability than the NP and methods to calibrate and improve the stability of NNP are important. Overall, the discussion of polymorphic materials by demarcating them as NP and NNP provides a systematic approach towards modulating material properties as a trade‐off between thermodynamics and kinetics of physicochemical processes. Finally, the challenges and perspectives in this emerging field are discussed. This article is categorized under:Fuel Cells and Hydrogen > Science and MaterialsEnergy Research & Innovation > Science and MaterialsEnergy and Development > Science and Materials [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wearable monitoring systems provide valuable insights about the state of wellness, performance, and progression of diseases. Although conventional wearable systems have been effective in measuring a few key biophysical markers, they offer limited insights into biochemical activity and are otherwise cumbersome in ambulatory modes of use, relying on wired connections, mechanical straps, and bulky electronics. Recent advances in skin‐interfaced microfluidics, stretchable/flexible electronics, and mechanics have created new wearable systems with capabilities in real‐time, noninvasive analysis of sweat biochemistry in combination with biophysical metrics. Here, the latest technologies in multifunctional sweat sensing systems are presented with a focus on novel microfluidic designs, fully‐integrated wireless electrochemical sensors, and hybrid biochemical/biophysical sensing capabilities, creating real‐time physiological insights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite research explicating the benefits of cancer rehabilitation interventions to optimize physical, social, emotional, and vocational functioning, many reports document low rates of referral to and uptake of rehabilitation in oncology. Cancer rehabilitation clinicians, researchers, and policy makers could learn from the multidisciplinary specialty of palliative care, which has benefited from a growth strategy and has garnered national recognition as an important and necessary aspect of oncology care. The purpose of this article is to explore the actions that have increased the uptake and integration of palliative care to yield insights and multimodal strategies for the development and growth of cancer rehabilitation. After examining the history of palliative care and its growth, the authors highlight 5 key strategies that may benefit the field of cancer rehabilitation: 1) stimulating the science in specific gap areas; 2) creating clinical practice guidelines; 3) building clinical capacity; 4) ascertaining and responding to public opinion; and 5) advocating for public policy change. Coordinated and simultaneous advances on these 5 strategies may catalyze the growth, utilization, and effectiveness of patient screening, timely referrals, and delivery of appropriate cancer rehabilitation care that reduces disability and improves quality of life for cancer survivors who need these services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A model for simulating the charge transport properties of semicrystalline polymer (SCrP) using Monte Carlo simulation is reinvented. The model is validated by reproducing the experimentally observed field and temperature dependence of mobility in Poly(3‐hexylthiophene‐2,5‐diyl) (P3HT) thin films. This study also provides a new physical insight to the origin of much debated negative field dependence of mobility (NFDM) observed at low electric field strengths in P3HT thin films. The observed NFDM, which is not explainable with the mechanisms proposed earlier, is attributed to the weak dependence of transit time on the applied electric field strengths. In the semicrystalline films, the charge transport takes place mostly through the crystalline regions, in which the charge transport is weakly dependent on the strength of the applied electric field. In addition, a possible explanation for the origin of Arrhenius temperature dependence of mobility (lnμ ∝ 1/T) commonly observed in SCrP thin films is also proposed. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 137–141 A charge transport model for semicrystalline polymer (SCrP) thin films is developed. The model is validated by reproducing the field and temperature dependence of mobility in Poly(3‐hexylthiophene‐2,5‐diyl) (P3HT) using Monte Carlo simulation. A new insight to the origin of negative field dependence of mobility observed at lower electric field strengths in SCrP thin films is provided. A possible reasoning for the Arrhenius temperature dependence of mobility in this class of materials is also proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The compressive clamping pressure at the interface of gas‐diffusion‐layer (GDL) and current collector decreases the contact resistance between them though it reduces the porosity and surface roughness of electrocatalysts, which would in turn decrease the efficiency of an electrolyzer. We explore these issues of trade‐off between porosity versus contact resistance and provide a design heuristic for optimum clamping pressure. The present work provides an estimate of the optimal value of clamping pressure for an alkaline water electrolyzer having membrane electrode assembly (MEA), taking account of the variation in porosity of catalyst layers and contact resistance obtained via half‐cell studies performed at different pressures. Towards this, we define the performance‐index (Φ) which is the ratio of Faradaic current density and resistances resulting from contact‐interfaces in electrolyzers and we suggest that the maxima in Φ corresponds to optimum clamping pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dromedary camels are the main reservoir of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus ( MERS-CoV), but other livestock species (i.e., alpacas, llamas, and pigs) are also susceptible to infection with MERS-CoV. Animal-to-animal transmission in alpacas was reported, but evidence for transmission in other species has not been proved. This study explored pig-to-pig MERS-CoV transmission experimentally. Virus was present in nasal swabs of infected animals, and limited amounts of viral RNA, but no infectious virus were detected in the direct contact pigs. No virus was detected in the indirect contact group. Furthermore, direct and indirect contact pigs did not develop specific antibodies against MERS-CoV. Therefore, the role of pigs as reservoir is probably negligible, although it deserves further confirmation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer inpatients commonly suffer from impairments that can prohibit safe discharge home from the acute care inpatient medical service and thus require transfer to a postacute inpatient rehabilitation facility. It has been demonstrated in multiple studies that cancer rehabilitation inpatients are able to make statistically significant functional improvements and at a similar pace as their noncancer counterparts. Medical fragility and reimbursement regulations are concerns that affect acceptance and triage of cancer rehabilitation inpatients. Strategies to rehabilitate these challenging patients include considering risk factors for medical complications, consult‐based inpatient rehabilitation, and improved communication and coordination with oncology teams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supports over which electrocatalysts are deposited play a crucial role in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), because they influence the surface roughness, morphology, electronic structure, and conductivity of electrocatalysts. In this context, we designed a hybrid carbon support having an earth-abundant metal as an interlayer between a Co3O4 electrocatalyst and a carbon support. The present approach resulted in an electrode that was three dimensional with high porosity, provided low resistance to parallel electron conduction pathways through the metallic interlayer, and modulated the electrocatalytic activity of Co3O4 by affecting its electronic structure. To rationalize the effect of the metal interlayer, a range of non-noble earth-abundant metals (e.g. Cu, Mo, Ti, Al) were explored, of which the Cu-modified carbon support resulted in maximum specific activity (i.e. activity per electrochemical surface area) for the OER. Whereas both the electronegativity and conductivity of the metal interlayer were found to influence the OER activity, the dominant controlling factor in the explored systems was conductivity. The specific activity of the OER of electrodeposited Co3O4 was found to have a near-linear relationship between the electrical conductivity and the electron-donor metals (e.g. Ti, Al) and another near-linear relationship having different intercepts with electron-acceptor metals (e.g. Cu, Mo, W). The above understanding can be useful in increasing the OER activity of electrocatalysts through support-electrocatalyst interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Access to finance is seen as a binding constraint on the growth of household enterprises in developing countries. We develop a principal agent model of a household enterprise and show that limited access to finance and monitoring costs constrain the firm size via both a direct and indirect effect. Although greater access to finance has a positive direct effect on the hiring of paid labour, firms may not choose to expand and use paid labour via an indirect route that operates through the monitoring costs of employing paid workers. We use large nationally representative surveys of household enterprises in Indian manufacturing and find support for the predictions of our theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Liver-related mortality varies across developed nations. Aim To assess the relative role of various risk factors in relation to liver-related mortality in an ecological study approach. Methods Data for liver-related mortality, prevalence data for hepatitis B and C, human immunodeficiency virus ( HIV), alcohol consumption per capita, Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2 DM), overweight and obesity were extracted from peer-reviewed publications or WHO databases for different developed countries. As potential other risk-modifying factors, purchase power parity ( PPP)-adjusted gross domestic product ( GDP) per capita and health expenditure per capita were assessed. As an environmental 'hygiene factor', we also assessed the effect of the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori. Only countries with a PPP-adjusted GDP greater than $20 000 and valid information for at least 8 risk modifiers were included. Univariate and multivariate analyses were utilised to quantify the contribution to the variability in liver-related mortality. Results The proportion of chronic liver diseases ( CLD)-related mortality ranged from 0.73-2.40% [mean 1.56%, 95% CI (1.43-1.69)] of all deaths. Univariately, CLD-related mortality was significantly associated with Hepatitis B prevalence, alcohol consumption, PPP-adjusted GDP (all P < 0.05) and potentially H. pylori prevalence ( P = 0.055). Other investigated factors, including hepatitis C, did not yield significance. Backward elimination suggested hepatitis B, alcohol consumption and PPP-adjusted GDP as risk factors (explaining 66.3% of the variability). Conclusion Hepatitis B infection, alcohol consumption and GDP, but not hepatitis C or other factors, explain most of the variance of liver-related mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New Findings What is the topic of this review? This review addresses the contribution of the altered gut microbiome to uraemic syndrome, with specific reference to gut microbiome-derived uraemic toxins. It also discusses the potential treatment options to normalize the disturbed microbiome in chronic kidney disease (CKD)., What advances does it highlight? This review highlights the importance of the gut-kidney connection and how the altered microbial landscape in the intestine contributes to dysmetabolism and inflammation in CKD. Recent findings linking gut-derived uraemic toxins to progression of CKD, cardiovascular disease and mortality are also discussed. Finally, we briefly explain targeted therapies that have been studied to restore intestinal symbiosis in CKD., The human intestine is now recognized as an important metabolic organ powered by gut microbiota. This review addresses the alteration in the gut microbiome in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its consequence. We describe the major uraemic toxins, p-cresol sulfate, indoxyl sulfate and trimethylamine N-oxide, which are produced by the gut microbiome, and how these metabolites contribute to progression of CKD and associated cardiovascular disease. Translocation of endotoxin from the gut into the systemic circulation contributes to inflammation in CKD. Targeting the gut microbiome to restore symbiosis may prove to be a potent strategy in reducing inflammation and production of these uraemic toxins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An approach to decreasing the overpotential, increasing the stability, and optimizing the noble-metal composition of electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in acidic media is demonstrated. Essential components of this approach are: 1) combining an active (unstable Ru) component with a dopant (Zn)-activated passive (stable Ti) element, 2) blending these elements by co-electrodeposition in an acidic environment in which dissolution of the unstable component (excess Ru) promotes roughness, and 3) further increasing the roughness of the resultant electrode through chemical inhomogeneity by the incorporation of Ti and through structural inhomogeneity by incorporation of Zn in RuO2. The composition of the electrode with the maximal activity is Ru0.258Ti0.736Zn0.006O x, and its activity is four times higher than that of RuO2. The electrochemical stability towards the OER follows the order RuTiZn>RuTi>RuZn>Ru. This design strategy provides a facile method to improve activity without compromising stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Charge transport properties in thin films of Poly(2-methoxy-5-(3′,7′-dimethyloctyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene) (MDMO PPV) cast using either chloroform (CF), toluene (TOL), or chlorobenzene (CB) as solvent were investigated. Hole mobility (μ) in these thin films measured using time-of-flight transient photoconductivity showed an increasing trend with respect to the solvent used in the same order, that is, μCF (2.4 × 10−7 cm2/Vs) < μTOL (6.9 × 10−7 cm2/Vs) < μCB (2.3 × 10−6 cm2/Vs). Observed variations in mobilities were attributed to different morphologies of MDMO PPV chains in thin films cast using the aforesaid solvents. Nature of the interchain interactions and aggregate formation were obtained using photoluminescence (PL), Raman spectroscopy, and AFM studies. Ratio of PL peak intensities of 0-0 and 0-1 transitions, which is a direct measure of interchain interaction, was the highest in CB and lowest in CF. Variation in the relative intensities of out-of-plane wagging of vinylene group (∼963 cm−1 mode) in Raman spectra suggested different extent of coiling of polymer chains in these thin films. From these observations, it was elicited that aggregate size and interchain interactions are highest in CB and least in CF. AFM-based topographic images of thin films further supported these variations in the size of aggregates. Variation in the aggregate sizes and interchain interactions explained the corresponding variation in the mobility. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2015, 53, 1431-1439 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents materials and core/shell architectures that provide optimized mechanical properties in packages for stretchable electronic systems. Detailed experimental and theoretical studies quantitatively connect the geometries and elastic properties of the constituent materials to the overall mechanical responses of the integrated systems, with a focus on interfacial stresses, effective modulus, and maximum extent of elongation. Specific results include core/shell designs that lead to peak values of the shear and normal stresses on the skin that remain less than 10 kPa even for applied strains of up to 20%, thereby inducing minimal somatosensory perception of the device on the human skin. Additional, strain-limiting mesh structures embedded in the shell improve mechanical robustness by protecting the active components from strains that would otherwise exceed the fracture point. Demonstrations in precommercial stretchable electronic systems illustrate the utility of these concepts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Micro RNAs (mi RNAs) are noncoding RNA molecules that play important roles in the pathogenesis of various kidney diseases. We investigated whether patients with minimal change disease ( MCD) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis ( FSGS) have distinct circulating and urinary mi RNA expression profiles that could lead to potential development of noninvasive biomarkers of the disease. Materials and methods Exosome mi RNAs were extracted from plasma and urine samples of patients with primary FSGS ( n = 16) or MCD ( n = 5) and healthy controls ( n = 5). Differences in mi RNA abundance were examined using Affymetrix GeneChip mi RNA 3.0 arrays. QRT- PCR was used to validate the findings from the array. Results Comparison analysis of FSGS versus MCD revealed 126 and 155 differentially expressed mi RNAs in plasma and in urine, respectively. Only 38 of these mi RNAs were previously cited, whereas the remaining mi RNAs have not been described. Comparison analysis showed that a significant number of mi RNAs were downregulated in both plasma and urine samples of patients with FSGS compared to those with MCD. Plasma levels of miR-30b, miR-30c, miR-34b, miR-34c and miR-342 and urine levels of mir-1225-5p were upregulated in patients with MCD compared to patients with FSGS and controls ( P < 0·001). Urinary levels of mir-1915 and miR-663 were downregulated in patients with FSGS compared to MCD and controls ( P < 0·001), whereas the urinary levels of miR-155 were upregulated in patients with FSGS when compared to patients with MCD and controls ( P < 0·005). Conclusions Patients with FSGS and MCD have a unique circulating and urinary mi RNA profile. The diagnostic and prognostic potential of mi RNAs in FSGS and MCD warrants further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The race-specific association of inflammation with adiposity and muscle mass in subjects with chronic kidney disease (CKD) was examined. Methods Plasma concentration of interleukin (IL)−1β, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, TGF-β, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), fibrinogen, and serum albumin was measured in 3,939 Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort study participants. Bioelectric impedance analysis was used to determine body fat mass (BFM) and fat-free mass (FFM). Results Plasma levels of hs-CRP, fibrinogen, IL-1RA, IL-6, and TNF-α increased and serum albumin decreased across the quartiles of body mass index. In multivariable analysis, BFM and FFM were positively associated with hs-CRP, fibrinogen, IL-1β, IL-1RA, and IL-6. One standard deviation (SD) increase in BFM and FFM was associated with 0.36 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.33, 0.39) and 0.26 (95% CI = 0.22, 0.30) SD increase in log-transformed hs-CRP, respectively ( P < 0.001). Race stratified analysis showed that the association between biomarkers and BFM and FFM differed by race, with Caucasians, demonstrating a stronger association with markers of inflammation than African Americans. Conclusions BFA and FFM are positively associated with markers of inflammation in patients with CKD. Race stratified analysis showed that Caucasians have a stronger association with markers of inflammation compared to African Americans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new genus Nanooravia Kiran Raj & Sivad. (Poaceae-Andropogoneae-Dimeriinae) from the southwestern Ghats in India is described and illustrated, and the new combination N. santapaui (M. R. Almeida) Kiran Raj & Sivad. is made. The genus is characterized by its usually unequal and intertwined racemes, triquetrous rachis, extremely oblique and glabrous pedicel tip, distantly arranged spikelets, long trigonous callus with oblique tip and densely covered with golden-yellow or yellowish-brown hairs along one angle, keel-less glumes with a dorsally echinate apex and apically auricled margins, and an upper lemma with a stout awn having a long column. The new genus is distinct from Dimeria R. Br. in which the species was originally described, but is similar to the monotypic Indian genus Pogonachne Bor currently placed in the subtribe Ischaeminae. It occurs in Peninsular India, a region considered as the centre of diversity of the subtribe with more than 50% of the known Dimeria species, including numerous endemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four linear polymers containing pendant azo moiety were synthesized through click chemistry for second-order nonlinear optical study. The polymers were found soluble in most of the polar organic solvents such as tetrahydrofuran (THF), chloroform, and dimethyl formamide (DMF). The polymers showed thermal stability up to 300 °C and glass transition temperatures ( Tg) in the range of 120-140 °C. The molecular weights ( Mw) of these polymers (measured by gel permeation chromatography) were in the range 37,900-55,000 g/mol. The polymers were found to form optically transparent films by solution casting from THF solution. Order parameters were calculated from UV-vis absorption spectra. The morphology changes in the films after poling were characterized by atomic force microscopy. The angular dependence, temperature dependence, and time dependence of second harmonic generation (SHG) intensity were obtained by using 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser. The SHG intensity remained unchanged up to 95 °C. At room temperature, it remained stable up to 8 days after initial drop of about 14%. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Objective: To determine the test-retest reliability of measurements of thickness, fascicle length ( Lf) and pennation angle (θ) of the vastus lateralis (VL) and gastrocnemius medialis (GM) muscles in older adults. Participants: Twenty-one healthy older adults (11 men and ten women; average age 68·1 ± 5·2 years) participated in this study. Methods: Ultrasound images (probe frequency 10 MHz) of the VL at two sites (VL site 1 and 2) were obtained with participants seated with knee at 90º flexion. For GM measures, participants lay prone with ankle fixed at 15º dorsiflexion. Measures were taken on two separate occasions, 7 days apart (T1 and T2). Results: The ICCs (95% CI) were: VL site 1 thickness = 0·96(0·90-0·98); VL site 2 thickness = 0·96(0·90-0·98), VL θ = 0·87(0·68-0·95), VL Lf = 0·80(0·50-0·92), GM thickness = 0·97(0·92-0·99), GM θ = 0·85(0·62-0·94) and GM Lf =0·90(0·75-0·96). The 95% ratio limits of agreement (LOAs) for all measures, calculated by multiplying the standard deviation of the ratio of the results between T1 and T2 by 1·96, ranged from 10·59 to 38·01%. Conclusion: The ability of these tests to determine a real change in VL and GM muscle architecture is good on a group level but problematic on an individual level as the relatively large 95% ratio LOAs in the current study may encompass the changes in architecture observed in other training studies. Therefore, the current findings suggest that B-mode ultrasonography can be used with confidence by researchers when investigating changes in muscle architecture in groups of older adults, but its use is limited in showing changes in individuals over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (10): 903–910 Background and Objective Muscle atrophy in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) may be due to the activation of apoptotic and proteolytic pathways. We hypothesized that activation of caspase-3 in the skeletal muscle mediates apoptosis and proteolysis during haemodialysis (HD). Materials and Methods Eight ESRD patients were studied before (pre-HD) and during HD and the findings were compared with those from six healthy volunteers. Protein kinetics was determined by primed constant infusion of L-(ring 13C6) Phenylalanine. Results Caspase-3 activity in the skeletal muscle was higher in ESRD patients pre-HD than in controls (24966·0 ± 4023·9 vs. 15293·3 ± 2120·0 units, P < 0·01) and increased further during HD (end-HD) (37666·6 ± 4208·3 units) ( P < 0·001). Actin fragments (14 kDa) generated by caspase-3 mediated cleavage of actomyosin was higher in the skeletal muscle pre-HD (68%) and during HD (164%) compared with controls. The abundance of ubiquitinized carboxy-terminal actin fragment was also significantly increased during HD. Skeletal muscle biopsies obtained at the end of HD exhibited augmented apoptosis, which was higher than that observed in pre-HD and control samples ( P < 0·001). IL-6 content in the soluble fraction of the muscle skeletal muscle was increased significantly during HD. Protein kinetic studies showed that catabolism was higher in ESRD patients during HD compared with pre-HD and control subjects. Muscle protein catabolism was positively associated with caspase-3 activity and skeletal muscle IL-6 content. Conclusion Muscle atrophy in ESRD may be due to IL-6 induced activation of caspase-3 resulting in apoptosis as well as muscle proteolysis during HD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanisms of fluid and solute abnormalities that should be considered in any patient with severe hyperglycemia include changes in the total amount of extracellular solute, osmotic diuresis, intake of water driven by thirst, and influences from associated conditions. The absence of osmotic diuresis distinguishes dialysis-associated hyperglycemia (DH) from hyperglycemia with preserved renal function (HPRF). Mainly because of this absence, comparable degrees of hyperglycemia tend to produce less hypertonicity and less severe intracellular volume contraction in DH than in HPRF, while extracellular volume is expanded in DH but contracted in HPRF. Ketoacidosis can develop in both DH and HPRF. Among DH patients, hyperkalemia appears to be more frequent when ketoacidosis is present than when nonketotic hyperglycemia is present. Among HPRF patients, the frequency of hyperkalemia appears to be similar whether ketoacidosis or nonketotic hyperglycemia is present. Usually patients with severe DH have no symptoms or may exhibit a thirst. Infrequent clinical manifestations of DH include coma and seizures from hypertonicity or ketoacidosis and pulmonary edema from extracellular expansion. Insulin infusion is usually the only treatment required to correct the biochemical abnormalities and reverse the clinical manifestations of DH. Monitoring of the clinical manifestations and biochemical parameters during treatment of DH with insulin is needed to determine whether additional measures, such as administration of saline, free water, or potassium salts, as well as emergency hemodialysis (HD) are needed. Emergency HD carries the risk of excessively rapid decline in tonicity; its benefits in the treatment of DH have not been established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In addition to the maintenance of normal extracellular electrolyte composition, the prescription of continuous peritoneal dialysis (CPD) should address four other specific issues: (i) prevention of uremia by achievement of adequate clearance of azotemic substances, (ii) prevention of progressive expansion of the extracellular volume by adequate peritoneal ultrafiltration, (iii) prevention of loss of residual renal function, and (iv) prevention of deterioration of the peritoneal membrane structure and function. Urea clearance, in the form of Kt/ VUrea, is the index of removal of azotemic substances proposed by current guidelines. The target total (renal plus peritoneal) Kt/ VUrea is ≥1.7 weekly. To provide the desired peritoneal Kt/ VUrea ( Kp t/ VUrea), the prescription of peritoneal dialysis must provide a daily drain volume (Dv) defined by the clearance equations as Dv = V × ( Kp t/ VUrea)/( D/ PUrea), where V is body water obtained from published anthropometric formulas, Kp t/ VUrea = (1.7 − renal Kt/ VUrea)/7 and D/ PUrea is the dialysate-to-plasma urea concentration ratio at the dwell time prescribed. Computer programs obtain the relevant D/ PUrea values from formal studies of peritoneal transport. In the absence of these studies (for example, at initiation of CPD), D/ PUrea values can be obtained from published studies with similar dwell times. Body size, indicated by V, is the major determinant of the Kp t/ VUrea limit provided by a given CPD schedule. Other obstacles to achievement of adequate urea clearance are created by poor patient compliance, inaccuracies of the anthropometric formulas estimating V, and mechanical complications of CPD that lead to retention of dialysate in the body. The main requirements for the prescription of adequate ultrafiltration are knowledge of the individual peritoneal transport characteristics, monitoring of urinary volume, and restriction of dietary sodium intake. Excessive dietary sodium intake is the major cause of extracellular volume expansion in CPD. Ideally, sodium intake should be kept at the level of total (peritoneal plus renal) sodium removal. Preventing the loss of residual renal function involves avoidance of nephrotoxic influences in the form of medications, radiocontrast agents, urinary obstruction and infection, and possibly other influences, such an elevated calcium–phosphorus product and anemia. Use of the lowest dialysate dextrose concentration that will allow adequate ultrafiltration is currently the most widespread practical measure of prevention of peritoneal membrane deterioration. Formulation of biocompatible dialysate is a major ongoing research effort and may greatly enhance the success of CPD in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Mitochondria play a crucial role in the regulation of the endogenous pathways of apoptosis activated by oxidant stress. Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) is a central integration site for pro-inflammatory signals and oxidative stress. Materials and methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from eight end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients before haemodialysis (Pre-HD) and during the last 10 min of HD (End-HD). A new polysulfone membrane (F70, Fresenius) was used for dialysis. Intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial redox potential (Δψm) and PBMC apoptosis were determined by flow-cytometry. Results Plasma levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) (24·9 ± 7·0 vs. 17·4 ± 5·5 pg dL−1, P < 0·05), IL-6 soluble receptor (52·2 ± 4·9 vs. 37·6 ± 3·2 ng dL−1, P < 0·02) and IL-6 gp130 (405·7 ± 41·0 vs. 235·1 ± 38·4 ng dL−1, P < 0·02) were higher end-HD compared to pre-HD. IL-6 secretion by the isolated PBMC (24·0 ± 2·3 vs. 19·3 ± 3·5 pg dL−1, P < 0·02) increased end-HD. Percentage of lymphocytes exhibiting collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential (43·4 ± 4·6% vs. 32·6 ± 2·9%, P < 0·01), apoptosis (33·4 ± 7·1% vs. 23·7 ± 7·7%, P < 0·01), and generation of superoxide (20·7 ± 5·2% vs. 12·5 ± 2·9%, P < 0·02) and hydrogen peroxide (51·1 ± 7·8% vs.38·2 ± 5·9%, P < 0·04) were higher at end-HD than pre-HD. NF-κB activation (3144·1 ± 208·1 vs. 2033·4 ± 454·6 pg well−1, P < 0·02), expression of B-cell lymphoma protein-2 (6494·6 ± 1461 vs. 3501·5 ± 796·5 ng mL−1, P < 0·03) and heat shock protein-70 (9·81 ± 1·47 vs. 6·38 ± 1·0 ng mL−1, P < 0·05) increased during HD. Conclusions Intra-dialytic activation of cytokines, together with impaired mitochondrial function, promotes generation of ROS culminating in augmented PBMC apoptosis. There is concomitant activation of pathways aimed at attenuation of cell stress and apoptosis during HD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is a systemic heritable disorder that affects the elastic tissue in the skin, eye, and cardiovascular system. Mutations in the ABCC6 gene cause PXE. We performed a mutation screen in ABCC6 using haplotype analysis in conjunction with direct sequencing to achieve a mutation detection rate of 97%. This screen consisted of 170 PXE chromosomes in 81 families, and detected 59 distinct mutations (32 missense, eight nonsense, and six likely splice-site point mutations; one small insertion; and seven small and five large deletions). Forty-three of these mutations are novel variants, which increases the total number of PXE mutations to 121. While most mutations are rare, three nonsense mutations, a splice donor site mutation, and the large deletion comprising exons 23-29 (c.2996_4208del) were identified as relatively frequent PXE mutations at 26%, 5%, 3.5%, 3%, and 11%, respectively. Chromosomal haplotyping with two proximal and two distal polymorphic markers flanking ABCC6 demonstrated that most chromosomes that carry these relatively frequent PXE mutations have related haplotypes specific for these mutations, which suggests that these chromosomes originate from single founder mutations. The types of mutations found support loss-of-function as the molecular mechanism for the PXE phenotype. In 76 of the 81 families, the affected individuals were either homozygous for the same mutation or compound heterozygous for two mutations. In the remaining five families with one uncovered mutation, affecteds showed allelic compound heterozygosity for the cosegregating PXE haplotype. This demonstrates pseudo-dominance as the relevant inheritance mechanism, since disease transmission to the next generation always requires one mutant allelic variant from each parent. In contrast to other previous clinical and molecular claims, our results show evidence only for recessive PXE. This has profound consequences for the genetic counseling of families with PXE. Hum Mutat 26(3), 235-248, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Empirical research into knowledge acquisition (KA) issues is important in the effort to improve the productivity of expert system developers. From an experimental perspective, the few studies that have been reported suffer from certain control and measurement difficulties. Here we conduct a study to demonstrate the feasibility of a new KA experimental strategy. The results of this study partially confirm and partially question results of earlier KA experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]