cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Endovenous Laser Ablation of the Small Saphenous Vein Sparing the Saphenopopliteal Junction

To assess outcomes after endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) of the small saphenous vein (SSV). Retrospective review was performed of all consecutive EVLA procedures performed over a 39-month period at three neighboring vein practices for symptomatic, duplex ultrasound-proven incompetence of the SSV. EVLA was performed under ultrasound guidance with an 810- or 980-nm diode laser in continuous mode using the pullback method while sparing the deep, most cephalad segment of the SSV near the saphenopopliteal junction. Follow-up after EVLA included patient symptoms, physical examination, and duplex ultrasound. Pretreatment variables were similar across all three practices. EVLA was performed to treat 67 incompetent SSVs in 63 patients (86% women; mean age and 95% confidence interval, 50 ± 3 years; range, 20–82 years). Average energy delivered was 92 J/cm. Immediate technical success and occlusion of the treated vein at 1–2 weeks was 100%. Imaging follow-up length was 243 ± 65 days (range, 3–893 days). Clinical follow-up (243 ± 66 days) showed symptomatic improvement in 66 (99%) of 67 patients; one patient had recanalization with recurrent reflux by ultrasound (2%). Complications included one case of paresthesias lasting beyond 1 month of follow-up (2%) and three cases of superficial phlebitis (4%), but no deep vein thrombosis, skin burns, or other complications. Although ablation involved only the superficial portion of the SSV and spared its deep segment in the popliteal fossa, SSV occlusion typically extended up to the saphenopopliteal junction or to a gastrocnemial collateral, without popliteal vein involvement. EVLA of the SSV is safe and effective when the saphenopopliteal junction and popliteal fossa are avoided. This approach may help reduce the risk of paresthesias or other complications while maintaining low recanalization rates.
Development of an autostereoscopic display system using projectors array

An autostereoscopic display using multiple miniature projectors array was developed to realize a 3D display system with both high resolution and large number of views. It is found that image distortion of the projection lens, alignment between the projector and the screen, and image blending among tiled images are the three critical technologies in such a system. This paper presents the researches intended to solve the problems and implement a 3D display with wide view angle and smooth parallax transition.
Phenotypic and genetic differentiation among yellow monkeyflower populations from thermal and non-thermal soils in Yellowstone National Park

In flowering plants, soil heterogeneity can generate divergent natural selection over fine spatial scales, and thus promote local adaptation in the absence of geographic barriers to gene flow. Here, we investigate phenotypic and genetic differentiation in one of the few flowering plants that thrives in both geothermal and non-thermal soils in Yellowstone National Park (YNP). Yellow monkeyflowers (Mimulus guttatus) growing at two geothermal (“thermal”) sites in YNP were distinct in growth form and phenology from paired populations growing nearby ( 0.34), which were only weakly differentiated from each other (all FST < 0.07). Phenotypic differentiation of thermal M. guttatus, but little population genetic evidence of long-term ecotypic divergence, encourages further investigations of the potential for fine-scale adaptation and reproductive isolation across the geothermal gradient in Yellowstone.
Diode laser heterodyne measurements on 14NH3

Abstract The frequencies of 32 absorption lines of 14 NH 3 were measured to within 2 × 10 −4 cm −1 in the 9- and 10-μm regions by use of a diode laser heterodyne spectrometer.
An electron paramagnetic resonance study of Mn2(H2O)(OAc)4(tmeda)2 (tmeda = N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine): a model for dinuclear manganese enzyme active sites.

The complex Mn2(H2O)(OAc)4(tmeda)2 (tmeda = N,N,N‘,N‘-tetramethylethylenediamine) is a model for the active site of hydrolase enzymes containing acetate-bridged dimanganese cores. The two high-spin...
Modified Ligands to FA and FB in Photosystem I PROPOSED CHEMICAL RESCUE OF A [4Fe-4S] CLUSTER WITH AN EXTERNAL THIOLATE IN ALANINE, GLYCINE, AND SERINE MUTANTS OF PsaC

The FB and FA electron acceptors in Photosystem I (PS I) are [4Fe-4S] clusters ligated by cysteines provided by PsaC. In a previous study (Mehari, T., Qiao, F., Scott, M. P., Nellis, D., Zhao, J., Bryant, D., and Golbeck, J. H. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 28108-28117), we showed that when cysteines 14 and 51 were replaced with serine or alanine, the free proteins contained a S = 1/2, [4Fe-4S] cluster at the unmodified site and a mixed population of S = 1/2, [3Fe-4S] and S = 3/2, [4Fe-4S] clusters at the modified site. We show here that these mutant PsaC proteins can be rebound to P700-FX cores, resulting in fully functional PS I complexes. The low temperature EPR spectra of the C14XPsaC.PS I complexes (where X = S, A, or G) show the photoreduction of a wild-type FA cluster and a modified FB' cluster, the latter with g values of 2.115, 1.899, and 1.852 and linewidths of 110, 70, and 85 MHz. Since neither alanine nor glycine contains a suitable side group, an external thiolate provided by beta-mercaptoethanol has likely been recruited to supply the requisite ligand to the [4Fe-4S] cluster. The EPR spectrum of the C51SPsaC.PS I complex differs from that of the C51APsaC.PS I or C51GPsaC.PS I complexes by the presence of an additional set of resonances, which may be derived from the serine oxygen-ligated cluster. In all other mutant PS I complexes, a wild-type spin-coupled interaction spectrum appears when FA and FB are simultaneously reduced. Single turnover flash studies indicate approximately 50% efficient electron transfer to FA/FB in the C14SPsaC.PS I, C51SPsaC.PS I, C14GPsaC.PS I, and C51GPsaC.PS I mutants and less than 40% in the C14APsaC.PS I and C51APsaC.PS I mutants, compared with approximately 76% in the PS I core reconstructed with wild-type PsaC. These data are consistent with the measurements of the rates of cytochrome c6-NADP+ reductase activity, indicating lower rates in the alanine mutants. It is proposed that the chemical rescue of a [4Fe-4S] cluster with a recruited external thiolate at the modified site allows the mutant PsaC proteins to rebind to PS I and to function in forward electron transfer.
Gender, Age, and Rape-Supportive Rules

Social rules regarding sexual behavior indicate when sex may be desired, expected, or obligatory. Some of these rules legitimize a man's initiation of sex with a woman regardless of the woman's desires or intentions; such situations could potentially lead to rape. Middle school, high school, and university students completed a Rules About Sex Questionnaire on which they indicated the situations in which a man could assume a woman wants to have sex. The results indicated that girls and women endorsed fewer rules than did boys and men. University students endorsed the fewest rules, and middle school students endorsed the most rules. Endorsement of rules was associated with boys' and men's self-reported sexually coercive behavior and with beliefs about who should initiate sex. The findings may be useful in the design of sexual assault prevention programs for adolescents.
Two fast GCD algorithms

Abstract We present two new algorithms for computing greatest common divisors: the right- and left-shift k -ary GCD algorithms. These algorithms are generalizations of the binary and left-shift binary algorithms. Interestingly, both new algorithms have sequential versions that are practical and efficient and parallel versions that rival the best previous parallel GCD algorithms. We show that sequential versions of both algorithms take Θ( n 2 /log n ) bit operations in the worst case to compute the GCD of two n -bit integers. This compares favorably to the Euclidean and both binary algorithms, which take Θ( n 2 ) time. In practice, we implemented multiple-precision versions of these GCD algorithms, and we found that both k -ary algorithms are faster than the Euclidean and binary algorithms on inputs of 100 to 1000 decimal digits in length. We show that parallel versions of both algorithms match the complexity of the best previous parallel GCD algorithm due to Chor and Goldreich. Specifically, if log n ≤ k ≤ 2 n and k is a power of two, then both algorithms run in O ( n /log k + log 2 n log log n ) time using a number of processors bounded by a polynomial in n and k on a common CRCW PRAM. We also discuss extended versions of both algorithms.
CHANGE IN THE WORLD SYSTEM OF METROPOLISES: THE ROLE OF BUSINESS INTERMEDIARIES

Business intermediaries engaged in the international exchange of capital and commodities (financiers, commodity brokers, wholesalers, corporate head offices) influence the formation of and change in the system of world metropolises through their reactions to competitioh: (1) altering transaction costs, (2) differentiation or dedifferentiation to control markets, and (3) appeal to force. Propositions about intermediary behavior are supported with evidence from the case study literature. These propositions form the basis for a synthesis of the changes in the system of world metropolises.
The Topology of Interface Interaction Networks Reflects on Protein-Protein Interaction Specificity and Regulation

The densely connected structure of protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks reflects on the functional need of proteins to participate in different cellular processes, either as subunits of larger complexes or on their own. However, PPIs provide only a coarse view of the protein interactions in an organism. Here we demonstrate that the more detailed interface interaction network (IIN) greatly expands this view and provides insight both into underlying functional requirements and into general forces shaping the network topology. By using a sequence based computational model of interface binding, we find that the much less connected structure of IINs, in contrast to the dense PPI networks, arises at least in part from the competition between specific and nonspecific binding. We show that IINs containing a minimal number of cliques (i.e., fully connected subgraphs) have high specificity. In contrast, highly connected hubs are tolerated both in PPI networks and IINs, resulting in long-tailed, power-law type degree distributions. We test the predictions of our theoretical analysis against the IIN of clathrin-mediated endocytosis, finding agreement for key properties, such as the low abundance of clique motifs and higher abundance of hub motifs. Understanding the challenges posed by certain network motifs guides the functional interpretation of biological IINs, with unexpected motifs indicating interesting behavior. With this insight we are able to identify regions of the IIN where interface binding is under regulatory control or where binding partners are distinct enough to exhibit sub-optimal but sufficient specificity to function.
Biologically Bounded Risk Assessment for Receptor-Mediated Nongenotoxic Carcinogens

We have developed a biologically bounded marginal effect model for use in risk assessment of human exposure to receptor-mediated nongenotoxic carcinogens. Schematically this model can be reduced to four components: CI, the absence of an observable biological response; CII, observable biochemical responses but no observable pathology; CIII, observable pathology; and CIV, both observable pathology and lethality. The inflection point in the marginal response curve between CI and CII is defined as the biologically evaluated scientifically tested no observable effect level (BESTNOEL). We demonstrate the utility of this approach by applying it to the well-studied nongenotoxic carcinogen 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Using a well-developed mechanistic understanding of the initial interactions of TCDD with the cell, we justify the selection of the minimal effective dose for CYP1A1 mRNA induction as the BESTNOEL. With allowance for variation in human sensitivity to TCDD, the BESTNOEL is assigned a human liver tissue burden of approximately 0.25–25 ppt and an allowable daily intake level in the range of 15–1500 fg/kg/day. In the future, the BESTNOEL can help establish a lower boundary for acceptable extrapolation when using either statistical or biologically based attributable risk models.
Empiric antibiotic selection by physicians: evaluation of reasoning strategies.

ABSTRACT The objectives of the study were to evaluate the appropriateness of empiric antibiotic selection by housestaff treating medical patients with bacteremia. The design was a prospective, observational study at a university-affiliated hospital. Seventy-eight patients with bacteremia were evaluated. A clinical grade of acceptable or not acceptable was assigned to each antibiotic prescription by a consensus panel. The consensus panel found that 34.6% of antibiotic prescriptions were unacceptable (clinical grade). At least one flaw in the chain of reasoning was found in 56.4% of the 78 cases evaluated. Assessment of the clinical setting was correct in 94.9% of the cases; the portal of entry was identified in 91%; adequate knowledge of the bacterial flora at the suspected site of infection was found in 69%; the diagnostic workup was appropriate in 81%, and the correct antibiotic susceptibility patterns were given in 72%. A correct chain of reasoning was more likely to result in an acceptable clinical grade than flawed reasoning (p KEY INDEXING TERMS Antibiotic Therapy Bacteremia Physician Decision Making
Registration of large data sets for multimodal inspection

Registration plays a key role in multimodal data fusion to extract synergistic information from multiple non-destructive evaluation (NDE) sources. One of the common techniques for registration of point datasets is the Iterative Closest Point (ICP) Algorithm. Generally, modern day NDE techniques generate large datasets and conventional ICP algorithm requires huge amount of time to register datasets to the desired accuracy. In this paper, we present algorithms to aid in the registration of large 3D NDE data sets in less time with the required accuracy. Various methods of coarse registration of data, partial registration and data reduction are used to realize this. These techniques have been used in registration and it is shown that registration can be accomplished to the desired accuracy with more than 90% reduction in time as compared to conventional ICP algorithm. Volumes of interest (VOI) can be defined on the data sets and merged together so that only the features of interest are used in the registration. The proposed algorithm also provides capability for eliminating noise in the data sets. Registration of Computed Tomography (CT) Image data, Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) Inspection data and CAD model has been discussed in the present work. The algorithm is generic in nature and can be applied to any other NDE inspection data.
Partial purification and characterization of cytochrome P-450 from human placenta

Abstract 1. 1. Two isozymes of cytochrome p-450 were partially purified to specific contents of 7.0 and 0.5nmol/mg of protein, respectively, from placenta of non-smoking women by chromatography on octyl Sepharose. hydroxylapatite, DEAE-cellulose and CM-cellulose. 2. 2. NADPH-cytochrome p-450 reductase was purified from phenobarbital-induced mouse liver and from human placenta and was combined with cytochrome p-450 and dilauroylphosphatidylcholine to reconstitute the cytochrome p-450 monooxygenase system. 3. 3. Substrates investigated were benzo[a]pyrene. 7-ethoxycoumarin and Δ4-androstene-3,17-dione.
Ventricular structure–function relations in health and disease: Part II. Clinical considerations

Normal cardiac function of the left and right ventricles, together with the septum, is related to form/function interactions within the helical ventricular myocardial band. This knowledge is a prerequisite to understanding form/function interactions in diseases and for planning new treatments. Topics discussed include congestive heart failure in dilated hearts of ischaemic, valvar or nonischaemic origin as well as diastolic dysfunction. Similar thinking underlies novel treatments for dyssynchrony in pacing, together with focusing upon varying global left or right ventricular anatomy to correct mitral and tricuspid insufficiency caused by tethering of the leaflets. The septum is the lion of the right ventricle and insight is provided into offsetting septal damage during cardiac surgery, rebuilding its anatomical structure in post-tetralogy pulmonary insufficiency, as well as rectifying its dysfunction by decompression in patients with a left ventricular assist device.
Memory editing mechanisms.

This special issue of the journal Memory is devoted to an investigation of those mechanisms by which memory is edited for inaccuracies and inconsistencies. In the past 20 years false memories have ...
Healing of perforating rat corneal incisions closed with photodynamic laser-activated tissue glue.

Background and Objectives Laser-activated photodynamic biologic tissue glues may be useful for closing incisions in ophthalmology. We report on the use of two such preparations to close perforating corneal incisions in living rats. Study Design/Materials and Methods A previously described preparation containing a covalent albumin-chlorin e6 (ce6) conjugate (bovine serum albumin (BSA)–ce6), and a novel mixture of albumin and Janus Green (BSA/JG), both activated with a 665-nm diode laser were used to glue mouse skin ex vivo. The optimized glues were then used to seal incisions in rat corneas and results were compared to control incisions. Rats were sacrificed at day 1, 7, and 14 and eyes tested for leaking pressure and examined histopathologically. Results One day after treatment eyes closed with BSA–ce6 had a leaking pressure (in mmHg) of 357 compared to 193 for control incisions (P<0.01); closure with BSA/JG gave a leaking pressure of 430 (P<0.05 compared to BSA–ce6, and P<0.001 compared to control). Histological examination showed eyes sealed with BSA/JG have less inflammation present than untreated eyes at 7 days. Conclusions These data demonstrate that photodynamic laser activated tissue glues can be used to effectively seal corneal incisions in living animals without thermal damage or undue inflammation. Lasers Surg. Med. 35:304–311, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Cortical Organization of Language Pathways in Children with Non-Localized Cryptogenic Epilepsy

Children with a history of epilepsy are almost six-times more likely than their unaffected siblings to be referred for speech or language therapy. However, the abnormalities in neural pathway that cause these delays are poorly understood. We recorded evoked fields using whole-head magnetoencephalography during real and non-word visual and auditory rhyme tasks in 15 children with non-localized cryptogenic epilepsy. Basic phonological and orthographic language skills were assessed using Woodcock-Johnson Test of Achievement subtests. Dynamic statistical parameter mapping was used with individual participant magnetic resonance images. Significant cortical activity was visualized on average and performance weighted maps. For the auditory rhyme tasks, bilateral primary and secondary auditory cortices, the superior temporal sulcus and insular cortex were activated early with later increases in left hemisphere activity. Visual rhyme tasks evoked early bilateral primary and secondary occipital cortical and angular gyri activity followed by later activation of the planum temporale and supramarginal gyri and the left ventral occipitotemporal area. For the auditory rhyme tasks, performance weighted maps demonstrated that early right hemisphere activation was associated with poorer reading skills while later activity was associated with better reading skills; for the left hemisphere, greater early activation of the secondary auditory cortex, including the planum temporale, was related to better reading skills while relatively later activation of these areas was associated with poorer reading skills. For the visual rhyme tasks, greater activity in the bilateral ventral occipitotemporal and insular areas and angular and supramarginal gyri were associated with better performance. These data suggest that spatiotemporal cortical activation patterns are associated with variations in language performance in non-localized cryptogenic epilepsy.
Pheromone-stimulated locomotory and orientation responses in the American cockroach

Abstract Males of Periplaneta americana respond to the sex pheromone secreted by females with increased locomotion and positive chemo-orientation. Both sexes orient toward aggregation pheromone without an increase in locomotion. Immediately following removal of one antenna males exhibit ‘circus’ movements, but after 2 days orient toward pheromones; a bi-modal mechanism of chemo-orientation is proposed. Cockroaches turn away from air currents, but orient toward air currents carrying sex or aggregation pheromone, suggesting the possibility of up-wind orientation. Antennae deflect upward and outward when pheromone is first perceived; the head then moves toward the pheromone source. Following removal of one antenna, the pattern of head and antennal movement changes in a manner which enhances the sweeping of the intact antenna.
“World Traveler” Addicts in Asia: I. Demographic and Clinical Description

Fifty-six addicted “world travelers” were studied at a treatment facility for opium addicts in Laos. They were primarily in their twenties (80%), male (80%), and single (70%). Most had begun narcotic use away from their own country during their travels. A majority were traveling alone, currently living alone, and using narcotic drugs alone. Their addiction at the time of seeking treatment was well established: narcotic drugs comprised their main daily expenditure, they had numerous problems associated with narcotic use, and high doses of methadone were necessary for detoxification.
Apple Damage, Pest Phenology, and Factors Influencing the Efficacy of Tebufenozide for Control of Obliquebanded Leafroller (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Fruit damage by obliquebanded leafroller, Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris), was examined on four different apple cultivars during 1997-1999 in heavily infested orchards in New York State. Inital fruit damage occurred 354+/-26 degree-days base 6 degrees C (DD6) after the first moth catch from the overwintering generation and continued to increase until after the typical spray season (approximately 1,300 DD6). In addition to apple damage by late instars, fruit damage occurred by early instars of the summer and overwintering generations. The insect growth regulator tebufenozide was used as a model insecticide to determine how a slow-acting insecticide and its relative toxicity to early (neonate) and late (fourth and fifth) instars may influence the efficacy of sprays for the control of the obliquebanded leafroller. Because tebufenozide is a slow-acting compound, bioassays were conducted to determine what percentage of the total mortality to neonates occurs at each 24 h interval until 10 d. Based on a polynomial regression, half of the total mortality to larvae at the LC25, LC50, LL90 and LC99 occurred at 7.2, 5.0, 4.1, and 3.0 d, respectively. Late instars were three times more tolerant to tebufenozide than neonates.
Preferential trade of agricultural commodities in the Caribbean Basin

Preferential agricultural trade under the Caribbean Basin Initiative has been beneficial to participating countries, particularly for differentiated goods. Goods that have not performed well were either subject to policy changes, eroding preferences and deteriorating market trends or structural changes that diminished CBI exports.
Airborne synthetic aperture acoustic imaging

This paper presents a system model and inversion for airborne synthetic aperture acoustic (SAA) imaging. The system model accurately represents the intercation of the acoustic source and the target region at near range values. Moreover, the model incorporates the fact that the relative speed of the vehicle's (transmitter/receiver) with respect to the target region is comparable to the acoustic wave propagation speed. The inversion utilizes the principle of spectral decomposition of spherical phase functions to develop a wavefront reconstruction method from SAA data. Processing issues and selection of appropriate acoustic FM-CW sources are discussed. Results are provided that exhibit the superior accuracy of the proposed SAA system model and inversion over their synthetic aperture radar (SAR) counterpart in which the vehicle's speed is assumed to be much smaller than the wave propagation speed.
Redistricting and Familiarity With U.S. House Candidates

Redistricting has the effect of placing numerous voters into districts with a different incumbent seeking reelection. This event brings up an important question that has not been empirically tested: Are redrawn individuals, those who have a new incumbent because of redistricting, less likely to know who their new representative is? Furthermore, is there a difference in the rates of recall and recognition of challengers as a consequence of redistricting? This research note examines the influence of redistricting on recall and recognition of U.S. House candidates with use of the American National Elections Studies panel surveys for the 1992 and 2002 elections. Whether the measure is recall or recognition, redrawn respondents are significantly less likely to identify their incumbent as compared with individuals with the same incumbent seeking reelection. In contrast, with the exception of candidate name recall in 1992, redistricting does not affect the likelihood of identifying House challengers. This study ...
Partial characterization of the mitogenic action of pp60v-src, the oncogenic protein product of the src gene of avian sarcoma virus.

NRK cells infected with a temperature-sensitive, transformation-defective mutant of avian sarcoma virus (ASV), tsLA23, are transformed at 36°C, but at 40°C they behave as nontransformed cells because of the inactivation of the abnormally thermolabile pp60v-src product of the virus' transforming src gene. At 40°C, these tsLA23-NRK cells were arrested in G1/G0 by severe serum deprivation. They were induced to enter G1, initiate DNA synthesis 7 or 10 hours later, and then divide as (1) nontransformed cells by adding serum or platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) at 40°C, or (2) transformed cells by lowering the temperature to a pp60v-src-activating 36°C without adding exogenous growth factor(s). The level of pp60v-src kinase activity rose dramatically in these serum-deprived cells within 30 minutes of lowering the temperature to the permissive 36°C, and it fell just as rapidly when the cells were returned to the restrictive 40°C. As little as a 2-hour exposure to 36°C, with an attendant 2-hour burst of pp60v-src kinase activity, was enough to stimulate serum-deprived tsLA23-NRK cells to transit G1 and initiate DNA replication, but not to divide. Much more prolonged pp60v-src activity was needed for these serum-deprived cells to complete their cycle and divide. The prereplicative development of quiescent tsLA23-NRK cells stimulated by serum or PDGF was accompanied by greatly increased protein synthesis and slightly decreased protein degradation, but the pp60v-src-stimulated cells progressed through G1 and initiated DNA replication without appreciably affecting the protein synthetic machinery of the cell. The cells stimulated by the mitogenic action of pp60v-src, like the cells stimulated by serum, needed to activate early prereplicative genes in order to initiate DNA replication. The needed RNA transcripts induced by serum and pp60v-src were produced with comparable efficiency, although it took longer for pp60v-src-stimulated cells to translate these transcripts and to initiate DNA replication, probably because of their unstimulated protein-synthetic machinery.
Delocalizing strain in a thin metal film on a polymer substrate

Under tension, a freestanding thin metal film usually ruptures at a smaller strain than its bulk counterpart. Often this apparent brittleness does not result from cleavage, but from strain localization, such as necking. By volume conservation, necking causes local elongation. This elongation is much smaller than the film length, and adds little to the overall strain. The film ruptures when the overall strain just exceeds the necking initiation strain, eN, which for a weakly hardening film is not far beyond its elastic limit. Now consider a weakly hardening metal film on a steeply hardening polymer substrate. If the metal film is fully bonded to the polymer substrate, the substrate suppresses large local elongation in the film, so that the metal film may deform uniformly far beyond eN. If the metal film debonds from the substrate, however, the film becomes freestanding and ruptures at a smaller strain than the fully bonded film; the polymer substrate remains intact. We study strain delocalization in the metal film on the polymer substrate by analyzing incipient and large-amplitude nonuniform deformation, as well as debond-assisted necking. The theoretical considerations call for further experiments to clarify the rupture behavior of the metal-on-polymer laminates.
Separations of metal ions using ionic liquids: The challenges of multiple mechanisms

Ionic liquids are a distinct sub-set of liquids, comprising only of cations and anions, often with negligible vapor pressure. As a result of the low or non-volatility of these fluids, ionic liquids are often considered in liquid/liquid separation schemes where the goal is to replace volatile organic solvents. Unfortunately, it is often not yet recognized that the ionic nature of these solvents can result in a variety of extraction mechanisms, including solvent ion-pair extraction, ion exchange, and simultaneous combinations of these. This paper discusses current ionic liquid-based separations research where the effects of the nature of the solvent ions, ligands, and metal ion species were studied in order to be able to understand the nature of the challenges in utilizing ionic liquids for practical applications.
Expandable metal stents for malignant biliary obstruction

Malignant obstruction of the biliary tree results in jaundice, pruritus, and cholangitis. Malignant biliary obstruction is associated with a poor prognosis. Palliation of the symptoms of malignant biliary obstruction is an important part of patient management. Endoscopic stent placement achieves safe, rapid, and effective relief from malignant biliary obstruction in nearly all patients. Endoscopic therapy is generally preferred over surgical and percutaneous alternatives. Fixed-diameter plastic endobiliary stents have proven highly successful for establishing inital drainage of the obstructed bile duct. However, plastic stent occlusion, resulting in recurrent jaundice and cholangitis, occurs in many patients. Occlusion is in part caused by the limited fixed diameter of plastic stents, which can be no greater than the diameter of the accessory channel of the duodenoscope used for placement. Self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) were developed to overcome this limitation. SEMS are made from a variety of materials and in a variety of configurations and sizes. They can be placed while constrained on a narrow-diameter introducer system and deployed to expand to up to a 10-mm diameter. This article reviews the most widely used SEMS for biliary obstruction and provides SEMS placement and clinical experiences.
Brain activation during eye gaze discrimination in stable schizophrenia

Objective Earlier studies described gaze discrimination impairment in schizophrenia. The purpose of this study was to compare gaze discrimination abilities and associated brain activation in persons with stable schizophrenia and matched controls.
3-D traveltime computation using Huygens wavefront tracing

Traveltime computation is widely used in seismic modeling, imaging, and velocity analysis. The two most commonly used methods are ray tracing and numerical solutions to the eikonal equation. Eikonal solvers are fast and robust but are limited to computing only the first-arrival traveltimes. Ray tracing can compute multiple arrivals but lacks the robustness of eikonal solvers. We propose a robust and complete method of traveltime computation. It is based on a system of partial differential equations, which is equivalent to the eikonal equation but formulated in the ray-coordinates system. We use a first-order discretization scheme that is interpreted very simply in terms of the Huygens's principle. Our explicit finite-difference solution to the eikonal equation solved in the ray-coordinates system delivers both computational speed and stability since we use more than one point on the current wavefront at every time step. The finite-difference method has proven to be a robust alternative to conventional ray tracing, while being faster and having a better ability to handle rough velocity media and penetrate shadow zones.
Boronium‐Cation‐Based Ionic Liquids as Hypergolic Fluids

Two series of boronium-cation-based ionic liquids were prepared and fully characterized by (1)H, (13)C, and (11)B NMR and infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and elemental analysis. The structure of bis(1-methyl-1H-imidazole-3-yl)dihydroboronium dicyanoborohydride (5 a) was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The densities of these ionic liquids range from 1.05 to 1.28 g cm(-3), and the heats of formation, predicted on the basis of Gaussian 03 calculations, fall between -164.6 and 430.5 kJ mol(-1). Compound 5 b, bis(1-allyl-1H-imidazole-3-yl)dihydroboronium dicyanoborohydride, exhibits the lowest viscosity (35 mPa s) and shortest ignition-delay time (14 ms) in combination with 100 % HNO(3).
Differential cross sections for coherent photon scattering by elements Z = 2 through Z = 26

Abstract Graphical displays of the differential cross section for coherent photon scattering are presented for elements Z = 2 through Z = 26. The range of photon energies is from 500 eV to 200 keV. The cross sections are theoretical values obtained from atomic form factors calculated with analytic Roothaan-Hartree-Fock wavefunctions. Form factors calculated in this way differ by at most one percent from those calculated with much more elaborate correlated wavefunctions.
Response to Hypo- and Hyperglycemia in Adolescents With Type I Diabetes

Objective: To assess the appropriateness of adolescents’ responses to hypo- and hyperglycemia and to examine the relationship of patient age, gender, diabetes duration, diabetes knowledge, parental supervision, and glycemic control to response appropriateness. Methods: We assessed 125adolescents’ responses to daily episodes of hypo- and hyperglycemia by 24-hour recall interviews; responses were coded for type and appropriateness. Results: Adolescents responded inappropriately to 38% of hypoglycemic and 29% of hyperglycemic episodes. Parental supervision of blood glucose testing did not increase the likelihood of an appropriate response; in the case of hyperglycemic episodes, it appeared to be counterproductive. Adolescents who responded inappropriately to hyperglycemia were also older but not different from those who responded appropriately by gender, disease duration, diabetes knowledge, or glycemic control. Conclusions: Health providers and family members may underestimate adolescents’ difficulty managing hypo- and hyperglycemia appropriately. The presence of parental supervision does not ensure an appropriate response; parents may be particularly misinformed about the management of hyperglycemia.
The stimulatory effects of Hofmeister ions on the activities of neuronal nitric-oxide synthase. Apparent substrate inhibition by l-arginine is overcome in the presence of protein-destabilizing agents.

Abstract A variety of monovalent anions and cations were effective in stimulating both calcium ion/calmodulin (Ca2+/CaM)-independent NADPH-cytochrome creductase activity of, and Ca2+/CaM-dependent nitric oxide (NO⋅) synthesis by, neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). The efficacy of the ions in stimulating both activities could be correlated, in general, with their efficacy in precipitating or stabilizing certain proteins, an order referred to as the Hofmeister ion series. In the hemoglobin capture assay, used for measurement of NO⋅ production, apparent substrate inhibition byl-arginine was almost completely reversed by the addition of sodium perchlorate (NaClO4), one of the more effective protein-destabilizing agents tested. Examination of this phenomenon by the assay of l-arginine conversion tol-citrulline revealed that the stimulatory effect of NaClO4 on the reaction was observed only in the presence of oxyhemoglobin or superoxide anion (generated by xanthine and xanthine oxidase), both scavengers of NO⋅. Spectrophotometric examination of nNOS revealed that the addition of NaClO4 and a superoxide-generating system, but neither alone, prevented the increase of heme absorption at 436 nm, which has been attributed to the nitrosyl complex. The data are consistent with the release of autoinhibitory NO⋅ coordinated to the prosthetic group of nNOS, which, in conjunction with an NO⋅ scavenger, causes stimulation of the reaction.
Efficient Contention Resolution Algorithms for Recirculation Multicast Based Optical Router Switch Architecture

This paper presents multicast contention resolution algorithms for the multicast optical switch architecture employing recirculation multi-wavelength conversion. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithms effectively improve the optical network performance.
Siglecg Limits the Size of B1a B Cell Lineage by Down-Regulating NFκB Activation

Background B1 B cells are believed to be a unique lineage with a distinct developmental pathway, function and activation requirement. How this lineage is genetically determined remained largely obscure. Methods and Principal Findings Using the Siglecg-deficient mice with a knockin of green-fluorescent protein encoding sequence, we show here that, although the Siglecg gene is broadly expressed at high levels in all stages and/or lineages of B cells tested and at lower levels in other lineages, its deletion selectively expanded the B1a B cell lineages, including the frequency of the B1 cell progenitor in the bone marrow and the number of B1a cells in the peritoneal cavity, by postnatal expansion. The expansion of B1a B cells in the peritoneal correlated with enhanced activation of NFκB and was ablated by an IKK inhibitor. Conclusion and Significance Our data revealed a critical role for Siglec G-NFκB pathway in regulating B1a B cell lineage. These data lead to a novel model of B1a lineage development that explains a large array of genetic data in this field.
Generation of vortex beams by an image-rotating optical parametric oscillator

We generate optical vortex beams in a nanosecond optical parametric oscillator based on an image-rotating resonator. This efficient new method of vortex generation should be adaptable to pulsed or continuous lasers.
Enabling building energy auditing using adapted occupancy models

Understanding building energy consumption has become important due to stricter energy regulations, increasing energy costs and also as buildings have long term impact on energy consumption. In order to recommend retrofits, it is important to have accurate estimates for building energy consumption which is affected significantly by occupancy patterns. This paper explores the development of static occupancy models using a model adaptation technique that is able to capture accurately features of occupancy distributions typically found using a large amount of training data (days, weeks, months). Using only one day of training data that can be easily recorded without any infrastructure but battery-operated sensors with on-board memory, we show that our adapted occupancy model can estimate energy savings of 10.9%; and the room temperatures for the adapted model schedules were 0.5°F and 1.4°F off from the target temperatures for summer and winter months, respectively. This performance was on par with models trained with four times as much data. Our proposed technique can be used by energy auditors to estimate energy savings for existing buildings and by building energy managers to optimize static schedules which assume maximum occupancy.
The Role of Macrophages in Nonspecific Processes

Interest in the role of macrophages as “nonspecific” mediators of host defense has been heightened in recent years. The importance of macrophages in the inflammatory response is not a new concept, having been first suggested by Metchnikoff (1893) who noted from his observations of tubercle bacilli that “the polynuclear cells engulf the tubercle bacilli readily, but perish after a short time and then with the microbes they contain, are eaten up by various mononuclear phagocytes which may be classed together under the term of macrophages. These latter cells have a much greater power of resistance and in some cases are even capable of destroying the tubercle bacilli.”
Rate of activation of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis and sodium intake in rats

When sodium intake in the rat is reduced abruptly from the typical high level to a very low level (0.02%), sodium excretion falls exponentially, with a half time of 2-3 h. The result is that the rat achieves external sodium balance, in which intake equals excretion, on the new low intake within a few hours. In this study, we assessed the rate of activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis and its contribution to blood pressure during that interval. Plasma renin activity and angiotensin II concentration had risen sharply within 8 h and did not change over the next 40 h. Plasma aldosterone concentration, on the other hand, continued to rise over 48 h. Within 8 h, blood pressure dependency on angiotensin II had increased sharply, as assessed by depressor responses to an angiotensin antagonist (Sar1-Ala8-angiotensin II) and to converting-enzyme inhibition (captopril). The depressor response to neither agent changed over the next 40 h. The pressor response to angiotensin II was blunted significantly by 8 h and also did not change over the next 40 h. The findings indicate that the rapid tempo of sodium homeostasis in the rat is matched by an equally rapid tempo of activation of the renin-angiotensin system, although the factors responsible for aldosterone release are probably more complex. Experiments to assess the renin-angiotensin system in the rat must be designed with this rapid tempo in mind.
Like Father, Like Son: Cleidocranial Dysplasia

Case: We present the case of a six-year-old boy who was referred to the pediatric orthopaedics division of our academic medical center by his primary care physician for a concern regarding possible fractured clavicles. He was diagnosed with cleidocranial dysplasia, a genetic condition characterized by skeletal and dental anomalies, primarily delayed ossification of midline osseous structures. On radiographs, cleidocranial dysplasia has been linked to both coxa vara and a characteristic “chef’s hat” appearance of the femoral head. Conclusion: Cleidocranial dysplasia has multiple potential orthopaedic complications, and an awareness of this condition, its presentations, and its diagnosis is useful for all physicians.
Technological interventions for optimum use of resources under pulses production in Karnataka

Background: India is the largest producer and consumer of pulses in the world. However, demand for pulses exceeded its supply. To meet this situation farmers need to adopt new technology for optimum use of resources. Methods/Statistical Analysis: Kalaburagi district of Karnataka in India is purposively selected for the study wherein NFSM sponsored A3P was implemented during the period of 2010-2014. Finally, 40 farmers of A3P and 20 farmers of Non-A3P farmers of redgram and bengalgram were selected. Total sample size of 180 farmers consisting 120 A3P and 60 Non-A3P farmers. Similarly, 90 farmers of redgram and another 90 of bengalgram cultivars were chosen for the study. The Cobb-Douglas production function was employed for the study. Findings: The production function estimates indicated that output elasticities of land and fertilizers have significant influence on redgram yield in both A3P and Non-A3P farmers, with excessive use of human labour under both farmers. While, output elasticities of land and seeds have significant influence on the bengalgram yield in both A3P and Non-A3P farmers. Majority of the farmers were operating above 80 per cent efficiency levels in both the pulses across the farmers of A3P and Non-A3P mainly due to practice of modern cultivation practices. Further, more than 53 per cent of farmers under redgram and 56 per cent under bengalgram have achieved 100 per cent efficiency level in A3P farmers mainly because of better management practices with intensive use of resources by A3P farmers. Application: Indiscriminate use of inputs like labour, fertilizers, etc. resulted in sizable deviations from the optimum allocation of resources. Therefore, for increasing pulse production farmers should concentrate on reallocation of resources and thereafter consider use of new technologies.
Summary of Toxicologieal Studies of the Insecticide DDT-2, 2-Bis (p-Chlorophenyl) 1, 1, 1-Triehloroethane.

PRESENTED here is a brief resume of the toxicological studies in this laboratory of the synthetic insecticide DDT ( 1 ). Detailed reports of these investigations will appear elsewhere ( 2, 3, 4 )· Experiments to determine the toxicity and action of DDT have been carried out along the following lines: Acute and subacute application to the akin of rabbits, rats, guinea pigs, and dogs. Acute and subacute feeding to rats, mice, guinea pips, and chicks. Chronic feeding to rats and dogs. Skin irritation and sensitization. Pharmacological investigations as to the site and mode of action. Gross and microscopic pathology and blood studies of poisoned animals. Skin Application Solid. DDT in micronized powder form did not penetrate the intact rabbit skin sufficiently to produce signs of toxicity or irritation, perhaps because of the insoluble nature of this compound. Solution. When DDT in 30% solution in dimethyl phthalate was applied in single doses of 3.9, 6.0, and 9.4 ml. per ...
Competitive Analysis With The Income/Outcome Board

The paper demonstrates the use of the income/outcome™ game board as a competitive analysis tool. Companies in the floor covering industry are displayed and conclusions for competitive strategies are drawn.
Dieldrin Persistence in Cranberry Bogs

The persistence of dieldrin in cranberry-bog soils is demonstrated. Although large volumes of water were applied to the area, the chemical remained localized in the upper 4 inches of the soil profile. Vertical and lateral movement did not occur to any great extent. This finding is attributed to the relatively high organic content of the soils.
Head Teachers of the Generation After 90s——Bloom all the Way

With the the graduate of the first free normal students,teachers of the generation after 90s also gradually step into their education career,become official contact with students and class.It is a long way since a normal students becomes a outstanding teacher,this paper from the actual status,record a new teacher of after 90s experience during the practice life.
Comparative study on the modification of alkali-activated slag-fly ash cementitious material by mineral admixtures

Comparative study on the modification effect of pulverized zeolite and metakaolin on the alkali-activated slag-fly ash cementitious material was conducted.The test result shows that,metakaolin can give a good enhancement to the compressive strength of solid alkali-activated slag-fly ash cementitious material,but reduce the flexural strength;pulverized zeolite can enhance the compressive and flexural strength;for this two kinds of mineral admixtures,pulverized zeolite is superior to metakaolin when used as the active admixture of alkali-activated slag-fly ash cementitious material,and has the value in further research;the strength advantages of metakaolin and pulverized zeolite in the cementitious material are inferior to that of slag and fly ash composite material.