cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Standard reference water samples for rare earth element determinations

Abstract Standard reference water samples (SRWS) were collected from two mine sites, one near Ophir, CO, USA and the other near Redding, CA, USA. The samples were filtered, preserved, and analyzed for rare earth element (REE) concentrations (La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu) by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). These two samples were acid mine waters with elevated concentrations of REEs (0.45–161 μg/l). Seventeen international laboratories participated in a ‘round-robin’ chemical analysis program, which made it possible to evaluate the data by robust statistical procedures that are insensitive to outliers. The resulting most probable values are reported. Ten to 15 of the participants also reported values for Ba, Y, and Sc. Field parameters, major ion, and other trace element concentrations, not subject to statistical evaluation, are provided.
Multivariate Models of Adult Pacific Salmon Returns

Most modeling and statistical approaches encourage simplicity, yet ecological processes are often complex, as they are influenced by numerous dynamic environmental and biological factors. Pacific salmon abundance has been highly variable over the last few decades and most forecasting models have proven inadequate, primarily because of a lack of understanding of the processes affecting variability in survival. Better methods and data for predicting the abundance of returning adults are therefore required to effectively manage the species. We combined 31 distinct indicators of the marine environment collected over an 11-year period into a multivariate analysis to summarize and predict adult spring Chinook salmon returns to the Columbia River in 2012. In addition to forecasts, this tool quantifies the strength of the relationship between various ecological indicators and salmon returns, allowing interpretation of ecosystem processes. The relative importance of indicators varied, but a few trends emerged. Adult returns of spring Chinook salmon were best described using indicators of bottom-up ecological processes such as composition and abundance of zooplankton and fish prey as well as measures of individual fish, such as growth and condition. Local indicators of temperature or coastal upwelling did not contribute as much as large-scale indicators of temperature variability, matching the spatial scale over which salmon spend the majority of their ocean residence. Results suggest that effective management of Pacific salmon requires multiple types of data and that no single indicator can represent the complex early-ocean ecology of salmon.
Lepton-width suppression of vector-meson decays

Quantum-chromodynamics radiative corrections to the vector-meson lepton width are discussed. These may modify the zeroth-order equation of Van Royen and Weisskopf, thereby leading to a significant suppression, by about a factor of 2, of the calculated value of $\ensuremath{\Gamma}$. Consequences for phenomenology are examined. In particular, a prediction is made for the width of ${\ensuremath{\Upsilon}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$, as well as for widths of heavier mesons.
Photosynthesis and photorespiration in a mutant of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis PCC 6803 lacking carboxysomes

A mutant of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis PCC 6803 was obtained by replacing the gene of the carboxylation enzyme ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) with that of the photosynthetic bacterium Rhodospirillum rubrum. This mutant consequently lacks carboxysomes — the protein complexes in which the original enzyme is packed. It is incapable of growing at atmospheric CO2 levels and has an apparent photosynthetic affinity for inorganic carbon (Ci) which is 1000 times lower than that of the wild type, yet it accumulates more Ci than the wild type. The mutant appears to be defective in its ability to utilize the intracellular Ci pool for photosynthesis. Unlike the carboxysomal carboxylase activity of Rubisco, which is almost insensitive to inhibition by O2 in vitro, the soluble enzyme is competitively inhibited by O2. The photosynthetic rate and Ci compensation point of the wild type were hardly affected by low O2 levels. Above 100 μM O2, however, both parameters became inhibited. The CO2 compensation point of the mutant was linearly dependent on O2 concentration. The higher sensitivity of the mutant to O2 inhibition than that expected from in-vitro kinetics parameters of Rubisco, indicates a low capacity to recycle photorespiratory metabolites to Calvin-cycle intermediates.
Influences of Interstice Size, Shade, and Predators on the Use of Artificial Structures by Bluegills

Abstract Adding artificial structures to lakes concentrates fish and therefore may increase angler success. However, structure characteristics that attract fish are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the preferences of juvenile and adult bluegills Lepomis macrochirus for interstice size (40, 150, and 350 mm) within artificial structures and shaded versus unshaded structures in the absence or presence of largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides. Structures were constructed of 10-cm-diameter plastic pipes and were 1.2 m × 1.2 m × 1.5 m in size. Juvenile (50–100 mm total length, TL) and adult (>150 mm TL) bluegills consistently preferred 40-mm interstices regardless of shading or presence of largemouth bass. Most bluegills (90%) were not associated with a structure on any given day, which suggested that small structures such as ours may have a limited carrying capacity for bluegills. Use of structures by largemouth bass appeared to be related to their body size. Small individuals (<3...
Trust and the Internet

The Internet is ready for a makeover, a need that becomes more urgent with each passing day. Although the Internet is a global infrastructure and a platform for business, discussions about the future Internet remain largely regional. The approaches in Europe and the US are quite different, so it seems reasonable to ask which will be more successful and whether the approaches conflict. This article analyzes these different approaches and their potential consequences.
Technology and Map-Learning: Users, Methods, and Symbols

Abstract This article investigates the cognitive processes used by learners (adults and young adolescents) for tasks that require the integration of geographical information across spaces, hierarchies, and geographic scales. An experiment simulated basic GIS functions and contained four experimental conditions (Chunk, Layer, Scale, and Whole). Reaction time, accuracy, and confidence were recorded as dependent variables related to the success of the integration process. The data were used as input for a back-propagation neural-network model. The neural network model was successful in learning patterns and could be used to predict the confidence, reaction time, and accuracy for combinations of learners, experimental conditions, and map-feature categories. A multivariate analysis of variance was used to determine significant relationships among the behavioral variables and characteristics of the learners, experimental conditions related to GIS functions, and map features (points, lines, and areas). The resul...
2010 NFAIS Annual Conference: “Redefining the value of information: exploring the new equation”

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on the NFAIS Annual Conference held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on February 28‐March 2, 2010.Design/methodology/approach – Summarizes the presentations, reports, plenary sessions, and panels.Findings – The meeting explored information value and ways of creating value, determining value, measuring value, and emerging innovations for redefining value.Originality/value – This paper refers to the revolutionary changes going on in the information marketplace due to social media, and points out they have not only repercussions for the information industry but for libraries too. Libraries must go out to where users are; users who will increasingly be mobile and out on the Net utilizing their own social networks to discover, aggregate, and share information beyond the walls of their institutions. If librarians are instead constrained by their buildings and not out there with them, and innovating using our unique skills, they will likely continue to be an aftertho...
Age-related molecular genetic changes of murine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are pluripotent cells, present in the bone marrow and other tissues that can differentiate into cells of all germ layers and may be involved in tissue maintenance and repair in adult organisms. Because of their plasticity and accessibility these cells are also prime candidates for regenerative medicine. The contribution of stem cell aging to organismal aging is under debate and one theory is that reparative processes deteriorate as a consequence of stem cell aging and/or decrease in number. Age has been linked with changes in osteogenic and adipogenic potential of MSCs. Here we report on changes in global gene expression of cultured MSCs isolated from the bone marrow of mice at ages 2, 8, and 26-months. Microarray analyses revealed significant changes in the expression of more than 8000 genes with stage-specific changes of multiple differentiation, cell cycle and growth factor genes. Key markers of adipogenesis including lipoprotein lipase, FABP4, and Itm2a displayed age-dependent declines. Expression of the master cell cycle regulators p53 and p21 and growth factors HGF and VEGF also declined significantly at 26 months. These changes were evident despite multiple cell divisions in vitro after bone marrow isolation. The results suggest that MSCs are subject to molecular genetic changes during aging that are conserved during passage in culture. These changes may affect the physiological functions and the potential of autologous MSCs for stem cell therapy.
Intrinsic Material Properties of Trabecular Bone by Nanoindentation Testing of Biopsies Taken from Healthy Women Before and After Menopause

Postmenopausal osteoporosis in women is characterized by an increase in bone fragility and risk of fracture. In addition to transmenopausal decline in three-dimensional trabecular bone architecture, changes in intrinsic material properties (local stiffness, damping, and hardness) may contribute to increased bone fragility. In this study, nanoindentation was used to quantify transmenopausal changes in the intrinsic properties of trabecular bone. Paired transilial biopsy specimens were used from a previously reported study in which bone biopsies were obtained from women prior to menopause (premenopausal, age 49.0 ± 1.9) and at 12 months past the last menstrual period (postmenopausal, age 54.6 ± 2.2). Elastic and viscoelastic material properties of the trabecular bone were measured using quasi-static and dynamic nanoindentation techniques, respectively. Paired Student’s t tests (n = 15) were performed to assess the significance of the measured intrinsic properties. Trabecular bone microarchitecture is compromised in postmenopausal women, and although this loss is associated with a trend toward reduction in some intrinsic properties (storage modulus), we found no statistically significant changes in bone intrinsic properties between healthy pre- and postmenopausal biopsies in the quasi-static results and frequency-averaged dynamic results.
A preliminary 31P MRS study of autism: Evidence for undersynthesis and increased degradation of brain membranes

In this pilot study, brain high energy phosphate and membrane phospholipid metabolism were investigated in the dorsal prefrontal cortex of 11 high-functioning autistic adolescent and young adult men (the age range is 12-36 years) and 11 age-, gender-, IQ, race- and socioeconomic status-matched normal controls using in vivo 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). The autistic group had decreased levels of phosphocreatine and esterified ends (alpha ATP + alpha ADP + dinucleotides + diphosphosugars) compared to the controls. When the metabolite levels were compared within each subject group with neuropsychologic and language test scores, a common pattern of correlations was observed across measures in the autistic group, but not in the control group. As test performance declined in the autistic subjects, levels of the most labile high energy phosphate compound and of membrane building blocks decreased, and levels of membrane breakdown products increased. No significant correlations were present with age in either group or with IQ in the control group, suggesting that these findings were not the consequence of age or IQ effects. This pilot study provides tentative evidence of alterations in brain energy and phospholipid metabolism in autism that correlate with the neuropsychologic and language deficits. The findings are consistent with a hypermetabolic energy state and undersynthesis of brain membranes and may relate to the neurophysiologic and neuropathologic abnormalities in autism.
LANGUAGE COMPETENCE AND READING STRATEGIES: A COMPARISON OF FIRST-AND SECOND-LANGUAGE ORAL READING ERRORS1

The French oral reading errors of two groups of seventh-grade English-speaking students with intermediate and advanced competence in French as a second language were analyzed and compared to the errors of native French-speaking students. It was found that the intermediate students made a significantly lower proportion of deletion and insertion errors than did the advanced and nativespeaker students and a significantly higher proportion of substitution errors that graphically resembled the text than did the native speakers. Also, the intermediate students made a significantly higher proportion of errors that did not conform to the syntactic, semantic, or discourse constraints of the text than did the advanced and native-speaker students. It was concluded that both native French-speaking students and students with advanced competence in French as a second language appeared to use an interactive strategy of drawing on both graphic and contextual information in reading French. In contrast, students with less competence in French did not use contextual information to the same extent and instead employed a more “bottom-up” strategy of relying primarily on graphic information.
Contaminant exposure of willets feeding in agricultural drainages of the lower Rio Grande valley of south Texas

Willets (Catoptrophorus semipalmatus) were collected in June and August 1986 at the outlets of two agricultural drainages into the Lower Laguna Madre of South Texas and at two other Texas coastal sites. Mean liver concentration of arsenic was higher in August than June. Over 20% of the livers had arsenic concentrations elevated above a suggested background level of 5.0 ppm dry weight (DW), but concentrations (maximum 15 ppm) were below those associated with acute toxicity. Selenium concentration in livers varied from 2.3 to 8.3 ppm DW for all locations and represented background levels. Mercury concentrations in livers for all locations (means = 2.0 to 3.4, maximum 17 ppm DW) were below those associated with avian mortality and similar to levels found in other estuarine/marine birds. DDE in carcasses was higher in adults (mean = 1.0 ppm wet weight) than juveniles (0.2 ppm), and higher in August (1.0 ppm) than June (0.5 ppm); however, DDE concentrations were generally at background levels. Based on brain cholinesterase activity, willets were not recently exposed to organophosphate pesticides.
Superficial Punctate Keratitis of Thygeson Associated with Scarring and Salzmann's Nodular Degeneration

A 59-year-old woman with superficial punctate keratitis of Thygeson was observed for 14 years. The patient was treated intermittently with topical corticosteroids and artificial tears. Immediate symptomatic relief was followed by multiple recurrences and exacerbations. This case was atypical because of its prolonged clinical course and development of permanent, subepithelial corneal scarring, and elevated lesions resembling Salzmann's nodular degeneration.
Inflation pressure and European unemployment

While the recent failure of unemployment to fall in many OECD economies is often attributed to labour market rigidities, there is a strong cross–sectional correlation between changes in unemployment since the last recession and changes in inflation over the same period (1993–1997). Furthermore, this linkage is dominated by the influence of initial (i.e. 1993) inflation. This can be interpreted in terms of two effects: countries with higher 1993 inflation had less scope for relaxation of monetary policy, and may have experienced larger increases in expected inflation. These inflation pressure effects in turn are related to the EMU inflation convergence criteria.
Rett syndrome in monozygotic twins

The evolution of the Rett syndrome in 29-year-old twin girls is presented. Evidence for monozygosity is given together with a brief account of the problems these girls posed to their family in early childhood.
Resolving the Effects of Aperture and Volume Restriction of the Flow by Semi-Porous Barriers Using Large-Eddy Simulations

The Regional Atmospheric Modelling System (RAMS)-based Forest Large-Eddy Simulation (RAFLES) model is used to simulate the effects of large rectangular prism-shaped semi-porous barriers of varying densities under neutrally buoyant conditions. RAFLES model resolves flows inside and above forested canopies and other semi-porous barriers, and it accounts for barrier-induced drag on the flow and surface flux exchange between the barrier and the air. Unlike most other models, RAFLES model also accounts for the barrier-induced volume and aperture restriction via a modified version of the cut-cell coordinate system. We explicitly tested the effects of the numerical representation of volume restriction, independent of the effects of the drag, by comparing drag-only simulations (where we prescribed neither volume nor aperture restrictions to the flow), restriction-only simulations (where we prescribed no drag), and control simulations where both drag and volume plus aperture restrictions were included. Previous modelling and empirical work have revealed the development of important areas of increased uplift upwind of forward-facing steps, and recirculation zones downwind of backward-facing steps. Our simulations show that representation of the effects of the volume and aperture restriction due to the presence of semi-porous barriers leads to differences in the strengths and locations of increased-updraft and recirculation zones, and the length and strength of impact and adjustment zones when compared to simulation solutions with a drag-only representation. These are mostly driven by differences to the momentum budget of the streamwise wind velocity by resolved turbulence and pressure gradient fields around the front and back edges of the barrier. We propose that volume plus aperture restriction is an important component of the flow system in semi-porous environments such as forests and cities and should be considered by large-eddy simulation (LES).
Forward ion acceleration and nuclear reactions on a tabletop driven by a high-intensity laser

ABSTRACT The protons with the energy up to 10 MeV accelerated in the forward direction from the thin Mylar film by relativisticallyintense 10 TW, 400 fs laser pulse have been observed. When a deuterated polystyrene was deposited on the front surface ofthe film and a boron sample was placed behind the target the production of i05 atoms of positron active isotope "C from thereaction 1°B(d,n)'1C have been measured. The activation results suggest that ions (protons and deuterons) were acceleratedfrom the front surface of the target.Keywords: high-intensity laser, high-energy ions, activation technique, radioisotope 1. INTRODUCTION Since their invention more than sixty years ago cyclotrons' have been the standard method used to accelerate protons andions for experiments in nuclear physics and applications in nuclear medicine. The development of short-pulse high-intensitylasers1 made it possible to accelerate protons and heavier ions to multi-MeV energies in the interaction of these lasers withsolid targets25 gas jets6 and clusters.7 Unlike traditional sources that generate proton pulses longer than several nanoseconds,the laser acceleration technique allows one to generate pulses that are a few orders of magnitude shorter with a peak current
Lesion-Specific Differences for Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Therapies in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease

Background Sudden cardiac death is a major cause of late mortality in adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD). While data exist for adults with repaired Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), little is known about those with non-TOF lesions. We examined the relative rates in implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy according to congenital lesion type in a large-volume adult congenital heart center. Methods A cohort of 59 individuals (median follow up time, 3.2 years range 0–10) with ACHD and ICDs was stratified according to underlying congenital lesion and implant indication. Appropriate therapies were defined as any therapy for a physician-adjudicated ventricular arrhythmia. Rates of inappropriate and appropriate ICD therapies were analyzed according to several relevant clinical variables. Results Thirty-three (56%) TOF, 15 (25.4%) L- or D-transposition of great arteries, and 11 (18.6%) with other lesions were included in the analysis. Approximately half (52.5%) were implanted for primary prevention indications. During follow-up, 12 (20.3%) patients received appropriate ICD therapies and 13 (22%) patients received inappropriate therapies. The incidence of appropriate shocks among patients with TOF was 27.3% (9/33) compared to 11.5% (3/26) among non-TOF diagnoses during the follow-up time (p = 0.043). Conclusions ACHD patients with non-TOF congenital lesions are significantly less likely to receive appropriate ICD therapy than those with TOF. Our analysis calls into question the validity of traditional ICD implantation guidelines in this growing and diverse patient population.
Reliability of freehand three-dimensional ultrasound to measure scapular rotations.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the reli- ability of using freehand three-dimensional ultrasound to mea- sure scapular rotations (internal/external, upward/downward, anterior/posterior). The scapular position in 22 healthy, nondis- abled individuals was imaged three times in four testing posi- tions of interest (arm at rest and humeral elevation in the sagittal, frontal, and scapular planes). We found substantial reliability across scanning positions and scapular rotations, with intraclass correlation coefficients ranging from 0.62 to 0.95. The highest reliability was found in the rest testing posi- tion. Our standard error of measurement was less than 2 degrees for all measurements and less than 0.5 degrees for most. Minimum detectable change ranged from 0.37 to 3.08 degrees. Our results agree with the pattern of movement found in other studies, with the scapula moving toward a more externally rotated, upwardly rotated, and posteriorly tilted posi- tion with humeral elevation. Further study is warranted to com- pare our methods to a gold standard, apply them to evaluation of dynamic movement, and determine whether they can be used to detect shoulder pathology.
Partitioning of Noncyclic Photosynthetic Electron Transport to O2-Dependent Dissipative Processes as Probed by Fluorescence and CO2 Exchange

The partitioning of noncyclic photosynthetic electron transport between net fixation of CO(2) and collective O(2)-dependent, dissipative processes such as photorespiration has been examined in intact leaf tissue from Nicotiana tabacum. The method involves simultaneous application of CO(2) exchange and pulse modulated fluorescence measurements. As either irradiance or CO(2) concentration is varied at 1% O(2) (i.e. absence of significant O(2)-dependent electron flow), the quantum efficiency of PSII electron transport (phi(se)) with CO(2) as the terminal acceptor is a linear function of the ratio of photochemical:nonphotochemical fluorescence quenching coefficients (i.e. q(Q):q(NP)). When the ambient O(2) concentration is raised to 20.5% or 42% the q(Q):q(NP) is assumed to predict the quantum efficiency of total noncyclic electron transport (phi'(se)). A factor which represents the proportion of electron flow diverted to the aforementioned dissipative processes is calculated as (phi'(se) - phi(se))/phi'(se) where phi(se) is now the observed quantum efficiency of electron transport in support of net fixation of CO(2). Examination of changes in electron allocation with CO(2) and O(2) concentration and irradiance at 25 degrees C provides a test of the applicability of the Rubisco model to photosynthesis in vivo.
Like Exporting Baseball: Individualism and Global Competition in the High-Tech Industry

Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork among high-technology jobseekers in Dallas, Texas, during the period 2001-04, this article examines the response of unemployed U.S. tech workers to the intensification of the offshore outsourcing of white-collar work from the United States to lower-cost locations overseas. The researcher found that while a vocal minority of tech workers denounces offshore outsourcing, or offshoring, as unethical, unpatriotic, and economically shortsighted, most high-tech jobseekers see offshoring as a natural offshoot of an unstoppable and ultimately beneficial system of global capitalist competition. These “globalist” workers, who espouse a model of work that privileges individual responsibility and flexibility over loyalty and security, argue that nations and individuals must take the initiative in making themselves competitive with other countries' increasingly skilled, educated, and low-cost workforces if they are to survive in this newly global economy. This perspective is buttressed by globalists' individualist ethos and their remarkably resilient faith in the logic of the market economy.
Characterization of atmospheric trace elements on PM2.5 particulate matter over the New York-New Jersey harbor estuary

Abstract The purpose of this work is to characterize trace elements associated with atmospheric particulate matter of 2.5 μm and smaller in size (PM2.5) over the New York–New Jersey (NY–NJ) Harbor Bight. Using low-volume PM2.5 samplers, aerosol particulate samples were simultaneously collected for the first time at three locations in the region, Sandy Hook in the coast, New Brunswick and Liberty Science Center (Jersey City) in nearby urban areas, during January 1998–January 1999. Sample analysis for trace elements was accomplished by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Many elements in ambient air exhibit strong spatial gradients from urban centers to the coast, and the concentrations of most elements at Liberty Science Center are significantly higher than at the other two locations. Seasonal patterns are not apparent for most elements at all locations, suggesting continuous contributions from their sources. The elements Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Ni, V, Sb, are enriched by factors of 200 to 20,000 relative to their natural abundance in crustal soil. Major sources that contribute to the atmospheric loading of these elements include fossil fuel combustion, oil combustion, metal processing industry, and waste incineration. Atmospheric dry deposition of these trace elements associated with PM2.5 to the coastal waters of the NY–NJ estuary may account for a significant portion of the total dry deposition fluxes for these elements.
Initial Failure Maps for Fibrous CMC Laminates

A simple micromechanics-based procedure is used to evaluate initial failure maps for brittle composite laminates under combined in-plane loads and temperature changes. The maps are derived from local stresses in the fiber, matrix and at their interfaces, and from selected magnitudes of the respective strengths. In a particular loading plane or space, the maps indicate the damage-free load range of the laminate, and the source of likely initial failure by fiber or matrix cracking, or by fiber debonding. An application to Al 2 O 3 /MoSi 2 laminates with unidirectional and (0/±45) s layups is presented. In this system, the thermal stresses are very small in the 1200-20°C range ; hence laminate failure is dominated by mechanical loads. Propensity to fiber debonding appears to limit the load magnitudes that can be safely applied to the angle-ply laminate.
Power handling of high-Q evanescent-mode tunable filter with integrated piezoelectric actuators

This paper investigates for the first time the power handling versus tuning ratio trade-off for high-quality-factor (high-Q) evanescent-mode tunable cavity bandpass filters with piezoelectric actuators. A non-linear circuit model is proposed to prescribe the high-power effects on the filter performance. A new parameter, distortion ratio (DR), is utilized to quantify the non-linear frequency-response distortion induced by unwanted displacements of the filter's piezoelectric actuators due to high-power RF signals. Both experimental and theoretical results yield a nearly linear relationship between the filter tuning ratio and the input power (in dBm). The presented filter can successfully handle a 1-W power while being tuned from 1.7–2.8 GHz (1.65 ∶ 1 tuning ratio) with less than 10% distortion ratio. For a 10-W operation, the tuning range is reduced to 2.2–2.8 GHz (1.28 ∶ 1) with the same distortion ratio.
Hexadecapole deformation and rotation-particle coupling in the rare earth nuclei☆

Abstract Calculations of the energy spectra for odd- A nuclei in the rare earth region have been made using a rotational model for deformed nuclei. Both pairing and band mixing have been included in detail. A hexadecapole ( P 4 ) deformation was considered in addition to the usual quadrupole ( P 2 ) deformation. In most cases, this additional hexadecapole deformation proved to be quite necessary to achieve a good fit to the experimental spectra. Thirty nuclei in this region were investigated. Good results were obtained for twenty-seven. With the parameters found in achieving a fit to the energy spectra, reduced transitions rates and spectroscopic factors were calculated. Band mixing made it possible to investigate K -for-bidden transitions. In most cases there was good agreement with experimental values.
The How and Why of the ADA's Evaluation of Dental Materials, Instruments, and Equipment

The evaluation program of the Council on Dental Materials, Instruments, and Equipment of the American Dental Association is described.
Mid-IR pulse shaping for enhanced 2D IR spectroscopy

The capability of 2D IR spectroscopy for elucidating time-evolving structures is enhanced by a programmable mid-IR pulse shaper that greatly improves the ease, speed and accuracy of data collection. We demonstrate our technique on a model metal carbonyl compound and then apply it to study the structural disorder of amyloid fibers composed of aggregated human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP).
An implementation of a wireless sensor network based on IEEE 1451.0 and 1451.5–6LoWPAN standards

This paper describes an implementation of the IEEE 1451.0 and 1451.5 standards for smart transducers. The implementation, developed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), uses Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) over Low power Wireless Personal Area Networks (6LoWPAN) hardware to demonstrate the capabilities of the 1451 family of standards. The network consists of a Network Capable Application Processor (NCAP), implemented in Java, working with five Wireless Transducer Interface Module (WTIM) nodes. In operation, the NCAP communicates with WTIMs via the 1451.0 and 1451.5 interfaces over 802.15.4 using 6LoWPAN to implement User Datagram Protocol (UDP) IPv6 architecture. In this paper, case studies demonstrate the implementation of WTIM announcements, the client-server ability to read both binary and text-based Transducer Electronic Data Sheet (TEDS), the ability to read sensor data, and an alert function. This work demonstrates some possibilities and features a low-power wireless network can provide when using the IEEE 1451.0 and 1451.5 standards.
One- and Two-Dimensional NMR Studies of the Structures of Simple Sequence DNAs

Progress towards understanding the biological functions of proteins and DNA at the molecular level is moving at a very rapid pace as a result of the development of DNA sequencing and footprinting methods, techniques for cloning and overproduction of proteins, and the crystallization of DNA, proteins and their complexes. Many of the original problems have been solved but important questions remain unanswered. Perhaps one of the most important questions still to be answered is, how do proteins recognize specific DNA sequences? Specific interactions (hydrogen bonding, electrostatic, hydrophobic) between the DNA bases and the amino acid residues will clearly play a major role (Seeman et al., 1976) but sequence dependent variations in conformation heterogeneity may be important. Several different DNA conformations have been identified including left-handed Z-DNA (see Fig. 1) and there is evidence that sequence can have a pronounced effect on the formation of certain conformations (Arnott, 1970; Arnott & Hukins, 1972; Pohl & Jovin, 1972; Wang et al., 1979, 1981; Dickerson, 1983).
Size and Ionic Currents of Unexcitable Cells Coupled to Cardiomyocytes Distinctly Modulate Cardiac Action Potential Shape and Pacemaking Activity in Micropatterned Cell Pairs

Background— Cardiac cell therapies can yield electric coupling of unexcitable donor cells to host cardiomyocytes with functional consequences that remain unexplored. Methods and Results— We micropatterned cell pairs consisting of a neonatal rat ventricular myocyte (NRVM) coupled to an engineered human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cell expressing either connexin-43 (Cx43 HEK) or inward rectifier potassium channel 2.1 (Kir2.1) and Cx43 (Kir2.1+Cx43 HEK). The NRVM–HEK contact length was fixed yielding a coupling strength of 68.9±9.7 nS, whereas HEK size was systematically varied. With increase in Cx43 HEK size, NRVM maximal diastolic potential was reduced from −71.7±0.6 mV in single NRVMs to −35.1±1.3 mV in pairs with an HEK:NRVM cell surface area ratio of 1.7±0.1, whereas the action potential upstroke ([d V m /d t ] max ) and duration decreased to 1.6±0.7% and increased to 177±32% in single NRVM values, respectively (n=21 cell pairs). Pacemaking occurred in all NRVM–Cx43 HEK pairs with cell surface area ratios of 1.1 to 1.9. In contrast, NRVMs, coupled with Kir2.1+Cx43 HEKs of increasing size, had similar maximal diastolic potentials, exhibited no spontaneous activity, and showed a gradual decrease in action potential duration (n=23). Furthermore, coupling single NRVMs to a dynamic clamp model of HEK cell ionic current reproduced the cardiac maximal diastolic potentials and pacemaking rates recorded in cell pairs, whereas reproducing changes in (d V m /d t ) max and action potential duration required coupling to an HEK model that also included cell membrane capacitance. Conclusions— Size and ionic currents of unexcitable cells electrically coupled to cardiomyocytes distinctly affect cardiac action potential shape and initiation with important implications for the safety of cardiac cell and gene therapies.
COMPARISON OF ASSAY METHODS USING INTERNATIONAL STANDARD LACTOGEN1,2

IN A PREVIOUS COMMUNICATION (1) a comparison was presented of a mammalian and several pigeon assay methods for the lactogenic hormone. Since completing that work, the International Standard Lactogenic hormone became available (2). Lyons (3) has recently reported that 80 i.u. are required to induce lactation in 50% of 20 estrous guinea pigs weighing from 650 to 1000 gm. Since we (4) are convinced that the factor initiating lactation in mammals is identical with that stimulating the pigeon crop gland and since the pigeon crop gland is extremely sensitive to the lactogenie hormone, it seemed desirable to determine the amounts of the International Standard required to produce a unit response by various modes of administration in the pigeon which are used in routine assays in our laboratory. The three pigeon assay methods used were the same except for the route of injection; namely, a), shallow intrapectoral (5), b), subcutaneous over the pectoral muscles and c), intradermal over each crop gland (micro test).
Ultra-low phase noise microwaves from optical references

We show a photonic oscillator providing 10 GHz microwaves having L(f)=−104 dBc/Hz at 1 Hz offset and fractional instability <8×10−16 at 1 s. These values are verified by operation and comparison of two independent systems.
Traffic light mapping and detection

The outdoor perception problem is a major challenge for driver-assistance and autonomous vehicle systems. While these systems can often employ active sensors such as sonar, radar, and lidar to perceive their surroundings, the state of standard traffic lights can only be perceived visually. By using a prior map, a perception system can anticipate and predict the locations of traffic lights and improve detection of the light state. The prior map also encodes the control semantics of the individual lights. This paper presents methods for automatically mapping the three dimensional positions of traffic lights and robustly detecting traffic light state onboard cars with cameras. We have used these methods to map more than four thousand traffic lights, and to perform onboard traffic light detection for thousands of drives through intersections.
Discordant Brucella melitensis Antigens Yield Cognate CD8+ T Cells In Vivo

Brucella spp. are intracellular bacteria that cause the most frequent zoonosis in the world. Although recent work has advanced the field of Brucella vaccine development, there remains no safe human vaccine. In order to produce a safe and effective human vaccine, the immune response to Brucella spp. requires greater understanding. Induction of Brucella-specific CD8+ T cells is considered an important aspect of the host response; however, the CD8+ T-cell response is not clearly defined. Discovering the epitope containing antigens recognized by Brucella-specific CD8+ T cells and correlating them with microarray data will aid in determining proteins critical for vaccine development that cover a kinetic continuum during infection. Developing tools to take advantage of the BALB/c mouse model of Brucella melitensis infection will help to clarify the correlates of immunity and improve the efficacy of this model. Two H-2(d) CD8+ T-cell epitopes have been characterized, and a group of immunogenic proteins have provoked gamma interferon production by CD8+ T cells. RYCINSASL and NGSSSMATV induced cognate CD8+ T cells after peptide immunization that showed specific killing in vivo. Importantly, we found by microarray analysis that the genes encoding these epitopes are differentially expressed following macrophage infection, further emphasizing that these discordant genes may play an important role in the pathogenesis of B. melitensis infection.
Clostridial myonecrosis in horses (37 cases 1985–2000)

Summary Reasons for performing study: Previous reports of clostridial myonecrosis have either focused on individual case reports or have been small retrospective studies reporting very high mortality rates. Objectives: The objective of this study was to describe the outcome of cases of clostridial myonecrosis submitted to 2 referral equine hospitals in the United States over a 15 year period. Methods: A retrospective study of case material selected on the basis of positive Clostridium spp. culture or the identification of Clostridium spp. by specific fluorescent antibody testing from soft tissue wounds was performed at Cornell and Wisconsin. Results: 37 cases of clostridial myonecrosis were documented. Twenty-seven horses survived, 8 were subjected to euthanasia and 2 died during treatment for an overall survival rate of 73%. Twenty-five cases (68%) were associated with Clostridium perfringens alone, 6 cases (16%) with Cl. septicum alone, 4 cases with mixed clostridial infections (11%), 1 case with Cl. sporogenes and 1 with an unspeciated Clostridium spp. The highest survival rate of 81% was docum ented for those cases from which Cl. perfringens alone was isolated. The most common antecedent condition prior to referral was colic. The myonecrotic lesion occurred within 6–72 h of a soft tissue injection in 34 cases but was associated with a wound or laceration in the remaining 3 cases. Of the 34 cases associated with recent injections, 24 were associated with i.m. injections in the cervical region, 4 in the semimembranosus/semitendinosus region, 3 in the gluteal region, 2 with perivascular leakage of drugs administered into the jugular vein and 1 case developed simultaneously in the gluteal and neck region following injections at both sites. Conclusions: Clostridial myonecrosis can occur following the i.m. or inadvertent perivascular administration of a wide variety of commonly administered drugs. It is most common in the neck musculature. Aggressive treatment can be associated with survival rates of up to 81% for cases due to Cl. perfringens alone. Survival rates for other Clostridial spp. tend to be lower. Potential relevance: A combination of high dose i.v. antibiotic therapy and surgical fenestration/debridement is the best approach to cases of clostridial myonecrosis. With rapid diagnosis and therapeutic intervention, horses may have up to an 81% chance of survival.
The prescription of psychiatric medications in prison: Psychiatric versus labeling perspectives

Critics have argued that psychiatric medications in correctional settings are often prescribed in a clinically irrational manner, without adequate diagnostic criteria, and for the purposes of coercive control rather than treatment. The present study examines the influence of inmates' clinical and social characteristics, as well as prison-setting factors, on the prescription of psychiatric medication to New York State prison inmates. Psychiatric impairments, measured in terms of levels of depression, manifest symptomatology, agitation, and prior psychiatric hospitalization, were found to be highly significant predictors of drug prescription. The decision to prescribe medication for mildly impaired inmates appears to be influenced by social factors. When an inmate's behavior is unquestionably bizarre or disruptive, however, social status characteristics are less likely to influence physicians' clinical judgments.
Non‐destructive characterization of polymer/metal interfaces using surface‐enhanced Raman scattering

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is an analytical technique in which the Raman scattering cross-sections of molecules absorbed onto the roughened surfaces of certain metals are enhanced by as much as six orders of magnitude compared to their value for normal Raman scattering. The mechanisms are associated with the large electric fields that can be induced at the surfaces of metal particles having small radii of curvature and with the formation of charge-transfer complexes between the adsorbed molecules and the substrate. Enhancement due to the charge-transfer mechanism is obtained only for molecules immediately adjacent to the surface, but enhancement due to the electromagnetic mechanism may extend several monolayers away from the surface. Since normal Raman scattering by polymers is weak and scattering by molecules adjacent to the substrate is strongly enhanced, SERS can be used for non-destructive characterization of interfaces between polymer films and metals as long as the films are not so thick that scattering by the bulk of the film is comparable in intensity to SERS from the interface. We have used SERS to examine the interface between silver and an acrylic adhesive system consisting of an acrylic monomer and a cure system comprising cumene hydroperoxide (CHP), acetylphenylhydrazine (APH) and saccharin. SERS spectra obtained from films of the adhesive spin-coated onto silver island films were similar to normal Raman spectra of salts of saccharin, indicating that saccharin had adsorbed on the silver dissociativly. The spectra were independent of the thickness of the adhesive films, indicating that the SERS signal was characteristic of the interface and not of the bulk adhesive. SERS has been used also to characterize the interface between silver and pyromellitic diimide (PMDI), a model compound for polyimides. SERS spectra of PMDI adsorbed onto silver were considerably different from normal Raman spectra. The strongest band in the normal spectra, a carbonyl stretching mode near 1770 cm−1, was absent from the SERS spectra and a band near 700 cm−1, which was very weak in normal Raman spectra, was strong in SERS spectra. It was concluded that PMDI was adsorbed in a vertical conformation with one imide group adjacent to the surface.
Are Schools Prepared for Emergencies?: A Baseline Assessment of Emergency Preparedness at School Sites in Three Los Angeles County School Districts.

A survey of emergency preparedness was conducted in three public school districts in urban areas of Los Angeles County. Eighty-three school sites were surveyed using self-administered questionnaire...
Delineation of substrate selection and anaplerosis in tricarboxylic acid cycle of the heart by 13C NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry

13C NMR and mass spectrometry (MS) provide complementary information regarding the 13C labeling of intermediary metabolites. Currently, these two techniques are rarely used together because of the complexity of modeling the distribution of both positional and mass isotopomers. In this study, we developed a matrix-based model for the assessment of 13C label distribution in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and related metabolites. The model was applied to the analysis of NMR- and MS-measured 13C isotopomers for quantification of substrate utilization and anaplerotic fluxes in isolated perfused rat hearts. NMR and MS data were acquired from two groups of rat hearts perfused with substrates in complementary labeling patterns, i.e. the 13C-PAL + GLC group (0.6 mM [13C16]palmitate + 5.5 mM glucose) and the PAL + 13C-GLC group (0.6 mM palmitate + 5.5 mM [13C6]glucose). Relative flux parameters were obtained by fitting the model to the NMR data, MS data and their combination, respectively. Our results suggest that, although both NMR and MS can provide accurate quantification of substrate selection in oxidative metabolism, the accuracy of estimation of anaplerotic fluxes relies on the combination of these two experimental methods. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rainfall and snowfall observations by the airborne dual-frequency precipitation radar during the Wakasa Bay Experiment

Radar data obtained through the NASA/JPL Airborne Precipitation Radar APR-2 during the Wakasa Bay Experiment in January/February 2003 were processed to obtain calibrated reflectivity measurements, rainfall/snowfall velocity measurements, classification of the surface type and detection of the boundaries of the melting layer of precipitation. In this paper the processing approach is described together with an overview of the resulting data quality and known issues