cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, conductivity and oxygen diffusivity of Sr2Fe3Ox

Abstract Sr 2 Fe 3 O x samples were synthesized by solid-state reaction at 1200°C in atmospheres with various oxygen partial pressures. X-ray and neutron powder diffraction experiments were conducted to determine the crystal structure. Electrical conductivity was measured by the four-probe method at elevated temperatures in atmospheres with various oxygen partial pressures. The oxygen chemical diffusion coefficient was determined by the conductivity relaxation method. Neutron powder diffraction showed that the Sr 2 Fe 3 O x material has a layered structure with an orthorhombic unit cell with lattice parameters a =11.122 A, b =18.98 A, c =5.585 A, and V =1178.97 A 3 . The total conductivity of Sr 2 Fe 3 O x increases with increasing temperature and oxygen partial pressure; at 800°C in air, the conductivity is ≈0.5 Ω −1 cm −1 . Oxygen chemical diffusion coefficient increases with increasing temperature. The coefficient at 900°C ≈1.2×10 −5 cm 2 s −1 , is more than one order of magnitude higher than that of the mixed-conducting Sr 2 Fe 2 CoO x material. The activation energy for oxygen diffusion in Sr 2 Fe 3 O x , derived from the oxygen chemical diffusion coefficient, is ≈0.9 eV in air.
Fabrication of a realistic breast phantom based on 3D printing technology for thermoacoustic imaging application in breast cancer detection

As a hybrid mechanism integrating the advantages of microwave imaging and ultrasound imaging, such as non-ionizing radiation, high dielectric contrast and excellent spatial resolution, microwave-induced thermoacoustic imaging (TAI) holds promise for breast cancer detection (R. A. Kruger et al, Radiology, 216, 279–283, 2000).
Changes in Step Variability of New Walkers With Typical Development and With Down Syndrome

Models of human gait are based on adult locomotion. C. E. Bauby and A. D. Kuo (2000) proposed that adults rely on passive mechanisms at the spinal level to control motion in the anteroposterior direction and rely on direct monitoring of postural control in the lateral direction. The authors' purpose in this study was to determine if that model applies to control at the onset of walking in typically developing toddlers (n = 9) and in toddlers with Down syndrome (n = 6). Their longitudinal data suggested that toddlers control gait in a distinctly different manner than adults do. An adult pattern of control emerges with experience. In addition, the effect of experience on the emergence of that pattern is magnified by task-specific early intervention. The present data support the emergence and discovery of efficient patterns of control in this fundamental human behavior.
Searching and ovipositional behavior ofAmitus hesperidum [Hym.: Platygasteridae] andEncarsia opulenta [Hym.: Aphelinidae] parasitoids of the citrus blackfly [Hom.: Aleyrodidae]

Searching behavior ofAmitus hesperidumSilvestri andEncarsia opulenta (Silvestri) for immatureAleurocanthus woglumiAshby was similar. Both parasitoids moved unidirectionally until they encountered a host aggregation at which time they changed to a pattern of short walks with numerous turns. Parasitoid ovipositor insertion was generally at midbody between the host sternites and tergites.Amitus hesperidum females showed a significant preference for 1st instar hosts, have an ovipositional marker, do not feed on exudates from ovipositional wounds (host feed), and have significantly shorter ovipositional times and adult life spans thanE. opulenta which showed a significant preference for 2nd instar hosts, lack an ovipositional marker, and host feed.Encarsia opulenta females showed a significant preference for hosts previously parasitized byA. hesperidum but the reverse was not true. The average number of hosts parasitized by females of both parasitoid species was uninfluenced by the previous presence of the other parasitoid species on the same leaf.
Publication rates of abstracts presented by pharmacy residents at the Western States Conference.

Purpose Investigators report the results of a study to determine the proportion of residency projects presented as abstracts at a regional residency conference that were subsequently published as full-length articles. Summary Using every third item listed in the abstract booklets from the Western States Conference for the years 1995, 2000, and 2005, a search of MEDLINE and EMBASE for journal citations indicating publication of the corresponding residency projects was conducted; the searches covered a period including and extending five years beyond the year of abstract presentation at the conference. Of the total of 270 abstracts evaluated, 17 were expanded to full-length articles and published within the search time frame. The average time to publication (mean ± S.D.) was 24 ± 10 months. The publication rates associated with abstracts presented at the 1995, 2000, and 2005 conferences were 4.2%, 5.2%, and 8.2%, respectively. All published articles appeared in peer-reviewed journals, with more than half (54.2%) in pharmacy journals. The majority of residency projects published were retrospective and prospective cohort studies. In most cases (58.8%), the resident was listed as the first author of the published journal article. Conclusion The overall publication rate of abstracts presented at a regional residency conference in 1995, 2000, and 2005 was 6.3%, with an increase in the rate over those years.
Characterization of transient particle loads during lithium experiments on the National Spherical Torus Experiment

Transient events such as Edge Localized Modes (ELMs) or disruptions can lead to large particle and power loads on the divertor plates of tokamak experiments. These events can cause significant erosion and are detrimental to the lifetime of the plasma facing components. Understanding the impact of ELMs remains a complex problem and a major challenge. In this study, an effort is made to characterize these ELMs and other transients based on their characteristics using a particle flux probe and surface temperature measurements from a dual-band IR camera. Typically, the temporal evolution of an ELM from the particle flux probe is characterized by a steep rise and a gradual decrease of current signal. This burst like structure is seen by the Langmuir probes as a rise in the ion saturation current with a width of a few milliseconds. This study entails gathering statistics of typical ELM-like events for various shots in order to assess the typical loading of ELMs on the Liquid Lithium Divertor (LLD) that was installed in the FY10 run campaign. Later, the power deposition profiles during ELMs are also characterized from IR camera measurements for certain discharges to find that only 15% of the energy flux arrives at the divertor target before the surface temperature reached its maximum value. Finally, a correlation was found between the particle flux from the probes during the ELMs and the neutral particle flux from Dα signal indicating the utility of the particle flux probe as a means to characterize ELMs.
Liquid microlayer evaporation during nucleate boiling on the surface of a flat composite wall

Abstract A transient model is developed to study the evaporation of a liquid microlayer under a growing vapor bubble during nucleate boiling on the surface of a flat composite wall. The wall consists of a thin, volumetrically heated metallic foil or film and a Pyrex glass substrate or thin coating. The model predictions are qualitatively in agreement with experimental data for a water microlayer evaporation on a SnO2 coated Pyrex glass plate. Results for a heated metal foil on a Pyrex glass substrate show that the local heat flux at the solid-liquid-vapor triple point could be as much as one to two orders of magnitude higher than the input heat flux. Consequently, the wall temperature at the triple point drops rapidly, resulting in a non-uniform wall surface temperature. Both the accommodation coefficient of evaporation and lateral heat conduction in the heated wall significantly affects the liquid microlayer evaporation on a thin, highly conductive wall, especially during the early stage of the bubble growth. As either the thickness or the thermal conductivity of the heated wall is increased, the evaporation rate increases due to improved lateral heat conduction, approaching that for an isothermal wall. Conversely, a thin coating of low conductivity material significantly reduces the evaporation rate of the liquid microlayer, whereas the effect of the thermal properties of the heated metallic substrate is negligible unless the coating is very thin.
Strontium Isotope Ages of the Marine Merced Formation, near San Francisco, California

Abstract The strontium isotopic compositions of foraminifers (Elphidiella hannaiwere determined to refine the age of coastal sediments of the Merced Formation and to evaluate the relation between transgressive–regressive cycles and Pleistocene glacio-eustatic sea-level fluctuations. Relatively good age resolution (± 0.1 myr) is possible in the upper part of the section. The Sr isotope ages provide strong supporting evidence for the fission track ages of an ash layer at the top of the formation (0.45 myr), as well as recent age estimates for the mammoth fossil of ∼0.45 myr. Sr isotope ages in the upper part of the section also confirm that marine/nonmarine cyclic sedimentation in the Merced Formation is controlled by glacial–interglacial cycles. Good age resolution for the lower part of the section is not possible, due to little variation of the87Sr/86Sr ratio in global sea water between 2.4 and 4.3 myr. The age of the base of the formation is constrained only between 2.4 and 4.8 myr. Sediment accumulation rates in the upper portion of the Merced Formation (between 0 and 720 m) are significantly higher than those calculated for the basal portion (between 720 and 1670 m). The change in accumulation rate may be due to increased continental weathering rates and/or increased tectonic subsidence beginning about 0.8 myr ago.
Zero-core-contribution model and its application to photodetachment of atomic negative ions

The authors have postulated a simple physical model for atomic negative ions and have obtained general formulas to describe their photodetachment characteristics. Absolute photodetachment cross sections, accurate to a factor of 2, and the angular distributions of detached electrons are at once made available for all atomic negative ions whose l, /sup 1/2/, and E are known, where l is the angular momentum quantum number for the outermost orbital electron of the anion, E and /sup 1/2/ are, respectively, the electron affinity and root-mean-square radius of the neutral atom. Values of these three input parameters are readily available for most atomic anions. The model seems to encompass the major physical attributes of atomic anions required for photodetachment. Its mathematics is simple. Because of this it is suggested that the model promises applicability to more complicated systems, particularly to photodetachment from molecular negative ions, and to more complicated processes, e.g., negative-ion--neutral-atom charge exchange.
Evidence for Similar Antigenic Determinants in Gonadotropins from Urine of Man and Monkey (Macaca mulatto)

Immunological properties of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and monkey (Macaca mulatto) chorionic gonadotropin (MCG) were examined by biological and radioimmunological methods using a rabbit antiserum to HCG. Evidence for antigenic similarities of HCG and MCG were demonstrated by the capacity of this antiserum to neutralize biological activity in the mouse uterus weight assay and by competition with 131I-labeled HLH for antibody binding sites in a radioimmunoassay system. Further, substances precipitable from the urine of normal female monkeys were antigenically similar to HCG in the radioimmunoassay system. (Endocrinology 84: 908, 1969)
Assessment of 24-h oesophageal pH monitoring should be divided to awake and asleep rather than upright and supine time periods*

Abstract Oesophageal acid exposure analysis is divided to upright and supine, based on the assumption that the supine–awake period is similar to the supine–asleep period. To determine if the principal acid-reflux characteristics of supine–awake are closer to supine–asleep or upright period. Patients with heartburn underwent an upper endoscopy and pH testing. The patients were instructed to carefully document their upright, supine–awake and supine–asleep periods. A total of 64 patients were enrolled into this study (M/F 35/29; mean age 52.4 ± 13.3). The mean percentage total time pH <4, frequency of acid-reflux events (per h) and number of sensed reflux events was not different between upright and the supine–awake period (P = ns). In contrast, the mean percentage total time pH <4, frequency of acid-reflux events and number of sensed reflux events was significantly higher in both upright and supine–awake periods vs supine–asleep (4.3 ± 6.9, 1.86 ± 2.7 and 0.01 ± 0.05, P < 0.0001, respectively). The principal characteristics of the acid-reflux events in the supine–awake period are closer to the upright period than to the supine–asleep period.
Have olivine, will gas: Serpentinization and the abiogenic production of methane on Mars

[1] Spatial variability of methane (CH4) on Mars suggests the presence of localized subsurface sources. Here, we show that olivine hydration in the Martian regolith and crust may be a major CH4 source, which contributed significantly to the warming of early Mars. Methane production is kinetically and thermodynamically favored during low-T aqueous alteration of olivine-rich rocks. Sustained release of CH4 on present-day Mars may come through the breakdown of ancient CH4 hydrates and from springs driven by geothermal heat.
“To be led differently”: Neoliberalism, road construction, and NGO counter-conducts in Peru

Abstract This essay explores how neoliberal governance is being contested, adapted, and engaged by Peruvian NGOs responding to the Interoceanic Highway, a large infrastructure project in southern Peru. The road is an anchor project of a continent-wide regional integration effort called IIRSA (Initiative for the Integration of Regional Infrastructure in South America), begun in 2000 and spearheaded by Brazil. IIRSA is a result of Latin America’s neoliberal reorientations in the 1980s and 1990s and seeks to facilitate the extraction of resources and the movement of capital. IIRSA has been carried out with very little publicity, but in 2006, a group of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) formed a coalition named the Civil Society Working Group for the Interoceanic Highway, and began critiquing both the road’s massive ecological and social consequences as well as the Peruvian government’s poorly designed impact mitigation program. Following Foucault, this paper suggests that NGO critique of the IIRSA project represents a form of counter-conduct and at once co-constitutes and challenges neoliberal practices of rule in Peru. Through the lens of “counter-conducts” – defined by Foucault as “the will not to be governed thusly, like that, by these people, at this price” – this essay shows how the NGO working group largely acts within the political space of the state through neoliberal ideas of good governance, while its discourses and actions point to a more profound reworking of environmental politics in Peru, a call in Foucault’s words, “to be led differently… and towards other objectives.”
Sizing up the nucleus: nuclear shape, size and nuclear-envelope assembly.

The nucleus is one of the most prominent cellular organelles, yet surprisingly little is known about how it is formed, what determines its shape and what defines its size. As the nuclear envelope (NE) disassembles in each and every cell cycle in metazoans, the process of rebuilding the nucleus is crucial for proper development and cell proliferation. In this Commentary, we summarize what is known about the regulation of nuclear shape and size, and highlight recent findings that shed light on the process of building a nucleus, including new discoveries related to NE assembly and the relationship between the NE and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Throughout our discussion, we note interesting aspects of nuclear structure that have yet to be resolved. Finally, we present an idea – which we refer to as `the limited flat membrane hypothesis' – to explain the formation of a single nucleus that encompasses of all of the cell's chromosomes following mitosis.
Extra Credit As Incentive for Voluntary Research Participation

This study examined whether offering extra credit for research participation was effective at meeting educational goals (e.g., enabling all students to learn about the research process) and providing a representative sample of college students for researchers. Results revealed that less than half (38%) of 193 undergraduate students in an introductory course participated in research. Those who did participate scored higher on measures of academic performance than those who did not participate. Offering extra credit for research participation might not meet educational goals and possibly limits the generalizability of research findings.
Hydrodynamic Analysis of Compliant Foil Bearings With Compressible Air Flow

A model is developed to predict the hydrodynamic performance of a foil journal bearing. The model accounts for both the compressibility of air and the compliance of the bearing surface. A series of predictions of the load-carrying capacity based on the numerical solution for pressure is presented that cover a wide range of operating speeds. The results show good agreement with existing experimental data.@DOI: 10.1115/1.1739242#
The trispectrum for Gaussian driven, multiple degree-of-freedom, non-linear structures

Abstract Higher-order spectra have become a useful tool in spectral analysis, particularly for identifying the presence and type of system non-linearity. Two such spectra that have figured prominently in signal processing are the bispectrum and trispectrum. In a previous work, the authors developed an analytical solution for the bispectrum for multi-degree-of-freedom systems. Here this analysis is extended to the trispectrum. Specifically, an expression is developed for the trispectrum of a multi-degree-of-freedom system subject to Gaussian excitation applied at an arbitrary location. The analytical expression is compared to those obtained via estimation using the direct method.
Susceptibility of interacting chains of trimers: application to bis(isopropylammonium) tetrachlorocuprate

Abstract The compound bis(isopropylammonium)tetrachloracuprate has previously been considered to be magnetically isolated chains of interacting trimers. A high temperature series expansion for the susceptibility of interacting chains of trimers is calculated and comparison of this calculation with existing susceptibility versus temperature data shows that the interchain exchange interaction is not negligible as has been previously assumed. Values obtained for the intratrimer, intertrimer and interchain exchange are 40, 28 and −14 K respectively.
Transport and control of Ca2+ by pigeon erythrocytes. I. Survey of some cell responses to a range of A23187 doses in the presence of Ca2+.

Abstract Cells were subjected to a range of 45 Ca 2+ influx loads with A23187. We measured cell 45 Ca 2+ with time and A23187 dose, and the apparent 45 Ca 2+ influxes (≡“J(in,app)”) at Ca 2+ steady state. We also measured endogeneous exchangeable and total cell Ca 2+ , which were 50 and 17–220 μM respectively. The effects of A23187 and Ca 2+ on cell ATP, swelling, net Cl − permeability, and cell morphology were measured. These were modest and do not affect our conclusions. J(in,app) ⋍ 3 × 10 −4 [A23187] 2.9 ·[Ca 2+ (o)]μmoles/l·min with 92–552 μM [Ca 2+ (o)] (≡ external Ca 2+ concentration) and 0–7 μM A23187. J(in,app) was increased an order of magnitude by vanadate and is probably much less than the true influx. The least unlikely explanation found for the high [A23187] exponent, 2.9, was that most of the Ca 2+ crossing the membrane is expelled by the pump before it can move deeper into the cell. Calcium pumping increased rapidly in response to increased influx, but the steady state cell 45 Ca 2+ was approximately proportional to J(in,app) rather than approximately constant between 10 and 120 μmoles/l·min with 184 μM [Ca 2+ (o)]. This is not the result expected from a simple feedback mechanism. At high A23187 doses the pump appears fully activated resulting in a linear relation between cell/medium 45 Ca 2+ and [A23187] −2 . From the plot we calculated α≡free/total exchangeable Ca 2+ = 0.38 ± 0.08 (n = 3) and a maximum pump rate, “Pmax” = 78 μmole/l·min. Pmax is underestimated insofar as J(in,app) is less than the true influx.
Central Force Laws, Hodographs, and Polar Reciprocals.

It is not difficult, when one knows the calculus, and to write the differential equations and to solve them, to show that it's an ellipse. I believe in the lectures here-or at least in the book-[you] calculated the orbit by numerical methods and saw that it looked like an ellipse. That's not exactly the same thing as proving that it is exactly an ellipse. The Mathematics Department ordinarily is left the job of proving that it's an ellipse, so that they have something to do over there with their differential equations. [Laughter]
Crystallographic texture of C54 titanium disilicide as a function of deep submicron structure geometry

Detailed analysis of the crystallographic texture of C54 TiSi2 was performed and showed a strong correlation between the geometry of the silicide structures and preferential crystallographic orientation. The study was undertaken on blanket and patterned TiSi2 films formed in the reaction between 32 nm of Ti and undoped polycrystalline silicon using both in situ x-ray diffraction during heating and post-anneal four-circle pole figure reflection geometry measurements. Full pole figures were taken to determine the distribution of C54 TiSi2 grain orientations in narrow (0.2 to 1.1 μm) lines which was compared with similar results obtained from unpatterned (blanket) films. While in blanket films we found the presence of weak C54 TiSi2 crystallographic orientation perpendicular to the sample surface, the preferential orientation dominated in patterned submicron line structures and increased with decreasing linewidth. Using pole figure analysis, we observed strong fiber texture in narrow lines with a slight variation in the tilt of the (040) planes normal in the direction perpendicular to the line (full width at half maximum [FWHM] ≈6°), but very little along the length of the line (FWHM ≈2°). In addition, a preferred in-plane (azimuthal) orientation of crystals was found which showed that most of the grains had their (004) plane normals oriented parallel with the line direction. These findings support a model of the C49 to C54 TiSi2 transformation involving rapid growth of certain orientations favored by the one-dimensional geometry imposed by narrow lines.
Visual Quality of Life in Veterans With Blast-Induced Traumatic Brain Injury

Importance Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an important cause of morbidity worldwide, with increasing awareness of the role of blast exposure in military and civilian casualties. Visual problems have been reported in TBI and may affect functioning and quality of life. Objective To evaluate the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire and Neuro-Ophthalmic Supplement for utility in assessing the effect of blast exposure on perceived visual functioning among veterans with TBI. Design, Setting, and Participants Observational cohort study from a tertiary care Veterans Health Administration hospital. Reported visual quality of life was compared with existing norms, and relationships between perceived visual quality and ocular injury, diplopia, visual performance, and blast exposure characteristics were examined. Participants included inpatients with blast-induced TBI who underwent baseline examination between December 7, 2006, and January 11, 2012, at a multiple-trauma rehabilitation center and who had at least 1 intact eye and were able to undergo psychometric testing and ocular examination. Among 64 sequentially eligible patients, 60 completed visual quality testing, 1 declined study participation, and 3 were evaluated prior to inclusion of visual quality testing in the protocol. Thirty-nine patients returned for outpatient follow-up, with a median test-retest interval of 11 months. Exposure Combat blast exposure with documented TBI. Main Outcomes and Measures Composite and subscale scores on the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire and Neuro-Ophthalmic Supplement. Results Both tests had high test-retest reliability. Blast-exposed veterans reported significantly poorer visual quality compared with healthy samples and some patient samples with known eye disease. Scores tended to be worse for participants with identified visual performance deficits (poorer visual acuity or spatial contrast sensitivity, visual field depression or defects). Scores were not related to the extent of ocular injury or to blast exposure characteristics such as use of protective eyewear or TBI severity level. Conclusions and Relevance Individuals with blast-induced TBI reliably completed both tests and reported significant decrements in their subjective visual experiences. Measures of subjective visual quality may be useful to identify patients needing additional visual or neurologic evaluation and to monitor the effect of visual rehabilitation on patients with blast-related visual disabilities.
Weak Acid Ionization Constants and the Determination of Weak Acid–Weak Base Reaction Equilibrium Constants in the General Chemistry Laboratory

A laboratory to determine the equilibrium constants of weak acid-weak base reactions is described. The equilibrium constants of component reactions when multiplied together equal the numerical value of the equilibrium constant of the summative reaction. The component reactions are weak acid ionization reactions, weak base hydrolysis reactions, and the auto-ionization of water reaction. The summative equations are weak acid-weak base reactions. The acid ionization constants (Ka) of HC2H3O2, H3PO4, H2PO4-, HPO42-, and NH4+ are determined from measurements of the pH in buffer solutions with known weak acid and known weak base concentrations, and base hydrolysis constants (Kb) are determined using Ka × Kb = Kw.
Does the American Dream Matter for Members of Congress?: Social-Class Backgrounds and Roll-Call Votes

Do legislators from upper-class backgrounds behave differently from those from humble beginnings? Scholars of representation have made progress understanding the effects of a legislator’s social cl...
13C and 31P NMR studies of some aminophosphonium chlorides

The multinuclear NMR spectral data for an homologous series of tertiary phosphines, R3-nP(NMe2)n, aminophos-phonium ions, [R3PNR′R″]+, and phosphonium ions, [R4-nPMe]+, where R = Me, Et, n-Pr and Ph, R′ and/or R″ = H, Me and n = 0 and 1 are reported and discussed. Quaternization by alkylation or chloramination causes an increase in the 31P chemical shift (Δ δP is positive), a decrease in the 13C chemical shift (Δ δC is negative) for all carbons, an increase in the magnitudes of 1J(PC), 3J(PC), 3J(PNCH) and 2J(PCH) and a decrease in the magnitude of 2J(PC). Substitution of a Me2N group for an alkyl or aryl group produces an increase in the 31P chemical shift and in the magnitude of 1J(PC). α- and β-deshielding and γ-shielding effects are noted in the 13C NMR spectra and β-deshielding and γ-shielding effects are noted in the 31P NMR spectra with substitution on the phosphorus and nitrogen atoms.
On the applicability of spectroradiometers to photoreceiver calibration using synchrotron radiation

Abstract Methods for determining the spectral sensitivity of a photoreceiver based on the use of synchrotron radiation have been discussed. The basic requirements for the construction of a spectroradiometer intended for photoreceiver graduation based on the use of synchrotron radiation have been determined through a theoretical analysis.
Immigrants in New York City: Reaping the Benefits of Continuous Immigration

Using New York City as an example, this essay examines how American cities that have a long and continuous history of absorbing immigrants develop welcoming institutions and policies for current immigrants and their children. Cities such as Chicago, San Francisco, and New York have been gateway cities for many previous waves of immigrants and continue to absorb new immigrants today. The ethnic conflicts and accommodations of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries continue to shape the context of reception of today's immigrants. In contrast to “new destinations,” which in recent years have often been centers of anti-immigrant sentiment and nativist local social policies, New York has generally adopted policies designed to include and accommodate new immigrants, as well as repurposing institutions that served earlier European immigrants and native-born African Americans and Puerto Ricans. The continuing significance of race in the city is counterbalanced in the lives of immigrants by a relative lack of nati...
Cigarette Smoking Is Independently Associated with Chronic Pancreatitis

Background and Aims: It is not completely understood whether smoking contributes to chronic pancreatitis (CP). Past studies have included mostly patients with alcohol-related and severe CP. Our aim was to assess the relationship of smoking and CP adjusting for alcohol and other clinical risk factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed of patients referred to the pancreatic disease clinic in the past 2 years with abdominal pain and suspected CP. Patients were questioned on their smoking and alcohol habits. Patients underwent an etiological workup and diagnostic evaluation for early and late CP comprised of computed tomography scan and combined endoscopic ultrasound and secretin endoscopic pancreatic function test if indicated. Logistic regression was used to determine the association of current smoking with CP adjusting for other risk factors. Results: The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for current smoking was 1.99 (95% CI 1.01, 3.91). Other significant predictors included consumption of ≧10 alcohol drinks/week, advancing age, history of acute pancreatitis, and the presence of another etiological factor. Smoking was also independently associated with exocrine insufficiency (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.07, 3.75) and calcifications (OR 2.68, 95% CI 1.03, 6.94). Conclusion: Active cigarette smoking is associated with CP adjusting for alcohol and other risk factors.
Quantitative characterization of resistive defects in thick composites using step heating thermography

Inspection of thick composite structures, such as Reinforced Thermosetting Resin (RTR) pipes used in the petroleum industry, using infrared thermography is difficult. This paper investigates the use of step heating thermography to increase the maximum detectable defect depth and describes techniques to quantitatively characterize defect depth and severity in thick composites. A procedure to simultaneously determine defect depth and thermal resistance from the early time surface temperature is described. The procedure is based on fitting the early time surface temperature profile over a defect to a one-dimensional three-layer analytical model. Experimental testing demonstrates the accuracy of the procedure.
Role of Hemagglutinin Palmitoylation in Assembly and Fusion of Influenza Virus-Like Particles

Influenza A virus is a major human pathogen causing annual epidemics and occasional pandemics. Hemagglutinin (HA), the influenza virus fusion protein, contains on its cytoplasmic tail three conserved cysteins which are palmitoylated. Contradictory data have been reported regarding the role of HA palmitoylation in either membrane fusion or virion assembly. Here we analyzed the role of HA palmitoylation on assembly and fusion of influenza virus-like particles (VLPs) by using fusion assay, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET). VLP assembly, release, morphology, as well as glycoprotein spacing on the surface of the VLP, were not affected by mutation of all three cysteins. However, using both cell-cell and VLP-cell fusion assays we found that palmitoylation plays a role in fusion pore enlargement. We tested HA from three different influenza strains (H2 (A/Japan/305/57), H3 (A/Aichi/2/68), H3 (A/Udorn/72)). In all cases HA depalmitoylation impaired pore enlargement, suggesting that the role of palmitoylation in membrane fusion is viral strain independent. Cryo-ET of fusion products between liposomes and isolated VLP containing depalmitoylated HA revealed accumulation of small arrested fusion pores with an average internal diameter of 2 nm.
Temporal variability of mercury speciation in urban air

Semi-continuous measurements of ambient mercury (Hg) species were performed in Detroit, MI, USA for the calendar year 2003. The mean (±standard deviation) concentrations for gaseous elemental mercury (GEM), particulate mercury (HgP), and reactive gaseous mercury (RGM) were 2.2±1.3 ng m−3, 20.8±30.0, and 17.7±28.9 pg m−3, respectively. A clear seasonality in Hg speciation was observed with GEM and RGM concentrations significantly (p<0.001) greater in warm seasons, while HgP concentrations were greater in cold seasons. The three measured Hg species also exhibited clear diurnal trends which were particularly evident during the summer months. Higher RGM concentrations were observed during the day than at night. Hourly HgP and GEM concentrations exhibited a similar diurnal pattern with both being inversely correlated with RGM. Multivariate analysis coupled with conditional probability function analysis revealed the conditions associated with high Hg concentration episodes, and identified the inter-correlations between speciated Hg concentrations, three common urban air pollutants (sulfur dioxide, ozone, and nitric oxides), and meteorological parameters. This analysis suggests that both local and regional sources were major factors contributing to the observed temporal variations in Hg speciation. Boundary layer dynamics and the seasonal meteorological conditions, including temperature and moisture content, were also important factors affecting Hg variability.
Novel adhesive glove device (AGD) for active compression-decompression (ACD) CPR results in improved carotid blood flow and coronary perfusion pressure in piglet model of cardiac arrest.

Abstract Objective ACD-CPR improves coronary and cerebral perfusion. We developed an adhesive glove device (AGD) and hypothesized that ACD-CPR using an AGD provides better chest decompression resulting in improved carotid blood flow as compared to standard (S)-CPR. Design Prospective, randomized and controlled animal study. Methods Sixteen anesthetized and ventilated piglets were randomized after 3min of untreated VF to receive either S-CPR or AGD-ACD-CPR by a PALS certified single rescuer with compressions of 100min −1 and C:V ratio of 30:2. AGD consisted of a modified leather glove exposing the fingers and thumb. A wide Velcro patch was sewn to the palmer aspect of the glove and the counter Velcro patch was adhered to the pig's chest wall. Carotid blood flow was measured using ultrasound. Data (mean±SD) was analyzed using one way ANOVA and unpaired t -test; p -value≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Right atrial pressure (mmHg) during the decompression phase was lower during AGD-ACD-CPR (−3.32±2.0) when compared to S-CPR (0.86±1.8, p =0.0007). Mean carotid blood flow was 53.2±27.1 (% of baseline blood flow in ml/min) in AGD vs. 19.1±12.5% in S-CPR, p =0.006. Coronary perfusion pressure (CPP, mmHg) was 29.9±5.8 in AGD vs. 22.7±6.9 in S-CPR, p =0.04. There was no significant difference in time to ROSC and number of epinephrine doses. Conclusion Active chest decompression during CPR using this simple and inexpensive adhesive glove device resulted in significantly better carotid blood flow during the first 2min of CPR.
Disruption of the developmentally-regulated Col2a1 pre-mRNA alternative splicing switch in a transgenic knock-in mouse model

The present study describes the generation of a knock-in mouse model to address the role of type II procollagen (Col2a1) alternative splicing in skeletal development and maintenance. Alternative splicing of Col2a1 precursor mRNA is a developmentally-regulated event that only occurs in chondrogenic tissue. Normally, chondroprogenitor cells synthesize predominantly exon 2-containing mRNA isoforms (type IIA and IID) while Col2a1 mRNA devoid of exon 2 (type IIB) is the major isoform produced by differentiated chondrocytes. Another isoform, IIC, has also been identified that contains a truncated exon 2 and is not translated into protein. The biological significance of this IIA/IID to IIB splicing switch is not known. Utilizing a splice site targeting knock-in approach, a 4 nucleotide mutation was created to convert the 5' splice site of Col2a1 exon 2 from a weak, non-consensus sequence to a strong, consensus splice site. This resulted in apparent expression of only the IIA mRNA isoform, as confirmed in vitro by splicing of a type II procollagen mini-gene containing the 5' splice site mutation. To test the splice site targeting approach in vivo, homozygote mice engineered to retain IIA exon 2 (Col2a1(+ex2)) were generated. Chondrocytes from hindlimb epiphyseal cartilage of homozygote mice were shown to express only IIA mRNA and protein at all pre- and post-natal developmental stages analyzed (E12.5, E16.5, P0, P3, P7, P14, P28 and P70). As expected, type IIB procollagen was the major isoform produced in wild type cartilage at all post-natal time points. Col2a1(+ex2) homozygote mice are viable, appear healthy and display no overt phenotype to date. However, research is currently underway to investigate the biological consequence of persistent expression of the exon 2-encoded conserved cysteine-rich domain in post-natal skeletal tissues.
Tiny-sync: Tight time synchronization for wireless sensor networks

Time synchronization is a fundamental middleware service for any distributed system. Wireless sensor networks make extensive use of synchronized time in many contexts (e.g., data fusion, TDMA schedules, synchronized sleep periods, etc.). We propose a time synchronization method relevant for wireless sensor networks. The solution features minimal complexity in network bandwidth, storage as well as processing, and can achieve good accuracy. Especially relevant for sensor networks, it also provides tight, deterministic bounds on offset and clock drift. A method for synchronizing the entire network is presented. The performance of the algorithm is analyzed theoretically and validated on a realistic testbed. The results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms existing algorithms in terms of precision and resource requirements.
New York, New York: Two ways of estimating the delay impact of New York airports

High arrival delay at major airports tends to propagate and generate secondary delay through the National Airspace System (NAS). In the United States, it is widely believed that the major culprits for delay throughout the NAS are the three New York commercial airports – Newark (EWR), LaGuardia (LGA), and John F. Kennedy (JFK). Various estimates of the extent to which the New York airports impact the delay in the NAS have been reported over the years. Yet there is no thorough investigation into the mutual relationship between delays at New York and non-New York airports. In this paper, we take two different approaches to quantify the impact of the three New York airports on delay throughout the NAS. First, we estimate and apply an econometric model using a large historical dataset. The other model is the FAA SWAC model that simulates flights and tracks the daily performance of the system. The counterfactual scenarios in these two models are adjusted to be comparable to each other. There is disparity between the results of the two different models, suggesting the simulation model might not capture all the factors that cause arrival delay. Still both results conclude that the portion of delay in the system caused by New York airports is much less than publicized estimates. Combining econometric and simulation models to address questions of this nature appears to be a promising approach.
Letter to the editor concerning Stavropoulos F, Katz J. Central giant cell granulomas: a systematic review of the radiographic characteristics with addition of 20 new cases published in Dentomaxillofacial Radiology 2002; 31: 213–217—author response

We would like to express our deep appreciation to Dr Katkar for the thorough and meticulous analysis of this study. After revisiting the citations involved, we concur with Dr Katkar regarding the numbers of central giant cell granuloma lesions characterized by a well defined border. Horner1 made a distinction between lesions with well-defined margins that lacked cortical bone and lesions that were well defined with cortical bone (69% and 8%, respectively). Kaffe et al2 had classified the borders into three categories: well defined, diffused and poorly defined (39%, 22% and 39%, respectively). Whitaker and Waldron3 reported that most cases of this lesion had well-defined borders but only 19% had well-corticated borders. The majority of the cases reported in the literature therefore had well-defined borders consistent with our reported cases (65%). It should be emphasized, however, that additional factors such as root resorption, bone expansion multilocular appearance and displaced anatomic structures may affect the benign or aggressive nature of this condition.
Structured Parenting of Toddlers at High Versus Low Genetic Risk: Two Pathways to Child Problems

Objective: Little is known about how parenting might offset genetic risk to prevent the onset of child problems during toddlerhood. We used a prospective adoption design to separate genetic and environmental influences and test whether associations between structured parenting and toddler behavior problems were conditioned by genetic risk for psychopathology. Method: The sample included 290 linked sets of adoptive families and birth mothers and 95 linked birth fathers. Genetic risk was assessed via birth mother and birth father psychopathology (anxiety, depression, antisociality, and drug use). Structured parenting was assessed via microsocial coding of adoptive mothers' behavior during a cleanup task. Toddler behavior problems were assessed with the Child Behavior Checklist. Results: Controlling for tempera mental risk at 9 months, there was an interaction between birth mother psychopathology and adoptive mothers' par enting on toddler behavior problems at 18 months. The interaction indicated two pathways to child problems: structured parenting was beneficial for toddlers at high genetic risk but was related to behavior problems for toddlers at low genetic risk. This crossover interaction pattern was replicated with birth father psychopathology as the index of genetic risk. Conclusions: The effects of structured parenting on toddler behavior problems varied as a function of genetic risk. Children at genetic risk might benefit from parenting interventions during toddlerhood that enhance structured par enting. J. Am. Acad. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry, 2009;48(11):1102-1109. © 2009 American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
Analytical gradient evaluation in coupled-cluster theory

Abstract First derivatives of the coupled-cluster doubles (CCD) energy have been implemented for the first time. Formulae are presented for the Hartree-Fock reference case. These equations are illustrated by applying CCD gradients to the geometry optimization and harmonic vibrational frequency determination of H 2 O and the 1 A 1 and the 1 A 1 state of CH 2 .
Hydrophilic acrylic intraocular lens as a drug-delivery system for fourth-generation fluoroquinolones.

Purpose To evaluate the ability and safety of a hydrophilic acrylic intraocular lens (IOL) as a drug-delivery system for commercially available gatifloxacin and moxifloxacin. Setting David J. Apple, MD, Laboratories for Ophthalmic Research, John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. Methods Thirty rabbits were divided into 2 similar groups. In Group A (15 rabbits, 30 eyes), hydrophilic acrylic IOLs (C-flex, Rayner Intraocular Lenses, Ltd.) presoaked for 24 hours in commercially available solutions of gatifloxacin 3 mg/mL or moxifloxacin 5 mg/mL were implanted after evacuation of the crystalline lens. Group B (15 rabbits, 30 eyes) had topical preoperative and postoperative cataract prophylaxis with gatifloxacin 3 mg/mL or moxifloxacin 5 mg/mL; IOLs that were not presoaked were also implanted after evacuation of the crystalline lenses. In both groups, aqueous humor samples were taken 4, 8, or 12 hours after IOL implantation (5 eyes at each time point) to determine the antibiotic concentrations. Clinical examinations were performed 24 hours postoperatively. Results The antibiotic concentrations in Group A (presoaked IOLs) were statistically significantly higher than those in Group B (topical) for both antibiotics in all postoperative samples except moxifloxacin at 12 hours. In both groups, there was no statistically significant difference between the concentrations of the 2 antibiotics. No eye showed signs of clinical toxicity. Conclusion Results show the C-flex IOL is a safe and effective drug-delivery system for fourth-generation fluoroquinolones.
Alteration in the Gene Encoding Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Nonreceptor Type 6 (PTPN6/SHP1) May Contribute to Neutrophilic Dermatoses

We have found a B2 repeat insertion in the gene encoding protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor type 6 (PTPN6) in a mouse that developed a skin disorder with clinical and histopathological features resembling those seen in human neutrophilic dermatoses. Neutrophilic dermatoses are a group of complex heterogeneous autoinflammatory diseases that all demonstrate excessive neutrophil infiltration of the skin. Therefore, we tested the cDNA and genomic DNA sequences of PTPN6 from patients with Sweet's syndrome (SW) and pyoderma gangrenosum and found numerous novel splice variants in different combinations. Isoforms resulting from deletions of exons 2, 5, 11, and 15 and retention of intron 1 or 5 were the most common in a patients with a familial case of SW, who had a neonatal onset of an inflammatory disorder with skin lesions and a biopsy specimen consistent with SW. These isoforms were associated with a heterozygous E441G mutation and a heterozygous 1.7-kbp deletion in the promoter region of the PTPN6 gene. Although full-length PTPN6 was detected in all other patients with either pyoderma gangrenosum or SW, it was always associated with splice variants: a partial deletion of exon 4 with the complete deletion of exon 5, alterations that were not detected in healthy controls. The defect in transcriptional regulation of the hematopoietic PTPN6 appears to be involved in the pathogenesis of certain subsets of the heterogeneous group of neutrophilic dermatoses.