cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Feasibility and Diagnostic Potential of Pulmonary Transit Time Measurement by Contrast Echocardiography: A Pilot Study.

Aims Pulmonary transit time (PTT; the time for ultrasound contrast to travel from the right ventricle [RV] to the left atrium) may provide a single metric that reports on cardiopulmonary function while overcoming some of the challenges of standard echocardiographic measures. We conducted a pilot study to test the feasibility and reproducibility of echocardiographically derived PTT and to determine its association with established measures of cardiopulmonary function. Methods and Results A total of 39 patients receiving clinically indicated ultrasound contrast were prospectively enrolled. PTT was measured in the apical four-chamber view using commercially available software. Reproducibility and inter-observer agreement were assessed in 9 patients. PTT was correlated with established measures of left ventricular systolic and diastolic function, RV function, and pulmonary vascular status. PTT could be measured in 89% (33/37) of patients without a contraindication to ultrasound contrast; all measurements from the last 20 patients were interpretable and obtained independently by a sonographer. Reproducibility and inter-observer agreement were excellent. PTT correlated well with standard echocardiographic indicators of cardiac status. A PTT >4.5 seconds accurately identified all but 1 patient with cardiopulmonary dysfunction. Conclusions This pilot study demonstrates that measurement of PTT using ultrasound contrast is highly reproducible, accurately reflects global cardiopulmonary function across a range of cardiopulmonary disease, and can be readily obtained by an independent sonographer. Further studies are needed to determine whether PTT has incremental value in diagnosis and prognosis compared to conventional echocardiographic parameters.
Effect of Cobalt Incorporation and Lithium Enrichment in Lithium Nickel Manganese Oxides

Candidate cathode materials of cobalt-incorporated and lithium-enriched Li{sub (1+x)}Ni{sub 0.25}Co{sub 0.15}Mn{sub 0.6}O{sub (2.175+x/2)} (x=0.225-0.65) have been prepared by a coprecipitation method and a solid-state reaction. We systematically investigated the effect of both cobalt presence and lithium concentration on the structure, physical properties, and electrochemical behavior of the studied samples. The electrochemical performance of the cobalt-containing compounds showed much less dependence on the variation in the lithium amounts compared to the cobalt-free counterpart. The study demonstrated that even with cobalt incorporation, proper lithium content is the key to desirable cathode materials with nanostructured primary particles that are indispensable to achieve high capacity and high rate capability and, therefore, both improved energy and power densities for lithium-ion batteries.
New high-resolution model developed for Earth's gravitational field

After 3 years of intense work by some two dozen collaborating scientists at three institutions and after scores of evaluation tests, the Earth Gravitational Model 1996 (EGM96) was completed and released to the scientific community in September 1996. This model was developed jointly by the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), the National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA, formerly the Defense Mapping Agency), and The Ohio State University. EGM96 provides a more accurate reference surface for the topography, improves models of the ocean circulation, improves orbit determination for low-orbiting satellites, and contributes to global and regional studies in tectonics and geodynamics. The new spherical harmonic model, is complete to degree 360, corresponding to a global resolution of about 55 km. EGM96 incorporates newly released surface gravity data from around the globe, over three decades of precise satellite tracking data and altimeter measurements of the ocean surface from the TOPEX/POSEIDON, ERS-1 and GEOSAT missions. Figure l a shows a global map of the geoid undulations implied by EGM96, while Figure l b shows the corresponding gravity anomaly field.
The Inner Piedmont Belt of the Southern Crystalline Appalachians

The Inner Piedmont belt probably represents the migmatitic infrastructural core of the southern crystalline Appalachians. This belt exhibits the widest area of high-grade metamorphic rocks in the southern Appalachians and is a broad zone separating structures overturned northwestward from those overturned toward the southeast. Three subparallel zones constitute the northeast-trending Inner Piedmont belt in South Carolina and northeastern Georgia. The Inner Piedmont core defines the axis and consists of an assemblage of sillimanite-grade rocks, including mica schist, biotite gneiss, granitoid gneiss, and minor amphibolite. The core is bounded by two flanks of kyanite-grade rocks of a similar character. Amphibolite and granitoid gneiss predominate within the flanks, and migmatizadon is locally intense. Low dips predominate throughout the entire terrane, but local zones of steep foliation occur. Recumbent/reclined folds appear to characterize the structural style on all scales, and nappes associated with tectonic slides probably represent the largest-scale structures. The Inner Piedmont is bounded on the northwest and southeast by narrow, intensely folded, highly sheared, and partially cataclastic belts of lower-grade rocks. The northwest belt is termed the Non-migmatitic-Brevard belt; the southeast belt is herein called the Kings Mountain-Wacoochee belt. These belts may be two aspects of the same tectonic feature, for they converge northeastward and southwest-ward. The Inner Piedmont belt, lying between these narrow belts, appears to converge to the northeast in Virginia and toward the southwest in Alabama.
Global Patterns of Pre‐Dispersal Propagule Predation in Mangrove Forests1

Mangroves in disparate families produce viviparous seedlings (propagules) that are attacked by many crab and insect predators both before and after dispersal. While post-dispersal predation is viewed as an important factor in structuring many mangrove communities, pre-dispersal predation rates and agents have been characterized for few species. Ten species of mangrove and 3299 propagules were surveyed for pre-dispersal propagule predation at 42 sites around the world. Pre-dispersal predation rates were variable among sites and species, ranging from 0 to 93 percent within sands, with a global total predation rate of 23.3 percent (across all propagules examined) and a mean level of 28.3 percent across sites. Grapsid crabs, Coleoptera and Lepidoptera were the primary predators identified. Forests near human population centers and stands occurring at high intertidal sites exhibited higher levels of propagule predation than those in unpopulated or low-intertidal sites. Predation rates on a species were weakly, negatively correlated with conspecific seedling density at a site. To explore temporal variation in, and ramifications of pre-dispersal predation for propagule growth and abscission dynamics, Rhizophora mangle propagules were monitored over two years at three sites in Belize, Central America. Predation did not significantly reduce hypocotylar growth of germinated propagules on the parent tree, but nearly doubled the abscission rate of premature propagules. Pre-dispersal propagule predation is a ubiquitous feature of mangrove forests world-wide, and must be accounted for in estimates of reproductive output, stand health, and propagule availability for forestry and restoration efforts.
Analytical and experimental evaluation of a novel wideband transceiver with on-site coding

There is significant interest to integrate a variety of high speed communications using a single multi-functional front-end (transceiver) matched to an ultra-wideband (UWB) aperture. The availability of small UWB conformal apertures can provide a new paradigm in the way we collect and process information. However, utilization of this bandwidth imposes several requirements on the aperture, starting with a wideband feed network and the ability to scan down to low angles over the entire purported bandwidth (at least down to 70°). Concurrently, a scalable and power-efficient digital back-end is needed to realize digital beam-forming for cognitive sensing. A perennial challenge is the tradeoff between size, gain, and bandwidth. That is, the design of low profile, power-efficient, wideband conformal transceivers is desirable for conformal integration on small platforms.
DSP56200: An algorithm-specific digital signal processor peripheral

Performing finite sums of products is the foundation of digital signal processing (DSP). This paper describes the architecture and two applications of the DSP56200, an algorithm-specific, as opposed to application-specific, digital signal processor peripheral. The DSP56200 implements the finite sum of products and the least mean square (LMS) coefficient update algorithms. Echo cancellation and polyphase sample rate conversion filters are the applications discussed. The requirements of voice-echo cancelers are contrasted with those of data-echo cancelers. Both polyphase interpolators and decimators are described.
Implementing digital signatures for healthcare enterprises: the case of online disability evaluation reports

This paper presents a conceptual security framework and a case study of a digital signature solution implementation for a healthcare organisation that provides disability evaluation services for various government agencies and private companies. One service the company provides for its clients is online disability report generation and electronic report submission. When generating these disability reports, the signature of the examining physician is required for submission. The current process used by the company involves the manual collection of signatures. To streamline this process, and to meet legal and client requirements, the company investigated a digital signature solution. A security framework previously proposed was utilised to guide the implementation of the digital signature solution. This security framework consists of eight sequential stages. An in-depth analysis of the first seven stages for this case is provided, including guidelines for choosing digital signature solutions, vendor analyses and implementation issues.
Superresolution HRR ATR performance with HDVI

A goal of super-resolution, in addition to improving probability of correct classification (Pcc) in automatic target recognition systems, is to reduce radar resource requirements in achieving a given Pcc. These studies address the MIT Lincoln Laboratory 1-D template-based ATR algorithm that was developed and tested on super-resolved high range resolution (HRR) profiles formed from synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images of targets taken from the Moving and Stationary Target Acquisition and Recognition (MSTAR) data set. Previous studies on HRR ATR demonstrated encouraging results for recognition of stationary targets from their HRR profiles, although the low probability of correct classification dictates a large margin of improvement in Pcc is needed before the system can be operational. In this work, a super- resolution technique known as High Definition Vector Imaging (HDVI) is applied to the HRR profiles before the profiles are passed through the ATR classification. The new 1-D ATR system using super-resolved HRR demonstrates significantly improved target recognition compared to previous 1-D ATR systems that use conventional image processing techniques. This paper discusses the improvement in HRR ATR performance in terms of radar resource requirements as a result of applying HDVI.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Construction and analysis of a simplified non-linear ground resonance model

It has long been recognized by the rotary wing aircraft community that an instability known as ground resonance can occur which can threaten both the integrity and performance of an aircraft. Although the behavior of linear rotorcraft models have been well established, only recently has the behavior of a vehicle with non-linear characteristics been studied. A simplified physical model is developed in the present analysis which exhibits many of the same response characteristics as the non-linear model of a helicopter. A parametric study of this model is undertaken to see how parametric changes affect the steady state response of the system. Through the use of the model, it is shown that the limit cycle behavior of a non-linear ground resonance model behaves in a manner similar to that of a rotating shaft with a setscrew or key.
Laser Capture Microdissection: a rising tool in genetic profiling of cancer.

(2004). Laser Capture Microdissection: a rising tool in genetic profiling of cancer. Expert Review of Molecular Diagnostics: Vol. 4, No. 4, pp. 429-430.
Ivan Kuŝĉer and Adriatic Sea Optics

Abstract Most of Ivan's research between the early 1950s and the late 1960s was on classical transport theory that is applicable to the study of light propagation in sea water, especially his work involving anisotropic scattering. I discuss Ivan's early interests and engineering accomplishments in diving and then relate how some of the transport theory results he developed, including the analysis of the asymptotic light field at depths away from the surface, have been applied in the 1990s.
DNA transfer and cell killing in epidermoid cells by diagnostic ultrasound activation of contrast agent gas bodies in vitro

DNA transfer by sonoporation and cell killing in monolayer cells were examined by contrast-aided low-power diagnostic ultrasound (US). Culture chambers with epidermoid cell monolayers were scanned at about 1 mm/s with a 1.5-MHz scan head aimed upward at the chamber in a 37 degrees C water bath. For DNA transfer tests, plasmids coding for green fluorescent protein (GFP) were added to the medium, and GFP expression was assessed by flow cytometry after 2 days. In separate tests, cell killing was determined immediately after treatment. GFP-positive cell counts were 0.4% (0.7% SD) for shams and 3.7% (1.2% SD) of cells for exposure at 2.3 MPa with 2% Optison contrast agent. The fraction of dead cells was 3.4% (1.7% SD) in shams and 28.6% (6.3% SD) in exposed chambers. Both effects increased for increasing Optison concentration and increasing peak rarefactional pressure amplitude. Contrast-aided diagnostic US has a potential therapeutic application for gene transfer, but a trade-off appears to exist with cell killing.
Apples to Committee Consensus: The Challenge of Gender Identity Classification

The debate surrounding the inclusion of gender dysphoria/gender variant behavior (GD/GV) as a psychiatric diagnosis exposes many of the fundamental shortcomings and inconsistencies of our current diagnostic classification system. Proposals raised by the authors of this special issue, including basing diagnosis on cause rather than overt behavior, reclassifying GD/GV behavior as a physical rather than mental condition, and basing diagnosis on impairment or distress, offer some solutions but have limitations themselves given the available database. In contrast to most accepted psychiatric conditions where emphasis is placed on ultimately changing internal thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, consensus treatment for most GD/GV individuals, at least from adolescence onward, focuses on modifying the external body and external environment to maximize positive outcomes. This series of articles illustrating the diversity of opinions on when and if gender incongruence should be considered pathological reflects the r...
Thermodynamics of all-or-none water channel closure in red cells.

The relation of osmotic to diffusional water permeability of human red blood cells was compared after treating the cells with different concentrations of PCMBS (p-chloromercuribenzene sulfonate). After subtracting the PCMBS-insensitive permeability (presumably the water permeability of the lipid bilayer) from each, the ratio of osmotic to diffusional permeability remains invariant (≈11) as more and more water channels are inhibited by increasing concentrations of PCMBS. This result implies that the channels close in an all-or-none way and suggests a two-state model. Analysis of the dependence of osmotic water permeability on PCMBS concentration in terms of the model reveals a 1∶1 stoichiometry and a dissociation constant for the PCMBS/membrane receptor complex of about 0.019mm at 37°C. Temperature dependence studies show that the reaction is entropically driven (ΔHo≈25 kcal/mol, ΔSo≈100 cal/moldeg) and suggest the involvement of hydrophobic interactions.
Track and feel: The effects of user-generated content on engagement and learning in video games

In video games user-generated content (UGC) typically refers to the elements added to the game world by the players as opposed to the game developers. While an increasing number of game environments permit UGC, little is known about whether creating content for the game increases players' sense of engagement and ability to learn from the game. In this study, two groups of players played a racing game for the same amount of time; one of the groups raced in a sequence of tracks while the other group used the game's editor to create original tracks. We explored in this study how time spent creating original content affects the player's physiological arousal, engagement level, and memory of the game environment. While results in this preliminary study were modest, they indicate a few interesting findings such as effects on player competitiveness, and they suggest several directions for future investigation.
In Vitro Flow Rates of Enteral Solutions through Nasoenteric Tubes

Enteral solutions must flow freely through nasoenteric tubes selected for gravity drip administration particularly in outpatients receiving nutritional support. This study determined in vitro flow rates of solutions with intact protein and hydrolyzed protein sources with various caloric densities. Each solution was infused through silicone rubber and polyurethane tubes of various lengths and bore sizes. Flow rates were measured five times at 25 degrees C using formula bags and drip sets hung at a uniform height and tubes uniformly positioned in a collecting vessel. Data are presented for tubes and formulas tested. Recommendations for selection of tubes for gravity drip administration are made based on flow rate data, patient comfort, administration convenience, and patient tolerance to osmolality.
The development of computerized Auger microprobe techniques for the chemical mapping of rough submicron surfaces

Abstract A Varian Auger microprobe scanning spectrometer has been altered to improve surface chemical mapping of rough surfaces. The detection mode of the original equipment was revised from the d N /d E mode to the EN ( E ) mode using pulse counting techniques and the data compiled and analyzed by computer techniques. The scanning Auger mode features a line scan first at the element peak energy and secondly at an energy representative of the background. This mode of operation is pertinent to Auger mapping of rough surfaces. In particular, the results obtained on an impregnated thermionic cathode are presented where the roughness Auger output changes observed in scanning the surface were much larger than the concurrent chemical Auger output variations. Some details of the computer program used for doing the chemical mapping are described.
Abstract 5212: Regulation of androgen receptor expression by andro-miRs in prostate cancer

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Androgen receptor (AR) is a member of the steroid receptor family which plays a significant role in the regulation of both prostate cell proliferation and growth suppression. The targeting of androgen- and AR- signaling axis remains the primary therapeutic option for prostate cancer (PCa) treatment. AR mRNA has a long 3′UTR of 6.8 kb length and is predicted to be a target of many miRNAs. The existence of long 3′UTR proposes a complex mechanism of regulation of AR gene expression through miRNAs and other factors including RNA binding proteins and polyadenylation signals. Differential expression of various miRNAs has been reported to be associated with the progression of the disease to harmone-independence and castration-resistant prostact cancer (CRPC). However, the direct regulation of AR transcriptional activity through miRNAs is not clearly understood. Our lab has discovered that AR is a target of andro-miRs (miR-488*, miR-644, miR-149, miR-512-5p). These andro-miRs bind to target sequences in the 3′UTR of AR and downregulates luciferase expression in the target-validation validation experiments as well as endogeneous AR expression. Our ongoing study of andro-miRs also indicates that, in addition to downregulation of AR gene expression by the action of andro-miRs alone and synergistically, these miRNAs can regulate AR signaling leading to androgen-independence and resistance. This post transcriptional regulation of AR gene expression through andro-miRs makes them an interesting candidate for miR-based adjunctive treatment in CRPC treatment. Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting. Citation Format: Jey Sabith Ebron, Kavleen Sikand, Jagjit Singh, Girish C. Shukla. Regulation of androgen receptor expression by andro-miRs in prostate cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 5212. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-5212
A biomimetic heteroatom oxidation

Abstract The oxidation of amines and sulfides to N-oxides, sulfoxides and sulfones is smoothly accomplished using 2-hydroperoxyhexafluoro-2-propanol (HPHI).
Astaxanthin prevents TGFβ1-induced pro-fibrogenic gene expression by inhibiting Smad3 activation in hepatic stellate cells

Abstract Background Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a subset of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, the most common chronic liver disease in the U.S. Fibrosis, a common feature of NASH, results from the dysregulation of fibrogenesis in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). In this study, we investigated whether astaxanthin (ASTX), a xanthophyll carotenoid, can inhibit fibrogenic effects of transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1), a key fibrogenic cytokine, in HSCs. Methods Reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation was measured in LX-2, an immortalized human HSC cell line. Quantitative realtime PCR, Western blot, immunocytochemical analysis, and in-cell Western blot were performed to determine mRNA and protein of fibrogenic genes, and the activation of Smad3 in TGFβ1-activated LX-2 cells and primary mouse HSCs. Results In LX-2 cells, ROS accumulation induced by tert-butyl hydrogen peroxide and TGFβ1 was abolished by ASTX. ASTX significantly decreased TGFβ1-induced α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and procollagen type 1, alpha 1 (Col1A1) mRNA as well as α-SMA protein levels. Knockdown of Smad3 showed the significant role of Smad3 in the expression of α-SMA and Col1A1, but not TGFβ1, in LX-2 cells. ASTX attenuated TGFβ1-induced Smad3 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation with a concomitant inhibition of Smad3, Smad7, TGFβ receptor I (TβRI), and TβRII expression. The inhibitory effect of ASTX on HSC activation was confirmed in primary mouse HSCs as evidenced by decreased mRNA and protein levels of α-SMA during activation. Conclusion Taken together, ASTX exerted anti-fibrogenic effects by blocking TGFβ1-signaling, consequently inhibiting the activation of Smad3 pathway in HSCs. General significance This study suggests that ASTX may be used as a preventive/therapeutic agent to prevent hepatic fibrosis.
Release of a Low Dose Water Soluble Medicinal Agent from Inert Wax Matrix Tablets

AbstractDirectly compressible wax matrix tablets have been developed for a low dose medicinal agent (Chloropheniramine maleate). A mixture of castor wax NF and Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil NF, was optimized in the ratio of 50:50 as matrix based on their bulk density and particle size distribution and compression properties The compression properties indicated that the increase in compression forces resulted in a tablet of higher hardness up to 8 Kp. However further increase in compression forces resulted in the decrease in hardness and capping was apparent.The result of dissolution studies indicated no significant effect of hardness and tablet shape (Round and rectangular shaped) on the dissolution properties of wax matrix tablets. A plot of percent drug released various square root of time exhibited a linear relationship. The release rates of CPM from wax matrix tablets were found to be independent of the rotational speed of paddles between 50–75 RPM. From these results, the release mechanism of CPM from w...
The impact of sponsored results on the quality of information gatekeepers

Information gatekeepers, such as Internet search engines, travel experts, comparison shopping systems, credit raters, radio deejays, and movie critics, are an essential entry point for many information search and decision making tasks. They make recommendations on these tasks based on their expertise, but also frequently due to sponsorship by interested merchants. We develop and analyze a tractable model in which consumers may prefer or dislike the use of sponsored results in the recommendations, merchants' value for sponsorship increases with the gatekeeper's user base, and when there are negative externalities among merchants competing for consumers' attention. The optimal strategy strikes a balance between sponsorship revenues from merchants and user-based revenues. The gatekeeper may employ sponsored recommendations even when doing so is detrimental to users, or may not present enough sponsored results even when these improve the quality of recommendations. Product innovations or better domain expertise give the gatekeeper greater flexibility in using sponsored results.
Polyaniline nanofibers as a novel electrode material for fault-tolerant dielectric elastomer actuators

Polyaniline nanofibers (Pani nanofibers) have exhibited high performance and fault tolerant properties for dielectric elastomer actuator devices. Electrodes comprised of uniformly sprayed Pani nanofibers in thicknesses 0.7 μm, 1.1 μm, 1.3 μm, and 1.5 μm have shown the following high strains: 65% in area for 0.7 μm electrodes at 3 kV, 97% in area for 1.1 μm thick electrodes at 3.5 kV, 84% in area for 1.1 μm thick electrodes at 3 kV, and 114.% in area for 1.5 μm thick electrodes at 3.5 kV. Optimal performance was achieved with actuators with electrodes 1.1 μm thick, which demonstrated self-healing properties at 3 kV. These actuators displayed a preserved strain of 91% after the clearing and sustained a 93% area strain for 10 minutes at 3 kV. Devices with 1.1 μm thick electrodes were also able to perform 700 actuation cycles over a total duration of 75 minutes with a pulsed half-sinusoidal voltage of 3 kV. Mechanical compliance tests performed on a film with a 1.1 μm thick Pani nanofiber electrode reveals that the electrode material does not significantly alter the mechanical properties of the film. The estimated Young's modulus was found to be 32 MPa for the film with the electrode and 31 MPa for the film itself.
Effect of surfactant concentration and buffer selection on chromatographic figures of merit in chiral microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography.

The enantiomeric resolution of 15 different pharmaceutical compounds was explored using chiral microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography (MEEKC). The microemulsion employed was comprised of the chiral surfactant dodecoxycarbonylvaline (DDCV), 1-butanol, and ethyl acetate, at an initial composition of 1% w/v:1.2% v/v:0.5% v/v, respectively. The effect of varying the background buffer composition, voltage, and ultimately the surfactant concentration and/or aggregate phase ratio were examined. Changing from a zwitterionic buffer ((2-[2-amino-2-oxoethyl)amino]ethanesulfonic acid, ACES) to the same concentration of phosphate buffer improved the efficiency and decreased overall analysis time, but also resulted in a decrease in chiral resolution. Furthermore, using phosphate buffer while simultaneously increasing the percent DDCV from 1 to 4% increased the efficiencies from a range of 34 000 to 59 000 N/m to a range of 160 000 to 400 000 N/m. While the enantioselectivities did not change significantly, the improvement in efficiencies, elution range, and retention factors provided an increase in both resolution and the number of enantiomers that were separated. Using an optimized microemulsion comprised of phosphate buffer and 4% DDCV, chiral separation was achieved for all 11 pairs of enantiomers, with a resolution ranging from 0.90 to 4.71. Moreover, the average resolution doubled in going from nonoptimized to optimized conditions for five of the eleven compounds. Finally, a comparison was made of the effect of increasing only the surfactant concentration by a factor of 4 versus increasing the overall composition (or phase ratio) by a factor of 4. Ultimately, the microemulsion containing 4% DDCV provided a larger elution range, greater resolution, and more optimal retention than that provided by the 4 x phase increase.
Isolation and partial characterization of a phospholipase A2 from the venom of Crotalus scutulatus salvini.

Abstract A phospholipase A 2 (EC 3.1.1.4) has been isolated and purified from the venom of Crotalus scutulatus salvini in 33% yield. The enzyme was homogeneous on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The molecular weight of the enzyme was in the same range (30,000) whether determined by gel filtration or ultracentrifugation. On polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulphate and β-mercaptoethanol, the enzyme migrated into a single protein band with a mobility corresponding to about 14,000 molecular weight, indicating that the native enzyme was a dimer. Amino acid composition of the enzyme is reported. Two NH 2 -amino acid terminals were found which indicates that the dissociable monomers of the native enzyme were non-identical. Antiserum against the purified enzyme completely inhibited the phospholipase A 2 activity and immunodiffusion of the antiserum against both purified phospholipase A 2 and crude venom of Crotalus scutulatus salvini gave single precipitin lines indicating a lack of contaminating antigens.
Ironizing Masculinity: How Adolescent Boys Negotiate Hetero-Normative Dilemmas in Conversational Interaction:

This article presents a discourse analytic examination of the ways that adolescent boys (ages 12–15) use irony to construct and resist hetero-normative forms of masculinity in social interaction. W...
Mitochondrial genomic comparisons of the subterranean termites from the Genus Reticulitermes (Insecta: Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

Termites of the genus Reticulitermes are some of the most significant pests of structural timber and tree farming in the northern hemisphere, causing losses in the billions of dollars annually beca...
Differential modification of the equidistance and nonius horopter.

Abstract A conflict between binocular disparity and perspective cues was produced by binocularly observing a trapezoidal window in an illusory orientation. Under these conditions, the perception of depth from binocular disparity in the visual space adjacent to the window is recalibrated by the depth illusion associated with the window. The possible effect of this recalibration upon measures of the horopter was investigated using the criteria of apparent equidistance (the equidistance horopter) and equal subjective directions in the two eyes (the nonius horopter). The equidistance horopter was measured by adjusting a point moveable in depth to the apparent distance of a fixated object. The nonius horopter was measured by vertically aligning two bars, one presented to each eye while gazing at the fixation object. It was found that only the equidistance horopter was modified by the cue conflict involving the trapezoidal window. This differential effect upon the equidistance and nonius horopter was discussed in relation to the concept of corresponding points and the general problem of the recalibration of stereopsis from cue conflicts and percsived egocentric distance.
An operant pursuit of generalization

We outline some principles and tactics which are recommended as likely to facilitate the occurrence of generalization and maintenance in programs of clinical importance. In general, clinicians and researchers would do well to implement and analyze procedures that follow the generalization programming principles of exploiting current functional contingencies, training diversely, and incorporating functional mediators. More specifically, the tactical armamentarium should include contacting natural consequences, recruiting natural consequences, modifying maladaptive consequences, reinforcing occurrences of generalization, using sufficient stimulus exemplars, using sufficient response exemplars, making antecedents less discriminable, making consequences less discriminable, incorporating common salient physical stimuli, incorporating common salient social stimuli, incorporating self-mediated physical stimuli, and incorporating self-mediated verbal and covert stimuli.
What's in a title? Personality, job aspirations, and the nontraditional woman

Abstract The vocational interests and job aspirations of traditional and nontraditional women in a single work environment were examined in a study of 258 paying-and-receiving tellers. Nontraditionality was operationally defined as choosing the honorific “Ms.” when given the opportunity to do so. Even with a variety of demographic characteristics statistically controlled, nontraditional women scored higher than traditional women on Vocational Preference Inventory Investigative and Enterprising scales. Nontraditional women also aspired to occupations employing a greater percentage of men, but no reliable difference in the prestige level of future aspirations was found. Implications for counseling and the study of career development are discussed.
Thermodynamic modeling of the molybdenum-boron system

Abstract A complete set of internally consistent thermochemical data for the molybdenumboron system has been produced through calculations which make use of available experimental data and the exact mathematical relationships between equilibrium thermodynamic properties and phase diagrams. These optimized data agree quite well with reported experimental results, and provide the first available thermodynamic information for the Mo-B liquid phase.
Dynamic forces in the cell cycle affecting fibroblasts in pressure ulcers

Utilizing specific cell cycle markers of gene activity, temporal changes in the equilibrium of proliferating and non proliferating fibroblasts were shown in pressure ulcers after 36 days of quality care. Average cell counts from multiple tissue sections showed that fibroblast nuclei were stained in decreasing order by antibodies to p21, p21/proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and PCNA. P21 labeling suggested that the majority of ulcer fibroblasts were senescent. Fibroblast nuclei showing PCNA staining identified those fibroblasts that were capable of synthesizing DNA and contributing to pressure ulcer repair. Increased rates of wound closure were correlated with a decreasing number of p21 positive cells and an increasing portion of PCNA labeled cells. While the proportion of antigens appeared to correlate with the status of wound closure after 36 days of quality care, they did not always appear to reflect the final outcome of the pressure ulcer. No significant differences were observed in ulcer fibroblasts labeled with p21 at 0 and 10 days, however, the differences were significant after 36 days of quality care (p = 0.05, analysis of variance, post hoc Tukey test). The cellular contribution to pressure ulcer repair appeared to occur from ulcer fibroblasts that were capable of division, of emerging from quiescence, and that were successful in repairing their DNA.
INTRALUMINAL CANCER CHEMOTHERAPY ADJUVANT TO PULMONARY RESECTION.

Summary A method has been developed in an attempt to reduce cancer cells spread at the time of surgery for lung cancer. The technique is simple, inexpensive and not time consuming. In the dog, we have demonstrated that at 0.4 mg/kg. and 0.8 mg./kg. of HN2 a high local dose can be achieved with a low systemic concentration. To date, our work has been done on dogs but it is our plan to adapt the technique and apply it carefully to humans in the treatment of lung cancer.
Effect of Histamine on Fcells Value in Splenectomized Dog.

SummaryFrom 1/2 to 2 hours after subcutaneous injection of histamine (3.0–4.7 mg/kg) the average FcellsFactor of splenectomized dogs decreased to 0.78 from the control value of 0.87.
Role of Zeta (ζ) Potential in the Optimization of Water Treatment Facility Operations

Zeta (ζ) potential provides a measurable value to monitor optimal water clarification capabilities. Its value indicates the repulsive interaction between particles; a zero ζ potential means that th...
A 9-year-old boy with a history of large perinatal stroke, infantile spasms, and high academic achievement.

The prognosis for intellectual development in children with symptomatic infantile spasms is usually poor. We report a 9-year-old boy with a history of a large, presumed perinatal, left middle cerebral artery infarct discovered when he developed infantile spasms at 6 months of age. The infantile spasms responded to treatment with adrenocorticotropic hormone. He attained cognitive mile-stones at normal times, requiring only speech therapy for dysarthric speech. At 9 years of age, he has seizures and a severe right hemiparesis but is an articulate honor roll student in advanced English classes. The development of infantile spasms after large-branch middle cerebral artery stroke does not always predict future mental retardation. (J Child Neurol 2005;20:444—446).
Positive lymph nodes in vulvar squamous carcinoma

Abstract Retrospective evaluation of 52 patients with positive lymph nodes at the time of curative primary surgery for invasive squamous carcinoma of the vulva reveals that those patients with three or less unilaterally positive groin nodes have an excellent prognosis. When more than three groin nodes are positive, or when bilateral groin nodes are present, there is a significant decrease in survival and a significant increase in positive pelvic node metastases. No cases of positive deep pelvic nodes were noted when the groin nodes were negative. Primary involvement of the clitoris followed a stepwise spread to the groin nodes and then to the deep pelvic nodes with no evidence of primary metastases to the deep pelvic nodes without groin node involvement.
Transorbital Endoscopic Image Guidance

Endoscopic orbital procedures are hindered by the difficulty in differentiating between orbital structures during those procedures. Image guidance during endoscopic orbital procedures may improve the outcome of orbital endoscopic procedures because real time image and physical space tracking information can be provided to the surgeons to help in the delivery of therapy to the orbit. The research plan proposes to study the feasibility of image guided endoscopic orbital procedures. Specifically this research will characterize both the random and spatial fiducial localization error of the magnetic tracker. We will also determine and optimal fiducial placement that will minimize the TRE at the optic nerve junction and also demonstrate and validate the use of the magnetic tracker for transorbital endoscopic image guidance.
Newer β-Lactamases: Clinical and Laboratory Implications, Part I*

For optimal patient care, clinical laboratories should be capable of detecting clinically significant, novel β-lactamases produced by gram-negative pathogens. However, with over 700 β-lactamases now described, it is a struggle to keep abreast of the various types of β-lactamases, their clinical relevance, and methods for detection. Furthermore, the increasing prevalence of isolates that produce multiple β-lactamases increases the difficulty of accurate detection. Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI, formerly NCCLS) recommendations for detection of β-lactamases do not keep pace with this rapidly evolving field. While perfection may not always be possible, it is important that clinical laboratories provide a relevant diagnostic service to ensure appropriate antibiotic therapy and infection control. Part I of this article will provide a brief discussion of extended-spectrum β-lactamases and methods for their laboratory detection.
Hunsaker Mon-Jet tube ventilation: a 15-year experience

Objective/Hypothesis: The Hunsaker Mon-Jet tube (HMJT) (Xomed, Jacksonville, FL) has been used effectively for subglottic ventilation. We previously reported a series of 552 patients over a 10-year period with no major complications. This is a continuation of that series with an additional 5 years of cases. Study Design: Retrospective consecutive case series. Methods: Patients who were ventilated with the HMJT for microlaryngeal surgery at the University of Washington Medical Center over a 15-year period (1995–2010) were identified from the Voice Disorders database. Charts were reviewed for demographic data, laryngeal diagnosis, and anesthetic parameters. Main outcome measure was the rate of complications. Results: Fifty-seven complications occurred in 49 cases out of 839 cases (5.8% complication rate). In descending order, the complications were hypoxia (SpO2 60 mm Hg, n = 17, 2.0%), airway obstruction (n = 4, 0.5%), barotrauma (n = 2, 0.2%), seeding of blood into trachea (n = 2, 0.2%), submucosal injection of air (n = 1, 0.1%), and mucosal damage (n = 1, 0.1%). Factors associated with complications included high body mass index (P = .04), American Society of Anesthesiology class III or IV (P = .01), history of heart disease (P = .02), history of previous laryngeal surgery (P = .02), longer duration of case (P = .006), and laser use (P = .005). Conclusions: Although subglottic ventilation via an HMJT is a safe alternative to traditional endotracheal intubation in an appropriately selected population, practitioners should remain vigilant about the known complications. Laryngoscope, 2012
Developing an accelerated life test method for LED drivers

Although light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have the potential for long life, LED luminaires may experience a much shorter life for the system as a whole because of the driver. Past studies show that the electrolytic capacitor used in switch-mode power supplies often has the shortest lifetime, and thus determines the electronic driver lifetime. This study demonstrated an accelerated life test method for LED drivers that use electrolytic capacitors at the output stage by monitoring the output current ripple trends at different elevated operating temperatures.
A fully-relativistic full-potential-linearized-augmented-plane-wave study of the (1 1 1) surface of δ-Pu

Full-potential linearized-augmented-plane-wave calculations indicate that the antiferromagnetic state including spin–orbit coupling effect is the ground state of bulk δ-Pu with a lattice constant of 8.66 a.u. and a bulk modulus of 32.8 GPa. It is found that spin-polarization and spin–orbit coupling effects play competing roles in the localization to delocalization behavior of 5f electrons. The optimized lattice constants of δ-Pu bulk are used to calculate the electronic structure properties of δ-Pu(1 1 1) films up to seven layers at six theoretical levels, namely non-spin-polarized-no-spin–orbit-coupling (NSP-NSO), non-spin-polarized-spin–orbit-coupling (NSP-SO), spin-polarized-no-spin–orbit-coupling (SP-NSO), spin-polarized-spin–orbit-coupling (SP-SO), antiferromagnetic-no-spin–orbit-coupling (AFM-NSO), and antiferromagnetic-spin–orbit-coupling (AFM-SO). For the δ-Pu(1 1 1) films also, AFM-SO is found to be the ground state. For the films, surface energy rapidly converges and the semi-infinite surface energy is predicted to be 1.16 J/m2. On the other hand, the magnetic moments show an oscillating behavior, gradually approaching the bulk value of zero with increase in the number of layers. It is also predicted that the work function of δ-Pu(1 1 1) films at the AFM-SO ground state is approximately 3.41 eV, and the work function shows some oscillations when the number of layers is less than five, while it becomes relatively stable when the number of layers is greater than five. This suggests that a 3-layer film might be sufficient for computations of, for example, adsorption energies while a 5-layer film may be necessary for precise computations of, for example, adsorbate-induced work function shifts. The calculated results are compared with other experimental and theoretical results in the literature and the agreements between them are excellent, given the complexity of the physical systems and different computational formalisms.
An approximate analysis of multiprocessor systems

This paper presents an approximate analysis of a multiprocessor system consisting of P processors, M memory modules, and B buses. The model assumes constant memory access times, arbitrary memory access patterns, and bus contention. The solution technique aggregates all memories into a composite queue and degrades the service rates of this queue so as to include the effect of bus contention. The throughput predictions from this model are very accurate, typically within 1% of predictions made with either simulation or exact analysis.
Poor R wave progression in the precordial leads: Clinical implications for the diagnosis of myocardial infarction

A definite diagnosis of anterior myocardial infarction is often difficult to make in patients when a pattern of poor R wave progression in the precordial leads is present on the electrocardiogram. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a mathematical model could be devised to identify patients with anterior infarction among 102 consecutive patients with poor R wave progression. Each patient underwent exercise testing with thallium scanning. The diagnosis of anterior infarction was established in 20 (20%) of the 102 patients by the presence of fixed thallium-201 perfusion defects in the anterior wall or septum, or both. With the use of a multivariate stepwise discriminant analysis of clinical and electrocardiographic variables, five variables (sex, ST-T changes, S wave amplitude in leads V2and V3and the sum of the R wave amplitude in leads V3and V4) that were statistically significant by univariate analysis were selected by the model to identify patients with anterior infarction (sensitivity 85%, specificity 71%). The discriminant model was subsequently applied prospectively to an additional 21 patients with poor R wave progression and provided a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 88%. Thus, anterior infarction (fixed thallium-201 defects in the anteroseptal segments) was present in 20% of patients with poor R wave progression in the precordial leads; and a mathematical model can be used to identify a subset of patients with anterior infarction in a group of patients with poor R wave progression.