cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of an ultrasensitive immunochromatography test to detect nicotine metabolites in oral fluids

Passive exposure to tobacco smoke causes a variety of illnesses ranging from allergic responses to cancer. Assessment of exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke (SHS), particularly among vulnerable populations enables intervention and prevention of future disease. A minimally invasive oral fluids-based onsite test to detect such exposure would create a valuable tool for researchers and clinicians. Here we describe the development of a test that uses an inexpensive reader that utilizes a CMOS image sensor to reliably quantify a reporter signal and determine nicotine exposure. The rapid lateral flow test consists of a nitrocellulose strip with a control line containing goat anti-rabbit IgG, used as an internal standard, and a test line containing BSA-cotinine conjugate. To run the test, diluted sample containing antibodies against cotinine, the major metabolite of nicotine, is mixed with protein A-gold nanoparticles and placed on the sample pad. As the sample runs up to the nitrocellulose pad, antibodies in the running buffer bind to available cotinine. If cotinine is absent, the antibodies will bind to the BSA-cotinine derivative immobilized on the test line, resulting in an intense purple-red band. The concentration of cotinine equivalents in the sample can be estimated from interpretation of the test line. In this article we describe the effect of different cotinine derivatives, oral fluid pretreatment, and application and running buffers on assay sensitivity. The test can reliably detect as little as 2 ng mL(-1) cotinine equivalents. The assay is sensitive, simple, rapid, inexpensive, and easily implementable in point-of-care facilities to detect second-hand smoke exposure.
Real Money Investors and Sovereign Bond Yields

Experience from the global financial crisis suggests that countries’ borrowing costs are not solely determined by macro and fiscal fundamentals. Factors such as ownership structures of government securities, among others, also play a significant role. This paper investigates the effect of “real money investors" - domestic nonbanks and national and foreign central banks - on bond yields for a sample of 45 advanced and emerging market economies. The results show that, while bond yields rise with the debt to GDP ratio, this increase is partly offset if this debt falls in the hands of real money investors. Nonetheless, for some countries there is the risk that such ownership structure could change over the long run, which would impose upward pressure on borrowing costs, especially where fiscal positions are weak.
Implementation and evaluation of the half-scan scheme based on CBCT (cone-beam CT) system

A modified Feldkamp (FDK) 3-D cone beam algorithm was developed to conduct the half-scan scheme on a flat panel detector (FPD)-based prototype CBCT system which is available in our Lab. X-ray source scans the object in a circular trajectory in the range of 180 degrees plus full cone angle rather than 360 degrees for a full scan. The redundant data is weighted by a weighting function in 3-D case based on the ones proposed by Parker1, FDK algorithm is then adopted to get the reconstruction image. The breast phantom and breast specimen are used in the experiment and the objects reconstructed from half-scan CBCT are compared with those reconstructed from full scan. The applicability of the half-scan scheme is testified in terms of image noise level, contrast resolution. The half-scan scheme is expected to improve the temporal resolution and may also reduce the patients’ X-ray dose level. The result showed an encouraging potential usage of the Half-scan CBCT in the functional 4-D CT imaging.
The effect of aging on erasure in particulate disk media

The effect of aging and heating on the erasability of particulate hard disks made from gamma -Fe/sub 2/O/sub 3/ and surface modified Co- gamma -Fe/sub 2/O/sub 3/ was studied. A 1-MHz square wave signal was recorded on particulate hard disks rotating at 3600 r.p.m. using a ferrite inductive head. The recorded signal was measured as a function of the AC erase field before and after heating the disks in ovens at temperatures ranging from room temperature to 200 degrees C for times ranging from 10 min to several months. The erasability of the Co- gamma -Fe/sub 2/O/sub 3/ hard disks heated for one week decreased with increasing heating temperature, which was especially evident at the higher erase fields. An Arrhenius plot of signal strength versus inverse absolute temperature gave an activation temperature of 0.2 eV. For the gamma -Fe/sub 2/O/sub 3/ disks there was a decrease in the erasability of 2 dB at an erase field of 800 Oe and 8 dB at 900 Oe after heating. Vibrating sample magnetometer and ferromagnetic resonance spectrometer measurements were made to obtain the magnetic parameters before and after heating. >
Automated microcalcification detection in mammograms using statistical variable-box-threshold filter method

Currently early detection of breast cancer is primarily accomplished by mammography and suspicious findings may lead to a decision for performing a biopsy. Digital enhancement and pattern recognition techniques may aid in early detection of some patterns such as microcalcification clusters indicating onset of DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) that accounts for 20% of all mammographically detected breast cancers and could be treated when detected early. These individual calcifications are hard to detect due to size and shape variability and inhomogeneous background texture. Our study addresses only early detection of microcalcifications that allows the radiologist to interpret the x-ray findings in computer-aided enhanced form easier than evaluating the x-ray film directly. We present an algorithm which locates microcalcifications based on local grayscale variability and of tissue structures and image statistics. Threshold filters with lower and upper bounds computed from the image statistics of the entire image and selected subimages were designed to enhance the entire image. This enhanced image was used as the initial image for identifying the micro-calcifications based on the variable box threshold filters at different resolutions. The test images came from the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and the MIAS mammographic database, which are classified into various categories including microcalcifications. Classification of other types of abnormalities in mammograms based on their characteristic features is addressed in later studies.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Bismuth Dimercaptopropanol (BisBAL) Inhibits the Expression of Extracellular Polysaccharides and Proteins by Brevundimonas diminuta: Implications for Membrane Microfiltration

A 2:1 molar ratio preparation of bismuth with a lipophilic dithiol (3-dimercapto-1-propanol, BAL)significantly reduced extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) expression by Brevundimonas diminuta in suspended cultures at levels just below the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Total polysaccharides and proteins secreted by B. diminuta decreased by approximately 95% over a 5-day period when exposed to the bismuth-BAL chelate (BisBAL) at near MIC (12 μM). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) suggested that a possible mechanism of biofilm disruption by BisBAL is the inhibition of carbohydrate Oacetylation. FTIR also revealed extensive homology between EPS samples with and without BisBAL treatment, with proteins, polysaccharides, and peptides varying predominantly only in the amount expressed. EPS secretion decreased following BisBAL treatment as verified by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Without BisBAL treatment, a slime-like EPS matrix secreted by B. diminuta resulted in biofouling and inefficient hydrodynamic backwashing of microfiltration membranes.
Reliability and Accuracy of Physical Examination in Detection of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Technologic advancement has provided earlier detection and confirmation of aortic aneurysms, fewer physicians seemingly relying on their clinical skills to diagnose abdominal aortic aneurysms. Of 145 infrarenal aortic aneurysms, analysis disclosed that less than 30% were clinically discovered on admission. Fifty-six aortic aneurysms were discovered incidentally, most often during an annual physical examination in the course of evaluation for another problem. Aneurysms measuring less than 4.5 cm were rarely discovered on physical examination. The majority of both clinically discovered and inci dental aneurysms ranged between 5.5 and 6.0 cm. Ultrasound identified most aneurysms. The size of an aneurysm did not appear to have a role in determining whether it was discovered clinically.
Effects of Substituents on Synthetic Analogs of Chlorophylls. Part 3: The Distinctive Impact of Auxochromes at the 7‐ versus 3‐Positions

Assessing the effects of substituents on the spectra of chlorophylls is essential for gaining a deep understanding of photosynthetic processes. Chlorophyll a and b differ solely in the nature of the 7-substituent (methyl versus formyl), whereas chlorophyll a and d differ solely in the 3-substituent (vinyl versus formyl), yet have distinct long-wavelength absorption maxima: 665 (a) 646 (b) and 692 nm (d). Herein, the spectra, singlet excited-state decay characteristics, and results from DFT calculations are examined for synthetic chlorins and 13(1)-oxophorbines that contain ethynyl, acetyl, formyl and other groups at the 3-, 7- and/or 13-positions. Substituent effects on the absorption spectra are well accounted for using Gouterman's four-orbital model. Key findings are that (1) the dramatic difference in auxochromic effects of a given substituent at the 7- versus 3- or 13-positions primarily derives from relative effects on the LUMO+1 and LUMO; (2) formyl at the 7- or 8-position effectively "porphyrinizes" the chlorin and (3) the substituent effect increases in the order of vinyl < ethynyl < acetyl < formyl. Thus, the spectral properties are governed by an intricate interplay of electronic effects of substituents at particular sites on the four frontier MOs of the chlorin macrocycle.
Potential Phenotype-Genotype Correlation in Marfan Syndrome: When Less is More?

A recent emphasis on individualized medicine reflects a desire to transition currently prevailing evidence-based practices (What works best for the average patient?) to more informed and tailored approaches (What will work best for this patient or subgroup?). It has been both expected and realized that genotypic information will contribute prominently to this endeavor. In this issue of Circulation Cardiovascular Genetics , Franken et al1 report that the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) losartan is particularly effective at suppressing aortic root aneurysm progression in patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS) that are heterozygous for mutations in the fibrillin-1 gene ( FBN1 ) that create a premature termination codon, when compared with other mutation classes expected to express abnormal protein from the mutant allele. Given the intuitive importance of this finding, it is worth exploring its potential biological foundations, while also considering alternative explanations. Article see p 383 MFS is an autosomal-dominant systemic disorder of connective tissue with prominent involvement of the ocular, skeletal, and cardiovascular systems, including a strong predisposition for eye lens dislocation (ectopia lentis) and myopia, long-bone overgrowth and other skeletal deformity, and progressive aortic root dilatation and tear (dissection), respectively. The condition is caused by heterozygous mutations in FBN1 that encodes the extracellular matrix protein fibrillin-1. Fibrillin-1 monomers aggregate to form complex extracellular structures called microfibrils and an extracellular deficiency of microfibrils is thought to be the sentinel event in MFS pathogenesis. Missense mutations are the most common type causing MFS, with particularly high frequency of substitutions that either destroy or create cysteine residues in repetitive epidermal growth factor–like or latent transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)–binding protein–like domains that each have 6 or 8 obligate cysteines with predictable spacing, respectively, that are required for proper intradomain folding. The FBN1 mutational repertoire also includes all other types of mutations, including insertions/deletions (indels) or …
Case Report of Rhabdoid Colon Cancer and Review of Literature

Introduction Rhabdoid colon cancer is an extremely rare tumor type with only a few cases in the literature. It is a highly aggressive tumor with no proven effective treatment. The hallmark histologic findings of rhabdoid tumors are an eccentrically located and large nucleus, prominent nucleoli, and cytosolic aggregates of intermediate filaments.Wedescribe a case of a rhabdoid tumor arising at the cecum in a 31-year-old woman. Her tumor lacked the classic colonic adenocarcinoma immunoprofile, yet grossly originated within the cecum. Molecular sequencing identified KRASp.Q61H and TP53p.R273H mutations. Despite resection of her primary tumor (at which time no metastatic disease was noted) and subsequent chemotherapy, metastatic disease appeared and she died 18 weeks later. Her case underscores the need for better understanding of the aggressive biological characteristics of this rare tumor to offer better insight into molecularly directed treatment paradigms for rhabdoid tumors.
Adequacy of Responses to Warning Terms

Previous research has indicated that many persons have difficulty in describing the seriousness of hazards that are associated with some terms frequently used in warnings. Alternative explanations for this failure could be lack of understanding or simply inability to express their knowledge. Two studies were conducted in an effort to get more definitive information about what the general public knows about these terms. The obtained evidence suggested that many terms commonly used alone in warnings are not adequate to inform users of the extent of the hazards associated with those warnings. These results are discussed in terms of the need for completeness in warnings.
Lack of Disparity in Lower Urinary Tract Symptom Severity Between Community-Dwelling Non-Hispanic White, Mexican-American, and African-American Men

OBJECTIVES To determine whether disparities exist in the reporting of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in non-Hispanic white (NHW), Mexican-American (MA), and African-American (AA) men. METHODS Data were collected from a prospective, community-based cohort assembled to study risk factors associated with prostate cancer. Measures included demographics, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), body mass index (BMI), and family history of prostate cancer. Lower urinary tract symptom severity was assessed in 2804 men (1485 NHW, 964 MA, 355 AA) without prostate cancer according to the American Urological Association Symptom Index. RESULTS No significant difference (P = 0.998) was seen in the prevalence of moderate or severe LUTS in NHW (34%), MA (34%), and AA (33%) men. No differences were found in either obstructive or irritative symptoms among the three groups. Age, PSA level, BMI, and family history did not affect symptom severity. CONCLUSIONS Rates of moderate to severe LUTS symptoms in this cohort were similar to those in other community-based populations of NHW men. Lower rates of moderate or severe symptoms were noted in AA men than previously reported. Mexican-American men had similar degrees of LUTS as the general population, and with their increased risk for diabetes and renal disease, in-depth study of this population is warranted.
The effects of specimen edge conditions on heat release rate

When bench-scale specimens are tested for heat release rate, it is generally of interest that the behavior of the specimen simulate, as much as is possible, that of a real-scale product performing in a real fire. A number of issues have been raised recently by workers trying to understand the optimal conditions of specimen preparation and mounting. In the present study a large number of materials were explored in the Cone Calorimeter to determine the effect of edge conditions and edge frames. It was found that by the use of an insulated edge frame, heat release rate values can be obtained which are slightly closer to expected true values. The testing procedure, however, is significantly more complicated. This makes the insulated edge frame useful for collecting specialized data for fire modeling, but not for conducting routine reaction-to-fire tests. For routine testing use, it is recommended: (1) that no edge frame needs to be used unless the test specimen presents special difficulties, such as due to intumescence; (2) that in those cases where the use of the steel edge frame is found necessary, the results should be reported on the basis of an effective exposure area of 0.0081 m2. When reported on such a basis, the heat release rate results do not show a systematic bias, compared to results with no edge frame.
Cenozoic volcanic geology and probable age of inception of basin-range faulting in the southeasternmost Chocolate Mountains, California

A complex sequence of Oligocene-age volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks form a major volcanic center in the Picacho area of the southeasternmost Chocolate Mountains, Imperial County, California. Basal-volcanic rocks consist of lava flows and flow breccia of trachybasalt, pyroxene rhyodacite, and pyroxene dacite (32 m.y. old). These volcanic rocks locally overlie fanglomerate and rest unconformably on pre-Cenozoic basement rocks. They are intruded and overlain by rhyodacitic to rhyolitic plug domes, lava flows, volcaniclastic deposits, and locally thick unwelded and welded rhyolite ignimbrite. South and southeast of a prominent arcuate fault zone in the central part of the area, the rhyolite ignimbrite (26 m.y. old) forms a major ash-flow sheet. In the southwestern part of the Picacho area the rhyolite ignimbrite interfingers with and is overlain by dacite flows and laharic breccia derived from a probable cone complex, the deeply eroded center of which is marked by a dacite plug that forms the southern half of Picacho Peak. The rhyolite ignimbrite and the dacite of Picacho Peak are overlapped by lava flows and breccia of pyroxene andesite (25 m.y. old) that locally rest on pre-Cenozoic basement rocks. The rhyolite ignimbrite has a minimum volume of 40 km 3 and is not associated with a collapse cauldron or major subsidence features. The volcanic rocks of the Picacho area form a slightly bimodal volcanic suite consisting chiefly of silicic volcanic rocks with subordinate andesite. The lavas have an alkali-lime index of 61, show no iron enrichment, and define a slightly potassic volcanic suite. Late Miocene augite-olivine basalt contains normative hypersthene but is most similar in major-element abundances to transitional alkali-olivine basalt of the Basin and Range province. Normal separation faults in the Picacho area trend northwest and north parallel to major linear mountain ranges in the region. The areal distribution of the 26-m.y.-old rhyolite ignimbrite and the local presence of megabreccia and fanglomerate flanking probable paleohighs suggest that the ignimbrite was erupted over irregular topography controlled by northwest- and north-trending probable basin-range faults. These relations date the inception of faulting in south-easternmost California at pre-26 and probably pre-32 m.y. ago. A transition to basaltic volcanism in the area is dated at 13 m.y. ago and is significantly later than the previously cited date of transition to fundamentally basaltic volcanism in the southwestern United States.
Phenotypic differences in haploid African violets

Eleven haploid African violet plants,Saintpaulia ionantha Wendl. “Shag,” derived from anther culture were phenotypically characterized. Haploids were obtained on a mineral salt medium containing vitamins, 3% sucrose, 5.0 mg/l indoleacetic acid (IAA), and 0.5 mg/l kinetin (K). Chromosome counts on 18-month-old plants ranged from N=13 to N=15. All haploids were much smaller than cv. Shag; the smallest was 33% and the average of the others was 64%. Phenotypic differences in leaf margin, indentation, and shape were apparent among the 11 haploids, indicating they were derived from individual microspores. These haploids could be very useful in breeding programs to obtain miniatures for direct use as ornamental plants for mutation studies and when diploidized could serve as parents for hybrid seed production.
Population dynamics and occurrence of Spodoptera frugiperda host strains in southern Florida

The development of an area-wide management programme for the migratorypest fall army worm ( Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith)) requires knowledge of its preferred habitats throughout the year and a detailed description of seasonal changes in population numbers. 2. Molecular markers were used to determine the host strain (corn or rice )o f male moths captured in sex pheromone-baited traps placed in different habitats in the overwintering areas of southern Florida. 3. The results indicated that rice strain moths were found in all traps and that this strain was the primarypopulation observed in naturalised pasture and wet- lands in southern Florida. In comparison, larger populations of both strains and a higher proportion of corn strain moths were observed in areas associated with golf courses, agriculture, or urban development. Corn strain adults were most preva- lent during the spring and earlysummer. 4. These results represent the first geographical surveyof fall army worm host strain distribution in Florida and indicate that corn strain moths are limited in their habitat choice while rice strain moths have a substantiallybroader range. The localisation of the corn strain population to discrete areas at specific times of the year provides an opportunity to reduce or delay its northward migration.
Character and distribution of exposed glaciodeltaic deposits off outer Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and their effects on hydrogeology and benthic habitats

Seabed outcrops of glaciodeltaic sediments were identified in four places east of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, during seismic-reflection, multibeam bathymetric and backscatter, bottom photographic, and sediment sampling surveys. These strata record coarser-grained ice-proximal glaciofluvial topset to finer-grained distal glaciolacustrine bottomset deposition within deltaic systems that prograded southwestward into glacial lakes from the South Channel lobe about 18 ka b.p. These beds are important because they (1) influence the outer Cape’s hydrogeologic framework, and (2) constitute relatively stable, locally rough habitats within an area of seafloor dominated by mobile sand and gravelly sediment, and benefit the benthic fauna by providing shelter and a substrate amenable to burrow construction.
A double-focusing Helmholtz-coil spectrometer

Abstract An iron-free, low-energy charged-particle magnetic spectrometer is designed using a Helmholtz-coil geometry. Through the fringe fields of the coils, the spectrometer provides focusing in both the dispersive and non-dispersive planes. By choosing the optimal deflecting angle and the positions of the source and the focal distance, we expect to obtain a momentum resolution of the order of 0.3%.
Electrophoretic Mobility of DNA is Controlled by the Surface Charge Density, not the Linear Charge Density as Expected from Counterion Condensation Theory

The free solution mobilities of small single- and double-stranded DNA molecules with variable charge densities have been measured by capillary electrophoresis. The charge density was modified either by appending charged groups to the thymine residues or by replacing some of the negatively charged phosphate internucleoside linkers with neutral or positively charged phosphoramidate linkers. Mobility ratios were calculated for each data set by dividing the mobility of the charge variant by the mobility of the unmodified parent DNA. Mobility ratios eliminate the effect of the background electrolyte on the observed mobility, making it possible to compare data obtained in different buffers. The mobility ratios observed for ss- and dsDNA charge variants increase logarithmically with increasing fractional charge density, as expected from Manning's theory of DNA electrophoresis. Surprisingly, however, the mobility ratios are directly related to the surface charge densities of the ss- and ds-DNA molecules, not the linear charge density as expected from counterion condensation theory. The results therefore suggest that surface charge density may play a role in counterion condensation, as well as in electrostatic interactions between DNA and other charged molecules in the cell.
Modeling between-subject and within-subject variances in ecological momentary assessment data using mixed-effects location scale models

Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) and/or Experience Sampling (ESM) methods are increasingly used in health studies to study subjective experiences within changing environmental contexts. In these studies, up to thirty or forty observations are often obtained for each subject. Because there are so many measurements per subject, one can characterize a subject’s mean and variance, and specify models for both. In this article, we focus on an adolescent smoking study using EMA where interest is on characterizing changes in mood variation. We describe how covariates can influence the mood variances, and also extend the statistical model by adding a subject-level random effect to the within-subject variance specification. This permits subjects to have influence on the mean, or location, and variability, or (square of the) scale, of their mood responses. These mixed-effects location scale models have useful applications in many research areas where interest centers on the joint modeling of the mean and variance structure.
Case-only analyses of the associations between polymorphisms in the metastasis-modifying genes BRMS1 and SIPA1 and breast tumor characteristics, lymph node metastasis, and survival

Lymph node metastases and tumor characteristics predict breast cancer prognosis but correlate imperfectly with likelihood of metastatic relapse. Discovery of genetic polymorphisms affecting metastasis may improve identification of patients requiring aggressive adjuvant therapy to prevent recurrence. We investigated associations between several variants in the BRMS1 and SIPA1 metastasis-modifying genes and lymph node metastases, tumor subtype and grade, recurrence, disease-free survival, and overall survival. This cross-sectional and prospective prognostic analysis included 859 patients who received surgery for incident breast cancer at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, participated in the DataBank and BioRepository shared resource, and had DNA, clinical, and pathology data available for analysis. Genotyping for BRMS1 (rs11537993, rs3116068, and rs1052566) and SIPA1 (rs75894763, rs746429, rs3741378, and rs2306364) polymorphisms was performed using Sequenom® iPLEX Gold and Taqman® real-time PCR assays. Logistic and Cox proportional hazards regressions were used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and hazard ratios (HR), respectively. BRMS1 rs1052566 heterozygous individuals were more likely to have node-positive tumors (OR = 1.58, 95 % CI 1.13–2.23), although there was no dose–response relationship, and those with at least one variant allele were less likely to have the luminal B subtype (AG + AA: OR = 0.59, 95 % CI 0.36–0.98). BRMS1 rs3116068 was associated with increased likelihood of having the luminal B and the HER2-enriched tumor subtype (P trend = 0.03). Two SIPA1 SNPs, rs746429 and rs2306364, were associated with decreased risk of triple-negative tumors (P trend = 0.04 and 0.07, respectively). Presence of 8 or more risk alleles was associated with an increased likelihood of having a node-positive tumor (OR = 2.14, 95 % CI 1.18–3.36, P trend = 0.002). There were no significant associations with survival. Polymorphisms in metastasis-associated genes may be related to tumor characteristics and lymph node metastasis, but not survival. Future evaluation of metastasis-modifying gene variants is necessary to better understand the biology of metastasis.
Delayed fluid resuscitation of head injury and uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock.

Objective To evaluate the effects of delayed vs early fluid resuscitation on cerebral hemodynamics after severe head injury and uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock. Design Prospective, randomized, controlled experimental trial. Setting Surgical research laboratory. Participants Immature swine (N=16) weighing 40 to 50 kg. Interventions Twelve swine were subjected to cryogenic brain lesion and hemorrhage to maintain a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 50 mm Hg. Animals were randomized to receive 1 L of Ringer lactate solution in 20 minutes, starting 20 minutes after injury and hemorrhage, followed by 1 L of Ringer lactate solution in 30 minutes (ER group) (n=6), or no fluid resuscitation (DR group) (n=6). The 4 control animals underwent instrumentation only. The study ended 70 minutes after head injury and hemorrhage. Main Outcome Measurements Measurements of MAP, bilateral regional cerebral blood flow, serum hemoglobin level, systemic and regional cerebral oxygen delivery, and intracranial pressure performed at baseline and 20 (phase 1), 50 (phase 2), and 70 minutes (phase 3) after head injury and hemorrhage. Lesion size (percentage of ipsilateral cortex) was measured post mortem. Results All animals survived the experimental period. Systemic cerebral oxygen delivery in the DR group was significantly lower at phase 3 compared with that of the ER group (31.5% vs 53.1% at baseline) (P=.03). However, bilateral regional cerebral oxygen delivery was significantly greater in the DR group at phase 3 compared with that of the ER group (71.5% vs 47.0% at baseline in the injured side; 72.9% vs 48.4% at baseline in the noninjured side) (P=.02). Bilateral cerebral blood flow was similar in all groups at all times. The ER group showed a trend toward a greater intracranial pressure elevation (6.8 vs −0.25) (P=.07) and lesion size (37.0% vs 28.6%) (P=.07). Hemoglobin level became significantly lower in the ER group at phase 2 (7.0 vs 10.7) (P=.03) and remained lower at phase 3 (6.9 vs 11.7) (P=.01). Conclusions Early fluid resuscitation with Ringer lactate solution following head injury and uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock worsens cerebral hemodynamics. Cerebral pressure autoregulation is sufficiently intact following head injury to maintain regional cerebral oxygen delivery without asanguineous fluid resuscitation.
The Hockingport and Waynesburg Sandstones (Pennsylvanian and Permian) of the Dunkard Group: ABSTRACT

The Waynesburg Sandstone, lower member of the Waynesburg Formation, Dunkard Group (Pennsylvanian and Permian), has been considered to be a more or less continuous deposit extending entirely across the Dunkard basin. The true Waynesburg Sandstone is restricted in areal extent to southwestern Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia. A similar sandstone deposit, which exists in portions of Washington, Athens and Meigs Counties, Ohio, and adjacent West Virginia, has been considered to be a part of the Waynesburg Sandstone. In the opinion of the writers, these sandstones are not correlative. The sandstone of southeastern Ohio is herein termed the Hockingport Sandstone for the village of that name in Athens County. The Hockingport Sandstone is a subgraywacke. It contains much pebble and granule conglomerate and averages 65 per cent quartz. The Waynesburg Sandstone is transitional between a subgraywacke and a protoquartzite, is locally conglomeratic, and averages 76 per cent quartz. End_Page 348------------------------------ Both sandstone bodies are elongate, channel-fill, belt-type deposits of fluvial origin. The Hockingport Sandstone is a north-south oriented deposit up to 90 feet thick, blanketing an area of 225 square miles. The longer axis of the Waynesburg Sandstone is oriented N 20° E, the maximum thickness is 75 feet, and the preserved deposit blankets an area of 880 square miles. The grand mean of dip directions of cross-stratification readings of the Hockingport Sandstone is N 19° W and of the Waynesburg Sandstone, N 10° E. End_of_Article - Last_Page 349------------
Picosecond photocarrier transport in hydrogenated amorphous-silicon p-i-n diodes

Optically detected, picosecond-domain photocarrier transport measurements for hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) p-i-n diodes with uniform and nonuniform electric fields are reported. The transient electroabsorption bleaching mechanism for optical detection is described, and the interpretation of these transients is extended to the case of nonuniform electric fields. A technique for using surface-absorbed light and optical detection for measurement of nonuniform electric fields is presented. >
Psychological scaling of AIAW code of ethics for coaches.

Abstract A list of statements presented as a code of ethics for players in the AIAW Handbook was subjected to usual preliminary screening procedures resulting in 13 statements suitable for use in Thurstone's paired comparison psychological scaling technique. Separate paired comparison scales were produced for females (N = 32), males (N = 32), and a combined sample (N = 64) of upperclass physical education majors. Kendall's u-statistic was positive and associated chi squared values significant for all three scales indicating significant agreement among the raters on each scale. Females and males agreed in assigning lowest scale values to items dealing with proscriptive norms and highest, scale values to items dealing with values. Males tended to demonstrate a professionalized attitude toward sport while females demonstrated a play orientation. It was concluded that an adequate understanding of sportsmanship will require consideration of psychosocial factors other than those traditionally associated with sp...
Critical supercooling of pure water droplets by a new microscopic technique

Abstract Very pure water droplets of 10–50 μ in diameter were condensed in silicone oil to form an emulsion. A portion of this emulsion was placed on the specially designed cold stage of a Bausch and Lomb Research Metallograph and cooled to a low temperature. Temperature of the emulsion was measured by a small thermocouple, and freezing of the droplets was detected by observation with polarized light. The supercooling that is critical for ice formation was observed to be −40 ± 2°C., in agreement with the results of Schaefer and of Cwilong. There was usually no marked change in shape of the droplets upon solidification.
The flexible structure of the K24S28 region of Leucine-Rich Amelogenin Protein (LRAP) bound to apatites as a function of surface type, calcium, mutation, and ionic strength.

Leucine-Rich Amelogenin Protein (LRAP) is a member of the amelogenin family of biomineralization proteins, proteins which play a critical role in enamel formation. Recent studies have revealed the structure and orientation of the N- and C-terminus of LRAP bound to hydroxyapatite (HAP), a surface used as an analog of enamel. The structure of one region, K24 to S28, was found to be sensitive to phosphorylation of S16, the only naturally observed site of serine phosphorylation in LRAP, suggesting that K24S28 may sit at a key region of structural flexibility and play a role in the protein’s function. In this work, we investigated the sensitivity of the structure and orientation of this region when bound to HAP as a function of several factors which may vary during enamel formation to influence structure: the ionic strength (0.05 M, 0.15 M, 0.2 M), the calcium concentration (0.07 mM and 0.4 mM), and the surface to which it is binding (HAP and carbonated apatite (CAP), a more direct mimic of enamel). A naturally occurring mutation found in amelogenin (T21I) was also investigated. The structure in the K24S28 region of the protein was found to be sensitive to these conditions, with the CAP surface and excess Ca2+ (8:1 [Ca2+]:[LRAP-K24S28(+P)]) resulting in a tighter helix, while low ionic strength relaxed the helical structure. Higher ionic strength and the point mutation did not result in any structural change in this region. The distance of the backbone of K24 from the surface was most sensitive to excess Ca2+ and in the T21I-mutation. Collectively, these data suggest that phosphorylated LRAP is able to accommodate structural changes while maintaining its interaction with the surface, and provides further evidence of the structural sensitivity of the K24S28 region, a sensitivity that may contribute to function in biomineralization.
Integrating Lite-Weight but Ubiquitous Data Mining into GUI Operating Systems.

Most visualization tools introduced in the literature are specialized for a particular task. In this work, we introduce a novel framework which allows visualization to take place in the background of normal day to day operations of any GUI based operating system such as MS Windows, OS X or Linux. Our system works by replacing the standard file icons with automatically generated icons that reflect the contents of the files in a principled way. We call such icons Intelligent Icons. While there is little utility in examining an individual icon, examining groups of them provides a greater possibility of unexpected and serendipitous discoveries. The utility of Intelligent Icons can be further enhanced by arranging them on the screen in a way that reflects their similarity/differences. We demonstrate the utility of our approach on data as diverse as DNA, text files, electrocardiograms, and Space Shuttle telemetry. In addition we show that our system is unique in also supporting fast and intuitive similarity search.
Charge exchange in 91Zr(p, d)90Zr☆

Abstract The excitation function for the reaction 91 Zr(p,d) 90 Zr has been measured in the energy region near the threshold of the quasi-elastic 91 Zr(p,n) 91 Nb A reaction. The deuteron excitation function exhibits a change in the slope of the cross section at this threshold which is attributed to isospin coupling.
Characterization of a low temperature atmospheric-pressure argon microwave induced plasma using visual imaging, OES, and CRDS combined

We employ a suite of optical techniques, visual imaging, optical emission spectroscopy (OES), and cavity ringdown spectroscopy (CRDS), to characterize a low power, low gas flow rates, atmospheric-pressure argon microwave induced plasma (MIP). A series of plasma images captured in a time resolution range of 10 µs – 0.05 s shows that the converging point is a visual effect of integrating the image of a rapidly rotating conical helix. The plasma electronic excitation temperature T exc , vibrational temperature T v , rotational temperature T r , and gas temperature T g at different locations along the axis of the plasma column are determined from the simulations of the emission spectra of OH, N 2 and N 2 + in the range of 200 – 450 nm. Thermal equilibrium properties of the plasma are discussed. OH radical concentrations along the plasma column axis are measured by CRDS and the effects of plasma gas compositions on the generation of OH radicals are investigated. An upper limit of electron density ne is estimated from the Lorentzian component of the broadened lineshape obtained by ringdown spectral scans of the rovibrational line S 21 of the OH A-X (0-0) band.
On design tradeoffs between security and performance in wireless group communicating systems

While security is of prime concern in secure group communicating systems in wireless networks, security mechanisms employed often have implication on the performance of the system. Recently model-based qualitative evaluation has been used for the evaluation of security protocols to quantify security properties in terms of intrusion tolerance using quantitative modeling techniques. However, most of the prior work focused only on measuring security properties, largely ignoring the performance impact of the security mechanisms introduced into the system. In this paper, we analyze the tradeoff between security and performance properties of an intrusion detection system (IDS) in a wireless group communicating setting. In particular, we analyze how often the IDS should perform intrusion detection to effectively trade security off for performance, or vice versa, for the system to satisfy the application security and performance requirements. Given the mean time to security failure (MTTSF) for the system to reach a failure state, and the response time per rekey operation for the wireless group communicating system as metrics, we identify the optimal intrusion detection rate under which the MTTSF metric can be best traded off for the response time metric.
USING AMPLIFIED FRAGMENT LENGTH POLYMORPHISM ANALYSIS TO DIFFERENTIATE ISOLATES OF PASTEURELLA MULTOCIDA SEROTYPE 1

Avian cholera, an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Pasteurella multocida, kills thousands of North American wild waterfowl annually. Pasteurella multocida serotype 1 isolates cultured during a laboratory challenge study of Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) and collected from wild birds and environmental samples during avian cholera outbreaks were characterized using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis, a whole-genome DNA fingerprinting technique. Comparison of the AFLP profiles of 53 isolates from the laboratory challenge demonstrated that P. multocida underwent genetic changes during a 3-mo period. Analysis of 120 P. multocida serotype 1 isolates collected from wild birds and environmental samples revealed that isolates were distinguishable from one another based on regional and temporal genetic characteristics. Thus, AFLP analysis had the ability to distinguish P. multocida isolates of the same serotype by detecting spatiotemporal genetic changes and provides a tool to advance the study of avian cholera epidemiology. Further application of AFLP technology to the examination of wild bird avian cholera outbreaks may facilitate more effective management of this disease by providing the potential to investigate correlations between virulence and P. multocida genotypes, to identify affiliations between bird species and bacterial genotypes, and to elucidate the role of specific bird species in disease transmission.
Closure of Mucosal Defects Over Exposed Mandibular Plates Using Fibrin Glue

Background Mandibular plates may become exposed following radiation therapy, infection, and mucosal necrosis. This may lead to early removal of the mandibular plates with subsequent instability of bone fragments. Objective To compare fibrin glue, a bioadhesive, with traditional sutures in closing mucosa over exposed mandibular plates in a cat. Design Prospective matched-pairs analysis. Subjects Nine cats were used, and each cat served as its own control. Intervention Bilateral mandibular plates were fixed on the buccal side of the mandible of 9 cats. The surgical defects over the plates were left uncovered. After 4 days, the plates on the right side were covered with a mucosal graft fastened with fibrin glue, and on the left side the grafts were secured with sutures. After 10 days, the grafts were excised and a histological examination was performed. Results The mean operative time for coverage was 2 minutes 11 seconds for the fibrin glue and 12 minutes 48 seconds for the sutures ( P P Conclusions The use of fibrin glue to cover exposed mandibular plates is safe and well tolerated in cats. Glue application requires a shorter operative time and is associated with fewer occurrences of granulation and ulceration when compared with suture fixation. Further studies are indicated to titrate the concentration of fibrin glue and to prevent plate exposure.
DYNAMIC RECRYSTALLIZATION IN HIGH-STRAIN, HIGH-STRAIN-RATE PLASTIC DEFORMATION OF COPPER

When copper is deformed to high plastic strain (y ~ 34) at high strain rates (~ ~ I04 s -1) a microstructure with grain sizes of ~0.1 am can be produced. It is proposed that this microstructure develops by dynamic recrystallization, which is enabled by the adiabatic temperature rise. By shock-load- ing the material, and thereby increasing its flow stress, the propensity for dynamic recrystallization can be enhanced. The grain size-flow stress relationship observed after cessation of plastic deformation is consistent with the general formulation proposed by Derby (Acta metall, mater. 39, 955 (1991)). The temperatures reached by the specimens during dynamic deformation are calculated from a constitutive equation and are found to be, for the shock-loaded material, in the 500-800 K range; these temperatures are consistent with static annealing experiments on shock-loaded specimens, that show the onset of static recrystallization at 523 K. A possible recrystallization mechanism is described and its effect on the mechanical response of copper is discussed.
Flow of personal computers in developing countries: Case study of Peru

Personal computers (PCs) have become very important in society. PC ownership is high in developed countries, for example 80 PCs per 100 inhabitants in the United States in 2006. Ownership is growing rapidly in the developing world, with a greater increase in major cities [1]. Furthermore, life spans have decreased considerably in the last years [2]. High ownership and shorter lifetimes imply a growing volume of obsolete PCs in developed countries which find their way to post-consumer options such as storage, reuse, recycle, exportation or landfills. The demand for operative used computers in developing countries is considerable, thus computers can find a second life abroad. As the energy consumed to manufacture a computer is almost four times higher than the one needed to operate it, reuse of a computer is an important environmental management strategy [3]. Used PCs are inexpensive compared with new PCs thus there is an economic motivation for trade. Trade in used computers raises the question of how prepared are destination countries to properly manage their end of life.
Connexin-40, Bundle-Branch Block, and Propagation at the Purkinje-Myocyte Junction

Genetic engineering in mice has created unprecedented opportunities to define the contributions of specific proteins in complex cardiological processes, but these opportunities also present significant challenges in characterizing murine cardiac function and relating insights gained into the human heart. These challenges are especially keen in defining electrophysiological phenotypes. Elucidation of the role of specific gene products in impulse propagation or arrhythmogenesis in mice requires advanced technology, particularly if the gene of interest is expressed in a restricted pattern or distribution. Such is the case in the study by Tamaddon et al1 appearing in this issue of Circulation Research . This study is focused on connexin40 (Cx40), a protein that forms gap junction channels responsible for intercellular current flux. Cx40 expression in the adult heart is restricted to atrial myocytes, coronary vascular endothelium, and the His-Purkinje system. In addition to Cx40, cardiac myocytes express 2 other connexins, Cx43 and Cx45, in different amounts and combinations. A major goal of present research is to understand the biological roles of individual connexins. Previously, Simon et al2 from Harvard and Kirchhoff et al3 from the University of Bonn independently produced Cx40 knockout mice and characterized phenotypes by electrocardiography. As predicted by the pattern of Cx40 distribution, Cx40−/− mice show prolongation of the PR interval and evidence of bundle branch block.2 3 4 However, going the next step to define mechanisms responsible for these alterations in the surface ECG requires a more sophisticated approach, and this is the basis for the study by Tamaddon et al.1 These investigators, led by Dr Jose Jalife, have pioneered the development and application of optical mapping to characterize electrical activation and arrhythmogenesis. Now, in a technical tour de force, optical mapping has been used to delineate patterns of ventricular activation in Cx40−/− …