cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dimensions of Uterovaginal Sperm-Storage Tubules of the Chicken and their Possible Significance in Sperm Release

Abstract INTRODUCTION THE dimensions of the uterovaginal sperm-storage tubules of the hen have been the subject of conflicting reports in recent years. It is the intent of this paper to give evidence of dimensions of sperm-storage tubules and to classify these tubules on the basis of size. A realization of diameters and lengths of sperm-storage tubules is important in considerations of possible sperm-release mechanisms, since the release of spermatozoa may be dependent on available space for the spermatozoa to reverse direction within the storage glands. When spermatozoa introduced into the uterovaginal region by copulation or by artificial insemination are examined microscopically in histologically prepared uterovaginal tissue, they appear packed in tight, parallel bundles within the tubules, with their heads directed toward the blind terminal tubular end (Bobr et al., 1964). In addition, the lumen of a typical sperm-storage tubule may have a diameter of only 10μ., and therefore a cross-sectional area…
Development and maintenance of ear innervation and function: lessons from mutations in mouse and man.

This work was supported by National Institute of Deafness and Communicative Disorders (NIDCD) grant 2 P01 DC00215-14A1 and the National Organization for Hearing Research (both to B.F.) and by NIDCD grants R01 DC02041 and P01 DC01813 (both to K.B.).
To whom it may concern: Or, is anyone concerned? The Nyae Nyae Ju/'hoan tape archive, 1987–1993

Abstract Based on transcribed and translated tapes from political meetings three years pre- and three years post-Independence in Namibia, this paper examines processes of discourse development during an unprecedented period of challenge and contact for the Ju/'hoan Bushman people. The formulation of an acceptable rhetorical style among this “fiercely egalitarian” people has called for a great deal of social delicacy. Creative employment of concepts and euphemisms long accepted in the remote foraging context for changed use in the transition to a mixed economy and participation in a multi-ethnic state are exemplified in the tape texts. The paper centrally addresses internal struggles in Ju/'hoan society to master the implications of their new need for representative spokespersons. A concluding section mentions sociolinguistic mechanisms enabling expanded political self-reliance, and ends with quotations designed to give the flavour of newly empowered Ju/'hoan discourse in both Namibia and Botswana.
Convergent Polishing: Simple, Low Cost Finishing Method of Glass Optics

A novel finishing process, called Convergent Polishing, is described where the workpiece regardless of its initial shape will converge to final surface figure under a fixed, unchanging set of polishing parameters in a single iteration. Abstract (35 Word Limit): A novel finishing process, called Convergent Polishing, is described where the workpiece regardless of its initial shape will converge to final surface figure under a fixed, unchanging set of polishing parameters in a single iteration. Article not available.
Delaminating stresses at the neck of a coated metal

Abstract Necking-induced stresses at the interface of a coated sheet are analyzed via a perturbation method. The method is based on the assumption that the sheet surface sustains only small deviations from straightness (the neck is diffuse). Semi-quantitative conclusions regarding the tendency to delaminate can be drawn on the basis of the magnitude of the induced stresses.
Strong Solubilization of Small Molecules by Triblock-Copolymer Micelles in Selective Solvents

Monte Carlo simulations on a cubic lattice were carried out to study the micellization and solubilization of a system containing ABA triblock copolymers, small molecules compatible with the A block, and solvent which selectively solvates the B blocks. The parameters varied were the amount of small molecules, the polymer concentration, the interaction parameters between A and B, A and solvent, solute and solvent, solute and B block, and the A and B block sizes. The corresponding effects on the fraction of polymers forming micelles, the aggregation number of insoluble blocks, the fraction of solutes solubilized, the micelle−solvent partition coefficient of the solubilizates, and the solubilization capacity of the insoluble block were discussed and compared with experimental and theoretical data from the literature.
Further studies on the control of vestibular toxic effects of streptomycin by dramamine.

Summary In view of the work which has shown that dramamine is an antagonist of acetycholine and since it is likely that streptomycin is a cholinergic agent, we believe that when streptomycin is administered dramamine should be given also, to eliminate any toxic effects on the vestibular apparatus.
Mechanistic Studies of the Copper-Catalyzed Electrophilic Amination of Diorganozinc Reagents and Development of a Zinc-Free Protocol

An SN2 mechanism for the copper-catalyzed amination of diorganozinc reagents by O-benzoyl-N,N-dialkylhydroxylamines is supported by following stereochemically defined organometallics through the reaction and by employing the endocyclic restriction test. A copper-catalyzed electrophilic amination of organomagnesium compounds is also described in which the use of zinc halides has been eliminated.
Absorption of High-Energy Gamma Rays by Interactions with Extragalactic Starlight Photons at High Redshifts and the High-Energy Gamma-Ray Background

In this paper, we extend previous work on the absorption of high-energy γ-rays in intergalactic space by calculating the absorption of 10-500 GeV γ-rays at high redshifts. This calculation requires the determination of the high-redshift evolution of the intergalactic starlight photon field, including its spectral energy distribution out to frequencies beyond the Lyman limit. To estimate this evolution, we have followed a recent analysis by Fall, Charlot, & Pei, which reproduces the redshift dependence of the starlight background emissivity obtained by the Canada-France Redshift Survey group. We give our results for the γ-ray opacity as a function of redshift out to a redshift of z = 3. We also give predicted γ-ray spectra for selected blazars and extend our calculations of the extragalactic γ-ray background from blazars to an energy of 500 GeV with absorption effects included. Our results indicate that the extragalactic γ-ray background spectrum from blazars should steepen significantly above 20 GeV, owing to extragalactic absorption. Future observations of a such a steepening would thus provide a test of the blazar origin hypothesis for the γ-ray background radiation. We also note that our absorption calculations can be used to place limits on the redshifts of γ-ray bursts; for example, our calculated opacities indicate that the 1994 February 17 burst observed by EGRET most probably originated at z ≤ ~2.
Local Monomer Activation Model for Phase Behavior and Calorimetric Properties of LCST Gel-Forming Polymers

We investigate the phase diagrams and calorimetric signatures of gel-forming polymers with a lower critical solution temperature (LCST). We construct a model that captures many of the observed properties of this type of polymer. The model assumes the existence of a sharp internal conversion, at a characteristic temperature T*, in which monomers are activated from effectively hydrophilic to associative-hydrophobic states. The location of the gel transition is determined by Flory's model of gelation, while phase separation of polymer and solvent is determined by assuming that the effective immiscibility χ parameter is generated solely from gel-forming contacts. The resulting phase diagrams exhibit an immiscibility loop and a gel−sol boundary. At low temperatures both the phase and the sol−gel boundaries are almost independent of concentration. The gel transition does not produce a signature in the calorimetric properties (heat capacities at constant concentration), but the internal transition produces a cle...
Comparison of extraction devices for the removal of supraglottic foreign bodies.

Objective. By using a porcine model, the efficacy of various extraction devices for airway foreign body removal was examined. Methods. The upper airways of euthanized swine were occluded with a rubber ball, glass marble, or grape. A Magill forceps, a spongestick forceps, and a nasal trumpet attached to suction were used by test subjects for foreign body removal. Extraction success and time were recorded for each removal attempt. Satisfaction scores were recorded for each foreign body and device combination. Results. Seven paramedics, seven residents, and seven attending physicians participated. A total of 189 attempts were analyzed. Success rates for foreign body extraction with Magill and spongestick forceps were similar, with both devices superior to nasal trumpet (98% and 97% vs. 83%, respectively, p < 0.001). For successful ball removal attempts, the mean extraction time with spongestick forceps was less than those for both Magill forceps and nasal trumpet: 12.4 (95% confidence interval [CI], 10–14.7)...
Studies of the renal excretion of probenecid acyl glucuronide in man

The metabolism of probenecid has been investigated in both normal and gouty subjects. To carry out these studies, specific spectrophotometric methods were developed for the measurement of a major metabolite of probenecid, the acyl glucuronide. This conjugate was isolated in semi-pure state and its identity as a mono acyl glucuronide established. Our experiments indicate that about 25% of probenecid is converted to its acyl glucuronide and that only a small amount of the drug is excreted unchanged. About 80% of orally administered14C probenecid could be accounted for in urine, and about half of this was found to consist of metabolites more polar than the parent drug. The renal clearance of probenecid acyl glucuronide was shown to be about 1/3 that of creatinine clearance, whereas the clearance of probenecid was lower. The present findings in man and those of other workers in animals, raise the important question of the possible contribution of these metabolites to the overall pharmacological effects resulting from the administration of probenecid.
The extrahepatic uptake of 198Au as an index of portal hypertension.

A study was undertaken to determine if extrahepatic recticuloendothelial uptake of198Au during hepatic scanning could be used as a measure of the portal venous pressure in patients with chronic diffuse liver disease. Twenty patients were studied by history, physical examination, liver function studies, liver biopsy, esophagoscopy,198Au hepatic scan and wedged hepatic vein pressure measurements. Patients were separated into 2 groups: Group A—patients with neither spleen or lumbar vertebral bone marrow uptake of198Au; Group B—patients with significant spleen and/or vertebral bone marrow uptake of isotope. Each of the 6 patients in Group A had a hepatic wedge pressure under 18 mmHg, and none had varices on esophagoscopy. All 14 patients in Group B had hepatic wedge pressures of 18 mmHg or more. Only 8 Group B patients had varices on esophagoscopy. These data suggest that the198Au hepatic scan is a safe and valuable procedure for estimating the degree of portal venous hypertension in patients with diffuse chronic liver disease. In these 20 patients, if spleen or vertebral bone marrow uptake of isotope was present, the portal venous pressure was 18 mmHg or greater. If spleen and/or bone marrow uptake was lacking, then the portal venous pressure was below 18 mmHg.
Increased matrix metalloproteinase expression and activation following experimental acute pancreatitis.

Abstract Background. The observation that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are central to tissue remodeling and may contribute to organ failure prompted us to investigate the role of MMPs in acute pancreatitis. We hypothesize that increased expression and activation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 will correlate with organ injury following acute pancreatitis. Methods. Acute pancreatitis was induced in five male rats by retrograde infusion of 5% sodium taurocholate into the pancreatic duct. Sham laparotomy was performed on five rats serving as a control. Pancreatitis was confirmed by histology and serum amylase levels. MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity and expression were assayed by gelatin zymography in the lungs and ascitic fluid of each animal. Lung permeability was assayed by Evans blue dye extravasation. Lung activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 was confirmed by a specific fluorogenic MMP substrate assay. Results. Lung permeability increased twofold in the animals with severe pancreatitis compared with sham. Analysis of the zymograms from lung homogenate revealed a threefold increase in active MMP-2 in severe pancreatitis compared with sham and no change in MMP-9 activity. Gelatin zymograms of peritoneal fluid from severe pancreatitis animals demonstrated increased levels of active MMP-2 and MMP-9 compared with the sham group. Increases in MMP activity were confirmed by MMP activity assay using a fluorogenic substrate. Conclusions. This study demonstrates a correlation between severity of acute pancreatitis and active MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels in the peritoneal fluid and MMP-2 activity in lung homogenate. The MMP-mediated degradation of the basement membrane offers a potential pharmacologic and therapeutic target for halting the final biologic outcome of severe pancreatitis.
Will Sub-Saharan Africa Meet the Millennium Development Goals and Does It Matter?

In 2000 the largest gathering of world leaders in history met at the United Nations to endorse the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and these goals have received wide-spread attention since then. This paper examines these goals and also considers the larger issue of economic growth and development. For sub-Saharan Africa’s economies to grow, we need to recognize the role and functions of the informal ruling sector and also acknowledge the incentives involved. Equally important perhaps, we need to rethink the development agenda: today that agenda is dictated by and large by the Western donors. In the future that agenda must be driven by the realities of the combination of the mix of informal and formal governing structures. If rulers continue to commit to meeting the objectives at the formal level while at the same time prioritize the demands of the informal sector then they will not be able to escape the poverty trap and underdevelopment nor move toward true, sustained economic and social development for all of their people. At the end of the day, what really matters is not if Africa reaches the Millennium Development Goals, since goals, while important in measuring welfare success, do not really address the more urgent need for stimulating productive and sustained economic growth that in the long term will translate into higher welfare.
Early Language Intervention Using Distance Video-Teleconferencing: A Pilot Study of Young Boys With Fragile X Syndrome and Their Mothers

Purpose This study examined the effects of a naturalistic parent-implemented language intervention on the use of verbally responsive language by mothers of 6 young boys with fragile X syndrome. The...
Soluble Class I MHC with β2-Microglobulin Covalently Linked Peptides: Specific Binding to a T Cell Hybridoma

Soluble forms of the mouse MHC class I molecule, Dd, were produced in which the peptide binding groove was uniformly occupied by peptides attached via a covalent flexible peptide linker to the N terminus of the associated β2-microglobulin. The MHC heavy chain and β2-microglobulin were firmly associated, and the molecules displayed an Ab epitope requiring proper occupancy of the peptide binding groove. Soluble Dd containing a covalent version of a well-characterized Dd-binding peptide from HIV stimulated a T cell hybridoma specific for this combination. Furthermore, a tetravalent version of this molecule bound specifically with apparent high avidity to this hybridoma.
KINFIDA: an object-oriented model-based digital filter design assistant

KINFIDA (knowledge-based intelligent filter design assistant), a hybrid knowledge-based system with a model-based reasoning architecture for digital filter design, is described. It extends the concept of an isolated digital signal processing CAD tool and provides a closed-loop design environment where the system expertise can grow incrementally with minimal effect on the controls and the reasoning process. It utilizes IEEE signal processing libraries and is implemented in Nexpert Object, a commercial object-rule-based development system. The user interface is implemented using the X11 toolkit package. Using an interactive human interface, KINFIDA suggests likely filter approaches, estimates undetermined parameters, provides performance estimates, and suggests candidate VLSI technologies satisfying a desired filtering operation. >
Soft breadboard for real-time 3D rendering

A key challenge to tomorrow's real-time 3D rendering engines has been the memory bandwidth barrier, which limits how fast an image can be painted onto image memory. Another has been the floating point throughput that limits how much world coordinate data can be mapped to the screen. Other traditional challenges remain. The 3D engine must be small, modular, and affordable so it can be integrated into tomorrow's vision systems easily. Ways to overcome these barriers are being developed by implementing novel 3D renderer prototypes on a new "software breadboard." The breadboard, implemented in C and VHDL, permits rapid evaluation of promising concepts using off-the-shelf models and high level structures. The breadboard, being developed under the auspices of Wright Laboratory, will help determine which functions should be implemented using ASICs. Breadboard benchmarks and associated analyses show that a single card, capable of rendering useful real-time "out-the-window" scenes, is feasible today. The "software breadboard" is being used to design tomorrow's real-time 3D renderers. >
Diagnostic tests for human allergic disease

Background: The diagnosis of human allergic disease begins with a thorough clinical history and physical examination. Once a temporal relationship has been identified between a patient's history of allergic symptoms and a defined allergen exposure, confirmatory analyses for IgE antibody involving skin or blood testing are performed to verify sensitization. Debate continues over the relative diagnostic utility of the in vivo and in vitro measures of IgE antibody. Objective: This overview examines the strengths and limitations of primary diagnostic confirmatory methods for in vivo detection (skin test, provocation test) and in vitro quantification of IgE antibody. Methods: A literature review was performed to examine diagnostic performance characteristics and variables that influence the accuracy of IgE antibody assays. Discussion: The clinical history and both in vivo and in vitro measures of IgE antibody are subject to variability and potential patient, clinician and technician-related bias. As such, in t...
The structure of low-index surfaces of β-Ga2O3

Abstract The physical and electronic structure of the (1 0 0), (0 1 0), (0 0 1) and ( 1 0 1 ¯ ) faces of β-Ga 2 O 3 are addressed using ab initio theory. Restricted Hartree–Fock calculations, with large-core Ga and O pseudopotentials, are done to optimize the structure of first the bulk and then of slabs “cut” in the required orientations. The slab unit cells are fully relaxed during optimization, and the displacements of all atoms from the ideally-terminated positions are obtained as functions of depth into the bulk. For the relaxed slabs, single-point density functional theory calculations using the B3LYP functional and all-electron basis sets are performed to obtain surface energies, ionic charges and bond overlap populations. All surfaces exhibit a decrease in surface energy upon relaxation, and the local bonding at the surface is analyzed by comparing nearest-neighbor bond lengths and overlap populations with those in the bulk. The ( 1 0 1 ¯ ) surface, which exhibits a high energy when ideally terminated, undergoes large displacements and changes in bonding during relaxation leading to a substantial lowering of the surface energy. The band structure is also obtained for the lowest-energy surface, which is one of the possible non-polar terminations of the (1 0 0). The results provide insight into the growth and structure of β-Ga 2 O 3 nanoribbons.
Audiomagnetotelluric characterization of range-front faults, Snake Range, Nevada

Two controlled-source audio-magnetotelluric (CSAMT) profiles were collected on the eastern flank of the Snake Range in eastern Nevada across geologically complex terrain to investigate the suspected presence of faults along the range front. The location of the range-bounding faults is not easily determined on geologic grounds because of the presence of extensive young sedimentary cover and overall geologic complexity. Characterization of the presence, location, and structural style of the range-front faults is critical to assessment of connectivity of groundwater aquifers near the mountain front and in adjacent alluvial basins. A total of 48 CSAMT soundings were recorded along two lines that were chosen to maximize subsurface geologic information. Two generations of faults were interpreted based on the CSAMT data: an older, low-angle fault that is cut by a younger, more steeply dipping fault. Lack of deep boreholes in the region required that the subsurface interpretation rely on analogy from surface outcrops within and adjacent to the study area. The success of the CSAMT method as applied in this study hinged on near-ideal collection conditions, the relatively high contrast in electrical resistivity provided by the rock types involved, and well-developed geologic conceptual models of the region.
A brief history of frugality discourses in the United States

Public discourses advocating frugal consumption have had a long history in the United States. This study provides a brief account of six different periods of such anti‐consumerist thought and rhetoric: colonial, antebellum, Gilded Age, early twentieth century, World War II, and late twentieth century. The final section uses history to better understand the religious, political, and societal tensions that have characterized American frugality discourses.
Defining brain wiring patterns and mechanisms through gene trapping in mice

The search to understand the mechanisms regulating brain wiring has relied on biochemical purification approaches in vertebrates and genetic approaches in invertebrates to identify molecular cues and receptors for axon guidance. Here we describe a phenotype-based gene-trap screen in mice designed for the large-scale identification of genes controlling the formation of the trillions of connections in the mammalian brain. The method incorporates an axonal marker, which helps to identify cell-autonomous mechanisms in axon guidance, and has generated a resource of mouse lines with striking patterns of axonal labelling, which facilitates analysis of the normal wiring diagram of the brain. Studies of two of these mouse lines have identified an in vivo guidance function for a vertebrate transmembrane semaphorin, Sema6A, and have helped re-evaluate that of the Eph receptor EphA4.
What to do with functional mitral regurgitation: what do we really know and how can we find out?

Managing heart failure patients with left ventricular dysfunctionassociated mitral regurgitation (functional mitral regurgitation or FMR) is challenging and requires a multidisciplinary approach. Optimal medical therapy (OMT) with vigilant outpatient surveillance, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and myocardial revascularization can all have positive impacts on quality of life, and perhaps even survival. Since as many as 30% of individuals with heart failure have moderate–severe mitral regurgitation (MR), it is mechanistically appealing to postulate that correcting MR, whether by surgery or transcatheter MitraClip therapy, should benefit these patients. However, data supporting FMR correction are largely observational. The current American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guidelines give mitral valve repair in patients with symptomatic severe left ventricular dysfunction a Class IIa (level of evidence C) recommendation [1]. The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines also cite limited data (level of evidence C) supporting mitral valve correction and give primarily Class IIa/b recommendations for the surgical correction of MR in the setting of left ventricle (LV) dysfunction with or without coronary artery disease and planned CABG [2]. MitraClip therapy, by virtue of its percutaneous delivery, may offer improved safety when compared with surgical mitral valve repair in patients with predominantly degenerative MR, but at the expense of far less effective MR reduction [3]. It is felt, however, that MitraClip therapy may be ideally suited for the treatment of higher- or extreme-surgical-risk FMR patients in whom other treatment options are limited. What then, does the accompanying report add to our understanding of applying surgery or MitraClip to patients with FMR? And how does it help us answer the question of ‘what to do with FMR?’ In this issue of the journal, Taramasso et al .[ 4] retrospectively describe the clinical characteristics, in-hospital and intermediate to long-term follow-up of two groups of patients undergoing correction of FMR. The first group consists of 91 patients undergoing surgical correction of FMR over the last 10 years, the second group comprises 52 patients undergoing MitraClip implantation during the last 3 years of the surgical experience. All patients had either moderate–severe or severe MR, were symptomatic despite medical therapy (the nature of which is not specified) and had ischaemic or idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (a very heterogenous group, in terms of outcome behaviour and competing risks). The decision to perform surgical correction vs MitraClip therapy was based on a ‘multimodality decisionmaking process’, which included the logistic EuroSCORE, as well as other less-quantifiable factors such as liver cirrhosis, neurological impairment and frailty. Patients had pre- and post-procedure echocardiography (non-core lab adjudicated) and were followed clinically for a variable amount of time (median 18 months for surgery and 8.5 months for MitraClip).
Beyond pretty pictures: Examining the benefits of code visualization for Open Source newcomers

Joining an Open Source project is not easy. Newcomers often experience a steep learning curve dealing with technical complexity, lack of domain knowledge, and the amount of project information available for starters. This paper looks at the information needs of newcomers and the potential benefits of information visualization in supporting newcomers through a controlled experiment. Our results show that current OSS environments and development tools are lacking in support for the information needs of newcomers, and that existing visualization tools and techniques can help. We also discuss the potential problems and pitfalls associated with the inappropriate use of code visualization tools.
Parallel implementations of probabilistic inference

Probabilistic inference is becoming an integral part of decision-making systems, but it is so computationally intensive that it is often impractical. The authors report on the effectiveness of speeding up this technique by exploiting its parallelism.
Androgenic stimulation of progesterone production by granulosa cells from preantral ovarian follicles: further in vitro studies using replicate cell cultures.

The influence of testosterone (T) on progesterone (P) production by isolated rat ovarian granulosa cells was studied in vitro using a new replicate culture technique. Preantral granulosa cells from ovaries of estrogen-primed hypophysecto-mized immature female rats were cultured in the presence of graded concentrations of T, diethyl-stilbestrol (DES), cyproterone acetate (CPA), flutamide and the hydroxylated derivative of fluta-mide, Sch 16423. The accumulation of P in medium collected from granulosa cell cultures was measured by specific radioimmunoassay. Maximal P production by cultured granulosa cells was attained during the second day of culture and declined markedly thereafter. The presence of 10¬9, 10¬8 or 10¬7M T elicited increases in P production 2.4, 8 and 11 times that of controls, respectively, during the initial 48 h of culture. Each concentration of T elicited enhanced P production within the first 24 h of culture. Granulosa cells cultured in control medium for 2 days did not respond to 10¬7M ...
The Medicare Outpatient Imaging Efficiency Measure for Low Back Pain (“OP-8”)

This study by Ganduglia et al provides empirical data to show that publicly reporting the rate of potentially unnecessary MR imaging examinations, as measured with the Medicare OP-8 metric, did not lead to an appreciable change among Texas hospital regions.
PM2.5 and ultrafine particles emitted during heating of commercial cooking oils

UNLABELLED Seven commercial cooking oils were investigated to determine the PM(2.5) mass and ultrafine particle (UFP) emission rates and emission fluxes (rates per area). The results of this study showed that at 197°C soybean, safflower, canola, and peanut oils produced lower PM(2.5) emission fluxes (6.1 × 10(5), 3.0 × 10(5), 5.4 × 10(5), and 3.9 × 10(5) μg/min/m(2), respectively) than corn, coconut, and olive oils (2.7 × 10(6), 2.9 × 10(6), and 5.7 × 10(6) μg/min/m(2), respectively). Similarly, the total particle number flux at 197°C was lower for soybean, safflower, and canola oils (3.5 × 10(13), 8.6 × 10(13), and 1.0 × 10(14) #/min/m(2), respectively) than the corn, coconut, olive, and peanut oils (2.4 × 10(14), 1.4 × 10(14), 1.7 × 10(14), and 3.8 × 10(14) #/min/m(2), respectively). In general, oils with a higher smoke temperature resulted in lower particle concentrations over the measured temperature range (131-197°C). The percentage of UFP (particle diameter D(p) 10-100 nm) to total particles (D(p) 10-500 nm) ranged from 76 to 99% for this temperature range. Particles below 10 nm in diameter were not measured. The particle number size distribution showed a polydisperse behavior with major mode sizes ranging from 25 nm (for peanut oil) to 82 nm (for soybean oil) at an oil temperature of 197°C. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS The study presents particle number and mass concentrations, size distributions, emission rates, and emission fluxes from heating common cooking oils. The emission rates and emission fluxes can be used as inputs to models for indirect exposure analysis studies. The study may also be used to provide guidance on choosing oils that result in lower emission rates when heated.
Performance of an ultra-low elution-volume 96-well plate: drug discovery and development applications.

Recently, sample preparation has been considered to be the major cause of bottlenecks during high-throughput analysis. With the assistance of robotic liquid handlers and the 96-well plate format, more samples can be prepared for subsequent liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) analysis. Protein precipitation is still widely used despite potential loss of sensitivity or variable results due to ion suppression. The use of solid-phase extraction (SPE) clearly gives superior results but may not be as cost effective as protein precipitation due to the labor and material costs associated with the process. Here, a novel 96-well SPE plate is described that was designed to minimize the elution volume required for quantitative elution of analytes. The plate is packed with 2 mg of a high-capacity SPE sorbent that allows loading of up to 750 microL of plasma, while the novel design permits elution with as little as 25 microL. Therefore, the plate offers up to a 15-fold increase in sample concentration. The evaporation and reconstitution step that is typically required in SPE is avoided due to the concentrating ability of the plate. Examples of applications in drug discovery/development are shown and results are compared to protein precipitation. Excellent sensitivity and linearity are demonstrated.
The catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) val158met polymorphism affects brain responses to repeated painful stimuli.

Despite the explosion of interest in the genetic underpinnings of individual differences in pain sensitivity, conflicting findings have emerged for most of the identified ‘‘pain genes’’. Perhaps the prime example of this inconsistency is represented by catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), as its substantial association to pain sensitivity has been reported in various studies, but rejected in several others. In line with findings from behavioral studies, we hypothesized that the effect of COMT on pain processing would become apparent only when the pain system was adequately challenged (i.e., after repeated pain stimulation). In the present study, we used functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to investigate the brain response to heat pain stimuli in 54 subjects genotyped for the common COMT val158met polymorphism (val/val=n 22, val/met=n 20, met/met=n 12). Met/met subjects exhibited stronger pain-related fMRI signals than val/val in several brain structures, including the periaqueductal gray matter, lingual gyrus, cerebellum, hippocampal formation and precuneus. These effects were observed only for high intensity pain stimuli after repeated administration. In spite of our relatively small sample size, our results suggest that COMT appears to affect pain processing. Our data demonstrate that the effect of COMT on pain processing can be detected in presence of 1) a sufficiently robust challenge to the pain system to detect a genotype effect, and/or 2) the recruitment of pain-dampening compensatory mechanisms by the putatively more pain sensitive met homozygotes. These findings may help explain the inconsistencies in reported findings of the impact of COMT in pain regulation.
A Substrate‐Based Methodology That Allows the Regioselective Control of the Catalytic Aminohydroxylation Reaction

Structure I is proposed for the catalytically active species in the bis-cinchona alkaloid based osmium-catalyzed aminohydroxylation (AA) reaction of unsymmetrical olefins. Based on this model, the regiochemistry for this reaction can be controlled through a substrate binding mode wherein steric, electronic, and/or shape complimentarity between the olefin and catalyst direct the regiochemical outcome along the reaction coordinate.
Incremental Transfer and Cost Effectiveness of Groundbased Flight Trainers in University Aviation Programs

Use of ground-based flight training devices in flight training is attractive for several reasons. In addition to undeniable safety aspects and immunity to weather, ground trainers also offer benefits in terms of training effectiveness, typically measured by the time or number of trials saved over training exclusively in an airplane. A review of 19 studies from the past 56 years that have investigated transfer of training effectiveness from ground trainers to airplane revealed, however, that unambiguous conclusions about the best use of these devices are difficult to discern. The reason for the lack of valid data and widely varied results are the large number of intervening variables present in flight training as well as the difficulty of conducting sound research on this topic.
Completion time multiple branch prediction for enhancing trace cache performance

The need for multiple branch prediction is inherent to wide instruction fetching. This paper presents a completion time multiple branch predictor called the Tree-based Multiple Branch Predictor (TMP) that builds on previous single branch prediction techniques. It employs a tree structure of branch predictors, or tree-node predictors, and achieves accurate multiple branch prediction by leveraging the high accuracies of the individual branch predictors. A highly-efficient TMP design uses the 2-bit saturating counters for the tree-node predictors. To achieve higher prediction rate, the TMP employs two-level schemes for the tree-node predictors resulting in a three-level TMP design. Placing the TMP at completion time reduces the critical latency in the front-end of the pipeline; the resultant longer update latency does not significantly impact the overall performance. In this paper the TMP is applied to a trace cache design and shown to be very effective in increasing its performance.Results: A realistic-size TMP (72KB) can predict 1, 2, 3, and 4 consecutive blocks with compounded prediction accuracies of 96%, 93%, 87%, and 82%, respectively. The block-based trace cache with this TMP achieves 4.75 IPC for SPECint95 on an idealized machine, which is a 20% performance improvement over the original design [1]. This improved performance is 8% above that of a conventional I-cache design with perfect single branch prediction.
Tolerability of 3-day, once-daily azithromycin suspension versus standard treatments for community-acquired paediatric infectious diseases.

Abstract Tolerability of azithromycin oral suspension, 10 mg/kg once daily for 3 days, was assessed in paediatric patients (≤18 years) with respiratory or skin and soft-tissue infections. Of 2425 patients evaluated, 1213 received azithromycin and 1212 received standard regimens of amoxycillin/clavulanic acid, cefaclor, cefixime, ceftriaxone, clarithromycin, erythromycin, or penicillin V. The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was significantly lower in patients receiving azithromycin than comparators (7.9 vs. 11.5%, P=0.003), while discontinuation rates were similar (1.0 and 1.1%, respectively). Significantly fewer gastrointestinal events were recorded for azithromycin than comparators (6.5 vs. 9.9%, P=0.002), and their duration was significantly shorter (mean 2.3 vs. 5.0 days, P=0.0001). Azithromycin paediatric oral suspension is well tolerated and associated with significantly fewer adverse events than comparators.
Heat of fusion of polymer crystals: Thermodynamics of melting

Abstract The weight fraction crystallinity (Wc) of a polymer sample can be determined from the relation Wc = △Hf/△Hf°. However to obtain a more accurate determination of Wc the term △Hf should be corrected for various excess enthalpy terms. These corrections should include terms related to the nature of the “fold surface,” i. e., the manner in which units in the fold structure are distributed between true folds and cilia. They should also take into account the nature of the crystal, e.g., the possibility of an enthalpy term associated with mosaic block side surfaces in dried-down crystals. The magnitude of the appropriate correction factors (and their affect on Wc) has been estimated for various fold/cilia models. From the derived equations it is apparent that the y-intercept of a plot of the form △Hf/Wc versus (crystal core thickness)-1 is equal to △Hf° only when dealing with crystals kept in suspension. For dried single crystals the y-intercept is shown to be some function of △Hf° . Since the vast major...
Correlation of left ventricular wall motion abnormalities with ventricular arrhythmias in patients with coronary artery disease

Abstract We studied 71 patients with 12-hour Holter monitoring to determine if the incidence and complexity of ventricular arrhythmias in symptomatic coronary artery disease patients were related to the extent of left ventricular dysfunction. Their average age was 51 years, and each had cardiac catheterization within 3 months of study. Thirty-six patients had left ventricular aneurysms, 10 had normal left ventricular angiograms and 25 had left ventricular hypokinesis or akinesis without dyskinesis. The patients with aneurysms had significantly more heart failure, prior infarction, cardiomegaly and impaired ejection fractions. The mean premature ventricular contractions per hour for the aneurysm patients was 34±52, 3±5 for those with normal left ventricles, and 11±24 in the remainder. Complex premature ventricular contraction were noted in 50% of the aneurysm patients, in 10% of the patients with normal left ventricles and in 23% of the patients with hypokinesis or akinesis. Ventricular arrhythmias increase with greater left ventricular wall motion abnormality in patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease.
HISTOCOMPATIBILITY STUDIES IN A CLOSELY BRED COLONY OF DOGS : IV. TOLERANCE TO BONE MARROW, KIDNEY, AND SKIN ALLOGRAFTS IN DL-A-IDENTICAL RADIATION CHIMERAS

17 Cooperstown beagles of known DL-A genotypes were exposed to supralethal total body irradiation and received a bone marrow allograft from a DL-A-identical donor; 11 littermate and 6 nonlittermate donor-recipient pairs were studied. The recipients are surviving uneventfully for 315, 364, 424, 440, 531, 531, 584, 605, 625, 635, and 649 days in the littermate group and for 211, 279, 280, 368, 479, and 480 days in the nonlittermate group. The radiation chimeras underwent bilateral nephrectomy and received a kidney allograft obtained from their respective marrow donor within 43–120 days after bone marrow transplantation. The renal allografts are surviving for 191, 200, 221, 234, 313, 349, 361, 377, 378, 405, 441, 444, 482, 557, 580, 581, and 586 days, respectively. 12 of 13 skin allografts obtained from the marrow donor are at present surviving in the recipients for 107, 110, 110, 110, 116, 122, 128, 143, 143, 162, 178, and 199 days, respectively; one graft was rejected at 84 days. In contrast, the radiation chimeras rejected 25 skin allografts obtained from DL-A-incompatible donors within 10.5–21 days (MST = 15.2 days). Skin transplants obtained from DL-A-identical siblings of the bone marrow donors were rejected within 20–36 days (MST = 25.8 days) in recipients of bone marrow cells obtained from littermate donors. Recipients of nonlittermate bone marrow transplants accorded such allografts a prolonged survival time of 27–76 days (MST = 56.2 days). Prospective selection of genotypically DL-A-identical donor-recipient pairs results in the regularly reproducible long-term survival of bone marrow allografts. The radiation chimeras produced in this manner have developed a donor-specific state of unresponsiveness to kidney and skin allografts. The results are consistent with the existence in the canine species of at least three closely linked genetic systems relevant to transplantation, including DL-A, MLC, and a possible bone marrow transplantation locus.
Ultrasonic Characterization of Composite Microstructure

In this work, nondestructive methods for the quantitative evaluation of composite microstructure are described. Parameters of interest in this regard might include fiber volume fraction, porosity, degree of cure (thermoset resins) and crystallinity (thermoplastic resins). These methods rely upon the high degree of accuracy which can be obtained with ultrasonic measurements of acoustic velocities; hence the mechanical properties of the material, and well established composite micromechanics relationships between elastic properties and composite microstructure. This results in sets of nonlinear equations which can be solved for the unknown microstructural parameters.
On the Analysis of Interactions in Marketing Research Data

This article discusses a number of topics related to the interpretation of interaction in experimental designs. A common set of data is used to illustrate the techniques, and implications for marke...
Home Range and Habitats of the Wandering Shrew

The home range and habitats of 11 marked wandering shrews, Sorex vagrans , were studied on 1.27 acres near Huntington Lake, California. Individual shrews were captured from 2 to 35 times (avg 13) over three summer months. The minimal home range and the longest distance across the range were obtained for each shrew. Of the 143 captures, 95% were in the Salix-Scirpus habitat. The minimal home range varied from 260 to 6,758 square feet (avg 4,000). The longest axes across the home ranges varied from 47 to 195 feet. Mature shrews have larger home ranges than do immature shrews. The frequency of captures corresponds closely with activity peaks of captive animals. There is evidence that the size, shape and the part of the home range used varies with age and season.
Free Volatile Acidity of Blood and Tissues Following Ingestion of Ethyl Alcohol.

Summary1. A procedure is described for the determination of the free volatile acids of tissues. 2. Normal tissues of the dog, with the exception of brain, contain only traces, from 0 to 0.25 mM or cc N, of free volatile acidity per kg. This constitutes from 1 to 3% of the total volatile acids which can be obtained by hydrolysis with 2 N H2SO4. About 10%, from 1.5 to 2.0 mM, of all of the volatile acids of the brain are present either as free acid or in some form which is readily hydrolized. 3. The metabolism of ethyl alcohol in the dog does not result in an increase of the free volatile acids of the blood and tissues.
Effects in Patients of Intravenous Infusions of Purified Streptokinase Preparations.

Summary1. The clinical effects of specially purified streptokinase preparations have been determined in man. Streptokinase, 6-7 fold purer than that previously available, has been shown to have a greatly diminished toxicity, when administered by the intravenous route. The best of these preparations have only 1/20th of the toxicity of the previous preparations. 2. Systemic fibrinolysis has been induced in man by infusion of these preparations, unprotected by reaction suppressing drugs. A comparison between those patients who showed peripheral blood fibrinolysis, and those who did not, indicated that this state is asymptomatic in the human. 3. 165 electrocardiograms taken on 60 patients, before, during and after the infusion of streptokinase showed few changes and these were of minor degree. Since they followed no consistent pattern it was not posible to ascribe the changes to the effect of the infusion.
Non-conventional power transmission systems

The rate of growth of electrical power generation and distribution in the United States is so large that the electrical systems in use, should be almost continuously reevaluated in search of better alternatives. One pressing need is for an alternative to large overhead systems. One obvious alternative is underground cable, but practically all facets of present underground systems could stand improvement. There is a need for UG systems with: a) greater power handling capacity, b) less loss, c) smaller capacitance per unit length, d) lower cost, and 3) better heat dissipation. And the optimum solution might not be in cables at all.
Dynamic time warp distances as feedback for EEG feature density

This work presents a feature detection method built around a dynamic time-warping (DTW) -based confusion matrix. It can be used to discern potential features with minimal data manipulation and minimal prior knowledge. This technique provides a robust distance measurement between sample electroencephalogram (EEG) signals that form the basis of a confusion matrix indexed against events carried out as part of shared data from the PhysioNet Imagined Motion database. DTW matches signals by reconstructing the common time axis to match the amplitudes of signals as closely as possible. The resulting confusion matrices present visual patterns, or motifs, useful for distinguishing artifacts and potential features of interest in each motion trial. The results suggest this technique could be used as a tool to find areas of interest within EEG recordings and then to map them to similar occurrences.
Anesthetic Considerations for Chest Wall Surgery

This chapter will discuss the anesthetic considerations for those patients undergoing repair of chest wall lesions. This will include a description of the preoperative considerations for these patients, intraoperative management, and postoperative issues, including pain control.