cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of monitoring data of drinking-water borne endemic fluorosis in Xinzhou of Shanxi province in 2010

Objective To master the epidemic situation of drinking-water borne endemic fluorosis in Xinzhou,evaluate the effects of water improvement project to reduce fluoride,and to provide a timely scientific basis for monitoring the disease and for establishment of preventive countermeasures.Methods According to the water fluoride concentration and type of the disease,after stratification 25 endemic villages were selected as survey points.Five water samples were collected in water unimproved monitoring villages according to water well locations of east,west,south,north and center.In monitoring villages with improved water,3 tap water and 1 source water samples were collected,respectively.The fluorine content in water samples was determined according to the “Standard Testing Methods for Drinking Water”(GB/T 5750-2006).All children aged 8 to 12 of the survey villages were examined for dental fluorosis by Dean method.Clinical osteofluorosis of all the resident over the age of 16 was examined,8 villages of these counties were selected,10 men and.women were randomly selected in each village,respectively,and they were examined again by X-ray using “Diagnostic Criteria of Endemic Skeletal Fluorosis” (WS/T 192-2007).Children aged 8 to 12 in 13 villages of chosen villages were selected for urine collection,6 unne samples were collected in each age group and a total of 30 samples were collected,and urinary fluoride was determined by F-ion selective electrode method(WS/T 89-2006).Results A total of 56 water samples were tested in water-unimproved villages,the average water fluorine was 2.7 mg/L And 52 water samples were tested in waterimproved villages,the average water fluorine was 1.6 mg/L,water fluoride content ＞ 1.5 mg/L accounted for 46.15％ (6/13) in the water-improved village.Incidences of dental fluorosis of children in the water-unimproved villages and water-improved villages were 74.75％ (622/832) and 23.67％ (241/1018),respectively.The difference was statistically significant(x2 =140,P ＜ 0.01).The prevalence rate of skeletal fluorosis was 30.02％(2803/9335) in water-unimproved villages,and 9.44％ (1230/13 022) in water-improved villages.The difference was statistically significant(x2 =1557.75,P ＜ 0.01 ).The mean of urine fluorine in a total sample was 3.31 mg/L,the urinary fluoride concentration of children in water-improved villages was significantly different from that of water-unimproved villages(t =2.27,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions By reducing fluorine and improving drinking water,disease in drinkingwater borne endemic fluorosis areas in Xinzhou has been controlled to a certain degree.However,the disease is still very serious in some endemic areas.Fluoride in drinking water re-increases in some water-improved villages,the disease is also in a rise.So,the work of monitoring and prevention should be strengthened. Key words: Fluoride poisoning; Fluorosis, dental; Osteofluorosis; Data collection
Accuracy of Bedside Ultrasound Femoral Vein Diameter Measurement by PICU Providers.

Objectives Perform a needs assessment by evaluating accuracy of PICU provider bedside ultrasound measurement of femoral vein diameter prior to utilization of the catheter-to-vein ratio for central venous catheter size selection. Design Prospective observational cohort study. Setting PICU within a quaternary care children's hospital. Patients PICU patients greater than 30 days and less than 6 years without a femoral central venous catheter. Interventions None. Measurements and main results Gold-standard femoral vein diameter measurements were made by a radiologist, sonographer, or bedside ultrasound expert. PICU providers then repeated the femoral vein diameter measurements, and results were compared by Bland-Altman analysis with a priori accuracy goal of limits of agreement ± 15%. Among recruited patients (n = 27), the median age was 1.1 years (interquartile range 0.5-2.3 yr), weight was 9.0 kg (interquartile range 7.0-11.5 kg), and reference femoral vein diameter was 0.36 cm (interquartile range 0.28-0.45 cm). Providers performed 148 femoral vein diameter measurements and did not meet goal accuracy when compared with the reference measurement with a bias of 4% (95% of limits of agreement -62% to 70%). A majority of patients would have a catheter-to-vein ratio greater than 0.5 using either age-based central venous catheter size selection criterion (14/27) or the provider bedside ultrasound femoral vein diameter measurement (18/27). Conclusions PICU provider measurement of femoral vein diameter by bedside ultrasound is inaccurate when compared with expert reference measurement. Central venous catheter size selection based on age or PICU provider femoral vein diameter measurement can lead to a catheter-to-vein ratio greater than 0.5 and potentially increase the risk of catheter-associated venous thromboembolism. Structured bedside ultrasound training with assessment of accuracy is necessary prior to implementation of venous thromboembolism reduction efforts based on catheter-to-vein ratio recommendations.
Product inhibition in nucleophilic aromatic substitution through DPPPent-supported π-arene catalysis

Nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr) of fluorobenzene by morpholine at a bis(diphenylphosphino)pentane-supported ruthenim complex is investigated as a model system for π-arene catalysis through the synthesis and full characterization of proposed intermediates. The SNAr step proceeds quickly at room temperature, however the product N-phenylmorpholine binds tightly to the ruthenium ion. In the case examined, the thermodynamics of arene binding favor product N-phenylmorpholine over fluorobenzene binding by a factor of 2000, corresponding to significant product inhibition. Observations of the catalyst resting state support this hypothesis and demonstrate an additive-controlled role for a previously-proposed ligand cyclometalation.
Microbiome establishment and maturation: early life environmental factors

Abstract The acquisition of microbial communities during early life is closely intertwined with children’s immune and metabolic development. Environmental influences during this critical early window have been shown to affect microbial colonization. In this chapter, we will review the effects of prenatal maternal factors, delivery mode, peripartum antibiotic administration, nutrition, and the indoor microbiome in the hospital and home. We will discuss the current understanding of how microbial exposures shape lifelong health.
Induction of Ordered Lipid Raft Domain Formation by Loss of Lipid Asymmetry.

Abstract How lipid asymmetry impacts ordered lipid domain (raft) formation may yield important clues to how ordered domain formation is regulated in vivo. Under some conditions, a sphingomyelin (SM) and cholesterol-rich ordered domain in one leaflet induces ordered domain formation in the corresponding region of an opposite leaflet composed of unsaturated phosphatidylcholine (PC) and cholesterol. In other conditions, the formation of ordered domains in a SM and cholesterol-rich leaflet can be suppressed by an opposite leaflet containing unsaturated PC and cholesterol. To explore how PC unsaturation influences the balance between these behaviors, domain formation was studied in asymmetric and symmetric lipid vesicles composed of egg SM, cholesterol, and either unsaturated dioleoyl PC (DOPC) or 1-palmitoyl 2-oleoyl PC (POPC). The temperature dependence of ordered domain formation was measured using Forster resonance energy transfer, which detects nanodomains as well as large domains. In cholesterol-containing asymmetric SM+PC outside/PC inside vesicles, the PC-containing inner leaflet tended to destabilize ordered domain formation in the SM+PC-containing outer leaflet relative to ordered domain stability in cholesterol-containing symmetric SM/PC vesicles. Residual ordered domain formation was detected in cholesterol-containing asymmetric SM+DOPC outside/DOPC inside vesicles, but ordered domain formation was completely or almost completely suppressed by asymmetry in cholesterol-containing SM+POPC outside/POPC inside vesicles over the entire temperature range measured. Suppression of ordered domain formation in the latter vesicles was confirmed by fluorescence anisotropy measurements. Because mixtures of SM, POPC, and cholesterol form domains in symmetric vesicles, and this lipid composition mimics plasma membranes to a significant degree, it is possible that under some conditions in vivo the loss of lipid asymmetry could trigger ordered domain formation.
Controlled Dy-doping to nickel-rich cathode materials in high temperature aerosol synthesis

Abstract Layered nickel-rich materials are promising next-generation cathode materials for lithium ion batteries due to their high capacity and low cost. However, the poor thermal stability and longtime cycling performance hinders the commercial applications of high nickel materials. Doping with heteroatoms has been an effective approach for improving electrochemical performance of cathode materials. Controlling doping concentration and geometrical distribution is desired for optimal electrochemical performance, but it is challenging in traditional co-precipitation methods. In this work, controlled dysprosium (Dy) doping to NCM811 was studied in an aerosol synthesis method by controlling the precursor concentrations and heating parameters. The obtained materials were characterized by SEM, XRD, and XPS, and their electrochemical properties and thermal stability were evaluated. By controlling the doping concentration (1.5%), Dy-doped NCM811 was improved simultaneously in long-term cycling and high-rate performance. The thermal-chemical stability of the Dy-doped cathode materials was examined in a microflow reactor with a mass spectrometer. The results showed that Dy-doping shifted the O2 onset temperature to a higher temperature and reduced O2 release by 80%, thus dramatically increasing the thermal-chemical stability and improving the fire safety of cathode materials. Since high temperature aerosol synthesis is a low-cost and scalable method, the findings in this work have broad implications for commercial synthesis of novel materials with controlled doping modification to achieve high electrochemical performance and safety in lithium ion batteries.
Between physician and athlete: the idea of the trainer in epinician poetry

Trainers played an immensely important role in ancient sports. Yet, they often disappear in the descriptions of great athletic feats in epinician poetry, the poems of praise that celebrated great a...
Automated laboratory load-based testing and performance rating of residential cooling equipment

Abstract In the U.S., with about 64% of primary occupied homes having unitary air conditioners, a small improvement in the energy efficiency of residential cooling equipment can lead to significant energy savings. Currently, standardized equipment energy efficiency rating is based on standard AHRI 210/240, that provides a metric for comparing the performance of different equipment. However, it is generally recognized that this approach fails to appropriately rate and credit equipment with advanced controls and variable-speed components. Contrarily, a load-based testing and rating approach is presented in this paper that can capture equipment performance with its integrated controls that is more representative of the field. In this approach, representative building sensible and latent loads are emulated in a psychrometric test facility at different indoor and outdoor test conditions utilizing a virtual building model. The indoor test room conditions are continuously adjusted to emulate the dynamic response of the virtual building to the test equipment sensible and latent cooling rates and the equipment dynamic response is measured. Moreover, an automated testing procedure is presented along with convergence criteria for measuring equipment steady-periodic performance. Climate-specific cooling seasonal performance ratings can be determined by propagating the coefficient of performance (COP) from load-based testing results through a temperature-bin method to estimate a seasonal COP (SCOP). In this work, the proposed approach was implemented to test and rate a variable-speed residential heat pump. Furthermore, the sensitivity of load-based testing results to virtual building parameters was investigated. Finally, repeatability results from the load-based testing approach are presented.
Factors affecting the choice of a dental care provider by older adults based on online consumer reviews

Background: The percentage of patients relying on information provided by their peers in the form of consumer reviews rather than the information found in healthcare reports from federal agencies i...
Crime in urban areas: New evidence and results☆

Abstract Crime supply functions are reestimated in this paper using data corrected for victim underreporting. It is found in both a mean-variance specification and a conventional crime supply function, which includes measures of the offender's gains and losses involved in property crimes, that certainty and severity of punishment still deter. When correction for underreporting is made, the effects on the rates of robbery, burglary, larceny, and auto theft of increases in prison admission rates and prison sentence lengths remain negative. This seeming support for the “deterrence hypothesis” must be balanced against the strong evidence that improved legitimate opportunities have a negative effect on crime. Use of improved crime data and a more intuitive economic specification of the offense supply function leads to the conclusion that higher income is a better deterrent to some crimes than increased punishment.
Designing Electronic Systems for EMC

This handbook outlines the factors that must be considered in designing circuits, equipment, and systems for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). It teaches circuit and system designers practical approaches to thwart the ever present culprit of electromagnetic interference (EMI). By emphasizing the fundamentals, it provides information that will help readers understand the rationale that forms the basis for many of the EMC practices and procedures. There is much information about these topics available in disparate forms (journal articles, symposia proceedings, etc.) but this book brings the critical knowledge into a single source for battling EMI. The goal of all device and system designs that must function in an electromagnetic environment (i.e. radio, TV, radar, navigation, and communications) is to operate without adversely affecting other electronic equipment or systems. The inverse is also true. The requirement for sharing spectrum has reached international levels of concern and it must be dealt with in proportion to the safety and economic impact involved, Designing Electronic Systems for EMC outlines how.
Gadamer and the Legacy of German Idealism

Preface Acknowledgements List of abbreviations Introduction 1. Art, dialogue, and historical knowledge: appropriating Kant's Critique of Judgment 2. Beyond the third Critique: epistemological skepticism and aesthetic consciousness 3. Overcoming the problems of modern philosophy: art, truth, and the turn to ontology 4. History, reflection, and self-determination: critiquing the Enlightenment and Hegel 5. Schleiermacher's critical theory of interpretation 6. Normativity, critique, and reflection: the hermeneutic legacy of German Idealism Bibliography of works cited Index.
Book Review: Imagining the Kingdom: How Worship Works

Imagining the Kingdom: How Worship Works. By James K. A. Smith. Cultural Liturgies, volume 2. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Academic, 2013. 224 pp. $22.99 (paper).Plenty of modem theologians have exposed the problems involved in privileging the human mind and rational thought over the body and experience. Few, however, have developed constmctive holistic accounts of how human beings "live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28) as embodied creatures. James K. A. Smith addresses this need by exploring the dynamics of human formation and action in Imagining the Kingdom: How Worship Works. This second volume of Smith's Cultural Liturgies series revolves around a deceptively simple conviction: human beings are "liturgical animals" (p. 3) whose lives are formed and transformed by stories (p. 14). Yet the complexity of Smiths thought comes to fife through his interdisciplinary engagement with French phenomenology and social theory, classic literature, and American popular culture. Although Smith's insights could gain greater force through further contextualization, Imagining the Kingdom offers a provocative contribution to theological anthropology, ecclesiology, and liturgical studies.Part I of the book sets out to assemble a "theoretical toolbox" (p. 29) for correcting "intellectualist" theological perspectives that mistakenly assume that right knowledge produces right action (p. 33). According to Smith, human experience regularly demonstrates the inadequacy of this view; human formation-whether Christian or secular-is not such a straightforward or even conscious process. In search of a fuller account, Smith turns to Maurice Merleau-Ponty s phenomenology of perception in chapter 1 and Pierre Bourdieu's theory of practice in chapter 2, and he navigates both streams of thought with ease. Readers who have previously encountered these challenging thinkers will appreciate Smith's accessible descriptions of their key concepts. With the help of Merleau-Ponty, Smith elaborates the texture of human subjectivity, in which embodiment, perception, place, desire, and narrative all come together to shape ones participation in a given situation. Smith then takes up Bourdieu's understanding of social habituation and practice to articulate how human perception and action are indelibly formed over time.With these tools in hand, Smith delineates the "formative power of liturgies" (p. 137) in Part II. In chapter 3, he draws upon Mark Johnson s discussion of the relationship between the body and metaphor in order to show how embodied experience weaves together "imagination, metaphor, and narrative" (p. 124). This "poetics" provides a basis for Smiths argument in this chapter: liturgies work on us because they consist of stories. …
Mixing Oil & Water: Why Child-Custody Evaluations are not Meshing with the Best Interest of the Child

The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act provides the statutory requirements for marriage and dissolution of marriage in Illinois. Section 604(b) gives courts the discretion to appoint an evaluator in order to aid in the determination of child custody by evaluating the relevant parties and writing a report. If and when these 604(b) evaluators are appointed, there are virtually no guidelines that set forth what they may or may not do in the course of their evaluations. As a result of this lack of guidelines, 604(b) evaluators often employ clinical assessment instruments (i.e., psychological tests that assess clinical constructs such as personality) in order to aid in coming to a conclusion concerning custody. Judges often tend to favor an evaluator’s opinion and fail to notice the tests’ biases and lack of validity. As a result, the main determinant in child-custody decisions often comes down to the conclusions of faulty psychological testing despite the fact that other more effective methods such as interviewing may have been used in the course of evaluation. This process leaves much room for questioning whether the way child-custody evaluations are being employed are in fact serving the best interests of the child.
SW06 Data Analysis and Slope/Canyon Experiment Planning

Abstract : The long term goals of our shallow water acoustics work are to: 1) understand the nature of low frequency (10-1500 Hz) acoustic propagation, scattering and noise in shallow water when strong oceanic variability is present in the form of fronts, eddies, boundary layers, and internal waves (using the SW06 and QPE data, primarily) and 2) begin planning a 2014-15 bottom acoustics experiment off Texas and a 2016-17 field experiment to look at the complicated boundary between deep and shallow water, i.e. the slope/canyon region. Our primary objectives this year were: 1) to finish publishing our SW06 results in a JASA Special Issue , as well as in other JASA manuscripts, 2) to finish manuscripts on the QPE shallow water acoustics/Uncertainty work, and submit them by the end of 2012 to IEEE JOE for a Special Issue, and 3) begin 2014 (bottom acoustics) and 2016 (shelfbreak, slope and canyon) experimental planning, both on an individual basis, and in conjunction with the whole ocean acoustics community.
Attenuation Of Dimethyl Fumarate-Related Gastrointestinal Symptoms With Montelukast (P7.251)

OBJECTIVE:To describe the use of montelukast to attenuate the gastrointestinal symptoms associated with dimethyl fumarate BACKGROUND:Dimethyl fumarate is an oral agent approved for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis. Its use can be associated with gastrointestinal symptoms including abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting in up to 18% of patients. These symptoms generally occur during initiation of treatment and diminish with time. Given that dimethyl fumarate may result in transient increase in eosinophil counts during the first 2 months of therapy, we postulated that dimethyl fumarate-related gastrointestinal symptoms could be due to an eosinophilic gastroenteritis-like syndrome. Since montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist, has been successfully used to treat eosinophilic gastroenteritis, we further hypothesized that it might be useful in attenuating dimethyl fumarate-related gastrointestinal symptoms DESIGN/METHODS: 4 patients with Multiple Sclerosis and persistent gastrointestinal symptoms from dimethyl fumarate were instructed to take montelukast 10 mg every morning and to continue administration of dimethyl fumarate at 240 mg twice per day. The Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) was used to measure the change in the gastrointestinal symptoms both prior to and after the introduction of montelukast. The GSRS questionnaire is a validated, self-administered questionnaire that includes 15 questions, which assess severity of GI symptoms using a 7-point Likert scale in five domains: indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain and reflux. The severity of symptoms reported in the GSRS increases with increasing score. RESULTS: Within this small cohort, the dimethyl fumarate-related GSRS scores decreased by 81% following the introduction of montelukast (P <.001). Symptom reduction was noted within 72 hours in all 4 cases and has persisted for 30 days. CONCLUSIONS: Montelukast would appear to be an effective intervention in the treatment of dimethyl fumarate-related gastrointestinal symptoms. Data will be presented on a larger cohort (n=21) of patients and further address the question of whether montelukast can be withdrawn after 30 days without return of dimethyl fumarate-related gastrointestinal symptoms Study Supported by:none Disclosure: Dr. Tornatore has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec, Novartis, and Genzyme Corp. as a member of advisory boards and/or speaker9s bureaus. Dr. Amjad has nothing to disclose.
Characterization of Subsurface Bacteria Associated with Two Shallow Aquifers in Oklahoma

The bacterial microflora of two shallow aquifers (saturated subsurface zones) in Oklahoma was characterized by direct observation with light and electron microscopy, by plating, and by examination of colony morphology and distribution. Isolated bacterial strains were also examined. Total cell counts varied only slightly (2.9 x 10 to 9.8 x 10 g [dry wt]) from sample to sample, whereas colony counts varied widely (6.3 x 10 to 6.5 x 10 CFU g [dry wt]). Colony counts on nutritionally rich media were lower than on low-nutrient media, especially in samples from the saturated zone. The variety of colony types growing on nutritionally rich media decreased with increasing depth and saturation. Colony counts of anaerobic bacteria also decreased with depth but were at least 100-fold lower than aerobic counts on most media. Cell morphologies of bacteria grown aerobically on plates included short rods, cocci, and actinomycete-like forms. Direct light microscopic observation of sediments revealed short, rod-shaped, and coccoid bacterial cells; endospores, actinomycete spores, and eucaryotic forms were not observed by light microscopy. Electron microscopic observation of bacteria released from the samples revealed that 85 to 90% of them were coccoid, gram-positive, Arthrobacter-like organisms, some of which were dividing or contained completed division septa; other types of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria were present in lower numbers. Isolated bacterial strains were able to grow on both nutritionally rich and low-nutrient media. A higher proportion of gram-negative organisms was isolated than gram-positive organisms. Most of the isolates were capable of storing polyphosphate, poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate, or polysaccharide. The results of this study suggest that the microbial population of these two shallow aquifers is dominated by aerobic, nutritionally versatile bacteria that can subsist on low concentrations of organic compounds without forming specialized resting cells. Other types of microorganisms, such as facultatively anaerobic bacteria and microeucaryotes, may also be present, but they represent only a small fraction of the microflora.
Opiates Suppress a Resting Sodium-dependent Inward Current and Activate an Outward Potassium Current in Locus Coeruleus Neurons

The opioid peptide met-enkephalin (met-ENK) produces an outward current with an increase in input conductance in locus coeruleus (LC) neurons. This current has been attributed to an opening of potassium channels. However, the opioid-induced current tends to reverse at potentials more negative than the expected potassium reversal potential (EK) or does not reverse at all. Since lack of reversal can occur if there is a simultaneous increase in one conductance and a decrease in a second conductance, we tested the possible contribution of a second conductance to the opioid-induced outward current in LC neurons. Biochemically, opiates inhibit adenylate cyclase in LC neurons and cAMP-active agents produce a sodium-dependent inward current in these neurons. This current is also present at rest, as sodium substitution hyperpolarizes LC neurons. By inhibiting adenylate cyclase, could opiates be turning off this current? To evaluate this possibility, we used intracellular voltage-clamp technique in rat LC slices, and studied the effect of sodium substitution on the opiate response. Replacement of external sodium (80%) with Tris or choline caused (1) an outward current with a decrease in input conductance and (2) an approximately 50% decrease in the met-ENK-induced outward current with a shift in its reversal potential toward EK. Extracellular Ba2+, a K+ channel blocker, also partially reduced the opiate response, but it shifted its reversal potential away from EK. The met-ENK-induced outward current was almost totally abolished by combined sodium substitution and extracellular Ba2+ in an additive manner.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Introduction to Sleep Electroencephalography

EEG records synaptic potentials from pyramidal cells. It is critical to remember that there is no absolute voltage measurement in clinical EEG. Rather, an EEG trace records potential differences between two electrodes. By convention of the amplifiers used in clinical EEG, an upgoing deflection indicates that input 1 (grid 1) is more negative (or less positive) than input 2 (grid 2). This is an arbitrary but critical rule (Figure 130.1). Thus statements like ‘‘positivity is up’’ or ‘‘negativity is up’’ make no sense unless it is stated whether the positivity is at grid 1 or grid 2. It should be emphasized that the way recordings are displayed can be modified at will with digital acquisition, and this ‘‘post-hoc’’ reformatting is one of the major advantages of modern digital systems.
Turkey Egg White Lysozyme PREPARATION OF THE CRYSTALLINE ENZYME AND INVESTIGATION OF THE AMINO ACID SEQUENCE

Crystalline turkey egg white lysozyme has been prepared by a simple procedure consisting of adsorption on carboxymethylcellulose followed by elution with (NH4)2CO3 solution and crystallization from 5% NaCl solution. The twice crystallized enzyme gave a single peak when eluted from carboxymethylcellulose, and it migrated as a single band during disc electrophoresis. Separation of the tryptic peptides from reduced and S-carboxymethylated turkey egg white lysozyme has yielded peptides analogous to those of reduced and S-carboxymethylated chicken egg white lysozyme. It is found that the turkey enzyme amino acid sequence differs from that of the chicken lysozyme at a minimum of seven positions which are distributed over six of these tryptic peptides. The replacements detected from examination of these peptides are: Tyr for Phe3, Leu for His15, His for Gln41, Lys for Arg73, Ala for Val99, Gly for Asp101, and His for Gln121 of the chicken egg white lysozyme. The apparent occurrence of glycine as Residue 101 of turkey egg white lysozyme is especially interesting inasmuch as the x-ray crystallographic investigation of chicken egg white lysozyme and its complexes with certain inhibitors has led to the view that the carboxyl group of Asp101 is involved in binding substrates.
Joining plastics - can friction stir welding compete?

As plastics become candidates for an increasing number of applications, it is important to continue developing processes to join them efficiently. In the past, a few processes have dominated the area. Now a new process, Friction Stir Welding, enters the arena of competition with the established practices. This paper delivers a comparison of several processes for joining plastic materials. Process parameters investigated include machine and tool costs, part preparation, weld rate, joint efficiency, consumables, reproducibility, and process capability. When compared on these bases, Friction Stir Welding stands as an able competitor with established processes.
Alterations in hepatocyte lysosomes in experimental hepatic copper overload in rats

Abstract Background: Although Wilson's disease is characterized by an accumulation of copper within hepatocyte lysosomes, the effects of excess copper on hepatic lysosomes are unknown. We studied the effects of excess copper on the structure, physicochemical properties, and pH of hepatocyte lysosomes using a rodent model. Methods: Rats were copper loaded with 0.125% copper acetate in water for 6 weeks. Copper was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Morphology was studied by electron microscopy. Lysosomal membrane fluidity was studied by fluorescence polarization, and lipid composition was determined by gas chromatography. Hepatocyte lysosomal pH was determined by flow cytometry. Results: Copper overload resulted in a 10-fold increase in hepatic copper. Hepatocyte lysosomes were enlarged and abnormally shaped with a 27-fold increase in copper, increased in vitro fragility, and decreased lysosomal membrane fluidity. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, a measure of lipid peroxidation, doubled in isolated lysosomal membranes. Polyunsaturated fatty acids increased, saturated fatty acids decreased, and membrane content of selected fatty acids was modified after copper overload. Lysosomal pH increased from 4.67 ± 0.02 to 4.87 ± 0.02. Conclusions: Copper overload causes alterations in lysosomal morphology, increases lysosomal fragility, decreases membrane fluidity, alters membrane fatty acid composition, and increases lysosomal pH. Copper catalyzed lipid peroxidation represents the likely mechanism for these alterations.
Evaluation of NH4F/H2O2 effectiveness as a surface passivation agent for Cd1-xZnxTe crystals

Various passivating agents that reduce the surface leakage current of CZT crystals have been previously reported. In none of the studies, NH4F/H2O2 was identified as a promising passivation agent for CZT. We now present a study that includes the effect of NH4F/H2O2 treatment on the surface properties and detector performance. An elemental depth profile was obtained via Auger Electron Spectroscopy. Furthermore, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy acquired at different processing times to identify the chemical states of the elemental species that composed the dielectric layer. It was found that the NH4F/H2O2 surface passivation significantly improved the sensitivity and energy resolution of CZT detectors. Furthermore, the NH4F/H2O2 treatment did not attack the Au electrodes, which eliminated the need to protect the contacts in the detector fabrication process.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Enhancing HIV/AIDS and STD Prevention through Program Integration:

In November 2002 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Secretary Tommy G. Thompson announced the creation of a unified prevention and treatment HIV/AIDS and STD advisory committee. This announcement capped several years of discussions of a national recognition to accomplish two goals. The first was to enhance communication and collaboration between the HIV/AIDS prevention efforts through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the various HIV/AIDS care and treatment related efforts through the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) Ryan White Care Act. The second was to integrate programmatic prevention efforts between HIV/AIDS and STD programs within the CDC. These steps were aligned with several national initiatives begun more than five years ago to integrate HIV/AIDS and STD programs. This article provides a brief history of the programmatic split between these prevention efforts as well as an overview of at least three national organizations’ attempts to call attention to the need for enhanced program consolidation. Finally it provides a rationale for the need to integrate HIV/AIDS and STD programs based on a joint effort by state public health leaders in 2002. (excerpt)
Enhanced Bio-Ethanol Production from Industrial Potato Waste by Statistical Medium Optimization.

Industrial wastes are of great interest as a substrate in production of value-added products to reduce cost, while managing the waste economically and environmentally. Bio-ethanol production from industrial wastes has gained attention because of its abundance, availability, and rich carbon and nitrogen content. In this study, industrial potato waste was used as a carbon source and a medium was optimized for ethanol production by using statistical designs. The effect of various medium components on ethanol production was evaluated. Yeast extract, malt extract, and MgSO4·7H2O showed significantly positive effects, whereas KH2PO4 and CaCl2·2H2O had a significantly negative effect (p-value < 0.05). Using response surface methodology, a medium consisting of 40.4 g/L (dry basis) industrial waste potato, 50 g/L malt extract, and 4.84 g/L MgSO4·7H2O was found optimal and yielded 24.6 g/L ethanol at 30 °C, 150 rpm, and 48 h of fermentation. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that industrial potato waste can be used effectively to enhance bioethanol production.
The effects of ethanol and Ro 15-4513 on elevated plus-maze and rotarod performance in long-sleep and short-sleep mice.

Abstract The effects of ethanol and diazepam were examined in long-sleep (LS) and short-sleep (SS) mice using the elevated plus-maze. Ethanol had more pronounced effects in SS mice than in LS mice. In contrast, LS mice were more sensitive to the effects of diazepam on the elevated plus-maze. The ataxic effects of ethanol were measured by rotarod performance. SS mice were more resistent to the ataxic effects of a 2.0 g/kg dose of ethanol than LS mice. Ro 15–4513 reversed ethanol's ataxic effects when administered after ethanol in both LS mice and SS mice. Pentobarbital-induced ataxia was unaffected by treatment with Ro 15–4513. Studies of competition of Ro 15–4513 on 3 H-flunitrazepam binding indicated that LS and SS mice did not differ in this measure in cortex, cerebellum or hippocampus.
Opiates and opioid peptides modify sensory evoked potentials and synaptic excitability in the rat dentate gyrus.

The effects of morphine and the synthetic opioid peptide D-Ala2-MePhe4-Met-O-ol-enkephalin (FK 33-824) on averaged (AEPS) potentials evoked by a tone and extracellular synaptic potentials (EPSs) in the perforant path, recorded from the outer molecular layer (OM) of the dentate gyrus, were examined in rats trained to respond in an auditory discrimination task. Potentials evoked by a tone were systematically altered by both peripheral (intraperitoneal) and central (intraeerebroventricular) administration of opioids. The short-latency negative (N1) component of the average evoked potential was increased in amplitude and the longer-latency negative (N2) component was decreased in amplitude by administration of opioids. At the same time, perforant path extracellular synaptic potentials were enhanced after administration of opioids. The changes in the average evoked potential and extracellular synaptic potentials in the perforant path were reversed by subsequent administration of naloxone. The significance of these results is discussed in terms of a possible role of endogenous opioid peptides in modulating the synaptic efficacy of the perforant path during the transmission of sensory information to the hippocampus from the entorhinal cortex.
Multi-peptide nLC-PC-IDMS-SRM-based Assay for the quantification of biomarkers in the chicken ovarian cancer model

Abstract A novel form of ovomacroglobulin/ovostatin (OVOS2) predicted from EST data was previously identified in the chicken ovarian cancer model using a mass spectrometry-based shotgun label-free proteomics strategy. The quantitative label-free data from plasma showed a significant increase over time with the spontaneous onset and progression of ovarian cancer making it a potential protein biomarker for further study. Two other proteins of interest identified from this initial study included vitellogenin-1 (Vit-1), a lipid-transport protein tied to egg production, and transthyretin (TTR), a retinol binding transport protein currently used in the clinical management of ovarian cancer. A multiplexed protein cleavage isotope dilution mass spectrometry (PC-IDMS) assay was developed to quantify OVOS2, Vit-1, and TTR by selected reaction monitoring (SRM). A total of 6 stable isotope labeled (SIL) peptide standards were used in the assay with three tryptic peptides from OVOS2, one for Vit-1, and two for TTR. The assay was developed for use with un-depleted raw plasma combined with the filter assisted sample preparation (FASP) method and its use was also demonstrated for matched ovary tissue samples. The PC-IDMS data for the two TTR peptides did not correlate with each other with more than a 10-fold difference in concentration for all 5 time points measured. The PC-IDMS data from the longitudinal plasma samples correlated well for OVOS2 and Vit-1 whereas TTR was inconclusive. Interestingly, the absolute amount for one of the OVOS2 SIL peptides was 2-fold less compared with the other two SIL peptides. These data illustrate the successes and challenges of qualifying quantitative levels of proteins from an in-gel digestion sample preparation followed by LC–MS/MS (GeLC) label-free discovery-based approach to a targeted SRM-based quantitative assay in plasma and tissues.
Customer Strategy: Observations from the Trenches

Abstract This short article traces the evolution of customer relationship management from the perspective of an author who has written, researched, and worked in the field since the beginning of the relationship revolution in the early 1990s. Additional topics for research are suggested, especially in the area of understanding how companies can increase enterprise value by managing the rate of increase in customer equity.
CaMnO2.5 and Ca2MnO3.5: New oxygen-defect perovskite-type oxides

Abstract We found that when the precursors CaMnO 3 and Ca 2 MnO 4 are reduced with any one of a variety of inorganic (H 2 , NH 3 ) or organic (C 2 H 4 , C 3 H 6 ) reducing agents between 300 and 500°C, topotactic reaction occurs to produce the ordered oxygen-defect phases CaMnO 2.5 and Ca 2 MnO 3.5 , respectively. Orthorhombic cell constants for CaMnO 2.5 are a = 5.43(1), b = 10.24(1), and c = 3.74(1) A, and for Ca 2 MnO 3.5 are a = 5.30(1), b = 10.05(1), and c = 12.24(1)A. These compounds were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, magnetic susceptibility, and infrared spectroscopy. The reduced compounds reversibly oxidize to their respective precursor in oxygen at low temperatures.
Modulation of the cAMP relay in Dictyostelium discoideum by ammonia and other metabolites: possible morphogenetic consequences.

Abstract Using a perfusion technique ( P. N. Devreotes, P. L. Derstine, and T. L. Steck, 1979 , J. Cell Biol. 80, 291–299), it has been shown that cAMP secretion by aggregation-competent cells in response to an exogenous cAMP signal is significantly reduced by exposure to NH4Cl or any of a set of carboxylic acids that includes propionate, succinate, pyruvate, and acetate. The effects of NH4Cl and any of the carboxylic acids are additive and the combinations restrict cAMP secretion to barely detectable or insignificant levels. The inhibitions are rapidly expressed, and are reversible. The activity of NH4Cl is marked at pH 7.2 and undetectable at pH 6.2. Hence, NH3 is presumably the active molecular species. Propionate activity is significantly greater at pH 6.2 than 7.2, indicating that the un-ionized acid is the active species. The data presented herein indicate that these effects are exerted via two separate and independent routes. During exposure of cAMP-stimulated cells to NH4Cl, the decrease in intracellular cAMP accumulation was even greater than the decrease in extracellular accumulation. Hence, NH3 appears to act as a cAMP accumulation inhibitor (CAI). In contrast, exposure to carboxylic acid concentrations that drastically reduce extracellular cAMP accumulation can actually enhance or, at worst, only slightly reduce intracellular accumulation. Hence, the carboxylic acids appear to act as cAMP release inhibitors (CRI). Stationary phase cells incubated on solid substratum in the presence of NH4Cl plus succinate (or propionate) for 18 hr failed to exhibit even the earliest signs of aggregation. If then harvested and redeposited in the absence of the metabolites, they proceeded through the morphogenetic sequence with approximately normal kinetics, suggesting that no significant morphogenetic competence had been achieved during their previous tenure. The morphogenetic implications of cAMP relay modulation are discussed.
Eigenvalue Estimation Using Linearly Dependent Eigenfunctions

A technique is developed for estimating the eigenvalues of one problem using an expansion of linearly dependent eigenfunctions of another problem. Such an expansion cannot be used with Galerkin's method because the linear dependence of the eigenfunctions renders Galerkin's method singular. Test results indicate that the method converges and is as accurate as Galerkin's method with linearly independent trial functions.
Vibrational Overtone Transitions of OCS in the Near Infrared

Abstract Vibrational overtone transitions of OCS in the near infrared, 10 000–14 000 cm −1 , are observed for the first time by means of the photoacoustic technique. The spectra are analyzed using molecular parameters and Hamiltonions derived for energy levels below 5000 cm −1 . It is demonstrated that the molecular parameters of OCS for the low vibrational states can be extended to higher vibrational states within experimental accuracy. A total of 14 transitions in three polyad groups were assigned. Strong perturbations were observed in these highly excited states of OCS.
STABLE-ISOTOPE (C, N, H) ANALYSES HELP LOCATE THE WINTER RANGE OF THE COASTAL PLAIN SWAMP SPARROW (MELOSPIZA GEORGIANA NIGRESCENS)

Abstract Some taxa of North American birds have unknown winter ranges, because of the difficulty in tracking individuals between seasons. Stable isotopes may provide clues to help locate these nonbreeding populations. Previously, no valid records existed for the Coastal Plain Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana nigrescens) from October to late April. We used stable-isotope (C, N, and H) analyses to provide estimates of where molt occurs and then searched those areas for individuals of this species. The δ13C and δ15N of rump feathers were consistent with the Coastal Plain Swamp Sparrow molting in more saline marshes than the nominate subspecies after the breeding season, which confirms what was already known. The values for the same isotopes from crown feathers revealed that winter molt in the Coastal Plain Swamp Sparrow probably occurred in similar coastal brackish habitats. The δD of crown feathers indicated that prebreeding molt occurred at latitudes between South Carolina and Virginia. A subsequent sear...
Attachment Site of Grafted SCN Influences Precision of Restored Circadian Rhythm

Fetal hypothalamic grafts containing the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) restore circadian locomotor rhythmicity when implanted into the third ventricle of SCN-lesioned hamsters. However, the quality of restored rhythms is variable, and the locomotor rhythms of grafted animals are generally less robust than those of intact animals. The present study explored whether anatomical features of the graft predict the quality of the recovered rhythm and whether such information might provide insight as to the target of the signal from the SCN that controls locomotor rhythmicity. The following graft parameters were assessed: distance between the attachment site of the graft and potential targets for the output signal from the SCN, number and overall size of SCN clusters, the size of the cluster closest to the SCN lesion site, and extent of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and vasopressin-associated neurophysin (NP) positive fiber outgrowth from the graft. The restored circadian activity rhythm was assessed by quantifying the precision of activity onset and the amount, period, and robustness of rhythmicity. The results indicate a significant positive correlation between the precision of activity onset and the proximity of the closest SCN cluster to the site of the lesioned host SCN. A more detailed analysis of the spatial location of the graft indicates that proximity of the graft in the dorsal and caudal directions, but not the rostral direction, is positively correlated with the precision of the recovered rhythm. This suggests two possibilities: the coupling signal may act on a site very near the SCN and travel preferentially in a rostro-caudal direction. Alternatively, the coupling signal may act on a site rostral to the SCN. That the site is not far rostral to the SCN was suggested by the lack of a correlation between the precision of the restored rhythm and the rostrally lying anterior medial preoptic nucleus. Finally, evaluation of NP- and VIP-ergic fibers in nuclei known to receive input from the SCN indicates that the extent of such innervation by graft efferents does not predict either the occurrence of recovery or the precision of the recovered rhythm. Overall, these results suggest that the target(s) of SCN pacemakers regulating locomotor rhythmicity lie in the hypothalamus, close to or rostral to the SCN.