cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinical preventive service use disparities among subgroups of people with disabilities: A scoping review

Abstract Background Recommended use of clinical preventive services (CPS) reduces morbidity and mortality from preventable conditions. Disparities in CPS utilization between individuals with and without disabilities have been shown, but a greater understanding of the disability subpopulations with lowest utilization is needed to better inform research, policy, and practice. Objective The objective was to conduct a scoping review of the literature to identify relevant studies on disparities in receipt of CPS among subgroups of individuals with disabilities. Methods In July 2010, electronic and manual literature searches were conducted for years 2000–2009. Review for inclusion/exclusion and data analysis occurred in 2010 and 2011. In 2012, the review was updated to cover abstracts published in 2010 and 2011. Identified abstracts, and then full-text articles of included abstracts, were reviewed according to inclusion/exclusion criteria by multiple reviewers. For articles meeting all criteria, two reviewers performed independent data extraction. A gap analysis was performed to identify areas of concentration and gaps in the literature. Results Twenty-seven articles met inclusion criteria for this review. Studies varied substantially in sample composition and research methods. CPS examined most often were cervical cancer screening (14 studies) and mammography (13 studies). Potential disparity factors studied most often were disability factors (i.e., disabling condition in 12 studies, disability severity in 10 studies). Stratification of CPS by disparity factors revealed substantial gaps in the literature. Conclusions The literature gaps point to a need for high quality research on access disparities among subgroups of individuals with disabilities.
Elderly veterans' beliefs concerning life-sustaining treatment and the control of their end-of-life health and health care.

Objective: This study used qualitative methods to explore patients' beliefs about control of their end-of-life health and health care. Method: The authors recruited 30 elderly patients from a large, urban Veterans Administration medical center in the United States and engaged them in semistructured interviews about end-of-life care concepts. Using grounded theory methods, they coded, categorized, and compared responses. Results: The authors discovered that patients' decisions about using life sustaining treatment were interconnected with their beliefs about their degree of control over circumstances and the role of external factors, including a higher power; institutions and individuals; medical interventions; medical conditions; and luck, chance, or fate. Discussion: The results shed light on why patients do or do not take active roles in advance decisions concerning the use of life-sustaining treatment.
Authentication of random patterns by finding a match in an image database

This paper describes an approach for finding the exact match of a random texture pattern in an image database. It is assumed that the random pattern may be misregistered relative to its representation in the database and it may have missing parts. The specific application of the proposed algorithm is authentication of legal documents, bank notes or credit cards, where thin fibers are embedded randomly into the document medium during medium fabrication. Random patterns guarantee extremely high uniqueness, i.e. low probability of two documents being identical, and thus offer very effective anti-counterfeiting measures. Image matching is achieved by a three step hierarchical procedure, where each step uses a separate database. The preliminary tests of the authentication algorithm included experiments with over 10,000 synthetic images and 50 real images. In all cases the algorithm has given correct results. This paper details the algorithm, considerations on document uniqueness, and testing procedures.
Elevated 4-Hydroxynonenal in Ventricular Fluid in Alzheimer’s Disease

4-Hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), an aldehyde by-product of the peroxidation of fatty acids, has been shown to have toxic properties for neurons in culture. In light of increasing evidence that oxidative stress contributes to the neurodegenerative process in Alzheimer's disease (AD), we quantified levels of free and protein-bound 4-HNE in the ventricular fluid from 19 AD subjects and 13 control subjects by high-pressure liquid chromatography and dot-blot immunoassay. Free 4-HNE levels were found to be significantly elevated in the ventricular fluid of AD subjects compared with control subjects (p = 0.0096). These results demonstrate increased lipid peroxidation in AD brain and suggest a role for 4-HNE in the neurodegenerative process.
Pitch invasion: Football, contemporary art and the African diaspora

In the past decade, many sports historians made the ‘visual turn’ and embraced the diverse visual culture of athletic spectatorship and consumption; however, art historians have been somewhat reluctant to make the corresponding ‘sporting turn’. This paper assumes a unique position by investigating the central role mass sport, particularly football, plays in fine art, a field typically perceived as high culture. A closer examination of the African diaspora indicates soccer’s prominence within recent artistic practice. Many successful, professional artists utilize the game to contest politics and nationalism, social norms and human behaviour and codes of gender and class. By focusing on representations of the ball, star players, fan perspectives and stadium experiences, this essay explores artists’ use of soccer for critical reflections on contemporary life.
An expert system for predicting approval plan receipts

Abstract This paper explores the use of expert systems technology in one aspect of library acquisitions, the approval plan profile. The methodologies for determining whether a requested title would be received on approval were encoded in an expert system. The system design and test is described. Some of the advantages to using expert system technologies and the difficulties which were encountered are described. The future potential of expert systems for library acquisitions is addressed. A selected bibliography is included.
High-order schemes for acoustic waveform simulation

This article introduces a new fourth-order implicit time-stepping scheme for the numerical solution of the acoustic wave equation, as a variant of the conventional modified equation method. For an efficient simulation, the scheme incorporates a locally one-dimensional (LOD) procedure having the splitting error of O(@Dt^4). Its stability and accuracy are compared with those of the standard explicit fourth-order scheme. It has been observed from various experiments for 2D problems that (a) the computational cost of the implicit LOD algorithm is only about 40% higher than that of the explicit method, for the problems of the same size, (b) the implicit LOD method produces less dispersive solutions in heterogeneous media, and (c) its numerical stability and accuracy match well those of the explicit method.
Supramolecular structure of propionylated cotton cellulose

Heterogeneous propionylation of cotton cellulose, in the form of yarn, was carried out by reaction with propionyl chloride, in a medium of pyridine and dimethylformamide (DMF). The product was a mixed propionate–α-propionylpropionate ester of DS varying from 0.24 to 2.94. The supramolecular structure of these esters was studied by kinetic analysis as well as by the measurements of density, refractive index, and x-ray diffraction. The Sakurada plot of DS against time of reaction showed a discontinuity at a DS of about 2.0, where the x-ray diffraction pattern shows almost complete loss of crystalline structure. The interpretation, based on the assumption that the Sakurada curve actually represents the sum of two simultaneous rate processes acting in the amorphous phase and at the crystalline surfaces, seems to explain the data adequately. The density showed a continuous decrease, consistent with the idea of continuous destruction of crystalline structure with progressive substitution. Refractive indices showed a continuous decrease with substitution and birefringence was almost absent at complete substitution. The calculated value of molar refraction for the sample of DS 2.94 agreed closely with the experimentally observed value. The x-ray diffraction intensity traces gave convincing evidence of the progressive decrystallization of cellulose with the degree of substitution. Decrystallization seems to be more or less complete at about a DS of 2.0.
Recent Hydrodynamics Improvements to the RELAP5-3D Code

The hydrodynamics section of the RELAP5-3D computer program has been recently improved. Changes were made as follows: (1) improved turbine model, (2) spray model for the pressurizer model, (3) feedwater heater model, (4) radiological transport model, (5) improved pump model, and (6) compressor model.
A note on maximizing a special concave function subject to simultaneous Loewner order constraints

Maximization of functions with multivariate arguments can be computationally difficult. We show that for a special function, which is proportional to the density of a Wishart distribution, reparametrization can lead to maximization of a concave function. We use this fact to produce an algorithm which maximizes the function over a restricted parameter space of the form 0 < L ⩽ Σ ⩽ U, where L ⩽ U means that U − L is a nonnegative definite matrix and L < U means that U − L is positive definite. This restriction is often referred to as the Loewner ordering.
Effects of chronic exposure to cold or hypoxia on ventricular weights and ventricular myoglobin concentrations in guinea pigs during growth

Male guinea pigs were exposed continuously to 5°C for 2–18 weeks (BW=239–1074 g) or to an ambientPO2=80 mm Hg for 2–14 weeks (BW=244–965g). Control guinea pigs were kept at 22°C and an average ambientPO2 of 133 mm Hg. The right and the left ventricular free walls were separated from the septum and weighed (RVW and LVW). Myoglobin concentrations [Mb] of the right and the left ventricles were measured. In all animals, total heart weights (THW), RVW and LVW were linearly related to BW. In the control animals, ventricular [Mb] increased with BW for 2–3 weeks after birth but remained unchanged thereafter. In the 5°C animals, after 4 weeks of exposure, [Mb] in the right and the left ventricles was significantly higher than that of the controls. THW also was significantly higher in the 5°C animals. Furthermore, this cold-induced cardiac hypertrophy was due to both right and left ventricular hypertrophy. In hypoxia-acclimated animals, after 14 weeks of exposure toPO2=80 mm Hg, the [Mb] of the RV was significantly higher than that of the controls, whereas there was no significant difference between the [Mb] of the LV of the control and hypoxic animals. THW was significantly higher in the hypoxic guinea pigs than in the controls or the 5°C animals. The hypoxia-induced cardiac hypertrophy was due to a marked right ventricular hypertrophy while LVW was significantly lower in the hypoxic animals than in the controls
Insights into nucleotide signal transduction in nitrogenase: structure of an iron protein with MgADP bound.

Coupling the energy of nucleoside triphosphate binding and hydrolysis to conformational changes is a common mechanism for a number of proteins with disparate cellular functions, including those involved in DNA replication, protein synthesis, and cell differentiation. Unique to this class of proteins is the dimeric Fe protein component of nitrogenase in which the binding and hydrolysis of MgATP controls intermolecular electron transfer and reduction of nitrogen to ammonia. In the work presented here, the MgADP-bound (or “off”) conformational state of the nitrogenase Fe protein has been captured and a 2.15 A resolution X-ray crystal structure is presented. The structure described herein reveals likely mechanisms for long-range communication from the nucleotide-binding sites for controlling the affinity of association with the MoFe protein component. Two pathways, termed switches I and II, appear to be integral to this nucleotide signal transduction mechanism. In addition, the structure provides the basis fo...
The Earth's magnetosphere is 165 RE long: Self-consistent currents, convection, magnetospheric structure, and processes for northward interplanetary magnetic field

The subject of this paper is a self-consistent, magnetohydrodynamic numerical realization for the Earth's magnetosphere which is in a quasi-steady dynamic equilibrium for a due northward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). Although a few hours of steady northward IMF are required for this asymptotic state to be set up, it should still be of considerable theoretical interest because it constitutes a 'ground state' for the solar wind-magnetosphere interaction. Moreover, particular features of this ground state magnetosphere should be observable even under less extreme solar wind conditions. Certain characteristics of this magnetosphere, namely, NBZ Birkeland currents, four-cell ionospheric convection, a relatively weak cross-polar potential, and a prominent flow boundary layer, are widely expected. Other characteristics, such as no open tail lobes, no Earth-connected magnetic flux beyond 155 R(sub E) downstream, magnetic merging in a closed topology at the cusps, and a 'tadpole' shaped magnetospheric boundary, might not be expected. In this paper, we will present the evidence for this unusual but interesting magnetospheric equilibrium. We will also discuss our present understanding of this singular state.
Deployment of academic subspecialists in the emerging era of primary care

While the next generation of physicians promises to provide an expanding pool of highly qualified primary care internists, academic departments of internal medicine are currently confronting the apparent conflict of a maldistribution of subspecialists to generalists with growing pressures to deliver comprehensive care. The dilemma is compounded by the rigid compartmentalization and segregation of subspecialty sections and by the widespread assumption that subspecialists can provide only consultative rather than primary care. One solution is to reorganize narrowly focused and fragmented subspecialty clinics into multispecialty group practices or firms. Subspecialists can deliver comprehensive care to patients whose predominant medical problems lie within their areas of expertise in a multispecialty firm setting that provides immediate access to subspecialists in other fields, as well as general internists, and encourages the liberal use of informal consultations. Since it is unlikely that nonacademic managed care ambulatory practices will ever be able to generate sufficient excess clinical revenues to subsidize the academic missions of an internal medicine department, and since trainees must be exposed to realistic clinic practice settings, education and clinical research should be fully integrated into the organization of an academic multispecialty practice plan. The mandate for primary care can be exploited to actually facilitate the academic enterprise by promoting the cross-fertilization of ideas among the various disciplines.
Nanoshell bioconjugates for integrated imaging and therapy of cancer

Currently, separate diagnostic and therapeutic modalities are required for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. In many cases, the present standard of care requires invasive surgical procedures and/or other treatments associated with significant side effect profiles, high cost, and poor clinical outcome. A single technology with dual diagnostic/therapeutic capabilities would potentially yield significant savings in the time and cost associated with diagnosing and treating many cancers. In this paper, we discuss gold nanoshell bioconjugates and their role in the development of an integrated cancer imaging and therapy application. Nanoshells are a novel class of nanomaterials that have unique properties including continuous and broad wavelength tunability, far greater scattering and absorption coefficients, increased chemical stability, and improved biocompatibility. Here, we describe the development of an integrated cancer imaging and therapy application using near-infrared (NIR) gold nanoshell bioconjugates.
Note on p -Wave Anomalies in Proton-Proton Scattering

The $p$-wave effects on Bethe's neutral form of meson theory are calculated for proton energies of 2.0 Mev, 2.4 Mev and 3.0 Mev. The range of nuclear force corresponding to a meson mass of 180 electron masses gives effects of the order of a few percent of the total scattering. These effects do not vanish at the scattering angle of 45\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. If present, they call for a slight increase in the range of force derived from $s$ scattering. The comparison of the theoretical and experimental angular distributions indicates, however, that $p$-wave effects predicted by the above meson theory with a mass of 180 m are too large since they give too much small angle scattering.
Solar wind heavy ions from flare-heated coronal plasma

Information concerning the coronal expansion is carried by solar-wind heavy ions. Distinctly different energy-per-charge ion spectra are found in two classes of solar wind having the low kinetic temperatures necessary for E/q resolution of the ion species. Heavy-ion spectra which can be resolved are most frequently observed in the low-speed interstream (IS) plasma found between high speed streams; the streams are thought to originate from coronal holes. Although the sources of the IS plasma are uncertain, the heavy-ion spectra found there contain identifiable peaks of O, Si, and Fe ions. Such spectra indicate that the IS ionization state of O is established in coronal gas at a temperature of approximately 1.6 million K, while that of Fe is frozen in farther out at about 1.5 million K. On occasion anomalous spectra are found outside IS flows in solar wind with abnormally depressed local kinetic temperatures. The anomalous spectra contain Fe(16+) ions, not usually found in IS flows, and the derived coronal freezing-in temperatures are significantly higher. The coronal sources of some of these ionizationally hot flows are identified as solar flares.
Determination of the relative number of monohydride and dihydride bonding sites in amorphous silicon-hydrogen alloys using pulsed NMR techniques

Abstract Proton spin-lattice relaxation time (T1) measurements (made at 300K and 35 MHz) on reactively sputtered amorphous silicon-hydrogen alloys are correlated with the Fourier Transformed Free Induction Decay (FTFID) spectra and infrared absorption measurements of these alloys. These measurements and their interpretation yield the following assignments of T1 values on the basis of bonding type: for purely monohydride material, T1 = 35±5 sec. In a material containing two distinct, co-existing phases, the dihydride phase regions are characterized by T1 = 1.4±0.5 sec. Relaxation of protons in the monohydride regions of this material proceeds via cross-relaxation to the dihydride regions, the process being spin-diffusion limited and yielding a net T1 = 8.8±1.0 sec.
The heavy quarks static potential in the leading log and the leading log log models

Abstract We give numerical and analytical results for the static potential of quasi-abelian quark and antiquark source charges, in the models in which radiative corrections to leading log order, and to leading log plus leading log log order, are retained in the gauge gluon effective dielectric functional. When the scale length of the latter model is fixed to give a second order fit to Martin's phenomenological heavy quark potential, the point of tangency with Martin's curve lies at 0.51 fermi (in the center of the cc and bb quarkonium region), and the long- and short-distance limits yield, respectively, a string tension of 320 MeV, and an asymptotic freedom scale mass of Λ MS =220 MeV [all for color SU(3) with 3 light quark flavors]. Thus, effective action methods, using only renormalization group-improved perturbation theory as input, give a reasonable account of the behavior of the heavy quark-antiquark static potential at all length scales.
Reduction of Dead Times and Dead Zones in the Self-Quenching Streamer Mode at High Pressures and High Quencher Concentrations

The large saturated pulses referred to as "self-quenching streamer" (SQS) provide a convenient and inexpensive method of radiation detection. Our previous work has revealed a strong dependence of the dead time, and of the length of the dead zone along the anode, on the pressure of the gas filling and on the concentration of the quenching component of this filling. These measurements have been extended to higher pressures and higher quencher concentrations with the object of achieving the smallest dead times and dead zones while still retaining the large amplitudes and fast rise times characteristic of the SQS mode of operation.
Fading techniques and concept learning in children

The utility of stimulus fading as a training technique for attainment of concepts was questioned. Fading on a cue which focused attention toward the criterial aspect of the stimuli (axis of symmetry) produced no better performance than standard discrimination procedures, while fading on an extrinsic dimension yielded significantly poorer performance than did the standard. Possible explanations were discussed in terms of “blocking” effects.
Methimazole and arthritis.

(1990). Methimazole and Arthritis. Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology: Vol. 19, No. 5, pp. 385-385.
Interactions of Cations with Paraquat in Leaf Sections of Resistant and Sensitive Biotypes ofConyza bonariensis

Abstract The influence of cations on paraquat activity was evaluated in leaf sections of a paraquat-resistant biotype (R) and a paraquat-sensitive biotype (S) of Conyza bonariensis . The organic polyamine, putrescine, antagonized paraquat activity in S but synergized paraquat activity in R. Putrescine synergism in R may be due to competitive inhibition of paraquat sequestration. Inorganic cations antagonized paraquat-induced chlorophyll bleaching in both biotypes. These cations were, from most potent to least potent, La 3+ > Ca 2+ ≥ Mg 2+ > K + . This antagonism of paraquat activity by inorganic cations can primarily be attributed to the reduction of cell surface electrical potential by cations. However, the antagonism of paraquat activity was not equivalent in the two biotypes: La 3+ , Ca 2+ , and Mg 2+ antagonized the activity of 250 μ M paraquat in R more than they antagonized 1 μ M paraquat in S; this implies a possible secondary basis for interaction of these cations in R. It is possible that such cations increase paraquat sequestration by enhancing the integrity of a membrane-bound sequestration site. Since exogenous cations antagonized paraquat activity, it was postulated that removal of endogenous cations might synergize paraquat activity. Ethylene glycol bis(β-aminoethyl ether)- N,N,N′,N′ -tetraacetic acid (EGTA) is a Ca 2+ chelator which synergized paraquat activity only in R. This suggests that Ca 2+ interacts with paraquat sequestration. However, the sequestration mechanism is not Ca 2+ -dependent, because EGTA synergism was reversed to varying degrees by addition of La 3+ , Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , or K + . Since EGTA and La 3+ do not readily cross the plasmalemma, their interactions imply that resistance is due, at least in part, to paraquat exclusion at the plasmalemma. Inorganic cations, polyamines, and chelators should be useful tools in future evaluations of the site(s) and mechanism(s) of paraquat sequestration. This work also suggests that chelators might enhance paraquat activity in the field, by depleting cations in the spray solution and/or depleting endogenous cations.
Conformational analysis of lecithin in vesicles by 13C NMR

Abstract The potential for application of 13C chemical shift data to conformational analysis in membranes has been investigated. Data were collected for egg lecithin in chloroform solution, and in water dispersions as a function of temperature. The 13C shift data can be interpreted in terms of populations of gauche and trans conformers at various points along a hydrocarbon chain.
Techniques for Extending the Breeding Career of Aging and Disabled Stallions

The useful and comfortable breeding life of most disabled and aging stallions can be extended with well-planned and coordinated management and veterinary care aimed at maintaining libido and adequate copulatory ability. This paper outlines various aspects that can be addressed in a coordinated plan, including pain management, fitness and weight management, optimum breeding management and handling, and alternate methods of semen collection, including ground semen collection, manual stimulation, and pharmacologically induced ejaculation.
Ethnic Identity and Academic Performance Among Black and White College Students: An Interactionist Approach.

Shared meanings associated with the identity are congruent or relevant to the meanings associated with academic performance. Ethnic identity had no effect on college student performance.
Prognosis of Acral Melanoma: A Series of 281 Patients

Acral melanoma (AM) is an unusual malignancy with poor survival. This study defines a cohort of patients, treated at a single institution, and the factors associated with survival and comparison with nonacral cutaneous melanoma (NACM). All patients with AM presenting from 1995 to 2010 were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Analysis of clinicopathologic features of AM associated with disease-specific survival (DSS) was performed. A stratified, stage-matched survival analysis compared the outcome of 281 acral to 843 extremity NACM patients. A total of 281 AM patients (170 volar, 111 subungual) were identified. Pathologic stage (p < 0.001), ulceration (p < 0.001), Breslow thickness (p < 0.001), and a positive sentinel lymph node (p < 0.001) were found to be poor prognostic indicators associated with DSS. In stage-matched analysis, AM had a worse DSS compared with NACM (hazard ratio 1.8; 95 % CI 1.2–2.7; p < 0.01). This study represents the largest, single-institution series describing the characteristics and outcomes of AM. AM tumors exhibit aggressive histopathologic features associated with a poorer survival outcome. AM patients have an inferior survival than extremity NACM when matched for stage, perhaps reflecting inherent alterations in tumor biology. This warrants further investigation into the differences between acral and cutaneous melanoma.
Species differences in accumulation of nitrogen pools in phytoplankton

The changes in the intracellular concentrations of nitrate, ammonium, free amino acids, protein, DNA, RNA and total nitrogen were measured in batch cultures of seven species of marine phytoplankton as they progressed from being nitrogen sufficient to being nitrogen starved. After several days of nitrogen starvation, either nitrate or ammonium was added to the cultures, and the measurements were continued for 10 to 36 h. By this means it was possible to assess the long-term and short-term changes in cellular nitrogen compounds and how they relate to phytoplankton nitrogen uptake and growth. Considerable species differences were observed in the amounts and kinds of nitrogen compounds which were stored and the degree to which the utilization of these compounds could support growth if the external nitrogen supply is low or variable. Despite the species variation, the results suggest that the concentrations or ratios of a number of intracellular nitrogen compounds can be used to assess the nitrogen deficiency and/or growth rate of natural phytoplankton populations.
The activation and induction of tryptophan pyrrolase during experimental porphyria and by amino-triazole.

Abstract The administration of a porphyria causing agent, allylisopropylacetamide, to intact or adrenalectomized rats results in four- and two-fold increases in the level of liver tryptophan pyrrolase. Administration of 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole to adrenalectomized rats causes a similar change in the level of liver tryptophan pyrrolase. The induction of the enzyme by both compounds is associated with its activation, presumably due to an increased availability of the endogenous iron-protoporphyrin activator of the enzyme. Thus, these results, together with the previously observed mechanism of substrate induction, suggest that the process of activation of tryptophan pyrrolase may be the stimulus for its induction. Liver tryptophan pyrrolase from 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole-treated rats need be assayed in the absence of fresh microsomes since the latter seem to catalyze the formation of a metabolite of 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole which inhibits the activity of tryptophan pyrrolase.
Size-Dependent Structural Stability and Tuning Mechanism: A Case of Zinc Sulfide

Synchrotron X-ray diffraction and thermodynamic calculation combined with particle size dependent defect ratio, stress distribution, and surface energy have been used to tackle the structural stability and phase transformation of bulk and nano zincblende (ZnS). X-ray diffractions demonstrate that bulk zincblende-type ZnS transforms to a rocksalt phase at ∼15.4 GPa associated with an in situ fracture. The transition pressure remains constant upon decreasing particle size to 15 nm. Below 15 nm, this phase transformation occurs at an elevated pressure; the particle does not break down and instead transforms to a smaller rocksalt grain with 18% volumetric shrinkage relative to zincblende. The two defined critical sizes of 3.4 and 15 nm represent the largest size for a particle that starts a defect extinction and homogeneous stress distribution, respectively, thus enabling interpretation of a combined effect of pressure and particle size. When the particle is larger than 15 nm, the hosted defect (or dislocatio...
Characteristics of aerobic, solid substrate fermentation of swine waste-corn mixtures

Aerobic fermentation of swine waste combined with corn produced differences in microbial and biochemical patterns dependent on use of fresh or stored excrement. Lactic acid fermentation and odor control resulted with either waste. Homofermentative lactic acid bacteria were present initially at 107 organisms/dry g with stored waste-corn cultures and total microflora amounted to 108 organisms/dry g. Fresh waste-corn fermentations initially yielded heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria at 107 organisms/dry g and total viable population was 109 organisms/dry g. These respective groups of lactic acid bacteria dominated from 12 through 144 h in cultures with either waste, and acid production (0.2 meq/dry g) decreased pH by 2 units to 4.5. The major acid component with stored waste-corn was lactic acid, whereas fresh waste-corn fermentation produced both lactic and homologous fatty acids from acetic through valeric acid. Coliform bacteria present initially at 105 organisms/dry g in stored waste-corn cultures were not detected after 36 h; coliform bacteria in fresh waste-corn fermentations persisted at 106 organisms/dry g. A silage-like fermentation product resulted which may have use in animal feed formulations.
EPR measurement of the effect of glass composition on the oxidation states of europium

An investigation was conducted concerning the dependence of the concentration ratio of Eu(2+) to Eu(3+) on composition for silicate liquids whose compositional end members are CaAl2Si2O8 and MgSiO3, MG2SiO4, CaMgSi2O6, CaMgSiO4, CaSiO3, or Ca2SiO4. The liquids were quenched to produce glasses. An electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometer was used to determine the concentration ratios of Eu(2+) to Eu(3+) in the glasses.
Commitment to the Osteoblast Lineage Is Not Required for RANKL Gene Expression

Differentiation of bone-resorbing osteoclasts from hematopoietic precursors depends upon expression of the cytokine receptor activator of NFκB ligand (RANKL) by fibroblastic stromal cells, which some evidence suggests are of the osteoblast lineage. We have shown previously that hormonal-responsiveness of the murine RANKL gene is mediated in part by a distal enhancer that binds Runx2, a transcription factor required for commitment to the osteoblast lineage, supporting the idea that osteoclast-supporting stromal cells may be osteoblasts or their progenitors. However, in this study we demonstrate that parathyroid hormone (PTH) stimulation of RANKL in mice is not affected by a significant reduction in the number of osteoblasts. Consistent with this, neither Runx2, nor Cbfb, a binding partner essential for Runx activity, are required for basal or PTH-stimulated RANKL expression in fibroblastic stromal cell models. Nonetheless, RANKL responsiveness to PTH was elevated in cultured calvaria cells expressing high levels of osterix, another transcription factor required for osteoblast differentiation, and this was associated with elevated PTH receptor expression. The responsiveness of RANKL to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 was not elevated in the osterix-expressing cells. Together, these results suggest that commitment to the osteoblast lineage is not a requirement for RANKL gene transcription in fibroblastic stromal cells but may enhance responsiveness of this gene to specific hormones via control of their receptors.
Dynamics, Sensing, and Control of a Thin-Film Piezoelectric Vertical Micro-Stage

A novel thin-film piezoelectric vertical actuator with integrated strain gage position sensor is described, with sensor performance in simulated sliding mode control examined. The actuator utilizes four bending-beam thin-film lead-zirconate-titanate (PZT) legs to generate net translational out-of-plane motion of almost 100 μm, with higher speed and lower voltages than most MEMS vertical actuators. In addition, a portion of the top platinum electrode on the piezoelectric thin-film is used to perform position sensing, and shown to have good sensitivity during experimental operation of the actuator. A dynamic model of the stage based on a hysteresis model derived to fit experimental piezoelectric strain coefficient behavior is presented, and used to predict stage performance during sliding mode control using the integrated strain gage.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Early arrest of B cell development in nude, X‐linked immune‐deficient mice

Mice simultaneously expressing the nude and xid mutations have a severe deficit of both mature T and B cells. We now report studies designed to determine at which point in B cell differentiation development is arrested. Nude-xid mice have normal numbers of hematopoietic colony forming units (CFU-s) but lack two early pre-B cell markers: susceptibility to transformation by Abelson murine leukemia virus (A-MuLV) and production of cytoplasmic mu (C mu) heavy chain. Thus, there is a defect in lymphocyte development prior to or early in pre-B cell differentiation but after hematopoietic stem cell formation. The monoclonal reagents DNL 1.9, 14.8 and RA3-3A1/6.1, which react with the surface protein B220 (Ly5) on pro-B, C mu- pre-B, C mu+ pre-B, and surface Ig+ B cells, revealed the presence of positive cells in nude-xid mice. The bone marrow of nude-xid mice contains more B220+ cells than C mu+ cells. Our data suggest that the developmental block in these mice occurs at the earliest identifiable step in the B lymphocyte lineage, after the appearance of B220+ C mu- pro-B cells, but before the differentiation of C mu-bearing (pre-B) cells.
Modeling microstructural evolution in fusion reactor environments

Abstract Interactions between dislocation, cavity and precipitate evolution in austentic stainless steels irradiated in fission reactors are analyzed. Cavity evolution is modeled using the critical bubble concept: helium bubbles grow stably with the incremental addition of helium up to a critical size, thereafter they grow rapidly as voids. Dislocations and precipitates are preferred sites for bubbles and influence the critical size, hence, incubation period. The models predict broad trends in the swelling data base, as well as many detailed observations. The calibrated models predict a nonmonotic swelling response to increases in helium, with a peak at intermediate values; this suggests that fusion environments will generally have lower incubation times and higher swelling than found for fission reactor irradiations. The mechanisms controlling swelling in Ti-modified steels are also examined; partitioning of helium to a fine distribution of stable MC phases is found to be the key factor in retarding swelling.
Interrelationship of nitrogen nutrition with maize (Zea mays) grain yield, nitrogen use efficiency and grain quality

Eight maize (Zea mays L) hybrids were grown under five N levels with or without the nitrification inhibitor, nitrapyrin (2-chloro-[6-trichloro-methyl] pyridine), to evaluate N interactions relative to yield performance, N use efficiency, grain protein concentration, and kernel texture. Results indicate that maize hybrids can be grouped into three categories based on grain yield: (1) low N-responsive types which reach their maximum yield with 134 kg ha−1 of applied N; (2) intermediate types that respond to moderate N levels (134 to 201 kg N ha−1); and (3) high N-responsive types that respond to higher levels of N (201 kg N ha−1). High N-responsive types, in general, increased yield with nitrapyrin treatment at all levels of N. Crop N utilisation efficiency for high N-responsive hybrids decreased, but was static for low N-responsive hybrids as N fertiliser increased. In general, as the grain yield of a hybrid increased in response to N, the concentration of protein in the kernel increased; although grain yields and protein concentration are negatively correlated among hybrids. Increased kernel translucence, an indicator of kernel hardness induced by N fertiliser, correlated highly positive with zein proteins. Isoelectric focusing analysis showed that increases in zein were primarily due to a quantitative increase in α- and γ-zein polypeptides. This study indicates that hybrids are different in their N requirements for maximum yield. Low N conditions not only restrict grain yield but also affect kernel textural quality.
Dysphagia caused by anterior cervical plate erosion (with videos)

Hardware fixation of the cervical spine is commonly performed with rare esophageal complications. We report two cases of anterior cervical plate erosion presenting as dysphagia. CASE REPORTS Case 1 A 63-year-old man presented with 18 months of progressive dysphagia and weight loss. Fifteen years earlier, radiation therapy was administered for head and neck cancer. Dysphagia began shortly after cervical spine fixation with anterior cervical plate placement. Cervical spine radiographs showed excellent placement of the plate without abnormal motion on flexion and extension. Endoscopy revealed a mass effect and erosion of the anterior cervical plate through the posterior wall of the proximal esophagus (Fig. 1). The esophagram did not reveal perforation. A CT scan did not suggest loosening or infection. Hardware removal was recommended, but the patient declined. One year later, he remains asymptomatic and tolerates a soft mechanical diet. Case 2 A 46-year-old woman presented with progressive dysphagia and weight loss. She had prior surgical resection and radiotherapy for giant cell tumor of a cervical vertebral body. Cervical radiculopathy required spine reconstruction and bone grafting with anterior
Instability of sulfate and selenate solid acids in fuel cell environments

The chemical and thermal stability of several solid acid compounds under fuel cell operating conditions has been investigated, primarily by thermogravimetric methods. Thermal decomposition of CsHSO_4, a material which has shown promise as an alternative electrolyte for proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, initiates at ∼175°C under inert conditions. The overall decomposition process can be expressed as 2CsHSO_4 → Cs_2SO_4 + H_2O + SO_3 with Cs_2S_2O_7 appearing as an intermediate byproduct at slow heating rates. Under reducing conditions, chemical decomposition can occur via reaction with hydrogen according to 2CsHSO_4 + 4H_2 → Cs_2SO_4 + 4H_2O + H_2S. In the absence of fuel cell catalysts, this reduction reaction is slow; however, materials such as Pt, Pd, and WC are highly effective in catalyzing the reduction of sulfur and the generation of H_2S. In the case of M_3H(XO_4)_2 compounds, where M = Cs, NH_4, or Rb and X = S or Se, a similar reduction reaction occurs: 2M_3H(XO_4)_2 + 4H_2 → 3M_2XO_4 + 4H_2O + H_2X. In an operational fuel cell based on CsHSO_4, performance degraded with time, presumably as a result of H_2S poisoning of the anode catalyst. The performance loss was recoverable by exposure of the fuel cell to air at 160 °C.
New DAMA dark-matter window and energetic-neutrino searches

Recently, the DAMA/LIBRA Collaboration has repeated and reinforced their claim to have detected an annual modulation in their signal rate, and have interpreted this observation as evidence for dark-matter particles at the 8.2σ confidence level. Furthermore, it has also been noted that the effects of channeling may enable a weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP) that scatters elastically via spin-independent interactions from nuclei to produce the signal observed by DAMA/LIBRA without exceeding the limits placed by CDMS, XENON, CRESST, CoGeNT, and other direct-detection experiments. To accommodate this elastic-scattering explanation, however, the mass of the responsible dark-matter particle must be relatively light, mDM ≾ 10 GeV. Such dark-matter particles will become captured by and annihilate in the Sun at very high rates, leading to a potentially large flux of GeV-scale neutrinos. We calculate the neutrino spectrum resulting from WIMP annihilations in the Sun and show that existing limits from Super-Kamiokande can be used to close a significant portion of the DAMA region, especially if the dark-matter particles produce tau leptons or neutrinos in a sizable fraction of their annihilations. We also determine the spin-dependent WIMP-nuclei elastic-scattering parameter space consistent with DAMA. The constraints from Super-Kamiokande on the spin-dependent scenario are even more severe—they exclude any self-annihilating WIMP in the DAMA region that annihilates 1% of the time or more to any combination of neutrinos, tau leptons, or charm or bottom quarks.
Detecting signals of unexpected or uncertain durations

Expectation of signal duration influences the signal detectability. This is demonstrated in two experiments in which percent correct was measured for both tonal and noise signals whose durations were either unexpected or uncertain. In both experiments, the signal at each duration was set to have a d’ of about 1.5 when that duration was presented alone and expected. When the six subjects were led to expect a short‐ or a long‐duration signal using the probe‐signal method, the detectability of signals decreased to near chance as the signal duration deviated from the expected value (experiment 1). When the subjects were led to expect a range of durations, the detectability was only slightly worse than when each signal was presented alone (experiment 2). Those results suggest that listeners adjust their temporal‐integration intervals according to the demand of the specific task. Finally, the results obtained with the noise signal were analyzed using the multiple‐look model and a modified energy‐detector model....
Treatment of Secondary Posterior Capsular Membranes With the Nd:YAG Laser in a Pediatric Population

Thirty-two eyes of 28 pediatric patients were treated with the H. S. Meridian Microruptor III Nd:YAG laser for secondary posterior capsular membranes after cataract extraction either with or without posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation. This laser allows for 90-degree rotation of the laser delivery system to treat recumbent patients who may be under general endotracheal anesthesia. In all patients, at least a 5-mm axial capsulotomy was created. The energy requirements for the procedure were related to the density of the membrane, which correlated with the time lapse between cataract extraction and laser capsulotomy. A second laser capsulotomy was performed in eight eyes. Nd:YAG capsulotomy can be performed in a child of any age by using the Microruptor III. For surgeons who choose to retain the posterior capsule in pediatric cataract extraction, particularly after posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation, this technique offers the noninvasive capability to create and maintain a clear visual axis.
Acetylcholinesterase from the horn fly (Diptera: Muscidae) II: Biochemical and molecular properties

Purified acetylcholinesterase (AChE) of the horn fly was characterized to elucidate the enzymological, inhibitory, and molecular properties of the enzyme. Maximum activity of the AChE against the substrate acetylthiocholine (ATCh) occurred when reactions were conducted at 37°C and pH 7.5. Km and Vmax values were (9.2 ± 0.35) × 10−6 M and 239.8 ± 10.8 units/mg, respectively, for ATCh and (1.5 ± 0.07) × 10−5 M and 138.5 ± 5.5 units/mg, respectively, for butyrylthiocholine (BTCh). The activity of AChE decreased when concentrations of ATCh or BTCh were higher than 1 mM. Studies of the interaction of AChE with different inhibitors revealed pl50 values of 8.88 for eserine, 6.90 for BW284C51, and 4.97 for ethopropazine. Bimolecular reaction constants (kis) for the organophosphorus (OP) anticholinesterases were (2.74 ± 0.14) × 106 M−1 min−1 for coroxon, (7.20 ± 0.28) × 105 M−1 min−1 for paraoxon, and (2.33 ± 0.12) × 105 M−1 min−1 for stirofos. Two major forms of native AChE molecules were found on non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) with Triton X-100, corresponding to bands AChE-2 and AChE-4 found on PAGE without Triton X-100. AChE-2 had an estimated molecular weight of 603,000 and was amphiphilic. AChE-4 had a molecular weight of 147,000 and was hydrophilic. Results of PAGE analyses indicated that the purified enzyme had two bands, one of about 123 kDa and the other greater than 320 kDa, prior to disulfide reduction and only one band at about 54 kDa after reduction on SDS-PAGE. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.1
Investigation of the core-shell interface in gold@silica nanoparticles: a silica imprinting approach.

The nature of the self-assembled core−shell interface in gold@silica nanoparticles synthesized via a 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS) route is investigated using materials synthesis as a sensitive tool for elucidating interfacial composition and organization. Our approach involves condensation of the gold@silica nanoparticles within a silica framework for synthesis of a composite gold−silica material containing ∼30 wt % gold. This material contains one of the highest gold loadings reported, but maintains gold core isolation as ascertained via a single surface plasmon resonance absorption band frequency corresponding to that of gold nanoparticles in dilute aqueous solution. The immobilized gold cores are subsequently etched using cyanide anion for the synthesis of templated porosity, which corresponds to the space that was occupied by the gold. Characterization of immobilized amines is performed using probe molecule binding experiments, which demonstrate a lack of accessible amines after gold removal....