cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
[Comparative clinico-serologic studies of humoral antibodies against Candida using indirect immunofluorescence and microimmunodiffusion]

Zusammenfassung: Bei 723 Seren von 62 Gesunden und 514 Patienten eines dermatologischen Krankengutes wurde die Prasenz humoraler Candida-Antikorper mit der indirekten Candida-Immunfluoreszenz (C-IF) und der radialen Doppeldiffusionstechnik nach Ouchterlony in der Mikromodifikation auf Objekttragern (DD) untersucht. Unter Zugrundelegung eines Grenztiters der C-IF von 1: 256 korrelieren die Befunde beider Methoden in 84, 2%. Bei Seren, die mit der C-IF Titer von 1: 256, 1: 512 und 1: 1024 aufweisen, erfolgt der Ubergang von negativen zu positiven DD-Befunden. Demzufolge besteht in diesen drei Verdunnungsstufen die groste Diskrepanz zwischen den Ergebnissen beider Methoden. Negative Seren mit IF-Titern im Normalbereich von 1: 16 bis 1: 128 und positive Seren von 1: 2048 bis 1: 32768 korrelieren in 97,3% mit den Befunden der DD. Die DD beweist in unseren Untersuchungen eine hohe Spezifitat, jedoch ist diese mit einer geringeren Sensitivitat im unteren Grenzbereich pathologischer IF-Titer (1:512, 1:1024) gekoppelt, so das Candidamykosen mit schwacher Antikorper-Produktion in 7,9% bis 17,4% ausgewahlter Patientenkollektive nicht erfast wurden. Der Vorteil der C-IF liegt in der hoheren Empfindlichkeit und der Moglichkeit zur Kontrolle der Titerdynamik im Krankheitsverlauf. Beide Methoden erganzen sich sinnvoll und sollten zum Standardprogramm der serologischen Candida-Diagnostik gehoren. Summary: 723 sera from 62 healthy persons and from 514 dermatological patients were examined for the presence of humoral antibodies against Candida albicans using the indirect Candida immunofluorescence test (C-IF) and the radial double diffusion technique after Ouchterlony in its micromodification on slides (DD). On the basics of a C-IF titer of 1: 256 as upper limit of the normal, the findings of both the methods correlate in 84.2%. In sera with C-IF titres of 1:256, 1: 512, and 1: 1024, the transition from negative to positive DD-findings takes place. Consequently, the greatest discrepancies between results of the two methods are found in these three steps of dilution. Sera having IF-titres within the normal range of 1: 16 up to 1: 128 and positive sera of 1: 2048 up to 1: 32768 correlate in 97.3% with the findings of the DD. In our examinations the DD proved to be highly specific in combination with a reduced sensitivity in the lower ranges of pathological IF-titres, thus causing false negative results in candidoses with limited antibody production. This was shown in 7.9% up to 17.4% of selected collectives of patients. The advantage of the C-IF is given by its higher sensitivity and by its applicability in controling titre dynamics during the course of the disease. The two methods are complementary in their diagnostic use and, therefore, should both belong to the serological standard programme in the diagnosis of candidoses.
On filter banks with rational oversampling

Despite the great popularity of critically-decimated filter banks, oversampled filter banks are useful in applications where data expansion is not a problem. We studied oversampled filter banks and showed that for some popular classes of filter banks it is not possible to obtain perfect reconstruction with rational (non-integer) oversampling ratios. Nevertheless, it is always possible to oversample the analysis filter bank by an integer factor, ie, there will be a similar synthesis bank which would provide perfect reconstruction. The analysis is carried within a time-aliasing framework development to analyze non-critically decimated filter banks.
Differential Impact of Combat on Postdeployment Symptoms in Female and Male Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan

ABSTRACT Objectives: We aimed to describe differences in combat experience for male and female veterans and characterize differential effects on postdeployment physical and mental health symptoms, including aggression. Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional health screening data from 554 Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans who enrolled for Veterans Affairs health care in San Diego were examined including measures of combat experience, pain intensity, traumatic brain injury symptoms, military sexual trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, alcohol use, and aggression. Results: Although male veterans (n = 458) experienced significantly higher rates of combat than female veterans (n = 96), both experienced similar levels of postdeployment post-traumatic stress disorder and depression symptoms as well self-reported aggressive behavior compared to male veterans. Female veterans had higher rates of military sexual trauma and lower alcohol consumption than male veterans. Co...
Influence of trotting and supplemental weight on metacarpal bone development.

Summary The use of weight-training to alter bone strength has not been investigated in horses. Recognising that bone responds to loading, we studied the effect of carrying weight on bone development during training. Seventeen horses were divided into 3 groups: controls exercised counterclockwise in a free-flow exerciser; the weight group performed the same exercise carrying progressively increasing weight up to 45 kg and the weight supplement group also received a myo-anabolic supplement. Radiographic equivalence measure of bone mineral content of zones of the third metacarpi (MCIII) was determined on 4 occasions: baseline (Day 108), pre-conditioning following 108 days stall confinement (Day 0), mid-conditioning (Day 39) and end-conditioning (Day 78). Stall confinement resulted in loss of mineral in lateral and medial cortices of both MCIII. During conditioning, weight-carrying increased mineral deposition in lateral and medial cortices of MCIII of the left (inside) leg compared with controls. In the right leg, controls had lower mineral content of the lateral cortex at Day 39 than weight-carrying horses but no differences between treatments were recorded at Day 78. Markers of bone metabolism did not change from baseline to pre-conditioning, but increased from Day 0 to 39 and 78 for all groups. This study demonstrates the benefits to bone mineral deposition in the third metacarpi of carrying weight when trained at low speeds and re-emphasises the potential for bone loss when not given sufficient exercise.
Comparison of the Performance of Two Bottom‐Sampling Trawls

Abstract The performance of two bottom-sampling trawls was evaluated under various rigging configurations and operating conditions. The trawls examined were a semiballoon shrimp trawl usually towed from a single warp and a high-rise trawl towed from two warps. The geometric performance (i.e., configuration of the trawl while in operation) of the full-scale nets was measured hydroacoustically in the field, and scale models were tested in a tow tank. For the shrimp trawl, wingspread increased significantly with increased bridle length but was not significantly affected by increased speed or current direction. Headrope opening decreased with increased towing speed and bridle length. For the high-rise trawl net, wingspread and headrope opening both decreased with increased speed. In contrast to the clear differences in geometric performance related to net design, rig, and operation, the analyses of catch data from Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, were not definitive. The high-rise trawl captured significantly ...
Fibroblasts act as co-conspirators for chemotherapy resistance.

Commentary to:Differential impact of fibroblasts on the efficient cell death of lung cancer cells induced by paclitaxel and cisplatin Babett Bartling, Hans-Stefan Hofmann, Rolf-Edgar Silber, Andreas Simm
Preconditioning-induced cardioprotection and release of the second messenger inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate are both abolished by neomycin in rabbit heart.

The mechanisms responsible for infarct size reduction with preconditioning remain controversial. Our aim was to determine whether release of the second messenger inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P3) during the preconditioning stimulus may play a role. To test this concept, Langendorff-perfused rabbit hearts underwent sham perfusion, 5 min of coronary artery occlusion (CO), or 5 min of CO+infusion of neomycin, an agent which inhibits formation of Ins(1,4,5)P3. Direct quantitation (by competitive binding assay) revealed a 2-fold increase in Ins(1,4,5)P3 content with brief ischemia vs shams (0.69±0.14 vs 0.34±0.05 pmol/mg tissue; p<.05) that was blocked by neomycin (0.15±0.04 pmol/mg). Infarct size (by tetrazolium staining) was assessed in additional hearts that underwent 30 min of sustained CO and 2 h of reperfusion. As expected, two 5-min episodes of preconditioning ischemia reduced infarct size versus controls (30±6% versus 63±3% of the myocardium at risk; p<.01). In contrast, infarct size was comparable (54–56% of the risk region) in neomycin-treated control and preconditioned hearts. These results demonstrate that myocardial Ins(1,4,5)P3 content is increased in response to brief preconditioning ischemia and are consistent with the concept that Ins(1,4,5)P3 may be a potential mediator of infarct size reduction with preconditioning in isolated rabbit heart.
On the use of electron paramagnetic resonance in fracture mechanics

Electron spin resonance (ESR) provides a sensitive tool by which microscopic bond rupture can be monitored simultaneous with measurements of macroscopic deformation and failure. The use of this tool to study fracture of semicrystalline polymers, rubber at very low temperatures, and rubber in the presence of ozone is discussed. In these cases, a large number of ruptured bonds precedes macroscopic failure. The micromacro behavior of these materials will be discussed in terms of some various stages of fracture and some recently proposed models of polymers. To reliably predict the strength of a polymer from the strength of the molecular chains, it is important to understand the distribution in effective length of these load-carrying chains. ESR provides a means of obtaining insight into such information. Straining rubber before lowering its temperature to −100°C results in crystallization and subsequent fracture behavior very similar to that of polycrystalline polymers. Rate of molecular bond scission is successfully correlated by a Griffithtype energy balance to the strain energy release rate during ozone cracking of rubber.
Smoothing of diamond-turned substrates for extreme-ultraviolet lithography illuminators

Condenser optics in extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL) systems are subjected to frequent replacement as they are positioned close to the illumination source, where increased heating and contamination occur. In the case of aspherical condenser elements made by optical figuring/finishing, their replacement can be very expensive (several hundred thousand dollars). One approach to this problem would be to manufacture inexpensive illuminator optics that meet all required specifications and could be replaced at no substantial cost. Diamond-turned metal substrates are a factor of 100 less expensive than conventional aspherical substrates but have insufficient finish, leading to unacceptably low EUV reflectance after multilayer coating. In this work it is shown that, by applying a smoothing film prior to multilayer coating, the high spatial frequency roughness of a diamond-turned metal substrate is reduced from 1.76 to 0.27 nm rms while the figure slope error is maintained at acceptable levels. Metrology tests performed at various stages of the fabrication of the element demonstrated that it satisfied all critical figure and finish specifications as illuminator. Initial experimental results on the stability and performance of the optic under a real EUVL plasma source environment show no accelerated degradation when compared to conventional substrates.
Noradrenergic and Serotonergic Mechanisms in the Neurobiology of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Resilience

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized mainly by symptoms of re-experiencing, avoidance and hyperarousal as a consequence of catastrophic and traumatic events that are distinguished from ordinary stressful life events. Although extensive research has already been done, the etiology of PTSD remains unclear. Research on the impact of trauma on neurobiological systems can be expected to inform the development of treatments that are directed specifically to symptoms of PTSD. During the past 25 years there has been a dramatic increase in the knowledge about noradrenergic and serotonergic mechanisms in stress response, PTSD and more recently in resilience and this knowledge has justified the use of antidepressants with monoaminergic mechanisms of action for patients with PTSD. Nevertheless, available treatments of PTSD are only to some extent effective and enhanced understanding of the neurobiology of PTSD may lead to the development of improved treatments for these patients. In the present review, we aim to close existing gaps between basic research in psychopathology, neurobiology and treatment development with the ultimate goal to translate basic research into clinically relevant findings which may directly benefit patients with PTSD.
Low-frequency signal changes reflect differences in functional connectivity between good readers and dyslexics during continuous phoneme mapping.

Abstract The current fMRI study investigated correlations of low-frequency signal changes in the left inferior frontal gyrus, right inferior frontal gyrus and cerebellum in 13 adult dyslexic and 10 normal readers to examine functional networks associated with these regions. The extent of these networks to regions associated with phonological processing (frontal gyrus, occipital gyrus, angular gyrus, inferior temporal gyrus, fusiform gyrus, supramarginal gyrus and cerebellum) was compared between good and dyslexic readers. Analysis of correlations in low-frequency range showed that regions known to activate during an “on–off” phoneme-mapping task exhibit synchronous signal changes when the task is administered continuously (without any “off” periods). Results showed that three functional networks, which were defined on the basis of documented structural deficits in dyslexics and included regions associated with phonological processing, differed significantly in spatial extent between good readers and dyslexics. The methodological, theoretical and clinical significance of the findings for advancing fMRI research and knowledge of dyslexia are discussed.
Legendre's Theorem and Quadratic Reciprocity☆

Abstract As Gauss noted already, his Quadratic Reciprocity Law cannot be deduced from Legendre's Theorem without the existence of primes in arithmetic progressions. Here the deduction is made, with Dirichlet's Theorem replaced by the more elementary result of Selberg, which states that every non-square is a quadratic residue to half the primes.
Visual and Both Non-visual Arrestins in Their “Inactive” Conformation Bind JNK3 and Mdm2 and Relocalize Them from the Nucleus to the Cytoplasm

Arrestins bind active phosphorylated G protein-coupled receptors, terminating G protein activation. Receptor-bound non-visual arrestins interact with numerous partners, redirecting signaling to alternative pathways. Arrestins also have nuclear localization and nuclear exclusion signals and shuttle between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. Constitutively shuttling proteins often redistribute their interaction partners between the two compartments. Here we took advantage of the nucleoplasmic shuttling of free arrestins and used a "nuclear exclusion assay" to study their interactions with two proteins involved in "life-and-death" decisions in the cell, the kinase JNK3 and the ubiquitin ligase Mdm2. In human embryonic kidney 293 cells green fluorescent protein (GFP)-JNK3 and GFP-Mdm2 predominantly localize in the nucleus, whereas visual arrestin, arrestin2(Q394L) mutant equipped with the nuclear exclusion signal, and arrestin3 localize exclusively to the cytoplasm. Coexpression of arrestins moves both GFP-JNK3 and GFP-Mdm2 to the cytoplasm. Arrestin mutants "frozen" in the basal conformation are the most efficacious. Thus, arrestins in their basal state interact with JNK3 and Mdm2, suggesting that arrestins are likely "preloaded" with their interaction partners when they bind the receptor. Robust interaction of free arrestins with JNK3 and Mdm2 and their ability to regulate subcellular localization of these proteins may play an important role in the survival of photoreceptors and other neurons, as well as in retinal and neuronal degeneration.
Attrition in STEM Fields at a Liberal Arts College: The Importance of Grades and Pre-Collegiate Preferences

Abstract There is widespread concern, both in the private and public sectors, about perceived declines in U.S. college graduates in STEM fields. In our sample, the proportion of science majors has remained steady over the sample period; however, the number entering our college intending to major in STEM fields has fallen. In this paper we use administrative data from the graduating classes of 2001–2009, roughly 5000 graduates, from a northeastern liberal arts college to model the progression of students through STEM majors. The results suggest that absolute and sometimes relative grades are important, as is the intended major (as reported on the admissions application). AP credits are also strongly correlated to taking a first course, but diminish in the more selected samples. Simulations suggest that if science grade distributions were more like the college average, there would be roughly 2–4% more students progressing in STEM departments.
Influence of bracket design on microbial and periodontal parameters in vivo.

Aim: To compare undisturbed plaque formation on teeth bonded with different types of orthodontic brackets with non-bonded control teeth, via a de novo plaque growth experiment over a 7-day period. Material and methods: A randomized controlled trial with split-mouth design was set up enroling 16 dental students. Within each subject sites with Speed®(S) and GAC®(G), brackets and control sites were followed. Clinical periodontal parameters were recorded at baseline, on days 3 and 7. Microbiological samples were taken from the brackets and the teeth on days 3 and 7. Results: Both anaerobe and aerobe colony-forming units (CFU) were significantly higher in S-sites than in G-sites (p = 0.0002, p = 0.02). The shift from aerobic to anaerobic species was observed earlier in S-sites than in G-sites. The aerobe/anaerobe CFU ratio was significantly lower in S-sites than in G-sites (p = 0.01). On day 3, the crevicular fluid flow was significantly higher in S-sites than in control sites (p = 0.01). On day 7, S-sites and G-sites showed a significantly higher crevicular flow than control sites (both p<0.0001). More hypertrophy was seen in S- than in G- and control sites (p = 0.05). No significant differences for bleeding on probing were observed. Conclusion: Bracket design can have a significant impact on bacterial load and on periodontal parameters.
The XML hydrographic metadata system and the hydrographic survey metadata data base (HSMDB)

Metadata is crucial for the efficient archiving and retrieval of hydrographic survey data. Currently, hydrographic metadata is created in multiple formats and housed in manually populated databases. NOAA's Office of Cost Survey (OCS) is developing tools, using eXtensible Markup Language (XML), to enable NOAA to provide structured XML packaging of information that will allow metadata to be constrained and parsed more efficiently for multiple outputs. When completed, this will support a more efficient, semi-automated workflow for capturing metadata throughout the hydrographic survey lifecycle. This lifecycle is from initial project instructions to final descriptive reports and other supporting documents. Part of the improved workflow is eliminating the manual input of metadata to the authoritative HSMDB at the National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC). Timely automated update will free Hydrographic survey Division (HSD) data control resources to focus on HSMDB population of archived hydrographic surveys. This will in turn enable different user communities to easily query and harvest more historic hydrographic survey information. This paper will first offer an overview of the current status and proposed end product of the XML system. Secondly, the interaction of this XML as an extract and insert tool for the HSMDB will be explored stressing the notion that “enter once, use multiple times” approach greatly reduces errors, while also increasing efficiency and usability.
On off-topic access detection in information systems

We focus on detecting insider access violations to off-topic documents. Previously, we utilized information retrieval techniques, e.g., clustering and relevance feedback, to warn of potential misuse. For the relevance feedback approach, we minimize the indicative features needed for detection using data mining techniques. We show that the derived reduced feature subset achieves equivalent performance to that of the previously derived full set of features.
Intra- and inter-rater reliability of the detection of tears of the supraspinatus central tendon on MRI by shoulder surgeons.

Background The purpose of this study was to determine the intra- and inter-rater reliability of detecting full- and partial-thickness tears of the supraspinatus intramuscular central tendon on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by orthopaedic shoulder surgeons. Full-thickness tears of this tendon have previously been associated with the failure of nonsurgical management of rotator cuff tears. Methods Shoulder MRIs from 40 patients entered into a prospective rotator cuff disease database were independently reviewed by two musculoskeletal (MSK) radiologists in order to determine if there was a partial- or full-thickness tear of the supraspinatus central tendon. The MRIs were randomly sorted and distributed to 16 fellowship-trained shoulder surgeons. The surgeons then similarly diagnosed each patient. After a 1-month interval, surgeons repeated the evaluation with the same set of randomly reordered MRIs. Surgeon intra- and inter-rater reliability was determined with the kappa statistic. Agreement and inter-rater reliability were also determined between the shoulder surgeons and MSK radiologists. Results For full-thickness tears, the intra-rater reliability was excellent (0.86 ± 0.1, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.81, 0.91) and the agreement was 93.4% ± 4.6, 95% CI: 91.1, 95.8. Inter-rater reliability for both rounds was also excellent (0.77 and 0.74). The agreement between the shoulder surgeons and MSK radiologists was 92.9% ± 3.9, 95% CI: 90.9, 94.9, and the kappa was 0.85 ± 0.08, 95% CI: 0.81, 0.89. Including partial-thickness tears resulted in agreement of 65-92% and kappa values of 0.59-0.72. Conclusion The reliability for the MRI detection of full thickness tears of the supraspinatus central tendon among shoulder surgeons and between shoulder surgeons and MSK radiologists was excellent.
Effect of anesthetics on the organic acid transport system of renal tubules.

Die Fahigkeit zur Anreicherung von rotem Chlorphenol wird durch Stickoxydul, Methoxyfluran und Thiopental bei isolierten Fischharnkanalchen herabgesctzt, wahrend Halothan ohne Wirkung blieb. Es wird gefolgert, dass allgemeine Betaubungsmittel den Transport organischer Sauren in benachbarten Nierenkanalchen beeinflussen.
Preliminary cost-effectiveness analysis of an AIDS vaccine in Abidjan, Ivory Coast

Abstract A preliminary assessment was made of the cost-effectiveness of a hypothetical AIDS vaccine in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. A total cost of $20 079 per HIV positive case in the Ivory Coast was projected by estimating the indirect and direct costs of infection. The HIV vaccine was then estimated to increase by $5.28; the costs of a fully immunized child (plus costs of the vaccine). After using this data and taking into account that at least 5% of a cohort of vaccine-eligible infants would become HIV positive at approximately age 26, a cost-benefit analysis was undertaken varying cost, efficacy rates for the hypothetical vaccine and HIV seroprevalence rates in order to indicate at what price per individual dose of vaccine would it stop being cost-beneficial. Furthermore, the basic model was expanded to include vaccinating young adults and the added benefits associated with decreased HIV transmission especially in individuals with high risk behavior. The model was expanded to examine the effects of a changing discount rate. Because of the tremendous economic burden due to AIDS, the prospective vaccine costs at which there is no economic benefit were higher than expected.
Osmotic activation of the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system reversibly downregulates the NMDA receptor subunit, NR2B, in the supraoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus.

Abstract NMDA receptor activation produces a characteristic pattern of neuronal firing in magnocellular neuroendocrine cells (MNCs) of the supraoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus (SON) which has been associated with greater hormone release in vivo and in vitro. In addition, i.c.v. administered NMDA receptor blockers suppress the dehydration-induced rise in plasma vasopressin and drinking. To investigate the role of NMDA receptor subunits in the neuroendocrine functions of the magnocellular neuroendocrine cells of the hypothalamus, we examined the effects of osmotic stimulation on the protein expression of the NMDA receptor subunits, NR1 and NR2B, important in binding glycine and glutamate, respectively. Homogenates of SON, paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN), cortex and lateral hypothalamus from control rats and rats given 2% saline water to drink for 4–10 days were subjected to SDS–PAGE and Western blot analysis. This saline water drinking regimen produced a significant rise in plasma osmolality levels. NR1 and NR2B immunoreactivity was detected in SON, PVN, lateral hypothalamus and cortex but not in liver homogenates using subunit-specific polyclonal antibodies and quantified using computer-assisted densitometry. Mean NR2B immunoreactivity was significantly lower in SON (29%) and PVN homogenates (23%) from saline-treated rats than in those from control rats. In addition, the effect of dehydration on NR2B was regionally specific since no significant changes in NR2B expression were observed in homogenates of cortex and lateral hypothalamus. Rehydration allowed recovery of plasma osmolality as well as NR2B protein levels in the SON. These results suggest that changes in NMDA receptor subunit expression contribute to the plasticity manifested by in magnocellular neuroendocrine cells in response to osmotic activation of the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system. In addition, our results indicate that NMDA receptors on SON and PVN MNCs may contribute to neuroendocrinological functions associated with body fluid homeostasis.
Metal and Metalloid Contaminants in Atmospheric Aerosols from Mining Operations

Mining operations are potential sources of airborne metal and metalloid contaminants through both direct smelter emissions and wind erosion of mine tailings. The warmer, drier conditions predicted for the Southwestern US by climate models may make contaminated atmospheric dust and aerosols increasingly important, with potential deleterious effects on human health and ecology. Fine particulates such as those resulting from smelting operations may disperse more readily into the environment than coarser tailings dust. Fine particles also penetrate more deeply into the human respiratory system, and may become more bioavailable due to their high specific surface area. In this work, we report the size-fractionated chemical characterization of atmospheric aerosols sampled over a period of a year near an active mining and smelting site in Arizona. Aerosols were characterized with a 10-stage (0.054 to 18 μm aerodynamic diameter) multiple orifice uniform deposit impactor (MOUDI), a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS), and a total suspended particulate (TSP) collector. The MOUDI results show that arsenic and lead concentrations follow a bimodal distribution, with maxima centered at approximately 0.3 and 7.0 μm diameter. We hypothesize that the sub-micron arsenic and lead are the product of condensation and coagulation of smelting vapors. In the coarse size, contaminants are thought to originate as aeolian dust from mine tailings and other sources. Observation of ultrafine particle number concentration (SMPS) show the highest readings when the wind comes from the general direction of the smelting operations site.
Accuracy of Sample Moments Calculations among Widely Used Statistical Programs

Abstract Four widely used statistical program packages—BMDP, SPSS, DATATEXT, and OSIRIS—were compared for computational accuracy on sample means, standard deviations, and correlations. Only one, BMDP, was not seriously inaccurate in calculations on a data set of three observations. Further, SPSS computed inaccurate statistics in a discriminant analysis on a real data set of 848 observations. It is recommended that the desk calculator algorithm, found in most of these programs, not be used in packages which may run on short word length machines.
Effect of Testing Environments on Friction and Bidirectional Material Transfer During Dry Sliding of 3004 Aluminum Against H13 Steel

Dry sliding experiments of 3004 aluminum pins against H13 steel disks were performed at a load of 98 mN, sliding speed of 1 m/s and fixed sliding distance of 600 meters under vacuum and air with different relative humidities. Friction, microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray studies showed that friction and wear increase with relative humidity and that material transfer occurs from the pin to the disk and vice-versa. The increase of friction and wear with relative humidity is believed to be due to the formation of oxide particles acting as hard third bodies ploughing into both contacting surfaces. Since oxidation is suppressed in vacuum, the relatively low wear in vacuum (compared with regular air ambients) is explained by the absence of such hard oxide particles. Presented as a Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers paper at the STLE/ASME Tribology Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, October 24–27, 1993
The photoaffinity ligand [3,5-3H] 4-azidoclonidine: Synthesis and characterization details

[3,5-3H] 4-Azidoclonidine 6 was prepared from [3,5-3H] 4-aminoclonidine 4 and has emerged as a valuable tool to study the alpha-2-adrenergic receptor.
Preparation and dissolution characteristics of indomethacin sustained release beads

AbstractIndomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent and has a short half life, and causes gastric irritation. Sustained release beads of indomethacin were prepared and dissolution profiles were investigated. Beads were prepared by allowing drops of a suspension of the drug and excipients in a solution of cellulose acetate phthalate to drop into an acetic acid solution by means of a peristaltic pump. In a previous study1, sulfadiazine was used as a model drug to prepare beads by a similar method and the effects of various viscosity agents on the properties of these beads were assessed. Glycerin, polymers (Methocel and Avicel), and surfactants (Tween 80 and Span 80) were used as excipients. The incorporation of various viscosity agents and polymers into the suspension yielded beads with different disintegration and dissolution values. A high performance liquid chromatography method showed no indication of drug degradation during the preparation. The dissolution studies of the indomethacin prepara...
Atropisomerism in monopyrroles

Abstract As observed by NMR, iodopyrroles 1a and 1b (ethyl and methyl 3,5-dimethyl-4-[(1′-iodo-2′,2′-dimethyl)propyl]pyrrole-2-carboxylate) and a variety of related derivatives with iodine replaced by methoxy 2 , thiomethyl 3 , acetic acid esters 4 , propionic acid ester 5 or malonic esters 6 exhibit restricted rotation about the C(4)C(1′) bond due to the bulky tert -butyl group and an ortho effect from the sterically crowded 3,5-dimethylpyrrole. Most of the compounds, which are members of the rare class of atropisomers due to restricted rotation about an sp 3 – sp 2 CC bond, undergo diastereomeric enrichment by preparative TLC and crystallization. From dynamic NMR studies of the enriched diastereomers one can determine kinetic and thermodynamic parameters associated with the atropisomerism, e.g., Δ G ‡ ∼24 kcal/mol for 1 and 5 (313 K), ∼22 kcal/mol for 3 (273 K), and ∼25 kcal/mol for 6 (313 K) in C 2 D 2 Cl 4 solvent.
Topical antibiotic trends from 1993 to 2007: use of topical antibiotics for non-evidence-based indications.

BACKGROUNDSystemic antibiotic use has become more conservative with the emergence of drug resistance. Topical antibiotics are employed for a variety of indications, although there are only a few evidence-based indications.OBJECTIVETo examine topical antibiotics use in the outpatient setting.METHODST
RESPONSES OF NEOSEIULUS FALIACIS (ACARINA: PHYTOSEIIDAE) TO DIFFERENT PREY DENSITIES OF OLIGONYCHUS UNUNGUIS (ACARINA: TETRANYCHIDAE) AND TO DIFFERENT RELATIVE HUMIDITY REGIMES

The effectiveness of the phytoseiid predator Neoseiulus fallacis in controlling population growth of the spruce spider mite, Oligonychus ununguis was examined in the laboratory. Development and fecundity of N. fallacis under various relative humidity levels were also studied. Under controlled conditions, N. fallacis significantly limited population growth of O. ununguis on Fraser fir seedlings. Survival, development, and fecundity of N. fallacis were similar for all relative humidity ranges tested, except at the lowest range (60–65%), in which none of the individuals survived to maturity.
Linear Stochastic Parabolic Equations, Degenerating on the Boundary of a Domain

A class of linear degenerate second-order parabolic equations is considered in arbitrary domains. It is shown that these equations are solvable using special weighted Sobolev spaces in essentially the same way as the non-degenerate equations in $R^d$ are solved using the usual Sobolev spaces. The main advantages of this Sobolev-space approach are less restrictive conditions on the coefficients of the equation and near-optimal space-time regularity of the solution. Unlike previous works on degenerate equations, the results cover both classical and distribution solutions and allow the domain to be bounded or unbounded without any smoothness assumptions about the boundary. An application to nonlinear filtering of diffusion processes is discussed.
IRON BINDING BY WHEAT GLUTEN, SOY ISOLATE, ZEIN, ALBUMEN AND CASEIN

The binding of iron from ferrous sulfate and ferric pyrophosphate by wheat gluten, soy isolate, zein, albumen and casein was determined in aqueous dispersions over the pH range 4–10 and at temperatures and times up to 87° C and 180 min. Under many of the experimental conditions more than 50% of the 20 mg Fe added per gram of protein became bound to the insoluble fraction of the various proteins. Lesser amounts were bound by the soluble fraction. Iron distributions between precipitated protein, soluble protein and ultrafiltrates of soluble protein were influenced by iron source, protein source, pH, temperature and time.
Optimization of multioutput linear time-varying systems subject to multiple or redundant nonstationary inputs

THE OPTIMIZATION of linear systems with single input and output terminals has already been treated in considerable detail. Booton demonstrated that the impulse response of such systems satisfies a modified Wiener-Hopf linear-integral equation.1 The practical solution of such equations was materially enhanced by Shinbrot, who demonstrated that relatively simple closed-form solutions could be obtained for suitable approximations to the associated correlation functions.2,3
Bio-inspired intelligent sensing materials for fly-by-feel autonomous vehicles

Structural health monitoring (SHM) is a technology that provides automated inspection for assessing and evaluating the health condition of structures. Recently SHM has attracted significant attention in the aerospace and civil infrastructure industries because of its potential to improve operational efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance the structural reliability in a real-time operation basis. SHM is developing to include multiple types of sensors and even onboard processing for diagnostic and decision making. Advanced manufacturing technologies are utilized enabling integration of sensors, network hardware, and processors into structures with minimal parasitic effects. This is precisely the foundation for developing ‘intelligent structures’. This presentation will highlight recent progress of SHM technologies toward creating intelligent structures at Stanford University and also focus on technical challenges in three areas: quantification, validation, and implementation. SHM is involved with not only multidisciplinary engineering fields, but also a paradigm change in design, manufacturing, and maintenance of structures. Successful implementation of SHM will require a close collaborative effort among academia, government and industry.
The Impact of Friction Factor on the Pressure Loss Prediction in Gas Pipelines

Gas pipeline design is greatly affected by the amount of a pressure drop anticipated during different phases of natural gas transportation. The outlet pressure can be computed by a common gas pipeline equation such as Weymouth or Panhandle formulas at the desired flow rate and pipe size. In addition to selecting the proper size of a pipeline, the compressor capacity and the related cost are determined based on the discharge pressure. The flow rate, in these equations, is defined in terms of a turbulent friction factor. The friction factor relationship approximates the turbulent behavior as a function of surface roughness in the pipe. An efficiency factor is employed in the equations for adjusting deviations in the pressure drop calculations. Existence of a sublayer, due to the pipe surface condition and accumulations of condensate, can generate cases that cannot be defined properly by the use a single friction factor. The proper sizing of a pipeline can be improved by defining the ranges of errors introduced with the use of different friction factors. Different correlations exist for the calculation of the fiction factor, f, as a function of Reynold`s number and the relative roughness of the pipe. The formulas for f eithermore » require an iterative procedure or may be solved explicitly. Also, each friction factor correlation exists with its own valid limits regarding Reynold`s number and relative roughness. Thus, some equations are simple to use but not accurate and some are accurate but not easy to incorporate into the final equation. In this study, the effect of the friction factor on the pressure drop calculations for gas flow is presented. Various correlations for friction factors are utilized to demonstrate their impact on the design of natural gas pipelines. Also, a summary and a comparison of results are presented for different flow rates, pipe sizes, and for field data.« less
A decision support system for lower back pain diagnosis: uncertainty management and clinical evaluations

Lower back pain (LBP) is a common medical problem that deprives many individuals of their normal lifestyles and keeps them from routine activities. Diagnosing LBP is challenging because it requires highly specialized knowledge involving a complex anatomical and physiological structure as well as diverse clinical considerations. Although a handful of studies have proposed or developed systems to support LBP diagnosis and improve knowledge sharing, these systems have limited scope, lack systematic evaluations, and/or ignore diagnoses that consist of multiple parts (i.e., decision outcomes), each of which corresponds to a particular medical condition, disease, or abnormality. In this study, we design, implement, and evaluate a Web-based decision support system that employs an intuitive and easy-to-use framework to assess the patient's information and recommend a diagnosis consisting of one or multiple parts. Our system design addresses the challenging characteristics of a LBP diagnosis and uses verbal probability estimation to represent and reason about the associated uncertainty. Our evaluations are systematic, including knowledge base verification, system validation using a modified Turing test, and clinical efficacy assessment involving 5 clinicians and 180 real-world cases collected from geographically dispersed clinics. Our evaluation design is more thorough than those used by most previous studies, and the proposed system is relatively ready for clinical deployment. Therefore, this study both contributes to decision support systems research and has advanced clinical support for LBP diagnosis. In light of some of the limitations of this study, we also identify and discuss several areas that need continued investigation.
Determinants of behavioral thermoregulation against heat: thermal intensity and skin temperature levels.

Abstract To further elucidate the factors controlling thermoregulatory behavior two experiments were conducted using rats trained to escape heat by holding down a lever. In both experiments the time spent responding was found to increase in a monotonic fashion as thermal intensity was increased. Determination of the behavioral response was explored in more detail by recording dorsal skin temperature at the moment when a response was begun and when it was terminated. In a neutral environment (23°C) a relatively stable level of skin temperature was maintained in the face of intensity alterations as a result of the changes in behavior. A qualitatively similar result was also seen when the animals were tested in a hot environment (32°C). These findings are consistent with the results of previous heat reinforcement experiments which have indicated a peripheral basis for the control of thermoregulatory behavior. In the cold (5°C), however, raising intensity brought about a linear increase in responding and in the skin temperature levels maintained, which suggests that the determination of behavior in this experiment may be more complex.
Coulomb Gap in the Tunneling Density of States of Two-Dimensional Electron Liquid in a Strong Magnetic Field

A model of a classical electron liquid without external disorder is applied to two-dimensional electrons in a strong magnetic field. Computer modeling gives a quantitative explanation for the recently observed gap in the tunneling current of a double quantum well structure. We find that both the Coulomb gap in the single-well density of states and the correlation of electron motion in the two wells are responsible for the tunneling gap. We show that the classical liquid model provides an accurate description of the low temperature compressibility obtained from magnetocapacitance experiment.
Human chorionic gonadotropin subunit measurement in primary hyperparathyroidism.

The concentration of subunits of hCG (hCGa and hCGα) was determined in plasma or serum from 70 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (1°HPT). Two of threepatients with parathyroid carcinoma showed elevation in plasma concentrations of both subunits, which fell after surgical removal of the tumor. An extract prepared from the tumor of 1 of these patients contained the subunits in high concentrations, whereas in extracts similarly prepared from tissues removed from 7 patients with benign 1°HPT, the subunits were not detectable or were present in much lower concentrations. In 42 cases of benign 1°HPT, samples from veins containing a 10-fold gradient of parathyroid hormone obtained during selective venous catheterization and peripheral samples from the same patients were analyzed for hCG subunits. Only 1 patient demonstrated a mild elevation of hCGα in parathyroid venous effluent alone that may have represented subunit release by apparently benign parathyroid tissue. Thirty patients with multiple endocrin...
Developments in Optimal Power Flow

This paper presents an advanced power flow methodology for optimally dispatching all active and reactive power in a power system. Two major obstacles impede the success of most optimization algorithms: (1) computational inefficiences associated with large system and (2) the problems associated with handling functional inequality, constraints. In view of these basic problems, techniques are presented to improve the solution algorithm, the handling of penalty functions, and the power solution optimization methodologies. Additionally, new algorithms are provided for the determination of an optimal step length and for scaling of control variable gradients. These improvements and innovations computing techniques have been incorporated into a computer program and demonstrated on practical size power systems.
Selective and Invariant Neural Responses to Spoken and Written Narratives

Linguistic content can be conveyed both in speech and in writing. But how similar is the neural processing when the same real-life information is presented in spoken and written form? Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we recorded neural responses from human subjects who either listened to a 7 min spoken narrative or read a time-locked presentation of its transcript. Next, within each brain area, we directly compared the response time courses elicited by the written and spoken narrative. Early visual areas responded selectively to the written version, and early auditory areas to the spoken version of the narrative. In addition, many higher-order parietal and frontal areas demonstrated strong selectivity, responding far more reliably to either the spoken or written form of the narrative. By contrast, the response time courses along the superior temporal gyrus and inferior frontal gyrus were remarkably similar for spoken and written narratives, indicating strong modality-invariance of linguistic processing in these circuits. These results suggest that our ability to extract the same information from spoken and written forms arises from a mixture of selective neural processes in early (perceptual) and high-order (control) areas, and modality-invariant responses in linguistic and extra-linguistic areas.
Complexes of zinc(I), cadmium(I), and mercury(I) with 1, 4, 8, 11-tetraazacyclotetradecane in aqueous solutions A pulse radiolytic study

Abstract The absorption spectra of 1,4,8, 11-tetraazacyclotetradecane (L or cyclam) complexes of Zn(I), Cd(I), and Hg(I) and of the products resulting from the OH reaction with the M(II)L complexes in water were observed. The values of λmax were 330±10 nm for Zn(I)L and 340±10 Nm for Cd(I)L. Second-order rate constants (M−1s−1) were measured for the following reactions: Zn(II)L + eaq−, (7.2 ± 0.7) × 108; Cd(II)L + eaq−, (2.8 ± 0.3) × 1010; Hg(II) + eaq−, (4.2 ± 0.4) × 1010; M(II)L + OH, (7 ± 2) × 109; Zn(I)L + N2O, (6.4 ± 1.3) × 107; Cd(I)L + N2O, (4.5 ± 0.9) × 107. Zn(I)L and Cd(I)L react more rapidly with N2O than do the corresponding aquo species. A relatively long-lived ( t 1 2 ≅ 0.04 sec ) mercury(I) complex (λmax = 328 ± 2 nm) was formed following reactions of Hg(II)L with eaq− or with OH.