cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effective and efficient sampling methods for deep web aggregation queries

A large part of the data on the World Wide Web resides in the deep web. Executing structured, high-level queries on deep web data sources involves a number of challenges, several of which arise because query execution engines have a very limited access to data. In this paper, we consider the problem of executing aggregation queries involving data enumeration on these data sources, which requires sampling. The existing work in this area (HDSampler and its variants) is based on simple random sampling. We observe that this approach cannot obtain good estimates when the data is skewed. While there has been a lot of work on sampling skewed data, the existing methods are based on prior knowledge of data, and are therefore not applicable to hidden databases.In this paper, we present two prior-knowledge-free sampling algorithms, Adaptive Neighborhood Sampling (ANS) and Two Phase adaptive Sampling (TPS), which allow an aggregation query to be answered with a high accuracy (even when there is a skew), and a low sampling cost. For this purpose, we have developed robust estimators for aggregation functions including AVG, MAX, and MIN.Our experiments show that for data with a moderate or a large skew, ANS and TPS yield more accurate estimates, outperforming HDSampler by a factor of 4 on the average. Even for the cases where data has a small skew, our TPS method has an important advantage, which is that it has only one-third of the sampling costs of HDSampler.
SU‐FF‐T‐376: SBRT Simulations Using PET/CT: Radiation Safety Concerns

Purpose:SBRT simulations using a Stereotactic Body Frame (SBF — Elekta) were expanded to include a PET study. Because of the time that staff are in close proximity to the patient, some concerns arose over the radiation safety issues associated with these simulations. This study examines the radiation exposures of the staff performing SBRT simulations and provides some guidance on limiting staff exposure during these simulations. Methods and Materials: Fifteen patients were simulated with PET/CT using the SBF. Patients were immobilized in the SBF prior to the administration of FDG (18F‐fluoro‐deoxy‐glucose). The patients were removed from the frame, injected with FDG, and allowed to uptake for 45 minutes. After uptake, the patients were repositioned in the SBF. During the repositioning, exposure rates were recorded at the patient's surface, at the SBF surface, and at 15cm, 30cm, and 1m from the SBF, along with administered dose and the approximate time spent on patient repositioning. Comparisons of the estimated dose to the staff were performed with staff performing conventional diagnostic PET studies. Results: The average time spent in close proximity to the patient after injection was 11.4 minutes, or over twice that reported for diagnostic PET staff. This time yielded an estimated average dose to the staff of 26.5 μSv per simulation. Conclusions: Occupational exposure limits are 50 mSv per year. Based on the dose per simulation, the staff would have to perform nearly 1900 SBRT simulations per year to exceed the occupational limit. Therefore, at the current rate of 50–100 simulations per year, the addition of PET studies to the SBRT simulations is safe for our staff. However, ALARA principles still require some radiation safety considerations during the SBRT simulations. PET/CT‐based SBRT simulations are safe and important for treatment planning that optimizes biologic dose‐distribution with highly accurate and reproducible target definition.
A case analysis of strategies in ecotourism development

Abstract Ecotourism is a form of tourism which focuses on contributing to the preservation of natural and cultural resources while promoting economic contribution to local communities. Certain factors have been identified in the literature to optimize both preservation and economic contribution, but the strategies to accomplish these factors have not been defined. The purpose of this research was to identify through case analysis how each of the success factors in ecotourism development (i.e. an integrated approach, planning and a slow start, education and training, maximize local benefits, and evaluation and feedback) have been implemented in ecotourism cases. A series of ecotourism cases were analyzed. The success factors were identified and the strategies described under each factor were recorded. The data collected for all cases were pooled for each of the success factors and a matrix of five success factors with the corresponding strategies was created. Strategies that appeared as ‘recommended’ in th...
Relation of maximal opening of disk valves to characteristics of aortic blood flow.

The maximal extent of disk opening of the Lillehei-Kaster and Bjork-Shiley aortic disk prosthetic valves was evaluated in vitro in relation to the characteristics of flow across the valve and valve orientation within the test section. The maximal opening angle of the disk of both types of prostheses was related to the mean systolic ejection rate, cardiac output, and maximal instantaneous aortic flow. Full opening of all valves occurred throughout the entire hydrodynamic range tested when the orientation of the valve was such that the disk opened in the direction of gravitational forces. However, when the valve was oriented to open against the direction of gravitational forces, less than full opening was observed at low flow rates. At such low rates of flow, the extent of opening was also dependent upon valve size. These studies indicate that full opening of the Lillehei-Kaster and Bjork-Shiley disk valves appears to be affected by the orientation of the valve relative to gravitational forces. When less than full opening occurs, it is associated with abnormally low mean systolic ejection rates and low levels of cardiac output and aortic flow. Therefore, irrespective of valve orientation, less than maximal opening with normal flow may indicate a mechanical impediment to opening.
Decomposing observations of high-frequency radar-derived surface currents by their forcing mechanisms: Decomposition techniques and spatial structures of decomposed surface currents

[1] Surface current observations from a high-frequency radar network deployed in southern San Diego are decomposed according to their driving forces: pure tides and their neighboring off-band energy, local winds, and low frequency. Several superposed ocean responses are present as a result of the complicated bottom topography and relatively weak winds off southern San Diego, as opposed to coastal regions where circulation can be explained by a dominant forcing mechanism. This necessitates an application of a statistical decomposition approach. Surface currents coherent with pure tides are calculated using harmonic analysis. Locally wind-driven surface currents are estimated by regression of observed winds on observed surface currents. The dewinded and detided surface currents are filtered by weighted least-squares fitting assuming white noise and three colored signal bands: low-frequency band (less than 0.4 cycles per day) and near-tidal peaks at the diurnal (K1) and semidiurnal (M2) frequencies. The spatial and temporal variability of each part of the decomposed surface currents is investigated in terms of ocean response to the driving forces. In addition, the spatial correlations of individual components exhibit Gaussian and exponential shapes with varying decorrelation length scales.
The ontogeny of iodothyronine deiodinase systems in liver and intestine of the rat.

The ontogeny of the iodothyronine deiodinase systems has been studied by several investigators in recent years, but our understanding of the subject is far from complete. The present study was conducted to obtain kinetic information concerning 5' deiodinase (5'D) and 5 deiodinase (5D) activities in fetal rat liver and intestine, and to examine reduced glutathione (GSH)-activated 5'D activity in the two tissues. When dithiothreitol (DTT) was used as cofactor in concentrations up to 100 DIM, 5'D activity was not clearly detected in liver or intestine until day 16 of gestation. Activity increased markedly in both tissues between fetal day 18-21, due primarily to an increase in maximum velocity (Vmax) of the enzyme. However, whereas 5'D activity was much higher in adult liver than in fetal liver [due to both an increase in Vmax and a decrease in the Michaelis-Menten constant (Km)], activity was barely detectable in adult intestine. When GSH was used as cofactor, the temporal development of activity in both ti...
Increases in soil respiration following labile carbon additions linked to rapid shifts in soil microbial community composition

Organic matter decomposition and soil CO2 efflux are both mediated by soil microorganisms, but the potential effects of temporal variations in microbial community composition are not considered in most analytical models of these two important processes. However, inconsistent relationships between rates of heterotrophic soil respiration and abiotic factors, including temperature and moisture, suggest that microbial community composition may be an important regulator of soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition and CO2 efflux. We performed a short-term (12-h) laboratory incubation experiment using tropical rain forest soil amended with either water (as a control) or dissolved organic matter (DOM) leached from native plant litter, and analyzed the effects of the treatments on soil respiration and microbial community composition. The latter was determined by constructing clone libraries of small-subunit ribosomal RNA genes (SSU rRNA) extracted from the soil at the end of the incubation experiment. In contrast to the subtle effects of adding water alone, additions of DOM caused a rapid and large increase in soil CO2 flux. DOM-stimulated CO2 fluxes also coincided with profound shifts in the abundance of certain members of the soil microbial community. Our results suggest that natural DOM inputs may drive high rates of soil respiration by stimulating an opportunistic subset of the soil bacterial community, particularly members of the Gammaproteobacteria and Firmicutes groups. Our experiment indicates that variations in microbial community composition may influence SOM decomposition and soil respiration rates, and emphasizes the need for in situ studies of how natural variations in microbial community composition regulate soil biogeochemical processes.
Cellular iron transport

Iron has a split personality as an essential nutrient that also has the potential to generate reactive oxygen species. We discuss how different cell types within specific tissues manage this schizophrenia. The emphasis in enterocytes is on regulating the body's supply of iron by regulating transport into the blood stream. In developing red blood cells, adaptations in transport manage the body's highest flux of iron. Hepatocytes buffer the body's stock of iron. Macrophage recycle the iron from effete red cells among other iron management tasks. Pneumocytes provide a barrier to prevent illicit entry that, when at risk of breaching, leads to a need to handle the dangers in a fashion essentially shared with macrophage. We also discuss or introduce cell types including renal cells, neurons, other brain cells, and more where our ignorance, currently still vast, needs to be removed by future research.
A fractional-N DPLL with adaptive spur cancellation and calibration-free injection-locked TDC in 65nm CMOS

A robust and low-cost fractional-N digital phase locked loop (DPLL) architecture is demonstrated via the proposed adaptive spur cancellation schemes and calibration-free time-to-digital converter (TDC). By leveraging the injection locked ring oscillator, the TDC achieves a fine resolution of ~7 ps that automatically tracks the period of digital controlled oscillator (DCO) and hence no TDC gain calibration is required over PVT. To suppress the spurious tones due to external or internal interferences, a gradient-based adaptive spur cancellation scheme is proposed and demonstrated more than 40 dB improvement in the lab measurement. The proof-of-concept DPLL prototype is implemented in 65 nm CMOS and synthesizes frequencies between 2.7 to 4.8 GHz with fine frequency resolution of 610 Hz. The measured phase noise is -130 dBc/Hz at 3 MHz offset and the reference spur achieves -86.45 dBc.
An FT-IR Study of Crown Ether−Water Complexation in Supercritical CO2

In the presence of 18-crown-6, D2O forms a 1:1 complex with the macrocyclic molecule in supercritical fluid CO2 with two different configurations. The D2O molecule can be bonded to two oxygen atoms of the crown cavity in a bridged configuration that is characterized by a broad peak at 2590 cm-1. The D2O molecule can also form one hydrogen bond with an oxygen atom of the crown cavity that can be characterized by two peaks at 2679 and 2733 cm-1, with the former assigned to the hydrogen-bonded O−D stretching and the latter the unbonded O−D stretching. The equilibrium constants of the two configurations in supercritical CO2 have been calculated. The enthalpy of formation is −12 ± 2 kJ mol-1 for the single-hydrogen-bond complex and −38 ± 3 kJ mol-1 for the bridged configuration complex. At high 18-crown-6 to D2O ratios, the formation of another complex in supercritical CO2 that involves one D2O molecule hydrogen bonded to two 18-crown-6 molecules becomes possible.
Finding benefit in breast cancer: Relations with personality, coping, and concurrent well-being.

Cancer patients experience positive as well as adverse consequences from cancer diagnosis and treatment. The work reported here was part of an effort to characterize the experiences of benefit finding in breast cancer patients. A sample of 230 early-stage breast cancer patients completed a set of benefit finding items in the year post-surgery. This measure was then related to measures of concurrent coping, several aspects of psychosocial well-being, demographic variables, and several other personality traits. Benefit finding related positively to trait optimism, and to positive reframing and religious activity as coping reactions. Benefit finding related inversely to emotional distress, but was relatively unrelated to other measures of well-being.
Tissue localization, induction, and developmental expression of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases in the German cockroach

Abstract Methods of microsome preparation were evaluated to determine their influence on the activity of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases in adult males and final instar nymphs of the German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.). Aldrin epoxidase activity was significantly improved when homogenization occurred in a protected buffer and when alimentary canal contents were removed prior to homogenization. Apparently, a potent inhibitor of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, but not of cytochrome c reductase, is present in the gut contents of German cockroaches. Aldrin epoxidase and methoxyresorufin (MR) O -demethylase activities were measured in separate tissues (foregut, midgut, hindgut, Malpighian tubules, fat body, and the remaining tissues of the carcass) from adult males and final instar nymphs. Adult male aldrin epoxidase activity was highest in midgut and Malpighian tubules, while no single tissue dominated in MR O -demethylase activity. In final instar nymphs, aldrin epoxidase specific activity was 9- to 11-fold higher in midgut than in fat body, while MR O -demethylase specific activity was 17- to 22-fold higher in fat body than in midgut. In the final instar, aldrin epoxidase, MR O -demethylase, ethoxyresorufin (ER) O -deethylase, and cytochrome c reductase activities were lowest at the time of ecdysis and highest near the middle of the stadium. Dietary phenobarbital at the 0.2% level induced various microsomal oxidases including aldrin epoxidase, MR O -demethylase, ER O -deethylase, and cytochrome c reductase in final instar nymphs and adults.
Hamiltonians and variational principles for Alfvén simple waves

The evolution equations for the magnetic field induction B with the wave phase for Alfven simple waves are expressed as variational principles and in the Hamiltonian form. The evolution of B with the phase (which is a function of the space and time variables) depends on the generalized Frenet–Serret equations, in which the wave normal n (which is a function of the phase) is taken to be tangent to a curve X, in a 3D Cartesian geometry vector space. The physical variables (the gas density, fluid velocity, gas pressure and magnetic field induction) in the wave depend only on the phase. Three approaches are developed. One approach exploits the fact that the Frenet equations may be written as a 3D Hamiltonian system, which can be described using the Nambu bracket. It is shown that B as a function of the phase satisfies a modified version of the Frenet equations, and hence the magnetic field evolution equations can be expressed in the Hamiltonian form. A second approach develops an Euler–Poincare variational formulation. A third approach uses the Frenet frame formulation, in which the hodograph of B moves on a sphere of constant radius and uses a stereographic projection transformation due to Darboux. The equations for the projected field components reduce to a complex Riccati equation. By using a Cole–Hopf transformation, the Riccati equation reduces to a linear second order differential equation for the new variable. A Hamiltonian formulation of the second order differential equation then allows the system to be written in the Hamiltonian form. Alignment dynamics equations for Alfven simple waves give rise to a complex Riccati equation or, equivalently, to a quaternionic Riccati equation, which can be mapped onto the Riccati equation obtained by stereographic projection.
Comparative toxicity of four halogenated organophosphorus insecticides to chicks, Japanese quail, and Diptera.

The toxicity cockerels and Japanese quail of SD-9020 ( O -[2-chloro-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl) vinyl] O, O -dimethyl phosphorothioate), SD-8280 (2-chloro-1-(2,4•dichlorophenyl) vinyl dimethyl phosphate), SD-8436 (2-chloro-1-(2,4-dibromophenyl) vinyl dimethyl phosphate), and SD-8211 (2-chloro-1-(2,5-dichlorophenyl) vinyl dimethyl phosphate) was determined. Although the relative order of acute oral toxicity of insecticides to both avian species was the same (SD-8280 = SD-9020 > SD > 8436 > SD-8211) the cockerels were more susceptible than the Japanese quail. There was no difference in susceptibility between sexes of the quail. Subacute toxicity of these insecticides to the chick including the effect on blood plasma cholinesterase was investigated. Relatively little inhibition of cholinesterase was detected except in those chicks receiving 800 ppm of SD-9020. The toxicity to larvae of the house fly, Musca domestica L., Fannia pusio (Wiedemann), Chrysomya megacephala (F.), and Parasarcophaga argyrostoma (Robineau-Desvoidy), of droppings from these chicks were compared with the toxicity to larvae of droppings directly with these insecticides. Droppings from the SD-9020-treated chicks were the most toxic, causing 100% mortality in the larvae of all species at the lowest concentration fed, 50 ppm. Droppings directly inoculated with SD-9020 also were generally the most toxic, larvicidal. The larvae of the house fly were particularly susceptible to manure containing these insecticides, while the larvae of P. argyrostoma were the least susceptible. The subchronic toxicity of the insecticides to the Japanese quail also was investigated. There appeared to he a significant mortality among quail receiving SD-9020 in the feed, but there was no adverse effect from any of the insecticidal treatments on body weight gain or feed conversion. However, egg production was depressed by SD-9020 and SD-8280. The insecticides, in general, did not affect fertility with the possible exception of hens receiving 800 ppm of SD-9020 and SD-8436. Hatchability of fertile eggs was not affected, nor was there any indication of teratogenic effects. The differential maggot and avian toxicity appears great enough to warrant long-range feeding studies to determine the chronic toxicity to hens and residue deposits in eggs and tissues of several of these insecticides.
Characterization and versatile applications of low hydrogen content SiOCN grown by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition

Low hydrogen content silicon oxycarbonitride (SiOCN) thin films were grown by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition exploiting hydrogen dilution with silane/methane/nitrous oxide or tetramethylsilane/nitrous oxide precursors. The effects of deposition temperature were compared by investigating the compositional, optical, mechanical, and electrical properties of films grown at 100 °C, 250 °C, and 400 °C at thicknesses ranging from 50 nm to 10 μm. The dielectric constant and high breakdown strength of the films remain relatively constant at between 4–5 and 6.8 ± 0.2 MV cm−1 to 9.1 ± 0.3 MV cm−1, respectively, despite the differences in deposition temperature. Other properties of the films include excellent transparency in the visible regime, high nanoindentation hardness (4 to 12 GPa), and relatively low measured stress on Si (−20 to −300 MPa). Overall, the results of this work show that these SiOCN films can be used in a wide variety of applications, including as a dielectric within high voltage capacitors, transparent abrasion-resistant coatings for plastic windows, coatings on flexible substrates, a metal diffusion barrier for low-k dielectrics and polymer films, or within various microelectronic fabrication steps or systems.
The pharmacokinetics, pharmacological responses and behavioral effects of acepromazine in the horse.

After intravenous (i.v.) injection, acepromazine was distributed widely in the horse (Vd = 6.6 litres/kg) and bound extensively (greater than 99%) plasma proteins. Plasma levels of drug declined with an alpha half-life of 4.2 min, while the beta phase or elimination half-life was 184.8 min. At a dosage level of 0.3 mg/kg acepromazine was detectable in the plasma for 8 h post dosing. The whole blood partitioning of acepromazine was 46% in the plasma phase and 54% in the erythrocyte phase. Penile prolapse was clearly evident at doses from 0.01 mg/kg to 0.4 mg/kg i.v., and the duration and extent of protrusion were dose related. Hematocrit levels were significantly lowered by administration of 0.002 mg/kg i.v. (about 1 mg to a 500 kg horse) and increasing dosages resulted in greater than 20% lowering of the hematocrit from control levels. Pretreatment of horses with acepromazine also reduced the variable interval (VI 60) responding rate in all horses tested. These data show that hematocrit changes are the most sensitive pharmacological responses to acepromazine, followed by changes in penile extension, respiratory rate, VI responding and locomotor responses. Acepromazine is difficult to detect in plasma at normal clinical doses. However, because of its large volume of distribution, its urinary elimination is likely prolonged, and further work on its elimination in equine urine is required.
Immunoablative high-dose cyclophosphamide without stem cell rescue in paraneoplastic pemphigus: Report of a case and review of this new therapy for severe autoimmune disease

Paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) is a refractory and life-threatening autoimmune mucocutaneous disease. We have recently reported the effectiveness and safety of ablative intravenous cyclophosphamide (200 mg/kg daily over 4 days) without stem cell rescue in patients with refractory autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus, autoimmune cytopenias, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, and aplastic anemia. We report chronic lymphocytic leukemia-associated PNP in a patient who presented with extensive and debilitating painful oral ulcerations and received ablative therapy. The patient tolerated the regimen well and showed a slow but sustained improvement despite persistence of the underlying neoplasm. Eighteen months after therapy, the oral ulcerations were almost completely healed and the circulating autoantibodies became negative. Currently, the patient remains on cyclosporine and a low dose of prednisone. This provides further evidence for the efficacy and safety of this regimen in the management of severe autoimmune diseases including PNP.
A model of the effects of protective parent and peer factors on young adolescent alcohol refusal skills.

This paper describes the specification and testing of a model of protective parent and peer factors in peer refusal skills. Two modifiable protective factors suggested by relevant research on adolescent substance use—child attachment with parents and association with peers having prosocial norms—were incorporated as independent variables in the model. The effects of parent and child attendance at skills training interventions were also assessed. Covariance structure modeling of data from a sample of 209 families participating in a controlled study of a family-oriented skills intervention was used to test two versions of the model, one version addressing attachment and skills training attendance specific to mothers and one specific to fathers. Following two indicated modifications of the original model, strong fits with the data were achieved for both mother and father versions of the model; hypothesized protective factor effects and skills training effects were significant.
Effects of load modelling on analysis of power system voltage stability

Abstract Voltage stability is a major concern for viable system operation. Much of the work in this area has focused on the use of the P-V curve as a tool for system voltage security assessment. This paper examines the effects of different load models upon this analysis method and discusses some of its limitations. Both static and dynamic load models are considered. The relationship between the nose point of the curve, the point of system bifurcation, and the stability of different regions of the P-V curve are also examined. It is shown that the load model has a significant effect in the determination of system voltage security. In particular, the paper shows that whether a system loses stability by a Hopf bifurcation is very dependent upon the load dynamics. Additionally, an analysis technique is discussed for quantifying the voltage security of a power system.
Implementing and measuring the level of laboratory service integration in a program setting in Nigeria.

Background The surge of donor funds to fight HIV&AIDS epidemic inadvertently resulted in the setup of laboratories as parallel structures to rapidly respond to the identified need. However these parallel structures are a threat to the existing fragile laboratory systems. Laboratory service integration is critical to remedy this situation. This paper describes an approach to quantitatively measure and track integration of HIV-related laboratory services into the mainstream laboratory services and highlight some key intervention steps taken, to enhance service integration. Method A quantitative before-and-after study conducted in 122 Family Health International (FHI360) supported health facilities across Nigeria. A minimum service package was identified including management structure; trainings; equipment utilization and maintenance; information, commodity and quality management for laboratory integration. A check list was used to assess facilities at baseline and 3 months follow-up. Level of integration was assessed on an ordinal scale (0 = no integration, 1 = partial integration, 2 = full integration) for each service package. A composite score grading expressed as a percentage of total obtainable score of 14 was defined and used to classify facilities (≤80% FULL, 25% to 79% PARTIAL and <25% NO integration). Weaknesses were noted and addressed. Results We analyzed 9 (7.4%) primary, 104 (85.2%) secondary and 9 (7.4%) tertiary level facilities. There were statistically significant differences in integration levels between baseline and 3 months follow-up period (p<0.01). Baseline median total integration score was 4 (IQR 3 to 5) compared to 7 (IQR 4 to 9) at 3 months follow-up (p = 0.000). Partial and fully integrated laboratory systems were 64 (52.5%) and 0 (0.0%) at baseline, compared to 100 (82.0%) and 3 (2.4%) respectively at 3 months follow-up (p = 0.000). Discussion This project showcases our novel approach to measure the status of each laboratory on the integration continuum.
A simple closed-form expression for the X-ray reflectivity from multilayers with cumulative roughness

Abstract We present a simple closed-form expression for the reflectivity from a multilayer which includes the effects of absorption, refraction, surface and substrate reflections but neglects dynamical effects. This expression reproduces the exact dynamical calculation except for the regions near the critical angle and for intense Bragg reflections. The expression is generalized to include cumulative interface roughness which follows a t 1 2 power-law growth.
Effect of resin sulfonation on the retention of polar organic compounds in solid-phase extraction

The hydrophobic nature of polymeric resins used in solid-phase extraction (SPE) often limits their efficiency by preventing intimate surface contact with aqueous samples. A polymeric resin modified by a series of chemical derivatizations with sulfuric acid was found to display excellent surface hydrophilicity and improved extraction efficiencies. The degree of sulfonation was found to play a vital role in determining the SPE efficiency of such resins. By measuring the capacity factor of several polar organic solutes in pure water, an optimum sulfonation capacity of 0.6 mequiv. 1 g was determined. Loose sulfonated resin and Empore membranes embedded with sulfonated resin were used for SPE. Average recoveries were greater than 95% for both types of sulfonated resin for a wide variety of organic compounds including phenols, alcohols, nitro compounds, aldehydes, esters and halogenated alkanes. Breakthrough curves for p-cresol, ethyl acetoacetate, isophorone and nitrobenzene were used to compare Empore membranes embedded with sulfonated and unsulfonated resin. The sulfonated membrane yielded sharper and more efficient breakthrough for all compounds tested
Novel regenerable N-halamine polymeric biocides. II. Grafting hydantoin-containing monomers onto cotton cellulose

A novel cyclic-amine monomer, 3-allyl-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (ADMH) was synthesized with good yield by the reaction of allyl bromide with 5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DMH), and was characterized by FTIR and 1H-NMR spectra. ADMH alone cannot be grafted onto other polymers. However, the presence of acrylonitrile markedly enhanced the ADMH graft yield onto cotton cellulose. The influence of reaction conditions on the graft copolymerization was investigated. After chlorine bleach treatment, hydantoin units in the grafted copolymers were easily transformed into N-halamine structures. Grafted samples exhibited potent antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, and the functional properties were shown to be durable and regenerable. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 81: 617–624, 2001
Corrosion performance of iron aluminides in mixed-oxidant environments

Abstract Iron aluminide intermetallics are being developed for use as structural materials and/or as cladding for conventional engineering alloys. In addition to their strength advantages, these materials exhibit excellent resistance to corrosion in single-and multi-oxidant environments at elevated temperatures through the formation of slow-growing, adherent alumina scales. Even though these intermetallics develop protective oxide scales in single-oxidant environments, the simultaneous presence of several reactants in the environment (typical of practical systems) can lead to development of oxide scales that are non-protective and undergo breakaway corrosion or to non-oxide scales that are detrimental to the performance of underlying alloy. This paper describes the corrosion performance of Fe–Al intermetallics in environments that contain sulfur, carbon, chlorine, and oxygen and that are typical of industrial applications and power generation systems. Emphasis is on mechanisms of scale development/breakdown, performance envelopes for long-term usage of these materials, approaches to modifying the surfaces of engineering alloys by cladding or coating them with intermetallics, and corrosion experience in practical environments.
Effects of foliar phenolics and ascorbic acid on performance of the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar)

Abstract We investigated the potential for interactive effects between foliar ascorbic acid and phenolics on performance of the gypsy moth ( Lymantria dispar ). In our first study, feeding bioassays with neonate larvae and fourth instars were used to examine larval performance on five host species in relation to concentrations of ascorbic acid and phenolics. In a second study, we supplemented leaves with ascorbic acid and phenolics to assess both direct and interactive effects on fourth instars. Results revealed that gypsy moth performances (e.g. growth, development rates) varied significantly across host species and in relation to phenolic compounds in aspen. Ascorbic acid, however, neither directly nor indirectly (via interaction with phenolics) influenced larval performance.
GARO Framework: A Genetic Algorithm Based Resource Optimization for Organizational Efficiency

Organizations strive to gain efficiency, which is often measured by its outputs. However, this approach consists partly of the whole effort to maximize organizational efficiency. The component that is seldom considered is the optimal allocation of tasks to resources, as this has a critical impact on the outputs of the organization. An efficient allocation of tasks to resources would have a direct bearing on the efficiency of the organization. Nevertheless, organizations seldom conduct this with a scientific basis, assuming that there is not much analysis required or possible. The research that has been undertaken in this area has significant deficiencies and lacks practicality. In this paper, an innovative method that utilizes a genetic algorithm technique to optimally utilize organizational resources is presented.
Beyond Black and White: General Support for Race-Conscious Policies Among African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans and Whites:

The study of racial attitudes in the U.S. has largely focused on white attitudes toward African Americans and policies designed to assist African Americans. We go beyond this black-white dichotomy ...
A calcium transport system for mammalian cells.

Abstract Several decades ago, Heilbrunn showed that the microinjection of a small amount of inorganic calcium into a muscle cell caused contraction of the muscle (1). Since then it has been shown that not only are steady state conditions of many types of cells affected by intracellular calcium concentration (2), but specialized responses evoked by specific stimuli and associated with movement of calcium into the cell (3) can be induced directly by increasing intracellular calcium. For example, calcium ionophores cause insulin secretion by pancreatic islet cells (4), histamine release from basophils (5) and blast transformation of human lymphocytes (6). These findings suggest that one of the necessary steps in the chain of events initiated by the physiological stimulus (e.g. release of histamine from basophils when specific antigen reacts with cell-bound IgE) is a local increase in calcium ion concentration. The physiological role of calcium has been studied most extensively in heart and skeletal muscle. It is now well established that the concentration of free calcium ions inside cells is very low compared to extracellular fluid (7,8). A minimum system for achieving this is a limited cell membrane permeability to calcium and an active transport system for pumping calcium out of the cell. In this review we will present the thesis that mammalian heart and skeletal muscle have in addition a calcium transport system (CTS) which is located external to the electric membrane, is oriented opposite to the cell membrane calcium pump (i.e. pumps toward the cell) and establishes a microdomain immediately external to the electric membrane in which calcium concentration is maintained higher than in the rest of the extracellular space. Since this system is assembled on the outside of the cell, from components circulating in the blood plasma, we have had a unique opportunity to isolate and characterize them. Thus we were able to avoid extraction from the cell membrane structure, the difficult first step facing students of other transport systems.
An improved method for phenotyping of alpha1-antitrypsin variants using separator isoelectric focusing on thin-layer agarose gel

Abstract The previously described method for phenotyping of alpha1-antitrypsin (alpha1-protease inhibitor, Pi) that utilizes separator isoelectric focusing on thin-layer agarose gel (A. R. Qureshi and H. H. Punnett, in Electrophoresis '81, 3rd International Conference on Electrophoresis, pp. 83–87 (1981)) has been improved to give a better resolution of Pi pattern. A shallow pH gradient in the region of the isoelectric point of Pi pattern was obtained by the use of N-(2-acetamido)-2 aminoethanesulfonic acid (1%) and serine (0.8%). The present technique can resolve the Pi alleles. The patterns of Pi phenotypes were found to be similar to those observed on acrylamide gels. The method is fast, reliable, and reproducible.
Quantitative chromatographic analysis of inositol phospholipids and related compounds

The metabolism of phospholipids and the mobilization of second messengers such as inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate, 1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG) and arachidonic acid (AA) from phospholipids is commonly studied by radiolabelling phospholipids with [3H]myo-inositol or [32P]ATP and measuring the incorporation of radioactivity in different phospholipids or their hydrolysis products. However, for the radiolabelling method to accurately reflect changes in the compound's mass, it is essential that the tissue is labelled to isotopic equilibrium which is difficult to achieve. To circumvent the disadvantages of the radiolabelling method, several analytical procedures have been developed for the mass analysis of phospholipids and inositolphosphates (IPs). Quantitation of the mass or the radiolabelling of phospholipids is a complex multi-step procedure that involves quantitative isolation of phospholipids, fractionation of individual phospholipids and either determination of radioactivity in each component or the measurement of their mass. Phospholipids, DAG and AA are extracted from tissue sample with organic solvents such as chloroform-methanol (2:1) containing HCl or formic acid. The extract is separated by TLC, cartridge-column chromatography or HPLC on a reversed-phase column. Phospholipids are quantitated by measuring inorganic phosphate, absorption at 200 nm or mass spectrometry. Inositol phosphates are extracted with perchloric acid or trichloroacetic acid and separated by ion-exchange cartridge-column or HPLC with an ion-exchange column. IPs are quantitated by measuring inorganic phosphate or by using enzymatic reaction, metal-dye coupling, NMR or mass spectrometry.
Respondent hazards in the unrelated question randomized response model

Abstract The randomized response technique is a method of interviewing which allows estimation of population proportion or mean of a sensitive characteristic while maintaining anonymity of response. This is accomplished by use of two questions in the interview, one sensitive and one not so, with the respondent applying a random device to determine which question to answer. The statistician knows the parameters of the random device but is kept from knowledge of individual outcomes. When the nonsensitive question bears on a matter quite foreign to the sensitive characteristic, it is termed an unrelated question, and the associated technique carries that designation. Critical in the construction of such a model are the assigned probability p that the respondent will select the sensitive question and the proportion Πy of the population having the unrelated nonsensitive characteristic. The choice of these parameters is discussed herein with reference to the risks perceived by respondents.
Evaluating library renovation at the University of Rochester Medical Center

In 1987, the Edward G. Miner Library of the University of Rochester Medical Center completed the second major renovation in its 62-year history. The goal of the renovation was to provide additional space for the library's 3 main constituencies: its readers, its collections, and its staff. A case study of the renovation is presented, outlining processes and issues that shaped the final outcome. The success of the renovation is assessed in terms of project goals, design, and functionality. Changes made since 1987 to accommodate automation are also summarized. The conclusion suggests that library renovation be viewed as a continuing process, and proposes that principles of interface design are appropriate guidelines for evaluating library design across time.
Comparative anticholinergic potencies of R- and S- disopyramide in longitudinal muscle strips from guinea pig ileum.

Abstract The anticholinergic potencies of R- and S- disopyramide were studied in isolated myenteric plexus longitudinal muscle strip preparations from guinea-pig ileum using two experimental procedures. The first procedure tested the relative potencies of the isomers in inhibiting electrically-stimulated contractions in 6 ileum preparations. A balanced crossover design was employed. The mean concentration of S-disopyramide required to inhibit electrically stimulated contractions by 50% was 4.6 × 10 −6 M and was about one-fourth of the concentration of R-disopyramide required to produce the same effect (p 2 value, obtained directly from Schild plots, was 6.25 for S- and 5.74 for R- disopyramide. However, the slope of the Schild plot for the S-isomer differed significantly from −1, suggesting that other mechanisms in addition to direct antagonism of acetylcholine may be involved. Thus, the results of the experiments involving both the antagonism of electrically stimulated contractions and the direct antagonism of acetylcholine-induced contractions indicate (1) that both isomers of disopyramide have anticholinergic properties and (2) that S-disopyramide is about 3–4 fold more potent as an anticholinergic agent.
Standardised speech-language tests and students with intellectual disability: a review of normative data

AbstractBackground Before a school speech‐language pathologist (SLP) utilises a standardised speech‐language test with a student with intellectual disability (ID), the clinician should carefully consider the purpose of the test and whether the test includes students with ID in the normative group.Method This project reviewed 49 tests published between 1994 and 2004 and their applicability to students with ID.Results Students with mild ID were included in the norm group for 23 of the tests, but no tests included students with more significant ID. Separate norms for students with mild ID were included in 15 tests, but none met Salvia & Ysseldyke's (1995) suggested requirement that at least 100 students be included to represent a specific subgroup. A majority of the tests assessed receptive and expressive vocabulary, syntax, and grammar but no recent test measured a student's pragmatic communication.Conclusions Clinicians are encouraged to supplement standardised tests with non‐standardised procedures to doc...
Radiolucent halos associated with radiopaque composite resin restorations

Since the introduction of radiopaque composite resins, clinicians and researchers have occasionally noticed radiolucent halos adjacent to composite restorations. Such halos have frequently been thought to be recurrent caries or voids in the material. Fifteen of 45 radiopaque composite resin restorations placed by students enrolled in a first-year preclinical operative dentistry course exhibited such halos. Micrographs showed that a thick layer of unfilled resin bonding agent was present. These halos were reproduced in other teeth when excess bonding was not blown off. The results indicate the importance of meticulous technique.
Experimental study of titanite-fluorite equilibria in the A-type Mount Scott Granite: Implications for assessing F contents of felsic magma

Titanite and fluorite stability in melt were experimentally evaluated at 850 °C, 200 MPa, f(O 2 ) ≈ NNO (nickel-nickel oxide oxygen buffer) as functions of total F and H 2 O content. Experiments employed the metaluminous Mount Scott Granite of the Wichita igneous province, Oklahoma. Over a large range of added H 2 O (∼1–7 wt%), melts containing 1 wt% F precipitated fluorite without titanite. In addition, at high F (≥ 1.2 wt%) plagioclase and hornblende reacted to form biotite. Thus, an increase in F during crystallization may explain the observed higher modal abundance of plagioclase and hornblende in titanite-dominant samples vs. higher modal biotite in fluorite-dominant samples within the Mount Scott Granite pluton. Coexistence of magmatic titanite and fluorite in the Mount Scott Granite pluton implies F m of ∼1 wt% at the point in its crystallization history where these minerals coprecipitated. We suggest that the presence of primary fluorite within high-temperature, shallowly emplaced, moderate f (O 2 ), subaluminous felsic rocks indicates high magmatic fluorine, whereas titanite without fluorite in such rocks indicates low initial fluorine.
Hypothermia After Vascular Surgery: Complications, Prevention, and Treatment

Virtually all anesthetics render patients poikilothermic and body temperature invariably decreases during surgery. Dur ing vascular occlusion and resulting ischemia to the brain, kidneys, and spina...