cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
THE PREPARATION, CRYSTAL STRUCTURES AND SOME PROPERTIES OF CALIFORNIUM OXYSULFATE AND OXYSULFIDE

Abstract Californium oxysulfate (Cf2O2SO4) has been prepared by calcination of Cf(III)-loaded Dowex resin beads or hydrated Cf2(SO4)3 in air at 700–800°C. At temperatures above 860°C, the oxysulfate decomposed to the sesquioxide. Calcination of the hydrated californium sulfate or the californium oxysulfate salt in atmospheres containing hydrogen, or in vacuum, at 800°C produced the oxysulfide (Cf2O2S). It was observed that the californium oxysulfide could be reoxidized to the oxysulfate by reheating the former product in air at 800°C. The decomposition of the oxysulfate and the oxysulfide to the sesquioxide by heating in air was found to be dependent on both the duration and the temperature of the calcination process. Examination of oxysulfate samples stored at ambient temperatures as a function of time showed that self-irradiation initially causes a loss in crystallinity and subsequently a partial decomposition to the sesquioxide. Lattice parameters for the oxysulfate and oxysulfide were derived from X-ray data. The lattice constants for the orthorhombic oxysulfate are: a 0 = 4·187 ± 0·002 A , b 0 = 4·072 ± 0·002 A and c 0 = 13·009 ± 0·006 A . The cell dimensions for the trigonal oxysulfide are: a 0 = 3844 ± 0·002 A and c 0 = 6·656 ± 0·004 A .
Cellulitis and the role of the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory

Abstract We are facing twin cellulitis epidemics — necrotizing infections due to streptococci and antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus aureus . Streptococci have been increasingly associated with necrotizing fasciitis with or without toxic shock syndrome, and now we have a clone of S. aureus (USA 300) that can cause the same syndrome. At present, more than 60% of S. aureus isolates are resistant to methicillin. No sooner have newer antimicrobials been approved than resistance to them has started to appear. The challenge facing medicine is to improve our diagnostic capabilities so that we can detect, in real time, the type of infection, the etiologic agent, and its antimicrobial susceptibility.
Transazygous hemodialysis access in nutcracker syndrome

Abstract Nutcracker syndrome is an uncommon entity, caused by compression of the left renal vein between the superior mesenteric artery and the aorta. Subsequently, increase in venous pressure may cause enlargement and reversal of blood flow in the left gonadal and ureteral veins. In addition, the retroperitoneal collateral venous network of the lumbar and azygous systems, may provide alternate pathways of flow. Here we present a case of transazygous tunneled hemodialysis catheter placement, via the retroperitoneal collateral pathways of compensated nutcracker syndrome. The technique of catheter placement and outcome is discussed.
PS10. Perioperative Administration of Alvimopan, a Novel Peripherally Acting Mu-opioid Receptor Antagonist, Is Associated with Improved Resource Utilization in Patients Undergoing Open Aortic Surgery

eurysm sac embolization during EVAR (edEVAR) with coils and glue, in the prevention of Endoleak type II (ET2). Methods: Two groups were compared: 85 patients underwent standard EVAR during 2007-2008 (Group A) and 81 patients underwent edEVAR during 2009-2010 (Group B). CT scans were elaborated with the Osirix 4.0 software in order to obtain aneurysm sac volume. ET2 rates at the first CT scan follow-up, as mid-term free from ET2 and free from related reintervention were compared. Preoperative patent number of aortic side branches (IMA, lumbars, accessories renal), thrombus and sac volume were evaluated for their association with ET2 in the two groups, using multivariate analysis. Results: Patients characteristics, Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) comorbidity score (0.85 0.44 vs 0.82 0.48; P .68) and operative time (185.4 51.8 vs 172.9 50.8;P .99) were similar between group A and B. The first CT scan ( or 2 months) demonstrated significantly higher number of ET2 in group A compared to group B (23.5% vs 9.8%;P .02). Spontaneous ET2 resolution occurred in 65% of patients in Group A and 79% in group B (P 1.0), while sac volume increased in 25% vs 10% (P .63) of cases respectively. At 18 months (range:6 to 24) overall mean difference in sac volume shrinkage (27.2 12.3 cm3 vs 24.8 11.6 cm3; P .19) and free from ET2 (91.8% vs 96.3%; P 0.33) were similar, while free from reintervention was significantly lower in Group A (94.1% vs 98.8%; P .05) compared to Group B. Multivariate analysis showed preoperative aneurysm sac volume 125 cm3 to be the only independent significant predictor of ET2 (OR, 3.64; 95% CI, 1.54 to 8.58; P .003). Conclusions: EdEVAR seems to be a valid approach to prevent ET2 and its complications during short and midterm follow-up. Patients with preoperative aneurysm sac volume higher than 125 cm3 should be considered for a more aggressive intraoperative embolization.
W. M. Keck Telescope segmented primary mirror active control system

The ten meter diameter primary mirror of the W. M. Keck Telescope is a mosaic of thirty-six hexagonal mirrors. An active control system stabilizes the primary mirror. The active control system uses 168 measurements of the relative positions of adjacent mirror segments and 3 measurements of the'primary mirror position in the telescope structure to control the 108 degrees of freedom needed to stabilize the figure and position of the primary mirror. The components of the active control system are relative position sensors, electronics, computers, actuators that position the mirrors, and software. The software algorithms control the primary mirror, perform star image stacking, emulate the segments, store and fit calibration data, and locate hardware defects.
Influence of the Structure Parameters on the Relaxation of Semipolar InGaN/GaN Multi Quantum Wells

The influence of semipolar (201) InGaN/GaN multi quantum well (MQW) structure parameters such as well composition and thickness (dw), barrier thickness, as well as total number of periods on the structural and optical properties of the MQWs grown on (201) GaN by metal organic chemical vapor deposition was investigated. At dw < 3 nm, the MQW stacks were very robust with respect to changes in the barrier thickness or the number of periods in the MQW stack, and 30 period (2.5 nm In0.25Ga0.75N/8.5 nm GaN) MQWs exhibiting bright luminescence at 465 nm were demonstrated. For all samples with dw<3 nm in this study, one-dimensional relaxation via misfit dislocations did not lead to any deterioration of the optical properties of the films, and a decrease in the photoluminescence intensity was only observed after the on-set of two-dimensional relaxation via non-basal plane defects.
The vitamin mystique: an analysis of beliefs and reputations of vitamin supplements among a regional sample of grocery shoppers

The objective of the present study was to examine the reputations of vitamin supplements and determine the extent to which supplement reputations among young, middle-aged, and elderly adult men and women correspond to established science. Young, middle-aged and older men and women were recruited as they shopped and were asked to answer a few questions concerning their habits and beliefs about vitamin supplements. The older the participant, the more likely it was they took vitamins; vitamin C was considered most important for all respondents, however, the reputation of vitamin E increased with age. Young and middle-aged women (compared to men) believed vitamin supplements important for health (even if diet is adequate); this was reversed for older men and women.
Synthesis, Structure, and Reactivity of Novel Dithiolato(oxo)rhenium(V) Complexes

Oxygen atom transfer catalyzed by transition metal complexes holds great interest owing to its chemical and biological relevance. The intriguing mechanisms of certain of these reactions catalyzed by organorhenium oxides have been revealed. As the authors became involved in certain sulfur atom transfer reactions, it became important to synthesize stable thiolato complexes derived from methyltrioxorhenium (CH{sub 3}ReO{sub 3} or MTO), in that they are related to important catalytic intermediates. A tetrathiophenylato complex, unstable above 15 C, has been reported, as have anionic dithiolato complexes of rhenium(V)-sulfides. Prompted by these reports, the authors sought to prepare new, thermally stable thiolato complexes derived from MTO. They have synthesized, analyzed, and characterized new oxorhenium(V) complexes containing a dithiolato ligand. The dinuclear version of this complex is monomerized upon reaction with triphenylphosphine. The dimer readily reacts with several O-atom donors, undergoing oxidation both at the metal and at the ligand. They are currently investigating the scope and mechanism of this reaction and further studying the reactivity of this binuclear complex.
Effect of MeV beams on the interface structure of metal(adlayer)-silicon (crystal substrate) systems

Abstract The influence of MeV ion beams on the measured intensity of the surface peak (SP) in channeling studies has been examined for Ag and/or Au covered Si(111), and Pd covered Si(111) systems with film thicknesses up to several monolayers. A simple phenomenological model is introduced to analyse the observed increase in atomic displacements induced by probing He ions of 1 MeV. For the Ag and Pd cases, effects attributable to the deposited metal was small while for Au an appreciable enhancement of the beam sensitivity was observed which increases with increasing Au thickness for beam doses of ⩽ 3.1 × 1016 ions/cm2. The observe differences cannot be explained by the difference in mass and atomic number of the overlayer atoms. The model suggests that the chemical nature of atomic bonds near the interface affects the damage threshold energy.
Optimal restoration of compressed biomedical images: a discrete lattice theoretic approach

Biomedical image data, such as obtained from CT or MR imaging modalities, tend to occupy a large amount of storage space. At the cost of losing or distorting salient features, lossy compression techniques can be used to reduce significantly the amount of data storage space. The main aim of this article is to present a novel method for optimal enhancement and restoration of images recovered from data stored using lossy compression techniques. A statistical model of the deformations undergone by the salient features within the original image, when it is stored using lossy compression techniques and then recovered, is generated. This statistical model generates a discrete lattice space. The algorithm presented here designs a set of filters over the statistical lattice space. Due to the statistical nature of the lattice the designed filters are optimal and the best possible recovery of the salient features in the original image is achieved. Results comparing the performance of the presented method to that achieved by median filters are presented. Robustness of the algorithm is tested by applying filters generated using a set of images of one subject, to images of different subjects and images stored using different compression ratios.
Serum and secretory immunoglobulins of the rat.

Abstract The major species of antibody present in the rat external secretions, saliva and colostrum was found to be an intermediate sedimenting (approximately 11S) immunoglobulin of rapid mobility apparently analogous to human IgA. Antibody activity was demostrated by radioimmunoelectrophoresis of colostrum obtained following intramammary injection of bovine serum albumin. Using antisera prepared against partially isolated secretory IgA, serum IgA could be demostrated. IgA was present in small amounts in serum, and was primarily 7S in sedimentation although higher polymers (17S) were also detected by gel filtration. Serum IgA was significantly more rapid (anodal) in electrophoretic mobility than secretory IgA, and this was not dependent on differences in sialic acid content.
Lyapunov functionals for certain linear delay differential equations in a Hilbert space

Abstract A theory of stability via Lyapunov functionals is developed for a general class of autonomous delay differential equation whose values lie in a Hilbert space.
Solid Phase Extraction/High Performance Liquidchromatography Method for the Determination of Methyl Anthranilate Residues in Blueberries

Methyl anthranilate fortified blueberries were extracted with methanol, cleaned up by solid phase extraction and analyzed by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography. Methyl anthranilate was quantified by UV absorbance and fluorescence detection. Recoveries of 70 ± 13% and 14% were obtained for blueberry samples fortified with methyl anthranilate at 5 and 0.15 ppm respectively. The method limits of detection for ultraviolet and fluorescence detection were 0.04 and 0.009 μg methyl anthranilate/g, respectively.
Causers in English, Korean, and Chinese and the individuation of events

The kinds of entities that can be described as causing an event depend, in part, on the language one speaks. Whereas in English and Chinese it is possible to say The knife cut the bread or The key opened the door, in Korean and many other languages, such sentences sound very odd. According to the initiator hypothesis, languages fall into two major groups with respect to possible external arguments in causal expressions: those that require that the causer be capable of generating its own energy and those that require only that the causer participate in the causal chain leading up to a particular result. In support of this hypothesis, we show that ability to self-energize has a larger impact on acceptability ratings in Korean than in either English or Chinese (Exp. 1). We also show that restrictions on possible causers extend to the semantics of possible causes in the descriptions of animations depicting causal chains (Exp. 2). Finally, we show that cross-linguistic differences in the linguistic coding of causers may have consequences for the way people conceptualize animations of causal chains in terms of number of events (Exp. 3). Implications for the representation of verb meaning and the semantics of external arguments in other languages are discussed.
Medical student intrauterine device knowledge and attitudes: an assessment of clerkship training

Abstract Background Studies demonstrate that many clinician populations have poor knowledge of and harbor negative attitudes towards intrauterine devices (IUDs). We set out to assess the impact of the clinical clerkship in obstetrics and gynecology on medical student IUD knowledge and attitudes. Study Design In this prospective cohort study, students at seven diverse US medical schools were surveyed at the start and completion of their obstetrics and gynecology clinical clerkships regarding IUD exposure, knowledge and attitudes. Subject responses were compared pre- and postclerkship. Results One hundred six students returned completed paired surveys (response rate 82%). The preclerkship mean knowledge percent correct (54%, SD 17%) increased significantly at postclerkship assessment (72%, SD 18%) (p Conclusions US medical student IUD knowledge and attitudes are significantly improved through the obstetrics and gynecology clerkship. However, significant gaps in knowledge persist postclerkship.
Properties and determination of the interface stiffness

The chemical potential of a curved interface contains a term that is proportional to the product of the interface curvature and the interface stiffness. In crystalline materials, the interface stiffness is a tensor. This paper examines several basic issues related to the properties of the interface stiffness, especially the determination of the interface stiffness in particular directions (i.e. the commonly used scalar form of the interface stiffness). Of the five parameters that describe an arbitrary grain boundary, only those describing the inclination are crucial for the scalar stiffness. We also examine the influence of crystal symmetry on the stiffness tensor for both free surfaces and grain boundaries. This results in substantial simplifications for cases in which interfaces possess mirror or rotational symmetries. An efficient method for determining the interface stiffness tensor using atomistic simulations is proposed.
Physicalnet: A Generic Framework for Managing and Programming Across Pervasive Computing Networks

This paper describes the design and implementation of a pervasive computing framework, named Physicalnet. Essentially, Physicalnet is a generic paradigm for managing and programming world-wide distributed heterogeneous sensor and actuator resources in a multi-user and multi-network environment. Using a four-tier light-weight service oriented architecture, Physicalnet enables global uniform access to heterogeneous resources and decouples applications from particular resources, locations and networks. Through a negotiator module, it allows a large number of applications to concurrently execute on the same resources and to span multiple physical networks and logical administrative domains. By providing a fine-grained use-based access rights control and conflict resolution mechanism, Physicalnet not only ensures owners having total control of sharing and protecting their resources, but also dramatically increases the number of applications that can concurrently execute on the devices. Furthermore, Physicalnet supports resource dynamic location-aware mobility, application run-time reconfigurability and on-the-fly access rights specification. To quantify the performance, we evaluate Physicalnet based on memory usage, the number of concurrent applications, and dynamic responsiveness. The results show Physicalnet has excellent performance, but low overheads.
Tumor markers and rectal cancer: support for an inflammation-related pathway.

Inflammation may be a key element in the etiology of colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study we examine associations between factors related to inflammation and specific rectal cancer mutations. A population-based study of 750 rectal cancer cases with interview and tumor DNA were compared to 1205 population-based controls. Study participants were from Utah and the Northern California Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program. Tumor DNA was analyzed for TP53 and KRAS2 mutations and CpG Island methylator phenotype (CIMP). We assessed how these tumor markers were associated with use of anti-inflammatory drugs, polymorphisms in the IL6 genes (rs1800795 and rs1800796), and dietary antioxidants. Ibuprofen-type drugs, IL6 polymorphisms (rs1800796), and dietary alpha tocopherol and lycopene significantly altered likelihood of having a TP53 mutation. This was especially true for TP53 transversion mutations and dietary antioxidants (OR for beta carotene 0.51 95% CI 0.27,0.97, p trend 0.03; alpha tocopherol 0.41 95% CI 0.20,0.84, p trend 0.02) Beta carotene and ibuprofen significantly altered risk of KRAS2 tumors. The associations between lutein and tocopherol and TP53 and KRAS2 mutations were modified by IL6 genotype. These results suggest that inflammation-related factors may have unique associations with various rectal tumor markers. Many factors involved in an inflammation related pathway were associated with TP53 mutations and some dietary factors appeared to be modified by IL6 genotype.
Decision making in gastroesophageal reflux disease: What are the critical issues?

This article has identified several crucial decision points in the management of GERD. Although there seems to be a strong epidemiologic association with esophageal adenocarcinoma, the clinical and economic benefits of screening endoscopy are not clear. Given the low incidence of this cancer, it is conceivable that screening programs in these patients, such as colon cancer screening and breast cancer screening, may provide a greater health benefit at a lower incremental cost. Surveillance endoscopy in BE is another contentious issue, with the surveillance interval and cost-effectiveness hinging on the cancer risk. As more precise estimates of cancer risk, accounting for publication bias, are derived, the economics of surveillance will require further evaluation. Finally, several, management strategies seem to improve outcomes for patients with uninvestigated GERD, but the incremental costs of the more effective step-down approach seem minimal. More important than the initial strategy may be the ability to implement a systematic approach to care that ensures that patients attempt step-down when symptoms are resolved and do not remain on potent therapy indefinitely when it is not necessary. The results of prospective effectiveness trials are anticipated to validate the findings of these economic analyses.
Impact of a Critical Pathway on Acute Myocardial Infarction Quality Indicators

Study Objective. To determine the impact of a critical pathway on acute myocardial infarction (AMI) quality indicators. Design. Retrospective chart review. Setting. Large university hospital. Patients. One hundred seventy-five patients who underwent primary percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for AMI (control group 89 patients, intervention group 86 patients). Measurements and Main Results. The medical records of the control group (1998–1999) were reviewed for door-to-balloon (DtB) time (the time between the patient's arrival at the emergency department and the first balloon inflation during a percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty procedure). Drug therapy prescribed at hospital discharge (aspirin, β-blocker, angiotensin-converting enzyme [ACE] inhibitor, and lipid-lowering therapy) was also reviewed. The data collected for the control group were compared with the intervention group data (2000–2001). The impact of the pathway was evaluated using the Wilcoxon rank sum test, odds ratios (ORs), and χ2 tests. The DtB time was significantly lower in the intervention group versus the control group (91.5 vs 108 min, p<0.01), and fewer intervention patients exceeded the guidelines with a DtB time longer than 120 minutes (OR 0.38, p<0.01). In addition, the intervention group was more likely than the control group to be prescribed an ACE inhibitor (OR 3.7, p<0.01) or lipid-lowering therapy (OR 3.7, p=0.02) at discharge. Aspirin and β-blockers were not prescribed differently in the intervention versus control groups (aspirin 95.2% vs 96.2%, β-blockers 93.5% vs 92.6%). Conclusion. These data suggest that in the current era of published treatment guidelines, implementation of a critical pathway can further improve AMI quality indicators and clinical care.
Impact of social problem-solving training on aggressive boys: skill acquisition, behavior change, and generalization

This study examined the impact of social problem-solving training on the behavior of five aggressive boys. Acquisition of problem-solving skills and changes in classroom behavior were evaluated using multiple-baseline designs within and across subjects. A generalization-programming procedure to promote the use of problem-solving skills in the natural environment was introduced across children in multiple-baseline fashion. Direct observation and behavior ratings were used to evaluate the treatment. Results indicated that each subject acquired the problem-solving skills at levels comparable to well-adjusted peers. Only one child showed behavioral improvement coincident with problem-solving skill acquisition. Three others showed moderate behavior change after the generalization-programming procedure was introduced. Only one child's gains on teacher ratings were maintained at the 6-month followup. The results suggest that cognitive-behavioral treatment of childrens' aggressive behavior may produce changes of limited magnitude and durability.
Luminescence decay of excitons bound to nitrogen pairs in GaP:N☆

Abstract We report photoluminescence lifetime studies of excitons bound to NN1 and NN3 pair centres in GaP:N in the temperature range of 4.5−110 K. The experimental results show that the temperature dependence of the luminescence lifetime of NN3 centres is not very different from sample to sample, while that of NN1 centres is quite different for different sample. For T > 40 K, in a sample with very small electron-escape probability of the bare electron state, it is observed that thermal release of the hole from NN1 bound exciton increases the luminescence lifetime. This provides direct evidence of the bare electron state bound to the NN1 center, and verifies the Hopfield-Thomas-Lynch (HTL) model of isoelectronic traps.
Using Postcards in Mail Surveys

Using only a carefully designed postcard in a mail survey with no follow-up, 45% of a sample of 512 colleagues, their peers, and licensing boards returned cards.
Ab initio calculation of 1H, 17O, 27Al and 29Si NMR parameters, vibrational frequencies and bonding energetics in hydrous silica and Na-aluminosilicate glasses

Ab initio, molecular orbital (MO) calculations were performed on model systems of SiO2, NaAlSi3O8 (albite), H2O-SiO2 and H2O-NaAlSi3O8 glasses. Model nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) isotropic chemical shifts (δiso) for 1H, 17O, 27Al and 29Si are consistent with experimental data for the SiO2, NaAlSi3O8, H2O-SiO2 systems where structural interpretations of the NMR peak assignments are accepted. For H2O-NaSi3AlO8 glass, controversy has surrounded the interpretation of NMR and infrared (IR) spectra. Calculated δiso1H, δiso17O, δiso27Al and δiso29Si are consistent with the interpretation of Kohn et al. (1992) that Si-(OH)-Al linkages are responsible for the observed peaks in hydrous Na-aluminosilicate glasses. In addition, a theoretical vibrational frequency associated with the Kohn et al. (1992) model agrees well with the observed shoulder near 900 cm−1 in the IR and Raman spectra of hydrous albite glasses. MO calculations suggest that breaking this Si-(OH)-Al linkage requires ∼+56 to +82 kJ/mol which is comparable to the activation energies for viscous flow in hydrous aluminosilicate melts.
Numerical Simulations of Viscoelastic Flow in Complex Geometries Using A Multi-Mode Giesekus Model

Abstract We present a stable and convergent numerical method to simulate unsteady incompressible viscoelastic flow in two dimensional complex geometry. The incompressible viscous momentum equation, coupled with the multiple mode Giesekus constitutive equation for viscoelastic stress, are used to model viscoelastic fluids. We cast the hyperbolic part of the equations as a conservative finite difference method and leave the elliptic part as a source term computed by implicit methods. A projection method is used to enforce the velocity incompressibility constraint and to update pressure. Irregular computational domains are discretized with a Cartesian grid embedded boundary method. We demonstrate our numerical method by computing flow passing a sphere, flow in a well-rounded contraction channel, and in an abrupt contraction channel, with component Weissenberg numbers exceeding 300, and with a range of relaxation times spanning four decades.
Using Two‐Photon Excitation to Control Bending Motions in Molecular‐Crystal Nanorods

Molecular-crystal nanorods composed of 9-anthracenecarboxylic acid can undergo reversible bending due to molecular-level geometry changes associated with the photodimerization of the molecules in the crystal lattice. The use of highly focused near-IR femtosecond laser pulses results in two-photon excitation of micrometer-scale regions and is used to induce transient bends at various locations along the length of a single 200-nm-diameter nanorod. Bending can be observed in nanorods with diameters as small as 35 nm, and translational motion of a single nanorod could be induced by sequential bending of longer segments. A kinetic model is presented that quantitatively describes the bending and relaxation dynamics of individual rods. The results of this work show that it is possible to use laser excitation conditions to control the location, rate, and magnitude of photodeformations in these nanorods. The ability to control the motion of these ultrasmall photomechanical structures may be useful for manipulating objects on the nanoscale.
Synthesis and characterization of low-loss Fe 3 O 4 -PDMS magneto-dielectric polymer nanocomposites for RF applications

This paper presents the methodologies for synthesis and characterization of a new class of low loss Fe 3 O 4 -PDMS polymer nanocomposites, which exhibits well-tailored magneto-dielectric properties. Single crystalline Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles with a small size distribution of 7.5 ± 2nm were prepared by chemical precipitation method to retain the superparamagnetic characteristics and the Fe304-PDMS nanocomposites with uniformly dispersed Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles at three different loading concentrations of 80 wt%, 50 wt%, and 30 wt% were explored. Room-temperature magnetization measurements were conducted for the plain Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles and these Fe 3 O 4 -PDMS nanocomposites using a physical properties measurement system (PPMS) while extraction of microwave properties in wide range frequencies between 1GHz and 8GHz under different levels of externally applied magnetic field was performed by using a custom-built transmission line test fixture. The 80 wt% Fe 3 O 4 -PDMS nanocomposites under 0.37T of biasing field have exhibited coveted magneto-dielectric properties at 4GHz, by showing an equal-valued relative permittivity e r and relative permeability μ r of 3.0. It is worthwhile mentioning that the peak relative permeability of 3.55 along with fairly low dielectric and magnetic loss tangents less than 0.02 were obtained under 0.2T DC biasing field. These newly-characterized Fe304-PDMS nanocomposites were used for successful implementation of miniaturized patch antennas, which is going to be reported subsequently.
Peptic Ulcer in Childhood

Thirty-five cases of peptic ulcer were admitted to The Adelaide Children's Hospital in an 11-year period. Whereas the majority of ulcers were primary and in the duodenum, the figures indicate that stress is a significant aetiological factor. Complications were common and necessitated surgery in six of the 31 cases that presented clinically. None of the patients diagnosed clinically or at operation died, but in four cases peptic ulcer was an autopsy finding.
Molecular weight of cytochrome oxidase

The molecular weight of bovine heart mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase in 2% or 3% deoxycholate was determined by the sedimentation velocity method to be 228,000 daltons from an S20,w=8.44×10−13 sec, a D20,w=3.21×10−7 cm2 sec−1, and the\(\bar v = 0.72\) reported by others. The S20,w value was only slightly concentration-dependent. When the deoxycholate in our preparation was replaced with Tween 80 the S value increased to between 16 and 17. When one preparation in Tween 80 was allowed to stand at room temperature, the S value increased in successive determinations to reach 51.5 at the end of approximately 7 h. The minimum molecular weight of the enzyme as calculated from the heme content (determined from the absorbance at 603 nm) and total protein content (determined from total nitrogen) was 110,000. An amino acid analysis when related to the heme content yielded a minimum molecular weight of 85,000.
Dissociation of Allergy from Immunity in Pneumococcus Infection

ConclusionsFollowing the intravenous injection of an immune serum prepared against the Type I pneumococcus, immunity to infection can be demonstrated in the absence of allergic inflammation. The inflammation of allergy, therefore, is not necessary for the operation of immunity in this infection.
Polymorphisms in iron‐responsive binding protein 2 and lack of association with sporadic Parkinson's disease

Mice with targeted disruptions in the iron-responsive binding protein 2 (IRP2) gene accumulate iron in distinct regions of the brain and develop neurodegenerative characteristics resembling Parkinson's disease after 6 months of age. To determine whether polymorphisms in IRP2 predispose humans to Parkinson's disease (PD), we sequenced the IRP2 gene of subjects with sporadic PD and normal controls. Three polymorphisms which result in an amino acid change were identified: L159V, F272L, and T560I. The L159V and T560I polymorphisms, identified in an African-American PD subject, were found in the African-American population at an allele frequency of 0.102 (n = 1,236) and 0.111 (n = 1,228), respectively, and were not associated with an increased prevalence of PD. The F272L polymorphism was found in a normal 58-year-old, Caucasian subject whose father had PD, but it was not observed in 38 additional patients with sporadic PD. The F272L polymorphism occurred at an allele frequency of 0.0014 (n = 1,384) in the normal Caucasian population. Additional F272L heterozygous subjects identified in the normal population did not have a family or personal history of PD. We conclude that these IRP2 polymorphisms do not play an important role in the development of sporadic cases of PD. It remains to be determined whether other polymorphisms in IRP2 play a role in familial PD. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society
Quantitative Ultrasound Imaging: In Vivo Results in Normal Liver

Abstract A method for quantitative imaging of ultrasonic backscatter levels has been implemented on a clinical imager. The method is based on comparing echo signal data from a sample or patient to echo data processed in the same way but acquired from a reference phantom. The attenuation coefficient and the backscatter coefficient of the reference phantom are known, permitting these quantities to be estimated for the sample. In the present paper, the spatial location of echo data acquisition is retained in the backscatter data analysis; quantitative "backscatter estimator" images are constructed, from which the backscatter coefficient over a region of interest may be obtained. When applied to human liver images, backscatter coefficients determined in 10 normal subjects were in approximate agreement with in vitro liver backscatter coefficients reported by previous workers.
Factors influencing the reinforcing and subjective effects of ephedrine in humans.

There has been little study of the abuse liability of ephedrine, a naturally occurring drug used in medicine for thousands of years and currently sold as a “legal” stimulant. The present study measured the reinforcing and subjective effects of ephedrine in a group of 27 adults (18 females and 9 males) with no history of drug dependence. A discrete-trial choice procedure was used to assess the reinforcing effects of a single oral dose of ephedrine selected to produce a moderate subjective response in each subject (range: 37.5-75 mg). A number of variables (gender, current and past drug use, personality, and baseline mood and arousal) were examined in an attempt to identify sources of variability in response to ephedrine. Of the 27 subjects, 5 chose ephedrine on either 2 or 3 out of a possible 3 occasions; overall, ephedrine was chosen on 17% of occasions. In the group as a whole, ephedrine had no effect on ratings of drug liking, but did increase ratings of “high” and scores on the MBG (“euphoria”) scale of the Addiction Research Center Inventory. Ephedrine also increased scores on a number of mood scales reflecting CNS stimulation and anxiety. Ephedrine choice was positively associated with current use of marijuana and lower levels of baseline anxiety and hunger, as well as with lower scores on two scales measuring dimensions of the personality trait of harm avoidance. Males and females differed in their response to ephedrine — males chose ephedrine more frequently than females and showed a more positive mood response to the drug. When compared to the results of a prior study of the same design withd-amphetamine, these results demonstrate that ephedrine produces a different profile of subjective effects and is a less efficacious reinforcer than amphetamine, suggesting that ephedrine has a lower liability for abuse.
Exact Tests That Recover Interblock Information in Balanced Incomplete Blocks Designs

Abstract Consider a balanced incomplete blocks design in which treatment effects are fixed and blocks are random. Assume that the number of blocks is greater than I, the number of treatments. The objective is to test the null hypothesis that there are no differences in treatment effects. Other null hypotheses are that v treatment contrasts are 0, where v may be any number from 1 to (I − 1). The usual exact test for no treatment effects is the F test, based entirely on intrablock estimates. A long-standing problem has been to find good exact tests that use both intrablock and interblock estimates (e.g., see Houtman and Speed 1983, p. 1078; Scheffe 1959, p. 175). In this study such exact tests are found. Furthermore, they are easy to implement and perform much better than the usual F test.
In vivo modeling of the morbid human genome using Danio rerio.

Here, we present methods for the development of assays to query potentially clinically significant nonsynonymous changes using in vivo complementation in zebrafish. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are a useful animal system due to their experimental tractability; embryos are transparent to enable facile viewing, undergo rapid development ex vivo, and can be genetically manipulated.1 These aspects have allowed for significant advances in the analysis of embryogenesis, molecular processes, and morphogenetic signaling. Taken together, the advantages of this vertebrate model make zebrafish highly amenable to modeling the developmental defects in pediatric disease, and in some cases, adult-onset disorders. Because the zebrafish genome is highly conserved with that of humans (~70% orthologous), it is possible to recapitulate human disease states in zebrafish. This is accomplished either through the injection of mutant human mRNA to induce dominant negative or gain of function alleles, or utilization of morpholino (MO) antisense oligonucleotides to suppress genes to mimic loss of function variants. Through complementation of MO-induced phenotypes with capped human mRNA, our approach enables the interpretation of the deleterious effect of mutations on human protein sequence based on the ability of mutant mRNA to rescue a measurable, physiologically relevant phenotype. Modeling of the human disease alleles occurs through microinjection of zebrafish embryos with MO and/or human mRNA at the 1-4 cell stage, and phenotyping up to seven days post fertilization (dpf). This general strategy can be extended to a wide range of disease phenotypes, as demonstrated in the following protocol. We present our established models for morphogenetic signaling, craniofacial, cardiac, vascular integrity, renal function, and skeletal muscle disorder phenotypes, as well as others.
On the thermal decomposition of trans-dibromotetraaquovanadium(III) bromide, [VBr2(H2O)4]Br·2H2O

Abstract The thermal decomposition of [VBr 2 (H 2 O) 4 ]Br·2H 2 O, I, in an argon atmosphere proceeds mainly toward producing V 2 O 3 ; a small fraction of V(III), less than 5%, disproportionates into VOBr 2 and a V(II) intermediate which is oxidized in situ with the corresponding evolution of hydrogen. The decomposition of I in steam proceeds similarly to that in argon up to about 500 °C. At higher temperatures additional hydrogen is evolved and mixtures of V 4 O 7 and V 5 O 9 are final products.
Dehydrocyclization ofn-Octane: Role of Alkene Intermediates in the Reaction Mechanism

Abstract The objective of the present study is to define whether alkenes, formed during alkane dehydrocyclization, are reconverted to the alkane and to elucidate the role of alkanes in the dehydrocyclization mechanism. In a competitive conversion, an alkene is converted much more rapidly than n -octane (C 8 D 18 ). The lack of H/D exchange indicates that the adsorption of the n -octane is essentially irreversible, whereas some H/D exchange in the added alkene suggests that alkene desorption does occur; however, the added alkene does not desorb as the alkane, in conformity with irreversible adsorption of the alkane. The results demonstrate that the addition of a labeled alkene cannot provide data to establish the validity of the sequential dehydrogenation reaction pathway.
Management of vacuum leak‐detection processes, calibration, and standards

Vacuum leak detection requires integrated management action to ensure the successful production of apparatus having required leak tightness. Implementation of properly planned, scheduled, and engineered procedures and test arrangements are an absolute necessity to prevent unexpected, impractical, technically inadequate, or unnecessarily costly incidents in leak‐testing operations. The use of standard procedures, leak standards appropriate to the task, and accurate calibration systems or devices is necessary to validate the integrity of any leak‐test procedure. In this paper, the need for implementing these practices is discussed using case histories of typical examples of large complex vacuum systems. Aggressive management practices are of primary importance throughout a project’s life cycle to ensure the lowest cost; this includes successful leak testing of components. It should be noted that the opinions and conclusions expressed in this paper are those of the author and are not those of the Los Alamos National Laboratory or the Department of Energy.
The zebrafish metaxin 3 gene (mtx3): cDNA and protein structure, and comparison to zebrafish metaxins 1 and 2

The metaxin genes of zebrafish have been investigated by determining the sequences of metaxin cDNAs and analyzing the translated amino acid sequences. A zebrafish cDNA corresponding to a third metaxin gene was identified. Zebrafish cDNAs representing metaxins 1 and 2, previously described in human and mouse, were also identified. The zebrafish metaxin genes are designated mtx1, mtx2 and mtx3, following zebrafish nomenclature guidelines. The zebrafish metaxin 3 (ZMTX3) cDNA codes for a protein of 313 amino acids (MW 35,208), while the ZMTX1 and ZMTX2 cDNAs specify proteins of 317 residues (MW 35,906) and 274 residues (MW 30,852), respectively. Alignment of the ZMTX3 and ZMTX1 amino acid sequences revealed 40% identities, while 26% identities were found for the ZMTX3/ZMTX2 alignment. A phylogenetic tree showed that the metaxins share a common ancestry, with the grouping of the zebrafish sequences with the homologous human and mouse sequences. Analysis of the domain structure of the zebrafish metaxins uncovered a glutathione S-transferase (GST) domain for each protein and, in addition, a thioredoxin-like domain for ZMTX2. A region of transmembrane helices was found near the C-terminus for the ZMTX1 protein. In addition, regions of alpha helix were seen to be the predominant feature of zebrafish metaxin secondary structure, particularly for ZMTX2 and ZMTX3. The ZMTX3 cDNA sequence has the greatest homology to a human sequence at cytogenetic location 5q14.1, close to the thrombospondin 4 gene (THBS4). Also, the mouse metaxin 3 homologue is adjacent to Thbs4 at 13C3.
Cigarette Smoking Increases Endothelial-Derived Vasorelaxation in the Rat Carotid Artery in a Dose-Dependent Manner

Abstract While there is clear-cut epidemiologic, morphologic, and functional evidence to suggest that cigarette smoking is deleterious to the cardiovascular system and endothelium, previous experiments with regard to the effect of cigarette smoking on endothelial-derived vasorelaxation are not conclusive. This study examines the effect of cigarette smoking on endothelium-derived vasorelaxation and its relationship to serum nitric oxide concentrations. Fourteen Sprague–Dawley rats (350–500 g) were divided into two groups ( N = 7). The experimental group was exposed to six cigarettes (Kentucky 1R4F) per day for 50 days using a Griffith snout exposure method. The two groups were sacrificed and the carotid arteries were mounted on isometric force transducers in a physiologic bath. The arteries were constricted with norepinephrine (1 × 10 −4 M ). Vasorelaxation to acetylcholine (Ach) was measured in a dose response manner. Vasorelaxation to nitroglycerin was measured at 10 −4 M. After the rats were sacrificed, blood samples from each rat were examined for total nitrate/nitrite concentration with serum chemiluminescence on a vanadium column. The results were analyzed with ANOVA and the Student's t test. Vasorelaxation to nitroglycerin was 17.42% ± 0.44 versus 16.25% ± 0.42 in the control and smoke exposure groups, respectively ( P = 0.19). This experiment counterintuitively demonstrates that cigarette smoking augments endothelial-derived vasorelaxation. No effect was noted in the endothelium-independent vasorelaxation to nitroglycerin. Alternative mechanisms including the presence of hypoxia and exogenous nitric oxide, which lead to endothelial-dependent and -independent vasorelaxation secondary to cigarette smoking, may serve to explain the apparent augmentation of endothelial-derived vasorelaxation. Further experiments with isolated components of smoke will need to be done to resolve the debate.
Evolution of online financial trading systems: assessing critical end-user requirements

Over the past few years, different online stock brokers have developed a wide variety of web-enabled financial trading systems. End-users of the systems, the stock investors and traders, have been given a choice what online trading system they prefer using, weighing in commission cost and the online research capabilities they pay for when analyzing stocks and mutual funds. After years of assessing online trading systems, it appears that end-user requirements have substantially changed with the evolution of financial markets. Low commission cost and research capabilities are now standard packages available across different online trading systems and are not the competitive features they once were. This research initiative intends to find out evolving end-user requirements for online trading systems and what has been done by systems developers to improve financial trading systems. This research involves the testing and use of three different online trading systems to assess how these systems are addressing end-user requirements.
The second oldest profession : spies and spying in the twentieth century

The first full history of spies, spying, and the intelligence bureaucracy, from the author of The Philby Conspiracy. Photographs.
Angle Modulated Particle Swarm Optimization Based Defensive Islanding of Large Scale Power Systems

Power system defensive islanding is an efficient way to avoid catastrophic wide area blackouts, such as the 2003 North American blackout. Finding defensive islands of large scale power systems is a combinatorial explosion problem. Thus, it is very difficult to find an optimal solution, if it exists, within reasonable time using analytical methods. This paper proposes utilizing the computational efficiency property of an angle modulated particle swarm optimization to find some efficient islanding solutions for large scale power systems. The solutions are referred to as optimal according to a fitness function considering the real power balance between generations and loads in islands, the relative importance of customers, and the desired number of islands. The algorithm can also provide necessary load shedding information. Furthermore, the algorithm can provide a number of candidate solutions for the check of transmission system capacity constraint. Simulations with power systems of different scales demonstrate the accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.