cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Depolymerization of heparin by complexed ferrous ions

Abstract Treatment of porcine heparin with the ferrous-EDTA complex and ascorbic acid for 24 h at 37 °C results in the degradation of most of the glycosaminoglycan to smaller fragments. About 65% of the products comprise oligosaccharides composed of less than 30 sugar units. The extent of depolymerization is decreased significantly if ascorbate or EDTA is not included in the reaction mixture. Gel filtration of the reaction products yielded fractions with narrow chain length ranges. The sulfate content of the fractions and their electrophoretic mobilities on cellulose acetate indicate that the components have equivalent charge densities. Depolymerization products with 20 or more sugar units retain significant anticoagulant potencies as measured by their effect in accelerating the neutralization of factor Xa by antithrombin.
Modeling Electroporation in a Single Cell. II. Effects of Ionic Concentrations

Abstract This study expands a previously developed model of a single cell electroporated by an external electric field by explicitly accounting for the ionic composition of the electroporation current. The previous model with non-specific electroporation current predicts that both the transmembrane potential V m and the pore density N are symmetric about the equator, with the same values at either end of the cell. The new, ion-specific case predicts that V m is symmetric and almost identical to the profile from the non-specific case, but N has a profound asymmetry with the pore density at the hyperpolarized end of the cell twice the value at the depolarized end. These modeling results agree with the experimentally observed preferential uptake of marker molecules at the hyperpolarized end of the cell as reported in the literature. This study also investigates the changes in intracellular ionic concentrations induced around an electroporated single cell. For all ion species, the concentrations near the membrane vary significantly, which may explain the electrical disturbances observed experimentally after large electric shocks are delivered to excitable cells and tissues.
Long-distance agreement in Hindi: Some theoretical implications

. In this paper I offer an analysis of Long-Distance (Object) Agreement in Hindi that crucially relies on the operation Agree introduced in Chomsky (2000). I show that an Agree-based account captures the core facts pertaining to Long-Distance Agreement, and is superior to feature movement or Spec-Head agreement alternatives. I also argue that Long-Distance Agreement is a phenomenon akin to clitic climbing, and extend Wurmbrand's (2001) analysis of restructuring in terms of bare VP complement selection to Hindi. Such an extension allows me to view Case and agreement as two sides of the same coin.
Clinical Risk Factors for Primary Graft Dysfunction after Lung Transplantation

Purpose Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) is the main cause of early morbidity and mortality after lung transplantation. Previous studies of PGD risk factors have produced conflicting results due to small sample sizes, inconsistencies in PGD phenotype, inability to control for multiple confounders, and use of retrospective, single center, or administrative data. We sought to identify donor, recipient, and peri-operative risk factors for PGD. Methods and Materials We performed a 10 center prospective cohort study enrolled between March 2002 and December 2010 (the Lung Transplant Outcomes Group). The primary outcome was grade 3 PGD at 48 or 72 hrs post transplant. The association of risk factors with PGD was analyzed using multivariable conditional logistic regression. Results 1255 patients were enrolled; 211 subjects (16.8%) developed PGD. In multivariable models, risk factors for PGD were any history of donor smoking (OR=1.8, 95%CI 1.2, 2.6, p=0.002), FiO2 at allograft reperfusion (OR=1.1 per 10% increase in FiO2, 95%CI 1.0, 1.2; p=0.01), single lung transplant (OR=2.0, 95%CI 1.2, 3.3; p=0.008), cardiopulmonary bypass (OR=3.4, 95%CI 2.2, 5.3; p Conclusions We identified important PGD risk factors, including donor smoking, recipient factors of pre-transplant diagnosis and BMI, and perioperative treatment variables, including use of cardiopulmonary bypass, blood transfusion volume, and FiO2 at reperfusion. Several of these risk factors are potentially modifiable, and thus may suggest preventative strategies, while other risk factors should be prioritized for future mechanistic research efforts.
A Statistics Refresher Tests of Hypothesis and Diagnostic Test Evaluation

Two key concepts that are used frequently in statistical applications are tests of hypothesis and diagnostic test evaluation. In this article, the rationale behind the testing of statistical hypotheses and the description of the "rare event approach" to statistical inference are discussed. Also, the development of diagnostic test evaluation, a technique that is particularly important in statistical applications of a biomedical nature, is presented. In the development of these techniques, the mathematics are minimized and the conceptual framework and logic are emphasized.
Prevention and treatment of blindness through education

Major causes of worldwide blindness include cataract, trachoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, onchocerciasis, xerophthalmia, and glaucoma. The future of prevention of blindness is in education. Education of eye care personnel such as with a free, peer-reviewed Internet textbook of ophthalmology (www. emedicine.com) offers up-to-date accessible information.
Polymer Brush Grafted from an Allylsilane-Functionalized Surface

To graft polymer chains from the surface, a uniform and dense initiator layer on the silicate substrate is indispensable. The initiator monolayer can be fabricated in many ways, of which self-assembly of trichlorosilanes on silicate substrates is widely used. However, uniformity is always going to be an issue when using multifunctional silanes. Although uniformity is not so problematic for monofunctional silanes, purification of the surface-active materials is difficult. To obtain a uniform initiator monolayer, an allylsilane was synthesized and used to functionalize a flat silicate substrate in this research. The allylsilane can also be purified using conventional chromatography techniques. Using AFM, the monolayer was found to be more uniform than the corresponding trichlorosilane-functionalized one. Finally, atom transfer radical polymerization was applied to graft polystyrene brushes. The ability to successfully perform sequential monomer additions was consistent with a living polymerization. Tensiome...
Alteration of Mycobacterium phlei membrane structure by freezing and thawing: reversal by heating.

Abstract Membrane vesicles from Mycobacterium phlei which contain the electron transport chain, when subjected to freezing to −70 °C followed by slow thawing, exhibited a decreased level of phosphorylation coupled to the oxidation of substrates. This loss in oxidative phosphorylation was restored following heat treatment (50 °C for 10 min) of the membranes. Freeze treatment (−70 °C for 10 min) of membrane vesicles also resulted in a decrease in membrane bound coupling factor-latent ATPase activity. The soluble coupling factor(s) or cryoprotective agents (i.e., glycerol or dimethyl sulfoxide) were found to protect the membrane vesicles from the effects of freezing. Membrane vesicles depleted of particulate bound coupling factor were sensitive to exposure to low temperatures; however, complete protection was afforded by the addition of coupling factor. In addition, prolonged sonication of electron transport particles resulted in lowered P O ratios, and heat treatment of these sonicated particles restored P O ratio. Therefore, it appears that the effects of heat treatment and freeze treatment on membrane vesicles are reversible. The steady state level of reduced cytochrome b was considerably higher (40%) in heat-treated electron transport particles as compared to untreated particles (28.5%); electron transport particles subjected to freeze treatment showed a lower steady state level of cytochrome b (16.6%) as compared to electron transport particles. The steady state level of cytochrome b in freeze-treated particles returned to the original level (27.5%) for electron transport particles when subjected to heat treatment. Nevertheless, the total amount of enzymatically reducible cytochrome b was the same for all membranes after subjection to the various types of treatment. In contrast to cytochrome b, the reduced steady state levels of cytochrome c, and a + a3 were not altered by heat or freeze treatment.
Trends in incidence and mortality in rheumatoid arthritis in Rochester, Minnesota, over a forty‐year period

Objective To determine time trends in the epidemiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a population-based cohort. Methods An inception cohort of residents of Rochester, Minnesota ≥18 years of age who first fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology 1987 criteria between January 1, 1955 and December 31, 1994 (applied retrospectively, as appropriate) was assembled and followed up until January 1, 2000. Incidence rates were estimated and were age- and sex-adjusted to the 1990 white population of the US. A birth cohort analysis was performed, and survival rates over time were examined. Results The incidence cohort comprised 609 patients, 445 (73.1%) of whom were female and 164 (26.9%) were male, with a mean age at incidence of 58.0 years. The overall age- and sex-adjusted annual incidence of RA among Rochester, Minnesota, residents ≥18 years of age was 44.6/100,000 population (95% confidence interval 41.0–48.2). While the incidence rate fell progressively over the 4 decades of study, from 61.2/100,000 in 1955–1964, to 32.7/100,000 in 1985–1994, there were indications of cyclical trends over time. Birth cohort analysis showed diminishing incidence rates through successive cohorts following a peak in the 1880–1890 cohorts. Incidence rates increased with age until age 85, but peaked earlier in women than in men. The survival rate in RA patients was significantly lower than the expected rate in the general population (P < 0.001), and no improvement was noted over time. Conclusion The secular trends demonstrated in this study population, including the progressive decline in the incidence of RA over the last 40 years, suggest that an environmental factor may play a role in the etiology of RA.
Evidence for an upper mantle plume beneath the Tanzanian craton from Rayleigh wave tomography

[1] The Archean Tanzanian craton, nestled between the eastern and western branches of the East African Rift, presents a unique opportunity to study the interaction of active rifting with stable cratonic lithosphere. The high density of Rayleigh wave paths recorded in a regional seismic array yields unusually precise determinations of phase velocity within the Tanzanian craton. Shear velocities in the cratonic lithosphere are higher than a global average to a depth of 150 ± 20 km. Beginning at 140 km, shear velocity decreases sharply, reaching a minimum of 4.20 ± 0.05 km/s at depths of 200–250 km. The base of the lithosphere, identified by the depth to the center of the maximum negative velocity gradient, is similar to that found beneath other Archean lithospheres. Where Cenozoic rifting crosscuts the southern corner of the craton, velocities up to 130 km depth are reduced, indicating recent disruption of the lithosphere. The anomalously low velocities beneath the Tanzanian craton indicate high temperatures and the presence of melt, consistent with the spreading of a mantle plume head beneath the craton. Tests for the possibility of a radial pattern of azimuthal anisotropy that may indicate outward flow from a plume show that a model with average anisotropy of 0.71 ± 0.17% centered SE of Lake Victoria fits the data significantly better than a uniform, single direction of anisotropy. Thus our results agree with the suggestion that an upper mantle plume, centered beneath the Tanzanian cratonic lithosphere, provides the buoyancy required for uplift of the East African Plateau.
Optical properties of Cunyite (Cr4+:Ca2GeO4) crystals co-doped with Er3+ ions

Abstract The optical properties of Cr4+ centers in Ca2GeO4 (Cunyite) single crystals co-doped with Er3+ ions have been measured. Excitation of Cr4+ produces both Cr4+ fluorescence centered at 1280 nm and Er3+ fluorescence centered at 1550 nm. The cross-section of the 4 I 13/2 – 4 I 15/2 Er 3+ transition is estimated using Judd–Ofelt analysis to be 8×10 −21 cm 2 . The quantum efficiency of the energy transfer from Cr4+ to Er3+ is obtained based on measurements of the decay of fluorescence from Cr4+. The relative populations and gain coefficients of Cr4+ and Er3+ centers under pumping in the Cr4+ band are calculated with varying Er3+ concentrations. The co-doped Cunyite (Ca2GeO4) crystal can be used as an active optical medium for 1200 to 1600 nm region.
Use of intrinsic fluorescent signals for characterizing tissue metabolic states in health and disease

The large content of mitochondria in metabolizing cells, coupled with intrinsic NADH and flavoprotein signals makes these signals ideal for characterizing tissue metabolic states in health and disease. The first few millimeters of tissue are reached by the fluorescence excitation in the exposed surfaces of the cervix, bladder, rectum and esophagus, etc. Thus, extensive use has been made of fluorescent signals by a large number of investigators for tumor diagnosis from an empirical standpoint where the fluorescent signals are generally diminished in precancerous and cancerous tissue. This article reviews the biochemical basis for the fluorescent signals and points to a 'gold standard' for fluorescent signal examination involving freeze trapping and low temperature two- or three-dimensional high resolution fluorescence spectroscopy.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Perpendicularly superposed magnetic fields

THE CHARACTERISTICS of a ferromagnetic reactor as a function of two perpendicularly superimposed magnetic fields were discussed in an article by Beck and Kelly1 in 1948. The core and coil configuration shown in Fig. 1 illustrates one practical method for superposing two perpendicular magnetic fields. The core is a hollow toroid of ferrite material which encloses an annular coil, and which is wound toroidally by a second coil. This core and coil configuration will be referred to as a cross-field reactor.
Early cognitive development in children with infantile Pompe disease.

Abstract This report describes the cognitive development of 17 children with infantile Pompe disease who participated in a 52-week clinical trial of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) via biweekly infusion of Myozyme® (alglucosidase alfa). Subjects were six months of age or younger (adjusted for gestational age) upon initiation of ERT. The Mental Scale of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-Second Edition (BSID-II) was administered to obtain a Mental Development Index (MDI) at baseline and weeks 12, 26, 38, and 52 of ERT to assess cognitive development in this treated cohort. Data regarding motor development were also obtained at the same visits and these were used to determine correlations between cognitive and motor development. Over the course of the study, two subgroups of subjects emerged: high responders who were sitting independently and/or ambulating by week 52 (n = 13) and limited responders who showed minimal motor gains throughout the first year of ERT (n = 4). In the high responder group, MDI scores on the BSID-II remained stable throughout the study and were within normal limits. Positive correlations between cognitive and motor development were also present. These data suggest that the cognitive function of infants up to 18 months of age with Pompe disease is unaffected by the possible presence of glycogen in the central nervous system. Continued investigation of the cognitive development of older survivors is warranted.
The placebo effect in cardiovascular disease

The effect of placebo on the clinical course of systemic hypertension, angina pectoris, silent myocardial ischemia, CHF, and ventricular tachyarrhythmias has been well described. In the prevention of myocardial infarction, there appears to be a direct relation between compliance with placebo treatment and favorable clinical outcomes. The safety of short-term placebo-controlled trials has now been well documented in studies of drug treatment of angina pectoris. Although the ethical basis of performing placebo-controlled trials continues to be challenged in the evaluation of drugs for treating cardiovascular disease, as long as a life-saving treatment is not being denied it remains prudent to perform placebo-controlled studies for obtaining scientific information.
An information—Theoretic basis for uncertainty analysis: Application to the QUASAR severe accident study☆

Abstract The probabilistic characterization of uncertainty can be problematic in circumstances where there is a paucity of supporting data and limited experience on which to base engineering judgement. Information theory provides a framework in which to address this issue through reliance upon entropy-related principles of uncertainty maximization. We describe an application of such principles in the USNRC-sponsored program QUASAR (Quantification and Uncertainty Analysis of Source Terms for Severe Accidents in Light Water Reactors).
Impairments in fine-motor coordination and speed of information processing predict declines in everyday functioning in hepatitis C infection

Research increasingly supports the neurovirulence of chronic infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). For example, HCV infection has been associated with neuropsychological impairment in several ability areas, including psychomotor skills. This study aimed to examine whether HCV-associated neuropsychological impairment is predictive of declines in the independent performance of physical (PADLs) and instrumental (IADLs) activities of daily living. A total of 106 volunteers with HCV infection completed a comprehensive neuropsychological, medical, and psychiatric research evaluation. As compared to 30 HCV-seronegative comparison participants, the HCV-infected group reported significantly greater declines in both PADLs and IADLs. Within the HCV cohort, individuals with impaired speed of information processing reported significantly greater IADL declines, whereas impaired fine-motor coordination was associated with declines in both IADLs and PADLs. In a series of regression analyses, impaired speed of information processing and depressive symptoms (as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory) were the only independent predictors of IADL declines, whereas general affective distress (as measured by the Profile of Mood States), sex, and fine-motor coordination impairment were predictive of declines in PADLs. Although the clinical assessment of HCV typically emphasizes both affective (e.g., depression) and physical factors, findings from the present study suggest that cognitive impairment is an important contributor to everyday functioning in persons living with HCV infection and therefore warrants consideration in clinical and research evaluations.
Web Sources for Researching Agricultural Economics

As the recent and ongoing information revolution gradually turns traditional library materials into electronic formats, many agricultural resources have become available online. This selective Webliography covers the major online resources for studying and conducting research in agricultural economics and related fields and includes associations and organizations, databases and articles, dictionaries, directories and search engines, government agencies, industry outlooks, market information, statistics, working papers, news, prices, and miscellaneous resources. Web sites were selected based on the quality of the information and their importance to researchers in the various areas of agricultural economics. Most of the sources are free, with many of them being produced by U.S. government agencies.
ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC LOCALIZATION OF MACROMOLECULES ON MEMBRANE SURFACES.

Summary Ferritin-conjugated antibodies and ferritin-conjugated plant agglutinins can be used as specific stains to localize macromolecular antigens and specific saccharide residues, respectively, on membranes. In conjunction with a new procedure for preparing membrane specimens by cytolysis at an air-water interface, specific ferritin-conjugated antibodies have been used to determine the distribution of the Rh0(D) antigen on human erythrocyte membranes, and of the H-2 histocompatibility alloantigens on murine erythrocytes. Over a period of time these distributions are random, lending support to the lipid-globular protein mosaic model of membrane structure. With ferritin-conjugated plant agglutinins, it has been found, for several types of saccharide residues and several varieties of plasma membranes, that the membrane-bound oligosaccharides are exclusively located on the outer surfaces of the membranes; none is found on the inner cytoplasmic surface. These results strongly suggest that the glycoproteins of membranes do not rotate from the outer to the inner surface at a significant rate under physiological conditions.
Basic legal resources: Making sense of the literature of the law

We have all heard about the exponential growth in government during the past decade. What the media do not point out is the concomitant growth in the body of laws, rules, and regulations created by this “bigger” government. Certainly, reference librarians—in public and academic libraries—are aware of this trend. Average citizens, businesspeople, and students are asking more and more legal reference questions. Moreover, in my experience, the nature of these questions is shifting from the traditional areas of government and politics or even international relations, into newer areas of labor relations, the environment, and ethics.
Further asymptotic properties of best approximation by splines

Abstract Let Snk,r denote the collection of polynomial splines of order k with at most (n − 1) free knots, each of multiplicity r. This paper explicitly finds the constants Ck,r,p so that lim n→∞ n k dist L p [0, 1] {ƒ, S n k,r } = C k,r,p ∥ƒ (k) ∥ L σ [0,1] , where σ = p (kp + 1) and ƒ is sufficiently smooth. This completely fills the gap between previously known results for simple knots (r = 1) and for piecewise polynomials (r = k). We also consider similar asymptotic properties pertaining to approximation of vector functions by vector splines. We define the latter to be families of vector functions whose components are splines of order k with common knots.
Degenerate quantum gases in the binary collision approximation

Abstract A binary collision approximation is used to close the second equation of the BBGKY hierarchy for the reduced density matricies, providing a simple but accurate description of the equilibrium and non-equilibrium properties of a low-density quantum gas. In particular, the resulting approximate equations describe the degeneracy effects associated with Bose-Einstein or Fermi-Dirac statistics. The equilibrium two-particle density matrix and pressure agree with those implied by Martin and Schwinger for strong degeneracy and with those of Beth and Uhlenbeck for weak degeneracy. For non-equilibrium properties, solution of the equation for the two-particle density matrix allows closure of the first equation, resulting in a prototype of the non-linear Boltzmann or Uehling-Uhlenbeck kinetic equation. Limits leading to these latter equations are discussed.
Crystallite size effects during the catalytic oxidation of propylene on Ptγ-Al2O3

Abstract This work reports results on the kinetics and crystallite size effects during the catalytic oxidation of propylene on Pt γ- Al 2 O 3 . The experiments were carried out in a reactor-chemisorption apparatus that can be used to study the reaction kinetics and in situ characterization of the catalyst by measuring the chemisorption of H2. It was found that reaction rate decreased during reaction and that oxygen pretreatment restored the catalyst activity. Kinetic studies were carried out using catalysts with 1% Pt and average crystallite sizes of 11, 60, and 144 A. The kinetic results revealed a complex dependence between reaction rate and C3H6 concentration. At low propylene concentration, the reaction rate increased with concentration until it reached a maximum. A further increase in reactant concentration produced a decrease in reaction rate, and at high reactant concentration the reaction rate became zero order. The reaction rates per unit mass of catalyst were quantitatively similar for catalysts with different crystallite sizes; consequently, the reaction rates per unit area of catalyst (specific reaction rates) were different since there was a tenfold difference in average crystallite size. The results indicated that the reaction exhibits demanding behavior and that the specific reaction rate increases significantly with crystallite size. This finding indicates that larger crystallites catalyze the oxidation of propylene more effectively which has also been observed in the case of CO oxidation on Pt α- Al 2 O 3 .
Timing jitter measurement and its reduction for gain-switched DFB lasers

We present two methods for timing jitter measurement. The first method uses the spectral content of the noise, and, the second method uses autocorrelation and cross correlation of the pulsed output. For a distributed feedback (DFB) laser gain switched at 1 GHz, the timing jitter is about 3-4 ps. When an external CW laser injected into the DFB laser, the timing jitter can be reduced to 1-1.5 ps.
Brain acetylcholinesterase activity recovery following acute methyl parathion intoxication in two feral rodent species: comparison to laboratory rodents.

Widespread use of organophosphorus insecticides (OPs) has produced both acute and chronic intoxication among nontarget organisms. Most such studies have included fish and birds as opposed to mammals. However, numerous OP toxicity studies have been conducted on laboratory rodents creating a temptation to apply this data to feral rodents. Chronic OP exposure has been reported to produce cholinergic adaptation which in turn lowers mortality rates following a subsequent acute anticholinesterase exposure. The relevance that these laboratory rodent studies have on feral rodents is subject to debate. Field studies involving OP exposure among nontarget feral mammals have produced contradictory results. Increased mortality as a result of repeated OP application has been reported. This observation may be of considerable importance to nontarget feral rodent populations due to the repetitive nature of OP application protocols. The ability of feral rodents to recover brain AChE activity (BAA) between OP application intervals undoubtedly promotes their survival. This study investigated and compared BAA recovery following acute oral methyl parathion intoxication among 2 feral rodent species and among 2 common laboratory rodent species.
Effect of cell chromosome number on simian virus 40 replication.

Abstract Simultaneously cloned monkey CV-1 cell sublines were found to differ in morphology, cloning efficiency, chromosome number, and sensitivity to SV40 virion productive infection. A fibroblast-like clone, FC7, when compared with an epithelioid clone, TC7, had a lower mean chromosome number and was resistant to SV40 virion infection. Virion adsorption and penetration were similar in both the FC7 and TC7 cells, and both cell types were equally sensitive to first cycle SV40 DNA infection. As the subdiploid mean chromosome number of the FC7 cells increased with passage time toward the TC7 subtetraploid number, the FC7 cells became more sensitive to virion infection. This host gene-dosage effect on SV40 productive infection suggests that a monkey cell function participates in the SV40 uncoating and/or viral genome activation process.
Programmatic influences on outcomes of an evidence-based fall prevention program for older adults: a translational assessment

Investigating the implementation and dissemination of evidence-based health-promotion programs to reach large numbers of diverse older adults is needed. The purpose of this study is to examine relationships between class size and session attendance and assess differences in intervention outcomes based on these community-based fall prevention program characteristics. Pre-post data were analyzed from 2,056 falls prevention program participants. PROC MIXED for repeated measures and ordinary least squares regressions were employed. Approximately 32% of participants enrolled in recommended class sizes (eight to 12 participants) and 76.4% of enrolled seniors attended more than five of eight sessions. Enrolling in smaller class sizes was associated with higher class attendance (X2 = 43.43, p < 0.001). Recommended class sizes and those with 13–20 participants reported significant improvements in falls efficacy and physical activity. Perfect attendance was associated with improvements in falls efficacy (t = 2.52, p < 0.05) and activity limitation (t = −2.66, p < 0.01). Findings can inform fall prevention program developers and lay leader deliverers about ideal class sizes relative to maximum intervention benefits and cost efficiency.
Large scale synthesis of V-shaped rutile twinned nanorods

V-shaped rutile twinned nanorods (VRTNs) with different aspect ratios were synthesized on large scale using a one-pot organic solvothermal method. Although several different types of VRTNs were produced, (101) twinned nanorods were the major product with minor amounts of (301) twins and straight nanorods. STEM, TEM and XRD characterizations show that [001] is the growth direction of VRTNs, with surfaces dominated by {110} facets. Intermediate formation of both brookite and anatase nanorods provides dual pathways to VRTNs' growth: one path in which anatase seeds trigger and promote brookite nanorod growth; and a second path in which anatase nanorods are formed by oriented attachment. Subsequent dissolution of both brookite and anatase nanorods provides titania to support VRTNs growth.
Detection of Campylobacter and Shigella Species in Food Samples Using an Array Biosensor

Campylobacter and Shigella bacteria are common causes of food- and water-borne illness worldwide. There is a current need in food, medical, environmental, and military markets for a rapid and user-friendly method of detecting such pathogens. The array biosensor developed at the NRL encompasses these qualities. In this study, 25-min, sandwich immunoassays were developed for the detection of Campylobacter and Shigella species in both buffer and a variety of food and beverage samples. The limit of detection for Shigella dysenteriae in buffer and chicken carcass wash was 4.9 × 104 cfu mL-1, whereas Campylobacter jejuni could be measured at concentrations as low as 9.7 × 102 cfu mL-1. The limits of detection and dynamic range were found to vary depending on the sample matrix, but could be improved by running the sample over the waveguide surface for longer periods of time. Samples were run with no preconcentration or enrichment steps and little-to-no sample pretreatment prior to analysis.
An empirical study of orphan DNS servers in the internet

An orphan DNS server is a DNS server which has an address record in the DNS, even though the domain in which it resides has no DNS records itself and hence does not exist. For example, the DNS server ns.foo.com would be an orphan DNS server if it had an address record, but the domain foo.com did not exist. In this paper, we undertake the first systematic study of the prevalence of orphan DNS servers in the Internet. We also examine who is using them and what they are used for. We find that certain top-level domains (TLDs) account for a disproportionate number of orphans. We also find that some orphans are used for malicious activities and as placeholders for records from deleted domains, while others likely only exist due to simple configuration errors. Our study points to the need for better scrutiny of orphan DNS servers so they cannot be misused.
Are some BL Lac objects artefacts of gravitational lensing

It is proposed here that a significant fraction of BL Lac objects are optically violently variable quasars whose continuum emission has been greatly amplified, relative to the line emission, by pointlike gravitational lenses in intervening galaxies. Several anomalous physical and statistical properties of BL Lacs can be understood on the basis of this model, which is immediately testable on the basis of absorption line studies and by direct imaging.
Time-dependent changes in extracellular glutamate in the rat dorsolateral striatum following a single cocaine injection.

Abstract Acute cocaine administration has been shown to alter dorsal striatal plasticity [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 87 (1990) 6912; Brain Res Bull 30 (1993) 173] and produce long-term neurochemical changes [Pharmacol Biochem Behav 27 (1987) 533]. To date, the effects of acute cocaine on extracellular glutamate and nerve terminal glutamate immunolabeling in the rat dorsolateral striatum have not been reported. To investigate cocaine-induced changes in extracellular glutamate, in vivo microdialysis was carried out in the dorsolateral striatum of rats 1–14 days after receiving a single injection of either vehicle or 15mg/kg cocaine. There was an increase in the group injected with cocaine 1 day prior to measuring extracellular glutamate as compared with the control group. The group injected with cocaine 3 days prior to the microdialysis session had decreased extracellular glutamate levels. Furthermore, extracellular glutamate remained attenuated 14 days after acute cocaine treatment. Striatal glutamate decreased in the cocaine-treated rats after calcium removal, suggesting that cocaine-induced changes in extracellular glutamate were partially calcium-dependent. The density of nerve terminal glutamate immunolabeling was measured using immunogold electron microscopy in the contralateral striatum of the same rats that had been acutely treated with cocaine or vehicle. There were no changes in the density of glutamate immunolabeling within identified nerve terminals making an asymmetrical (excitatory) synaptic contact 1, 2, 3, or 14 days after acute cocaine exposure as compared with the control groups. Hence, these alterations in extracellular glutamate did not result from changes in glutamate immunolabeling within the synaptic vesicle pool. In addition, no changes in glutamate immunolabeling were found in rats that received cocaine 2 h previously or were withdrawn after 1 week of cocaine administration. The results demonstrate that a single injection of cocaine produces biphasic, time-dependent changes in extracellular glutamate in the rat dorsolateral striatum.
Fundamental studies of III–V surfaces and the (III–V)-oxide interface

Work using photoemission with synchrotron radiation (8 eV < hv < 300 eV) to investigate chemisorption and the formation of thin oxide layers on GaAs is reviewed and preliminary correlations with thick oxides are made. An advantage of synchrotron radiation is that it allows examination of both core and valence electrons of the last few molecular layers of the solid. By studying both the core levels and the valence band as a function of oxygen exposure, insight can be obtained into the bonding of oxygen and into oxide formation on an atomic scale. It is found that oxygen can bind to the Group V elements on the (110) surface without the necessity of breaking III–V bonds. Thus, it is suggested that optimum bonding of oxides or other insulators to III–V surfaces will be through the Group V elements. The stability of the surface against the breaking of III–V bonds and the formation of bulk oxides is found to correlate very well with the heat of formation of the III–V compound. For example InP is more stable than GaAs. This appears to correlate with the ease of forming metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) or metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) type devices. Even when it is possible to bond oxygen to a surface without the necessity of breaking III–V bonds, Fermi level pinning is produced by submonolayer quantities of oxygen. This is associated with defects induced by the strain produced by oxygen chemisorption. The pinning position is near the conduction band minimum and near mid-gap for (110) InP and (110) GaAs surfaces respectively. A striking correlation is found between these pinning positions and those found for thick oxides on practical device structures. This suggests that the pinning mechanism may be the same for both types of interfaces. It is suggested that lattice defects play a key role in the pinning. A novel approach to forming the oxide or insulation layer for MOS or MIS structures is suggested.
Amniotic fluid volume reflects recent glycemic status in gestational diabetes mellitus

Abstract Objective: Our purpose was to determine the association between amniotic fluid volume and recent glucose status in gestational diabetes. Study Design: Serial amniotic fluid index values, mean blood glucose levels, and percent hyperglycemia (≥ 120 mg/dl) 1 day and 1 week before the ultrasonographic examinations were prospectively collected in 399 gestational diabetics. Patients demonstrating at least one amniotic fluid index measurement within the normal range (i.e., 5 cm 20 cm) formed the study group. With each patient serving as her own control, glucose index values preceding normal and elevated amniotic fluid index values were compared. Results: Significantly higher mean blood glucose values 1 day (114.7 mg/dl vs 102.8 mg/dl, p p p p >0.05) before the elevated amniotic fluid index were documented. Conclusion: Amniotic fluid volume reflects recent glycemic status in gestational diabetes mellitus.
Impact of Baby Boomers on hospitalizations for coronary heart disease and stroke in the United States.

Abstract Objective. Comparison of hospitalizations for coronary heart disease and stroke in older Baby Boomers, aged 45–54 years (the 1946–1955 birth cohort) in 2000 with that of the 1936–1945 birth cohort in 1990 and the 1926–1935 birth cohort in 1980. Method and data source. Analysis of the annual National Hospital Discharge Survey that collects data on discharges from non-federal short-stay hospitals. Results. Among hospitalizations for coronary heart disease, 294,000 (15.4%) in 1980, 289,000 (14.7%) in 1990, and 329,000 (15.2%) in 2000 occurred among adults aged 45–54 years. However, the age-specific hospitalization rate (per 100,000) for coronary heart disease was lower in 2000 than in 1990 or 1980 (p Conclusion. Baby Boomers made a greater impact on absolute numbers of coronary heart disease and stroke hospitalizations in 2000 relative to that of 45–54-year-olds in 1990 and 1980.
The nature of "computer architecture"

"The finest words in the world are only vain sounds if you cannot understand them." Anatole FranceThere are several different interpretations of what "computer architecture" is, and what the phrase means. An informal survey of professionals who routinely deal with computers was conducted to determine better the perceived meaning of "computer architecture". From this I hoped to identify potential areas of misunderstanding when discussing the various aspects of computer architecture.
Partial derivatives and confidence intervals of bivariate tail dependence functions

Bivariate extreme value theory was used to estimate a rare event (see de Haan and de Ronde [1998. Sea and wind: multivariate extremes at work. Extremes 1, 7–45]). This procedure involves estimating a tail dependence function. There are several estimators for the tail dependence function in the literature, but their limiting distributions depend on partial derivatives of the tail dependence function. In this paper smooth estimators are proposed for estimating partial derivatives of bivariate tail dependence functions and their asymptotic distributions are derived as well. A simulation study is conducted to compare different estimators of partial derivatives in terms of both mean squared errors and coverage accuracy of confidence intervals of the bivariate tail dependence function based on these different estimators of partial derivatives.
CMOS active pixel image sensors fabricated using a 1.8-V, 0.25-/spl mu/m CMOS technology

This paper reports the experimental results of the first CMOS active pixel image sensors (APS) fabricated using a high-performance 1.8-V, 0.25-/spl mu/m CMOS logic technology. No process modifications were made to the CMOS logic technology so that the impact of device scaling on the image sensing performance can be studied. This paper highlights the device and process design considerations required to enable CMOS as an image sensor technology.
Transient failure of opening of the lower oesophageal sphincter on upright oesophagrams: Radiographic and clinical findings

The purpose of our study was to determine the frequency, radiographic features, and clinical importance of transient failure of opening of the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) on upright double-contrast views of the oesophagus. A computerized search of radiology records identified 16 patients who had transient failure of opening of the LOS on upright views from biphasic oesophagrams or upper gastrointestinal tract examinations using high-density barium but normal opening of the LOS on prone views using low-density barium. The radiographic findings were reviewed and correlated with the clinical and manometric findings. In all cases, barium studies revealed tapered, beaklike narrowing of the distal oesophagus on upright double-contrast views, with a normal-appearing distal oesophagus, normal opening of the LOS, and intact peristalsis on prone single-contrast views. Only seven patients (44%) had dysphagia. Five of these patients had clinical follow-up, and the dysphagia improved or resolved without specific treatment for LOS dysfunction in four. The remaining patient had persistent dysphagia, but this individual had polymyositis as the likely cause for his dysphagia. Manometry revealed incomplete relaxation of the LOS in two patients and normal relaxation in one. Our experience suggests that failure of opening of the LOS may be observed as a transient finding of little clinical importance on upright double-contrast views of the oesophagus using high-density barium, with normal opening of the LOS on prone single-contrast views using low-density barium. It is important to be aware of this finding, so that it is not mistaken for achalasia or other abnormalities of the distal oesophagus.
Effects of induced hypercalcemia on human gastric secretion.

Summary The induction of hypercalcemia in 24 peptic ulcer patients by the intravenous administration of calcium hexonate led to a marked increase in gastric secretion. Acid output rose to 12.2 mEq per hr, a rate which was 29% of the peak response to Histalog. Pepsin output rose to a rate which was 43% of the peak Histalog response. Hypercalcemia failed to produce a significant alteration in the peak response to Histalog. The injection of atropine or pentolinium abolished the effect of hypercalcemia on spontaneous gastric secretion, as did the concomitant induction of hypermagnesemia.
Exploration of Malingering Indices in the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition Digit Span Subtest

Prior research shows that Digit Span is a useful embedded measure of malingering. However, the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-IV (Wechsler, 2008) altered Digit Span in meaningful ways, necessitating another look at Digit Span as an embedded measure of malingering. Using a simulated malingerer design, we examined the predictive accuracy of existing Digit Span validity indices and explored whether patterns of performance utilizing the new version would provide additional evidence for malingering. Undergraduates with a history of mild head injury performed with best effort or simulated impaired cognition and were also compared with a large sample of non-head-injured controls. Previously established cutoffs for the age-corrected scaled score and Reliable Digit Span (RDS) performed similarly in the present samples. Patterns of RDS length using all three subscales of the new scale were different in malingerers when compared with both head-injured and non-head-injured controls. Two potential alternative RDS scores were introduced, which showed better sensitivity than the traditional RDS, while retaining specificity to malingering.
Research on research revisited: Another half decade of quantitative and field research on international organizations

Eight journals were surveyed for articles reporting empirical research on international organizations, under the assumption that periodic self-assessment is a necessary component of any program of scientific inquiry. Forty-five article published between 1970 and 1975 are compared to articles from the 1960s on a variety of dimensions. In the recent period more authors view international organizations comparatively while fewer concentrate their efforts on the UN. The types of organizations and organizational process being studied have become more diversified, as have the research methods being utilized. Several questions receiving the sustained attention of researchers, such as studies of UN voting groups, the attributes of UN member states, the effects of economic assistance on influence in the UN, and the role of IO's in conflict resolution, all reflect a growing accumulation of knowledge about international organizations.
Allosteric potentiators of the metabotropic glutamate receptor 2 (mGlu2). Part 3: Identification and biological activity of indanone containing mGlu2 receptor potentiators.

Abstract We have identified and synthesized a series of phenyl-tetrazolyl and 4-thiopyridyl indanones as allosteric potentiators of the metabotropic glutamate receptor 2. Structure activity relationship studies directed toward improving the potency and level of potentiation, as well as PK properties, led to the discovery of 28 (EC50 = 186 nM), which displayed activity in a rodent model for schizophrenia.
Nonlinear global and local document degradation models

Two sources of document degradation are modeled: (1) perspective distortion that occurs while photocopying or scanning thick, bound documents; and (2) degradation due to perturbation in the optical scanning and digitization process: speckle, blurr, jitter, and threshold. Perspective distortion is modeled by studying the underlying perspective geometry of the optical system of photocopiers and scanners. An illumination model is described to account for the nonlinear intensity change occurring across a page in a perspective-distorted document. The optical distortion process is modeled morphologically. First, a distance transform on the foreground is performed; this is followed by a random inversion of binary pixels in which the probability of flip is a function of the distance of the pixel to the boundary of the foreground. Correlating the flipped pixels is modeled by a morphological closing operation.©1994 John Wiley & Sons Inc