cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ventricular arrhythmia risk prediction in repaired Tetralogy of Fallot using personalized computational cardiac models.

Background Adults with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF) are at increased risk for ventricular tachycardia (VT) due to fibrotic remodeling of the myocardium. However, the current clinical guidelines for VT risk stratification and subsequent implantable cardioverter-defibrillator deployment for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death in rTOF remain inadequate. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of using an rTOF-specific virtual-heart approach to identify patients stratified incorrectly as being at low VT risk by current clinical criteria. Methods This multicenter retrospective pilot study included 7 adult rTOF patients who were considered low risk for VT based on clinical criteria. Patient-specific computational heart models were generated from late gadolinium enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (LGE-MRI), incorporating the individual distribution of rTOF fibrotic remodeling in both ventricles. Simulations of rapid pacing determined VT inducibility. Model creation and simulations were performed by operators blinded to clinical outcome. Results Two patients in the study experienced clinical VT. The virtual hearts constructed from LGE-MRI scans of 7 rTOF patients correctly predicted reentrant VT in the models from VT-positive patients and no arrhythmia in those from VT-negative patients. There were no statistically significant differences in clinical criteria commonly used to assess VT risk, including QRS duration and age, between patients who did and those who did not experience clinical VT. Conclusion This study demonstrates the feasibility of image-based virtual-heart modeling in patients with congenital heart disease and structurally abnormal hearts. It highlights the potential of the methodology to improve VT risk stratification in patients with rTOF.
Synthesis of Quaternary Carbon Stereogenic Centers by Diastereoselective Conjugate Addition of Boron-Stabilized Allylic Nucleophiles to Enones

A method for the site-selective and diastereoselective conjugate addition of boron-stabilized allylic nucleophiles to α,β-unsaturated ketones is disclosed. Transformations involve easily prepared γ,γ-disubstituted allyldiboron reagents and proceed in the presence of a fluoride activator at 80 °C. Reactions proceed with a wide variety of enones and allyldiboron reagents efficiently to deliver ketone products that contain otherwise difficult-to-access vicinal β-tertiary and γ-quaternary carbon stereogenic centers and an alkenylboron moiety. The utility of the method is highlighted by several transformations, including cross-coupling and carbocyclizations.
Long work hours, prolonged daytime naps, and decreased cognitive performance in older adults.

In the United States, labor force market projections show significant growth in older ages. With postponed retirement and age-related health changes, attention to work times and recuperative strate...
Two-photon phosphorescence lifetime microscopy of intestinal capillary pO2 and RBC flux

Quantifying intestinal microvascular oxygenation may shed light on origin and progression of intestinal diseases as well as the role of the gut microbiota. In this work, we developed a method for depth-resolved microscopic measurements of partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) and Red Blood Cell (RBC) flux in the capillaries of intestinal wall in mouse cecum. Capillary pO2 and RBC flux were measured in healthy mice as a function of depth during normoxia and hyperoxia. Our results show low mean capillary RBC flux and relatively uniform capillary pO2 across the cecum wall depth.
“As in a Mirror”: The Medusa Allusion in Oliver Onions’ “The Beckoning Fair One”

In the first half of the twentieth century, one of the most prolific writers in all of Great Britain was the memorably named Oliver Onions (1873–1961). During a career that spanned some six decades...
Interrelationship of soil moisture and temperature to sylvatic plague cycle among prairie dogs in the Western United States.

Plague, caused by Yersinia pestis (Lehmann & Neumann, 1896), is a flea-borne disease that is endemic in areas throughout the world due to its successful maintenance in a sylvatic cycle, mainly in areas with temperate climates. Burrowing rodents are thought to play a key role in the enzootic maintenance as well as epizootic outbreaks of plague. In the United States, prairie dogs (Cynomys, Rafinesque, 1817), rodents (Muridae, Illiger, 1811), and ground squirrels (Spermophilus, F. Cuvier, 1825) are susceptible to infection and are parasitized by fleas that transmit plague. In particular, prairie dogs can experience outbreaks that rapidly spread, which can lead to extirpation of colonies. A number of ecological parameters, including climate, are associated with these epizootics. In this study, we asked whether soil parameters, primarily moisture and temperature, are associated with outbreaks of plague in black-tailed prairie dogs and Gunnison's prairie dogs in the Western United States, and at what depth these associations were apparent. We collected publicly available county-level information on the occurrence of population declines or colony extirpation, while historical soil data was collected from SCAN and USCRN stations in counties and states where prairie dogs have been located. The analysis suggests that soil moisture at lower depths correlates with colony die-offs, in addition to temperature near the surface, with key differences within the landscape ecology that impact the occurrence of plague. Overall, the model suggests that the burrow environment may play a significant role in the epizootic spread of disease amongst black-tailed and Gunnison's prairie dogs. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Characterizing Expiratory Respiratory Muscle Degeneration in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Using MRI.

Background Expiratory muscle weakness and impaired airway clearance are early signs of respiratory dysfunction in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a degenerative muscle disorder in which muscle cells are damaged and replaced by fibrofatty tissue. Little is known about expiratory muscle pathology and its relationship to cough and airway clearance capacity; however, the level of muscle replacement by fat can be estimated using MRI and expressed as a fat fraction (FF). Research Question How does abdominal expiratory muscle fatty infiltration change over time in DMD and relate to clinical expiratory function? Study Design and Methods Individuals with DMD underwent longitudinal MRI of the abdomen to determine FF in the internal oblique, external oblique, and rectus abdominis expiratory muscles. FF data were used to estimate a model of expiratory muscle degeneration by using nonlinear mixed effects and a cumulative distribution function. FVC, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures, and peak cough flow were collected as clinical correlates to MRI. Results Forty individuals with DMD (aged 6-18 years at baseline) participated in up to five visits over 36 months. Modeling estimated the internal oblique progresses most quickly and reached 50% replacement by fat at a mean patient age of 13.0 years (external oblique, 14.0 years; rectus abdominis, 16.2 years). Corticosteroid-untreated individuals (n = 4) reached 50% muscle replacement by fat 3 to 4 years prior to treated individuals. Individuals with mild clinical dystrophic phenotypes (n = 3) reached 50% muscle replacement by fat 4 to 5 years later than corticosteroid-treated individuals. Internal and external oblique FFs near 50% were associated with maximal expiratory pressures Interpretation These data improve understanding of the early phase of respiratory compromise in DMD, which typically presents as airway clearance dysfunction prior to the onset of hypoventilation, and links expiratory muscle fatty infiltration to pulmonary function measures.
What Sets Physically Active Rural Communities Apart from Less Active Ones? A Comparative Case Study of Three US Counties.

Background: Rural US communities experience health disparities, including a lower prevalence of physical activity (PA). However, “Positive Deviants”—rural communities with greater PA than their peers—exist. The purpose of this study was to identify the factors that help create physically active rural US communities. Methods: Stakeholder interviews, on-site intercept interviews, and in-person observations were used to form a comparative case study of two rural counties with high PA prevalence (HPAs) and one with low PA prevalence (LPA) from a southern US state, selected based on rurality and adult PA prevalence. Interview transcripts were inductively coded by three readers, resulting in a thematic structure that aligned with a Community Capital Framework, which was then used for deductive coding and analysis. Results: Fifteen stakeholder interviews, nine intercept interviews, and on-site observations were conducted. Human and Organizational Capital differed between the HPAs and LPA, manifesting as Social, Built, Financial, and Political Capital differences and a possible “spiraling-up” or cyclical effect through increasing PA and health (Human Capital), highlighting a potential causal model for future study. Conclusions: Multi-organizational PA coalitions may hold promise for rural PA by directly influencing Human and Organizational Capital in the short term and the other forms of capital in the long term.
Contextualizing Organizational Change Management in Africa: Incorporating the Core Values of Ubuntu

Most of the business models and theories available to assist organizations in adapting their strategies to today’s dynamic business environment are based on the Anglo-Saxon worldview. Yet most scho...
Child-Directed Speech: Influence on Language Development

Child-directed speech (CDS), or speech adjustments made by adults when interacting with children, is characterized by higher pitch, more repetition, simplified vocabulary, and exaggerated intonation patterns. Here, we review the role of CDS in enhancing language acquisition. Not only have strong global relationships have been found between maternal linguistic input and language development, but also specific features of CDS (e.g., higher pitch and exaggerated prosody) have been discerned that seem to assist in language learning. Finally, we review evidence from developmental disorders further support the relationship between CDS and language acquisition.
Understanding Resilience and Other Trajectories of Psychological Distress: a Mixed-Methods Study of Low-Income Mothers Who Survived Hurricane Katrina

Recent longitudinal studies in the aftermath of natural disasters have shown that resilience, defined as a trajectory of consistently low symptoms, is the modal experience, although other trajectories representing adverse responses, including chronic or delayed symptom elevations, occur in a substantial minority of survivors. Although these studies have provided insight into the prototypical patterns of postdisaster mental health, the factors that account for these patterns remain unclear. In the current analysis, we aimed to fill this gap through a mixed-methods study of female participants in the Resilience in Survivors of Katrina (RISK) study. Latent class growth analysis identified six trajectories of psychological distress in the quantitative sample (n=386). Qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews with 54 participants identified predisaster, disaster-related and postdisaster experiences that could account for the trends in the quantitative data. In particular, preexisting and gains in psychosocial resources (e.g., emotion regulation, religiosity) and positive postdisaster impacts (e.g., greater neighborhood satisfaction, improved employment opportunities) were found to underlie resilience and other positive mental health outcomes. Conversely, experiences of childhood trauma, and pre and postdisaster stressors (e.g., difficulties in intimate partner relationships) were common among participants in trajectories representing adverse psychological responses. Illustrative case studies that exemplify each trajectory are presented. The results demonstrate the utility of mixed-methods analysis to provide a richer picture of processes underlying postdisaster mental health.
Trophic and Specifying Factors Directed to Neuronal Cells

Publisher Summary This chapter examines the effects of trophic and specifying factors directed to neuronal cells. Neurons are living cells and not just the transport of information communication; their value to the network may be only as good as their functional state at any given time. Also, they are subject to extrinsic influences from their own environment.The development of a nervous system involves various processes: (1) neuronal cell death, (2) neuritic elongation and guidance, and (3) establishment of transmitter functions. CNS tissues comprise a large variety of neuronal subsets. The subset being considered the target for a given factor must remain present in dissociate and subsequent culture. In turn, this requirement demands its independent identification by morphological or biochemical markers, which will also serve to monitor survival, neurite, and even transmitter responses to the putative factors. Thereafter, trophic influences are those directed to the quantitative regulation of the anabolic machinery of the cell. Hence, trophic influences can be equally responsible for decline and death (inadequate trophic supply), survival and maintenance (moderate trophic input), or overproduction (high trophic drive). Specifying influences, on the other hand, provide qualitative instructions to the cells and define which particular cell behaviors are to benefit from the same (high) trophic drive.
Internal Pressure and Building Safety

The wind-induced pressure inside buildings has a profound effect on building safety. Yet, little attention has been given to it in the past. The effect is either ignored or improperly considered in contemporary building codes or standards. This paper seeks to clarify the matter and improve the way internal pressure is considered in the design of buildings. Both static and dynamic effects of internal pressure are considered herein. The dynamic effects include the overshooting of internal pressure following the breakage of a windward window during high wind, and the Helmholtz resonance created by any disturbance. Combined effects of internal and external pressure variations are also reviewed.
Effects of Behavioral History on Resistance to Change.

Two experiments examined whether differential resistance to change would occur under identical variable-interval schedules as a function of a differential behavioral history. In Experiment 1, each of 3 pigeons first pecked at different rates under a multiple variable-ratio differential-reinforcement-of-low-rate schedule. In a subsequent condition, a multiple variable-interval variable interval schedule operated in the presence of the same training stimuli, during which there were three 4-session prefeeding probes each occurring during a different stage of training. Pecking generally was more resistant to change in the presence of the stimulus previously correlated with the differential-reinforcement-of-low-rate schedule, and this result was more reliable during the earlier probes. In Experiment 2, each of 3 pigeons first was exposed to a multiple variable-interval extinction schedule, after which a variable-interval schedule replaced extinction. During 3 probes, each conducted during a different stage of multiple variable-interval variable-interval schedule training, food was delivered response independently between components. In the first probe, pecking was more resistant to change for each pigeon under the variable-interval schedule that had been in effect longer, but during the final 2 probes this differential resistance was absent. The present results, therefore, show that under identical schedules a behavioral history can influence resistance to change differentially, but that these history effects tend to dissipate with continued exposure to the identical schedules.
Intracranial extramedullary hematopoiesis: a rare cause of headaches.

BACKGROUND Ectopic bone marrow production, known as extramedullary hematopoiesis, may result in symptoms due to compression on normal structures. We present the multimodality imaging findings and subsequent management of a rare case of symptomatic extramedullary hematopoiesis within the calvarium. METHODS Case report. RESULTS A 54-year-old male with a history of myelofibrosis and no previous diagnosis of a headache disorder presented to the emergency department with worsening severe bilateral headaches. A nonenhanced CT of the brain was performed and diffuse extra-axial nodular hyperdensities were visualized. MRI of the brain demonstrated diffuse extra-axial avidly enhancing nodular masses, dural thickening and marked susceptibility. No paravertebral masses, typical for extramedullary hematopoiesis, were present in the chest or abdomen. Although the clinical team considered a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis, we suggested a noninvasive confirmatory test. The subsequent Tc99m sulfur colloid scan corroborated the diagnosis. The patient was then referred to radiation oncology for treatment. CONCLUSION In summary, extramedullary hematopoiesis is a hematologic compensatory disorder that rarely occurs within the CNS and may cause neurological compromise due to compression on underlying structures. The diagnosis can be made with noninvasive imaging and treated with low dose radiation therapy.
Actin filament turnover removes bundles from Drosophila bristle cells

Drosophila bristle cells form enormous extensions that are supported by equally impressive scaffolds of modular, polarized and crosslinked actin filament bundles. As the cell matures and support is taken over by the secreted cuticle, the actin scaffold is completely removed. This removal begins during cell elongation and proceeds via an orderly series of steps that operate on each module. Using confocal and electron microscopy, we found that the ∼500-filament modules are fractured longitudinally into 25-50-filament subbundles, indicating that module breakdown is the reverse of assembly. Time-lapse confocal analysis of GFP-decorated bundles in live cells showed that modules were shortened by subunit removal from filament barbed ends, again indicating that module breakdown is the reverse of assembly. Module shortening takes place at a fairly slow rate of ∼1μm/hour, implying that maximally crosslinked modules are not rapidly depolymerized. Barbed-end depolymerization was prevented with jasplakinolide and accelerated with cycloheximide, indicating that barbed-end maintenance requires continuous protein synthesis. Subbundle adhesion was lost in the presence of cytochalasin, indicating that continuous actin polymerization is required. Thus, these polarized actin filament bundles are dynamic structures that require continuous maintenance owing to protein and actin filament turnover. We propose that after cell elongation, maintenance falls behind turnover, resulting in the removal of this modular cytoskeleton.
Letter by Reddy and Leesar Regarding Article "Assisted Beating of the Ischemic Heart: How to Manage the Pulseless ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patient".

We read with great interest the comprehensive article on the management of the pulseless ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction patient by Lotz et al.1 The authors correctly note that emergency insertion of existing left ventricular (LV) decompression devices into a coding patient supported by venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is unlikely to be successful. Existing percutaneous decompression methods …
Being well-liked predicts increased use of alcohol but not tobacco in early adolescence

Although substance use has traditionally been linked to peer deviance, a parallel literature has explored the influence of peer social status (being "well-liked"). This literature hypothesizes that adolescents with higher status will anticipate shifts in social norms and modify their behavior earlier and/or more substantially than lower-status students. As substance use becomes more socially acceptable during early-to-mid-adolescence, higher status youth are hypothesized to reflect this shift in norms by accelerating their use more rapidly than lower status youth. Although some evidence exists to support this hypothesis, it has never been evaluated in conjunction with the opposing hypothesis (i.e., that substance use contributes to elevated peer status). In this study, we evaluated reciprocal links between peer status and substance use (i.e., alcohol and tobacco) using 3years of data from 8 middle schools in the Pacific Northwest. Social network analysis enabled us to model standard network effects along with unique effects for the influence of the network on behavior (i.e., increased substance use as a result of being well-liked) and the influence of behavior on the network (i.e., increased status as a result of substance use). Our results indicated significant bidirectional effects for alcohol use but no significant effects for tobacco use. In other words, being well-liked significantly predicted alcohol use and vice versa, but these processes were not significant for tobacco use. Prevention efforts should consider the dynamics of peer status and peer norms in adolescence with the goal of preventing escalations in problem behavior that can compromise future adjustment.
Degradation Characteristics of Isolated and In Situ Cell Wall Lucerne Pectic Polysaccharides by Mixed Ruminal Microbes

Abstrnct : Two pectic polysaccharide fractions were isolated from lucerne (Medicago saliva L) leaves and used in fermentation experiments with mixed ruminal microbes. Both fractions were similar in chemical composition, containing galacturonic acid (52-58 mol%) and the neutral sugars arabinose (1418 mol%), galactose (6-8 mol%) and rhamnose (8-12 mol%). Fermentation of both fractions was rapid and complete with a half-life of approximately 4 h. Production of total volatile fatty acids matched the degradation profile reaching a maximum level shortly after the rate of degradation began to decrease. The fermentation characteristics of citrus pectin and polygalacturonic acid were similar to those of the lucerne pectic fractions but galacturonic acid was much slower in its rate of degradation while soluble arabinogalactan from larchwood was virtually undegraded. Leaves of early bud stage lucerne and lower nodes and internodes of stems from full bloom lucerne were also fermented by mixed ruminal microbes. Pectic polysaccharides were rapidly and extensively degraded from both tissues. Initial rates were faster for leaves than for stems and the extent of pectic degradation was greater in leaves (8% residual) than in stems (17% residual). Selection of forage lines with increased pectic polysaccharides would provide greater amounts of rapidly available energy that could result in more efficient utilisation of the rapidly degraded protein in lucerne.
A Linear Model of Alternating Voltage-Induced Corrosion

The effect of ac-induced current on corrosion of materials was investigated. The corroding system consisting of the polarization resistance, the double-layer capacitance, and the solution resistance was considered under activation control. The nonlinear differential equation voltage that describes the system was linearized and expressions for the steady-state corrosion potential and corrosion current were obtained. The data show that alternating voltage-induced corrosion current increases with lowering of the signal frequency, but it is enhanced by the peak potential. The data also show that inherent corrosion behavior depends upon the Tafel constants and the dc corrosion current, but it is independent of the dc corrosion potential.
The use of common random numbers to reduce the variance in network simulation of traffic

Computer simulation is now used routinely as a decision support tool in many facets of transportation engineering. Simulation models are often used to compare system alternatives, i.e. alternative system designs and/or operating policies. The presence of high variance of the simulation output variables is a critical problem in such comparative analyses because the models must either be run longer or executed several times to achieve reasonably accurate point and interval estimates of the parameters of interest. The high variability in output measures can also lead to concern about the validity of the model when they are used by the practitioners who are not intimately familiar with the stochastic nature of the model processes. This paper describes and illustrates the effectiveness of variance reduction based on the concept of common random numbers (CRN) for the TRAF-NETSIM simulation model.
Retrospective Versus Actual Pre-Course Self-Assessments:

Self-assessments are frequently used to evaluate the effectiveness of medical education programs. The change in learners' self-ratings preto post-course is attributed to the educational interventio...
SEX DIFFERENCES AND REPRODUCTIVE HORMONE INFLUENCES ON HUMAN ODOR PERCEPTION

The question of whether men and women differ in their ability to smell has been the topic of scientific investigation for over a hundred years. Although conflicting findings abound, most studies suggest that, for at least some odorants, women outperform men on tests of odor detection, identification, discrimination, and memory. Most functional imaging and electrophysiological studies similarly imply that, when sex differences are present, they favor women. In this review we examine what is known about sex-related alterations in human smell function, including influences of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, gonadectomy, and hormone replacement therapy on a range of olfactory measures. We conclude that the relationship between reproductive hormones and human olfactory function is complex and that simple associations between circulating levels of gonadal hormones and measures of olfactory function are rarely present.
Application of approximate variances of variance components and their ratios in genetic tests.

The application and underlying assumptions of formulae used to estimate the variance of variance components and ratios of variance components are fully described for (1) variance components estimated using Henderson's Method 3 (HM3) and Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML) and (2) ratios of variance components commonly used in genetic tests - biased and unbiased heritabilities. A first-order Taylor series approximation is often used to estimate the variance of a ratio of two random variables (e.g., heritability), however the formula is complicated, thus making calculations prone to errors. Dickerson's approximation is considerably simpler, though relatively rarely used. In case studies using data from 148 slash pine full-sib progeny tests, Dickerson's method was found to be slightly more conservative than the Taylor series approximation when estimating the variance of heritability estimates, regardless of test size, age, or the trait (volume, which is a continuous trait, and rust resistance, which is a bernoulli trait). Both the Taylor series and Dickerson approximations compared favorably with an empirical estimate of the variance of heritability estimates, however there is some evidence of small-sample bias associated with the use of the asymptotic variance-covariances from REML variance component estimation.
Surgical Treatment of Rectal Cancer: Radical Resection

Currently, surgery is the only potentially curative treatment modality for rectal cancer. The major goals of surgery for rectal cancer are to optimize oncologic outcome and maintain anorectal and genitourinary function. This article reviews the surgical management of primary rectal cancer and discusses major surgical considerations in the treatment of this disease.
The effects of a physical fitness program on low-fit children.

(1995). The Effects of a Physical Fitness Program on Low-Fit Children. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport: Vol. 66, No. 1, pp. 85-90.
Scenario Planning as a Tool for Choosing more Ethical Futures: a Case Study in Nanoscale Science and Technology

Nanoscale Science and Technology (NST), because of its incredible potential to alter the world we live in, has generated numerous reactions from scientists, engineers, investors, policy-makers, environmentalists, science-fiction writers, alarmists, techno-enthusiasts, and ethicists. In ethics, emphasis is placed on issues of control, access, associated risks, motives for developing the technology, cost/benefit, and potential societal, economical, environmental, ecclesiastical, educational, or political impact. Furthermore, a very few ethicists worry that NST might shake more fundamental definitions of self and other, as well as our relationship with our bodies or our natural environment. In order to better understand these ethical issues, this paper suggests the use of scenario planning (SP), an approach already widely utilized in strategy and decision making. Scenarios are systemic tools, which can help express, discuss, and evaluate different possible futures. SP takes a holistic view at the problem and involves numerous stakeholders with different viewpoints. In the end, SP provides a more transparent and democratic process for choosing the future. Moreover, SP can help unveil some previously unforeseen consequences of present decisions.
Practical considerations when reservoir boundaries are encountered during well testing

Semilog type-curve matching applied to drawdown, desuperposed drawdown, Miller-Dyes-Hutchinson (MDH), and Matthews-Brons-Hazebroek (MBH) plots can determine drainage shape and the outer boundary conditions of a well. Because only a single set of type curves for a particular drainage-shape/outer-boundary condition is necessary, the selection of a proper well-test model is straightforward. Additionally, the porosity/compressibility/area product and the skin effect can be estimated with a semilog type-curve match. Furthermore, a generalized form of desuperposition has been applied when the duration of the buildup is a multiple of the drawdown period. This method eliminates the use of all drawdown pressures except at the moment of shut-in. Therefore, variable skin effect during drawdown (e.g., cleanup) can be analyzed.
Sir Alan Walsh. 19 December 1916 3 August 1998

Alan Walsh was the originator and developer of the atomic absorption method of chemical analysis, which revolutionized quantitative analysis in the 1950s and 1960s. Atomic absorption provided a quick, easy, accurate and highly sensitive method of determining the concentrations of more than sixty-five of the elements, rendering traditional wet-chemical methods obsolete. The method has found important application worldwide in areas as diverse as medicine, agriculture, mineral exploration, metallurgy, food analysis, biochemistry and environmental control, and has been described as ‘the most significant advance in chemical analysis this [the twentieth] century‘ (Wark 1968).
Sol-gel-derived thick-film amperometric immunosensors.

Sol−gel processing is used for the first time for the preparation of electrochemical immunosensors. One-step sensor fabrication, based on the coupling of sol−gel and screen-printing technologies, is employed. A low-temperature cured ink is prepared by dispersion of rabbit immunoglobulin G (RIgG), graphite powder, and a binder in the sol−gel solution. The enzyme-labeled antibody can readily diffuse toward the encapsulated antigen, which retains its binding properties, and the association reaction is easily detected at the dispersed graphite surface. Use of anti-RIgG labeled with alkaline phosphatase, naphthyl phosphate as the substrate, and amperometric detection at +400 mV (vs Ag/AgCl) results in a low detection limit of 5 ng/mL (32 pM) for the solution antigen. Tailoring the porosity of the ceramic−carbon matrix can be used for tuning the assay performance. The high sensitivity, low cost, durability, and simplicity of the new single-use immunosensors make them well suited for various on-site applications.
Methodologic Issues in Hospital Epidemiology. III. Investigating the Modifying Effects of Time and Severity of Underlying Illness on Estimates of Cost of Nosocomial Infection

Published estimates of extra cost and prolongation of hospital stay attributed to nosocomial infection obtained from epidemiologic comparisons are almost twice as large as judgements in studies based on subjective impressions. It is possible that this disparity may result from confounding by time and severity of underlying illness. Whether the effects of time and secondary disease diagnoses modified the results of an epidemiologic comparison of infected patients and comparison subjects matched on primary diagnosis and operation have been investigated. Whereas the average prolongation of hospital stay in a prevalence series of patients with nosocomial infection was 13.3 days, the average prolongation for the corresponding incidence series of infections from the same study population was only 7.3 days, or about one-half as long. No substantive changes resulted from adjusting for duration of exposure to hospital prior to infection. Five selected secondary diagnoses had the potential for substantial confounding effects on epidemiologic comparisons but had little overall effect on the estimates in this study. The large size of our estimates in both prevalence and incidence series is not the result of residual confounding by the effects of time or secondary disease diagnoses. Results from prevalence and incidence series must be clearly distinguished because the same events will be perceived differently in the two types of series.
Preliminary evaluation of a coping skills training program for those with a pathological-gambling partner.

Individuals living with a pathological-gambling partner can experience significant psychological distress. In this report, we conduct a preliminary evaluation of a coping skills training program (CST) for this population. Twenty-three individuals experiencing stress from living with a pathological-gambling partner who was not in treatment were randomly assigned to either CST or a delayed treatment control (DTC) condition. CST consisted of ten, weekly individual sessions to teach more effective coping skills. At the end of the treatment/delay period, CST participants, relative to those in DTC, showed a large improvement in coping skillfulness that appeared to mediate a corresponding large significant reduction in depression and anxiety relative to DTC. Partner gambling during the period decreased in both conditions but did not differ between them, nor did partner help-seeking differ. CST shows promise as an effective treatment for individuals distressed as a result of a partner’s gambling problem. Larger, longer-term evaluations of the intervention, and comparison with alternate treatment models are needed.
Effect ofActinobacillus pleuropneumoniae hemolysin and lipopolysaccharide on cultured porcine neutrophils

Cultured porcine neutrophils were incubated in the presence of eitherActinobacillus pleuropneumoniae hemolysin protein (HP) in cell-free culture supernatant fluid or highly purified lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for times ranging from 2 to 15 min, followed by fixation and embedding for electron microscopy. Compared with untreated controls, neutrophils incubated in the presence of HP showed a progressive degeneration as evidenced by swelling, loss of cytoplasmic extensions, cytoplasmic vacuolation, and clumping of granules. Nuclear changes included the appearance of perinuclear spaces, nuclear membrane discontinuities, and disappearance of heterochromatin. These degenerative changes were cumulative and complete by 8 min of incubation time. In contrast, neutrophils incubated in LPS were unaffected compared with controls. Changes observed in neutrophils exposed to HP were similar to observed progressive changes in alveolar neutrophils from pigs exposed to aerosols ofA. pleuropneumoniae.
Ionic equilibria in protein conjugates: Comparison on proteins

Abstract The p K a 's of dye conjugates of a series of proteins (gelatin, protamine, insulin, lysozyme, ribonuclease, trypsinogen, β-lactoglobulin, ovalbumin, bovine serum albumin) have been determined. In general the shift in p K a increases with increasing molecular weight. Gelatin, however, behaves in a unique way in that apolar interactions are weak. However, this is not due to its denatured condition, for random-coil polyvinylpyrrolidone conjugates show a large shifts in p K a . In all cases examined, urea abolishes the masking of the conjugated dye by the protein or polymer. The dependence of Δ p K a on molecular weight of the protein as well as the effects of urea have been interpreted in terms of the participation of ordered water (hydrotactoids) in interaction between apolar groups.
Marked differences between patients referred for stress echocardiography and myocardial perfusion imaging studies

Background Patients referred for stress echocardiography may differ significantly from those referred for stress myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI). Such differences, if present, should be considered when comparing the accuracy and discriminatory performance of these tests. Methods We prospectively collected demographic and clinical information on all stress imaging studies performed at our institution between 1998 and 2001. The data were reviewed, summarized, and compared using the t test and χ 2 test where appropriate. Results Of 5320 stress imaging studies performed, 3383 were stress echocardiographies and 1937 were MPI studies. Patients referred for MPI were older (59 vs 54, P P P P P P P Conclusions Patients with a history of myocardial infarction, revascularization, or higher risk profiles are more likely to be referred for MPI compared to stress echocardiography at our institution. These differences in referral patterns are likely to exist in other centers, and it is reasonable to assume that systematic differences in test selection occur, resulting in patient populations with differing clinical risk profiles. Caution in interpreting analyses comparing the accuracy of stress imaging modalities is appropriate.
Performance of Air Conditioners With Commercial Desuperheaters: A Green Energy Project as an Undergraduate Research

The goal of the design project titled “Domestic Hot Water Heater Using Air Conditioner Waste Heat” was to introduce students to designing mechanical systems in the “ETME475-Mechanical Systems Design” course. Two students completed the design project in spring 2007. Some test runs were conducted with a commercial desuperheater to measure the efficiency of the unit and its effect on the Coefficient of Performance (COP) of the Heat Pump when the heat pump is operated in air conditioning (A/C) mode. Contrary to author’s expectations, results indicated that, COP values were reduced by about 22%. Measured efficiency of the desuperheater was about 18% [1]. The current project is an extension of the original project with the new National Instruments data acquisition board, a newly developed LabVIEW data acquisition program, and with a more realistic heat transfer loop. The study covers performance of the heat pump operating in A/C mode as well as in heating mode. Results indicate, depending on the water temperature in the desuperheater, heat pump COP dropped 6–17% in A/C mode and 8–38% in heating mode. Again depending on the average water temperature in the ECU, the ECU efficiencies ranged from 12% to 27% for cooling and 11% to 39% for heating.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Spectral Angle Mapper classification of fluorescence hyperspectral image for aflatoxin contaminated corn

Aflatoxin contamination in corn is a serious problem for both producers and consumers. The present study applied the Spectral Angle Mapper classification technique to classify single corn kernels into contaminated and healthy groups. Fluorescence hyperspectral images were used in the classification. Actual corn aflatoxin concentration was chemically determined using the VICAM analytical method for quantification purpose. An obvious fluorescence peak shift was observed to be associated with the aflatoxin contaminated corn. Aflatoxin classification levels were based on Food and Drug Administration's regulation, including 20 ppb (parts per billion) for human consumption and 100 ppb for feed. Classification accuracy for the 20 ppb level is 86% with a false positive rate of 15%. For the 100 ppb level, the accuracy is 88% with a false positive rate of 16%. The results indicate that the Spectral Angle Mapper method and fluorescence hyperspectral imagery have the potential to classify aflatoxin contaminated corn kernels.
Erratum to "Laser Surface-contouring and Spline Data-smoothing for Residual Stress Measurement"

Original manuscript submitted: xxx. Final manuscript received: xxx. DOI: 10.1177/0014485104047609 Fortunately, this correct version of the equation was used in all the calculations in the paper, so none of the results change. Note also that the left-axis label of Fig. 5 should refer to O---o. To avoid confusion, it is verified that eq (1) in the paper is correct because the square root of the sum of squares can be simplified for the case of the standard deviation of two values.
The influence of male presence or absence on the reproductive cycle of celebes black ape females (Macaca nigra)

The effect of male presence on female menstrual cycles was studied in a group of 13 adult female and 3 adult male Celebes black apes (Macaca nigra) living in an outdoor enclosure. When males were absent, all cycling females had longer durations of maximal perineal swelling. Overall cycle length also appeared to be longer when males were absent, but there was no statistically significant increase. The data suggest that male absence results in a longer late follicular stage, perhaps indicating a delay in ovulation. Whereas these findings do imply that male presence may influence female macaque reproductive condition, it is acknowledged that this effect is much weaker than the demonstrated influence of female macaques on male reproductive state.
Reduction of radiation-induced vascular nitrosative stress by the vitamin E analog γ-tocotrienol: evidence of a role for tetrahydrobiopterin.

Purpose The vitamin E analog γ-tocotrienol (GT3) is a powerful radioprotector. GT3 reduces postradiation vascular peroxynitrite production, an effect dependent on inhibition of hydroxy-methylglutaryl–coenzyme A reductase. Hydroxy-methylglutaryl–coenzyme A reductase inhibitors mediate their pleiotropic effects via endothelial nitric oxide synthase that requires the cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4). This study investigated the effects of radiation on BH4 bioavailability and of GT3 on BH4 metabolism. Methods and Materials Mice were exposed to 8.5 Gy of total body irradiation (TBI). Lung BH4 and total biopterin concentrations were measured 0, 3.5, 7, 14, and 21 days after TBI by use of differential oxidation followed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The effect of exogenous GT3 and BH4 treatment on postradiation vascular oxidative stress and bone marrow colony–forming units were assessed in vivo. The effect of GT3 on endothelial cell apoptosis and endothelial expression of guanosine triphosphate (GTP) cyclohydrolase 1 (GTPCH), GTPCH feedback regulatory protein (GFRP), GFRP transcription, GFRP protein levels, and GFRP–GTPCH protein binding was determined in vitro. Results Compared with baseline levels, lung BH4 concentrations decreased by 24% at 3.5 days after TBI, an effect that was reversed by GT3. At 14 and 21 days after TBI, compensatory increases in BH4 (58% and 80%, respectively) were observed. Relative to vehicle-treated controls, both GT3 and BH4 supplementation reduced postirradiation vascular peroxynitrite production at 3.5 days (by 66% and 33%, respectively), and BH4 resulted in a 68% increase in bone marrow colony–forming units. GT3 ameliorated endothelial cell apoptosis and reduced endothelial GFRP protein levels and GFRP–GTPCH binding by decreasing transcription of the GFRP gene. Conclusions BH4 bioavailability is reduced in the early postradiation phase. Exogenous administration of BH4 reduces postirradiation vascular oxidative stress. GT3 potently reduces the expression of GFRP, one of the key regulatory proteins in the BH4 pathway, and may thus exert some of its beneficial effects on postradiation free radical production partly by counteracting the decrease in BH4.
Optimal decision rules for distributed binary decision tree classifiers

We consider the problem of recognizing M objects using a fusion center with N parallel sensors. Unlike conventional M-ary decision fusion systems, our fusion system breaks a complex M-ary decision fusion problem into a sequence of simpler binary decision fusion problems. In our systems, a binary decision tree (BDT) is employed to hierarchically partition the object space at all system elements. The traversal of the BDT is synchronized by the fusion center. The sensor observations are assumed conditionally independent given the unknown object type. We use a greedy performance criterion in which the probability of error is minimized at individual nodes. Using this performance criterion, we characterize the optimal fusion rules and the optimal sensor rules. We compare our results with some important results on conventional one-stage binary fusion.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Development of a Sulfur Dioxide Depolarized Electrolyzer for Hydrogen Production Using the Hybrid Sulfur Thermochemical Process

The Hybrid Sulfur Process is a leading candidate among the thermochemical cycles being developed to use heat from advanced nuclear reactors to produce hydrogen via watersplitting. It has the potential for high efficiency, competitive cost of hydrogen, and it has been demonstrated at a laboratory scale to confirm performance characteristics. The major developmental issues with the HyS Process involve the design and performance of a sulfur dioxide depolarized electrolyzer, the key component for conducting the electrochemical step in the process. This paper will discuss the development program and current status for the SDE being conducted at the Savannah River National Laboratory.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Nerium oleander as an alternative host plant for south Florida milkweed bugs, Oncopeltus fasciatus

. 1 Life history data were gathered for south Florida Oncopeltus fasciatus reared from eggs on Nerium oleander seeds and milkweed seeds in the laboratory. 2 Milkweed seeds were found to be a superior food source since O.fasciatus grew faster, laid more clutches, and has a higher total fecundity on milkweed seeds. 3 Fruiting N.oleander was found to be a better food source than nonfruiting milkweeds in a summer field study in south Florida since no nymphs survived to the adult stage on nonfruiting milkweeds but some did on N.oleander. 4 O.fasciatus adults and nymphs are abundant on N.oleander in the summer in south Florida when N.oleander is fruiting; no O.fasciatus nymphs are found in the summer on the milkweeds which are not fruiting. 5 O.fasciatus leave N.oleander in the autumn when milkweeds start to fruit and can then be found on fruiting milkweeds.