cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Low priorities for black american leaders: Environmental and occupational health

Black Americans face increased health risks from environmental and occupational exposures when compared with white Americans, but they also face increased risks for more immediate health problems such as HIV infection/AIDS, alcohol and drug abuse, violence, and infant mortality. A survey of more than 1,000 black public health and black political leaders solicited opinions on the relative importance of 1) environmental health and 2) occupational health and safety compared with other public health problems faced by the black community. The survey also determined opinions about the degree to which specific health problems are amenable to change for black Americans and who (or what agency) should spearhead efforts aimed at specific public health objectives.
Synthesis and in vivo evaluation of [18F]-N-(p-Nitrobenzyl)spiperone ([18F]PNBS) in rats

[18F]-N-(p-nitrobenzyl)spiperone, [18F]PNBS, was prepared and its in vivo uptake in rat brain was measured. A temporal increase in striatum:cerebellum ratio and frontal cortex:cerebellum (FC:Cb) ratio was observed. Blocking studies suggested the formation of a radiolabeled metabolite, presumably [18F]spiperone, that is capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier and labeling cortical 5-HT2 receptors. This was confirmed using the ISRP method of metabolite analysis indicating [18F]PNBS is not a suitable tracer for studying D2 receptors in vivo with PET.
A diffusible substance in irradiated tissues

IN a series of experiments carried out on volunteers, a dose of X-rays was given to two small areas of skin separated by a varying width of untreated protected skin, and the reactions produced were significantly bigger than that over a single area of skin exposed to the same dose of radiation. When, however, the separation between the two paired areas was greater than a certain minimum value, the reaction was equal to that of a single area at a symmetrical site. The separation value which cancelled this reciprocal vicinity effect was, for areas 1·56 cm. × 1·56 cm., approximately 2·5 cm. For areas 2·5 cm. × 2·5 cm. a separation of at least 3 cm., and for areas 3·5 cm. × 3·5 cm. a separation of more than 4·0 cm., was required to abolish the vicinity effect.
Schwellenkonzentrationen verschiedener Stickstoffquellen für die Vermehrung einiger Bakterien aus nährstoffarmen Gewässern

Minimal growth-limiting concentrations of different nitrogen sources were tested in liquid cultures of Flavobacterium aquatile, Aerobacter aerogenes, and Bacillus subtilis in population densities of approximately 5000 cells/ml. Evidence of multiplication was given by plate counts and microscopic counts on membrane filters. The lowest nitrogen concentrations at which multiplication occured (threshold concentrations) ranged from <1 to 500 γ/l and depended upon both the kind of nitrogen source and the organism used (Table3). A. aerogenes proved to require larger concentrations of nitrogen than the two other organisms. Nitrogen of ammonia and of hydrolysed peptone showed lower threshold concentrations than nitrogen of nitrate and untreated peptone, respectively. Microscopic measurement of the cell size indicated formation of cell material of B. subtilis at concentrations of ammonia-nitrogen lower than those necessary for multiplication.
Development of a Quality Improvement Bundle to Reduce Tracheal Intubation–Associated Events in Pediatric ICUs:

Advanced airway management in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) is hazardous, with associated adverse outcomes. This report describes a methodology to develop a bundle to improve quality and safety of tracheal intubations. A prospective observational cohort study was performed with expert consensus opinion of 1715 children undergoing tracheal intubation at 15 PICUs. Baseline process and outcomes data in tracheal intubation were collected using the National Emergency Airway Registry for Children reporting system. Univariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors associated with adverse tracheal intubation-associated events. A multidisciplinary quality improvement committee was formed. Workflow analysis of tracheal intubation and pilot testing were performed to develop the Airway Bundle Checklist with 4 parts: (1) risk factor assessment, (2) plan generation, (3) preprocedure time-out to ensure that providers, equipment, and plans are prepared, (4) postprocedure huddle to identify improvement opportunities. The Airway Bundle Checklist developed may lead to improvement in airway management.
Real-time tumor tracking with preprogrammed dynamic multileaf-collimator motion and adaptive dose-rate regulation.

The authors have developed a new method for real-time tumor tracking with dynamic multileaf-collimator (MLC)motion under condition of free breathing. Unlike other previously proposed tumor-tracking methods, their new method uses a preprogrammed dynamic MLCsequence in combination with real-time dose-rate control. This new scheme circumvents the technical challenge in MLC-based tumor tracking of having to control the MLCmotion in real time, based on real-time detected tumormotion. With their new method, the movement of the tumor, as a function of breathing phase, amplitude, or tidal volume, is reflected in the preprogrammed MLCsequence. The irregularity of breathing during treatment is handled by real-time regulation of the machine dose rate, which effectively speeds up or slows down the delivery of radiation as needed. This method is based on the fact that all of the parameters in dynamic radiationdelivery, including MLCmotion, are enslaved to the cumulative dose, which, in turn, can be accelerated or decelerated by varying the dose rate. Because commercially available MLC systems do not allow the MLCdeliverysequence to be modified in real time based on the patient’s breathing signal, previously proposed tumor-tracking techniques using a MLC cannot be readily implemented in the clinic today. By using a preprogrammed MLCsequence to handle the required motion, the task for real-time control is greatly simplified. With their new scheme, which they call dose-rate-regulated tracking (DRRT), it is possible to use existing linear accelerators that have dynamic MLC capability to achieve real-time tumor tracking, provided that the beam dose rate can be controlled externally. Tracking-error evaluation for 13 patients out of 14 resulted in a tracking error of less than 1 mm ( 1 σ ) , if the effect of the response time of the treatment machine on the dose-rate modulation can be neglected. Film measurements on a moving phantom with variable breathing patterns and DRRT delivery showed that 97% of the measurement points have gamma values less than 1 (for 3% and 2-mm criteria), while non-DRRT delivery showed only 87%. This study shows that real-time tracking is feasible with DRRT even when the patient breathing frequency is irregular. Effects of the variation of breathing amplitude and of base line drift on the tracking error with DRRT are discussed; pending further study, a criterion is suggested for patient selection in the application of this new technique in the clinic.
Differential kinetochore protein requirements for establishment versus propagation of centromere activity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Dicentric chromosomes undergo a breakage–fusion–bridge cycle as a consequence of having two centromeres on the same chromatid attach to opposite spindle poles in mitosis. Suppression of dicentric chromosome breakage reflects loss of kinetochore function at the kinetochore–microtubule or the kinetochore–DNA interface. Using a conditionally functional dicentric chromosome in vivo, we demonstrate that kinetochore mutants exhibit quantitative differences in their degree of chromosome breakage. Mutations in chl4/mcm17/ctf17 segregate dicentric chromosomes through successive cell divisions without breakage, indicating that only one of the two centromeres is functional. Centromere DNA introduced into the cell is unable to promote kinetochore assembly in the absence of CHL4. In contrast, established centromeres retain their segregation capacity for greater than 25 generations after depletion of Chl4p. The persistent mitotic stability of established centromeres reveals the presence of an epigenetic component in kinetochore segregation. Furthermore, this study identifies Chl4p in the initiation and specification of a heritable chromatin state.
Allergic contact dermatitis to “silver oak” wooden arm bracelets

Three women developed contact dermatitis from wearing wooden arm bracelets made from a tropical tree, Grevillea robusta. All three patients had positive patch tests to extracts made from wood shavings.
Rectification of prevailing visibility statistics

Abstract An investigation is made into the biases inherent in prevailing visibility observations and a method is proposed for removing these biases in order to rectify the visibility statistics for a station. Using these rectified statistics, the dependence of visibility on relative humidity is examined for five stations in or near New Jersey. The data are found to conform fairly well with a physical model.
Fluorescence and absorbance analyte sensing in whole blood and plasma based on diffusion separation in silicon-microfabricated flow structures

Based on the recently introduced T-Sensor method, we demonstrate the fluorescence-determination of various analytes directly in whole blood and in serum. The method relies on microfluidic flow in silicon structures, diffusion-based separation, and analyte determination using fluorescent and absorption indicator dyes. Due to extremely small inertial forces in such structures, practically all flow in microstructures is laminar. This allows the movement of different layers of fluid and particles next to each other in a channel without mixing other than by diffusion. A sample solution (e.g., blood), and a receptor solution containing the indicator dye are introduced in a common channel, and flow laminarly next to each other until they exit the structure. Small ions such as H+, and Na+ diffuse rapidly across the channel, whereas larger molecules diffuse more slowly. Larger particles such as blood cells and polymer beads show no significant diffusion within the time the two flow streams are in contact. The fluorescence emission of indicator dyes is a function of the concentration of the analyte molecules and the dye concentration in the interaction zone between the two streams. This device allows continuous monitoring of the concentration of analytes in whole blood without the use of membranes or prior removal of blood cells. This principle is illustrated by the determination of human albumin, total calcium, and pH in whole blood and serum.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Predictors of hospital outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention in the community.

Background: It is not well established to what degree advances have been adopted into contemporary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) practice in the community and what effect they have on the short-term outcomes of in-hospital mortality and length of stay. Methods: We analyzed a prospectively-collected, statewide registry that includes consecutive patients undergoing isolated PCI to determine predictors of in-hospital outcomes after the first PCI performed in the community. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with in-hospital mortality after first PCI. Results: Between January 1, 1999 and December 31, 2000 there were a total of 12,920 cases of first PCI performed, 4535 (35.1%) of which were for acute myocardial infarction (MI). Stents and glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitors were used in 89.6% and 70.0%, respectively, of all cases. In-hospital mortality was 1.8%. Length of hospital stay was 1 (1, 3) days [median (interquartile range)] in the absence of acute MI, and 3 (2, 4) days after acute MI. After acute MI, peri-procedure GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor use [adjusted OR 0.41 (95% CI 0.26, 0.63)] and stenting [adjusted OR 0.61 (95% CI 0.37, 0.996)] were the only factors positively associated with freedom from hospital death. Conclusions: Intracoronary stenting and use of GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors have been well integrated into community practice. The observed in-hospital mortality rate is slightly higher than published in other series, but likely reflects the significant proportion of acute MI cases being treated aggressively with PCI as the primary therapy. (J Interven Cardiol 2004;17:151–158)
Results of raster-scan laser conditioning studies on DKDP triplers using Nd:YAG and excimer lasers

In this paper we present the results of damage tests performed at 1064 and 355-nm at 8-10 ns on conventional and rapid growth DKDP tripler crystals. The crystals were laser conditioned prior to damage testing by raster scanning using either Nd:YAG (1064 and 355 nm, 8-10 ns) or excimer lasers at 248, 308 or 351 nm with pulse durations of approximately 30-47 ns. The results show that it is possible to attain increases in 355-nm damage probability fluences of 2X for excimer conditioning at 248 and 308 nm. However, these wavelengths can induce absorption sufficient to induce bulk fracture by thermal shock when impurities such as arsenic, rubidium and sulfur are present in the crystals in sufficient quantity. Tests to evaluate the efficiency of 351-nm conditioning (XeF excimer) show improvements of 2X and that thermal fracture by induced absorption is not a problem. We also discuss our recent discovery that low fluence raster scanning at UV wavelengths leads to 1064-nm damage thresholds of over 100 J/cm 2 (10-ns pulses).
Explosive vaporization of single droplets by lasers: comparison of models with experiments.

A computer model of the explosive vaporization of single water droplets by pulsed CO2-laser radiation is compared with the relevant experiments. The model shows excellent quantitative agreement with the experiments, to our knowledge the first time such agreement has been observed. The importance of fluid mechanics during the pulse is demonstrated, and a second computer model illustrates how a spherically symmetric explosion can evolve even under conditions of nonuniform heating. The two models reconcile the differences between predictions made by Mie theory and observations of droplet heating.
Leaf Temperatures of Desert Plants

Temperatures of small leaves of many desert plants are within 3°C of air temperature in contrast to the temperature of Opuntia in the same locale; this plant has a temperature 10° to 16°C above air temperature. Theoretical4 justification for the observation is given based on an energy budget analysis.
Differential Response of Large and Small Coronary Arteries to Nitroglycerin and Angiotensin: Autoregulation and Tachyphylaxis

Large proximal and smaller distal coronary arteries respond differently to pharmacologic agents, but the role of autoregulation is not known. We examined this role in dogs by cannulating the main left coronary artery and a distal left anterior descending artery branch. With coronary flow held constant, the distal coronary artery pressure and the gradient from proximal to distal artery were proportional to the small and the large vessel resistance, respectively. At normal perfusion pressure, nitroglycerin injected directly into the coronary artery caused a transient fall in small vessel resistance and a prolonged decrease in large vessel resistance. During ischemia, when small vessels autoregulated and small vessel resistance was minimal, nitroglycerin lowered only large vessel resistance. Angiotensin injected directly into the coronary artery increased small and large vessel resistance; the slower response of large vessel resistance followed a passive dilation caused by increased perfusion pressure. Continuous infusions of nitroglycerin and angiotensin maintained dilation and constriction of large vessels, respectively, but small vessels demonstrated tachyphylaxis. Only adenosine infusion maintained dilation in both large and small vessels. In response to varying perfusion, small vessels autoregulated and large vessels responded passively to changes in perfusion pressure. We concluded that small coronary arteries respond to cardiac metabolism and demonstrate escape from prolonged dilation and constriction. Conversely, large vessels respond continuously to sustained mechanical and pharmacologic stimuli independently of the nutritional state of the myocardium.
Morphologic effects of hypervitaminosis a on rat submandibular gland

Abstract Young male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed oral supplements of vitamin A; either a subtoxic dose of 5000 i.u./day for 16 weeks (10 animals), or a toxic dose of 15,000 i.u./day for 16 days (5 animals). High-dose animals exhibited signs of acute toxicity; low-dose animals demonstrated only less weight gain than controls. Vitamin A sera and liver levels evidenced intoxication. Light and electron microscopy were conducted upon acini, intercalated ducts, and striated-granular ducts of the submandibular gland. Acinar cells evidenced rough endoplasmic reticulum clefting and hyperplasia of both rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus similar to changes produced by pilocarpine or isoproterenol and interpreted as hyperactivity. Also increased were the number of degenerating acinar cells. Striated-granular duct cells were similar to controls except for increased cellular degeneration. Intercalated ducts appeared unaffected. Abnormalities were more pronounced in short-term, toxic hypervitaminosis A than long-term, subtoxic hypervitaminosis A.
DNA-directed DNA Polymerase Activity in Oncogenic RNA Viruses

Besides having RNA-dependent DNA polymerase activity, oncogenic RNA viruses possess a DNA-directed DNA polymerase which is distinguished from previously described enzymes of this type in preferring double-stranded DNA as template and yielding a principally double-stranded product.
Current and future grating technology

It is always a pleasure for people like us, who make gratings, to hear such nice expositions of what can be done with the gratings as in Professor Heraberg's lecture. I think the lo-meter grating that was referred to in his lecture was one that Bausch & Lomb supplied. We heard several references this morning and this afternoon to various sources of perfect gratings. I just want to say that while I have seen lots of good gratings and while I have seen lots of extremely useful gratings, I have never seen a completely perfect grating. There is no grating where with enough energy and diligence you can't find some defects. We may regard this as a tribute to our increasing powers of making tests. so, with advances in technology, we have to become just a little more modest. I wonder how Henry Rowland would feel now, a century after his great accomplishments, if he could indulge himself in a personal survey of the current grating scene. I can imagine, like Marlow with Scrooge, taking him on a ghostly tour of the current scene. I think he would find it active and flourishing on a scale beyond anything he might have expected in his lifetime. He would find many new developments in the ruling of master gratings, with more still around the corner. He would discover sophisticated methods of producing master gratings by photographic procedures which we now call holographic. In fact, they were demonstrated in France, I think in the year of his death, so maybe he did not get to read about it. Aime Cotton in France made the first holographic gratings to my knowledge and actually used them as experimental dispersing devices, but discussed them in Comptes Rendus, which few of us get around to reading. I don't know how astonished Rowland would be if he were to note how efficient and accurate methods of replication have become, and what that has done to increase the quantity of useful gratings to the point where prisms have become almost a rarity in the field of spectroscopy. How about ruling engines? If Rowland were to take a survey of the world's inventory of these engines, I think he would feel rather complimented by the fact that nearly all of them have followed his basic design philosophy. By this I mean a grating blank resting on a carriage driven by a precision lead screw, and that grooves are burnished into the surface with a diamond tool reciprocating in a fixed plane. Fiqure 1 reminds us how far we have come since the days when producing 10 gratings a year was considered a significant accomplishment, to a time when
Integrated Surgical Residency Initiative: Implications for Cardiothoracic Surgery

The history, conceptualization, and implementation of the integrated six year cardiothoracic residency paradigm is discussed. Emphasis is placed of critcal logistical points, as well as the challenges associated with obtaining operative case requirements. Strategies for providing and monitoring didactic and technical skills education are presented.
Linking soil element-mass-transfer to microscale mineral weathering across a semiarid environmental gradient

Abstract Understanding controls on silicate weathering is critical to characterizing critical zone evolution. The objective of this study was to investigate how climate, vegetation, and landscape position control feldspar transformations across a semiarid environmental gradient. Granitic surface soil and saprock samples were collected from desert scrub and mixed conifer sites within the Santa Catalina Mountain Critical Zone Observatory where mean annual temperature ranges from 24 °C to 10 °C and mean annual precipitation from 25 to 85 cm. Quantitative X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, and electron microprobe analyses were employed to quantify elemental changes in bulk soils and across plagioclase grains. The chemical depletion of Na in bulk soils ranged from 5.4 – 15% in the desert scrub sites relative to 16–33% in the mixed conifer sites. Plagioclase grain alteration was classified into unaltered, edge, and altered sections to compare microscale weathering and elemental variation. The Na/Al and Si/Al ratios decreased from unaltered, to edge, to altered grain sections in the mixed conifer sites, whereas the element ratios of the desert scrub system were similar between unaltered and edge grain sections, and only exhibited significant decreases in Na/Al and Si/Al ratios between edge and altered materials. The microscale depletion of Na and Si suggested increased silicate weathering in the cooler, wetter, and more biologically productive mixed conifer system compared to the hot, dry desert scrub system. The results also demonstrated a topographic control on mineral transformation where increased plagioclase weathering occurred in convergent footslope landscapes with little change in elemental depletion of soils in divergent summit sites.
Performance-Enhancing Substances: Is Your Adolescent Patient Using?

Small, but significant, numbers of adolescents use anabolic-androgenic steroids to improve their appearance or sports performance. Many more use creatine and other performance-enhancing substances with the hope of achieving these goals. This article assists primary care physicians in the office assessment of adolescents who may be using these substances, focusing on identifying adolescents at risk, asking the right questions, and helping adolescents feel comfortable discussing this sensitive topic. Providers must present themselves as credible sources of information on the topic to communicate effectively with adolescent athletes.
Seedless electrochemical deposition of copper on physical vapor deposition-W2N liner materials for ultra large scale integration (ULSI) devices

Electrochemical studies are designed to identify processes that provide adequate nucleation and thin film growth directly on ultrathin, air-exposed physical vapor deposition (PVD)-tungsten nitride diffusion barriers. In this study, it is shown that very thin copper films can be nucleated directly on a conducting PVD-W2N liner surface. A complex chemistry model based on mass balance and thermodynamic equilibrium has been applied to numerous ammoniacal platting bath compositions and the resulting concentration profiles inserted into the Nernst equation. Comparing the experimental results with the predicted model indicates that a strong adhesion is associated with the reduction of several copper-ammonia complexes at the metal nitride surface. Nucleation, growth mechanisms, and film resistivity are found to be dependent on the reduction potential, electrolyte velocity, and platting bath chemistry.
Analysis of methionine enkephalin in human pituitary by multi-dimensional reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, radioreceptor assay, radioimmunoassay, fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry, and mass spectrometry-mass spectrometry.

Abstract Methionine enkephalin (ME = YGGFM) was measured in five individual human post-mortem pituitaries using four different analytical methods, with the objective of comparing the molecular specificities of the methods. Radioreceptor assay (RRA) used a receptor-rich preparation from brain and [3H]etorphine as radioligand to determine ME-like receptoractivity (ME-LR). Radioimmunoassay (RIA) measured ME-like immunoreactivity (ME-LI). Pituitary samples analyzed by RRA and RIA were purified first with a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) gradient on a polymer analytical column. Fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry (FAB-MS) in two different detection modes quantified ME using the protonated molecular ion MH+ of ME at 574 a.m.u. and B/E linked-field selected reaction monitoring (SRM) to monitor the specific unimolecular metastable transition that produced the unique amino acid sequence-determining tetrapeptide fragment ion YGGF+ from the MH+ precursor ion. Both FAB-MS methods used the deuterated internal standard YGG[2H5-F]M. Samples analyzed with FAB-MS were purified first with multi-dimensional reversed-phase HPLC. The first dimension was an ODS gradient, and the second dimension was a polymer isocratic elution. The following ME amounts were measured (mean ± standard error of the mean): ME-LR, 7.0 ± 1.9 μg g−1 tissue; ME-LI, 1.8 ± 0.7 μg g−1 tissue; MH+, 2.7 ± 0.6 μg g−1 tissue; SRM, 3.0 ± 0.8 μg g−1 tissue. The FAB SRM method provided the highest level of molecular specificity amount these four analytical methods used to measure picomole amounts of endogenous ME in a human pituitary.
Trapezoidal and triangular distributions for Type B evaluation of standard uncertainty

The Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM), published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), recognizes Type B state-of-knowledge probability distributions specified by scientific judgment as valid means to quantify uncertainty. The ISO-GUM discusses symmetric probability distributions only. Sometimes an asymmetric distribution is needed. We describe a trapezoidal distribution which may be asymmetric depending on the settings of its parameters. We describe the probability density function, cumulative distribution function (cdf), inverse function of the cdf, moment generating function, moments about origin (zero), expected value and variance of a trapezoidal distribution. We show that triangular and rectangular distributions are special cases of the trapezoidal distribution. Then we derive the moment generating functions, moments, expected values and variances of various special cases of the trapezoidal distribution. Finally, we illustrate through a real life example how a Type B asymmetric trapezoidal distribution may be useful in quantifying a correction for bias (systematic error) in a result of measurement and in quantifying the standard uncertainty associated with the correction.
Properties of a new, efficient, blue-emitting material for applications in upconversion displays: Yb, Tm:KY3F10.

The properties of Yb, Tm:KY3F10, a cubic fluoride crystal, are described that make it attractive as the blue emitter in two-dimensional photonic displays. Its peak excitation wavelength for blue upconversion emission is 974.7 nm, where efficient diode laser pump sources are available. The maximum upconversion efficiency measured thus far is 4.4%.
531 PREDICTIVE VALUE OF C-REACTIVE PROTEIN (C-RP) AND LIMULUS LYSATE ASSAY (LLA) IN EVALUATION OF CHILDHOOD BACTERIAL MENINGITIS

531 PREDICTIVE VALUE OF C-REACTIVE PROTEIN (C-RP) AND LIMULUS LYSATE ASSAY (LLA) IN EVALUATION OF CHILDHOOD BACTERIAL MENINGITIS
On the nature of unique boron sites in borate glasses

Abstract The 11B NMR spectra of borate glasses can be accurately computer-simulated using a simple model for the electric field gradient at a boron site in the BO3 and BO4 structural units, assuming these structural units are relatively undistorted. Deviations from the average OBO bond angle in these two sites are determined from the simulations to be less than ± 2° in borate glasses. There is no evidence for increasing distortion in the fundamental structural units with increasing metal oxide content.
Evaluating and Improving a Learning Trajectory for Linear Measurement in Elementary Grades 2 and 3: A Longitudinal Study

We examined children's development of strategic and conceptual knowledge for linear measurement. We conducted teaching experiments with eight students in grades 2 and 3, based on our hypothetical learning trajectory for length to check its coherence and to strengthen the domain-specific model for learning and teaching. We checked the hierarchical structure of the trajectory by generating formative instructional task loops with each student and examining the consistency between our predictions and students' ways of reasoning. We found that attending to intervals as countable units was not an adequate instructional support for progress into the Consistent Length Measurer level; rather, students must integrate spaces, hash marks, and number labels on rulers all at once. The findings have implications for teaching measure-related topics, delineating a typical developmental transition from inconsistent to consistent counting strategies for length measuring. We present the revised trajectory and recommend steps...
The relationship of hydrogen peroxide exposure protocol to bleaching efficacy

Clinical Relevance The use of a linear low-density polyethylene wrap as advocated in the sealed bleaching technique can minimize hydrogen peroxide penetration into the pulp cavity without compromising bleaching efficacy in vitro.
The structure of the cyclooctadecane ring system. 1,10-Cyclooctadecanedione

Abstract The crystal structure of the title compound was determined by X-ray crystallography and solved by direct methods; the molecule has C 2h symmetry. The carbon atoms are arranged in a diamondoid lattice, but not of the rectangular type that might have been expected. The dipole moment for the conformation found in the crystal is zero, while the observed dipole moment of the compound in solution is 2.78 D. Molecular mechanics calculations were carried out on several of the large number of possible conformation. Of those studied, the conformation found in the crystal had the lowest energy.
Derivatization of carboxylic acids by reaction with 4′-bromophenacyl trifluoromethanesulfonate prior to determination by high-performance liquid chromatography

Abstract The use of 4′-bromo-2-hydroxyacetophenone trifluoromethanesulfonate ester (4′-bromophenacyl triflate) in the preparation of carboxylic acid 4′-bromophenacyl ester derivatives for spectrophotometric detection in high-performance liquid chromatography is described. The reagent is prepared in 66% yield by the reaction of 4′-bromo-2-diazoacetophenone with trifluoromethanesulfonic acid in anhydrous sulfur dioxide and is stable for 3–6 months. Reactions of 10 −6 M carboxylate N,N-diisopropylethylammonium salts with this reagent in acetonitrile at room temperature proceed to completion in 1–5 min. Optimal rates of reaction are obtained with a 10-fold equivalent excess of alkylating agent and 5 equivalents of N,N-diisopropylethylamine present. The process has been applied successfully to mono-, di- and tricarboxylic and sterically hindered carboxylic acids.
Species differences in the expression of AHI1, a protein implicated in the neurodevelopmental disorder Joubert syndrome, with preferential accumulation to stigmoid bodies

Joubert syndrome (JBTS) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by cerebellum and brainstem malformations. Individuals with JBTS have abnormal breathing and eye movements, ataxia, hypotonia, and cognitive difficulty, and they display mirror movements. Mutations in the Abelson-helper integration site-1 gene (AHI1) cause JBTS in humans, suggesting that AHI1 is required for hindbrain development; however AHI1 may also be required for neuronal function. Support for this idea comes from studies demonstrating that the AHI1 locus is associated with schizophrenia. To gain further insight into the function of AHI1 in both the developing and mature central nervous system, we determined the spatial and temporal expression patterns of the gene products of AHI1 orthologs throughout development, in human, mouse, and zebrafish. Murine Ahi1 was distributed throughout the cytoplasm, dendrites, and axons of neurons, but was absent in glial cells. Ahi1 expression in the mouse brain was observed as early as embryonic day 10.5 and persisted into adulthood, with peak expression during the first postnatal week. Murine Ahi1 was observed in neurons of the hindbrain, midbrain, and ventral forebrain. Generally, the AHI1/Ahi1/ahi1 orthologs had a conserved distribution pattern in human, mouse, and zebrafish, but mouse Ahi1 was not present in the developing and mature cerebellum. Ahi1 was also observed consistently in the stigmoid body, a poorly characterized cytoplasmic organelle found in neurons. Overall, these results suggest roles for AHI1 in neurodevelopmental processes that underlie most of the neuroanatomical defects in JBTS, and perhaps in neuronal functions that contribute to schizophrenia. J. Comp. Neurol. 511:238–256, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
An extreme ultraviolet study of the 2XIIB neutral-beam-heated mirror machine

The extreme ultraviolet emissions from the 2XIIB neutral-beam-heated mirror machine were studied with 0.4-m normal-incidence spectrometer. The absolute brightnesses of resonance lines between 400 and 1600 A were measured and spatial and spectral scans of some lines were performed. The oxygen concentration was 3%, and the source of the oxygen was shown to be the neutral beams. The concentrations of titanium, carbon and nitrogen were roughly 0.4%. The power radiated by these impurities was a small percentage of the power deposited by the neutral beams. Radial and axial injections of neon showed that impurities introduced by radial fluxes of gas are poorly confined and that the beam-fuelled plasma inhibits the penetration of impurities along field lines. The large density of beam-injected neutrals caused charge-exchange recombination processes to strongly affect the populations of the oxygen ionization states; also, the presence of oxygen affected the plasma power balance through charge exchange.
Towards an optimal paradigm for simultaneously recording cortical and brainstem auditory evoked potentials.

Abstract Background Simultaneous recording of brainstem and cortical event-related brain potentials (ERPs) may offer a valuable tool for understanding the early neural transcription of behaviorally relevant sounds and the hierarchy of signal processing operating at multiple levels of the auditory system. To date, dual recordings have been challenged by technological and physiological limitations including different optimal parameters necessary to elicit each class of ERP (e.g., differential adaptation/habitation effects and number of trials to obtain adequate response signal-to-noise ratio). New method We investigated a new stimulus paradigm for concurrent recording of the auditory brainstem frequency-following response (FFR) and cortical ERPs. The paradigm is “optimal” in that it uses a clustered stimulus presentation and variable interstimulus interval (ISI) to (i) achieve the most ideal acquisition parameters for eliciting subcortical and cortical responses, (ii) obtain an adequate number of trials to detect each class of response, and (iii) minimize neural adaptation/habituation effects. Results and comparison with existing method Comparison between clustered and traditional (fixed, slow ISI) stimulus paradigms revealed minimal change in amplitude or latencies of either the brainstem FFR or cortical ERP. The clustered paradigm offered over a 3× increase in recording efficiency compared to conventional (fixed ISI presentation) and thus, a more rapid protocol for obtaining dual brainstem–cortical recordings in individual listeners. Conclusions We infer that faster recording of subcortical and cortical potentials might allow more complete and sensitive testing of neurophysiological function and aid in the differential assessment of auditory function.
Dissolution rate studies. II. Dissolution of particles under conditions of rapid agitation.

Dissolution data for sized fractions of three different compounds were obtained using the method of Niebergall and Goyan. The Hixon-Crowell "cube root law" did not describe the data. Deviation from this law was accounted for by deriving a rate expression assuming that the thickness of the diffusion layer was proportional to the square root of the mean volume diameter. Experiments were performed to verify the applicability of the equation so derived.
A Spectral Approach to the Unification of Satellite and Conventional Temperature Data

A method for combining temperature soundings derived from VISSR Atmospheric Sounder (VAS) radiance observations with conventional data is presented. Using data from the Atmospheric Variability Experiment/VAS Ground Truth Field Experiment, temperature profiles from rawinsonde and VAS observations were represented by Fourier cosine series, with harmonic-by-harmonic comparisons performed for collocated pairs as well as the spatial variations of harmonic coefficients. The zeroth and first harmonics in the VAS temperature soundings were combined with higher harmonics determined from conventional data to form a unified dataset. The quality of the unified data was examined by comparing the vertical motion fields derived from a linear balance model with satellite observations of cloud systems. Case studies at 1200 UTC on August 22, 23, and 24, 1983 over the western Atlantic gave good results.
Needle exchange decreases the prevalence of HIV-1 proviral DNA in returned syringes in New Haven, Connecticut.

Abstract purpose: To report on the deployment of the syringe tracking and testing system in the New Haven needle exchange program, which is the first federally funded evaluation of a needle exchange program conducted in the United States. patients and methods: A legal needle exchange for intravenous drug users began in New Haven, Connecticut, in November 1990. All syringes distributed by the program received unique tracking codes. Syringes were tracked and HIV-1 proviral DNA prevalence in returned syringes was assessed using polymerase chain reaction and Southern blotting. results: At the outset of the program, the prevalence of HIV-1 proviral DNA in syringes exceeded two thirds. Prevalence decreased rapidly to less than 45% during the first 3 months of the program and remained at this level for the following 10 months. During the periods of decreasing prevalence and subsequent steady state, no changes in the demographics of program participants or in the drug use habits of newly enrolling clients that could account for the decrease in HIV-1 prevalence in needles were detected. In addition, the program referred almost 20% of its clients to drug treatment programs. conclusion: The needle exchange program in New Haven has decreased the percentage of syringes testing positive for HIV-1 proviral DNA among needle exchange clients while simultaneously serving as an entry point for drug treatment.
DNA resection at chromosome breaks promotes genome stability by constraining non-allelic homologous recombination.

DNA double-strand breaks impact genome stability by triggering many of the large-scale genome rearrangements associated with evolution and cancer. One of the first steps in repairing this damage is 5′→3′ resection beginning at the break site. Recently, tools have become available to study the consequences of not extensively resecting double-strand breaks. Here we examine the role of Sgs1- and Exo1-dependent resection on genome stability using a non-selective assay that we previously developed using diploid yeast. We find that Saccharomyces cerevisiae lacking Sgs1 and Exo1 retains a very efficient repair process that is highly mutagenic to genome structure. Specifically, 51% of cells lacking Sgs1 and Exo1 repair a double-strand break using repetitive sequences 12–48 kb distal from the initial break site, thereby generating a genome rearrangement. These Sgs1- and Exo1-independent rearrangements depend partially upon a Rad51-mediated homologous recombination pathway. Furthermore, without resection a robust cell cycle arrest is not activated, allowing a cell with a single double-strand break to divide before repair, potentially yielding multiple progeny each with a different rearrangement. This profusion of rearranged genomes suggests that cells tolerate any dangers associated with extensive resection to inhibit mutagenic pathways such as break-distal recombination. The activation of break-distal recipient repeats and amplification of broken chromosomes when resection is limited raise the possibility that genome regions that are difficult to resect may be hotspots for rearrangements. These results may also explain why mutations in resection machinery are associated with cancer.
An Analytical Model for Tailor Welded Blank Forming

Tailor Welded Blanks (TWBs) offer several notable benefits including decreased part weight, reduced manufacturing costs, increased environmental friendliness, and improved dimensional consistency. In order to take advantage of these benefits, however, designers need to overcome the reduced formability of TWBs and be able to accurately predict unique characteristics related to TWB forming early in the design process. In this poper, an analytical model to predict the weld line movement and forming height for a uniform binder force, TWB forming application is presented. Comparison to numerical simulation results demonstrates the accuracy of this methodology. The analytical model provides designers a valuable tool to determine the location of steps on the die surface to accommodate the weld line movement and the potential forming height for a TWB forming with a uniform binder force. The methodology presented here has the potential to be extended to analyze a non-uniform binder force forming of TWBs.
A Prototype to Reduce the Amount of Accessible Information

Authorized insiders downloading mass data via their user interface are still a problem. In this paper a prototype to prevent mass data extractions is proposed. Access control models efficiently protect security objects but fail to define subsets of data which are narrow enough to be harmless if downloaded. Instead of controlling access to security objects the prototype limits the amount of accessible information. A heuristic approach to measures the amount of information is used. The paper describes the implementation of the prototype which is an extension of an SAP system as an example for a large enterprise information system.
Differential regulation of cytokine expression after allergen exposure of sensitized rats by cyclosporin A and corticosteroids: Relationship to bronchial hyperresponsiveness

Abstract Background: Cyclosporin A and dexamethasone exhibit different effects on allergic airway eosinophilia and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR). Objective: We determined whether these were related to alteration of cytokine expression, particularly with regard to the profile of Th1- versus Th2-derived cytokines. Methods: Brown-Norway rats sensitized with ovalbumin were administered cyclosporine or dexamethasone before ovalbumin aerosol challenge. Bronchial responsiveness was measured 18 to 24 hours after aerosol exposure. Airway cellular influx was determined by bronchoalveolar lavage and tissue immunohistochemistry. The expression of Th1 and Th2 cytokine messenger RNA (mRNA) was analyzed by reverse transcriptase–PCR. Results: Ovalbumin exposure induced significant BHR, with increases in eosinophils, lymphocytes, and neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and an increase in eosinophils, CD2+ and CD8+, but not CD4+ T cells, in the airway submucosa. IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-5 mRNA expression in the lungs of sensitized ovalbumin-exposed rats was increased (P
Umbilical cord serum interleukin-6, c-reactive protein, and myeloperoxidase concentrations at birth and association with neonatal morbidities and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes

Objective The aim of the study is to determine if umbilical cord serum concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and myeloperoxidase (MPO), in pregnancies at risk for preterm birth (PTB), are associated with neonatal morbidities and/or altered neurodevelopmental outcomes in the children. Study Design Umbilical cord serum samples were collected at birth from 400 newborns delivered within a multicenter randomized controlled trial of repeated versus single course of antenatal corticosteroids (ACs), in women at increased risk for PTB. Newborns were followed through discharge and were evaluated between 36 and 42 months corrected age with neurological examination and Bayley Scales of Infant Development. Umbilical cord serum concentrations of IL-6, CRP, and MPO were determined using enzyme-linked immunoassays. Multivariate logistic regression analyses explored the relationship between umbilical cord serum IL-6, CRP, and MPO levels, adverse newborn outcomes, and PTB Results Univariate analysis revealed that umbilical cord IL-6 above the 75th percentile was associated with increased respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and chronic lung disease (CLD), but not with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), or neonatal sepsis; however, this association was not significant after adjusting for GA at delivery and treatment group. No significant associations between CRP or MPO and RDS, CLD, NEC, sepsis, or IVH were evident. Regression analysis revealed that CRP above the 75th percentile was associated with a decreased risk of CLD (odds ratio, 0.10; 95% confidence interval, 0.02–0.41). No associations between umbilical cord IL-6, CRP, or MPO and MDI Conclusion Elevated umbilical cord serum concentration of CRP is associated with reduced risk for CLD even after adjusting for GA at delivery. Occurrence of levels > 75th percentile of IL-6, CRP, and MPO in umbilical cord serum was associated with PTB
Chemical and nutritional characteristics of United States soybeans and soybean meals.

Two experiments were conducted to determine U.S. soybean meal (SBM) variation. In experiment 1, SBM from 55 U.S. processors was evaluated. Significant (P < 0.05) but numerically small differences were detected in dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) concentrations. Crude protein (CP) concentrations (51.6-54.6%) were higher (P < 0.05) in SBM produced in the southern U.S. Lipid and total dietary fiber concentrations also differed (P < 0.05). The protein dispersibility index was affected (P < 0.05) by the source of SBM. In experiment 2, soybeans and resultant SBMs were obtained from 10 U.S. processing plants. Soybean DM, OM, and CP concentrations differed (P < 0.05). Soybean meal varied (P < 0.05) in CP (48.2-56.2%), acid-hydrolyzed fat (3.3-9.2%), total dietary fiber (17.0-20.7%), and lysine concentrations. Soybean meal carbohydrate composition was also affected by processing conditions. These results indicate a significant variation in chemical and nutritional characteristics of U.S. SBM from different sources.