cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A microanalytical electrophoresis technique for the determination of polymorphic blood proteins for medical and forensic applications

A Microanalytical Electrophoresis Technique for the Determination of Polymorphic Blood Proteins for Medical and Forensic Applications This paper describes the results obtained to date using an electro-phoretic technology (equipment and methodology) designed for simple, rapid, reliable, and economical determination of a number or polymorphic enzymes and proteins. The technology permits both the visualization and estimation of ng and pg quantities of enzymes and proteins. While methodology for the identification and quantification of specific blood proteins and enzymes is useful in many areas of biological research, it has practical application of particular value in medical diagnosis and in forensic science.
Investigation of feed line effects on near fields from broadband over power line communications

The currents on the feed lines and overhead power lines as well as the subsequent emission from them are examined for a high frequency “broadband over power line” (BPL) source. The physical properties of the fields are studied, and the emission level is examined to determine the significance of radiation from BPL sources on power lines.
Y90 radioembolization planning with MAA shunt study: predictors of high shunt fraction

TU ES D A Y: S ci en ti fic S es si on s Purpose: The most common serious complication of Y90 radioembolotherapy (Y90 RE) is gastrointestinal ulceration secondary to extrahepatic microsphere deposition. The conventional method to prevent extrahepatic deposition of Y90 microspheres is the coil occlusion of the origins of hepatoenteric arteries. However, this method of exclusion is not possible in all cases. Redirection of blood flow towards the liver (hepatopetal) within hepatoenteric arteries during Y90 RE delivery could achieve the identical intention of prevention of gastrointestinal microsphere deposition. We present the utility of the creating hepatopetal flow within hepatoenteric arteries with use of the balloon occlusion technique at our institution for Y90 RE. Materials and Methods: Between September 2010December 2012, 62 patients with diagnostic or treatment angiograms with attempted use of the balloon occlusion technique were catalogued. Tumor types included colorectal (18), hepatocellular (22), neuroendocine (17) or other (5). Temporary balloon catheter occlusion of the common hepatic artery was used to transiently create hepatopetal flow within hepatoenteric arteries during both the diagnostic Tc99m MAA (47 patients) and therapeutic Y90 RE (48 patients) delivery. Planar & SPECT nuclear scintigraphy was performed after delivery of the radionuclides. Whole liver, right lobe, left lobe Y90 RE treatments were performed in 40,8 and 2 sessions respectively. Clinical and laboratory follow up at 1, 3 and 6 months and imaging follow up at 3 and 6 months were performed. Results: 50 Y90 RE treatment sessions were performed with use of the balloon technique with either glass (20) or resin (30) microspheres. Post Y90 RE scintigraphy confirmed hepatic only activity. Greater than 80% administration of the prescribed dose of resin microspheres was possible in 22/30 sessions and in 19/20 sessions of glass microspheres. One NCI-CTC grade 2 gastrointestinal ulcer was present at 90 day follow up. Conclusion: Transient common hepatic artery ballooncatheter occlusion provided a reasonably safe, reliable, and reproducible alternative to conventional fibered coil occlusion of patent hepatoenteric arteries to facilitate Tc99m MAA & Y90 RE delivery.
Restraint, bulimia, and psychopathology

This study investigated the similarities between bulimia and dietary restraint by examining how these variables related to each other as well as to two standardized measures of psychopathology. Female college students completed the restraint scale (which consists of a weight fluctuation (WF) and a concern with dieting (CD) factor), a bulimia scale (BULIT), a narcissism scale (NPDS), and a maldajustment scale (Mt). Bulimia was significantly correlated with restraint and each of its factors; however, it was most strongly related to the CD factor. When WF was controlled, bulimia and CD were significantly correlated, whereas when CD was controlled, bulimia and WF were not related. However, despite their strong relation with each other, bulimia and CD did not show similar patterns of relations with narcissism and maladjustment. Bulimia was significantly related to maladjustment when narcissism was controlled. In contrast, CD was significantly related to narcissism when maladjustment was controlled. In summary, bulimia and the CD factor of restraint appear to be overlapping constructs; however, they are associated with different types of psychopathology.
The source is the proof

We challenge the apparent consensus for using bytecode verification and techniques related to proof-carrying code for mobile code security. We propose an alternative to these two techniques that transports programs at a much higher level of abstraction. Our high-level encoding can achieve safe end-to-end transport of program source semantics. Moreover, our encoding is safe by construction, in the sense that unsafe programs cannot even be expressed in it. We contrast our encoding with certifying compilation and bytecode-based approaches, and describe how it overcomes some of their deficiencies.
Kinetics of calcium uptake in normal and dystrophic sarcoplasmic reticulum.

Abstract Fragmented sarcoplasmic reticulum from chicken muscle is known to accumulate calcium in the presence of adenosine triphosphate, and the uptake is augmented by oxalate. Comparison of the kinetics obtained from normal and dystrophic vesicles suggests tthat dystrophic SR can transport calcium at a faster initial rate. The model proposed by Van der Kloot is used to account for the kinetics of calcium accumulation. Uptake at room temperature and 0°C appears to follow a first-order transport mechanism with rate constants of 13.8/min/mg protein for normal vesicles and 28.5/min/mg protein for dystrophic vesicles at room temperature. At 0°C a rate constant of 0.5/min/mg protein is obtained for dystrophic vesicles. Diffusion of accumulated calcium ions back into the external solution occurs with a rate constant of 3.2 × 10 −3 /min/mg protein in normal vesicles at room temperature and at 3.4 × 10 −3 /min/mg protein at 0°C. The diffusion rate constant for dystrophic vesicles is 1.4 × 10 −3 /min/mg protein at room temperature and approximately 6.4 × 10 −3 /min/mg protein at 0°C. The increase in initial rate of calcium uptake by dystrophic vesicles is discussed with regard to the stage of the disease.
Comparison of demographic and defect characteristics among different developmental stages of congenital limb reduction defects.

Summary. This study investigates how the timing of the development of limb reduction defects (LRDs) is associated with selected demographic, medical variables and defect characteristics. The LRD cases (n= 281) were ascertained from the Congenital Malformations Registry of New York State among 1983-87 births. Cases were classified according to five stages of gestation based on when their earliest LRD developed. A control group consisted of a systematic random sample (n= 327) of non-malformed livebirths. Demographic and LRD characteristics were abstracted from birth certificates and medical charts. Among LRDs, the defects that occurred in the earlier stages of gestation were found to be more complex involving syndromes, multiple limbs, and previous maternal medical problems, compared with those developing in the later stages. Middle or late stage LRDs tended to occur more often with syndactyly than early stage LRDs, and had significantly higher frequencies of non-white infants compared with controls. In addition, some perinatal complications, preterm delivery and low birthweight were positively associated with any LRD. Our findings suggest that the timing of a disturbance in limb development is important in terms of LRD characteristics. Demographics did not vary consistently with the stage of LRD development. Further studies testing this classification technique are suggested.
Evocation by Fear of a Habit Learned for Electrical Stimulation of the Brain

Rats were trained to press a lever for electrical stimulation of the brain. After extinction of the habit, fear-producing stimuli (a buzzer or electrical shock to the feet) recalled the rat to the lever, although its lever pressing on these occasions never produced further intracranial stimulation. Operant levels of the lever-pressing habit were also greatly increased for long periods following the fear-producing stimuli. The phenomenon is most striking in rats trained with tegmental electrodes and is almost completely absent in rats trained with electrodes in the hypothalamus. This suggests that electrical self-stimulation in some sites may be caused by an activation of mechanisms underlying normal fear and escape.
A magnetic core digitized spark chamber for space science experiments

Abstract A magnetic core digitized spark chamber suitable for use on balloons and ultimately on satellites has been developed. The assembled spark chamber consists of 32 active spark modules and forms the heart of a gamma-ray telescope. The individual modules consist of two orthogonal wire grids which form the spark chamber electrodes. Inclusion of a terminating resistor on each wire localizes the effect of the discharge, resulting in good multiple spark efficiency at low overvoltages. The lower voltages result in better spatial resolution with fewer wires sharing the spark. In the construction, considerable care was given to strength and long term operation under satellite conditions. The on-board data-handling system consists of a buffered memory readout, a housekeeping multiplexer, a tape recorder and a telemetry encoder and transmitter.
Field feature detection and morphing-based process planning for fabrication of geometries and composition control for functionally graded materials:

AbstractThe inherent limitation of most solid freeform fabrication (SFF) is deposition in the form of layers. The set-up rather than the geometry and the material composition of the part becomes mo...
Determining the effects of lipophilic drugs on membrane structure by solid-state NMR spectroscopy: the case of the antioxidant curcumin.

Curcumin is the active ingredient of turmeric powder, a natural spice used for generations in traditional medicines. Curcumin’s broad spectrum of antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antimutagenic, and anti-inflammatory properties makes it particularly interesting for the development of pharmaceutical compounds. Because of curcumin’s various effects on the function of numerous unrelated membrane proteins, it has been suggested that it affects the properties of the bilayer itself. However, a detailed atomic-level study of the interaction of curcumin with membranes has not been attempted. A combination of solid-state NMR and differential scanning calorimetry experiments shows curcumin has a strong effect on membrane structure at low concentrations. Curcumin inserts deep into the membrane in a transbilayer orientation, anchored by hydrogen bonding to the phosphate group of lipids in a manner analogous to cholesterol. Like cholesterol, curcumin induces segmental ordering in the membrane. Analysis of the concentrati...
Minimally Invasive Management of a Floating Prosthesis Injury with Locking Plates

Periprosthetic fractures involving a total knee arthroplasty pose a challenging treatment problem with a prevalence of up to 2.5% in the literature (Instr Course Lect 2001;50:379-389). The supracondylar region of the femur is commonly involved, often with minimal available bone in contact with the components. The clinical challenges are particularly more complex in the case of a combined distal femoral and proximal tibial periprosthetic fracture. This injury is considered a "floating prosthesis" injury because of the complete separation of the prosthesis from the remaining skeleton. In this report, a floating prosthesis injury, in combination with a femoral shaft fracture, is treated with 2 locking plates using a minimally invasive technique, with limited blood loss, immediate pain relief after surgery, and successful healing of all fractures with minimal deformity.
Fluid–solid boundary conditions for multiparticle collision dynamics

The simulation of colloidal particles suspended in solvent requires an accurate representation of the interactions between the colloids and the solvent molecules. Using the multiparticle collision dynamics method, we examine several proposals for stick boundary conditions, studying their properties in both plane Poiseuille flow (where fluid interacts with the boundary of a stationary macroscopic solid) and particle-based colloid simulations (where the boundaries are thermally affected and in motion). In addition, our simulations compare various collision rules designed to remove spurious slip near solid surfaces, and the effects of these rules on the thermal motion of colloidal particles. Furthermore, we demonstrate that stochastic reflection of the fluid at solid boundaries fails to faithfully represent stick boundary conditions, and conclude that bounce-back conditions should be applied at both mobile and stationary surfaces. Finally, we generalize these ideas to create partial slip boundary conditions at both stationary and mobile surfaces.
Therapist Perspectives on Community Mental Health Services for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

This mixed methods study examined therapist perspectives on serving children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in community mental health (CMH) clinics. One hundred therapists completed a survey about their experiences with this population and 17 participated in subsequent focus groups to clarify and expand survey results. Results indicate that CMH therapists serve many children with ASD for behavior or other psychiatric problems and perceive serving this population as challenging and frustrating due to their limited training. Therapists are highly motivated for comprehensive ASD training on ASD characteristics and intervention strategies. These data were used to tailor and package evidence-based intervention strategies for delivery in CMH services.
Telephone vs. face-to-face notification of HIV results in high-risk youth

Abstract Purpose: To increase the number of high-risk and homeless youth who receive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) test results and posttest counseling. Methods: Oral HIV testing and counseling were offered to high-risk and homeless youth at sites at which youth congregate throughout Portland, Oregon. Subjects were randomized to receive test results and posttest counseling either in a face-to-face manner or with the option of telephone notification. Self-reported demographic and risk-behavior information was collected prior to HIV testing. The differences in the proportion of youth who received their test results were analyzed according to the notification method and demographic characteristics using SPSS. Results: Among the 351 youth who were tested, 48% followed up to receive test results and posttest counseling. Adolescents most likely to receive their results were female, older (19–24 years), and white and those who reported high-risk behaviors. Those given the option of telephone notification were significantly more likely to receive their results than those required to have face-to-face notification (odds ratio=2.301, 95% confidence interval of 1.499, 3.534). This was true regardless of age, race, history of previous HIV testing, or presence of high-risk behaviors. Two youths tested positive for HIV corroborating previous reports of low HIV prevalence in this population. Both were assigned to the face-to-face notification group and, therefore, no HIV positive results were given by telephone. Conclusions: The option of telephone notification significantly increased the proportion of youth who received posttest counseling and results following community-based testing.
Molecular mechanisms regulating the myofilament response to Ca2+: Implications of mutations causal for familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

In this chapter we consider a current perception of the molecular mechanisms controlling myofilament activation with emphasis on alterations that may occur in familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (FHC). FHC is a sarcomeric disease (100) with an autosomal dominant pattern of heritability (27, 51). There is a substantial body of evidence implicating missense mutations in the β-MHC gene as causal for the development of this disease. Recently, mutations in genes of two thin filament regulatory proteins, cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and α-tropomyosin (α-Tm), have also been linked to FHC. The commonality among the functional consequences of these mutations remains an important question. This review discusses how these pathological mutations may impact the activation process by disrupting critical structure function relations in both the thick and thin filaments.
Salinity Variability Within the Louisiana Coastal Current During the 1982 Flood Season

Analysis of current and salinity time series from early 1982 over the inner shelf near the Texas-Louisiana border indicates a rapid freshening of the coastal current waters in response to the discharge of the Mississippi River. Coherence between records is surprisingly poor, although cross-shelf advection of the salinity front by tidal advection appears to be an important local process.
Experimental study of the adsorption of an ionic liquid onto bacterial and mineral surfaces.

Ionic liquids are being developed as a replacement for volatile organic solvents in a range of industrial applications. These liquids have a vanishingly small vapor pressure, making them an attractive alternative to the volatile organic solvents. However, a thorough assessment of the environmental impact of the use of ionic liquids requires a more complete understanding of their fate and transport in environmental systems. Toward this end, we measured the adsorption of the ionic liquid 1-butyl, 3-methylimidazolium chloride (Bmim Cl) onto a range of surfaces meant to represent those commonly found in the near-surface environment. We measured adsorption onto the Gram-positive soil bacterial species Bacillus subtilis, onto gibbsite, onto quartz, and onto Na-montmorillonite. We conducted experiments as a function of pH, solid:solute ratio, time, and ionic strength. The experimental results reveal that Bmim Cl is unstable in water below pH 6 and above pH 10 and that it exhibits pH independent and ionic strengt...
S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-3-mercaptopropionic acid effects of renal function and ultrastructure in pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs: site-specific toxicity and evidence for its toxification via the pathway responsible for β-oxidation of fatty acids

Abstract S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-3-mercaptopropionic acid (DCV-3-MPA) was equally nephrotoxic to spontaneously-respiring and mechanically-ventilated, pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs. Its nephrotoxicity was expressed as dose-dependent changes in key renal function parameters, in proximal tubular S1, S2 and S3 cellular architecture and in the ability of the kidneys to respond maximally to ethacrynic acid, an efficacious loop diuretic. The nephrotoxicity associated with DCV-3-MPA was not the result of extrarenal actions such as hypoxemia and subsequent renal tissue hypoxia because mechanical ventilation was not protective. Four lines of evidence suggested that DCV-3-MPA was taken-up by renal proximal tubular cells like a fatty acid and metabolized by the mitochondrial β-oxidation pathway to a reactive nephrotoxic intermediate: (i) probenecid pretreatment, which reduces the renal uptake of many organic anions but fails to do so with anions of fatty acids, failed to modify the nephrotoxicity of DCV-3-MPA; (ii) the next higher and lower homologues of DCV-3-MPA (i.e., S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-4-mercaptobutanoic acid (DCV-4-MBA) and S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-mercaptoacetic acid (DCV-MAA)) cannot yield the same reactive intermediate as DCV-3-MPA upon β-oxidation and neither was nephrotoxic; (iii) DCV-MAA was found in plasma and urine following administration of DCV-4-MBA and (iv) the renal mitochondria were reproducibly damaged by DCV-3-MPA whereas the peroxisomes, which are also capable of performing β-oxidation of certain fatty acids, were unscathed.
Energy-resolved collision-induced dissociation of proton-bound cluster ions as a structural probe: the acetonitrile-water system

Abstract The energy-resolved collision-induced dissociation of proton-bound clusters of acetonitrile and water has been examined. Comparison are made with the fragmentations of mixed methanol—water and mixed dimethyl ether-water clusters. The cluster fragmentations display collision-energy dependences that can be related to the cluster ion structures. Our experimental results confirm predictions of a core H3O+ ion in (CH3CN)n(H2O)mH+ clusters with n + m = 3, 4, and further implicate a core H3O+ ion in the analogous dimethyl ether-water clusters. In contrast, a methanol molecule constitutes the protonated core in methanol-water clusters. Evidence for the production of pure water cluster ions by collision-induced dissociation of mixed acetonitrile—water cluster ions is also presented.
EFFECT OF A CAMPYLOBACTER PYLORI PROTEIN ON ACID SECRETION BY PARIETAL CELLS

Abstract The uptake of [ 14 C]-aminopyrine by rabbit gastric epithelial cells was used as an indirect assay for acid secretion from parietal cells. Campylobacter pylori strains, isolated from the stomachs of 3 patients with chronic gastritis, duodenal ulcer, and near-normal mucosa, respectively, inhibited acid secretion as effectively as 10 -4 mol/l cimetidine. The inhibition occurred with whole organisms and with sonicates. Preliminary characterisation suggested that the inhibition was due to a nondialysable protein. The inhibitor was not toxic to gastric epithelial cells. This bacterial product may explain the hypochlorhydria seen in man acutely infected with C pylori.
A GENERALIZED PHENOMENOLOGICAL RHEOLOGICAL MODEL FOR FISH FLESH

The mechanical properties of raw and cooked fish were qualitatively characterized by a generalized Maxwell model in which each of the Maxwell elements is modified by incorporation of a contact and two fracture elements. The activation and inactivation of elements have been used as a means of expressing transformation of the rheological characteristics, not only as a function of the strain and strain rate history but also as a function of temperature and time. Although no attempt has been made to quantify the number of elements and their characteristic constants, it is shown that the different modes of rheological behavior exhibited by fish flesh can consistently be described by this kind of model.
Albumin in the cardiopulmonary bypass prime: how little is enough?:

Previous studies have demonstrated high transoxygenator pressures with noncoated hollow-fiber membrane oxygenators. These reports have been associated with dramatic platelet count drops during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). It has also been shown that adding human albumin to the prime of the bypass circuit reduces, if not eliminates, these problems. This study was conducted to determine what is the smallest amount of albumin added to the prime that will still display its protective effects. Eighty patients undergoing nonemergency open-heart surgery were randomly divided into four groups. Groups I and II received the Sarns Turbo 440 oxygenator with 0.0375 g of albumin/100 ml of prime and 0.125 g of albumin/100 ml of prime, respectively, added to the pump prime. Groups III and IV received the Medtronic Maxima-PRF oxygenator with 0.0375 g of albumin/100 ml of prime and 0.125 g of albumin/100 ml of prime, respectively, added to the pump prime. Pre-CPB, on CPB (15-20 min after the initiation of bypass) and warming hemoglobin, hematocrit and platelet counts were drawn on all patients. Net platelet count drop, which accounted for hemodilutional effects, was calculated for all specimens and compared to previous results obtained from the test oxygenators without albumin in the prime. The net platelet count drops for the study groups were as follows: Sarns oxygenator with no albumin in the prime = 11.8+/-12.5%; Sarns oxygenator with 0.0375 g of albumin/100 ml prime = -3.7+/-10.8%; Sarns oxygenator with 0.125 g of albumin/100 ml prime = -2.0+/-12.6%; Medtronic oxygenator with no albumin in the prime = 20.1+/-14.5%; Medtronic oxygenator with 0.0375 g albumin/100 ml prime = -6.9+/-8.7%; and Medtronic oxygenator with 0.125 g albumin/100 ml prime = -14.0+/-12.4%. Our results illustrate that adding as little as 0.0375 g albumin/100 ml prime (3 ml of 25% solution/2000 ml of prime) to the pump prime illicits the beneficial effects of surface coating on platelet loss during CPB.
Inclusion-exclusion inequalities

Ifμ is a positive measure, andA 2, ...,A n are measurable sets, the sequencesS 0, ...,S n andP [0], ...,P [n] are related by the inclusion-exclusion equalities. Inequalities among theS i are based on the obviousP [k]≧0. Letting\(M_k = S_k /\left( {\begin{array}{*{20}c} n \\ k \\ \end{array} } \right)\)=the average average measure of the intersection ofk of the setsA i , it is shown that (−1) k Δ k M i ≧0 fori+k≦n. The casek=1 yields Frechet’s inequalities, andk=2 yields Gumbel’s and K. L. Chung’s inequalities. Generalizations are given involvingk-th order divided differences. Using convexity arguments, it is shown that forS 0=1,\(\left( {\begin{array}{*{20}c} {S_1 } \\ N \\ \end{array} } \right)\) whenS 1≧N−1, and\(\left( {\begin{array}{*{20}c} \nu \\ {k - 1} \\ \end{array} } \right)S_N \geqq \left( {\begin{array}{*{20}c} \nu \\ {N - 1} \\ \end{array} } \right)S_k + \left( {\begin{array}{*{20}c} \nu \\ N \\ \end{array} } \right)\left( {\begin{array}{*{20}c} \nu \\ {k - 1} \\ \end{array} } \right) - \left( {\begin{array}{*{20}c} v \\ {N - 1} \\ \end{array} } \right)\left( {\begin{array}{*{20}c} \nu \\ k \\ \end{array} } \right)\) for 1≦k 0\) for 0<t<1.
Effects of nucleoside transport inhibitors and adenine/ribose supply on ATP concentration and adenosine production in cardiac myocytes.

Adenosine is an important catabolite of adenine nucleotides with potent coronary vasodilatory, antiplatelet, antileukocyte and antiarrhythmic properties.1–4 The clinical relevance of these actions of adenosine make it an important therapeutic and diagnostic tool.
A Computer-Based System for Serial Records at Lawrence Radiation Laboratory.

A computer-based system for processing the library records associated with journal subscriptions has been in daily routine operation for 3 years. Handling approximately 3, 500 subscriptions, the system uses a small, second-generation computer (IBM 1401). Monthly batches of turnaround cards are produced for both daily check-in of journals and weekly processing of binding units. The most distinctive feature of the system is a daily listing produced by a high-speed printer (30, 000 lines per minute); each list supersedes the previous day's list and includes full information for each subscription in the system. Elaborately formated for user convenience, the list displays current check-in record, bound and unbound holdings, and material in the binding process. By-products of the system are address labels for distributing issues after check-in and various lists of holdings organized for use by staff, customers, and subscription agents. The benefits and costs are discussed and qualitatively evaluated; sufficient hard data are not available for a definitive quantitative study.
Fresh and hardened properties of self-consolidating concrete

Self-consolidating concrete, (SCC) is a new technology and the market share of its products is rapidly growing because of the economic opportunities and improvements of the quality of the concrete and the working environment. In view of the potential number of ingredients, SCC is a complex system that is usually proportioned with one or more mineral admixtures and one or more chemical admixtures. A key factor for a successful formulation is a clear understanding of the role of the various constituents in the mix and their effects on the fresh and hardened properties. The fundamental rheological properties of SCC are based on low yield stress, moderate viscosity and retention of the kinetic energy of the flowable mix by reducing the volume fraction of coarse aggregate. These measures are necessary for imparting the requested fluidity, segregation resistance and prevention of interparticle collision and blocking. A low yield stress is attained by incorporation of adequate contents of superplasticizer. The flow characteristics are further modified by changing the aggregate volume fraction, coarse-to-fine aggregate volume, and the composition of the other ingredients. The viscosity is controlled by the contents of the free water, superplasticizer, and the volume fraction of the solids in the mix. The two strategies for maintaining a moderate viscosity are based on either incorporation of high amounts of powder; i.e. total content of cementitious materials (referred to as powder type SCC) or addition of viscosity modifier agents (referred to as VMA type SCC). By analogy to the Powers and Brownyard gel–space ratio, the compressive strength can be approximated by calculating the binder-space ratio. One of the main challenges is to impart the required rheological properties that allow desired flow and filling ability characteristics whilst retaining dynamic and static stability. With this respect, the density of the matrix and maximum size of aggregate cannot be overlooked as, within the range of practical attainable viscosities that allow a free-flow, their effects on the resistance to segregation are as high or even greater than that of the effect of viscosity. Attention is also drawn to the higher shrinkage values of SCC, especially the inherent higher shrinkage associated with the powder type SCC.
Research Report: Effects of cooperative gaming and avatar customization on subsequent spontaneous helping behavior

Cooperative gaming is quickly becoming the preferred form of entertainment among children and teens. Although game content is typically violent, often producing negative social outcomes, cooperative game play ameliorates its anti-social impact in future formal instances of cooperation. The present study examined the influence of cooperative and competitive game play on subsequent spontaneous helping in a pair of experiments. The mitigating role of playing with a customized or generic avatar was also evaluated. In Experiment 1, participants played doubles tennis in Wii Sports either cooperatively or competitively with a confederate. Results revealed that participants who cooperated picked up significantly more pens spilled by the confederate after gameplay than those that competed, but only when they customized their avatars. In Experiment 2, cooperative game play in Wii Sports Resort canoeing engendered significantly more spontaneous helping regardless of avatar customization. These findings are generally consistent with recent gaming research and suggest that in-game cooperation and competition have more bearing on social outcomes than game content.
Novel Bayesian Methods for Non-inferiority Tests based on Relative Risk and Odds Ratio for Dichotomous Data

Abstract In a non-inferiority trial, the experimental treatment is compared against an active control instead of placebo. The goal of this study is often to show that the experimental treatment is non-inferior to the control by some pre-specified margin. The standard approach for these problems, which relies on asymptotic normality, usually requires large sample size to achieve some desired power level. In this paper, we propose alternative approaches based on Bayes factor and posterior probability for testing non-inferiority in the context of two-sample dichotomous data. A novel aspect of the proposed Bayesian methods is that the cut-off value for Bayes factors and posterior probabilities are determined from the data that approximately controls the overall errors. Results based on simulated data indicate that both of the proposed Bayesian approaches provide significant improvement in terms of statistical power as well as the total error rate over the popularly used frequentist procedures. This in turn in...
Daily serum creatinine monitoring promotes earlier detection of acute kidney injury in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis

Abstract Background The epidemiology of aminoglycoside-associated acute kidney injury (AG-AKI) has not been well described in pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). We aimed to assess the impact of daily serum creatinine (SCr) measurement on detection of AG-AKI at our institution. Methods We examined a cohort of hospitalized patients with CF who received an intravenous (IV) aminoglycoside for ≥3days. We compared the rate, timing, and medical management surrounding detection of AG-AKI during 2 periods: January 2010–May 2011 (Era 1, SCr measured at the discretion of the medical team, N =124) and June 2011–June 2012 (Era 2, SCr measured daily, N =103). Our primary outcome was detection of AG-AKI defined as ≥50% increase in SCr from baseline (lowest value in prior 6months), or ≥0.3mg/dL rise within 48h, occurring after day 2. Results The use of once daily tobramycin ( p =0.02) and IV fluids ( p p =0.04), and fewer concomitant nephrotoxins ( p =0.04) were given; higher daily tobramycin doses ( p p =0.09), the number of AG-AKI days detected increased (5.5 vs. 2.9 per 100 AG days, p =0.003), and detection occurred earlier (median 6 vs. 9days, log rank test p =0.02) during the daily SCr period. Conclusions Daily SCr measurement promoted earlier and increased detection of AG-AKI in patients with CF at our institution. We suggest systematic evaluation for AKI during aminoglycoside administration in patients with CF.
Beta decay of 23Mg, 27Si, 31S, 35Ar and 39Ca

Abstract New branches in the β+ decay of sd-shell A = 4n + 3 nuclei have been observed, and their log ft values determined. Improved upper limits of the branching ratios are reported for unobserved branches.
Matching catches to quotas in a multispecies trawl fishery: targeting and avoidance behavior under individual transferable quotas

Optimizing yield in multispecies fisheries is only possible when fishers have a high degree of control over the species mixture in their catches, although incentives to encourage this kind of behav...
Characterization of Al(Cr)N and Ga(Cr)N dilute magnetic semiconductors

Abstract Thin Al(Cr)N and Ga(Cr)N films with a range of Cr concentrations were grown on 6H-SiC substrates by reactive molecular beam epitaxy at temperatures in the range 700–825 °C. Optimized Al(Cr)N and Ga(Cr)N films were found to be ferromagnetic with Curie temperatures above 900 K. Structural characterization by electron microscopy and electron diffraction revealed epilayers with columnar morphology and excellent crystallinity. Further examination ruled out any known secondary ferromagnetic impurities in Al(Cr)N, whereas very small amounts (∼0.2%) of antiferromagnetic CrN were detected in the Ga(Cr)N films. Distribution of Cr in the films was analyzed using energy-filtered imaging.
Submucosal endoscopy with mucosal resection (SEMR): a new hybrid technique of endoscopic submucosal balloon dissection in the porcine rectosigmoid colon

We developed a technique, submucosal endoscopy with mucosal resection (SEMR) intended to make endoscopic submucosal dissection easier and safer. With this technique, the submucosal layer is balloon dissected in lieu of electrosurgical knife dissection. The aim of this study was to further evaluate SEMR in the porcine rectum and colon. Targeted sites in the rectum and the distal colon were marked by spot coagulation. Submucosal fluid cushions (SFC) were created followed by a circumferential mucosal incision. After isolation of the targeted mucosa, balloon dissection was initiated. The balloon catheter was inserted deep into SFC and the inflated balloon repeatedly pulled back toward the endoscope tip to disrupt the submucosa. Residual strands of submucosa were cut. Dissection difficulty scores (DDS) were used using a visual analogue scale ranging from 0 to 5 (failed). The entire study period was divided into three periods (first period, pigs 1–10; second period, pigs 11–20; third period, pigs 21–30). Sixty lesions in 30 pigs were resected using SEMR. The en block resection rate was 95 %. There were three incomplete resections, two as a result of an errant site location and one as a result of a floppy prototype balloon catheter tip. The median resected size, procedure time, and DDS were 6.0 cm, 25 min, and 1. All three failed cases occurred in first period. The procedure time in third period was significantly shorter than the second period (P = 0.0017). The DDS in first period was significantly higher than the second (P = 0.0024) and third (P = 0.0155) periods. Two perforations, one muscularis propria catheter perforation, and one mucosal perforation were observed (3.3 %). Large mucosal target sites in the rectum and distal colon could be safely removed en bloc by means of a hybrid technique, SEMR, with blunt submucosal balloon dissection.
Mechanism of Cis-Inhibition of PolyQ Fibrillation by PolyP: PPII Oligomers and the Hydrophobic Effect

PolyQ peptides teeter between polyproline II (PPII) and β-sheet conformations. In tandem polyQ-polyP peptides, the polyP segment tips the balance toward PPII, increasing the threshold number of Gln residues needed for fibrillation. To investigate the mechanism of cis-inhibition by flanking polyP segments on polyQ fibrillation, we examined short polyQ, polyP, and tandem polyQ-polyP peptides. These polyQ peptides have only three glutamines and cannot form β-sheet fibrils. We demonstrate that polyQ-polyP peptides form small, soluble oligomers at high concentrations (as shown by size exclusion chromatography and diffusion coefficient measurements) with PPII structure (as shown by circular dichroism spectroscopy and 3JHN-Cα constants of Gln residues from constant time correlation spectroscopy NMR). Nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy and molecular modeling suggest that self-association of these peptides occurs as a result of both hydrophobic and steric effects. Pro side chains present three methylenes to solvent, favoring self-association of polyP through the hydrophobic effect. Gln side chains, with two methylene groups, can adopt a conformation similar to that of Pro side chains, also permitting self-association through the hydrophobic effect. Furthermore, steric clashes between Gln and Pro side chains to the C-terminal side of the polyQ segment favor adoption of the PPII-like structure in the polyQ segment. The conformational adaptability of the polyQ segment permits the cis-inhibitory effect of polyP segments on fibrillation by the polyQ segments in proteins such as huntingtin.
Generalized Nambu-Jona-Lasinio model in a study of the boson-exchange model of nuclear forces.

In this paper we discuss the role of chiral symmetry in the description of the nucleon-nucleon interaction. We make use of a generalized Nambu--Jona-Lasinio model which exhibits chiral symmetry at the quark level and demonstrate how the various components of the boson-exchange model of the nucleon-nucleon interaction arise in this model. In this paper we make use of our recent analysis of correlated two-pion exchange. We have found that when correlated two-pion exchange is represented by an effective low-mass sigma meson, that meson may be seen to be the chiral partner of the pion. (That result pertains if the meson momentum {ital q} is spacelike such that {ital t}={ital q}{sup 2}{lt}0.) We give particular attention to the vertex functions appearing in the boson-exchange model. For monopole forms of the vertex functions the cutoff parameter {Lambda}{sup OBE} varies from about 1.3 GeV to 2.0 GeV. In our model the nucleon form factors are characterized by a parameter {lambda}. We show how large cutoff parameters, such as {Lambda}{sup OBE}, can arise in our analysis {ital even} {ital if} {ital the} {ital meson}-{ital nucleon} {ital vertex} {ital is} {ital soft}, {ital with} {ital a} {ital characteristic} {ital cutoff} {ital of} {ital about} 800more » {ital MeV}. We present the values of {lambda} that puts the NJL analysis in good agreement with the boson-exchange model of the nucleon-nucleon force.« less
A new model for the study of transport of [14C]-diphenylhydantoin through the gingival crevicular tissues in the rabbit.

Abstract Radioactive molecules can be monitored as they pass from the confines of the gingival crevice into the crevicular tissues and subsequently into the blood of rabbit. Initial studies employed this technique to trace [14C]-diphenylhydantoin (DPH). Evidence suggests that DPH has an affinity for the crevicular tissues and that this tissue may be rate limiting in drug intake into serum. Administration of systemic non-radioactive DPH appeared to eliminate this effect. In all cases substantial amounts of [14C]-DPH were observed in crevicular tissue two hours after termination of the incubation. Levels of systemically administered DPH were not different in the crevicular tissue portion of rabbit gingiva and the entire gingiva.
The relationship between two Proteus mirabilis L-forms and bacteriophages.

1. Bacteriophage strain g identified three different types of cells in a population of Proteus mirabilis 52: sensitive and resistant swarmers and resistant non-swarmers. In the presence of 0.1–0.2% carbolic acid, known to prevent flagellation, no plaques were formed. 2. L-forms of both strains, as well as spheroplasts which had completed their development, were phage resistant. The phages were quantitatively recovered. 3. Incomplete spheroplasts, with parts of the mother cell still attached were found to be motile and partly sensitive to the phage. 4. It is concluded that certain H-antigens which are necessary as a co-factor for adsorption are no longer present in these spheroplasts and L-forms. Phages with such requirements therefore will stay isolated in the medium.
Concurrent photodissociation and multiphoton ionization processes in CH3I from 266–307 nm

Abstract Using a two-color, pulsed laser, time-of-flight mass spectrometer, experiments have been carried out on CH 3 I over the wavelength range 266–307 nm, with the goal of elucidating the concurrent photophysical and photochemical processes leading to ionic products. These include (a) the one-photon excitation (A ← X) followed by prompt dissociation, leading to neutral I atoms (mainly I * , 5 2 P 1 2 ) and vibrationally excited (CH 3 radicals, and (b) two-photon resonant excitation, plus one-photon ionization of I and CH 3 . At 266 nm, even with laser pulse energies as small as 0.1 mJ, weakly focused (0.3 m focal length lens) on CH 3 I at 10 −6 Torr, essentially all the ≈ 10 4 molecules in the focal zone are dissociated, after which the I and CH 3 are ionized with power law indices n = 2. By photolyzing CH 3 I at 266 nm as above and detecting the I * by its sharp (2 + 1 REMPI) resonance at 281.7 nm, essentially all the CH 3 I is “converted” to I + (for pulse energies ≳ 0.3 mJ; 0.25 m focal length lens). The I( 2 P 3 2 ) fragment is also detected, via its 2 + 1 REMPI at 277.9 nm; the CH 3 similarly at 286.3 nm. Both neutral photoproducts can be detected, albeit at low efficiencies, via MPI at 266 nm. From the various power-law experiments, it is possible to distinguish among the concurrent photochemical processes in CH 3 I. The predominant pathway to ions is from photodissociation followed by ionization of the neutral CH 3 and I photofragments.
Determination of the normality of cholinesterase solutions.

Abstract A very potent anticholinesterase compound, 7-(diethoxyphosphinyloxy)- N -methylquinolinium fluorosulfate, has been used to determine the normality of acetylcholinesterase solutions. The inhibitor reacts rapidly and completely with acetylcholinesterase. The bimolecular rate constant is 2.5 × 10 8 m −1 min −1 and the equilibrium constant is about 10 6 . The reaction produces an inactive diethylphosphoryl enzyme in which the active serine is phosphorylated. The reaction produces the highly fluorescent 1-methyl-7-hydroxyquinolinium dipolar ion as a leaving group. The inhibited enzyme is quite stable and hydrolyzes to produce active enzyme only at the rate of 0.04%/min. The inhibitor was used in two ways for measuring the normality of acetylcholinesterase solutions: (1) The very fast reaction of the inhibitor with cholinesterase makes it convenient to determine the normality of enzyme solutions by measuring the decrease in enzyme activity caused by the addition of an accurately known quantity of the inhibitor. (2) The highly fluorescent nature of the leaving group makes it possible to measure the low concentration that is produced by the reaction of excess inhibitor with the enzyme. The two methods yielded activities per site of 6.9 × 10 5 min −1 and 7.3 × 10 5 min −1 using enzyme normalities of 1–2 × 10 −8 m and 1–5 × 10 − m , respectively, using a commercial 11 S enzyme preparation from electric eel and acetylthiocholine as the enzyme substrate.
Critical Slowing Down of Chemical Reactions in Liquid Mixtures

We have observed suppression in the specific rate of hydrolysis of five organic halides in three water-based liquid mixtures near their respective equilibrium consolute points. The systems examined were tert-amyl chloride in isobutyric acid + water, tert-butyl chloride in isobutyric acid + water, tert-butyl bromide in triethylamine + water, 3-chloro-3-methylpentane in 2-butoxyethanol + water, and 4-methylbenzylbromide in 2-butoxyethanol + water. The first two have upper consolute temperatures, while the second three have lower consolute temperatures. The slowing down effect occurred within a few tenths °C on either side of the consolute temperature. In the case of tert-amyl chloride in isobutyric acid + water, the effect followed a shift in consolute temperature produced by a change in the initial concentration of tert-amyl chloride. This indicates that all points along the critical line are equivalent. These observations demonstrate the existence of critical slowing down of chemical reaction rates in liq...
Topic and communicative intent in mother–child discourse

This study examined topic discourse skills in 30 pre-operational level children interacting with their mothers in a free play situation. For each interaction, topic initiations/shadings were analysed for here-and-now, fantasy, and displacement topics. All turns (initiations, shadings and maintenance) involving these topic categories were also coded for communicative intent. Results indicated that children initiated/shaded more fantasy topics than their mothers, who initiated/shaded more displacement topics. Topic maintenance was significantly greater for fantasy and here-and-now topics than for displacement. Mothers initiated/shaded and maintained topics primarily by requests for all three topic categories. Children used more informatives to initiate/shade these topics, and maintained fantasy and displacement topics primarily by responses to mothers' questions. The results suggested a complex picture of children's management of discourse as it relates to topic and mothers' continuing role in facilitating their children's discourse skills.
Invertebrate survey of Somes Island (Matiu) and Mokopuna Island, Wellington Harbour, New Zealand.

The invertebrate fauna of Somes and Mokopuna Islands was surveyed over a 5 month period using malaise, pitfall and light traps. New locality records are noted in particular for Hudsona anceps, Myerslopia terrestris (Hemiptera) and a recently-discovered new hymenopteran family. Some of the principal biogeographic relationships of Somes/Mokopuna with the North and South Island are identified for Dysnocryptus pallidus, Hudsona anceps, Mimopeus opaculus and Philanisus plebius. The management and conservation implications of the invertebrate fauna are discussed in relation to the operation of the Ministry of Agriculture quarantine station, the potential for a nature reserve and the issue of future public access to Somes.