cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Constitutive modeling and finite element approximation of B2-R-B19' phase transformations in Nitinol polycrystals

A path-dependent constitutive model is proposed for the stress-induced phase transformation of Nitinol single crystals between austenite, rhombohedral and martensite phases. A multi-directional active set strategy is employed to resolve the path and state of the transformation. The resulting algorithm is implemented using a multi-scale finite element-based method which extends the applicability of the model to textured Nitinol polycrystals. Representative numerical simulations are included and show good agreement with experimental results.
NUCLEAR MIGRATION IN THE BASIDIOMYCETE SCHIZOPHYLLUM COMMUNE

MIGRATION OF NUCLEI for distances of a few micra is commonly associated with the transfer of gametic nuclei in sexually reproducing organisms, but the extent of nuclear migration in the higher fungi is quite exceptional. In various Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes immigrant nuclei of one geniotype often undergo extensive intercellular migration with astonishing speed while progressively colonizing an established mycelium of another genotype. The existence of nuclear migration in these two large groups of fungi was established beyond all reason. able doubt by Reginald Buller and his students (1931, 1940). The present paper concerns the effects of incompatibility and temperature upon the rate of nuclear migration in Schizophyllyum commune; information about such effects may be valuable to the investigation of the mechanism of nuclear migration.
Theory of the temperature dependence of positron bulk lifetimes-implications for vacancy formation enthalpy measurements via positron experiments

Temperature dependent effects, which may have a bearing on determinations of vacancy formation enthalpies in metals by positron annihilation, have been observed in certain metals. These effects have been observed to occur both at temperatures below those at which positron annihilation is most sensitive to equilibrium vacancies and at temperatures well within the vacancy-sensitive region. The effect of thermal lattice displacements on positron lifetimes in metals was investigated to help understand these phenomena. (GHT)
Differentiation and Solidarity in Agricultural Communities

The hypothesis that communities may be characterized by their degree of sociocultural complexity has taken many forms, from earlier polar typologies to recent detailed analyses of the social division of labor. Without reviewing such well-known material, it may be said that the significance of such a dimension - here called differentiation - is widely recognized. It is a concept that organizes a wide variety of institutional patterning previously thought to be disparate. It also allows one to rank communities from simple to complex, even when the communities are from different cultural contexts. A third asset involves the assessment of degree of differentiation at an earlier time period. When this is done, it is possible to compute increase or decrease in differentiation, in short, to measure "community growth."
Efficacy and Safety of Docosahexaenoic Acid and Arachidonic Acid Addition to Infant Formulas: Can One Buy Better Vision and Intelligence?

Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) namely arachidonic acid (ARA, 20:4n-6) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) are highly concentrated in the phospholipid bilayer of biologically active brain and retinal neural membranes and are important in phototransduction and neuronal function. The rationale for adding these LCPUFA to infant formula (IF) was primarily because of their presence in large quantities in the retina and brain and in human milk. In addition, infants fed IF containing LCPUFA and breastfed infants have comparable ARA and DHA levels in red cell and plasma, in contrast to the lower ARA and DHA levels in those fed IF containing only the essential fatty acids: linoleic (LA, 18:2n-6) and linolenic (LNA, 18:3n-3), the precursors to ARA and DHA, respectively. However, functional benefits in particular visual or neural development from IF containing LCPUFA remains controversial. Potential for excessive and/or imbalanced intake of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids exists with increasing fortification of LCPUFA to infant foods other than IF.
Racial disparities in health care access and cardiovascular disease indicators in Black and White older adults in the Health ABC Study.

Black adults consistently exhibit higher rates and poorer outcomes of cardiovascular disease (CVD) relative to other racial groups, even after accounting for differences in socioeconomic status (SES). Whether factors related to health care access can further explain racial disparities in CVD have not been thoroughly examined. Using logistic regression we examined racial and health care [i.e. health insurance and access to care] associations with CVD indicators [i.e. hypertension, low ankle-arm index, and left ventricular hypertrophy] in the Health, Aging, and Body Composition study, a longitudinal study of 3,075 well-functioning adults aged 70–79 in 1997. We found older Black versus White adults had significantly worse health care. Overall, health care only slightly reduced the significant association between being Black and CVD, while race remained strongly associated with CVD after adjusting for demographics, SES, body mass index, and comorbidity. Research on health care quality may contribute to our understanding of these disparities.
Transplantation of ovaries into male Periplaneta americana: effects on vitellogenesis and vitellogenin secretion

Transplantation of ovaries into male Periplaneta americana fails to stimulate secretion of vitellogenins, although yolk deposition occurs to a limited extent in the transplanted ovaries.
Novolac-modified self-sensing piezoelectric microcantilever gas sensor

Development of micro- and nano- electromechanical systems (MEMS and NEMS) contributed significantly to invention of very sensitive methodologies for detection of ultrasmall masses. In this work, a novel Novolac coated piezoelectric self-sensing microcantilever system for detection of ethanol vapor was employed. By exposing two differently polymer coated microcantilevers to the ethanol vapor a downward shift of resonance frequency (33 and 28.95 kHz) was observed. The developed self-sensing strategy proved to provide a simple, inexpensive, and yet highly sensitive platform to detect chemical vapors.
Information-spectrum methods for information-theoretic security

We investigate the potential of an information-spectrum approach to information-theoretic security. We show how this approach provides conceptually simple yet powerful results that can be used to investigate complex communication scenarios. In particular, we illustrate the usefulness of information-spectrum methods by analyzing the effect of channel state information (CSI) on the secure rates achievable over wiretap channels. We establish a formula for secrecy capacity, which we then specialize to compute achievable rates for ergodic fading channels in the presence of imperfect CSI. Our results confirm the importance of having some knowledge about the eavesdropper's channel, but also show that imperfect CSI does not necessarily preclude security.
HIGH PERFORMANCE TURNING CAPABILITIES DURING FORAGING BY BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS (TURSIOPS TRUNCATUS)

Large predators should have difficulty catching small prey because small animals demonstrate greater maneuverability and agility compared to large animals. The ability of a predator to capture small prey indicates locomotor strategies to compensate for inequities in maneuverability. Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Sarasota Bay, Florida feed on fish at least one order of magnitude smaller than themselves. To examine the locomotor strategies involved in prey capture, the foraging movements of these dolphins were videotaped from overhead using a remotely-controlled camera suspended from a helium-filled aerostat, which was tethered to an observation vessel. Dolphins were observed to rapidly maneuver during chases of fish in open water or around patches of rooted vegetation. Video analysis of the chase sequences indicated that the dolphins could move the rostrum through small radius turns with a mean value of 0.20 body lengths and with a minimum value of 0.08 body lengths. Mean rate of turn was 561.6°/sec with a maximum rate measured at 1,372.0°/sec. High turning rates with small turning radii were primarily the result of maneuvers in which the dolphin rolled 90° and rapidly flexed its body ventrally. The ability of dolphins to change body orientation in multiple rotational axes provides a mechanism to reduce turning radius and increase turning rate to catch small, elusive prey.
Minimalism context-aware displays.

Despite the rapid development of cyber technologies, today we still have very limited attention and communication bandwidth to process the increasing information flow. The goal of the study is to d...
“Strategy redundancy” and its impact on the effectiveness of technology-enhanced instruction: A case study

Abstract In this study, eight teachers and three college students involved in a graduate-level Internet course developed skill in using Internet tools and authoring webware materials. The course followed a traditional classroom-based format, but was supported by a webware package developed by the instructor (http://www.sover.net/~milcasa/503). A case study research methodology was utilized to investigate how the implementation of a “strategy redundancy” device, which consisted of the instructor's use of five teaching strategies and their mirroring in five of the features of the webware package, affected the participants′ learning outcomes. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from seven sources. A causal relationship was found between the “strategy redundancy” device and the effectiveness of the course. The need to emphasize the “quality” of the teaching/ learning experience, vis-a-vis the “cost savings” value of technology tools, and the need to conciliate constructivist and instructivist learning were highlighted.
Engineers are from PDMS-land, Biologists are from Polystyrenia

As the integration of microfluidics into cell biology research proceeds at an ever-increasing pace, a critical question for those working at the interface of both disciplines is which device material to use for a given application. While PDMS and soft lithography methods offer the engineer rapid prototyping capabilities, PDMS as a material has characteristics that have known adverse effects on cell-based experiments. In contrast, while polystyrene (PS), the most commonly used thermoplastic for laboratory cultureware, has provided decades of grounded and validated research conclusions in cell behavior and function, PS as a material has posed significant challenges in microfabrication. These competing issues have forced microfluidics engineers and biologists to make compromises in how they approach specific research questions, and furthermore, have attenuated the impact of microfluidics on biological research. In this review, we provide a comparison of the attributes of PDMS and PS, and discuss reasons for their popularity in their respective fields. We provide a critical evaluation of the strengths and limitations of PDMS and PS in relation to the advancement and future impact on microfluidic cell-based studies and applications. We believe that engineers have a responsibility to overcome any challenges associated with microfabrication, whether with PS or other materials, and that engineers should provide options and solutions that assist biologists in their experimental design. Our goal is not to advocate for any specific material, but provide guidelines for researchers who desire to choose the most suitable material for their application, and suggest important research directions for engineers working at the interface between microfabrication technology and biological application.
The sensitivity of Trichomonas vaginalis and Trichomonas gallinae to ultraviolet radiation.

The formation of colonies in solid medium was used as a criterion of viability to determine the effect of ultraviolet radiation on Trichomonas vaginalis. Both viability (colony) counts and total cell (hemocytometer) counts were used to estimate physiological ages of cell populations to be irradiated. Washed-cell suspensions in 0.6% saline were exposed to far- (254 nm) and near-UV (300–400 nm) radiation and dose-response survival curves were constructed from colony counts. The effect of far-UV was found to be independent of growth phase with the D0 for exponential, early stationary, and late stationary cells 2.6, 2.7, and 2.7 J/m2, respectively. Survival to near-UV increased with the age of cells with the estimated D50 being 216 J/m2 for exponential cells, 1360 J/m2 for early stationary cells, and 4200 J/m2 for late stationary cells. Exponential cells of Trichomonas gallinae irradiated with near-UV had a D50 of 340 J/m2. T. vaginalis is highly sensitive to far-UV relative to protozoa. T. vaginalis and T. gallinae are highly sensitive to near-UV relative to other microorganisms.
Spatial features of the rat hippocampal vascular system

Abstract Earlier investigations in this laboratory demonstrated paired internal transverse arteries and veins associated with the rat cornu Ammonis (CA), mapped the vessels, and suggested segmental distribution and drainage patterns. Further studies of the smaller branches and capillaries were required to resolve the presence or absence of structurally segmented or isolated capillary beds common to vertebrate forms having paired intramedullary arteries and veins. Adult Wistar rats were injected with inks to demonstrate the arterial or venous tree or both. Each of the CA3 internal transverse arteries usually supplies numerous small-diameter branches to the adjacent blade of the fascia dentata. Often a major ramus supplies CA1 before the artery branches most profusely near the deepest point of the hippocampal fissure to supply the extrahilar CA3 and portions of the area dentata. Other vessels are located in the subiculum, adjacent regions of CA1, and the area dentata. Branches of the CA3 vessels more nearly parallel the lateral hippocampal axis than either of the other two. Numerous microvascular rami distribute obliquely across the longitudinal and transverse axes. As readily observed from thick, cleared India ink tissue sections, the strata molecularelacumosum and oriens are more vascular than the stratum radiatum where the long axis of capillaries tends to be oriented parallel to the apical dendrites. Clearly a subzone of CA1 stratum pyramidale, but not CA3, is the least vascular CA region. The outer portion of stratum moleculare of the fascia dentata is more vascular than the inner third. Well-developed capillary plexuses exist adjacent to the vascular poor zone of stratum granulosum and CA1. Branches of the internal transverse veins, deep veins, and external veins drain CA3 fields. Evidence of nonexclusive pairing of the internal arteries and veins, multiple systems draining the CA3 field, and the presence of anastomosing capillary beds indicate that structurally isolated segmental microvascular organizations do not exist for CA3 of the rat hippocampus.
Evidence for the biclonal nature of a Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia.

Abstract The serum of a patient with Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia was shown to contain two IgM(κ) paraproteins of different electrophoretic mobilities on cellulose acetate and immunoelectrophoresis and were designated IgM slow (s) and IgM fast (f). Both existed as high molecular weight polymers and contained a J chain. The two pentameric IgM monoclonal proteins were shown to be completely distinct in carbohydrate composition as determined by gas chromatography and periodic acid-Schiff staining, in molecular weight, by physicochemical properties, peptide mapping, amino-acid composition, NH2-terminal sequence, subgroup of light chains, and by lack of shared idiotypic determinants as determined by hemagglutination inhibition studies. Our study presents strong evidence for the ‘bioclonal’ nature of this gammopathy. We conclude that both paraproteins are distinct and originated from different B cells.
What are You Laughing at? Examining White Identity and Enjoyment of Black Entertainment

Whereas ethnic humor scholars purport that groups disparaged through stereotypes derive enjoyment through a sense of connection and identification, few studies examined out-group members' enjoyment experience of the same disparaging content. The present study examines predictors of Whites' enjoyment of stereotyped entertainment when Blacks and Whites are the targets of humor. Integrating critical race theory, entertainment theories, and empirical methodology, this study examines levels of White racial identity as predictors of stereotyped enjoyment. Findings reveal that cultural competence is crucial to digesting racial humor and useful to cultivating cultural cohesion. Further, this article argues for an expansion of enjoyment theories to consider affiliation.
Lifetimes, branching ratios and transition probabilities in molybdenum I

Abstract The radiative lifetimes of 14 excited levels in Mo I have been measured by time-resolved laser fluorescence spectroscopy. Emission branching ratios for the decay of these levels have been measured to determine absolute transition probabilities for 135 lines in the wavelength range 2600–6800A. The transition probabilities are compared with earlier values. Erroneous J assignments in the literature are corrected.
Vein compression by arterial aneurysms

Abstract This study was done to emphasize the importance of early, accurate diagnosis of arterial aneurysms that show the symptoms of venous obstruction. Fourteen patients were identified as having atherosclerotic aneurysms producing venous compression. Nine patients had popliteal aneurysms, causing popliteal vein thrombosis in three patients and vein compression without thrombosis in six patients. Five patients had iliac artery aneurysms, producing left iliac vein thrombosis in one patient and venous compression without thrombosis in four patients. In 10 patients the cause of the venous compression symptoms was correctly identified and appropriate revascularization was performed with successful results. In four patients, two with iliac artery aneurysms and two with popliteal artery aneurysms, the associated aneurysm was not identified. One patient died of a ruptured aneurysm and three patients had below-knee amputations because of untreatable distal ischemia. Inappropriate treatment of patients with venous obstruction from unrecognized arterial aneurysms is associated with unacceptable morbidity and mortality. Accurate diagnosis with timely aneurysm repair eliminates the risk of aneurysm rupture or thrombosis and simultaneously alleviates venous compression symptoms. (J VASC SURG 1988;8:465-9.)
The challenges of treatment evolution and integration.

When the editor of this journal asked me to write an introduction to the present issue I was frankly quite hesitant. After introducing EMDR to the research and clinical community more than 10 years ago (Shapiro, 1989), my primary goal has been to allow it to grow to maturity as an integrated approach to psychotherapy with a strong theoretical, clinical, and research base. Part of that process is one of individuation. It is important that “Shapiro” not be synonymous with EMDR and so I was loathe to once again link myself to an independent EMDR endeavor. But Dr. Frischholz is nothing if not persistent, and so I agreed. And having read the articles in this volume, I can affirm that this series is indeed a part of the individuation process I had hoped for.
STUDY OF VIRULENCE AND TUMORIGENICITY OF VARIANTS OF HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS.

SummaryVariants of herpes simplex virus were shown to differ in virulence for both newborn mice and hamsters. Intraperitoneal introduction of all variants led to a higher death rate than subcutaneous inoculation. The virulent variant caused transplacental infection of hamster, but not of mouse, embryos. Inoculation of 105 plaque-forming units of the attenuated variants into newborn hamsters and mice within 24 hours after birth failed to induce tumors within a period of 6 months.
Aging and carotene nutriture

There is a growing interest in carotenes, particularly β-carotene, because of the inverse relationship between the incidence of cancer and the consumption of β-carotene and serum levels of β-carotene, which has been seen in specific animal model systems (1–3) and several epidemiologic studies (4–7). The protective effect of β-carotene may be particularly important in the elderly population given that cancer is a major cause of death in this age group. Other age related diseases, such as atrophic gastritis, Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease, and cataract which are common to the elderly, may also be related to carotene status. The protective effect of β-carotene may not be through β-carotene conversion to vitamin A. β-carotene may also be biologically important as a potent singlet oxygen scavenger and as an antioxidant (8). Antioxidants have substantial potential to inhibit carcinogenesis and other adverse processes related to oxidative events. Therefore, β-carotene is considered to be a biologically important nutrient.
The influence of response conflict on voluntary task switching: a novel test of the conflict monitoring model

The conflict monitoring model of cognitive control posits that response conflict triggers a top-down enhancement of a task's representation in working memory. In the present study, we conducted a novel test of the conflict monitoring model using a voluntary task switching paradigm. We predicted that a task's representation would be enhanced following events associated with high response conflict (i.e., incongruent trials and incorrect responses), leading participants to voluntarily choose to repeat that task more often after these events than after events associated with low response conflict (i.e., congruent trials and correct responses). In two experiments, performance following incongruent trials was consistent with the conflict monitoring model. However, performance following incorrect trials did not fit with the model's predictions. These findings provide novel support for the conflict monitoring model while revealing new effects of incorrect trials that the model cannot explain.
Political democratization, economic liberalization, and growth volatility

Abstract This study empirically investigates the effects of political and economic liberalization on growth volatility using a difference-in-difference method for a sample of 158 countries over the 1970–2005 period. The results show that, when examined separately, economic liberalization leads to a significant reduction in volatility while democratization is not followed by a decrease in growth volatility. For countries that undertake only one liberalization, opening up the economy to international trade reduces volatility in growth; becoming a democracy, on the other hand, seems to increase macroeconomic instability. For countries that implement both political and economic liberalizations, no statistically significant effect on volatility is detected. These results serve to provide additional support for the policy recommendation that developing countries should liberalize their economy first and then consider political liberalization.
Transcatheter embolization of a leaking pseudoaneurysm of saphenous vein aortocoronary bypass graft

We present a case of successful transcatheter embolization of a leaking pseudoaneurysm of an autogenous saphenous vein aortocoronary graft that developed 9 years following bypass surgery.
Spiral imaging on a small-bore system at 4.7T

Spiral imaging has a number of advantages for ultrafast data acquisition. However, implementation on high-field small-bore systems requires carefully addressing the issues of inhomogeneity-induced blurring and gradient hardware constraints. In this paper, spiral imaging on a 40-cm-bore 4.7T CSI Omega System (Bruker Instruments) is discussed. A constant-voltage gradient waveform design algorithm is developed to reduce readout times as well as minimize waveform distortions due to gradient amplifier nonlinearities. Residual errors are then measured and taken into account in the image reconstruction procedure. Multiple spiral interleaves as well as a multifrequency reconstruction algorithm are used to decrease blurring of off-resonance spins. Both phantom and in vivo images demonstrate the performance of the resulting pulse sequences.
Prevalence of Testosterone Deficiency After Spinal Cord Injury

Objective To define the prevalence of testosterone deficiency in persons with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) and to identify factors associated with this deficiency. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting A U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs SCI unit. Participants Participants (n = 60) included male veterans completing annual evaluations from July 2006 to April 2007. Methods In addition to routine annual evaluation laboratory examination, which included measurements of serum albumin levels, participants underwent measurements of serum total testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, and prolactin levels. Outcome measures included the prevalence of testosterone deficiency (defined as total serum testosterone Results A low serum testosterone level ( t = −2.59, P = .012). The prevalence of testosterone deficiency was significantly greater in participants with motor complete (AIS A and B) injuries compared with those with motor incomplete (AIS C, D, and E) injuries. Testosterone levels were significantly lower in participants who were taking narcotic medications for pain management ( t = −0.25, P Conclusions These findings confirm both a substantial population of men with SCI and with testosterone deficiency, and a significant association between testosterone level and severity of SCI. Measuring serum total testosterone levels should be included in standard screenings for patients with SCI, particularly those with motor complete injuries.
AN ANALYTIC FORM FOR THE CUMULATIVE DISTRIBUTION FUNCTION OF THE BELL-DOKSUM STATISTIC

Summary A closed form analytic expression for the Bell-Doksum Statistic is developed. The use of the generalized hypergeometric function to evaluate the expression is demonstrated, and a table of critical values for 2 n 25 is presented.
Inflammation-Induced Subcellular Redistribution of VE-Cadherin, Actin, and γ-Catenin in Cultured Human Lung Microvessel Endothelial Cells

The inflammation-induced subcellular redistribution of key cytoskeletal and junctional proteins in cultured human lung microvessel endothelial cells is investigated as part of a study on the posttranslational regulation of paracellular permeability. Inflammatory agonist-stimulated cells are detergent fractionated into three subcellular compartments followed by quantitative immunoblot analysis. Actin, gamma-catenin, and VE-cadherin increasingly associate with the cytoskeletal fraction upon thrombin stimulation. Concomitantly, actin is reduced in the cytosol fraction, whereas gamma-catenin and VE-cadherin are reduced in the membrane fraction. alpha- and beta-catenin show baseline distributions similar to those of VE-cadherin and gamma-catenin, but do not significantly redistribute. Additionally, vimentin is found exclusively in the cytoskeletal fraction and also does not significantly redistribute following thrombin treatment. The VE-cadherin response is independent of the presence of F-actin or actin redistribution. Immunofluorescence microscopy reveals that membrane and cytoskeletal VE-cadherin is present in alternating patches along the cell junctions. Furthermore, VE-cadherin is lost from zones of interendothelial cell pore formation. A model is formulated describing these membrane-associated VE-cadherin patches as predetermined zones of potential intercellular gap formation. During inflammation, VE-cadherin is lost from these zones and sequestered at the remaining cell-cell contact sites, anchored to the cytoskeleton in an actin-independent fashion.
Fgf10 Regulates Transition Period of Cortical Stem Cell Differentiation to Radial Glia Controlling Generation of Neurons and Basal Progenitors

Radial glia (RG), the progenitors of cortical neurons and basal progenitors (BPs), differentiate from neuroepithelial cells (NCs) with stem cell properties. We show that the morphogen Fgf10 is transiently expressed by NCs coincident with the transition period of NC differentiation into RG. Targeted deletion of Fgf10 delays RG differentiation, whereas overexpression has opposing effects. Delayed RG differentiation in Fgf10 mutants occurs selectively in rostral cortex, paralleled by an extended period of symmetric NC divisions increasing progenitor number, coupled with delayed and initially diminished production of neurons and BPs. RG eventually differentiate in excess number and overproduce neurons and BPs rostrally resulting in tangential expansion of frontal areas and increased laminar thickness. Thus, transient Fgf10 expression regulates timely differentiation of RG, and through this function, determines both length of the early progenitor expansion phase and onset of neurogenesis and ultimately the number of progenitors and neurons fated to specific cortical areas.
Contents and leachability of heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Sb, Zn, As) in soil at the Pantex firing range, Amarillo, Texas.

Pantex firing range soil samples were analyzed for Pb, Cu, Sb, Zn, and As. One hundred ninety-seven samples were collected from the firing range and vicinity area. There was a lack of knowledge about the distribution of Pb in the firing range, so a random sampling with proportional allocation was chosen. Concentration levels of Pb and Cu in the firing range were found to be in the range of 11-4675 and 13-359 mg/kg, respectively. Concentration levels of Sb were found to be in the range of 1-517 mg/kg. However, the Zn and As concentration levels were close to average soil background levels. The Sn concentration level was expected to be higher in the Pantex firing range soil samples. However, it was found to be below the neutron activation analysis (NAA) detection limit of 75 mg/kg. Enrichment factor analysis showed that Pb and Sb were highly enriched in the firing range with average magnitudes of 55 and 90, respectively. Cu was enriched approximately 6 times more than the usual soil concentration levels. Toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) was carried out on size-fractionated homogeneous soil samples. The concentration levels of Pb in leachates were found to be approximately 12 times higher than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulatory concentration level of 5 mg/L. Sequential extraction (SE) was also performed to characterize Pb and other trace elements into five different fractions. The highest Pb fraction was found with organic matter in the soil.
Time to Treat Hypertension in Patients with Aortic Stenosis

Historically, patients with aortic stenosis (AS) rarely had concurrent systemic hypertension (HTN). Now, echocardiography allows early diagnosis, calcific remodeling has replaced rheumatic heart disease as the most prevalent cause of AS in the developed world, and the population of adults with AS is older, paralleling the demographic shift in the age of our population.1,2 In combination, these trends mean that HTN is a more common comorbidity in patients with AS and is coexistent for a longer period of time before aortic valve replacement. In studies involving younger patients with AS, the prevalence of HTN is 30% to 40%,3 whereas in recent series involving older patients at high risk for aortic valve replacement, the prevalence of HTN is 75% or higher.4,5 Article see p 1349 In patients with AS, increased systemic vascular load, resulting from increased vascular stiffness, resistance, pressure, or a combination of these factors, adds to the load on the left ventricle (LV) from the stenotic valve and is associated with increased hypertrophic remodeling, impaired LV function, and worse clinical outcomes.6–8 As Carabello2 pointed out, the resistance of the valve and the resistance of the systemic vasculature—in effect, 2 resistors in series—both contribute to pressure overload on the LV. In comparison with decades ago, patients managed with AS today tend to have lower valvular resistance and higher peripheral resistance. Whether aggressive treatment of increased systemic vascular load will improve outcomes and whether specific targeting of stiffness or resistance matters is an area of active investigation. Despite the recognition that HTN is an important …
Improved cyclic urea inhibitors of the HIV-1 protease: synthesis, potency, resistance profile, human pharmacokinetics and X-ray crystal structure of DMP 450

Abstract Background: Effective HIV protease inhibitors must combine potency towards wild-type and mutant variants of HIV with oral bioavailability such that drug levels in relevant tissues continuously exceed that required for inhibition of virus replication. Computer-aided design led to the discovery of cyclic urea inhibitors of the HIV protease. We set out to improve the physical properties and oral bioavailability of these compounds. Results: We have synthesized DMP 450 (bis-methanesulfonic acid salt), a water-soluble cyclic urea compound and a potent inhibitor of HIV replication in cell culture that also inhibits variants of HIV with single amino acid substitutions in the protease. DMP 450 is highly selective for HIV protease, consistent with displacement of the retrovirus-specific structural water molecule. Single doses of 10 mg kg −1 DMP 450 result in plasma levels in man in excess of that required to inhibit wild-type and several mutant HIVs. A plasmid-based, in vivo assay model suggests that maintenance of plasma levels of DMP 450 near the antiviral IC 90 suppresses HIV protease activity in the animal. We did identify mutants that are resistant to DMP 450, however; multiple mutations within the protease gene caused a significant reduction in the antiviral response. Conclusions: DMP 450 is a significant advance within the cyclic urea class of HIV protease inhibitors due to its exceptional oral bioavailability. The data presented here suggest that an optimal cyclic urea will provide clinical benefit in treating AIDS if it combines favorable pharmacokinetics with potent activity against not only single mutants of HIV, but also multiply-mutant variants.
A comparison of turbulence classification schemes

Abstract Various schemes for classifying the atmospheric turbulence in terms of the Pasquill A-F classes are compared and assessed. This classification is necessary in some aspects of air pollution control strategies that involve the use of dispersion models based on the Gaussian formulation. In particular the ΔT and σθ methods of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the STAR program, Richardson and bulk Richardson numbers, and a parameter defined as the ratio of wind speeds at two levels are compared. The results indicate that in terms of overall distributions, some of the methods compare favorably to the σθ method which is used as the basis of comparison. However, simultaneous turbulence category determinations by the various methods, on an hourly basis, do not correlate well except for the neutral class. Possible reasons for the discrepancies are discussed. The implications for modeling of concentration estimates are briefly evaluated.
Effect of interferon therapy on the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis: a meta-analysis.

Background: The role of interferon in the prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma remains controversial. Aim: In this meta-analysis we evaluated the hepatocellular carcinoma incidence in interferon-treated and -untreated patients with hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis. Methods: Eleven studies with 2178 patients were found to fulfil our inclusion criteria. The pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated from the raw study data. Results: Hepatocellular carcinoma development was significantly more frequent in untreated (21.5%) than in interferon-treated patients (8.2%; OR: 3.0, 95% CI: 2.3–3.9). In the five studies reporting hepatocellular carcinoma incidence in patients with and without sustained response to interferon, hepatocellular carcinoma was detected at a much higher rate in patients without (9%) than with a sustained response (0.9%; OR: 3.7, 95% CI: 1.7–7.8). Moreover, hepatocellular carcinoma developed significantly more frequently in the untreated patients than in the non-sustained responders (OR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.9–3.9). The benefit from interferon on hepatocellular carcinoma incidence was not influenced by the study type (prospective or retrospective), the follow-up duration, or the study origin. Conclusions: Interferon therapy significantly reduces the hepatocellular carcinoma risk in patients with hepatitis C virus cirrhosis. Hepatocellular carcinoma development becomes almost negligible among sustained responders, but a reduction in hepatocellular carcinoma incidence is also achieved even in the non-sustained responders.
A Cost-Effective Upper Extremity Prosthesis Design

Upper extremity prostheses are a scarce necessity in less developed countries due to the lack of medical facilities, economic resources, and prevalent warfare. Prostheses have become a growing need as fifty-thousand amputations occur annually, with the current market being focused primarily on lower extremities. Leg prostheses have received much more attention and success than their upper extremity counterparts, due to their lower complexity that also yields lower cost. Prosthetic legs only need to fulfill basic motions such as walking and running, as opposed to the more complicated hands that encompass 22 degrees of motion. In less developed countries with few medical facilities, amputees need to travel long distances to find treatment. The objective is to design an affordable and easily assembled body-powered, below-elbow prosthetic device for adults that provides basic arm function and can be widely distributed in developing countries. Therefore, cost, availability, functionality, and simplicity are the primary considerations of the design.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Cerebrospinal fluid xanthochromia in newborns is related to maternal labor before delivery.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this work was to investigate whether xanthochromia in newborns is related to maternal labor before delivery. METHODS. We reviewed the medical charts of all of the infants ≤30 days of age who had a lumbar puncture performed in a single pediatric emergency department between 2003 and 2005. Xanthochromia was detected by the hospital laboratory using the qualitative visual inspection method. We used logistic regression to determine the relationship between maternal labor before birth and the presence of cerebrospinal fluid xanthochromia, adjusting for factors known to be associated with xanthochromia. RESULTS. Of the 478 newborns who had a lumbar puncture performed during the study period, 134 (28%) had xanthochromia. Of the 449 infants with delivery method recorded in the medical chart, 332 (74%) were born via vaginal delivery, 24 (5%) via cesarean section after maternal labor, and 93 (21%) via cesarean section without maternal labor. After excluding patients with hyperbilirubinemia (total bilirubin ≥15 mg/dL) and adjusting for factors known to be associated with xanthochromia (cerebrospinal fluid red blood cells ≥20000 cells per mL and cerebrospinal fluid protein ≥150 mg/dL), infants born after maternal labor had a higher rate of cerebrospinal fluid xanthochromia than infants born without any labor. CONCLUSIONS. Xanthochromia is a common finding in the cerebrospinal fluid of newborns and is associated with maternal labor preceding delivery.
A Generalised Scan Statistic Test for the Detection of Clusters

The scan statistic can be used for the testing of clusters of disease in time. However, it is not valid in situations in which there is some change in the population at risk or in the detection rate of the disorder. Furthermore, it cannot distinguish between a cluster due to the changing pattern of known risk factors for the disease and one due to other causes. A generalised scan statistic is proposed which overcomes these limitations. Its use is illustrated with previously published birth defects data.
Evaluation of Modified Rhyme Test results from impaired- and normal-hearing listeners.

Four lists of the Modified Rhyme Test (MRT) were administered to 9 normal-hearing and 50 impaired-hearing subjects. The stimuli were spoken by a male speaker with test conditions designed to yield ...
Kernel estimates under association: strong uniform consistency

Abstract Let X1, X2,… be associated random variables forming a strictly stationary sequence, and let f be the probability density function of X1. For r ⩾ 0 integer, let f(r) be the rth order derivative of f. Under suitable regularity conditions on a kernel function K, a sequence of bandwidths {hn}, the derivatives f(s), s = 0, 1,…, r, and the covariances Cov(X1, Xi), i ⩾ 2, the usual kernel estimate of f(r)(x) is shown to be strongly consistent, uniformly in x. An application is also presented in the estimation of the hazard rate. Finally, certain covergence rates are also discussed.
Monovalent cation binding to cubic insulin crystals

Two localized monovalent cation binding sites have been identified in cubic insulin from 2.8 A-resolution difference electron density maps comparing crystals in which the Na+ ions have been replaced by Tl+. One cation is buried in a closed cavity between insulin dimers and is stabilized by interaction with protein carbonyl dipoles in two juxtaposed alternate positions related by the crystal dyad. The second cation binding site, which also involves ligation with carbonyl dipoles, is competitively occupied by one position of two alternate His B10 side chain conformations. The cation occupancy in both sites depends on the net charge on the protein which was varied by equilibrating crystals in the pH range 7–10. Detailed structures of the cation binding sites were inferred from the refined 2-A resolution map of the sodium-insulin crystal at pH 9. At pH 9, the localized monovalent cations account for less than one of the three to four positive counterion charges necessary to neutralize the negative charge on each protein molecule. The majority of the monovalent counterions are too mobile to show up in the electron density maps calculated using data only at resolution higher than 10 A. Monovalent cations of ionic radius less than 1.5 A are required for crystal stability. Replacing Na+ with Cs+, Mg++, Ca++ or La+++ disrupts the lattice order, but crystals at pH 9 with 0.1 M Li+, K+, NH4+, Rb+ or Tl+ diffract to at least 2.8 A resolution.
Automated Software Diversity

Vulnerabilities in low-level systems software leave users exposed to malware, theft, and monitoring. Automatic software diversity makes weaponization of these vulnerabilities much harder. The premise of software diversity is simple: randomizing program features conceals them from adversaries; however, securely and transparently implementing automatic software diversity is anything but simple.
What have we learned from proteomic studies of serum

It is sometimes difficult to believe that it was only 4 years ago that John Yates published his work using multidimensional chromatography combined with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (M...
Multiple prospect framing and decision behavior: The mediational roles of perceived riskiness and perceived ambiguity ☆

Decision makers facing a multiple prospect, which is a bundle of single prospects, are influenced by whether outcome information is framed narrowly (segregated) or broadly (aggregated). The present research hypothesizes perceived riskiness and perceived ambiguity as two distinct mediators of the effect of broad versus narrow prospect framing on decision behavior. Perceived riskiness and perceived ambiguity were conceptually defined as psychological constructs and new multi-item scales were developed and validated to operationalize them. Two experiments (a 100-shot gamble in Experiment 1, N = 118, and a 30-year retirement investment in Experiment 2, N = 84) were conducted. Both experiments supported all three hypotheses: riskiness and ambiguity perceptions were distinct constructs (Hypothesis 1), perceived riskiness mediated the effect of multiple prospect framing on decision behavior (Hypothesis 2), and perceived ambiguity mediated the effect of multiple prospect framing on decision behavior (Hypothesis 3). These findings advance our understanding of the psychological mechanisms underlying framing effects for multiple prospects and have substantial business and policy implications.
Measurements of Cavity Loss in a Pulsed Ruby Laser

IN a cavity laser system, oscillation by stimulated emission occurs when the gain is sufficient to overcome the total loss in the cavity. Cavity loss not only determines the threshold condition of laser emission, it is also related to various properties of the laser output, such as the mode structure and the mode pulling effects. It is therefore important to measure accurately the cavity loss in a laser system. Previous workers have used the threshold electric input energy of the xenon flashtube as a means of evaluating the cavity loss for a pulsed ruby laser1–3. The non-linear behaviour of the xenon flashtube can cause measurement error, especially when the measurement was made over a wide range of temperature. There are two parts to this non-linear property: the total and peak radiant outputs in the pumping band are not linearly proportional to the electric input to the flashtube4, and the dependence on time of the radiant output varies with the electric input. However, if the time-varying flashtube radiant output power in the pumping band of the laser is directly measured, the total threshold radiant energy can be obtained by time integration of this pumping power up to the onset of the laser emission, assuming that the fluorescence decay time is long. This results in a loss measurement independent of the non-linearity of the flashtube.
Neutron tomography of particulate filters: a non-destructive investigation tool for applied and industrial research

Abstract This research describes the development and implementation of high-fidelity neutron imaging and the associated analysis of the images. This advanced capability allows the non-destructive, non-invasive imaging of particulate filters (PFs) and how the deposition of particulate and catalytic washcoat occurs within the filter. The majority of the efforts described here were performed at the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) CG-1D neutron imaging beamline at Oak Ridge National Laboratory; the current spatial resolution is approximately 50 μm. The sample holder is equipped with a high-precision rotation stage that allows 3D imaging (i.e., computed tomography) of the sample when combined with computerized reconstruction tools. What enables the neutron-based image is the ability of some elements to absorb or scatter neutrons where other elements allow the neutron to pass through them with negligible interaction. Of particular interest in this study is the scattering of neutrons by hydrogen-containing molecules, such as hydrocarbons (HCs) and/or water, which are adsorbed to the surface of soot, ash and catalytic washcoat. Even so, the interactions with this adsorbed water/HC is low and computational techniques were required to enhance the contrast, primarily a modified simultaneous iterative reconstruction technique (SIRT). This effort describes the following systems: particulate randomly distributed in a PF, ash deposition in PFs, a catalyzed washcoat layer in a PF, and three particulate loadings in a SiC PF.