cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Facile fabrication of DNA biosensors based on oxidized carbon black and graphite oxide

We investigated electrochemical sensors based on graphite oxide (GrO) and oxidized carbon black (CbO). GrO and CbO were synthesized by the modified Hummers method. We determined the degree of functionalization using Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR). Single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) probes were synthesized with a 5’ primary amine for attachment. These ssDNA oligonucleotides were immobilized on GrO and CbO using standard 1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethyl aminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) coupling. This formed an amide bond between DNA-amine and carboxyl groups on GrO and CbO. GrO and CbO were used instead of graphite in a carbon paste material. This significantly enhanced the sensitivity of the biosensor for the reverse-complementary DNA. We detected reverse-complimentary DNA using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) in a ferricyanide solution. The solution was spiked with the ssDNA oligonucleotide with the reverse-complementary sequence of the immobilized probe. The change in current or impedance was measured. We present early work on optimizing the fabrication method for DNA-functionalized carbon electrodes. Working electrodes were fabricated by drop-casting the active material onto a glassy carbon electrode surface.
Abstract TP174: Identifying Predictors for Final Diagnosis of Ischemic Events in an Emergency Department Observation Unit

Introduction: Transient neurologic events have high rates of diagnostic uncertainty. Emergency department observation units (ED-OU) allow an accelerated diagnostic work up for suspected transient i...
Quantum Yield for the Aqueous Photochemical Degradation of Chlorantraniliprole and Simulation of Its Environmental Fate in a Model California Rice Field.

The photochemical degradation of chlorantraniliprole (3-Bromo-N-[4-chloro-2-methyl-6-(methylcarbamoyl)phenyl]-1-(3-chloro-2-pyridine-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxamide; CAP) was characterized under simulated solar light with 2-nitrobenzaldehyde (2NB) actinometry. Overall, aqueous CAP degraded quickly via direct photodegradation with no significant difference observed between high purity water and filtered rice field water. The 24-h average half-life normalized to summer sunlight using 2NB was 34.5 ± 4.0 h (j CAP,env = 0.020 ± 0.0023 h-1 , n = 3) and the calculated apparent quantum yield in simulated sunlight was 0.0099 ± 0.00060. These new values were used - alongside previously characterized data for air- and soil-water partitioning, degradation in soil, and hydrolysis - in the Pesticides in Flooded Applications Model (PFAM) to simulate CAP dissipation in a model California rice field. The model estimates an environmental half-life of 26 days in the aqueous phase, but the bulk of applied CAP remains in the benthic zone and degrades with estimated half-lives of 29 and 92 days in flooded and drained fields, respectively. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Exploration of the body–garment relationship theory through the analysis of a sheath dress

The apparel industry is replete with assumptions regarding the body-garment relationship. Traditional anthropometry focuses on linear body measurements, which are inadequate to describe and classify the human body-form for apparel pattern development. To enable the development of a body-form based block system, this case study explored the body-garment relationship for a sheath dress to determine if apparel block shapes could be categorized based on distinct body-form variations. A modified version of Gazzuolo’s (1985) body-garment relationship theory guided the development and analysis of the study. Pattern blocks were fit to 39 female subjects, with 16 dimensions extracted from specific pattern components and graphed to reveal between one and five groups per dimension. Visual analysis of the sample’s body scans revealed 27 body-form variations with 99 categorical descriptions. Categorical descriptions were compared to the dimensional values resulting in ten suggestions for a body-form based block system, and seventeen assumptions that require further analysis. In conclusion, this case study discovered multiple body-form variations across a single size, but block shapes could not be identified due to the wide variation in the sample. Future studies should assess a statistically significant sample of individuals with in-depth analysis of a single body region to determine if there are generalizable body-form variations across the population.
Liability Exposure Trends in Recruitment: An Assessment and Analysis of Retail Employment Applications

For many years interviews and written applications required the job applicant to provide answers to a wide range of questions. Initially the employer could and did ask questions on any subject in which he/she had an interest, including those of a personal nature. If the prospective employee refused to provide the information, the application was simply discarded without regard for any issues arising, involving discriminatory/disparate treatment or disparate impact on the job applicant. This article examines national and regional retail outlet employment applications. Our examination of these employment applications considers the information each application solicits, whether those questions seek information that would likely reveal an applicant's membership in a protected class, and thus to what degree retail employment applications create a discriminatory legal liability for the employer.
Anesthetic effects of AQUI-S 20E® (eugenol) on the afferent neural activity of the oyster toadfish (Opsanus tau).

Anesthesia is used to sedate aquatic animals during transportation or to immobilize them for surgery. However, most studies have focused on the behavioral effects of induction and recovery, without addressing the effect of anesthetic on neural activity. This study investigated the neural response of anterior lateral line afferent fibers in the oyster toadfish, Opsanus tau, during exposure to incremental increases of AQUI-S 20E (0.001–0.006%), to determine if eugenol (the active ingredient of AQUI-S 20E) influences neural activity of the fish lateral line system. Ventilation rate significantly decreased following AQUI-S 20E exposure with the surgical plane of anesthesia reached at 0.003%, characterized by shallow ventilation, equilibrium loss, and no response to tactile stimuli. Spontaneous and evoked firing rates of anterior lateral line fibers also significantly decreased following exposure, although the effect was transitory as neural activity recovered in the majority of fibers (70%) within 30 min of anesthetic withdrawal. While AQUI-S 20E proved effective in inducing the surgical plane of anesthesia without compromising survival, it is not recommended for acute neural preparations due to its depression of neural activity. However, the depression of lateral line sensitivity at low concentrations could play a role in reducing the stress response during fish transport.
Child Labour and the Idolatry of Nature in “The Cry of the Children” and A Drama of Exile

The theology of creation underpinning Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s (EBB) protest against child labour in “The Cry of the Children” (1843) has gone largely unnoticed by scholars. The poem portrays c...
An adapted two-step floating catchment area method accounting for urban-rural differences in spatial access to pharmacies

Objective To adapt the two-step floating catchment area approach to account for urban-rural differences in pharmacy access in the United States. Methods The urban-rural two-step floating catchment area method was described mathematically. To calculate urban-rural-two-step floating catchment area measure, census tracts and pharmacies within the study area (Southeastern Wisconsin) were classified as urban, suburban or rural, and then different catchment area sizes (2, 5 and 15 miles) were applied, based on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)' criteria for Medicare Part D service access within urban, suburban and rural areas. The urban-rural-two-step floating catchment area measures were compared to traditional two-step floating catchment area measures computed using three fixed catchment area sizes (2, 5, and 15 miles) by visually examining their spatial distributions. Associations between the four pharmacy accessibility measures and selected socio-demographics are calculated using Spearman's rank-order correlation and further compared. Key findings The urban-rural two-step floating catchment area measure outperforms all the fixed catchment size measures and has the strongest Spearman correlations with the selected census variables. It also reduces the number of census tracts characterized as 'no access' when compared to the original measures. The spatial distribution of urban-rural two-step floating catchment area pharmacy access exhibits a more granular variation across the study area. Conclusions The results support our hypothesis that spatial access to pharmacies should account for urbanicity/rurality patterns within a region.
Compulsory Immunization Protects Against Infection: What Law and Society Can Do

Since their broad implementation, immunizations have decreased morbidity and mortality due to a number of serious infectious diseases. In recent years, exaggerated concerns about the safety of immunizations have resulted in decreased immunization coverage in many regions and epidemic outbreaks of serious transmissible diseases – most particularly measles. This commentary reviews the legal justification for compulsory immunization and the ethical justification for civil incentives to assure compliance with immunization practices.
Biological evidence to define a vitamin A deficiency cutoff using total liver vitamin A reserves.

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin involved in essential functions including growth, immunity, reproduction, and vision. The vitamin A Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) for North Americans suggested...
Measuring Nationalist Sentiments in East-Central Europe: A Cross-National Study

This article addresses the existing gap in the literature by proposing a new measure of nationalism across multiple states in ECE. Using ISSP data from 1995 to 2013 and Mokken scale analysis, I cre...
Integrating beef cattle on cropland affects net global warming potential

Recent interest in integrated crop-livestock (ICL) systems has prompted numerous investigations to quantify ecosystem service tradeoffs associated with management. However, few investigations have quantified ICL management effects on net global warming potential (GWP), particularly in semiarid regions. Therefore, we determined net GWP for grazed and ungrazed cropland in a long-term ICL study near Mandan, ND USA. Factors evaluated for their contribution to net GWP included carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions associated with production inputs and field operations, methane (CH4) emissions from enteric fermentation by beef cattle, change in soil carbon stocks, and soil-atmosphere CH4 and nitrous oxide (N2O) fluxes. Net GWP was significantly greater for grazed cropland (946 kg CO2equiv. ha-1 yr-1) compared to ungrazed cropland (200 kg CO2equiv. ha-1 yr-1) (P=0.0331). The difference in net GWP between treatments was largely driven by emissions from enteric fermentation (602 kg CO2equiv. ha-1 yr-1). Among other contributing factors, CO2 emissions associated with seed production and field operations were lower under ungrazed cropland (P = 0.0015 and 0.0135, respectively), while soil CH4 uptake was greater under grazed cropland (P = 0.0102). Soil-atmosphere N2O flux from each system negated nearly all the CO2equiv. sink capacity accrued from soil carbon stock change. As both production systems resulted in net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to the atmosphere, novel practices that constrain GHG sources and boost GHG sinks under semiarid conditions are recommended.
Humanizing Advertising Education: Reflection and Insights for Post-Pandemic Pedagogy

In this invited commentary, I reflect on the philosophical changes to my pedagogical approach during the COVID-19 pandemic. Inspired by Mehta and Aguilera’s (2020) humanizing pedagogy approach, the...
Activity Groups as Mental Health Interventions for Creative Arts Professionals

Individuals whose career is within creative arts have higher rates of mental health diagnoses as compared to other professionals. We discuss the development of a novel program, the results of a qua...
Rigid Angular Impact Responses of a Generic Steel Vehicle Front Bumper and Crush Can: Correlation of Two Velocity-Measurement Techniques

This study presents experimental investigations of generic steel vehicle front bumper and crush can (FBCC) assemblies subjected to a 30° front-angular impact. There is a lack of studies regarding component level tests with FBCCs. As vehicles aim to decrease weight by applying lighter-weight material to vehicle structures, component level studies become important. Computer aided models will then be valuable tools to assess performance of these structures. Thus, a novel component level test procedure is valuable to aid in CAE correlation. A sled-on-sled testing method was used to perform all the tests reported here. Impact speed was optimized to minimize bottoming-out force for this type of test. The speed of the impactor-sled was obtained based on two measurement techniques, namely: high-speed cameras and accelerometers. Several high-speed cameras were used at different locations. The sled and bumper motions were monitored using video targets. A triaxial accelerometer system was utilized to measure off-axis accelerations of the sled-beam. The results showed that good correlation exists between the two methods for measuring the sled velocity. The accelerometer data were used to generate force-time history plots based on Newton’s second law. The force-time history and force-displacement curves from different FBCC specimens were consistent and in good agreement with respect to each other with a low coefficient of variation calculated.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest: A Call to Action From the Institute of Medicine

The survival of patients who have sudden cardiac arrest may differ markedly among communities. The Institute of Medicine recently evaluated the causes for such disparities and issued a “call to act...
An alternate method for placement of C-1 screws

OBJECT: Several techniques for the surgical stabilization of the atlas and the axis have been described. Placement of C-1 lateral mass screws is one of the latest technical advances, and has gained popularity due to its effi cacy and biomechanical advantages. However, the technique for placement of C-1 lateral mass screws, as fi rst described by Harms, can cause excessive bleeding or irritation of the C-2 nerve. An alternative technique is available for the placement of C-1 lateral mass screws that completely avoids the C2 nerve/ganglion and its associated venous plexus. This new technique mitigates some of the risk associated with the Harms techniques and eliminates the need to use specialized screws (that is, smooth shanks). METHODS: Twenty-six patients underwent atlantoaxial or occipitocervical fusions incorporating the alternative technique of C-1 screw placement. Three surgeons at 3 different institutions performed the surgeries. Standard lateral fl uoroscopy and fully threaded polyaxial screws were used in each case. RESULTS: Forty-nine screws were placed in C-1 lateral masses by using the new technique. Solid arthrodesis was achieved in all cases, with a mean follow-up period of 30 months. There were no cases of CSF leakage, new neurological defi cit, injury to the C-2 ganglion, vertebral artery injury, or hardware failures. CONCLUSIONS: The technique is a safe and effective way to fi xate C-1 while avoiding the C-2 nerve/ ganglion and venous plexus. The results indicate that excellent clinical and radiographic outcomes can be achieved with this new technique. (DOI: 10.3171/2009.10.SPINE08541)
ε-Peptide Chimeras as Novel Antimicrobials

Introduction prevalence of antibiotic resistance of bacterial pathogens requires development of new antibacterials to overcome this limitation. Our previous work has demonstrated that cationic antimicrobial peptides with unusual architecture are often resistant to proteolytic degradation [1]. An example is a cascade-type of dendrimeric peptide (RLYR)4K2K that shows high in vitro antibacterial activity. It contains a trilysine core (K2K) that radiates four tetrapeptide RLYR arms with its sequence derived from the repeating topological motif of a known and potent antimicrobial peptide, protegrin-1 [2]. Here, we report our continuing effort in developing new antimicrobial peptides with novel branched architecture, using the e-amine of lysine for the e-peptide backbone and functionalized α-amines as pendant side chains to give a branched α,e-peptide containing two RLYR motifs. Since e-peptides are found naturally as poly-e-lysines which are generally stable to proteolytic enzymes, but exhibit extended conformation [3], we have designed an α,e-peptide chimera e(RLY)-R-Re(YLR) with a Arg-Arg dipeptide to facilitate a reverse turn that could mimic the two-β-stranded protegrin-1 (PG-1). Our results show that the new α,e-peptide displays broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. Results and Discussion Our prototypic design of the α,e-peptide chimera e(RLY)-R-R-e(YLR) was an openchain mimetic of protegrin (Figure 1) by rearranging the architecture of the cascadetype (RLYR)4K2K to a branch-type peptide dendrimer. The chimera is symmetrical in design with two parallel extended strands of e-peptides e(RLY) and an α-dipeptide Arg-Arg as the reverse turn. The sequence of RLYR (basichydrophobic- hydrophobic-basic amino acid) [1] was derived from PG-1 (RGGRLCYCRRRFCV- CVGR) containing 18 α-amino acids that give its α-peptide backbone 54 atoms in length [2]. In contrast, the prototypic α, e chimera, e(RLY)-R-R-e(YLR) with e-lysyl peptide as the main backbone has a length of 48 atoms contributed by only 8 amino acids. The side-chain residues R, L, and Y were attached onto the α-amino ends of the e-peptide chain to mimetic the side chain of PG-1. The α,e-peptide was assembled by the stepwise solid-phase method using both Boc- and Fmoc-chemistry. Boc-Bzl chemistry was used to elongate e-peptide chain to afford an α,e-octapeptide chimera and Fmoc-Bzl chemistry used for attaching N α amino acid (R, L, Y) on N α -lysine. The synthesis of e(RLY)-R-R-e(YLR) was initiated on a Fmoc-Lys(Boc)-MBHA-resin, a TFA-stable benzhydrylamine resin. Functionalization of the α-amine of the Fmoc-Lys(Boc)-MBHA-resin was mediated
Clinical comparison of localized intestinal perforation and necrotizing enterocolitis in neonates.

Objective. To better define the prognosis of neonates with gastrointestinal perforation and improve their management. Methods. We reviewed the results of physical examinations, laboratory results, and radiographic tests of 42 patients in whom gastrointestinal perforation was diagnosed in our neonatal intensive care unit. Results. Twenty-one patients had necrotizing enterocolitis and 21 had localized intestinal perforation. Perinatal history, gender, race, birth weight, and estimated gestational age were similar for both groups. Patients with localized perforation were more likely to have had an umbilical artery catheter in place within 48 hours of perforation, to have received higher doses of indomethacin, to have undergone primary surgical repair, and to have survived until discharge from the hospital. Patients with necrotizing enterocolitis were more likely to have received enteral feedings and to have had a metabolic acidosis and leukopenia at the time the perforation was diagnosed. Conclusions. We conclude that localized intestinal perforation and necrotizing enterocolitis, although similax in the organ system they affect, are distinctly different in clinical correlates and outcome. The increased awareness of localized perforations may help those taking care of neonates to diagnose this condition more accurately and to discuss its implications with family members.
Identifying Irregularities in Mexican Local Elections

A generalized distrust in Mexican local elections raises the question of whether electoral corruption has vanished or remains a prevalent practice in the country. To answer this question, I analyze the 2010 gubernatorial elections, exploiting a feature of the country's electoral system: within each electoral precinct, voters are assigned to polling stations according to their childhood surname. Consequently, the only difference between voters in contiguous polling stations should be their last names. Given that political preferences are seldom correlated with voters' names, I use suspicious differences in turnout levels across contiguous polling stations to identify fraudulent practices. The findings of this article indicate that nondemocratic enclaves that actively obstruct the completion of Mexico's democratic transition still remain today.
Assimilation of Inorganic Nitrogen by Marine Invertebrates and Their Chemoautotrophic and Methanotrophic Symbionts

Symbioses between marine invertebrates and their chemoautotrophic and methanotrophic symbionts are now known to exist in a variety of habitats where reduced chemical species are present. The utilization of chemical energy and reliance on C1 compounds by these symbioses are well documented. Much less is known about their metabolism of nitrogen. Earlier work has shown that the tissues of organisms in these associations are depleted of 15N compared with those of other marine organisms, indicating that local sources of nitrogen are assimilated and that novel mechanisms of nitrogen metabolism may be involved. Although these symbioses have access to rich sources of ammonium (NH4+ and NH3) and/or nitrate, several investigators have proposed that N2 fixation may account for some of these isotope values. Here we report that [15N]ammonium and, to a lesser degree, [15N]nitrate are assimilated into organic compounds by Solemya reidi, a gutless clam containing S-oxidizing bacteria, and seep mussel Ia, an undescribed mytilid containing methanotrophic bacteria. In contrast, Riftia pachyptila, the giant hydrothermal vent tube worm symbiotic with S-oxidizing bacteria, assimilated nitrate but not exogenous ammonium. The rates of assimilation of these sources are sufficient to at least partially support C1 compound metabolism. N2 assimilation was not exhibited by the symbionts tested.
Fraternal Capital: Peasant Workers, Self-Made Men and Globalization in Provincial India

Fraternal Capital: Peasant Workers, Self-Made Men and Globalization in Provincial India. Sharad Chari. Stanford: Stanford University Press, 2004. 379 pp.
The meaning of things: What things are for

To say that meaning is a process of communication involving signs raises the question: What is meant by “signs”? Apparently, material artifacts are the most concrete things that surround us in our homes: We can point to them, look at them, touch them, sit on some of them, sometimes we even bump into them and thus are forceably reminded of their materiality. One might wonder if signs or symbols refer only to things such as crucifixes, trophies, diplomas, or wedding rings, whose main function – if they, indeed, have any – is to represent something like religion, achievements, or relationships. A wedding ring on someone's hand, for example, is a sign of attachment, just as a trophy tells of its winner's prowess and the family's pride in displaying it. But what about other types of objects that seem to have a more clear-cut function, such as television sets or furniture? Do these things also qualify as “signs”? From our perspective they can provide just as many meanings as a crucifix or trophy. Television sets certainly have a utilitarian significance, although a person could live without them. However, the utility of a television set derives from its status as a means for entertainment and information and from the fact that in our culture about one-quarter of a person's waking day is spent watching television. Thus television sets both represent one of the most important beliefs in American culture as to how people should spend their time (and money) and are signs of the way Americans invest a significant portion of their daily attention.
Solution of boundary-value DAE in optimal control

This paper presents a numerical solution technique for constrained optimal control problems that contain parameters. Here, the state, control, and parameter inequality constraints are accommodated via an extended penalty function. This penalty function takes on large values when the constraints are violated, and small values when the constraints are satisfied. Using the calculus of variation it is shown that the first-order necessary conditions for optimality are in the form of a two-point boundary-value problem involving differential and algebraic equations (BVP-DAE).
Inhibition of GABA uptake in the rat hippocampal slice

Pharmacological manipulations known to inhibit GABA uptake prolonged GABA-evoked conductance increases in CA1 pyramidal cells in the rat hippocampal slice preparation. Treatments included reduction of extracellular sodium and exposure to cis-4-OH-nipecotic acid, nipecotic acid or l -2,4-diaminobutyric acid (all at 1 mM). These effects contrast with the results obtained with 4-OH-iso-nipecotic acid, an inactive structural analog of nipecotic acid, which had no effect on the time-course of GABA responses. 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydroisoxazolo[4,5-c]pyridine-3-ol (THPO), an impotent but selective inhibitor of GABA uptake into glia, did not prolong GABA-evoked responses. The effect of sodium reduction depended on the distance between the source of GABA and its receptors, as predicted for an uptake-limited response. GABA-receptor agonists that are poor substrates for GABA uptake (muscimol, thiomuscimol, piperidine-4-sulphonic acid, isoguvacine and 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo[5,4-c]pyridine-3-ol (THIP) evoked very long conductance changes that were not further prolonged by uptake inhibitors. These results demonstrate the presence of a functional GABA uptake system in the hippocampal slice. The accessibility of hippocampal GABAergic synapses and the known susceptibility of the hippocampus to epileptiform events suggest that the hippocampal slice could be a valuable CNS preparation to study the role of GABA uptake in synaptic physiology.
Pain and Pity in Two Postbiblical Responses to Joseph's Power in Genesis

Josephus’s first-century rewrite of ancient Jewish biblical legend and “history” (Ant. 1.17: “neither adding nor omitting anything”) and the brief, anonymous, somewhat chronologically unanchored Testament of Zebulun both address Joseph and his brothers. Both attribute unforgiving and compassionate responses by Joseph and his many brothers to others’ pain in the original biblical narrative. Francoise Mirguet’s essay innovatively pairs these two works conceived in different genres and flowing from divergent cultural expectations. The Jewish historian wrote his narrative in Aramaic, then translated it with help into Greek for the educated, wealthier Mediterranean classes thriving under Roman rule (War, praef.; cf. Ant. 20.11). This was two decades after he had promised an “archaeology” and finished his polemical Jewish War. On occasion, Josephus foregrounds pity and presents examples of the emotion in a manner familiar to readers of Aristotle’s Rhetorics and Poetics. There, pity (if an emotion at all, as Mirguet notes [p. 843]) follows someone’s appraisal from safety and emerges from a sensed superiority to the situation of the pitiable person. In contrast, and possibly enriched by Christian contaminations, Testament of Zebulun (Jewish or JewishChristian in origin and apparently written in Greek), foregrounds human vulnerability as an unavoidable, universal trait, and compassion, consequently, as a universally desirable response. The relatively insignificant sixth son of Jacob narrates events of his life that invite or require his deathbed meditation on mercy and compassion (surely motivating early Christians’ interest). Josephus’s Joseph, desperately appealing for supportive action and practical assistance, evokes pity in a situation far from any Hellenic theatrical stage but in the context of postclassical Hellenic values and expectations. In Testament of Zebulun, however, the pitier who is helpless to help can still show pity (emotional support) by intensifying his or her emotional display, however ineffectual. The self in these two texts calibrates its reaction toward others’ suffering differently, depend ing JBL 133, no. 4 (2014): 863–868
Temperature fluctuations in a turbulent flame

Abstract The instantaneous temperature fluctuations in a turbulent stoichiometric methaneair flame were measured with an iridium hot-wire. Near the flame front, high amplitude narrow temperature “spikes” were observed and their probability distribution function and average time duration were studied in detail. The nature of the low amplitude random temperature fluctuations was also explored using space-time correlation techniques.
Use of amphiphilic spin labels and whole cell isoelectric focusing to assay charge characteristics of sperm surfaces

Abstract The charge characteristics of the surface of bull and rabbit sperm were analyzed using surface-directed spin labels and whole cell isoelectric focusing. Spin label experiments tested charges believed to be localized at the membrane phospholipid-water interface. Charge properties of the glycoprotein calyx were analyzed with isoelectric focusing. Addition of charged detergents altered spin label spectra without changing the isoelectric focusing pH value. Sperm presumed to differ in the amount of adsorbed protein had different isoelectric focusing pH values, but similar spin label spectra. We conclude that these techniques are capable of monitoring charge domains on the sperm surface: one at the polar surface of the phospholipid membrane and one at the interface between the glycocalyx and the suspending fluid. Furthermore, changes in charge density are induced in unique zones of the cell surface during sperm maturation.
Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair during pregnancy

Background Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair in comparison to open herniorrhaphy results in reduced length of stay, less post-operative pain, earlier return to work, and reduced complications for the repair of complex ventral hernias. The laparoscopic approach has been the standard of care for complex or large ventral hernias for non-pregnant patients over the past decade. Despite evidence that demonstrates that laparoscopy is safe during pregnancy, there is currently no consensus regarding the indications, contraindications, patient selection and post-operative care of pregnant patients evaluated for laparoscopic ventral herniorrhaphy.
Exciton fine structure in CdSe nanoclusters

The fine structure in the CdSe nanocrystal absorption spectrum is computed by incorporating two-particle electron-hole interactions and spin-orbit coupling into a tight-binding model, with an expansion in electron-hole single-particle states. The exchange interaction and spin-orbit coupling give rise to dark, low-lying states that are predominantly triplet in character, as well as to a manifold of exciton states that are sensitive to the nanocrystal shape. Near the band gap, the exciton degeneracies are in qualitative agreement with the effective mass approximation (EMA). However, instead of the infinite lifetimes for dark states characteristic of the EMA, we obtain finite radiative lifetimes for the dark states. In particular, for the lowest, predominantly triplet, states we obtain radiative lifetimes of microseconds, in qualitative agreement with the experimental measured lifetimes. The resonant Stokes shifts obtained from the splitting between the lowest dark and bright states are also in good agreement with experimental values for larger crystallites. Higher-lying states exhibit significantly more complex behavior than predicted by EMA, due to extensive mixing of electron-hole pair states.
Interfacial phenomena in the solidification processing of metal matrix composites

Capillary phenomena pertinent to solidification processing of metal matrix composite materials are reviewed. Recent research on the design of wettability measurement methods that are pertinent to metal matrix composite fabrication and overcome limitations of the sessile drop technique is presented. The discussion also addresses non-chemical aspects of wetting of a reinforcement by liquid metal, with emphasis on the infiltration process, and reviews engineering approaches for improved wettability and control of interface microstructure.
Tissue enzyme activities following exposure to dietary mirex in the channel catfish, ictalurus punctatus

Abstract Young channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus were exposed to 1, 100, 200 and 400 ppm dietary mirex. Specific activities of lactic dehydrogenase, malic dehydrogenase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase and glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase were determined in brain, gill, liver and muscle at one, two, three and four weeks. Few changes in enzyme sppecific activities were found which were attributed to mirex exposure. It appears that mirex, even at high dietary exposure levels, is relatively innocuous to these enzyme activities.
Decomposition of perfluoro-1-methoxy-2-ethoxy ethane on iron surfaces chemically modified with oxygen

Abstract Polymeric perfluoroalkylethers are being considered for use as lubricants in high temperature applications, but have been observed to catalytically decompose in the presence of metals. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and temperature programmed desorption (TPD) were used to explore the decomposition of a model perfluorinated ether, perfluoro-1-methoxy-2-ethoxy ethane, CF 3 OCF 2 CF 2 OCF 2 CF 3 , on oxidized polycrystalline iron surfaces and polycrystalline iron surfaces, modified with an overlayer of chemisorbed oxygen. Low temperature adsorption of the perfluorinated ether on both surfaces was molecular. Chemisorption of an oxygen overlayer lowered the reactivity of the surface to adsorption and decomposition of the perfluorinated ether, by blocking active sites on the metal surface. Incomplete coverage of the iron surface with chemisorbed oxygen results in a reaction, which resembles the defluorination reaction observed on the clean iron surface. Perfluoro-1-methoxy-2-ethoxy ethane reacts on the oxidized iron surface via a different pathway from that seen on the clean iron surface. A reaction mechanism is proposed which involves Lewis acid assisted cleavage of the carbon-oxygen bond, with preferential attack at the methoxy carbon.
Medical Surveillance Program of the New Epidemiological and Special Studies Branch of NIAAA: An Approach to an Epidemiologic Program on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

The long-range goal of the program is to collect data to gradually define the scope, trends, and overall patterns of alcohol consumption and abuse. Emphasis is on three concepts: measurement through surveillance. psychosocial research to define the contexts in which drinking occurs, and medical epidemiology to demonstrate to what extent alcohol is a risk factor for specific diseases.
Evaluating the Influence of Fiber Coatings on the Compression Strength of a Unidirectional Polymer Composite

In this paper we present an analytical model to predict the compression strength of a composite containing coated, circular fibers. The theoretical development is based on the assumption that shear failure in the matrix governs the compression strength of a unidirectional composite material. The stress concentrations in the matrix are dependent upon the geometry of the fiber and the interphase or coating region around the fiber. Analytical results suggest that an optimum interphase might exist to maximize compression strain to failure. However, in general stiffer coatings appear to provide larger compression strength than do compliant coatings. To evaluate the analytical model, composites containing glass fibers coated with 5 different materials were manufactured. Tests on these samples support the trends predicted by the model and the strong dependence of compression strength predictions on coating properties.
Composition and metabolism of phospholipids of human leukocytes.

Abstract Human mononuclear (MN) and polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes were analyzed for their phospholipid, triglyceride, cholesterol and fatty acid content. The phospholipid/cholesterol ratio was 1.24 for both cels. MN cells contain more phosphatidylcholine (PC), but less phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and sphingomyelin (SPH) than PMN cells when expressed as percent of total phospholipid. When expressed on the basis of lipid content per cell, MN cells contain less PS, PE and SPH but more triglyceride than PMN cells. PMN cells incorporate palmitic, stearic, linoleic and linolenic acids into their phospholipids, triglycerides or cholesterol esters. The incorporation into triglycerides was highest for all fatty acids. Of the phospholipids, the incorporation was highest into PC. Labeled fatty acids also were found in proteins which had been delipidized by exhaustive extraction with organic solvents. These represent tightly or covalently bound fatty acids. The incorporation of [ 3 H]palmitic acid into this protein fraction is stimulated by insulin.
Functional Adaptive Sequential Testing

The study of cognition, perception, and behavior often requires the estimation of thresholds as a function of continuous independent variables (e.g., contrast threshold as a function of spatial frequency, subjective value as a function of reward delay, tracking speed as a function of the number of objects tracked). Unidimensional adaptive testing methods make estimation of single threshold values faster and more efficient, but substantial efficiency can be further gained by taking into account the relationship between thresholds at different values of an independent variable. Here we present a generic method--1functional adaptive sequential testing (FAST)--for estimating thresholds as a function of another variable. This method allows efficient estimation of parameters relating an independent variable (e.g., stimulus spatial frequency; or reward delay) to the measured threshold along a stimulus strength dimension (e.g., contrast; or present monetary value). We formally describe the FAST algorithm and introduce a Matlab toolbox implementation thereof; we then evaluate several possible sampling and estimation algorithms for such two-dimensional functions. Our results demonstrate that efficiency can be substantially increased by considering the functional relationship between thresholds at different values of the independent variable of interest.
“Below average” self-assessed school performance and Alzheimer's disease in the Aging, Demographics, and Memory Study

Abstract Background A low level of formal education is becoming accepted as a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although increasing attention has been paid to differences in educational quality, no previous studies addressed participants' own characterizations of their overall performance in school. We examined whether self-assessed school performance is associated with AD beyond the effects of educational level alone. Methods Participants were drawn from the population-representative Aging, Demographics, and Memory Study (ADAMS, 2000-2002). The ADAMS participants were asked about their performance in school. Possible response options included "above average," "average," or "below average." The ADAMS participants also underwent a full neuropsychological battery, and received a research diagnosis of possible or probable AD. Results The 725 participants (mean age, 81.8 years; 59% female; 16% African-American) varied in self-assessed educational performance: 29% reported "above average," 64% reported "average," and 7% reported "below average" school performance. Participants with a lower self-assessed school performance had higher proportions of AD: 11% of participants with "above average" self-assessed performance had AD, as opposed to 12% of participants with "average" performance and 26% of participants with "below average" performance ( P Conclusions We suggest an association between "below average" self-assessed school performance and AD beyond the known association with formal education. Efforts to increase cognitive reserve through better school performance, in addition to increasing the number of years of formal education in early life, may be important in reducing vulnerability throughout the life course.
The initial oxidation of α2(Ti3Al) and γ(TiAl) titanium aluminide alloys

Abstract Auger electron spectroscopy has been used to measure the room temperature interaction of low pressure, gaseous oxygen with α 2 (Ti 3 Al) and γ (TiAl) titanium aluminide alloy surfaces. The kinetics of the initial oxidation process were determined and the initial oxide overlayer was characterized. The data indicate that oxygen adsorbs with high probability into a precursor molecular state on the surface. Dissociation from the precursor molecular state occurs primarily on the titanium surface atoms after which the oxygen atoms diffuse throughout the surface region. The presence of less reactive aluminum on the surface atoms after which the oxygen atoms diffuse throughout the surface region. The presence of less reactive thickness of 0.45–0.55 nm. No metallic species were detected in the overlayer nor were any complete oxides.
Traumatic aneurysm of the occipital artery secondary to paintball injury

Paintball is an “extreme sport” that has been steadily growing in popularity since the early 1980s. Although this activity is considered recreational, there are a number of inherent dangers associated. Most notably, the number of head and neck injuries due to paintball participation has been increasing in recent years. In this paper we present the first reported case of occipital artery traumatic pseudoaneurysm resulting from a paintball accident. The presentation, diagnosis and intraoperative findings are detailed. A discussion including a review of the literature is also presented. The authors recommend a re-evaluation of guidelines within the paintball sporting industry, including improvements in protective equipment.
Coupling of Multiple High Speed Jets and Cavities

Configurations that exhibit fluid flow over twin open cavities occur fairly commonly in practical applications in the aircraft industry such as in weapons bays of modern aircraft and in landing gear wells of both commercial and military aircraft. This paper presents the results of ongoing research in the area of twin-cavity interaction using metrics from linear and nonlinear spectral analysis techniques and linear stability analysis. The primary goal of this paper is to document the similarities between interactions occurring in twin-cavities and twin-jets. Although the phenomenon of twin-jet interaction has been researched with a fair amount of thoroughness in the past, a study of twin-cavity interaction studies have not, thus far, been undertaken, to the best of the authors’ knowledge. During the course of this study, it was found that there were marked similarities between the phenomena observed in twin-jets and twin-cavities. In particular it was found that characteristics of twin-cavity interactions such as (i), unpredictable mode switching, (ii). nonlinear interactions acting as precursors to mode switching, (iii). Difference interactions in the cross-bicoherence spectra outnumbering the sum interactions, and (iv). nonlinear metrics showing an increase in the interactions between twin-cavities when linear metrics show a decay in the interactions, were common to both twin-jets and twin-cavities.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
The short rotation woody crops program data base

Abstract A large amount of information on short-rotation woody crops (SRWC) has been assembled at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the technical manager for the US Department of Energy's Short Rotation Woody Crops Program (SRWCP). A data base management system was developed to manage this information; it contains detailed information about test design, yearly climate conditions, site descriptions, planting stock, test maintenance, and biomass yields. The data base can be queried to produce species-specific biomass yields, comparisons of annual growth on the state and regional levels, biomass yields by planting density, and graphic representations of cultural treatment differences over time. The SRWCP data base is unique because it contains growth and yield data from more than 25 different species along with the associated cultural and climatic conditions of more than 100 sites within the United States. It is certainly the most complete dataset available documenting the early growth patterns of many species of trees.
Modeling Thermo-Mechanical Relaxation of Shot Peening Induced Residual Stresses During Engine Operation

Shot peening is widely used to improve the fatigue life of engine blades and rotors by inducing compressive residual stress. However, the residual stresses can relax due to exposure at high service temperature and mechanical loading. A physics-motivated analytical solution was developed to predict the residual stress relaxation at high temperature and under mechanical loading. In this thermo-mechanical relaxation model, the plastic strains in shot peening layer and substrate are obtained analytically by using linear kinematic hardening materials law, and then the plastic strain evolution at high temperature is modeled by using a recovery strain term. The final stress as a function of time, temperature and mechanical loading is obtained analytically by combining this recovery strain with equilibrium and compatibility conditions. The whole method can be implemented into Microsoft (MS) Excel, and is easy to use and validate. As a special case, an analytical closed-form solution to predict pure thermal relaxation of shot peening residual stress is developed. The model predictions agree satisfactorily with published experimental data.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Superior and inferior bellies of the lateral pterygoid muscle EMG activity at basic jaw positions.

I n 1961 Kamiyama’ reported reciprocal activity of the superior (SLP) and inferior (ILP) bellies of the lateral pterygoid muscle in 12 human subjects. He found that the SLP was active during closing, retraction, and lateral movement in the ipsilateral direction while the ILP was active during opening, protrusion, and lateral movement in the contralateral direction. McNamara2 demonstrated in monkeys that the ILP acts synergistically with the suprahyoid muscles in mouth opening while the SLP is active during mouth closing. Lipke et a1.3 reported in 1977 that electromyographic (EMG) studies in 10 human subjects revealed independent activity of the two bellies of the lateral pterygoid muscle. However, recent reports by Lehr and Owens4 and Auf der Mau? have claimed that separate roles for the ILP and SLP in humans could not be supported electromyographically. Miller and Vargervik” and Mahan et al.’ reported three different EMG patterns from the right lateral pterygoid muscle. The objective of the present study was to record simultaneous EMG activity in the right SLP and ILP and to determine the response of each belly of the muscle during clenching of the teeth and at basic mandibular positions. Fig. 1. Parasagittal section through left TMJ bisecting superior belly of lateral pterygoid muscle. A = Mandibular condyle; B = articular eminence; C = inferior belly of lateral pterygoid muscle (ILP); D = superior belly of lateral pterygoid muscle (SLP); E = fascia and fat lateral to ILP; F = temporal muscle fibers; G = buccal fat pad; and H = maxillary antrum.