cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biosynthesis of thyroglobulin and its subunits in vivo in the rat thyroid gland.

3H-leucine and 125I were administered to rats to follow the course of labeling of thyroglobulin and its subunits in the thyroid gland. 3H-leucine was incorporated into proteins of 3-8S, 12S and 17-18S sedimentation constants before the label appeared in the 19S component. A time of 48 hr was required in the normal rat for full maturation into 19S thyroglobulin. The chronic administration of goitrogenic drugs altered the protein pattern, with the result that the 3-8S peak became the predominant one, a 12S peak appeared, and the peak in the thyroglobulin region shifted to the 17–18S position. The uptake of leucine was increased in the presence of the goitrogen. The pattern of subunit labeling was similar to that of the control rats but 19S thyroglobulin was never formed. In iodine deficiency the incorporation of the leucine into the 19S component was greatly accelerated. A small amount of 12S protein was labeled with 125I in the normal rat at early times. The labeled protein in the thyroglobulin area was 18...
Balloon dilation angioplasty for coarctation of the aorta

Eleven patients with coarctation of the aorta (C of A) underwent balloon dilation angioplasty at the University of Arizona from November 1983 to January 1985. Eight had previously undergone surgery and 3 had native C of A. Two operations were considered unsuccessful: 1 in a patient who underwent tube graft--descending aortic anastomosis narrowing and 1 in a patient with a native wedge type of C of A. Overall mean gradient fell from 47 to 13 mm Hg immediately after the procedure. Mean gradient at repeat catheterization in 7 patients (mean 8 months after angioplasty) was 6 mm Hg. Five patients showed a transient increase in the gradient measured on the day after angioplasty, with 3 showing a fairly marked increase. Values returned to levels equal to or less than gradients measured immediately after the procedure. Angiographic findings at follow-up catheterization in 7 patients showed no evidence of aneurysm formation in either the operative group or in the 2 patients with native C of A who had a membrane type of deformity. Mean C of A to ascending aortic diameter ratios increased from 0.44 to 0.80. At repeat angiography, the mean ratio was 0.76 in the 7 patients studied. Further longitudinal studies in these patients are necessary before reaching conclusions about the advantage of this procedure over surgery, but these early longitudinal results are encouraging for the populations studied: postoperative patients and patients with native membrane types of C of A.
Association between maternal age and birth defects of unknown etiology: United States, 1997-2007.

BACKGROUND Birth defects affect 3% of babies born, and are one of the leading causes of infant mortality. Both younger and older maternal age may pose increased risks for certain birth defects. This study assessed the relationship between maternal age at the estimated delivery date and the risk for birth defects.
Empirical studies on programming language stimuli

Comprehending and debugging computer programs are inherently difficult tasks. The current approach to building program execution and debugging environments is to use exclusively visual stimuli on programming languages whose syntax and semantics has often been designed without empirical guidance. We present an alternative: Sodbeans, an open-source integrated development environment designed to output carefully chosen spoken auditory cues to supplement empirically evaluated visual stimuli. Originally designed for the blind, earlier work suggested that Sodbeans may benefit sighted programmers as well. We evaluate Sodbeans in two experiments. First, we report on a formal debugging experiment comparing (1) a visual debugger, (2) an auditory debugger, and (3) a multimedia debugger, which includes both visual and auditory stimuli. The results from this study indicate that while auditory debuggers on their own are significantly less effective for sighted users when compared with visual and multimedia debuggers, multimedia debuggers might benefit sighted programmers under certain circumstances. Specifically, we found that while multimedia debuggers do not provide instant usability, once programmers have some practice, their performance in answering comprehension questions improves. Second, we created and evaluated a pilot survey analyzing individual elements in a custom programming language (called HOP) to garner empirical metrics on their comprehensibility. Results showed that some of the most widely used syntax and semantics choices in commercial programming languages are extraordinarily unintuitive for novices. For example, at an aggregate level, the word for , as in a for loop, was rated reliably worse than repeat by more than 673% by novices. After completing our studies, we implemented the HOP programming language and integrated it into Sodbeans.
An Upstream Element Containing an ETS Binding Site Is Crucial for Transcription of the Human Presenilin-1 Gene

Abstract Deletion mapping of the human presenilin-1 (PS1) promoter delineated the most active fragment from −118 to +178 in relation to the transcription start site mapped in this study, in both human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH and hepatoma HepG2 cells. 5′ deletions revealed that a crucial element controlling over 90% of the promoter activity in these cell lines is located between −22 and −6. A mutation altering only two nucleotides of the ETS consensus sequence present at −12 (GGAA to TTAA) has a similar effect. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed that a set of specific complexes between nuclear factors and the PS1 promoter are eliminated by this point mutation, as well as by competition with an ETS consensus oligonucleotide. Competition experiments in DNase I footprinting correlated with electrophoretic mobility shift assays and showed that only one of several footprints over the PS1 promoter is eliminated by competition with an ETS consensus oligonucleotide. It extends from −14 to −6 and surrounds the ETS motif present at −12. Thus, a crucial ETS element is present at −12 and binds a protein(s) recognizing specifically the ETS consensus motif. At least one such complex is eliminated by preincubating the nuclear extract with an antibody with broad cross-reactivity with Ets-1 and Ets-2 proteins, thus confirming that an ETS transcription factor(s) recognizes the −12 motif. Several Sp1 binding motifs at positions −70, −55, and +20 surround this ETS element. Competition DNase I footprinting showed that Sp1-like nuclear factors recognize specifically these sites in both cell lines. Furthermore, a combination of 5′ and 3′ deletions indicated the presence of positive promoter elements between −96 and −35 as well as between +6 and +42. Thus, transfection and footprinting assays correlate to suggest that Sp1 transcription factor(s) bind at several sites upstream and downstream from the initiation site and activate the transcription of the PS1 promoter. Sequences downstream from the transcription initiation site also contain major control elements. 3′ deletions from +178 to +107 decreased promoter activity by 80%. However, further deletion to +42 increased promoter activity by 3–4-fold. Collectively, these data indicate that sequences upstream and downstream from the transcription start site each control over 80% of the promoter activity. Hence, this suggests that protein-protein interactions between factors recognizing downstream and upstream sequences are involved.
WS08‐07Brain plasticity after perinatal damage—prospective neurodevelopmental and ultrasonographic/magnetic resonance study

Objective To assess long-term neuodevelopmental outcome and structural reorganisation of children suffering hypoxic-ischemic (H-I) and/or haemorrhagic perinatal brain damage; To test the hypothesis of more successful recovery of prematures and/or unilateral lesions after perinatal brain damage; To estimate prenatal events, in particularly value of pathological findings of Color Doppler (CD) in the pathogenesis of perinatal brain damage; Study design 68 children suffering perinatal brain H-I (10) and/or haemorrhagic lesions (58) diagnosed by ultrasonography (US) underwent neurologic and psycho-linguistic examinations by age 16. High resolution 2 T MRI was used to assess structural reorganisation; 20 children suffering unilateral perinatal brain damage (MCA infarct.) were followed up (neurodevelopmentally, transcranial CD and US/CT, MRI); 25 children with CD findings (C/U ratio < 1) during pregnancy underwent prospective follow-up postnatally by age 2. Results All children with H-I lesions have still at age 16 one or more severe handicaps, while 39 children with mild grade of hemorrhage had minor neurological dysfunction, 15 were normal. MRI revealed destructive and/or atrophic lesions in all children with H-I lesions and mild atrophy and/or signs of preiventricular haemorrhage in rest children. 20 children with unilateral perinatal brain damage have contralateral hemiparesis and various accompanying neurodevelopmental disorders. There were no strict correlation between size, site, hemispheral involvement gestational age and neurodevelopmental outcome of children examined. Out of the 25 children having pathological CD findings during pregnancy, 7 revealed mild grade (I–II) of peri-intraventricular haemorrhage, 10 children isolated or combined H-I and haemorrhagic lesion, 7 children have no apparent perinatal brain damage. Short-term neuro-developmental outcome revealed mild delay and/or disorders in 10 infants and in the rest normal status.
A photoelectrochemical study of the passive film on chromium

Abstract The photoelectrochemical behaviour of the passive film on chromium has been studied in H 2 SO 4 solution. The results show that photoelectrochemical techniques can be applied to very thin passive films of relatively low quantum efficiency. The positive photocurrent seen in the passive domain indicated an n-type behaviour. The photocurrent response was analysed as a function of wavelength and electrode potential. The presence of inclusions in the chromium samples was found to have significant influence on the photoresponse.
Nanostructured Carbons Prepared by Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis

Porous carbon powders were prepared by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis of solutions of sucrose and sodium carbonate or bicarbonate. The decomposition of the carbonate salt evolves gases that create porosity in the carbon material without sacrificial templating agents. Microporous particles with a macroporous or hollow interior have been produced.
A proposed mechanism for multiplication of neural signals

The probability of the joint occurrence of two statistically independent events is the product of the probabilities of the individual events. This fact is used to show that a neuron which detects coincident arrivals of spikes from two input neurons can function as a multiplier, i.e. its average output spike frequency is proportional to the product of the average input spike frequencies. The theoretical analysis is checked in two ways: (a) Computer simulations confirm the derived expressions for the output frequency and show that increasing the jitter in the input spike trains improves the operation of the multiplier by making the output spike train more regular (b) Experimentally recorded spike trains are used to demonstrate that the type and amount of jitter present in real spike trains is adequate for satisfactory operation of the proposed scheme for multiplication. The operating characteristics of the proposed multiplier make it an attractive candidate for the multiplicative mechanism that is involved in the optomotor response of insects.
Design and Testing of a Variable Effective Compliance Transmission With an MR Damper

This paper describes the design and experimental testing of a variable effective compliance transmission for use with revolute joints in robotic systems. The transmission consists of a parallel arrangement of a torsional spring and a rotary magnetorheological (MR) fluid damper and is placed between a brush–less DC gearmotor and an end-effector. While the stiffness of the torsional spring is constant, the damping of the MR damper can be adjusted by changing the applied current, which alters the apparent rigidity of the system. Hence, the transmission exhibits a variable “effective compliance”. Experimental results show that increasing the damping can reduce position errors during acceleration and deceleration phases of motion. Impact tests indicate that for small currents applied to the damper (low damping), the presence of the torsional spring reduces impact loads during constant velocity motion. In combination, these results indicate that the variable effective compliance transmission can improve safety without sacrificing precise motion control.© 2009 ASME
Physical and mechanical properties of chromium zirconium nitride thin films

Abstract This paper reports on the physical, chemical, mechanical, and tribological properties of reactively sputtered chromium zirconium nitride deposited on Si (111) substrates using Cr and Zr targets. These films were grown using a fixed power to the Zr target (70 W), a fixed flow of nitrogen (1.5 sccm), but with a variable power to the Cr target (0–13 W). The chemical composition was deduced from X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. X-ray diffraction revealed that a two-phase nanocomposite material was formed when the power to the Cr target exceeded 3 W. The nanocomposite consisted of nanocrystals of (Cr, Zr)N, 5–7 nm in size, embedded in an amorphous matrix. The optical constants were measured using spectroscopic ellipsometry and were simulated using a Drude-Lorentz model. This model revealed that the density of free electrons increased with the increase in the power to the Cr target while the resistivity decreased because of the increased grain boundary scattering due to the formation of a nanocomposite structure. The hardness and elastic modulus values were measured by nanoindentation and were correlated to the microstructure of the films. Microwear measurements were carried out using positive constant normal loads and the wear tracks were imaged and processed using the ProScan Image Processing software. The values for the residual depth of tip indentations and wear volumes were reported for the various film compositions.
Planned Missing Data Designs for Developmental Researchers

ABSTRACT— Planned missing data designs allow research-ers to collect incomplete data from participants by ran-domly assigning participants to have missing items on asurvey (multiform designs) or missing measurement occa-sions in a longitudinal design (wave missing designs) or byadministering an intensive measure to a small subsampleof a larger dataset (two-method measurement designs).When these designs are implemented correctly and whenmissingness is dealt with using a modern approach, thecost of data collection is lowered (sometimes dramati-cally) and reduced participant burden may result inhigher validity as well as lower rates of unplanned missingdata. In reviewing these planned missing designs, webrieﬂy describe results of ongoing research on bias andpower associated with each. KEYWORDS— planned missing data; missing by design;intentionally incomplete data; multiform design; three-form design; two-method measurement; wave missingPlanned missing (PM) designs allow researchers to collectincomplete data from participants by randomly assigning them tohave missing items (e.g., multiform designs), missing measure-ment occasions (e.g., wave missing designs), or missing measures(e.g., two-method measurement designs). These designs haveseveral beneﬁts: (a) shortening surveys or assessments reducesthe burden on participants, leading to higher quality data; (b)shortened surveys allow more items in a study, increasing thebreadth of constructs, and (c) the cost of data collection declines.We ﬁrst describe three types of PM designs —multiform, wavemissing, and two-method measurement —developmentalists canuse in planning or continuing a study. Because PM designsrequire the use of modern missing data methods (e.g., multipleimputation [MI] or maximum likelihood estimation), we brieﬂyreview these methods and their repercussions for both plannedand unplanned missing data.
THE TRANSLOCATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF THREE LABELLED HERBICIDES IN PASPALUM DISTICHUM L.

Summary Plants of Paspalum distichum L. with two stolons growing over water were treated separately with the sodium salt of 2,2-dichloropropionic acid-36C1 (dalapon), 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole-14C (amitrole) and 1,1′-dimethyl-4,4′-dipyridylium dichloride-14C (paraquat) at four different situations on one stolon. Autoradiographs showed that both the amitrole and dalapon label accumulated in the apices of the treated stolons and in some of the young shoots growing from the base of the plant. The 14C from the paraquat label showed predominantly xylem translocating with no apical accumulation and little basal translocation. The results indicate that young basal shoots rely to some extent on assimilates from the mature stolons but that there is little transport between mature stolons. La migration et la distribution de trois Herbicides marques dans Paspalum distichum L. Resume Des plantes de Paspalum distichum L. avec deux stolons poussant hors de l'eau ont ete traitees separement avec le sel de sodium de l'acide 2,2-dichloropropionique-36Cl (dalapon), le 3-amino-1,2,4 triazole-14C (amitrole), et le 1,1′-dimethyl-4,4′-dichlorure de dipyridylium-14C (paraquat) a quatre endroits differents sur un stolon. Les autoradiogrammes montrerent que la partie marquee de l'amitrole et du dalapon s'accumulait dans les apex des stolons traites et dans quelques une des jeunes pousses developpees a la base de la plante. Le 14C de la partie marquee du paraquat manifesta une migration surtout dans le xyleme, sans accumulation apicale et une faible migration basale. Les resultats montrent qu'il y a, dans une certaine mesure, un rapport entre les jeunes pousses basales et les matieres assimilees a partir des stolons a maturite, mais qu'il y a peu de transports de stolon a stolon. Translokation und Verteilung von drei markierten Herbiziden in Paspalum distichum L. Zusammenfassung Ein Stolon von Paspalum distichum L., das mit zwei Stolonen uber Wasser wuchs, wurde zu vier verschiedenen Zeitpunkten entweder mit dem Natriumsalz von 2,2-Dichlorpropionsaure-36Cl (Dalapon), oder 3-Amino-1,2,4-triazol-14C (Amitrol) bzw. 1,1-Dimethyl-4,4-dipyridyliumdichlorid-14C (Paraquat) behandelt. Autoradiogramme zeigten, dass sich sowohl Amitrol als auch Dalapon im Apex des behandelten Stolons und in einigen der jungen basalen Triebe anreicherte. Das 14C des markierten Paraquats wanderte hauptsachlich im Xylern ohne apicale Akkumulation und mit geringer basaler Translokation. Die Ergebnisse deuten an, dass junge basaie Triebe zu einem gewissen Umfang auf Assimilate aus den reifen Stolonen angewiesen sind, wahrend zwischen reifen Stolonen wenig Austausch erfolgt.
Control of a coupled map lattice model for vortex shedding in the wake of a cylinder

The flow behind a vibrating flexible cable at low Reynolds numbers can exhibit complex wake structures such as lace-like patterns, vortex dislocations and frequency cells. These structures have been observed in experiments and numerical simulations, and are predicted by a previously developed low-order coupled map lattice (CML). The discrete (in time and space) CML models consist of a series of diffusively coupled circle map oscillators along the cable span. Motivated by a desire to modify the complex wake patterns behind flexible vibrating cables we have studied the addition of control terms into the highly efficient CML models and explored the resulting dynamics. Proportional, adaptive proportional and discontinuous non-linear (DNL) control methods were used to derive the control laws. The first method employed occasional proportional feedback. The adaptive method used spatio-temporal feedback control. The DNL method used a discontinuous feedback linearization procedure, and the controller was designed for the resulting linearized system using eigenvalue assignment. These techniques were applied to a modeled vortex dislocation structure in the wake of a vibrating cable in uniform freestream flow. Parallel shedding patterns were achieved for a range of forcing frequency-forcing amplitude combinations studied to validate the control theory. The adaptive proportional and DNL methods were found to be more effective than the proportional control method due to the incorporation of a spatially varying feedback gain across the cylinder span. The DNL method was found to be the most efficient controller of the low-order CML model. The required control level across the cable span was correlated to the 1/1 lock-on behavior of the temporal circle map.
Loss, grief, and bereavement in family members of cancer patients.

Objectives : To review loss, grief, and bereavement related to family caregivers of cancer patients during illness and after death, and to review interventions to enhance survivors' recovery after the patient's death. Data sources : Review articles, research studies, book chapters, and data from authors' research. Conclusions : Loss and grief can lead to positive outcomes in survivors of patients who have died of cancer. Conversely, negative bereavement outcomes may put survivors at risk for illness and even death. Implications for nursing practice : Nurses can provide interventions for family members that may positively influence physical health as well as recovery from bereavement. Outcomes research is needed to expand our understanding about how interventions affect survivors' recovery from bereavement.
Post-scabetic nodules: a lymphohistiocytic reaction rich in indeterminate cells.

We studied six infants and two adult cases of nodular scabies with immunostains and electron microscopy. All eight cases have had either direct (KOH) or family histories of scabies and were treated with lindane 1% cream or permethrin 5% cream. Family members responded very well, but our patients developed multiple papulo-nodular lesions which were initially very pruritic and, in some cases, persisted from several months to over one year. H & E stain of biopsied tissue sections revealed a heavy perivascular and periappendageal lymphohistiocytic cell infiltration. Immunophenotype of these cells was compatible with Langerhans cells, i.e. CD1A (+), S-100 (+) and HLA-DR (+). Electron microscopy showed that these histiocytic cells satisfied all the ultrastructural criteria of Langerhans cells except for the absence of Birbeck's granules. Lag, a monoclonal antibody for Birbeck's granules, was negative. "Persistent nodules in scabies" or "nodular scabies" seems to represent a prolonged response of indeterminate cells-lymphocytes to mite antigens.
Silicon intersubband lasers

Abstract The critical design issues for unipolar silicon quantum-well intersubband lasers are investigated in this paper. Group IV lasing at near-infrared and middle-infrared wavelengths is analyzed for surface-emitting and edge-emitting geometries. Calculations show feasibility of SiGe/Si and SiGe/Si lasing. Silicon-on-insulator structures are proposed for index-guided lasers, vertical-cavity lasers and micro-cavity lasers
Changes in the Poleward Energy Flux by the Atmosphere and Ocean as a Possible Cause for Ice Ages

Abstract It is proposed that the two preferred modes of temperature and circulation of the atmosphere which occurred over the past 100,000 yr correspond to two modes of partitioning of the poleward energy flux between the atmosphere and ocean. At present the ocean carries an appreciable fraction of the transport, for example about three-eighths at 30°N. In the cold mode it is suggested that the ocean carries less, and the atmosphere more, than at present. During the formation of the ice, at 50,000 BP, for example, the overall flux is expected to be slightly lower than at present and during melting, at 16,000 BP, slightly higher. The transition between the modes is seen as a natural imbalance in the atmosphere-ocean energy budget with a gradual warming of the ocean during an Ice Age eventually cluminating in its termination. At the present the imbalance is thought to correspond to a natural cooling of the ocean, which will lead to the next Ice Age. The magnitude of temperature changes in the polar regions differ between the hemispheres in the same way as present seasonal changes, being larger in the northern than in the southern hemisphere. Overall the atmospheric energy cycle was more intense during the Ice Ages than now. Observational tests are proposed by which predictions from the present arguments may be compared with deductions about the environment of the past. Data used for the present state of the atmospheric general circulation are the latest global data available and contain no known major uncertainties. However, data for the oceanic circulation and energy budget are less well known for the present and almost unknown for the past. Hence the proposed imbalances must be treated as part of a speculative hypothesis, but one which eventually may be subject to observational test as no solar variability is invoked.
The dithiobis(tricarbonyliron) dianion: Improved preparation and new chemistry

Abstract The reaction of two molar equivalents of lithium triethylborohydride in THF −78° with one of (μ-S2Fe2(CO6) results in formation of the [S2Fe2(CO)6]2− dianion in essentially quantitative yield. Reactions of this dianion with organic halides and with halides of tin, germanium, silicon and nickel are reported. Protonation of the dianion produces (μ-HS)2Fe2(CO)6.
Density-functional correction of random-phase-approximation correlation with results for jellium surface energies

Since long-range electron-electron correlation is treated properly in the random phase approximation (RPA), we define short-range correlation as the correction to the RPA. The effects of short-range correlation are investigated here in the local spin density (LSD) approximation and the generalized gradient approximation (GGA). Results are presented for atoms, molecules, and jellium surfaces. It is found that (1) short-range correlation energies are less sensitive to the inclusion of density gradients than are full correlation energies, and (2) short-range correlation makes a surprisingly small contribution to surface and molecular atomization energies. In order to improve the accuracy of electronic-structure calculations, we therefore combine a GGA treatment of short-range correlation with a full RPA treatment of the exchange-correlation energy. This approach leads to jellium surface energies close to those of the LSD approximation for exchange and correlation together (but not for each separately).
Fortifying analog models with equivalence checking and coverage analysis

As analog and digital circuits have become more intertwined, we need to create a validation approach that handles both circuit types gracefully. This paper proposes a model-first approach, where one creates functional models of the analog blocks that will work in a HDL simulator, and then uses these models in the same way as HDL models are used for other standard cells: they are used in the full system validation, and the underlying implementations are validated to ensure they meet this specification. While creating functional models for the analog blocks might seem difficult, almost all analog blocks can be modeled as linear systems and we use this property to help create the required functional model.
Mitigating Memory Wall Effects in High-Clock-Rate and Multicore CMOS 3-D Processor Memory Stacks

Three-dimensional chip (3-D) stacking technology provides a new approach to address the so-called memory wall problem. Memory processor chip stacking reduces this memory wall problem, permitting faster clock rates (with suitable processor logic) or permitting multicore access to shared memory using a large number of vertical vias between tiers in the stack, for ultrawide bit path transfer of data and address information to and from various levels of cache. Although a limited amount of parallel access is possible using conventional two-dimensional (2-D) chip memory-processor approaches, 3-D memory-processor stacking greatly extends this to much larger capacity memories. We evaluate high-clock-rate processors as well as shared memory processors with a large number of cores. Various architectural design options to reduce the impact of the memory wall on the processor performance are explored and validated through simulations. Certain architectural features can be implemented in a 3-D chip, such as an ultrawide, ultrashort vertical bus with low parasitic resistance and the elimination of conventional electrostatic discharge, and packaging parasitics required in multiple package 2-D solutions. The objective is to reduce the clocks per instruction figure of merit for high clock speeds in order to deliver significant performance levels. High-clock-rate processors can be designed with SiGe heterostructure bipolar transistors to obtain processors operating on the order of 16 or 32 GHz.
Endpoint protection zone (EPZ): Protecting LBS user location privacy against deanonymization and collusion in vehicular networks

In vehicular networks when map databases may be used to deanonymize user locations, we propose location based services, LBSs, be designed so that LBS users are grouped by spatial location, into endpoint protection zones, EPZs. Users in the same EPZ would share login credentials, and remain transmission-silent until outside of the EPZ, thus preventing an LBS administrator from knowing which particular user from the EPZ is active - even if the LBS administrator colludes with administrators of roadside units, RSUs. Simulations using realistic vehicle traffic mobility models measure improvements in privacy protection under varying EPZ sizes and vehicle densities.
Sensitivity analysis of Tuscaloosa sandstones to CO2 saturation, Cranfield field, Cranfield, MS

Abstract The study of the seismic response of reservoirs containing injected CO2 is important because it will improve monitoring and characterization of sites used for CO2 utilization and storage. We investigated the sensitivity of the seismic properties to CO2 saturation of the Cranfield injection site using rock physics modeling, fluid substitution, amplitude variation with angle (AVA), and statistical classification. Rock physics models quantitatively linked the elastic properties to variations of CO2 saturation, lithology, and cement content. We modeled velocity and density logs with different fluid compositions. With seismic properties from to these different fluid compositions, we computed (1) AVA responses through Monte Carlo simulations and (2) probability density functions for statistical classification. Rock physics modeling indicated that the upper reservoir is a cemented sandstone and the lower portion a poorly to well sorted mixed lithology sandstone. Consequently, AVA illustrated that the stiff reservoir masked the seismic response due to fluid changes. Statistical classification differentiated between CO2 and brine, with the ratio of compressional to shear wave velocity (Vp/Vs) used as a discerning parameter. Accordingly, these seismic-based tools, applied to relatively high-resolution data, showed the sensitivity of the elastic properties of the Cranfield reservoir to modeled changes of CO2 saturation.
The Zigzagging zeitgeist of health services research: Rapidly changing priorities in the field.

The ﬁeld of health services research is exceedingly broad,encompassing the study of individual health behaviors, nationalhealth policies, and everything in between. The Board of Directorsof the Association for Health Services Research, now Academy-Health, deﬁned the ﬁeld as follows:“Health services research is the multidisciplinary ﬁeld ofscientiﬁc investigation that studies howsocial factors, ﬁnancingsystems, organizational structures and processes, health tech-nologies, and personal behaviors affect access to health care,the quality and cost of health care, and ultimately our healthand well-being. Its research domains are individuals, families,organizations, institutions, communities, and populations.”
General synthesis of new rose bengal derivatives with ether functional groups

Abstract All combinations of functionalization in the C-2′ and C-6 positions of rose bengal was reported. Derivatives obtained are the C-2′ ester, C-6 ether, the C-2′ ester, C-6 salt and the C-2′ salt, C-6 ether. Strategies for manipulating the reactive functional groups in the presence of one another are reported.
The emission of electrons and positive ions from fracture of materials

The emission of electrons and positive ions from materials undergoing fracture is investigated. We present a survey of charged particle emission from a number of materials including crystalline insulators, glass, graphite, polymers and composites. Particular attention is given to fibre-reinforced epoxy systems which yield unique forms of charge emission. Energy distributions of the emitted particles are given for E-glass-epoxy strands, polybutadiene filled with glass beads, and mica. Evidence is presented that interfacial failure and charge separation play important roles in the observed emission.
History of X-ray telescopes and astronomy

The development of X-ray telescopes over the last 45 years is briefly summarized. The first applications to the study of solar X-ray emission are described up to the 1973 Skylab mission. The rather convoluted path that led to the first stellar X-ray orbiting telescope Einstein (1978) and later to Chandra (1999) are discussed. During this 45 years period the angular resolution improved from 20 to 0.5 arc sec and the sensitivity by ten billions. X-ray observations have discovered new types of stellar systems (binary X-ray sources containing neutron stars and black holes) and intergalactic high temperature plasmas containing most of the baryonic mass of the universe. They have become an indispensable tool to study the role of energetic phenomena in the creation and dynamic evolution of cosmic structures. The methodology introduced by X-ray astronomy has influenced all of astronomy.
Glucose affects the severity of hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in newborn pigs.

The administration of glucose has been shown to worsen brain injury in adult animals but has no effect on the severity of injury in newborn rats. We wished to see whether the results in newborn rats could be extended to another newborn animal.In 44 0- to 3-day-old piglets, hypoxic-ischemic central nervous system damage was induced by ligation of both carotid arteries and reduction of their blood pressure to two-thirds normal for one-half hour. In the last 15 minutes of this half hour, oxygen concentration was reduced to 6%. The piglets were randomized to receive either 2 mL/kg 50% dextrose in water followed by 2 mL/kg per hour for 2.5 hours beginning before ischemia or enough insulin to reduce their resting blood sugar to approximately 2 mmol/L.Neurological exam scores in the glucose-treated piglets at 1 day after injury were significantly worse than those in the insulin-treated group. Pathological examination scores were poorer in the glucose-treated group (13.6 +/- 1.9 [mean +/- SEM]) than in the insuli...
Rate limited stabilization: Sub-optimal encoder–decoder schemes

We extend in this paper results from packet-based control theory and present sufficient conditions on the rate of a packet network to guarantee asymptotic stabilizability of unstable discrete LTI systems with less inputs than states. We use a truncation-based encoder/decoder scheme and two types of network control systems are considered in the absence of communication delays, then for one of the two types, the case of a constant time delay is discussed. For one of the network types, we also propose a zoom-in-type dynamic quantizer scheme with lower data rate but a more complex encoding scheme than the truncation-based one. The new dynamic quantizer requires a lower data rate to achieve stabilization, and while it does not achieve the minimum data rate given by the Data Rate Theorem, it uses an encoding algorithm that is simpler than others reported in the literature. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photodissociation measurements of bond dissociation energies: D0(Al2-Al), D0(TiO+-Mn), and D0(V2/+-V)

Abstract The bond dissociation energies D 0 (Al 2 –Al) = 2.701(5), D 0 (TiO + –Mn) = 1.7629(12), and D 0 (V 2 + –V) = 2.323(1) eV have been measured from the sudden onset of predissociation in the photodissociation spectra of Al 3 , TiOMn + , and V 3 + . For Al 3 , the predissociation threshold was observed in a spectrum arising from the metastable 4 A 2 state (in C 2 v symmetry), and the value of D 0 (Al 2 –Al) = 2.701(5) eV was obtained by adding the energy of the 4 A 2 state to the measured predissociation threshold. For TiOMn + , there is currently no evidence that the predissociation threshold arises from a metastable excited electronic state; nor is there evidence that dissociation at the ground separated fragment limit fails to occur. Therefore, the predissociation threshold is taken to be the bond dissociation energy for this molecule. For V 3 + , the measured predissociation threshold occurs 0.32 eV above the collision-induced dissociation (CID) measurement. Based in part on a theoretically suggested 9 A ″ 2 ground state for V 3 + , it is suggested that predissociation of V 3 + occurs efficiently only after the V (3 d 4 4 s 1 , 6 D 1/2 ) + V 2 + ( X 4 Σ g ,1/2 − ) separated fragment limit is exceeded in energy. Making a correction for the energy of this excited separated fragment limit then brings the photodissociation measurement into agreement with the CID result, and allows the bond energy to be determined as D 0 (V 2 + –V) = 2.323(1) eV.
Mass extinctions, atmospheric sulphur and climatic warming at the K/T boundary

The possible climatic effects of a drastic decrease in cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) associated with a severe reduction in the global marine phytoplankton abundance are investigated. Calculations suggest that a reduction in CCN of more than 80 percent and the resulting decrease in marine cloud albedo could have produced a rapid global warming of 6 C or more. Oxygen isotope analyses of marine sediments from many parts of the world have been interpreted as indicating a marked warming coincident with the demise of calcareous nannoplankton at the K/T boundary. Decreased marine cloud albedo and resulting high sea surface temperatures could have been a factor in the maintenance of low productivity in the 'Strangelove Ocean' period following the K/T extinctions.
Acid precipitation: Measurement of pH and acidity1

The pH and acidity of precipitation are difficult to measure accurately because of the low ionic strength of the samples. Use of measured pH to estimate hydrogen-ion concentration may err by as much as 50% if activity coefficients, junction and streaming potentials, and non-Nernstian behavior of the electrode system are ignored. The magnitude of the individual errors is assessed and procedures for measuring pH and acidity to reduce the total error to +-5% are recommended.
Does intraspecific variation in social systems explain reported differences in the social structure of the proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus)

The social structure of proboscis monkeys (Nasalis larvatus) was investigated in the Brunei Bay area of Brunei Darussalam (Northern Borneo). Intraspecific variability in social systems had been suggested to occur in this species, with social structure varying with habitat differences. Prior reports for this area suggested that groups contained several males, females, and offspring and were unstable. Contrary to these reports, I found that the monkeys were organized into groups containing one male, several females, and offspring. These groups associated at sleeping sites at the river’s edge, thus forming a secondary level of organization. This is the same social system reported in Sarawak, Malaysia and Kalimantan, Indonesia in different habitat types. It appears that methodological differences may account for the discrepancies between reports. I have found no evidence to suggest that intraspecific variation in social systems occurs in this species.
Antibiotic lock therapy: review of technique and logistical challenges

Antibiotic lock therapy (ALT) for the prevention and treatment of catheter-related bloodstream infections is a simple strategy in theory, yet its real-world application may be delayed or avoided due to technical questions and/or logistical challenges. This review focuses on these latter aspects of ALT, including preparation information for a variety of antibiotic lock solutions (ie, aminoglycosides, beta-lactams, fluoroquinolones, folate antagonists, glycopeptides, glycylcyclines, lipopeptides, oxazolidinones, polymyxins, and tetracyclines) and common clinical issues surrounding ALT administration. Detailed data regarding concentrations, additives, stability/compatibility, and dwell times are summarized. Logistical challenges such as lock preparation procedures, use of additives (eg, heparin, citrate, or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), timing of initiation and therapy duration, optimal dwell time and catheter accessibility, and risks of ALT are also described. Development of local protocols is recommended in order to avoid these potential barriers and encourage utilization of ALT where appropriate.
Critical Choices for OPEC Members and the United States

In this article considering political, social, environmental, as well as economic and technological factors, we introduce a new approach in analyzing and resolving the world energy problem. We focus on the United States and selected members of OPEC-namely, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the UAE. We describe a "forward" and a "backward" process. In the forward process, possible future strategies and counterstrategies of each actor are matched against one another and analyzed for their effectiveness and stability. In the backward process, using previously derived information, desired scenarios for the actors are compared, the problems facing the attainment of each scenario are identified, and policies which could resolve these problems are formulated and assigned priorities.
Direct position plus velocity feedback control of large flexible space structures

The authors demonstrate the feasibility of shape and position control of large flexible structures with collocated sensors and actuators using direct position-plus-velocity feedback. This result is important for large space structures where the number of modes is very large and eventually unknown. When the number of inputs equals the number of outputs, the stabilizing feedback gain stands for any positive definite matrix, including diagonal matrices. This result may explain the success of decentralized adaptive controllers when a reasonable number of sensors is used to satisfy the observability assumption. >
Inactivation of Kell blood group antigens by 2-aminoethylisothiouronium bromide

SUMMARY. Human red cells incubated with a solution containing 6% 2-aminoethylisothiouronium bromide (AET) lose activity of antigens that are part of, or related to, the Kell blood group system. However, Kx antigen is not inactivated. Studies on a wide range of other blood-group antigens show no other evidence of changes and AET appears to react specifically with red-cell membrane structures that have Kell activity. The AET procedure produces an artificial KO red cell that can be used in blood group serology, and allows easy recognition of antibodies that are associated with the Kell system. AET has been used by other workers to produce a red cell that has many serological and biochemical characteristics of a PNH cell. Our studies on red cells from PNH patients have not shown any changes in Kell blood-group antigens.
Diagnostic performance of the PTSD checklist and the Vietnam Era Twin Registry PTSD scale.

Aims. Self-report questionnaires are frequently used in clinical and epidemiologic studies to assess post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A number of studies have evaluated these scales relative to clinician administered structured interviews; however, there has been no formal evaluation of their performance relative to non-clinician administered epidemiologic assessments such as the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). We examined the diagnostic performance of two self-report PTSD scales, the PTSD checklist (PCL) and the Vietnam Era Twin Registry (VET-R) PTSD scale, compared to the CIDI. Methods. Data were derived from a large epidemiologic follow-up study of PTSD in 5141 Vietnam Era Veterans. Measures included the PCL, VET-R PTSD scale and CIDI. For both the PCL and VET-R PTSD scale, ROC curves, areas under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, % correctly classified, likelihood ratios, predictive values and quality estimates were generated based on the CIDI PTSD diagnosis. Results. For the PCL and VET-R PTSD scale the AUCs were 89.0 and 87.7%, respectively. Optimal PCL cutpoints varied from the 31–33 range (when considering sensitivity and specificity) to the 36–56 range (when considering quality estimates). Similar variations were found for the VET-R PTSD, ranging from 31 (when considering sensitivity and specificity) to the 37–42 range (when considering quality estimates). Conclusions. The PCL and VET-R PTSD scale performed similarly using a CIDI PTSD diagnosis as the criterion. There was a range of acceptable cutpoints, depending on the metric used, but most metrics suggested a lower PCL cutpoint than in previous studies in Veteran populations.
Active Surveillance Program for Prostate Cancer: An Update of the Johns Hopkins Experience

Purpose We assessed outcomes of men with prostate cancer enrolled in active surveillance. Patients and Methods Since 1995, a total of 769 men diagnosed with prostate cancer have been followed prospectively (median follow-up, 2.7 years; range, 0.01 to 15.0 years) on active surveillance. Enrollment criteria were for very-low-risk cancers, defined by clinical stage (T1c), prostate-specific antigen density 0.15 ng/mL, and prostate biopsy findings (Gleason score 6, two or fewer cores with cancer, and 50% cancer involvement of any core). Curative intervention was recommended on disease reclassification on the basis of biopsy criteria. The primary outcome was survival free of intervention, and secondary outcomes were rates of disease reclassification and exit from the program. Outcomes were compared between men who did and did not meet very-low-risk criteria. Results The median survival free of intervention was 6.5 years (range, 0.0 to 15.0 years) after diagnosis, and the proportions of men remaining free of intervention after 2, 5, and 10 years of follow-up were 81%, 59%, and 41%, respectively. Overall, 255 men (33.2%) underwent intervention at a median of 2.2 years (range, 0.6 to 10.2 years) after diagnosis; 188 men (73.7%) underwent intervention on the basis of disease reclassification on biopsy. The proportions of men who underwent curative intervention (P .026) or had biopsy reclassification (P .001) were significantly lower in men who met enrollment criteria than in those who did not. There were no prostate cancer deaths.
How acute pain management affects outcome

Many factors can contribute to patient outcome after surgery. The method of acute pain relief may be an important factor in postoperative outcome. This article discusses the pathophysiology of pain and highlights the effects of different modes of analgesia on patient outcome variables. Epidural anesthesia and analgesia can decrease the risk of vaso-occlusive complications after lower extremity vascular surgery. Currently, there is inconclusive evidence that mode of acute pain relief affects clinical outcome after thoracic surgery. After abdominal operations, both epidural analgesia and intravenous patient-controlled analgesia may reduce the incidence of pulmonary complications in selected patients, and epidural analgesia can hasten the return of gastrointestinal motility and potentially shorten the hospital stay. For patients undergoing hip or knee replacement, spinal and epidural techniques can improve clinical outcome by preventing the development of thromboembolic complications.