cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of spin fluctuations on the thermal conductivity in superconducting Ba(Fe 1-x Co x ) 2 As 2

The thermal conductivity of electron-doped Ba(Fe${}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}$Co${}_{x}$)${}_{2}$As${}_{2}$ single crystals is investigated below 200 K, with an emphasis on the behavior near the magnetic and superconducting (${T}_{c}$) transition temperatures. An enhancement of the in-plane thermal conductivity ${\ensuremath{\kappa}}_{ab}$ is observed below ${T}_{c}$ for all samples, with the greatest enhancement observed near optimal doping. The observed trends are consistent with the scattering of heat carriers by low-energy magnetic excitations. Upon entering the superconducting state, the formation of a spin gap leads to reduced scattering and an enhancement in $\ensuremath{\kappa}(T)$. Similarly, an enhancement of $\ensuremath{\kappa}$ is observed for polycrystalline BaFe${}_{2}$As${}_{2}$ below the magnetic transition, and qualitative differences in $\ensuremath{\kappa}(T)$ between single crystalline and polycrystalline BaFe${}_{2}$As${}_{2}$ are utilized to discuss anisotropic scattering. This study highlights how measuring $\ensuremath{\kappa}$ near ${T}_{c}$ in novel superconductors can be useful as a means to probe the potential role of spin fluctuations.
Thin-foil reflection gratings for Constellation-X

The Reflection Grating Spectrometer (RGS) on Constellation-X is designed to supply astronomers with high spectral resolution in the soft x-ray band from 0.25 to 2 keV. High resolution, large collecting area and low mass at grazing incidence require very flat and thin grating substrates, or thin-foil optics. Thin foils typically have a diameter-to-thickness ratio of 200 or higher and as a result very low stiffness. This poses a number of technological challenges in the areas of shaping, handling, positioning, and mounting of such optics. The most minute forces (gravity sag, friction, thermal mismatch with optic mount, etc.) can lead to intolerable deformations and limit figure metrology repeatability. We present results of our efforts in the manipulation and metrology of suitable grating substrates, utilizing a novel low-stress foil holder with friction-reducing flexures. A large number of reflection gratings is needed to achieve the required collecting area. We have employed nanoimprint lithography (NIL) - which uses imprint films as thin as 100 nm or less - for the high-fidelity and low-stress replication from 100 mm diameter saw-tooth grating masters.
SERVQUAL revisited: a critical review of service quality

As competition becomes more intense and environmental factors become more hostile, the concern for service quality grows. If service quality is to become the cornerstone of marketing strategy, the marketer must have the means to measure it. The most popular measure of service quality is SERVQUAL, an instrument developed by Parasuraman et al. (1985; 1988). Not only has research on this instrument been widely cited in the marketing literature, but also its use in industry has been quite widespread (Brown et al., 1993).
Haemophilia A carriers experience reduced health-related quality of life.

Introduction Haemophilia A is an X-linked recessive bleeding disorder that primarily affects males. Emerging data support evidence for increased bleeding in female haemophilia A carriers despite factor VIII activity within the normal range. Aim Data regarding the effect of increased bleeding on health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) in haemophilia A carriers is sparse. We tested the hypothesis that haemophilia A carriers have reduced HR-QOL related to bleeding symptoms. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study at Vanderbilt University. Case subjects were obligate or genetically verified haemophilia A carriers age 18–60 years. Control subjects were mothers of children with cancer who receive care at the Vanderbilt paediatric haematology-oncology clinic. Trained interviewers administered the Rand 36-Item Health Survey 1.0, a validated questionnaire evaluating eight health concepts that may affect HR-QOL, to each study participant. Mann–Whitney U-tests were used to compare median scores for the eight health domains between the case and control groups. Result Forty-two haemophilia A carriers and 36 control subjects were included in analyses. Haemophilia A carriers had significantly lower median scores for the domains of ‘Pain’ (73.75 vs. 90; P = 0.02) and ‘General health’ (75 vs. 85; P = 0.01) compared to control subjects. Conclusion Haemophilia A carriers in our study demonstrated significantly lower median scores on the Rand 36-item Health Survey 1.0 in the domains of ‘Pain’ and ‘General Health’ compared to women in the control group. Our findings highlight the need for further investigation of the effect of bleeding on HR-QOL in this population.
Life-threatening neonatal epidural hematoma caused by precipitous vaginal delivery.

Patient: Male, 0 Final Diagnosis: Epidural hematoma Symptoms: Apnea Medication: — Clinical Procedure: Craniotomy Specialty: Pediatrics and Neonatology Objective: Unusual clinical course Background: Neonatal in-hospital falls occur relatively frequently, although they are likely underreported. Significant intracranial head trauma from a fall or birth injury is not common in the immediate newborn period. Furthermore, intracranial bleeding requiring surgical intervention is exceedingly rare. We present an unusual case of an inhospital fall in the delivery room requiring neurosurgical intervention. Case Report: A term infant, appropriate for gestational age, delivered precipitously from a maternal standing position. The vertex neonate struck the linoleum floor after an approximate 80-cm fall, landing headfirst. The physical and neurological exams were initially normal, and skull films did not demonstrate an obvious fracture. The baby was closely observed, undergoing continuous cardiorespiratory monitoring. After the patient had an episode of apnea, a scalp hematoma was noted. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a left parietal fracture with an acute epidural hematoma, which required emergent craniotomy. The infant had an unremarkable post-operative course and had a normal neurodevelopmental assessment at 15 months of age. Conclusions: Close, continuous observation is recommended for infants following an in-hospital fall or after significant birth trauma. A high degree of suspicion for intracranial hemorrhage must be maintained. Fall prevention strategies should focus on careful baby handling by the convalescing mother.
Influence of the Metal Orbital Occupancy and Principal Quantum Number on Organoazide (RN3) Conversion to Transition-Metal Imide Complexes

The reaction of phenyl azide with (PNP)Ni, where PNP = (tBu2PCH2SiMe2)2N−, promptly evolves N2 and forms a P═N bond in the product (PNP═NPh)NiI. A similar reaction with (PNP)FeCl proceeds to form a P═N bond but without N2 evolution, to furnish (PNP═N—N═NPh)FeCl. An analogous reaction with (PNP)RuCl occurs with a more dramatic redox change at the metal (and N2 evolution), to give the salt composed of (PNP)Ru(NPh)+ and (PNP)RuCl3−, together with equimolar (PNP)Ru(NPh). The contrast among these results is used to deduce what conditions favor N2 loss and oxidative incorporation of the NPh fragment from PhN3 into a metal complex.
Carbon monoxide oxidation on epitaxial Cu(111)/Pd(111) bilayers at atmospheric pressures

Abstract Catalytic CO oxidation experiments on Pd(111) and on Cu-covered epitaxial Pd(111) thin film surfaces were carried out at atmospheric pressures. The films were formed in UHV and transferred to the attached high-pressure chamber with a bellow-sealed UHV transfer device, where reaction rates mere measured a with gas chromatogaph (GC). The surface temperature was held at 70°C during most of the reactions. An approximately 50% increase in the CO 2 formation rate over that on pure Pd(111) was observed for1/2 monolayer thick epitaxial Cu films formed on a Pd(111) surface. For the same Cu thickness and at 83°C the rate was ≈ 7 times more than the rate obtained on pure Pd(111). Another, but smaller, rate increase was observed at 3ML Cu. These two peaks in the catalytic oxidation reaction were interpreted in terms of models that involve changes in surface morphology during growth of the Cu overlayer.
Speciation, quantification and stability of selenomethionine, S-(methylseleno)cysteine and selenomethionine Se-oxide in yeast-based nutritional supplements

The speciation and stability of organoselenium compounds present in the selenized yeast evaluated in National Cancer Institute human intervention trials were examined along with those of related supplements. Total selenium was measured by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), ICP-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and/or electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ET-AAS) after microwave digestion. Enzymatic extraction enabled selenium speciation profiles to be obtained by ion-pair reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ICP-MS detection. Extracts were also subjected to chloroformate derivatization followed by Se and S specific GC analysis with atomic emission detection (GC-AED). Currently available and archived supplements show major differences in speciation for selenomethionine, selenomethionine Se-oxide and S-(methylseleno)cysteine with respect to time and conditions of storage. The formation of the latter compound is reported under different synthetic and elevated temperature conditions.
Effects of the Allosteric Modification of Hemoglobin on Brain Oxygen and Infarct Size in a Feline Model of Stroke

Background and Purpose Cerebral ischemia and stroke are leading causes of morbidity and mortality. An approach to protecting the brain during ischemia is to try to increase the delivery of oxygen via the residual blood flow through and around ischemic tissue. To test this hypothesis, we used a novel oxygen delivery agent, RSR-13 (2-[4-[[(3,5-dimethylanilino)-carbonyl]-methyl]phenoxy]-2-methylpropionic acid). Intravenous administration of RSR-13 increases oxygen delivery through allosteric modification of the hemoglobin molecule, resulting in a shift in the hemoglobin/oxygen dissociation curve in favor of oxygen delivery. Methods We studied RSR-13 in a feline model of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion to assess its effects on cerebral oxygenation and infarct size. A randomized, blinded study of RSR-13 (n=6) versus 0.45% saline (n=12) was conducted, after an RSR-13 dose-escalation study (n=4). Drug was administered as a preocclusion bolus followed by a continuous infusion for the duration of the experiment (5 hours). Brain oxygen was measured continuously with the use of a Clark oxygen electrode. Infarct size was measured at 5 hours after occlusion with computer-assisted volumetric analysis. Results The drug treatment group had consistently higher mean brain oxygen tension than controls (33±5 and 27±6 mm Hg, respectively) and significantly smaller infarcts (21±9% versus 33±9%, respectively; P <.008). We observed an inverse relationship between the dose response of RSR-13 (the shift in the hemoglobin/oxygen dissociation curve) and infarct size. Conclusions These results are evidence that allosteric hemoglobin modification is protective to the brain after acute focal ischemia, providing a new opportunity for neuroprotection and raising the possibility of enhancing the protective effect of thrombolysis and ion channel blockade.
Inner tracking system of the ALICE experiment. Overview

Abstract The ALICE experiment, one of the four LHC experiments, is dedicated to study Heavy Ion collisions at the center-of-mass energy of the 5.5 TeV per nucleon pair. The ALICE detector is designed as a general purpose detector capable of measuring most phenomena related to the Quark Gluon Plasma (QGP) state of matter. A set of high granularity detectors is used for tracking and includes an Inner Tracking System, a large-volume Time-Projection Chamber and a Transition–Radiation Detector. The Inner Tracking System is designed for high precision reconstruction of the primary and secondary vertices and tracking and identification of low momentum particles. Motivations and requirements for the ITS tracking system are presented and specifics of the design and performance are discussed.
Energies of the Beta- and Gamma-Rays from Antimony

The radiations from antimony bombarded by slow neutrons have been investigated in a large, high resolution, shaped-field magnetic spectrometer. The beta-spectrum of ${\mathrm{Sb}}^{124}$ (60 d.) was measured with a relatively thin source and with a thin window counter. The spectrum is found to be complex. By means of the Fermi theory, it is possible to resolve the distribution into at least five groups having the following end points and intensities: 2.37 Mev, 21 percent; 1.50 Mev, 7 percent; 0.98 Mev, 7 percent; 0.68 Mev, 26 percent; 0.50 Mev, 39 percent. An internal conversion line was detected corresponding to a gamma-ray of 0.121 Mev. Measurements on the Compton and photoelectrons ejected from a thin Pb radiator yield additional gamma-ray energies of 0.608, 0.654, 0.732, 1.708, and 2.04 Mev. Measurements made while the short period activity was still present indicate that a gammaray of 0.568 Mev is associated with the 2.8-day activity of ${\mathrm{Sb}}^{122}$.
Reflective Learning from Project Failure in a University/Agency/Community Partnership

Disaster recovery efforts, especially directly following a natural or technological disaster, tend to focus on the immediate short-term needs of communities. The disaster recovery literature (Rolfe and Britton 1995, Tootle 2007) references the pressure governments are under to be proactive in the aftermath of a disaster. Unfortunately, by focusing so tightly on short-term needs, long-term planning, which can be critical to a community's ultimate resilience, can often be overlooked, inhibited, or disrupted. The fulfillment of an immediate short-term need can act as a force to push against and limit a community's long-term vision. Universities and government and non-profit agencies that work to provide valuable services to communities, especially in post-disaster situations, must be attuned to the long-term visions of the communities with which they work. At the Center for Hazards Assessment, Response, and Technology (CHART), we have taken advantage of the reflective character of participatory action resear...
Anesthetic care and outcome in children with Sanfilippo syndrome type A

newborn screening were older than 1 year. The outcome measurements included growth, pulmonary status, ambulatory status, speech, hearing, and swallowing. Results: The median age of the patients was 4.0 years (range: 1.2– 6.3 years), and all patients had at least one p.D645E mutation on GAA gene. The median time to start ERT was 17 days (range: 6–48 days), at that time all of them had cardiomyopathy. At the last assessment, all patients had low or undetectable anti-alglucosidase alfa antibody titers. All of them had normal heart size. They were independent ambulatory and free of invasive ventilator. However, most of them still had muscle weakness, grossmotor delay, speech deficit, and conductive hearing loss. Conclusion: Newborn screening leads to a good long-term outcome for patients affected by IOPD. Patients grow up eventfully and have no limit in daily activity and learning. However, the etiology and solution of the residual diseases of these patients need further researches.
A mutation generating a stop codon in the α-L-fucosidase gene of a fucosidosis patient☆

Fucosidosis is an autosomal recessive, lysosomal storage disease featured by deficient activity of α-L-fucosidase. Lymphoid cell lines from a fucosidosis patient (JT) and a healthy individual (control) contained α-L-fucosidase mRNA of the same size, 2.3 Kb, as determined by Northern blot analysis. cDNA was prepared from α-L-fucosidase mRNA of JT and control cells and each cDNA was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction. Direct DNA sequencing of the amplified products revealed a single mutation in JT, a G1141→T transition. This changed the codon (GAA) for Glu-375 to a stop codon (UAA). Amplification and sequencing of the area containing the G1141→T transition in genomic DNA of JT and control cells demonstrated that the mutation was homozygous in JT. Analysis of cDNA and genomic DNA derived from lymphoid cells of mother JT revealed her to be heterozygous (G and T) at position 1141. The F1141→T mutation is probably responsible for disease in JT.
Genome Sequence of Tumor Virus X, a Member of the Genus Protoparvovirus in the Family Parvoviridae

ABSTRACT The orphan parvovirus tumor virus X (TVX) has potent oncolytic activity. Compared to other viruses from the species Rodent protoparvovirus 1, TVX has a 111 nucleotide deletion in its nonstructural (NS) gene, a 24 nucleotide insertion in VP1, and a 93 nucleotide repeat initiating from the C-terminus of the capsid gene.
The reaction of OH with NO2 and the deactivation of O(1D) by CO

NO2 was photolyzed with 2288 A radiation at 300° and 423°K in the presence of H2O, CO, and in some cases excess He. The photolysis produces O(1D) atoms which react with H2O to give HO radicals or are deactivated by CO to O(3P) atoms The ratio k5/k3 is temperature dependent, being 0.33 at 300°K and 0.60 at 423°K. From these two points, the Arrhenius expression is estimated to be k5/k3 = 2.6 exp(−1200/RT) where R is in cal/mole – °K. The OH radical is either removed by NO2 or reacts with CO The ratio k2/kα is 0.019 at 300°K and 0.027 at 423°K, and the ratio k2/k0 is 1.65 × 10−5M at 300°K and 2.84 × 10−5M at 423°K, with H2O as the chaperone gas, where kα = k1 in the high-pressure limit and k0[M] = k1 in the low-pressure limit. When combined with the value of k2 = 4.2 × 108 exp(−1100/RT) M−1sec−1, kα = 6.3 × 109 exp (−340/RT)M−1sec−1 and k0 = 4.0 × 1012M−2sec−1, independent of temperature for H2O as the chaperone gas. He is about 1/8 as efficient as H2O.
Nonlinear Optical Polymers: Discovery to Market in 10 Years?

Systems that use light as a carrier of information offer the possibility of extremely high speed processing, transmission, and storage of data. Many such photonic systems require high-performance nonlinear optical (NLO) materials (1, 2), particularly those exhibiting second-order NLO effects, which occur only in molecules and materials lacking a center of symmetry (1). Certain conjugated organic molecules have been known to exhibit substantial second order optical nonlinearities, and recently, successful approaches to optimization of these properties by rational modification of molecular structure have been demonstrated. However, achieving the required noncentrosymmetric order has in the past been a major obstacle to the synthesis of materials with large nonlinearities because the large majority of nonchiral organic compounds crystallize in centrosymmetric space groups.
Finitely presented groups and completely regular semigroups

Abstract It will be shown that every finitely presented group is the greatest group homomorphic image of a finitely presented completely regular semigroup which has a solvable word problem and whose maximal subgroups are either free froups or one-relator groups.
Evaluation of sensitivity of land surface hydrology representations with and without land–atmosphere feedback

This paper compares various ways of quantifying the importance of land-atmosphere feedback. A widely used land surface hydrology model is used in coupled (to a planetary boundary layer model) and uncoupled modes to compare the adequacy of different feedback indices. It is found that existing feedback indices are primarily based on 'one factor at a time' sensitivity analysis and cannot adequately capture the interaction between land and atmosphere. A new index is used which combines factorial design concepts and traditional sensitivity analysis. This index is shown to capture and quantify the strength of interaction between land surface parameters and atmosphere. To assess the effects of forcing characteristics on the stand alone model sensitivity, several ways to specify near-surface atmospheric conditions are evaluated. It is found that commonly used forcing conditions (e.g. model generated or observed time-series of near-surface atmospheric variables) may not be adequate to mimic the coupled model environment for evaluating the land surface representations. The partially coupled model sensitivity is shown to capture a major feedback loop related to water holding capacity, surface fluxes and near-surface atmospheric processes. These results suggest that sensitivity from the stand alone model should be interpreted with caution and future evaluations should strive to incorporate land-atmosphere feedback, at least within a partially coupled model.
Bacterial silver resistance: molecular biology and uses and misuses of silver compounds

Resistance to silver compounds as determined by bacterial plasmids and genes has been defined by molecular genetics. Silver resistance conferred by the Salmonella plasmid pMGH100 involves nine genes in three transcription units. A sensor/responder (SilRS) two-component transcriptional regulatory system governs synthesis of a periplasmic Ag(I)-binding protein (SilE) and two efflux pumps (a P-type ATPase (SilP) plus a three-protein chemiosmotic RND Ag(I)/H+ exchange system (SilCBA)). The same genes were identified on five of 19 additional IncH incompatibility class plasmids but thus far not on other plasmids. Of 70 random enteric isolates from a local hospital, isolates from catheters and other Ag-exposed sites, and total genomes of enteric bacteria, 10 have recognizable sil genes. The centrally located six genes are found and functional in the chromosome of Escherichia coli K-12, and also occur on the genome of E. coli O157:H7. The use of molecular epidemiological tools will establish the range and diversity of such resistance systems in clinical and non-clinical sources. Silver compounds are used widely as effective antimicrobial agents to combat pathogens (bacteria, viruses and eukaryotic microorganisms) in the clinic and for public health hygiene. Silver cations (Ag+) are microcidal at low concentrations and used to treat burns, wounds and ulcers. Ag is used to coat catheters to retard microbial biofilm development. Ag is used in hygiene products including face creams, ‘alternative medicine’ health supplements, supermarket products for washing vegetables, and water filtration cartridges. Ag is generally without adverse effects for humans, and argyria (irreversible discoloration of the skin resulting from subepithelial silver deposits) is rare and mostly of cosmetic concern.
Elitist theory and political tolerance in Western Europe

This paper addresses the problem of democratic elitism within the context of Western European politics. An entrenched assertion of the so-calledelitist theory of democracy is that elites are more strongly committed to democratic values such as political tolerance than are ordinary citizens. The processes through which elites become more tolerant include political socialization, resocialization, political practice, and experience. Some have even argued that elites are the primary carriers of thedemocratic creed. Our purpose here is to test several hypothese drawn from elitist theory. Relying on opinion surveys conducted in each of the twelve nations of the European Community in 1988, we focus on political tolerance. Our basic hypothesis is that political activism contributes to greater political tolerance. Special attention is given to a sample of opinion leaders as a test of the elitist theory. The analysis is conducted both at the level of the individual citizen and the level of the nation state. This is one of very few efforts to test elitist theory from a broad, cross-national perspective. Consequently, the analysis will be crucial in recasting elitist theory to comport more closely with empirical evidence.
Extracting the anisotropic optical parameters of chiral plasmonic nanostructured thin films using generalized ellipsometry

Using a commercial ellipsometer and analytical inversion, we show that both linear and circular birefringence-dichroism pairs can be extracted from a single generalized ellipsometry measurement, providing a complete description of the polarization properties of anisotropic chiral films, which is a distinct advantage over typical circular dichroism measurements. This is demonstrated by measuring the anisotropic optical parameters of post-like and helical composite Ti/Ag thin films fabricated by dynamic shadowing growth. These films are both chiral and highly aligned, and the measured linear and circular birefringence-dichroism pairs scale with the shape anisotropy and chirality. Furthermore, because the total polarization anisotropy is measured through generalized ellipsometry, we are able to determine that the polarization eigenstates can be effectively tuned from purely circular to approximately linear by changing the pitch number, N, of plasmonic helices for N ≤ 1.
Circumferential scalp reduction with a suture-in-place Silastic-Dacron extender.

BACKGROUND Circumferential scalp reduction combined with a suture-in-place Silastic-Dacron extender is described as a viable alternative for those surgeons wishing not to perform extensive scalp-lifting. The primary advantage of the Silastic-Dacron extender is that it allows the time interval between surgeries to be shortened to 1 month. OBJECTIVE To incur the benefits of circumferential scalp reduction (minimal stretch-back and decreased slot formation) and the decreased time between sessions offered by a suture-in-place Silastic-Dacron extender. METHODS A circumferential scalp reduction is first performed and a tunnel is made under the central bald peninsula. Once this is completed, a 4-cm-wide Silastic-Dacron strip is passed through the tunnel and is sutured to both lateral edges of the galea under tension. The way to determine the proper length of the strip is described. RESULTS The combination of circumferential scalp reduction with a suture-in-place Silastic-Dacron extender gives results that are comparable to scalp-lifting; however, more procedures are required and not as much upward movement into the crown is accomplished. The memory of the Silastic-Dacron extender has been found to eliminate stretch-back and quickly improve scalp laxity. CONCLUSION Circumferential scalp reduction combined with a suture-in-place Silastic-Dacron extender is an extremely viable method to treat patients with extensive baldness. The decrease in slot formation and minimal stretch-back afforded by circumferential scalp reduction and the shortened 1-month time interval between surgeries brought about by the Silastic-Dacron extender make this a procedure that hair replacement surgeons should have in their armamentarium.
INDIVIDUATION FROM THE FAMILY OF ORIGIN AND PERSONAL ADJUSTMENT IN LATE ADOLESCENCE

The present study explored the relationships between late adolescents' self-reported personal adjustment and individuation from their families of origin. Individuation was defined as adolescents' subjective perceptions of how psychologically enmeshed they were in the transactional processes of fusion and triangulation within their families of origin. The results indicated a significantrelationship between adolescents' perceived involvement in their family's patterns of fusion and self-esteem, mastery, college maladjustment and the number of reported health problems. Perceived involvement in the family triangulation process was significantly related to adolescents' perceptions of self-esteem and mastery. The implications of the study's findings and directions for future research are discussed.
The Interrater Reliability of the Community Health Environment Checklist

Abstract Stark SL, Hollingsworth H, Morgan K, Chang M, Gray DB. The interrater reliability of the Community Health Environment Checklist. Objective The purpose of this preliminary study was to examine the interrater reliability of the Community Health Environment Checklist. Design Thirty buildings were randomly selected. Three trained raters assessed each destination with the Community Health Environment Checklist. Setting All buildings assessed during this study were located in an urban community in St. Louis, Missouri. Participants Buildings represent 13 categories of building type from a defined geographic region. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measure The outcome measure in this study was the Community Health Environment Checklist, which is used to quantify the receptivity of public buildings from the perspectives of people with mobility impairments. Results The findings suggest that the subscales of the Community Health Environment Checklist have excellent interrater reliability coefficients, (intraclass correlation coefficient, .76–.99). Conclusions The findings of this study provide preliminary data to support the clinical utility of the Community Health Environment Checklist as a measure of the receptivity of the physical environment for persons with mobility impairments.
Method of euthanasia does not affect sperm motility in the laboratory rat

Abstract To determine if anesthetic agents used in laboratory animal euthanasia affected sperm motion parameters, rats (n = 10 per group) were euthanized by one of 5 different methods: decapitation alone, or decapitation following either ether, halothane, or Nembutal anesthesia, or CO2 asphyxiation. Sperm were collected from the distal cauda epididymis, diluted, and videotaped for computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA; HTM-2030, Hamilton-Thorn Research, Beverly, MA). The percentage of motile sperm (MOT), their straight-line velocity (VSL), average path velocity (VAP), curvilinear velocity (VCL), linear index (LINX), and linearity (LIN) were measured on ≥ 200 motile sperm per sample. No significant differences in any of these 6 motion parameters were found among the treatment groups. Thus, none of these 5 methods of euthanasia affect sperm motion as assessed by CASA methods, making them equally suitable for use in reproductive toxicology studies.
Occupational exposure to agricultural chemicals: effect on the activities of some enzymes in the blood of farm workers.

Objective: To determine the effect of different durations of exposure to agricultural chemicals on the activities of the blood enzymes δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and cholinesterase (ChE) in tobacco field workers. Methods: For this preliminary investigation, 8 volunteers (all smoked tobacco) who were working on a small tobacco farm were monitored over a period of 2 years along with a comparable urban unexposed group (n = 4). During the growing season between 1994 and 1996, dermal and respiratory exposure were determined and blood samples were drawn after the following durations of field work: (1) preexposure (0 DAY); (2) after 1 day of field work (1 DAY) – workers reentered fields at 24 h after spraying of acephate and maleic hydrazide; (3) after 30 days of field work (postspraying; 30 DAYS); and (4) Postexposure – no tobacco production. Standard analytical methods were used. Results: Activity of ALAD was depressed by 30% after 1 DAY and there was no further decrease in ALAD activity after 30 DAYS of field work. SOD activity, in contrast, declined by 29% and 50% after 1 DAY and 30 DAYS, respectively, as compared with 0-DAY activity and that of the urban control, which was similar to 0-DAY activity (P ≤ 0.05). Plasma ChE activity declined by 19% after both 1 and 30 DAYS of exposure/field work. The activities of all three enzymes were restored to urban control or preexposure levels during postexposure. Plasma Cd levels were high in the samples taken after 30 DAYS as compared with the preexposure levels. Respiratory nicotine exposure was highest after 30 DAYS of field work. Conclusion: This preliminary study suggests that erythrocyte SOD is a sensitive indicator of exposure to agricultural chemicals in tobacco field workers.
Effect of pH and Brine Concentration on the Thermal Resistance of PA 3679 in a Processed Cheese Spread

Summary Tests conducted on a processed cheese spread inoculated with PA (putrefactive anaerobe) 3679 and packaged in TDT (thermal death time) cans indicated that only a small amount of heat would prevent gas production as measured by can expansion, whereas a considerably greater amount of heat would kill the spores. The average D 250 values of PA 3679 in cheese spread at pH 5.50, 6.25, and 7.00 were 0.67, 1.01, and 1.21min., respectively, with a z value of 18° F. The results suggest that a surviving spore population in the range of 10 8 to 10 5 per gram is necessary for gas production by this organism in the processed cheese spread tested. As the processing temperature increased, the calculated number of spores necessary to initiate gas production decreased. The thermal resistance of a spore suspension of PA 3679 in neutral phosphate buffer was equivalent to a D 250 value of 0.98 with a z value of 17.5° F., as measured with the thermoresistometer technique and subsequent subculturing in liver infusion broth.
Hyperkyphotic Posture and Risk of Future Osteoporotic Fractures: The Rancho Bernardo Study†

It is unknown whether kyphosis of the thoracic spine is an independent risk factor for future osteoporotic fractures. In 596 community-dwelling women, we found that with increasing kyphosis, there was a significant trend of increasing fracture risk that was independent of previous history of fractures or BMD. Introduction: It is unknown whether kyphosis of the thoracic spine is an independent risk factor for future osteoporotic fractures. Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study of 596 community-dwelling women, 47-92 years of age. Between 1988 and 1991, BMD of the hip and spine and kyphosis were measured. Kyphosis was measured by counting the number of 1.7-cm blocks necessary to place under the occiput so participants could lie flat without neck hyperextension. New fractures were reported over an average follow-up of 4 years. Results: Using a cut-off of at least one block, 18% of the participants had hyperkyphotic posture (range, one to nine blocks). There were 107 women who reported at least one new fracture (hip, spine, wrist, clavicle, shoulder, arm, hand, rib, pelvis, leg, or ankle). In logistic regression analyses, older women with hyperkyphotic posture (defined as at least one block) had a 1.7-fold increased risk of having a future fracture independent of age, prior fracture, and spine or hip BMD (95% CI: 1.00-2.97; p = 0.049). There was a significant trend of increasing fracture risk with increasing number of blocks, with ORs ranging from 1.5 to 2.6 as the number of blocks increased from one to at least three blocks compared with those with zero blocks (trend p = 0.03; models adjusted for age, baseline fracture, spine or hip BMD). Stratification by baseline fracture status and controlling for other possible confounders or past year falls did not change the results. Conclusions: Whereas hyperkyphosis may often result from vertebral fractures, our study findings suggest that hyperkyphotic posture itself may be an important risk factor for future fractures, independent of low BMD or fracture history.
Oxidation of glucose to γ- and δ-gluconolactone by microbial enzymes

Abstract The product of glucose oxidation by three particulate and two soluble glucose-oxidizing enzymes was determined. The particulate enzymes yield glucono-γ-lactone, whereas the soluble ones produce glucono-δ-lactone.
Thermodynamic Fingerprints of Disorder in Flux Line Lattices and Other Glassy Mesoscopic Systems

We examine probability distributions for thermodynamic quantities in finite-sized random systems close to criticality. Guided by available exact results, a general ansatz is proposed for replicated free energies, which leads to scaling forms for cumulants of various macroscopic observables. For the specific example of a planar flux line lattice in a two-dimensional superconducting film near H(c1), we provide detailed scaling results for the statistics of the magnetic flux density, susceptibility, heat capacity, and their cross correlations, which can be tested in a recently used experimental setup [Bolle et al., Nature (London) 399, 43 (1999)].
Sedimentary characteristics of sabellariid worm reefs ( Phragmatopoma lapidosa Kinberg)

Abstract Sedimentary characteristics of worm reefs constructed by the sabellariid polychaete Phragmatopoma lapidosa Kinberg were examined to determine whether sediments of specific size and/or composition were selected for use in tube construction. Sediment size class distributions and CaCO3 content were determined for samples of worm reef and unconsolidated beach sediment collected from six locations along a 250 km stretch of Florida's south-east shoreline during 1984. Results of the analyses indicated that CaCO3 sediment particles ranging from 0·25-0·50 cm in diameter were used preferentially for tube construction at all sites regardless of local beach sediment characteristics.
Buried Solvent Determines Both Anion-Binding Selectivity and Binding Stoichiometry with Hydrogen-Bonding Receptors

The crystal structure of a tetraurea picket porphyrin−chloride anion complex has previously shown the anion to be situated between two adjacent ureas and hydrogen bonded via four NH protons (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1998, 120, 11684−11692). The porphyrin receptor also binds a DMSO molecule and utilizes it as a participant in its anion recognition unit, in a manner similar to enzymes that bind water for use as part of their substrate recognition unit. The bound solvent molecule determines the anion-binding affinity, selectivity, and stoichiometry of binding. With a bound DMSO molecule, the tetraurea picket porphyrin is a highly selective receptor for chloride anion and binds all anions with a 1:1 binding stoichiometry. Absent the buried DMSO molecule, the receptor is selective for phosphate anion and binds chloride and phosphate anions with both 1:1 and 1:2 receptor−anion stoichiometries. Additionally, a remarkable reversal in the selectivity of anion complexation between various picket porphyrin receptors is obs...
Breast imaging, standard of care, and the expert

Many radiologists have the opportunity to serve as experts in determining whether a colleague's actions are within standard of care. This is an important responsibility because, in large part, the fairness and success of the judicial system determining whether medical negligence has occurred is dependent on the opinion of the medical expert. Especially in the field of breast imaging, the physician acting as an expert often has to base opinions on judgments rather than incontestable facts. To make judgments of the highest quality, the expert must possess a clear understanding of the concept of standard of care. This article focuses on the role of experts in malpractice cases dealing with mammography and the delay of diagnosis of breast cancer.
Topical ice slurry prevents brain rewarming during deep hypothermic circulatory arrest in newborn sheep

Abstract Objectives: To measure the effect of ice slurry topical cooling on brain surface temperature during deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. Design: This was a prospective, controlled experiment. Setting: Animal laboratory at a university hospital. Participants: Five control lambs, five treatment (ice slurry) lambs. Interventions: Animals were studied in two groups: the study group had topical cooling of the head with ice slurry started immediately before circulatory arrest and continued throughout the period of circulatory arrest; control group lambs received no supplemental topical cooling. Measurements and Main Results: Brain surface temperature, scalp, nasopharyngeal, and rectal temperatures were measured at 5-minute intervals during 45 minutes of circulatory arrest. Lambs receiving topical cooling of the head with ice slurry had a statistically significant decrease in brain surface temperature of 2.2 ± 1.2°C during circulatory arrest, whereas brain surface temperature increased 1.2 ± 0.3°C, in control lambs. Equilibration of temperature between the scalp and brain in control lambs produced rewarming of the brain surface. Conclusions: Topical cooling of the head with ice slurry in newborn lambs lowers brain surface temperature during deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. Surrogate temperature monitoring locations such as nasopharyngeal and rectal temperatures varied significantly and do not accurately reflect changes in brain surface temperature.
Production of monoclonal antibody against electrophoretically purified RNA polymerase II subunits using in vitro immunization

A procedure has been developed for the production of MAb against weakly immunogenic subunits of a multisubunit enzyme. This procedure takes into account the problems of insufficient antigen, single epitope immunodominance and the difficulty of mapping non-sequential determinants. Small quantities of mammalian RNA polymerase II subunits were purified by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and were used to immunize splenocytes in vitro. After fusion with plasmacytoma cells, the hybrid cells were cloned and screened by ELISA utilizing native RNA polymerase II. This procedure is biased towards the production of MAb directed against sequential epitopes accessible on the native enzyme. Monoclonal antibodies, produced by in vitro immunization, were shown to be useful in protein transblot analyses, to inhibit enzyme activity in vitro and to have binding affinities comparable with MAbs produced by in vivo immunization.
Near IR: new sources, new detectors, and new solutions to old problems

Use of the short-wave near infrared (NIR) region for fluorescence spectroscopy is shown to afford enhanced freedom, relative to the visible spectrum, from background signals and noise resulting from scattering and endogenous fluorescence from the sample matrix itself. The detection of 0.1 attomole (10-13 mole liter-1) of two cyanine dyes in methanol solution is demonstrated using diode laser excitation at 780 nm and CCD spectrometric detection. The fluorophores exhibit excellent photostability in this solvent even under prolonged laser illumination. Limitation of sensitivity in this system is imposed by shot noise associated with the solvent Raman signals. When the same dyes are placed in aqueous solutions containing bovine serum albumin (BSA), endogenous fluorescence from the BSA and photobleaching or photolysis of the cyanine raise the practical detection limits to 10-9 moles liter-1. Despite these difficulties, the NIR region affords signal to background ratios which are superior to those observed in similar experiments performed in the visible region.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Smoke control by systematic pressurization

An experimental investigation of smoke control in high-rise buildings by the “Systematic Pressurization” concept.
Beyond Redemption: Race, Violence, and the American South after the Civil War Carole Emberton. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press, 2013.

Beyond Redemption: Race, Violence, and the American South after the Civil War Carole Emberton. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press, 2013.In the penultimate scene of 2012's Lincoln, the titular president is assassinated. After brief talk of his funeral, a spectral Lincoln emerges in a flickering candle, delivering his Gettysburg Address. In its reversed construction, this scene superbly summarizes the rote lesson we are taught about the Civil War: its one-half million deaths are a testament to the procurement of freedom. However, this moment is deceptive. It portends a simplistic, legalistic end to a brutal struggle. Moreover, this cinematic interpretation emphasizes the importance of Carole Emberton's new study of the post-Civil War South, Beyond Redemption: Race, Violence, and the American South after the Civil War.Beginning with the end of the Civil War, Emberton examines the language of "redemption," a term that was used both to atone for the sins of slavery as well as to resist the empowerment of ex-slaves. Emberton's look at this dichotomy sheds light on the true difficulty in freeing the slaves: it was much easier to declare the slaves freedmen that it was to recalibrate society to accept a federally imposed manumission. This acceptance was made doubly difficult by the media's "sensational reporting of crime and mayhem" (26) that "threatened a degree of discombobulation to rival the war itself" (27). Such apparent chaos was blamed on a number of causes: the recent end of the war, women's entry into the political realm, causing "them to neglect their duties to the family" (28), and most notably the introduction of freedmen into society. While images of antebellum slaves suffering gave rise to the cause of abolitionists, the freedman's unkempt appearance, scarred skins, and educational deficiencies conjured a scary, self-referential familiarity that disturbed the social order thrust into a legal equality. In turn, "white reformers embarked upon a civilizing mission that stressed the importance of discipline, and at times, even suffering as a necessary condition of freedom" (38). So it is within freedom that former slaves find another form of bondage and the "civilized" find another way to control.Amongst these conditions of freedom, Beyond Redemption also explores the presumed requisites for freedom: earning wages and owning land. The first is an obvious deviation from the servitude of slavery. The latter "represented a sense of place, of belonging, of home" (77). …
A novel technique for isolating functional mast cells from the heart

Objective and Design: The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of adapting peritoneal and pleural mast cell isolation techniques to recover cardiac mast cells that retain their functional response to the secretagogue, compound 48/80.
Models of ozone changes do not agree with real measurements

Ozone (O3), an important component of the Earth's atmosphere, is created by natural and anthropogenic processes. It is also a greenhouse gas, contributing to climate warming. Modeling the changes in concentrations of greenhouse gases, including O3, helps scientists project the effects of these gases in the future. However, some scientists have raised questions about the accuracy of long-term trends of ground-level O3 calculated by models, prompting Parrish et al. to take a closer look.
An improved spectrofluorometric assay for quantitating yeast phagocytosis in cultures of murine peritoneal macrophages

An accurate means by which to quantitate phagocytosis in murine resident peritoneal macrophages was developed by improving upon existing methods for measuring this important cellular function. Heat-killed Saccharomyces cerevisiae were conjugated to fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and added to macrophage cultures. Following removal of uningested yeast, the macrophages were lysed and the fluorescence associated with the lysates was quantitated. The SEM were rarely +/- 10%. The improved assay was utilized to demonstrate the suppression of yeast phagocytosis by dexamethasone as measured by our radiometric assay. The spectrofluorometric assay produced results similar to those observed when the radiometric assay was employed to determine steroid induced suppression of yeast phagocytosis. However, the improved spectrofluorometric assay is more accurate, reliable, easier to perform, cost and time efficient, and a much safer method for quantitating yeast phagocytosis.
Influence of an Environmental Studies Course on Attitudes of Undergraduates at an Engineering University

Studies suggest that at engineering universities, where the percentage of males and engineering majors is high, pro-environmental attitudes are likely to be weak and may not change. The 15-item New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) scale was used to measure differences in student attitudes before and after an environmental studies course. Results revealed students held more pro-environmental attitudes about the validity of the ecological crisis, the existence of resource constraints, and the delicacy of nature's balance after the course. Students did not shift their views regarding the domination of humans over the environment or their belief in human ingenuity to overcome resource limits. Engineering majors showed weaker endorsement of the NEP compared to non-engineering majors, but the increase in their endorsement after the course was statistically significant.