cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Luminescence measurements of X-ray absorption spectra: An application of liquid scintillation counting in synchrotron radiation spectroscopy

Abstract Simultaneous ??? X-ray absorption spectra of tetramethyltin in organic scintillator solutions using photoconductivity (current yield) and ??? (luminescence yield) techniques are reported. It is found that the luminescence spectra are very similar to those obtained with the photoconductivity technique. The feasibility of luminescence yield X-ray absorption measurements and its applications in the development of liquid scintillation counters are discussed.
Successful percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty in a patient with left atrial thrombus : A case report

Percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty (PBMV) described by Inoue et al, is a safe FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved procedure in patients with severe mitral stenosis. One of the contraindications of the procedure is presence of a left atrial thrombus; however, it has been reported that intense warfarin therapy may led to dissolution of the thrombus. The authors report a patient who was referred for PBMV and was found to have a left atrial thrombus. After intense warfarin therapy, successful PBMV was undertaken without complications.
Adaptive fault detection and isolation approach for actuator stuck faults in closed-loop systems

This paper addresses the fault detection and isolation (FDI) problem for linear time-invariant (LTI) systems under feedback control. Considered all the possible actuator stuck faults, the closed-loop systems are modeled via multiple models, i.e., fault-free model and faulty models. A fault detection observer and a bank of fault isolation observers are designed by using adaptive estimation techniques. The explicit fault detectability and isolability conditions are derived for determining the class of faults that are detectable and isolable. An F-18 aircraft model is employed to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed FDI approach.
Characterization of Anopheles darlingi (Diptera: Culicidae) larval habitats in Belize, Central America

Surveys for larvae of Anopheles darlingi Root were conducted in April, May, and August 1994 in riverine habitats of central Belize (Cayo and Belize districts). An. darlingi was present during both the dry and wet seasons. Larvae were encountered most frequently in patches of floating debris along river margins. The floating mats were often formed by bamboo hanging over the banks and dense submersed bamboo roots. Larvae were found less frequently in lake margins, small lagoons, and ground pools with submersed roots and patches of floating leaves or vegetation. In addition to their association with floating debris, larvae of An. darlingi were associated positively with shade and submersed plants in riverine environments. Samples from river habitats showed the larvae of Anopheles albimanus Wiedemann to be strongly associated with sun-exposed sites containing green or blue-green algae. Unlike An. darlingi, An. albimanus was an ubiquitous mosquito, the immatures of which occurred in a wide variety of riverine and nonriverine aquatic habitats. Based on published reports and our experience, the association of An. darlingi with river systems was verified, and its distribution in Central America and Mexico was mapped.
Serial or Parallel? Using Depth-of-Processing to Examine Attention Allocation During Reading

This paper presents an experiment investigating attention allocation in four tasks requiring varied degrees of lexical processing of 1-4 simultaneously displayed words. Response times and eye movements were only modestly affected by the number of words in an asterisk-detection task but increased markedly with the number of words in letter-detection, rhyme-judgment, and semantic-judgment tasks, suggesting that attention may not be serial for tasks that do not require significant lexical processing (e.g., detecting visual features), but is approximately serial for tasks that do (e.g., retrieving word meanings). The implications of these results for models of readers' eye movements are discussed.
Endovascular repair of traumatic aortic injury in a pediatric patient

We present the case of a 14-year-old girl who sustained a traumatic aortic injury (TAI) after a motor vehicle collision. Due to the severity of her associated injuries, she was not a candidate for open aortic repair. Available options for endovascular repair were very limited due to the small aortic diameter (14 mm). We performed a successful endovascular repair with an off-label use of an iliac limb prosthesis (Excluder, WL Gore, Flagstaff, Ariz). This case demonstrates the utility of an iliac limb prosthesis for endovascular repair of TAI in a child as a bridge to future open conversion.
Immobilized isocyanates for derivatization of amines for chiral recognition in liquid chromatography with UV detection

Solid-phase derivatization reagents containing a 3,5-dinitrophenyl moiety for the derivatization of amines are described. The reagents are useful for Pirkle-type recognition of stereochemical composition of amines and related nucleophiles. The ability to stabilize 3,5-dinitrophenylisocyanate by covalent immobilization on a polymeric support varied greatly with the support chosen. The kinetics of the activated dinitrophenylcarbamate and the use of this reagent for enhanced recognition of optical purity is shown and compared to previous findings with a similar polymeric activated ester.
An invariant for wheel-generated motions and the logic of its determination.

Observers appear to perceive the paths of abstract centers of point-light configurations in making judgments about movement. For configurations on rolling wheels a metric was derived that described the relative vertical motion of this point. It was hypothesized that the smaller the metric the more the stimulus should appear to move in a wheel-like manner with linear translation. In two experiments observers viewed pairs of stimuli and were asked to select either the event that appeared most wheel-like or the one that hopped the most. Viewers consistently selected the stimulus with the smaller metric as being more wheel-like, with a frequency that increased with the difference between metrics. The inverse of this pattern was found for those observers requested to select the stimulus that hopped most. In a second set of two experiments observers drew the translationl paths of these stimuli. Their drawings corresponded to the motion paths of configural centroids. Together, these results strongly suggest that...
Increased levels of tyrosinated α-, βIII-, and βIV-tubulin isotypes in paclitaxel-resistant MCF-7 breast cancer cells

Abstract Paclitaxel (PTX), the diterpene alkaloid, is a potent anti-cancer drug and is routinely used for the treatment of breast and ovarian cancers. The cellular targets of PTX are microtubules, which are composed of α- and β-tubulin. Development of PTX resistance in patients has been a major problem associated with cancer chemotherapy. In an effort to get insight into this phenomenon of drug resistance, a PTX-resistant cell line from MCF-7 breast cancer cells has been generated. Western analysis of the cell extracts revealed that the resistant cells contain 2-fold higher amount of tyrosinated α-tubulin than those of the wild-type MCF-7 cells. Similar analyses of β-tubulin with the isotype-specific monoclonal antibodies demonstrated that the PTX-resistant cells contain 2.5-fold higher amounts of βIII and 1.5-fold higher amount of βIV-tubulin, while no difference was observed in the level of βI isotype. These results demonstrate for the first time that PTX resistance is associated with an increase in the level of tyrosinated α-tubulin.
Characterizing interface shape evolution in immiscible polymer blends via 3D image analysis.

The coordinate transformation (CT) method was applied to measure the local curvature of the interface of an immiscible polymer blend made of fluorescently labeled polystyrene (FLPS) and styrene-ran-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN). The CT method involves the local parametrization of the interface by a quadratic polynomial to compute the local values of the mean (H) and the Gaussian (K) curvatures. Distributions of the curvatures at different annealing times were obtained by measuring H and K at many (typically 107) points on the interface. Coarsening of a symmetric (50/50 w/w FLPS/SAN) and a nonsymmetric (35/65 w/w) blend was monitored. For the symmetric blend, two regimes of surface evolution were identified: in the early stage, the probability densities of the curvatures at various times were successfully scaled by a time-dependent characteristic length, i.e., interface area per unit volume (Q). This behavior has been previously observed in blends with morphologies created by a different mechanism, namely ...
Imitating a stress response: A new hypothesis about the innate immune system’s role in pregnancy

Recent research challenges long-held hypotheses about mechanisms through which pregnancy induces maternal immune suppression or tolerance of the embryo/fetus. It is now understood that normal pregnancy engages the immune system and that the immune milieu changes with advancing gestation. We suggest that pregnancy mimics the innate immune system's response to stress, causing a sterile inflammatory response that is necessary for successful reproduction. The relationship between external stressors and immunomodulation in pregnancy has been acknowledged, but the specific mechanisms are still being explicated. Implantation and the first trimester are times of immune activation and intensive inflammation in the uterine environment. A period of immune quiescence during the second trimester allows for the growth and development of the maturing fetus. Labor is also an inflammatory event. The length of gestation and timing of parturition can be influenced by environmental stressors. These stressors affect pregnancy through neuroendocrine interaction with the immune system, specifically through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. Trophoblastic cells that constitute the maternal-fetal interface appear to harness the maternal immune system to promote and maximize the reproductive success of the mother and fetus. Pregnancy is a time of upregulated innate immune responses and decreased adaptive, cell-mediated responses. The inflammatory processes of pregnancy resemble an immune response to brief naturalistic stressors: there is a shift from T helper (Th) 1 to T helper (Th) 2 dominant adaptive immunity with a concomitant shift in cytokine production, decreased proliferation of T cells, and decreased cytotoxicity of natural killer (NK) cells. Inclusion of both murine and human studies, allows an exploration of insights into how trophoblasts influence the activity of the maternal innate immune system during gestation.
Effects of feeding different concentration and forms of zinc on the performance and tissue mineral status of broiler chicks

1. Two studies were conducted to investigate the effect of feeding different concentration and forms of zinc (Zn) on the performance and tibia Zn status of broiler chicks. 2. In Experiment 1, chicks fed on the control or the diet supplemented with 12?mg of Zn as sulphate had lower feed intake, weight gain and tibia Zn content than other treatment groups. Chicks given 12 and 24 mg of organic Zn in starter and grower phases, respectively, had the same performance and tibia Zn content as those fed 40 mg of Zn as sulphate and the same performance but higher tibia Zn content than those given 12 mg of Zn as organic over the 42 d. 3. In Experiment 2, chicks given 24 mg organic Zn had greater weight gain than chicks fed on the other treatment diets in the starter period. Chicks fed on the control diet had lower tibia Zn content than chicks fed other treatment diets. Chicks given 80 mg Zn as sulphate had higher tibia Zn content than chicks fed the other treatment diets except those given 40 mg of Zn as sulphate. 4. The results from these trials indicate that feeding lower concentration of Zn as organic form may better promote the growth performance of broiler chicks.
Family characteristics associated with duration of breastfeeding during early infancy among primiparas.

This investigation examined the association of relationship characteristics and parental gender roles with duration of breastfeeding among primiparous women during the early postpartum period. An ethnically diverse group of urban middle-class women (n = 115) who initiated breastfeeding were individually surveyed by telephone along with their male partners. Results of the Cox regression analyses confirmed earlier findings reported in the literature. Reporting higher relationship distress was predictive of early breastfeeding cessation at a marginal level of significance. However, levels of maternal responsibility for household tasks and infant care were highly significant predictors of breastfeeding cessation but in opposite directions. These results suggest that the effects of paternal gender roles on breastfeeding success may vary depending on the area of involvement. Findings have implications for further research examining breastfeeding duration, gender roles, and relationship quality and for clinical ...
Comparing Learners for Boolean partitions: Implications for Morphological Paradigms

In this paper, I show that a problem of learning a morphological paradigm is similar to a problem of learning a partition of the space of Boolean functions. I describe several learners that solve this problem in different ways, and compare their basic properties.
Chlorination of irradiated polyethylene single crystals: 2: XES and e.s.c.a. analysis of irradiated-chlorinated PE

Abstract Chlorination of irradiated polyethylene single crystals was characterized in this study by the X-ray energy spectroscopy and electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis techniques. Results presented show that PE chlorination was extensive, even in unirradiated PE single crystals at 298 K in the dark. The data obtained indicates that PE chlorination consists of a two-step mechanism: (1) a fast uptake with occurs in the first few minutes of chlorine exposure, constituting approximately 50% of total uptake, followed by (2) a slower, approximately first-order rate of uptake. A first-order rate constant of 5 × 10−4s−1 was estimated for all of the irradiation doses and temperatures studied. The similarity in chlorine uptake trends for both unirradiated and irradiated samples at various temperatures suggests that the rate of Cl2 diffusion is the rate determining step. Although the magnitude of chlorine uptake increased with increasing irradiation dose, the rate of uptake remained constant. Rapid uptake probably occured in the amorphous surface zones, followed by a slower step attributable to Cl2 diffusion into the crystalline regions and subsequent chlorination there.
Further Observations on Distribution of Radioactivity Following Parenteral Administration of Co60 Vitamin B12.

Conclusions(1) Prior administration of 30 μg of “cold” B12 or 10 mg of amethopterin daily for 1 week, or injection of 1 mg of “cold” B12 7 days after intramuscular injection of 1 μg of Co60 vit. B12, does not alter rate of disappearance from site of injection or pattern of distribution of radioactivity over liver, spleen and left kidney. (2) Intravenous injection of 1 μg of Co60 B12 is followed by a more rapid appearance of radioactivity over the organs named. (3) Intramuscular injection of 1 mg of “cold” B12 simultaneous with 1, 2 or 24 hours after the administration of 1 μg of Co60 B12 reduces height of radioactivity over organs named but does not prevent its localization there.
Fire-induced loss of nuclear power plant safety functions

Abstract A methodology is developed for evaluating the probability for loss of nuclear power plant safety functions due to fire. A framework for the investigation of fire scenarios involving safety-related equipment is established which models fire development as an event tree consisting of a series of ignition, detection, suppression, and propagation steps. The methodology has been applied to a representative BWR. Variations in the methodology are discussed for application to specific plants. Conservative estimates of core-damage probabilities due to fire were obtained; application of the methodology to a particular BWR including specific knowledge of cable locations, fire-retardants, detectors, etc. would result in considerably lower probabilities.
Ultrasonic excitation of nuclear resonance in potassium iodide

Abstract This paper concerns the effect of acoustic excitation on the nuclear spin levels of I127 in KI. The changes in the nuclear resonance line which occur during acoustic Δm = ± 2 excitation are presented. Shear and longitudinal modes are discussed and the effect of mechanical resonance is demonstrated. Because the I127 resonance is inhomogeneously broadened by lattice defects the Δm = ± 2 transition frequencies are not degenerate. One observes both enhancement and saturation of the resonance in different portions of the line. These effects are compared with a solution of the rate equations for the populations of a six level system. The ratio of the Δm = ± 1 and Δm = ± 2 thermal transition probabilities is estimated to be unity. Attenuation of cross-relaxation because of the nonequal spacing of the energy levels is demonstrated. A method of measuring the distribution of electric field gradients due to the lattice imperfections is presented.
Exploring new gene discoveries in idiopathic generalized epilepsy.

Summary: Most epilepsies are categorized under the umbrella term “idiopathic;” these seizure disorders lack a known cause. New genetic technologies are rapidly identifying specific genes responsible for idiopathic generalized epilepsies (IGEs) and are gradually taking the “I” out of “IGE.” Ion channel (both voltage- and receptor-mediated) mutations have been linked to a variety of epilepsies considered idiopathic. Gene errors alter excitability in various ways, depending on the mutation, the regional network, and the stage of brain development. The majority of mutations prolong depolarization, favor repetitive firing, and alter neurotransmitter release or postsynaptic sensitivity at central synapses, but the reason for specific seizure types is unclear. Further analyses of these gene mutations and their effects on the developing brain are providing critical clues in the search to explain the origin of “idiopathic” epilepsy.
Effect of surface finish on the durability of GRP sheets

Artificial and natural weathering in conjunction with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to study the effect of surface finish on the resistance to deterioration of GRP sheets. When exposed in a xenon arc weathering machine or to outdoor weathering, GRP sheets protected with either a gel-coat or an acrylic lacquer have considerably better resistance to deterioration than sheets with smooth, unprotected surfaces (conventional finish). Temperature-humidity cycling in conjunction with thermal gradients cause no deterioration in gel-coated sheets, but induce cratering in those coated with an acrylic lacquer. Sheets with conventional surface finish undergo usual deterioration in artificial or natural weathering after relatively short periods of exposure.
A diffusion of innovations model of physician order entry.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To interpret the results of a cross-site study of physician order entry (POE) in hospitals using a diffusion of innovations theory framework. METHODS: Qualitative study using observation, focus groups, and interviews. Data were analyzed by an interdisciplinary team of researchers using a grounded approach to identify themes. Themes were then interpreted using classical Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) theory as described by Rogers [1]. RESULTS: Four high level themes were identified: organizational issues; clinical and professional issues; technology implementation issues; and issues related to the organization of information and knowledge. Further analysis using the DOI framework indicated that POE is an especially complex information technology innovation when one considers communication, time, and social system issues in addition to attributes of the innovation itself. CONCLUSION: Implementation strategies for POE should be designed to account for its complex nature. The ideal would be a system that is both customizable and integrated with other parts of the information system, is implemented with maximum involvement of users and high levels of support, and is surrounded by an atmosphere of trust and collaboration.
Effect of sulfhydryl reagents on nucleoside transport in cultured mammalian cells

Abstract Incubation of Novikoff rat hepatoma cells; mouse L929, P388 and L1210 cells; and Chinese hamster ovary cells with sulfhydryl reagents, such as p -hydroxymercuribenzoate or p -hydroxymercuribenzenesulfonate, reduced the zero- trans influx of uridine in a concentration-dependent manner. The sensitivity of uridine transport to inhibition varied somewhat for the cell lines, Chinese hamster ovary cells being the most sensitive. Maximum inhibition by p -hydroxymercuribenzoate occurred in 10–20 min of incubation at 37 °C, and was associated with a decrease in maximum transport velocity without significant change in substrate affinity of the carrier. The development of inhibition of uridine influx correlated with binding of [ 14 C] p -hydroxymercuribenzoate to the cells. Inhibition of transport also roughly correlated with a decreased binding of 6-nitrobenzylthioinosine to high-affinity binding sites on the cells (presumably representing the nucleoside transporter) without affecting binding affinity. Treatment of cells with p -hydroxymercuribenzenesulfonate reduced uridine influx and efflux to a similar extent. Inhibition of uridine transport and binding of [ 14 C] p -hydroxymercuribenzoate were readily reversed by incubation of the cells with dithiothreitol. The results indicate that sulfhydryl groups are essential for the functioning of the nucleoside transporter, perhaps for the binding of substrate. Blockage of the sulfhydryl groups results in a reversible inactivation of the carrier. Treatment of the cells with the sulfhydryl reagents also caused a concentration-dependent increase in cell volume, which was readily reversed by incubation of the cells with dithiothreitol but seemed unrelated to the inhibition of nucleoside transport.
Automated manufacturing environment to address bulk permeability variations and race tracking in resin transfer molding by redirecting flow with auxiliary gates

Liquid Composite Molding (LCM) processes inject a resin into a closed mold containing fiber preforms to manufacture a polymeric composite. Many a times, resin does not fully saturate the fiber perform causing one to discard the composite part as scrap. In order to make LCM processes more reliable, a scientific understanding of the resin flow and impregnation into the porous network containing fiber preform can lead to advanced manufacturing techniques which can rely on flow control approaches to improve the yield. The flow is usually controlled by redirecting the resin flow by strategically opening and closing auxiliary injection gates as dictated by the flow monitoring sensor system. There are various approaches to generating such strategies. Once such technique, scenario-based control, has exhibited the potential to compensate for flow disturbances such as race tracking. However, a flexible and reliable manufacturing environment is needed in order to carry out experiments in advanced LCM processing. For this, an automated Resin Transfer Molding apparatus was designed and built, containing all of the necessary components. Flow sensors allow for the monitoring of the fluid advancement. Individually controllable injection gates and vents allow for geometrical flexibility and flow control. The following study demonstrates usefulness of the manufacturing tool to implement, validate and uncover limitations of a scenario-based flow control approach with geometries of increasing complexity.
Construction and characterization of partial digest DNA libraries made from flow-sorted human chromosome 16.

Abstract In this report, we present the techniques used for the construction of chromosome-specific partial digest libraries from flow-sorted chromosomes and the characterization of two such libraries from human chromosome 16. These libraries were constructed to provide materials for use in the development of a high-resolution physical map of human chromosome 16, and as part of a distributive effort on the National Laboratory Gene Library Project. Libraries with 20-fold coverage were made in Charon-40 (LA16NL03) and in sCos-1 (LA16NC02) after chromosome 16 was sorted from a mouse-human monochromosomal hybrid cell line containing a single homologue of human chromosome 16. Both libraries are ∼90% enriched for human chromosome 16, have low nonrecombinant backgrounds, and are highly representative for human chromosome-16 sequences. The cosmid library in particular has provided a valuable resource for the isolation of coding sequences, and in the ongoing development of a physical map of human chromosome 16.
Richard Carlton Lillehei Transplant and Shock Surgical Pioneer

Richard Carlton Lillehei (1927-1981) was a trainee of the Minnesota School of Surgery under Owen H. Wangensteen in the early 1950s, when great advances were being accomplished in cardiac surgery. His mentors besides Wangensteen included his brother C. Walton Lillehei, Richard L. Varco, and several others in the Department of Surgery. His interest in surgical research was evident since the early part of his training. The understanding of the nature and management of shock occupied his attention and persisted all his life. Equally, his studies on organ preservation and intestinal and pancreatic transplantation were classic in the evolution of surgery. In fact, Rich Lillehei, together with William Kelly, performed the world's first clinical pancreas transplant in 1966 and with his own team, the world's first clinical small bowel transplantation in 1967. Following that, these two areas of transplantation progressively advanced to be applied to thousands of patients worldwide. Lillehei was also a committed teacher and many of his students are disseminated throughout the globe. Unfortunately, his enormous contributions were cut short with his premature death at age 53. However, his surgical legacy remains alive!
Mapping of hazard from rainfall-triggered landslides in developing countries: Examples from Honduras and Micronesia

Loss of life and property caused by landslides triggered by extreme rainfall events demonstrates the need for landslide-hazard assessment in developing countries where recovery from such events often exceeds the country's resources. Mapping landslide hazards in developing countries where the need for landslide-hazard mitigation is great but the resources are few is a challenging, but not intractable problem. The minimum requirements for constructing a physically based landslide-hazard map from a landslide-triggering storm, using the simple methods we discuss, are: (1) an accurate mapped landslide inventory, (2) a slope map derived from a digital elevation model (DEM) or topographic map, and (3) material strength properties of the slopes involved. Provided that the landslide distribution from a triggering event can be documented and mapped, it is often possible to glean enough topographic and geologic information from existing databases to produce a reliable map that depicts landslide hazards from an extreme event. Most areas of the world have enough topographic information to provide digital elevation models from which to construct slope maps. In the likely event that engineering properties of slope materials are not available, reasonable estimates can be made with detailed field examination by engineering geologists or geotechnical engineers. Resulting landslide hazard maps can be used as tools to guide relocation and redevelopment, or, more likely, temporary relocation efforts during severe storm events such as hurricanes/typhoons to minimize loss of life and property. We illustrate these methods in two case studies of lethal landslides in developing countries: Tegucigalpa, Honduras (during Hurricane Mitch in 1998) and the Chuuk Islands, Micronesia (during Typhoon Chata'an in 2002).
The use of information sources by internet users in answering questions

The purpose of this study was to investigate what kinds of sources people prefer to use when they answer questions online, especially, in the context of social Q&A. Social Q&A is a Web-based service, that allows people to ask questions and receive answers from their fellow users. In social Q&A, people often cite sources of information when they answer questions. It could be a name, a short description, or hyperlinks to the original sources. Yahoo! Answers was chosen for this study due to its popularity as a top ranked social Q&A service as well as its capability for separately indicating sources for the answers in its format. We collected data with a crawler that used Yahoo! Answers APIs. A total number of 5,391 sources were identified and analyzed with the following three approaches: (1) source distribution by online accessibility, (2) source distribution by genre, and (3) source distribution by subjects. At the early stage of this study, it was expected that the results of source preferences heavily relied on sources online, since people ask and answer questions on the Web-based service. Nevertheless, it was found that human (56.4%) was the most frequently cited type of source, and it was followed by online (40%) and offline sources (4%). According to the source distribution by genre, human (56.4%) was followed by the Internet (38.1%), books (3.6%), and mass media (1.6%), and the sub-categories of these sources were analyzed. Additionally, the patterns of source distribution were shown differently across subjects. The categories of Health, Home & Electronics, and Society & Culture relied heavily on human sources, while Computers & the Internet included most of the Internet-based sources of information.
The Rescue Mission: Assigning Guilt to a Chaotic Scene.

Examining the presidential discourse justifying the 1958 Lebanon intervention, the 1965 Dominican intervention, and the 1983 intervention into Grenada, this essay seeks to identify the rhetorical distinctiveness of the rescue mission as a form of belligerency. This essay argues that the distinction is in the scope of guilt assigned by presidential rhetors. In the rescue mission, presidents assign guilt narrowly to a chaotic scene and concomitantly call for limited military intervention as the agency to restore polluted American ideals. The component parts of a chaotic scene are explored as well as the implications of the rhetorical choices made by Presidents Eisenhower, Johnson, and Reagan in justifying the rescue mission.
Autistic Behavior: Deviant or Different

(1985). Autistic Behavior: Deviant or Different. Australian Journal of Human Communication Disorders: Vol. 13, No. 2, pp. 3-8.
Matrix Modifiers for Feedstuff Selenium Analysis by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy

Abstract Gallium, Co, Mn, Ni, Cd, Cu, and Zn, dissolved in methanol, were evaluated for efficacy as an alternate volume matrix modifier in Se analysis of forages and concentrates. Gallium, Co, Mn, and Zn were unsuitable as modifiers. Nickel, Cd, Cu, and modifier “M” (Ni + Cd + Cu) were used to test recovery of Se addition (.025, .050, .100, .200, and .500 µg) in meat and bone meal, pelleted grain dust, dry milk replacer, whole soybeans, and alfalfa hay. Recovery of Se with Cu, Cd, and “M” had large and variable SD of means within Se concentrations across feedstuffs and within feedstuff across Se concentrations. Mean percent recoveries of Se with the Ni modifier for the five concentrations over all feedstuffs were 106.4, 102.4, 100.2, 97.5, and 97.4, respectively. Repeated analyses of these same five feedstuffs, plus National Bureau of Standards citrus leaves and corn stalk (recommended Se = .016 μg/g), gave Se concentrations (means μg/g) of .423, .104, .168, .196, .624, .027, and .015, respectively. Results obtained with Cd, Cu, and “M” had larger SD than did results obtained with Ni. Nickel nitrate in methanol as an alternate volume matrix modifier for Se provided reliable and sensitive Se analyses for a variety of feedstuffs.
Inhibition of nocturnal acid secretion in duodenal ulcer patients by an H-2 histamine antagonist-cimetidine. A controlled double-blind investigation.

A new H-2-receptor antagonist, cimetidine, was tested as to its ability to suppress overnight gastric acid secretion in 8 male duodenal ulcer patients. In a double-blind controlled investigation, each volunteer was studied during four consecutive nights. In randomized order they received either 100, 200, or 300 mg of cimetidine or a placebo. No untoward clinical or laboratory effects of the drug were found. Single-dose oral administration of 300 mg cimetidine caused a significant (P<0.05) inhibition of overnight gastric acid secretion for an 8-hr period, with the intragastric pH staying between 3.5–6.0. Cimetidine, because of its potent gastric acid inhibitory effect, may become an important therapeutic agent in the management of peptic ulcer disease.
Corotation of Saturn's magnetosphere - Evidence from energetic proton anisotropies

The theory and technique of Northrop and Thomsen (1980) are applied to the observations of energy spectra and directional anisotropies of 0.61- to 3.41 MeV protons in Saturn's magnetosphere. The observations were made by the Goddard Space Flight Center/University of New Hampshire and University of Iowa instruments aboard Pioneer 11 during the Pioneer encounter with Saturn in August-September 1979. Fourier fits to 15-min intervals of data are combined with spectral indices to yield information about the E x B convection velocity and temporal changes in the particle population. There is a fundamental inability to distinguish unambiguously between the two, but if one can be assumed, the other then follows from these calculations. It is found that although these data do not by themselves allow an unambiguous determination of the extent of corotation in Saturn's outer magnetosphere, they are consistent with exact corotation at the nominal rotation period in the presence of significant but not unreasonable temporal variations in the energetic proton population.
Solution of the steady state, three-dimensional atmospheric diffusion equation for Sulfur dioxide and Sulfate dispersion from point sources

Abstract Analytical solutions of the steady state, three-dimensional atmospheric diffusion equation for sulfur dioxide and sulfate dispersion from point sources are presented. First-order transformation of SO 2 to sulfate and wet and dry deposition of both SO 2 and sulfate are included. The solutions permit prediction of the three-dimensional concentration distributions of SO 2 and sulfate downwind of a continuous, elevated point source of SO 2 , with or without an elevated inversion layer present.
Multiecho segmented EPI with z-shimmed background gradient compensation (MESBAC) pulse sequence for fMRI.

A MultiEcho Segmented EPI with z-shimmed BAckground gradient Compensation (MESBAC) pulse sequence is proposed and validated for functional MRI (fMRI) study in regions suffering from severe susceptibility artifacts. This sequence provides an effective tradeoff between spatial and temporal resolution and reduces image distortion and signal dropout. The blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD)-weighted fMRI signal can be reliably obtained in the region of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). To overcome physiological motion artifacts during prolonged multisegment EPI acquisition, two sets of navigator echoes were acquired in both the readout and phase-encoding directions. Ghost artifacts generally produced by single-shot EPI acquisition were eliminated by separately placing the even and odd echoes in different k-space trajectories. Unlike most z-shim methods that focus on increasing temporal resolution for event-related functional brain mapping, the MESBAC sequence simultaneously addresses problems of image distortion and signal dropout while maintaining sufficient temporal resolution. The MESBAC sequence will be particularly useful for pharmacological and affective fMRI studies in brain regions such as the OFC, nucleus accumbens, amygdala, parahippocampus, etc.
Viscoelastic properties of crosslinked solutions of poly(β-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) in diethylene glycol. II. Dependence of creep compliance on concentration in the rubbery zone

Creep compliance data, J(t), at 35°C for poly(β-hydroxyethyl monomethacrylate), crosslinked by ethylene glycol dimethacrylate in a range of concentration C from 0.0855 to 2.053 × 10−4 mole/cm3 and swollen to various degrees in diluents, were examined for time-concentration superposition. From the dependence of time scale shift factors on v2, the volume fraction of polymer, free volume parameters were calculated for two samples with C = 0.0855 × 10−4 and 0.136 × 10−4 mole/cm3, swollen in the range of v2 from 0.134 to 0.591. Special attention was given to the magnitude of the shift factor on the log J(t) axis and its dependence on concentration, which was found to depend substantially on the crosslinking and the swelling degrees of the samples. This shift was approximately log v2 for lightly crosslinked samples, swollen to a small degree, measured in the neighborhood of the main transition. For higher degrees of crosslinking and/or swelling, the shift was much less and for the most highly crosslinked networks swollen to equilibrium it was even negative. The correction appears to be very sensitive to the strain of the effective chains and to the location on the time scale with respect to the transition and rubberlike zones of viscoelasic behavior. It was found that the parameters of the WLF equation calculated in our previous study from the time-temperature superposition of the creep curves in the rubber-glass transition are valid also for the rubberlike region.
Parvovirus B19 is a bystander in adult myocarditis.

Abstract Background The genomic DNA of parvovirus B19, a small single-stranded DNA virus of the genus Erythrovirus , has been shown to persist in solid tissues of constitutionally healthy, immunocompetent individuals. Despite these data, many case reports and series have linked the presence of parvovirus B19 genomic DNA, detected through nucleic acid amplification testing, with myocarditis and cardiomyopathy. Herein, we use multiple tools to better assess the relationship between parvovirus B19 and myocarditis and cardiomyopathy. Methods Nucleic acid amplification testing, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, and electron microscopy were used to assess the location and activity of parvovirus B19 in cases of myocarditis and in cases with no significant cardiac disease. Results Nucleic acid amplification testing for parvovirus B19 genomic DNA was positive in 73% of patients with myocarditis/cardiomyopathy and in 26% of patients with no significant disease. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry showed that, in cases with amplifiable parvovirus B19 DNA, parvovirus B19 genomic DNA and viral protein production were present in rare mononuclear cells. Conclusions In a majority of cases of myocarditis and a significant number of otherwise normal hearts, nucleic acid amplification testing detected persistent parvovirus B19 genomic DNA that did not play a significant pathogenic role. The source of parvovirus B19 DNA appeared to be interstitial mononuclear inflammatory cells and not myocardial or endothelial cells. Therefore, nucleic acid amplification testing alone is not diagnostically helpful for determining the etiology of adult myocarditis.
Persistence of Human Noroviruses on Food Preparation Surfaces and Human Hands

The human noroviruses (NoV) are the major cause of acute non-bacterial gastroenteritis and are commonly transmitted by foodborne routes. Epidemiological evidence from propagated outbreaks, as well as environmental sampling, suggest that these viruses are environmentally stable. The purpose of this study was to examine the persistence of representative human NoV on the fingertips of volunteers and on commonly used food preparation surfaces. Human fingerpads and surfaces (stainless steel, Formica®, and ceramic) were inoculated with 20% fecal suspensions of Norwalk virus (NV) or Snow Mountain virus (SMV). The virus inocula were recovered by elution at serial time points ranging from 0 to 120 min post-inoculation (for fingerpads) and after up to 42 days (for surfaces). The quantity of detectable viral RNA, expressed as genome equivalent particles (GEP) was evaluated using quantitative real-time RT-PCR (RT-qPCR). The amount of NV RNA on the surface decreased gradually over time, with an average reduction ranging from 1.5 to 2.9 log10 GEP after 21–28 days storage under ambient conditions. SMV showed greater environmental persistence, with a 0.4–1.2 log10 GEP reduction on all three surfaces after 42 days of ambient storage. On fingerpads, the amount of human NoV RNA declined slightly (<0.25 log10) after 15 min and remained relatively unchanged thereafter (through 120 min). These results support the epidemiological evidence that food preparation surfaces and human hands can act as vehicles for human NoV transmission long after the initial contamination event has occurred.
Case study: A minimally invasive approach to the treatment of Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) is a congenital developmental disorder characterized by port wine stain, venous abnormalities, soft tissue, and bony deformities of the affected extremity. It is usually diagnosed in early childhood and has many long-term sequelae. Patients not only have physical health problems but also must learn to cope with psychosocial factors that will affect their self-esteem and interpersonal relationships. This article describes the syndrome of KTS and the minimally invasive techniques used in the treatment of superficial varicosities in patients with reasonably mild KTS with an intact deep venous system. Treating the varicosities relatively early to avoid the long-term complications of chronic venous insufficiency may improve the quality of life, maintain limb function, and decrease the risk of long-term venous complications.
Factorial Validity of Item Classification on the Boehm Test of Basic Concepts (BTBC), Forms A and B

Boehm's (1971) classification of test items on the Boehm Test of Basic Concepts (BTBC) into the four context categories of space, quantity, time, and miscellaneous was examined from a factor analytic perspective. Examination of a variety of factor solutions of the BTBC provided no support for any of these four categories. A single, general factor related to the acquisition of basic verbal concepts best described the instrument. This factor was constant across the two forms of the BTBC.
Understanding the dynamics of entrepreneurship through framework approaches

Although entrepreneurship is not a new phenomenon, attempts to study it in a systematic manner are fairly recent. The field of entrepreneurship has evolved in a rather disjointed or seemingly random manner, and entrepreneurship has developed as a business discipline by borrowing, building upon, and adapting theoretical and conceptual work from such fields as sociology, psychology, anthropology, marketing, management, finance, organizational behavior, and engineering. And yet, it would appear that the volume of work attempting to describe, explain, and predict aspects of entrepreneurship has grown to a point where we can begin to develop a more complete and integrated picture. The purpose of this paper was to examine the various theoretical perspectives and frameworks of entrepreneurship and to offer an integrative perspective through a proposed “framework of frameworks” which ties together other existing frameworks, each of which explores a particular aspect of the overall phenomenon of entrepreneurship. The value of using a framework to explain and therefore better understand entrepreneurship is examined.
The construct of internalization : conceptualization, measurement, and prediction of smoking treatment outcome

Background. Depression symptoms and diagnoses are associated with failure to quit smoking in most studies, but not all. Method. A new measure of internalization (i.e. symptoms of depression or anxiety, or poor mood) was created to investigate whether internalization would predict smoking cessation in 549 smokers from three randomized clinical trials with inconsistent findings. Results. Predicted item locations based on a map of the construct of internalization agreed with empirical locations based on item response theory. Internalization was highly correlated with neuroticism. Logistic regressions showed that internalization improved upon the predictions of other affect-related measures. High baseline internalization decreased abstinence from smoking at end of treatment and 3 months thereafter. History of major depression (single-episode or recurrent) failed to predict abstinence. Conclusions. The broad, dimensional construct of internalization as conceptualized herein appears to be an important predictor of smoking cessation.
Polynomial interpolation methods for viscous flow calculations

Higher-order collocation procedures resulting in tridiagonal matrix systems are derived from polynomial spline interpolation and by Hermitian (Taylor series) finite-difference discretization. The similarities and special features of these different developments are discussed. The governing systems apply for both uniform and variable meshes. Hybrid schemes resulting from two different polynomial approximations for the first and second derivatives lead to a nonuniform mesh extension of the so-called compact or Pad? difference technique (Hermite 4). A variety of fourth-order methods are described and the Hermitian approach is extended to sixth-order (Hermite 6). The appropriate spline boundary conditions are derived for all procedures. For central finite differences, this leads to a two-point, second-order accurate generalization of the commonly used three-point end-difference formula. Solutions with several spline and Hermite procedures are presented for the boundary layer equations, with and without mass transfer, and for the incompressible viscous flow in a driven cavity. Divergence and nondivergence equations are considered for the cavity. Among the fourth-order techniques, it is shown that spline 4 has the smallest truncation error. The spline 4 procedure generally requires one-quarter the number of mesh points in a given coordinate direction as a central finite-difference calculation of equal accuracy. The Hermite 6 procedure leads to remarkably accurate boundary layer solutions.
The effects of clay on the thermal degradation behavior of poly(styrene-co-acrylonitirile)

The thermal degradation of poly(acrylonitrile-co-styrene) (SAN) and its clay nanocomposites were studied using TGA/FTIR and GC/MS. Virgin SAN degrades by chain scission followed by β-scission, producing monomers, dimers and trimers. The degradation pathway of SAN in clay nanocomposites contains additional steps; extensive random chain scission, evolving additional compounds having an odd number of carbons in the chain backbones, and radical recombination, producing head-to-head structures. Since acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS) has butadiene rubber incorporated as a grafted phase in a SAN matrix, ABS follows a similar degradation pathway as that of SAN. The effect of butadiene rubber is similar to that of clay, leading to extensive random scission and an increase in thermal stability, but as not effective as clay due to its shorter duration. Eventually, the butadiene rubber phase degrades to small aliphatic molecules.