cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Workload Warriors: Lessons Learned from a Decade of Mental Workload Prediction Using Human Performance Modeling

For at least a decade, researchers at the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) have predicted mental workload using human performance modeling (HPM) tools, primarily IMPRINT. During this timeframe their projects have matured from simple models of human behavior to complex analyses of the interactions of system design and human behavior. As part of this maturation process, the researchers learned: 1) to develop a modeling question that incorporates all aspects of workload, 2) to determine when workload is most likely to affect performance, 3) to build multiple models to represent experimental conditions, 4) to connect performance predictions to an overall mission or system capability, and 5) to format results in a clear, concise format. By implementing the techniques they developed from these lessons learned, the researchers have had an impact on major Army programs with their workload predictions. Specifically, they have successfully changed design requirements for future concept Army vehicles, substantiated manpower requirements for fielded Army vehicles, and made Soldier workload the number one item during preliminary design review for a major Army future concept vehicle program. The effective techniques the ARL researchers developed for their IMPRINT projects are applicable to other HPM tools. In addition, they can be used by students and researchers who are doing human performance modeling projects and are confronted with similar problems to help them achieve project success. Language: en
EPR Spectroscopy of VO2+-ATP Bound to Catalytic Site 3 of Chloroplast F1-ATPase from ChlamydomonasReveals Changes in Metal Ligation Resulting from Mutations to the Phosphate-binding Loop Threonine (βT168)

Abstract Site-directed mutations were made to the phosphate-binding loop threonine in the β-subunit of the chloroplast F1-ATPase in Chlamydomonas (βT168). Rates of photophosphorylation and ATPase-driven proton translocation measured in coupled thylakoids purified from βT168D, βT168C, and βT168L mutants had <10% of the wild type rates, as did rates of Mg2+-ATPase activity of purified chloroplast F1-ATPase (CF1). The EPR spectra of VO2+-ATP bound to Site 3 of CF1 from wild type and mutants showed that EPR species C, formed exclusively upon activation, was altered in CF1 from each mutant in both signal intensity and in 51V hyperfine parameters that depend on the equatorial VO2+ ligands. These data provide the first direct evidence that Site 3 is a catalytic site. No significant differences between wild type and mutants were observed in EPR species B, the predominant form of the latent enzyme. Thus, the phosphate-binding loop threonine is an equatorial metal ligand in the activated conformation but not in the latent conformation of Site 3. The metal-nucleotide conformation that gives rise to species B is consistent with the Mg2+-ADP complex that becomes entrapped in a catalytic site in a manner that regulates enzymatic activity. The lack of catalytic function of CF1 with entrapped Mg2+-ADP may be explained in part by the absence of the phosphate-binding loop threonine as a metal ligand.
The Ocular Effects of Intracarotid Bromodeoxyuridine and Radiation Theraphy in the Treatment of Malignant Glioma

Abstract Since July 1985, 23 patients have been entered into a phase I/II clinical trial using intraarterial 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BUdR) (400–600 mg/m 2 daily for 8.5 weeks) and focal external beam radiotherapy (59.4 Gy at 1.8 Gy daily in 6.5 weeks) in the treatment of malignant gliomas (Kernohan grades 3 and 4). The side effects in all patients have included varying degrees of anorexia, fatigue, ipsilateral forehead dermatitis, blepharitis, and conjunctivitis. Mucopurulent conjunctivitis and exposure keratitis developed in several patients and spontaneous corneal perforation developed in one. Eyes from two individuals examined at autopsy showed significant changes. Animal studies that predated clinical trials using rhesus monkeys did not predict the ophthalmologic complications seen in human subjects.
Dosimetric parameters of a modified set of wedges for use with asymmetric fields of a 6 MV linear accelerator.

A set of standard wedge filters has been modified for use with half‐collimated beams of a 6 MV linear accelerator. The position of the standard size wedge filter has been shifted as far to one side of the wedge plate to ensure optimum half‐collimated field coverage (up to 20×30 cm) required in certain clinical situations. Dosimetric parameters were normalized at 1.5 cm depth and at an off‐axis reference point (3.5 cm from the central axis of the collimator at 100 cm SSD. The shapes of the wedged profile and isodose curves of the modified wedges remained similar to those of standard wedges. Data presented include wedge transmission factors, wedge angles, beam profiles, and isodose distributions. The clinical advantages of using modified wedge filters (larger field size, larger transmission, and smaller weight) over standard large wedges is discussed.
Variability in Rangeland Grasshopper (Orthoptera: Acrididae) Counts When Using the Standard, Visualized-Sampling Method

Two studies were conducted near Guernsey, WY, to investigate intersampler variability in grasshopper counts when using the standard visualized 0.1-m 2 sampling method. This method is commonly used by researchers and pest managers. The 1st study involved comparing grasshopper counts of samplers from 3 interest groups: (1) ranchers, (2) pest management practitioners (USDA-APHIS-PPQ personnel), and (3) pest management educators [university personnel]). Results indicated that estimates of grasshopper densities made by individuals in the rancher interest group were much greater than densities estimated by individuals in either the pest management practitioner or pest management educator groups. In addition, there were significant differences among samplers within interest groups. The 2nd study, designed to investigate differences between all samplers in the pest management practitioner and pest management educator groups, showed that significant differences occurred between the counts of samplers in areas containing relatively high grasshopper densities, but not between counts of samplers in areas that harbored ≤13 grasshoppers per square meter. Some samplers' estimates of grasshopper density were inconsistent between 2 areas of relatively high grasshopper density. An influence of increasing sampling experience on decreasing average grasshopper counts existed over both years and all areas of the study. This was effectively corrected by using a binomial sampling model to adjust the average grasshopper counts. However, use of this model did not remove the much stronger differences between samplers. The highly variable grasshopper counts would have led to management errors in 3 of 4 sampled areas surveyed in the 2nd study. Given these results, we suggest that modifications of the visualized 0.1-m 2 sampling method be made or perhaps some other sampling method be used to estimate grasshopper densities on western rangelands.
Deep-Vein Thrombosis in the Elderly:

Venous thromboembolism, including deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, is a major source of morbidity and mortality among elderly patients. To improve our understanding of elderly patients with deep-vein thrombosis, we compared 1932 patients with deep-vein thrombosis aged 70 years or older with 2554 nonelderly patients in a prospective registry of consecutive ultrasound-confirmed deep-vein thrombosis patients. The mean age of elderly patients was 78.9 +/- 6.1 years compared with 51.8 +/- 12.9 years in nonelderly (P < .0001). Elderly patients were more likely to have prior recent hospitalization (49.2% vs 44.7%, P = .03), congestive heart failure (20.5% vs 9.9%, P < .0001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (18.2% vs 11.7%, P < .0001), and recent immobilization (50.5% vs 39.6%, P < .0001) than the nonelderly patients. Elderly patients were less likely to present with typical deep-vein thrombosis symptoms of extremity discomfort (44.4% vs 60.6%, P < .0001) and difficulty ambulating (8.4% vs 11.2%, P = .002). Only 41% of elderly patients subsequently diagnosed with deep-vein thrombosis had received any venous thromboembolism prophylaxis. In conclusion, elderly patients with deep-vein thrombosis represent a particularly vulnerable population with numerous comorbid conditions. Diagnosis can present a challenge because typical deep-vein thrombosis symptoms may be absent. Fewer than 50% of elderly patients with deep-vein thrombosis had received any venous thromboembolism prophylaxis.
Energy bands of (100) and (110) ferromagnetic Ni films

We discuss the procedure for obtaining the linear-combination-of-atomic-orbitals Hamiltonian and overlap parameters to fit the bulk energy bands of Ni. We then describe an internally consistent method for obtaining the shifts of the surface intra-atomic $d$ parameters. The energy bands and planar densities of states of a 35-layer (100) and 47-layer (110) Ni film are calculated. Surface states exist above the majority-spin $d$ bands throughout the two-dimensional Brillouin zone in the (100) case. Transitions from these surface states into an evenescent low-energy-electron-diffraction state account for the reversal of photoelectron spin polarization observed 0.1 eV above threshold in the (100) case.
Control design for division and compensation with application to high-speed/large-range nano-positioning

In this paper an easy to implement control design strategy is proposed to achieve large range and high speed nano-positioning. The designed controllers aim to divide the positioning task between multiple large range/low speed and small range/high speed nano-positioners. Each controller assigns the proper frequency range to individual nano-positioners, and simultaneously compensates for the corresponding excited dynamics at high positioning speeds. Control design is formulated in the form of several single input-single output (SISO) system identification problems. The proposed approach removes the need for fundamental changes in the design of the conventional scanners such as piezo tubes for applications necessitating high speed and large range nano-positioning.
On the relationship between circumscription and negation as failure

Abstract The aim of this paper is to investigate two powerful methods of handling negative information in logic-based knowledge representation systems: the logical minimization in the form of circumscription and the negation as failure rule, formalized by various closures (or completions) of original theories. We suggest a new, more powerful form of the negation as failure rule and describe an important class of theories for which this form of negation as failure is equivalent to particular forms of circumscription. These results establish a close relationship between the two important formalizations of nonmonotonic reasoning and provide a syntactic characterization of the corresponding circumscriptive theories. This allows us to apply existing methods of deduction using various negation as failure rules to answering queries in a broad class of circumscriptive theories.
QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF GLYCATION SITES ON HUMAN SERUM ALBUMIN USING 16O/18O-LABELING AND MATRIX-ASSISTED LASER DESORPTION/IONIZATION TIME-OF-FLIGHT MASS SPECTROMETRY

Background One of the long term complications of diabetes is the non-enzymatic addition of glucose to proteins in blood, such as human serum albumin (HSA), which leads to the formation of an Amadori product and advanced glycation end products (AGEs). This study uses 16O/18O-labeling and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) to provide quantitative data on the extent of modification that occurs in the presence of glucose at various regions in the structure of minimally glycated HSA.
Valsartan reduced diabetes but not CV events in patients with impaired glucose tolerance and CV risk factors

Source Citation The NAVIGATOR Study Group. Effect of valsartan on the incidence of diabetes and cardiovascular events. N Engl J Med. 2010;362:1477-90. 20228403
Harvey Cushing's approaches to tumors in his early career: From the skull base to the cranial vault

In this report, we review Dr. Cushing's early surgical cases at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, revealing details of his early operative approaches to tumors of the skull base and cranial vault. Following Institutional Review Board approval, and through the courtesy of the Alan Mason Chesney Archives, we reviewed the Johns Hopkins Hospital surgical files from 1896 to 1912. Participants included four adult patients and one child who underwent surgical resection of bony tumors of the skull base and the cranial vault. The main outcome measures were operative approach and condition recorded at the time of discharge. The indications for surgery included unspecified malignant tumor of the basal meninges and temporal bone, basal cell carcinoma, osteoma of the posterior skull base, and osteomas of the frontal and parietofrontal cranial vault. While Cushing's experience with selected skull base pathology has been previously reported, the breadth of his contributions to operative approaches to the skull base has been neglected.
Microscopic observations on the thermal decomposition of α-aluminum hydride

The various isothermal and photolytic decomposition stages of ..cap alpha..-aluminum hydride have been examined by scanning electron microscopy. The pristine material consists of cuboids, 50 to 100 ..mu..m on a side, some of which are contact or interpenetrating twins. The interpenetrating twin axis appears to be the (001) body diagonal of the cuboids. The cuboids' surface, which has been chemically treated to promote thermal stability, contains faceted pits whose sides lie among close-packed directions. The pit interiors show evidence of layering. During the thermal induction period, patches containing acicular filaments, each approx. 0.005 ..mu..m in diameter and approx. 0.3 ..mu..m in length, of Al-metal are formed and are dispersed randomly on the internal crystal surfaces. During the acceleratory period, a large number of additional patches appear in which some of the filaments cluster together to form small clumps. The acicular filaments in all patches thicken and increase slightly in length as the reaction proceeds. Later in the acceleratory period, bubbles (0.2 to 3.5 ..mu..m in diameter) appear. The bubbles are randomly distributed throughout the cuboid and produce isolated volumes (approx. 2 to 7 ..mu..m in diameter) of partially reacted AIH/sub 3/. Eventually, the filaments spread over the entire internal substructuremore » of the cuboid. However, although completely decomposed, the cuboid remains intact. Preexposure to 1.0 x 10/sup 9/R /sup 60/Co ..gamma.. rays blackens the surface and produces a rougher external surface with some densely decomposed patches and many more filaments. Additional patches containing denser clusters of acicular nuclei were observed in the surface after uv photolysis at room temperature and at 150/sup 0/C. At 150/sup 0/C declamination of the surface layer occasionally occurs in the coirradiated material. The increased number of nuclei formed by preirradiation and uv photolysis confirm kinetic studies which postulate the presence of additional nuclei formed by the irradiation.« less
Charge-Transport Properties of the 1,4-Diiodobenzene Crystal: A Quantum-Mechanical Study

The 1,4-diiodobenzene (DIB) crystal stands out among molecular organic semiconducting crystals because of its remarkable room-temperature hole mobility (>10 cm2/(V s)). Here, on the basis of a density functional theory study, we demonstrate that the high mobility in DIB is primarily associated with the heavy iodine atoms. We find that along specific crystal directions, both electrons and holes are characterized by a very small effective mass of about 0.5 m0. Interestingly, iodine substitution also leads to a significant decrease in the local hole-vibration coupling compared to benzene; as a result, the electronic coupling for holes is calculated to be much larger than the hole-vibration coupling, which is consistent with the observation of large hole mobility. In marked contrast, the polaron binding energy in the case of electrons is found to be significantly higher than the electronic coupling; this implies that electrons in DIB are strongly localized even at room temperature.
An adaptive two-sample test based on modified wilcoxon scores

An adaptive two-sample test is proposed which uses the tail lengths of the empirical distribution to determine the appropriate rank scores. The tail lengths are functions of the sample percentiles that are estimated from the combined samples. Monte Carlo methods were used to estimate the size and power of the proposed test and several other tests. Fifteen distributions having five levels of skewness and three levels of kurtosis were used in these simulations. Sample sizes varied from 12 to 800 in each group. The proposed test has greater power than the t-test, the Wilcoxon test, and the normal scores test for skewed data, and has power that is approximately equal to those tests for symmetric data.
The role of apheresis in hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis: A systematic review.

Abstract Background Mostly published as case reports or series, the role of apheresis in hypertriglyceridemia (HTG)-related acute pancreatitis (AP) remains unclear. We performed a systematic review of available literature on this topic with specific focus on disease severity. Methods A search of electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane) and gray literature yielded 5020 articles of which 74 met criteria for inclusion (301 unique patients). Relevant data were abstracted from full manuscripts and analyzed. Results Most patients were young (mean age 37.9 ± 10.4 years) and male (71.5%). About two-thirds (69.7%) received apheresis within 48 h and most required only 1 or 2 sessions (84.4%). Apheresis resulted in an average reduction of serum TG by 85.4% (p Conclusions Apheresis effectively reduces serum TG levels. However, due to uncontrolled data, reporting bias and lack of a comparison group, definitive conclusions on the efficacy of apheresis in reducing AP severity cannot be made. We propose which patients may be best suitable for apheresis, type of studies needed and outcome measures to be studied in order to provide empiric data on the role of apheresis in HTG-related AP.
Prediction of Temperatures in Tilting Pad Journal Bearings

A solution technique for tilting pad journal bearings is presented that includes two dimensional heat conduction in the individual pads and applies a heat convection boundary condition to the pad ends. The method makes use of approximations to the axial pressure profile and the temperature profiles and includes heat transfer between the film and its boundaries. A second order profile is assumed to represent the temperature distribution across the film. The classical Reynolds equation is applied, using the viscosity based on the cross-film average of temperature. The journal surface temperature is given by a circumferential average of the film temperatures. Results of calculations are compared with published experimental results to determine appropriate values for the heat convection coefficient at different conditions. The coefficient is found to be speed dependent. When the variation with speed is approximated as linear, calculated pad surface temperature rises agree with experimentally measured values w...
Fat Graft Viability in the Subcutaneous Plane versus the Local Fat Pad

Background: Fat grafting has been increasingly utilized in both aesthetic and reconstructive surgical procedures, yet the basic scientific understanding of fat grafting has lagged behind the pace of clinical innovation and utilization. This lack of basic scientific understanding has perhaps manifested itself in the wide range of graft viability reported across the literature. This study attempts to further the underlying mechanisms of fat graft take and viability through the comparison of the subcutaneous plane and the local fat pad in athymic rats.
Mini-open thoracoscopically assisted thoracotomy versus video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for anterior release in thoracic scoliosis and kyphosis: a comparison of operative and radiographic results

Abstract Background context Combining anterior release and interbody fusion with posterior instrumented fusion is an accepted treatment for severe rigid spinal deformity. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and mini-open thoracoscopically assisted thoracotomy (MOTA) are two minimally invasive approaches to the thoracic spine. Both reduce surgical trauma, improve cosmesis and provide effective exposure for release and fusion. Published data and the authors' surgical experience have demonstrated that both techniques are equivalent in degree of release to traditional open thoracotomy, but no comparison between these two minimally invasive alternatives has been published to our knowledge. Purpose This study compared MOTA and VATS under the hypothesis that both result in similar corrections and comparable operative parameters when used in conjunction with posterior instrumented fusion. Study design/setting Retrospective chart review of consecutive case series by two surgeons. Patient sample Twenty-one (13 female, 8 male) patients underwent MOTA and 24 patients (17 female, 7 male) underwent VATS for anterior release, discectomy and fusion prior to posterior instrumented fusion. Outcome measures Outcomes were measured at a minimum of 1-year follow-up and included radiographic Cobb measurements and operative parameters. Methods The indications for surgery included rigid and severe scoliosis or thoracic kyphosis. Data collection included preoperative demographics, number of levels released, primary curve correction, operative time and blood loss. Data were normalized per number of levels released anteriorly. Statistical analysis of results was done using a two-sample t test assuming equal variances with two-tail p values less than .05. Results More anterior levels were operated on average in the VATS group (6.33 vs. 4.38 levels). Curve correction per anterior level released was similar in both groups (8.7 and 8.8 degrees/level for MOTA and VATS, respectively). There was a significant difference in operative time with MOTA averaging 131.7 minutes and VATS averaging 162.8 minutes. However, a comparison of the operative time per anterior level operated, approached statistical significance in favor of VATS (33.0 vs. 28.4 minutes, p=.08). There was no significant difference in estimated blood loss during the anterior portion of the surgeries. There was a trend toward decreased blood loss per operated level favoring VATS (68.4 vs. 38.9 cc, p=.09). Conclusions Both approaches resulted in corrections that compare favorably with open thoracotomy. We suggest that a factor in choosing between these two minimally invasive techniques is the number of thoracic levels requiring release. For four levels or less, MOTA provides an excellent alternative to standard thoracotomy. For five or more levels, VATS provides for excellent exposure of additional levels with the advantages of less operative time and blood loss per operated level.
Data-Based Model Refinement Using Retrospective Cost Optimization

Data-based model refinement improves the fidelity of a model based on empirical observations. The model refinement structure is a closed-loop system consisting of an initial model, which is assumed to be known, and a feedback correction, which is unknown. We take advantage of the similarity between the feedback structure of model refinement and adaptive feedback control by replacing the unknown correction term with a retrospectivecost-based adaptive control law. The adaptive control law thus estimates the unknown subsystem. We investigate scenarios in which the initial model is derived from physical principles, such as mass-spring-damper systems, in order to obtain estimates of stiffness and damping coefficients. Furthermore, we identify dynamic subsystems for a linear initial model and a nonlinear initial model.
Synthesis of S-(+)-4-methyl-3-heptanone, the principal alarm pheromone of Atta texana, and its enantiomer

Abstract The principal alarm pheromone of Atta texana S-(+)-4-methyl-3-heptanone, and its enantiomer have been prepared synthetically in high optical purity.
Behavioral effects of chronic buspirone administration in the pigeon: Comparison to midazolam

The effects of acute and chronic administration of buspirone and midazolam were examined in White Carneau pigeons (N = 5) responding under a fixed-ratio 30 (FR 30) schedule of food presentation. Each drug was studied in all pigeons. For three pigeons, buspirone was studied before midazolam, while the order was reversed for the other two subjects. For each drug, a dose-response curve was determined before (prechronic) and two weeks after (postchronic) discontinuation of chronic administration. Prior to chronic drug administration, buspirone (0.3-5.6 mg/kg) and midazolam (0.1-3.0 mg/kg) decreased response rates in all subjects, in a dose-dependent manner. Midazolam was more potent than buspirone; midazolam's ED50 (95% C.I.) was 0.53 (0.41-0.69) mg/kg compared to 2.55 (1.48-4.41) mg/kg for buspirone. For each subject, the lowest dose that decreased responding by at least 50% was administered daily, immediately before the session, for up to 6 weeks. At the lowest daily dose of buspirone, complete recovery of baseline rates was observed in 3 pigeons. However, when the buspirone dose was increased, responding remained below control rates in all but one pigeon. During chronic midazolam administration, tolerance developed to the rate-decreasing effects of midazolam in 4 subjects. When saline was substituted for buspirone or midazolam, suppressed responding returned to predrug rates in all subjects. When the dose-response curves were redetermined, the postchronic ED50 for buspirone was 3.79 (2.10-6.82) mg/kg, which was not significantly different from the prechronic ED50, suggesting that tolerance did not develop to buspirone's rate-decreasing effects.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Reversal of methylation silencing of Apo2L/TRAIL receptor 1 (DR4) expression overcomes resistance of SK-MEL-3 and SK-MEL-28 melanoma cells to interferons (IFNs) or Apo2L/TRAIL

Human melanoma cell lines, SK-MEL-3 and SK-MEL-28, despite induction of the proapoptotic cytokine, Apo2L/TRAIL, did not undergo apoptosis in response to interferons (IFN-α2b or IFN-β). Postulating that genes important for apoptosis induction by IFNs might be silenced by methylation, the DNA demethylating agent 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-AZAdC) was assessed. DR4 (TRAIL-R1) was identified as one of the genes reactivated by 5-AZAdC with a >3-fold increase in 8 of 10 melanoma cell lines. Pretreatment with 5-AZAdC sensitized SK-MEL-3 and SK-MEL-28 cells to apoptosis induced by IFN-α2b and IFN-β; methylation-specific PCR and bisulfite sequencing confirmed demethylation of 5′CpG islands of DR4 and flow cytometry showed an increase in DR4 protein on the cell surface. In cells with reactivated DR4, neutralizing mAB to TRAIL reduced apoptosis in response to IFN-β or Apo2L/TRAIL. To further confirm the role of DR4, it was expressed by retroviral vector in SK-MEL-3 and SK-MEL-28 cells with reversal of resistance to IFN-β and Apo2L/TRAIL. Thus, reexpressing DR4 by 5-AZAdC or retroviral transfection in melanoma cell in which promoter methylation had suppressed its expression, potentiated apoptosis by IFN-α2b, IFN-β and Apo2L/TRAIL. Reactivation of silenced proapoptotic genes by inhibitors of DNA methylation may enhance clinical response to IFNs or Apo2L/TRAIL.
Detection of high-risk atherosclerotic lesions by time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy based on the Laguerre deconvolution technique

This study introduces new methods of time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (TR-LIFS) data analysis for tissue characterization. These analytical methods were applied for the detection of atherosclerotic vulnerable plaques. Upon pulsed nitrogen laser (337 nm, 1 ns) excitation, TR-LIFS measurements were obtained from carotid atherosclerotic plaque specimens (57 endarteroctomy patients) at 492 distinct areas. The emission was both spectrally- (360-600 nm range at 5 nm interval) and temporally- (0.3 ns resolution) resolved using a prototype clinically compatible fiber-optic catheter TR-LIFS apparatus. The TR-LIFS measurements were subsequently analyzed using a standard multiexponential deconvolution and a recently introduced Laguerre deconvolution technique. Based on their histopathology, the lesions were classified as early (thin intima), fibrotic (collagen-rich intima), and high-risk (thin cap over necrotic core and/or inflamed intima). Stepwise linear discriminant analysis (SLDA) was applied for lesion classification. Normalized spectral intensity values and Laguerre expansion coefficients (LEC) at discrete emission wavelengths (390, 450, 500 and 550 nm) were used as features for classification. The Laguerre based SLDA classifier provided discrimination of high-risk lesions with high sensitivity (SE>81%) and specificity (SP>95%). Based on these findings, we believe that TR-LIFS information derived from the Laguerre expansion coefficients can provide a valuable additional dimension for the diagnosis of high-risk vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques.
Impact of maternal cigarette smoking on fetal growth and body composition

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of maternal cigarette smoking on the fetal accretion of fat and lean body mass. We hypothesized that maternal smoking would result in a reduction in the deposition of lean body mass. Study Design: Longitudinal ultrasonographic examinations on 65 singleton fetuses without anomalies of smoking mothers were compared with 36 singleton fetuses without anomalies of nonsmoking mothers. A total of 214 ultrasonographic examinations were performed between 27 and 37 weeks’ gestation. All subjects underwent at least 2 ultrasonographic examinations separated by 4 weeks. We compared the slopes of the growth curves for individual morphometric parameters including head circumference, femur length, abdominal circumference, thigh muscle area, thigh fat area, estimated fetal weight and percentage of thigh fat between groups. Analysis was performed with a repeated measures analysis of covariance. Potential covariates included prepregnancy body mass index (in kilograms per square meter), weight gain during pregnancy, maternal age, parity, and fetal sex recorded at birth. Demographic variables are expressed as mean ± SD; fetal measurements are expressed as mean ± SE. Both t tests and χ2 analyses were used to compare groups with respect to demographic variables. P
High‐Conductivity Tellurium‐Based Infrared Transmitting Glasses and their Suitability for Bio‐Optical Detection

Many biological molecules carry a net surface charge and have the potential to be monitored in drinking water by electrode-positing them on an optical sensing element and measuring their spectroscopic fingerprints in the infrared (IR) spectral region. In this detection scheme, glasses with high conductivity and excellent IR transmitting property are essential. Therefore, it is necessary to develop suitable materials that combine these properties. In this paper, a series of high-conductivity IR transmitting glasses in Ge-As-Te and Ge-As-Te-Cu systems are reported. The conductivity, thermal stability, IR transmitting property, as well as chemical durability are studied. Their suitability for bio-optical detection applications is also evaluated. Some glasses in these two systems have relatively high conductivities (near 10 -4 (Ω · cm) -1 ), and exhibit superior thermal stability, excellent IR transmitting property, as well as good chemical durability. The electro-deposition and spectroscopic tests of protein molecules indicate that these glasses are promising materials for bio-optical detection applications.
Failure mechanisms of reed valves in refrigeration compressors

Abstract Four examples of reed valve failures in refrigeration systems are described. Failure in each case was by fracture of one or more reeds in the valves. Most of the failures could be diagnosed as impact fatigue in nature. The fatigue originated at surface damage on the reed–valve contact surface resulting from impact and reed twisting. One failure could be traced to defects in the casting containing the valve seats.
QT prolongation and torsades de pointes among methadone users: reports to the FDA spontaneous reporting system.

Background Recent case series have associated the synthetic opioid, methadone, with QT prolongation and torsades de pointes (TdP) ventricular arrhythmia. Study Objective To review and analyze adverse events (QT prolongation and TdP) reported to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to determine the patient characteristics, dosages of methadone, and outcomes of methadone-treated patients. Methods The study design was a retrieval and retrospective analysis of reports of adverse events associated with methadone voluntarily reported to the FDA MedWatch program from 1969 to October 2002. Reports were accessed via QSCAN® (DrugLogic, Reston, VA), a commercially available software interface. Results In a total of 5503 reports of adverse events associated with methadone, 43 (0.78%) noted the occurrence of TdP and 16 (0.29%) QT prolongation. Doses were reported in 42/59 (71%) of cases; mean dose was 410 ± 349 mg/day (median 345, range 29–1680). The dosages for 10 of the 42 cases (29%) were within the recommended range for methadone maintenance treatment, 60–100 mg/day. Female gender, interacting medications, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, and structural heart disease, risk factors previously identified with other drugs known to cause TdP, were found in 44 (75%) cases. Most adverse events required hospitalization or resulted in prolonged hospitalization (28/59, 47%) and 5/59 (8%) were fatal. Conclusions Cases of TdP associated with methadone have been reported to the FDA MedWatch system. Analysis of the cases provides evidence that prolonged QT and TdP can occur over a wide range of dosages including those usually recommended for addiction treatment. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cardiac carnitine acyltransferase activities in exercised normal and dystrophic hamsters.

Summary Carnitine acyltransferase activities in the hearts of normal and dystrophic, sedentary and swim exercised hamsters were studied, in order to analyze the relationship between carnitine metabolism and exercise in cardiomyopathy. After 12 weeks, the mean specific activities of cardiac carnitine acetyltransferase (CAT), carnitine octanoyltransferase (COT) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) were significantly higher in the dystrophic sedentary group, relative to the normal sedentary group (p
Stimulation of incorporation of formate-14C into the adenosine nucleotides of the liver of ethionine-injected rats.

Abstract The incorporation of formate-14C into the cold acid-soluble pool of hepatic adenosine nucleotides was ascertained in rats injected with ethionine. The specific activities and total activities of AMP, ADP, and ATP from ethionine-injected rats averaged 2–6 times those of the control rats at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 20 hr after the labeled formate was given. The specific activity of S-adenosylethionine was similar to that of the adenosine nucleotides. Increased incorporation of formate into the adenosine nucleotides occurred if the formate was injected at the same time as the ethionine, or up to 6 hr later. The injection of methionine alone did not result in an increased incorporation of formate and methionine did not reverse the increased incorporation produced by ethionine. The decrease in adenosine nucleotides caused by ethionine may result in increased de novo synthesis of adenine as a result of release of end-product inhibition. Starvation of the rats for 12 or 18 hr resulted in a marked decrease in the hepatic level of ATP, GTP, and UTP and a slight increase in some of the nucleoside monophosphates.
The Effects of Signal Salience and Caffeine on Performance, Workload, and Stress in an Abbreviated Vigilance Task

In 2 experiments, a 12-min computerized vigilance task was demonstrated to reproduce the vigilance decrement, high workload (NASA-TLX), and stressful character (Dundee Stress State Questionnaire) of vigilance tasks lasting 30 min or more. In Experiment 1, the abbreviated task was also shown to duplicate the signal salience effect, a major finding associated with long-duration vigilance tasks. Moreover, Experiment 2 showed that performance on the abbreviated task can be enhanced by caffeine - a drug that benefits long-duration tasks. This enhancement effect was limited to performance, however, suggesting that caffeine influences factors that control signal detection but not those that control task-induced stress. The results parallel those obtained with long-duration tasks and support a resource-depletion model of the vigilance decrement. The abbreviated task might be useful in situations in which long-duration tasks are precluded (e.g., performance assessment batteries, neuropsychological testing, and brain imaging).
Synthesis and Reactivity of the Cationic Methylene Complex [Cp2ReCH2]+

Reaction of Cp2ReCH2R (R = H, CH3) (Cp = η5-C5H5) with [Ph3C]B(Ar‘)4 (Ar‘ = 3,5-CF3)2C6H3) generates carbene complexes [Cp2ReCH2]B(Ar‘)4 (1) and [Cp2ReCH(CH3)]B(Ar‘)4 (3). Complex 1 is thermally robust and is only observed to decompose to [Cp2Re(C2H4)]+ and [Cp2Re(NCCD3)]+ upon prolonged thermolysis in acetonitrile-d3 or upon addition of BF4- or PF6- salts. The formation of 1 is also observed upon reaction of [Cp2Re(CH3)H]B(Ar‘)4 with CH2Cl2 at 0 °C to give [Cp2Re(CH2Cl)Cl]B(Ar‘)4 (2) followed by treatment with Mg. The electrophilic nature of 1 is confirmed by adduct formation with PPh3, pyridine, and CNtBu. Complex 1 reacts with halogens by 1,2-addition across the Re−C double bond to form halomethyl halide complexes [Cp2Re(CH2X)X]B(Ar‘)4 (X = Cl, Br, I). Reaction of 1 with pyridine N-oxide gives the formaldehyde complex [Cp2Re(η2-H2CO)]B(Ar‘)4. The formaldehyde ligand can be displaced in solution by reaction with PPh3, acetonitrile, or methylene chloride. Complex 1 reacts with sulfur-atom donor reagents ...
The detection of in vivo hematotoxicity of benzene by in vitro liquid bone marrow cultures

Abstract Bone marrow toxicity induced by benzene inhalation was investigated in mice using an in vitro bone marrow culture system and a bioassay for leukemia. Donor animals (6-week-old female C56B1/6J) were exposed to 400 ppm benzene 6 hr/day for either 9 days (5 days/week) or for 11 consecutive days. Cell suspensions from long-term bone marrow cultures established from benzene-exposed mice showed a progressive reduction in the number of spleen colony-forming cells (the hematopoietic stem cell) compared to control. Different combinations of adherent cell layers and reinoculated cells showed that cultures containing bone marrow cells from benzene-exposed mice had a lower capacity to maintain stem cell proliferation than normal combinations irrespective of whether benzene-exposed marrow was in the adherent cell layers or reinoculated cells. These results indicate that benzene inhalation produces stem cell injury leading to diminished self-replication and derangement of the adherent marrow population. Bone marrow cultures from benzene-treated mice did not develop detectable transformation in vitro throughout the culture period. Neonatal mice inoculated with cultured cells from benzene-exposed mice have not developed leukemia during an 8-month period after inoculation.
From cell biology to immunology--a short trip.

Immunologic memory and immunoglobulin allotype suppression are discussed as problems in Cell Biology. Memory, the ability of an animal after a first antigenic exposure to give a heightened and faster immune response upon a second exposure to the same antigen, is shown to be a property of bone marrow-derived cell lines. Expression of this memory depends on interaction with thymus-derived cells from either non-immunized or immunized mice. Chronic allotype suppression is described for the first time. It is initiated by in utero or neonatal exposure of (SJL × BALB/c)F1 mice, allotype a/b, to anti b antibody. Suppression lasts for long periods and continues in irradiated recipients which have received lymphoid cells from suppressed donors. Selection against b allotype producing cell precursors can explain suppression.
Interactions of lymphocytes and macrophages from human colostrum. Electron microscopic studies of the interacting lymphocyte.

Abstract Motile human colostral lymphocytes on the surface of colostral macrophages in vitro were selected for study with the electron microscope. These lymphocytes exhibited a bipolar structure with a regional distribution of cytoplasmic organelles and a difference between the structural features of the interaction of the two poles of the motile lymphocyte with the macrophage. These observations are discussed in relation to the regionalization of functions within the motile lymphocyte.
Protein synthesis by rat hepatoma x mouse teratocarcinoma somatic cell hybrids.

The synthesis of intracellular and secretory proteins by rat hepatoma (MHC) and mouse teratocarcinoma (PCC4AZA1) cells and MHC x PCC4AZA1 somatic cell hybrids was examined with two-dimensional (O'Farrell) electrophoresis. The gels of the PCC4AZA1 and hybrid cells were nearly identical and were quite different from those of the MHC cells. The teratocarcinoma phenotype was, therefore, dominant in the teratocarcinoma x hepatoma somatic cell hybrids.
An artificial anchor domain: hydrophobicity suffices to stop transfer.

Summary A hydrophobic sequence of 23 contiguous, uncharged residues anchors the coliphage f1 gene III protein (pIII) to the Escherichia coil cytoplasmic membrane; mutations removing this domain allow secretion of the protein to the periplasm. Multiple copies of an oligonucleotide encoding the hydrophobic repeat, Leu-Ala-Leu-Val, were introduced into genes for secreted forms of pIII. Artificial domains of 16 or more hydrophobic residues function to anchor the protein. Pronase protection experiments demonstrate that the new sequences act to halt transfer of the protein across the membrane, thus specifying a transmembrane topology. Relocating the hydrophobic domain within the polypeptide chain predictably alters the resultant protein/membrane topology. Repeats of a polar sequence were inserted with no effect on secretion. Furthermore, an unrelated hydrophobic sequence, uncovered by a gene III frameshift mutation, acts to anchor the protein. We conclude that function simply reflects hydrophobicity and not some more subtle feature of structure or sequence.
Deposition phase diagrams for Si1−xGex:H from real time spectroscopic ellipsometry

Phase diagrams have been developed to describe rf plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) of hydrogenated silicon-germanium alloys (Si 1-x Ge x :H) on crystalline Si substrates held at 200 °C. For a series of three such overlapping diagrams established at different flow ratios G= [GeH 4 ]/[SiH 4 ] + [GeH 4 ]}, the boundary describing the thickness at which the amorphous-to-(mixed-phase microcrystalline) transition occurs [designated a → (a + μc)] shifts rapidly to higher H 2 -dilution flow ratio R = [H 2 ]/{[SiH 4 ] + [GeH 4 ]} with increasing G. This demonstrates that Ge incorporation strongly suppresses microcrystallite nucleation from the amorphous phase. For each individual phase diagram of this series, the thickness at which an amorphous regime roughening transition occurs [designated a → a] increases with increasing R right up to the a → (a + μc) boundary. Under wide ranges of deposition conditions, however, the maximum a → a transition thickness decreases rapidly with increasing G for the series of phase diagrams with different ratios G. This decrease is weakest for cathodic PECVD of Si 1-x Ge x :H with a self-bias near -20 V, suggesting precursor surface diffusion enhancement under such conditions.
Centralization and Decentralization in Mainland China's Agriculture, 1949–1962

Introduction, 208. — Price policy, 1950–53, 209. — Introduction of compulsory quotas, 1954–55, 216. — Centralization through cooperatives, 1956–57, 219. — Communes and anarchy, 1958–59, 227. — Revisions, 1960–62, 232. — Centralization versus decentralization, 235.
The Abundance of Interstellar Tin and Cadmium

We have determined the gas-phase interstellar abundance of the dominant ions of tin and cadmium (Sn II and Cd II) in the diffuse clouds toward 14 and 5 stars, respectively. Our measurements show that tin is exchanged between the gas and dust phases of the diffuse interstellar medium, while cadmium is not. The sight lines showing the highest gas-phase tin-to-hydrogen ratios (the least amount of Sn depletion) have values of Sn/H that are supersolar. Tin is the first element to show a well-determined interstellar gas-phase abundance that appears to be enriched with respect to the Sun. This finding is direct evidence of s-process enrichment of the ISM by low- to intermediate-mass asymptotic giant branch stars. The average Cd/H abundance ratio in our sample is 0.09 dex below the Sun's. This ratio does not preclude an enhancement of cadmium with respect to the Sun if Cd is incorporated into dust and/or if the adopted f-value for the cadmium transition has a large error.
Regional climate model projections of rainfall from U.S. landfalling tropical cyclones

The eastern United States is vulnerable to flooding from tropical cyclone rainfall. Understanding how both the frequency and intensity of this rainfall will change in the future climate is a major challenge. One promising approach is the dynamical downscaling of relatively coarse general circulation model results using higher-resolution regional climate models (RCMs). In this paper, we examine the frequency of landfalling tropical cyclones and associated rainfall properties over the eastern United States using Zetac, an 18-km resolution RCM designed for modeling Atlantic tropical cyclone activity. Simulations of 1980–2006 tropical cyclone frequency and rainfall intensity for the months of August–October are compared against results from previous studies and observation-based datasets. The 1980–2006 control simulations are then compared against results from three future climate scenarios: CMIP3/A1B (late twenty-first century) and CMIP5/RCP4.5 (early and late twenty-first century). In CMIP5 early and late twenty-first century projections, the frequency of occurrence of post-landfall tropical cyclones shows little net change over much of the eastern U.S. despite a decrease in frequency over the ocean. This reflects a greater landfalling fraction in CMIP5 projections, which is not seen in CMIP3-based projections. Average tropical cyclone rain rates over land within 500 km of the storm center increase by 8–17 % in the future climate projections relative to control. This is at least as much as expected from the Clausius–Clapeyron relation, which links a warmer atmosphere to greater atmospheric water vapor content. Over land, the percent enhancement of area-averaged rain rates from a given tropical cyclone in the warmer climate is greater for larger averaging radius (300–500 km) than near the storm, particularly for the CMIP3 projections. Although this study does not focus on attribution, the findings are broadly consistent with historical tropical cyclone rainfall changes documented in a recent observational study. The results may have important implications for future flood risks from tropical cyclones.