cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Review of Proceedings of The Taipei International Symposium on Forensic Sciences

The Proceedings represent a compilation of papers that were initially presented at The Taipei International Symposium on Forensic Sciences, held at Central Police University, March 24–26, 1991. Of the 26 papers, 22 are presented in English; the four remaining papers are in Chinese with an English abstract provided for each. As is usually the case with an edited volume, the contributions are quite varied—ranging from philosophical and legal considerations to the development and application of new analytical techniques. The diversity of the contributors, however, is one of the major strengths of the book. Drawing upon the expertise of researchers and practitioners from the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Israel, and Taiwan (Republic of China), the reader is presented with an excellent overview of contemporary developments in a variety of forensic science areas.
Use of fuzzy chromatography mass spectrometric (FCMS) fingerprinting and chemometric analysis for differentiation of whole-grain and refined wheat ( T. aestivum ) flour

A fuzzy chromatography mass spectrometric (FCMS) fingerprinting method combined with chemometric analysis has been established for rapid discrimination of whole-grain flour (WF) from refined wheat flour (RF). Bran, germ, endosperm, and WF from three local cultivars or purchased from a grocery store were studied. The state of refinement (whole vs. refined) of wheat flour was differentiated successfully by use of principal-components analysis (PCA) and soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA), despite potential confounding introduced by wheat class (red vs. white; hard vs. soft) or resources (different brands). Twelve discriminatory variables were putatively identified. Among these, dihexoside, trihexoside, apigenin glycosides, and citric acid had the highest peak intensity for germ. Variable line plots indicated phospholipids were more abundant in endosperm. Samples of RF and WF from three cultivars (Hard Red, Hard White, and Soft White) were physically mixed to furnish 20, 40, 60, and 80 % WF of each cultivar. SIMCA was able to discriminate between 100 %, 80 %, 60 %, 40 %, and 20 % WF and 100 % RF. Partial least-squares (PLS) regression was used for prediction of RF-to-WF ratios in the mixed samples. When PLS models were used the relative prediction errors for RF-to-WF ratios were less than 6 %. Graphical Abstract Workflow of targeting discriminatory compounds by use of FCMS and chemometric analysis.
Chemistry, carcinogenicity, and metabolism of 2-fluorenamine and related compounds.

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the chemistry, carcinogenicity, and metabolism of 2-flurorenamine and related compounds. It discusses the synthesis and chemistry of fluorenamine compounds and their derivatives, which gives evidence of the success achieved in furnishing materials for the investigation of the relationship of structure to carcinogenicity and of the metabolic fate of this class of compounds. Of the isomeric fluorenylacetamides, only N-2-fluorenylacetamide and some of its derivatives can be classed as active carcinogens. Carcinogenesis by N-2-fluorenylacetamide is influenced by some specific dietary factors. A high protein diet delays carcinogenesis and reduces the incidence of tumors at a number of sites. In some cases, a caloric restriction may decrease the carcinogenic effect. In addition, the fluorenamine carcinogens affect a number of body constituents, often reflecting a quickened metabolic turnover of these components. Thus, the half-life of riboflavin in the rat is decreased 6-fold. Numerous studies on the carcinogenic effect of 2-fluorenamine and related compounds under varying conditions of species, strain, diet, and hormonal environment have defined some of the limits within which the carcinogenic effect can be demonstrated.
A New Low Energy Heavy Ion Accelerator

A heavy ion accelerator and beam transport system have been designed and constructed for studies of the interaction of radiation with matter. The air-insulated electrostatic accelerator was made to our specifications by Radiation Dynamics, Inc., with a beam energy continuously variable from 2-200 Kev. A modified duoplasmatron ion source provides ions of hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen and noble gases at beam currents as high as 5 ma. The accelerating potential is provided by an oil insulated power supply regulated to ± 0.01%. The beam transport system consists of a water-cooled insulated slit, magnetic spectrometer for beam definition of energy, charge state and isotopic composition, and a target chamber. A second magnetic spectrometer is available for further particle energy definition or for momentum analysis of the ion beam after interaction with a target. An extensive series of experiments for evaluating the accelerator performance are described, and results are reported for typical beam current density profiles, emittance areas, and maximum current densities attainable for different ions at various beam energies.
Radiosurgery of benign lesions

The use of stereotactic radiosurgery is increasing at an accelerated rate throughout the United States and the rest of the world. The greatest success for radiosurgery has been in the treatment of benign intracranial mass lesions and arteriovenous malformations (AVM) in particular. The majority of large radiosurgery series report that AVM obliteration rates exceed 74% and serious complication rates (permanent brain injury) exceed less than 5%. Radiosurgery is being investigated as a treatment for high-risk angiographically occult vascular malformations (cavernous angiomas) with a history of hemorrhages, but is contraindicated in asymptomatic patients. Radiosurgery has been successfully established as an alternative to surgical resection of vestibular schwannomas (acoustic neuromas). Long-term tumor control rates with radiosurgery are above 85%. Radiosurgery offers tumor control comparable to surgery with better preservation of hearing and facial nerve function. Radiosurgery has also been found to be equally effective in controlling nonacoustic schwannomas and meningiomas. Radiosurgery offers the potential of faster and higher response rates in treating functional pituitary adenomas than fractionated radiotherapy with a greater chance of preserving normal pituitary function. Long-term studies with 10-to 15-year follow-up are still needed to fully compare the efficacy of radiosurgery with other modern techniques for treating pituitary adenomas and meningiomas (such as cranial base microsurgery and fractionated large-field radiotherapy). Overall, radiosurgery is a relatively safe and effective alternative to surgical resection of small AVMs and most benign intracranial tumors.
Polarization-dependent frequency shifts from Rb-3He collisions.

We present measurements of the frequency shift of the Rb electron-paramagnetic-resonance (EPR) line in the presence of nuclear-polarized 3He gas for the temperature range of 30 to 85 °C. The frequency shift is due to the Fermi-contact interaction between the Rb valence electron and the polarized 3He nucleus. Expressions for both the frequency shift and the spin-exchange cross section are derived in terms of the strength of this contact interaction. From these expressions and the measured frequency shift, we estimate the Rb-3He spin-exchange cross section. The Rb EPR frequency shift, which is 53 kHz for a 100% polarized 10-amagat 3He sample at 50 °C, can be used to determine the absolute polarization of nuclear polarized 3He targets. From these measurements, one can also predict the shift of the 3He NMR line due to a polarized Rb vapor.
Fracture mechanics in cost-effective pressure vessel design.

Abstract : The report presents a demonstration of how the concepts of fracture mechanics can be used in the design and fabrication of boosters from commercial steels and commercial fabrication techniques. Minimal nondestructive testing quality control procedures are required to avoid compromising reliability. Example calculations are given that demonstrate the materials selection processes consistent with a program to design the booster stage of future space launch vehicles on a minimum cost basis. Present major cost items with high strength/weight materials that can be minimized are the exotic fabrication techniques and rigid quality control procedures need to ensure reliability. (Author)
Back to the thymus: peripheral T cells come home.

The thymus has long been known as the generative organ for the T cell arm of the immune system. To perform this role, the thymus was thought to require protection from antigenic and cellular insult from the “outside world”, with the notable exception of the continual influx of progenitor cells required to initiate the complicated process of T cell differentiation. Overwhelming evidence that mature T cells can recirculate and persist in the thymus has required us to revamp this earlier view of the thymus as detached from outside influence. In this review, we consider the evidence for T cell recirculation into the thymus, discuss the likely means and location of mature T cell entry, and speculate on the potential consequences of such close apposition between differentiating thymocytes and mature recirculating lymphocytes.
Local atomic arrangements in the solid solution Al-1.7 at.% Cu, at 793 K

Abstract The absolute diffuse X-ray intensity, scattered from a crystal of Al-1.7 at.% Cu, was measured in the solid solution region at 793 K. This intensity was separated into terms associated with local order and those due to displacements of atoms from the sites of the average lattice. Computer simulations with the measured short-range order parameters and for a pseudo-random alloy were compared. The actual alloy has few isolated Cu atoms, compared to the random configuration. Instead the Cu is present in small composition fluctuations; more than half the solute content is in tiny plate-like regions which resemble the larger G.P. zones that form upon quenching and aging. Also, the density of these embryonic regions is similar to the zone density for short aging times. Therefore, there is no apparent nucleation barrier for zone formation. The electrical resistivity immediately after quenching can be calculated from the cluster population and the result agrees with experiment. The pair potentials in the system were determined from the X-ray scattering.
Evidence for the associated structure of bituminous coal

Abstract Previous studies have shown that coal swelling is not reversible and highly dependent on coal concentration in a solvent. This rules out the conventional coal structural model of a covalently cross-linked three-dimensional network. Many coal molecules may be physically associated by relatively strong intra- and intermolecular interactions. Coal swelling in selected solvents was examined for fractionated samples of two high volatile C bituminous coals to investigate the role of physical associations in coal structure. The dependence of coal concentration on swelling in tetrahydrofuran and toluene was similar for pyridine soluble and insoluble fractions. Solvent swelling of pyridine solubles was smaller than that of pyridine insolubles. Pyridine extract was mixed with iodine and further fractionated into pyridine soluble and insoluble fractions. The swelling ratio of the pyridine solubles was much smaller than that of the pyridine insolubles. The difference between swelling with toluene and with tetrahydrofuran was larger for pyridine insolubles than for pyridine solubles. All these results indicate that significant portions of coal molecules are not a three-dimensional network, but are physically associated.
Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin for choroidal neovascularization in patients with diabetic retinopathy

Abstract PURPOSE: To report the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin in three patients with choroidal neovascularization (CNV) from age-related macular degeneration and underlying diabetic retinopathy. The level of diabetic retinopathy would have excluded these patients from participation in previously reported randomized clinical trials evaluating PDT with verteporfin due to a theoretic concern of damage to the overlying retinal vasculature. DESIGN: Retrospective interventional case series. METHODS: Three patients from a referral practice with at least severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy and a history of clinically significant macular edema developed loss of vision from concurrent choroidal neovascularization evaluated with fundus photography and fluorescein angiography before and after PDT with verteporfin to identify adverse retinal vascular events. RESULTS: Four eyes in three patients had PDT using verteporfin. Three eyes received two treatments. With short follow-up, visual acuity remained stable in two eyes, improved from 20/400 to 20/320 in one eye, and decreased from 20/200 to 20/400 in one eye. Fluorescein angiograms at intervals from 2 weeks to 3 months after PDT showed no damage to the retinal vasculature or progression of the diabetic retinopathy, but did show a decreased area of fluorescein leakage from CNV. One eye that had new subretinal hemorrhage following treatment appeared to show new vasculopathy on initial evaluation of the post-treatment angiogram. Retrospective review suggested that the subretinal hemorrhage provided increased contrast to more easily visualize vasculopathy that was present before the PDT. CONCLUSIONS: Three patients with diabetic retinopathy undergoing a total of seven PDT treatments with verteporfin in four eyes had no new retinal vascular abnormalities develop. No other atypical responses of CNV to PDT were noted except new subretinal hemorrhage, providing increased contrast of the overlying vasculature, which gave the false impression of the development of new vasculopathy in one eye. Patients with diabetic retinopathy who have concurrent CNV for which PDT with verteporfin is recommended should be cautioned regarding the theoretical concerns of harming the retinal vasculature. Periodic surveillance for such concerns seems warranted until more experience is obtained.
Technical note: electronic chart checks in a paperless radiation therapy clinic.

Purpose: EcCk, which stands forElectronic Chart ChecK, is a computer software and database system. It was developed to improve quality and efficiency of patient chart checking in radiation oncology departments. The core concept is to automatically collect and analyze patient treatment data, and to report discrepancies and potential concerns. Methods: EcCk consists of several different computer technologies, including relational database, DICOM, dynamicHTML, and image processing. Implemented in MATLAB and C#, EcCk processes patient data in DICOM, PDF, Microsoft Word, database, and Pinnacle native formats. Generated reports are stored on the storage server and indexed in the database. A standalone report-browser program is implemented to allow users to view reports on any computer in the department. Checks are performed according to predefined logical rules, and results are presented through color-coded reports in which discrepancies are summarized and highlighted. Users examine the reports and take appropriate actions. The core design is intended to automate human task and to improve the reliability of the performed tasks. The software is not intended to replace human audits but rather to aid as a decision support tool. Results: The software was successfully implemented in the clinical environment and has demonstrated the feasibility of automation of this common task with modern clinical tools. The software integrates multiple disconnected systems and successfully supports analysis of data in diverse formats. Conclusions: While the human is the ultimate expert, EcCk has a significant potential to improve quality and efficiency of patient treatment record audits, and to allow verification of tasks that are not easily performed by humans. EcCk can potentially relieve human experts from simple and repetitive tasks, and allow them to work on other important tasks, and in the end to improve the quality and safety of radiation therapytreatments.
Fairness and preference

Two equity models were evaluated by fitting them to subjects' judgments of the fairness of payment distributions to “self” and “other” under hypothetical work situations. Neither the E. Walster, G. W. Walster, and E. Berscheid (Equity: Theory and Research, Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 1978) equity formulation nor Harris' (Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 1976, 12, 194–209) linear model adequately accounted for the fairness judgments regardless of whether self worked more or less than other. Subjects also were asked to indicate their most preferred payment distributions and these preferences were significantly different from the fairness judgments. Results suggested that fairness judgments were influenced by a bias in the direction of overpayment to self.
Technological Change and the Spatial Structure of Agriculture

A neoclassical statement of von Thunen's theory of agricultural location reveals that agricultural intensity should decrease at a decreasing rate as distance to market increases. This function shou...
A reanalysis of agoraphobia.

The authors review the existing models for understanding agoraphobia and suggest a more complex behavioral model which includes a combination of necessary and sufficient factors for its formation. This model is presented as a framework allowing classification of agoraphobic-like symptoms with implications for treatment planning and research efforts.
Effect of glipizide treatment on postprandial lipaemia in patients with NIDDM

The primary goal of the present study was to examine the effects of improved glycaemic control associated with glipizide treatment on postprandial lipaemia in non-insulin-dependent diabetic patients. The metabolism of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins of intestinal origin was assessed by measuring the retinyl palmitate content in plasma and the Svedberg flotation index (Sf)>400 and Sf 20–400 lipoprotein fractions. Fasting plasma glucose concentrations (14.5±0.5 vs 9.0±0.5 mmol/l), glycated haemoglobin levels (13.1±0.6 vs 9.7±0.6%), and daylong plasma glucose concentrations were all significantly lower after glipizide treatment (p<0.001). The improvement in glycaemic control was associated with increases in insulin-mediated glucose uptake (p<0.001) and plasma post-heparin lipoprotein and hepatic lipolytic activities (p<0.02). Both fasting plasma triglyceride (3.09±0.51 vs 2.37±0.34 mmol/l), and postprandial triglyceride concentrations (p<0.05–0.001) were lower following glipizide treatment, associated with a significant fall in retinyl palmitate content in all three lipoprotein fractions (p<0.02–0.001), with the most substantial decrease seen in the Sf 20–400 fraction. These data indicate that glipizide-induced improvement in glycaemic control was associated with changes in the metabolism of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins of intestinal origin that would be anticipated to reduce risk of coronary heart disease in non-insulin-dependent diabetic patients.
Evaluating panic-specific factors in the relationship between suicide and panic disorder

Work during the past decade has suggested an association between panic disorder and suicide (i.e., suicidal ideation and suicide attempts) that cannot simply be accounted for by co-occurring depression symptoms. To clarify the linkage between panic disorder and suicide, the association between panic-specific clinical and cognitive variables and suicide indicators were evaluated in patients with panic disorder (N=146). Analyses predicting the presence of suicidal ideation (positive, negative) after covarying the effects of a current mood disorder diagnosis and depression symptoms indicated a number of significant predictors including: (1) overall anxiety symptoms; (2) level of anticipatory anxiety; (3) avoidance of bodily sensations; (4) attentional vigilance toward bodily perturbations; and (5) phrenophobia (i.e., fear of cognitive incapacitation). Anxiety-specific variables did not account for unique variance in predicting prior history of suicide attempts.
Organocobalt cluster complexes XXXI. the reactions of bromo- and chloro- methylidynetricobalt nonacarbonyl with thiols and lithium thiolates☆

Abstract The action of alkanethiols on bromomethylidynetricobalt nonacarbonyl in the presence of the triethylamine gives thioesters, RSC(O)CCo 3 (CO) 9 , as principal products, but arenethiols react to give tars. A more useful reactions is that between arenethiols and ClCCo 3 (CO0 9 , which gives ArSCCo 3 (CO) 9 complexes as the principal products. The actions of lithium alkane- and arenethiolates on BrCCo 3 (CO) 9 in hydrocarbon medium leads to formation of thioesters, but in the presence of triethylamine or in dietyl ether solution complexes of type Co 3 (CO) 4 (SR) 5 are formed instead. Possible mechanisms of these reactions are discussed.
Covalent attachment of fluorescent probes to the X-base of Escherichia coli phenylalanine transfer ribonucleic acid

tRNA PheE, coli was labeled with the N-hydroxysuccinimide esters of 1-dimethylaminonaphthalene-5-sulfonyl glycine and N-methylanthranilic acid through reaction with the amino acid moiety of its X-base, whereby yields of 66% and 24%, respectively, were obtained. The purified dimethylaminonaphthalene-sulfonate derivative could not be aminoacylated and was found to be a strong competitive inhibitor of phenylalanine-tRNA synthetase [Ki=8X10(-7) M]. The N-methylanthraniloyl derivative could be charged to an extent of 5% as compared to native tRNA Phe. The fluorescence emission spectra of the derivatives are indicative of a slightly hydrophobic environment for both fluorophores. The results suggest that the integrity of the polar amino acid group of the X-base is required for the maintenance of the biologically active conformation.
An inverse computational code for turbulent swirling boundary layer flow

Abstract Mathematical and computational aspects of a general numerical inverse solution procedure, in the form of a general computer program applicable to weakly swirling turbulent flows, are described. The method requires as input data only flow field distributions of experimental time-mean values and from these deduces distributions of significant turbulent stress and exchange coefficient components, thus providing knowledge about turbulence quantities which would otherwise have to be measured by more sophisticated techniques. Sufficient detail for prospective users is given, together with accuracy checks. The technique is applied to both inert and chemically-reacting swirl flows, and calculations show that previous assumptions of isotropy of the turbulent stress and viscosity components and constancy of Prandtl-Schmidt numbers are not generally valid. The exchange coefficients are shown to be functions of the degree of swirl and position in the flowfield; the turbulent viscosity is found to be nonisotropic.
Assessment of the accuracy of generated meteorological data for use in solar energy simulation studies

Simulations provide the only practical method for designing solar energy systems. Meteorological data are needed to drive the simulations. However, long-term meteorological data (e.g., 20 years) are not available in most locations so simulations often rely on a reduced set of data or data which have been synthesized with statistical models. Even in locations in which long-term data records exist, the computational requirements of using these data for design purposes is significant so a reduced set of data (e.g., 1 year) is generally used. This study investigates the accuracy of using reduced and synthesized sets of meteorological models for solar applications. The accuracy estimates are made relative to estimates determined with over 20 years of hourly meteorological records.
Sin, citizenship, and the salvation of souls : The impact of Christian priorities on late-Roman and post-Roman society

The impact of Christianity on the functioning of the later Roman empire has been examined by historians ever since Gibbon published his Decline and Fall. Had the Christians hastened the decline and fall of Rome? Outlining some themes of his projected work, Gibbon suggested before 1774 that indeed they had. In 1776, when publishing the first volume of his history, he touched on this same issue with considerable circumspection; but five years later, his earlier opinion appeared in print under the heading of “General Observations on the Decline of the Empire in the West” by way of concluding the third volume of the work. Here, Gibbon stated:As the happiness of a future life is the great object of religion, we may hear, without surprise or scandal, that the introduction, or at least the abuse, of Christianity had some influence on the decline and fall of the Roman empire. The clergy successfully preached the doctrines of patience and pusillanimity; the active virtues of society were discouraged: and the last remains of military spirit were buried in the cloister; a large portion of public and private wealth was consecrated to the specious demands of charity and devotion; and the soldiers' pay was lavished on the useless multitudes of both sexes, who could only plead the merits of abstinence and chastity.
Polyamines, auxins and organogenesis in leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.)

Summary Canaline and canavanine (inhibitors of polyamine biosynthesis) effects on root and shoot formation were determined in vitro for etiolated hypocotyl segments of leafy spurge ( Euphorbia esula L.). Canaline (an ornithine analogue) at 10 to 100μmol/L inhibited root and shoot formation. The simultaneous application of putrescine did not reverse canaline-induced inhibition of root formation. Ornithine, a precursor of putrescine via the ornithine decarboxylase pathway, unexpectedly inhibited root formation. Canavanine (an arginine analogue) at 30 to 100μmol/L inhibited root and/or shoot formation. Inhibition of root formation by canavanine was not reversed by agmatine or putrescine, but was partially reversed by arginine. Indoleacetic acid (IAA) inhibited shoot formation, stimulated root formation, and partially reversed the inhibition of root formation by either canaline or canavanine. IAA generally increased endogenous levels of free polyamines in controls and canaline- or canavanine-treated tissues, but these changes were small and probably had little effect on organogenesis. IAA also partially reversed the inhibition of root (but not shoot) formation by arcaine and pentamidine, inhibitors of polyamine action in mammals. The roles of the polyamines in plants is not clear, but the polyamines may play only minor roles in root and shoot formation.
Distributions-Oriented Verification of Ensemble Streamflow Predictions

Abstract Ensemble streamflow prediction systems produce forecasts in the form of a conditional probability distribution for a continuous forecast variable. A distributions-oriented approach is presented for verification of these probability distribution forecasts. First, a flow threshold is used to transform the ensemble forecast into a probability forecast for a dichotomous event. The event is said to occur if the observed flow is less than or equal to the threshold; the probability forecast is the probability that the event occurs. The distributions-oriented approach, which has been developed for meteorological forecast verification, is then applied to estimate forecast quality measures for a verification dataset. The results are summarized for thresholds chosen to cover the range of possible flow outcomes. To aid in the comparison for different thresholds, relative measures are used to assess forecast quality. An application with experimental forecasts for the Des Moines River basin illustrates the app...
A two-dimensional boron-11 NMR study of halogen scrambling in a mixture of BCl3 and BBr3

A simple linear fitting procedure for determining first-order rate constants from 2D NMR exchange spectroscopy in rapidly relaxing systems is presented. The method was used to obtain the first-order rate constants for halogen exchange in a mixture of BC13 and BBr3. The rate constants obtained in this manner are compared to the rate constants obtained using previously published methods that have typically been applied to spin-12 nuclei.
Confidentiality and Disclosure in Non-Intervention Adolescent Risk Research

Non-intervention research on adolescent risk often uncovers evidence of threats to the welfare of participants or others that may be unknown to adults in a position to protect youth or provide appropriate services. Whether to keep such information confidential or disclose it to guardians or professionals is a daunting ethical challenge that requires investigators to balance tensions between scientific responsibilities to produce well-controlled studies and humanitarian obligations to protect the welfare of vulnerable youth. This article discusses the ethical dimensions of such decisions and provides a decision-making strategy for developing ethically appropriate confidentiality and disclosure policies.
Atomic force microscopy of lead iodide crystal surfaces

Abstract Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to characterize the surface of lead iodide crystals. The high vapor pressure of lead iodide prohibits the use of traditional high resolution surface study techniques that require high vacuum conditions. AFM was used to image numerous insulating surface in various ambients, with very little sample preparation techniques needed. Freshly cleaved and modified surfaces, including, chemical and vacuum etched, and air aged surfaces, were examined. Both intrinsic and induced defects were imaged with high resolution. The results were compared to a similar AFM study of mercuric iodide surfaces and it was found that, at ambient conditions, lead iodide is significantly more stable than mercuric iodide.
Associations between Health-Related Quality of Life and the Decision to Perform Surgery for Childhood Intermittent Exotropia

Objective To assess associations between health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and the decision to perform strabismus surgery for children with intermittent exotropia. Design Retrospective chart review. Participants Children with intermittent exotropia. Methods Included subjects, identified in a clinical practice, had assessment of HRQOL using the intermittent exotropia questionnaire (IXTQ), comprising child, proxy, and parent components (parent domains: function, psychosocial, and surgery). The IXTQ scores were evaluated for association with surgery, along with standard clinical measures: prism and alternate cover test (PACT), stereoacuity, and control score (mean of the 3 most recent scores). Included data were from preoperative examination (surgical cohort) or from most recent follow-up examination (nonsurgical cohort). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed, and relative risk (RR) ratios were calculated. Spearman rank correlations were calculated to identify highly correlated items. Main Outcome Measures Association of individual factors with the decision to perform surgery, calculated using RR ratios. Results One hundred six children with intermittent exotropia (median age, 6 years; range, 2–16 years) were eligible for inclusion. Nineteen (18%) of 106 underwent surgery. Using all available data, the IXTQ proxy score, IXTQ parent function score, IXTQ parent psychosocial score, distance control score, near control score, near PACT, and Randot Preschool stereoacuity (Stereoptical Co, Inc, Chicago, IL) were associated with undergoing surgery ( P Conclusions After accounting for poorer exodeviation control at distance, reduced parent and proxy HRQOL were associated with undergoing strabismus surgery for childhood intermittent exotropia. Recognizing reduced parental HRQOL may be important, with a possible role for educational or counselling interventions.
Engineering help while getting a degree

This paper describes the US Peace Corps Master's International (MI) Program at Michigan Tech in Civil and Environmental Engineering. It is the only program of its kind in the United States and over two dozen students are currently enrolled in this program.
Repeated adolescent MDMA ("Ecstasy") exposure in rats increases behavioral and neuroendocrine responses to a 5-HT2A/2C agonist.

Abstract MDMA (3,4-methylendioxymethamphetamine) is a popular recreational drug among adolescents. The present study aimed to determine the effects of repeated intermittent administration of 10 mg/kg MDMA during adolescence on behavioral (Experiment 1) and neuroendocrine (Experiment 2) responses of rats to the 5-HT2A/2C agonist 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI) and on [3H]ketanserin binding to 5-HT2A receptors. In the first experiment, MDMA pretreatment increased the frequency of head twitches and back muscle contractions, but not wet-dog shakes, to a high-dose DOI challenge. In the second experiment, both the prolactin and corticosterone responses to DOI were potentiated in MDMA-pretreated animals. No changes were found in 5-HT2A receptor binding in the hypothalamus or other forebrain areas that were examined. These results indicate that intermittent adolescent MDMA exposure enhances sensitivity of 5-HT2A/2C receptors in the CNS, possibly through changes in downstream signaling mechanisms.
COUPLED OXIDATION OF CAROTENOIDS IN FATTY ACID ESTERS OF VARYING UNSATURATION

The effect of the fatty acid portion of xanthophyll on the disruption of the chromophoric system and the coupled oxidation of β-carotene in methyl esters of fatty acids has been studied to explore the possible mechanism and the nature of the products formed. The disruption of the chromophoric system and the resultant color loss of the cryptoxanthin esters were found to be significantly influenced by the nature of the fatty acid portion. β-carotene was most stable in hexene and less prone to the attack of free radicals in fatty acid systems of higher saturation. The differences between the quality and quantity of unsaturation of fatty acid esters in relation to the coupled oxidation of β-carotene have been explained. The observations seemed to indicate that a hydrogen abstraction mechanism may probably be important in the coupled oxidation of carotenoids.
Hemodynamic Effects of Chronic Prenatal Ventricular Pacing for the Treatment of Complete Atrioventricular Block

Background Increasing the heart rate of the fetus with cardiac failure caused by complete AV block (CAVB) may allow delivery of a full-term, stable neonate with preserved ventricular function. Direct fetal pacing may be a feasible method to achieve this, but the effect of pacing on the structure and function of the rapidly developing fetal heart is unknown. Methods and Results CAVB was created in fetal lambs at 80% gestation by cryoablating the AV node. Epicardial ventricular pacing at 130 bpm was achieved by use of a pacemaker placed under the pectoral muscles. The fetus was returned to the uterus and allowed to continue to term. Ventricular function was assessed 1 week after birth in 7 lambs with CAVB and 10 control lambs. By use of the conductance catheter technique, the end-systolic pressure-volume relationship was determined at different heart rates, pacing conditions, and inotropic states. The contractility was not different between the two groups at their baseline heart rates and rhythms or when th...
Symmetry determination of the EL2 defect by numerical fitting of capacitance transients under uniaxial stress.

The symmetry of the EL2 center in n-type liquid-encapsulated Czochralski GaAs is investigated through numerical fitting of capacitance transients measured under uniaxial stress. From experimental data which superficially appears compatible with ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{d}}$ symmetry, we extract reproducible defect energy-level splitting under uniaxial stress and conclude that EL2 has ${\mathit{C}}_{3\mathit{v}}$ symmetry, supporting the ${\mathrm{As}}_{\mathrm{Ga}\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$${\mathrm{As}}_{\mathit{i}}$ pair model with ${\mathrm{As}}_{\mathit{i}}$ weakly bound to ${\mathrm{As}}_{\mathrm{Ga}}$.
Providing heart-healthy alternatives at cardiology meetings: grilled salmon or beef tenderloin?

Abstract Recognizing that physicians have changed their eating habits, 1 such as reducing saturated fat in their diets, 2 we offered more prudent food selections as part of a recent cardiology conference. Our goal was to provide options to those who choose to consume a diet consistent with the saturated fat and cholesterol recommendations of the National Cholesterol Education Program.3 This report demonstrates the ease of offering such options and presents the results of a survey assessing the acceptability and importance of such prudent foods to the physician attendees.
Foreign operations and the choice of inventory accounting methods

Abstract Many companies continue to use the FIFO or other inventory cost flow assumption even though empirical research has shown that the LIFO assumption provides significant cash flow advantages over the other methods. One potential influence on the choice of inventory method that has not been investigated in prior empirical studies is the potential effect of a firm's foreign operations. Because LIFO is not commonly used and/or permitted in most foreign countries, high levels of foreign inventory may influence the choice of inventory method for the firm's domestic inventory. The purpose of this paper is to determine if a firm's level of foreign operations influences its choice of inventory cost flow assumptions for its U.S. inventory. A probit model of inventory choice is developed using variables that have been found to differentiate LIFO and non-LIFO firms in previous studies. The results indicate firms with higher relative levels of foreign operations are more likely to use a non-LIFO inventory method for their domestic inventory than firms that are less involved in foreign markets. The results suggest that the level of foreign operations should be considered in future models of inventory choice and possibly other accounting choice models when there are differences in accounting standards since firms with significant levels of foreign operations may be influenced by these differences.
Analysis of N-acetyl-N,O,S-permethylated peptides by combined liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

Abstract Initial results are presented on the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) of N-acetyl-N,O,S-permethylated oligopeptides using a moving belt interface for the sequence analysis of the peptides. Using a quadrupole MS, it has been found that isobutane chemical ionization provides good intensity [M + 1] + ions, as well as well-defined N- and C-terminal fragment ions. It is shown that C-methylated peptides can be separated by LC and identified by MS. Examples are given on the LC-MS of N-acetyl-permethylated Leu-enkephalin as well as a mixture of derivatized peptides. In all cases sequence information is available by the LC-MS approach. Finally, initial and promising attempts at predicting chromatographic retention in a linear gradient condition in reversed-phase LC for the derivatized peptides are presented. These results establish that sequence analysis of permethylated peptides by LC-MS can be achieved.
Microwave processing of electroceramic materials and devices

Microwave synthesis of nano-sized BaTiO3 and decrystallized titania, and microwave sintering of electroceramics including BaTiO3, Ba(Zn1/3Ta2/3)O3 (BZT), lead zirconate–titanate (i.e. Pb(Zr x Ti1−x )O3, or PZT), etc., as well as multilayer ceramic capacitors based on X7R, C0G, and ferrite multilayer chip inductors are presented. The results indicate that microwave processing significantly accelerated synthesis and sintering kinetics. As a result, processing time can be saved up to 90%, with the product properties comparable to or better than that of the conventional products.
Monoclonal Antibodies Directed Characterization of Epidermal and Hepatic Cytochrome P-450 Isozymes Induced by Skin Application of Therapeutic Crude Coal Tar

A single application of crude coal tar (CCT) solution (USP) to the skin of neonatal rats was shown to induce epidermal and hepatic cytochrome P-450(P-450)-dependent monooxygenase activities. To further characterize the induction response, in this study we have utilized highly specific monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) 1-7-1, 2-66-3, and 1-98-1 directed against highly purified rat liver P-450s induced by 3-methylcholanthrene, phenobarbital and ethanol, respectively. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of hepatic microsomes prepared from CCT-treated animals showed a significant increase in the commassie blue stainable proteins in the P-450 region; however, this was not evident in epidermal microsomes. Immunoblot analysis of epidermal and hepatic microsomes with MoAb 1-7-1 revealed strong immunoprecipitin brands in both tissues. MoAb 2-66-3 showed significant immunoreactivity only with hepatic microsomes. Interestingly, CCT treatment resulted in suppression of immunoreactivity with MoAb 1-98-1 in hepatic microsomes. MoAb 1-7-1 and 2-66-3 exhibited concentration-dependent inhibitory effects in aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase and 7-ethoxycoumarin-O-deethylase activities induced by CCT application. MoAb 1-7-1 was substantially more effective in this respect. Epidermal and hepatic mocrosomes prepared from CCT-treated rats showed significantly greater metabolism of benzo(a)pyrene (BP). MoAb 1-7-1 and MoAb 2-66-3 inhibited BP metabolism in both the tissues. However, MoAb 1-7-1 was more inhibitory in this regard as compared to MoAb2-66-3. These studies indicate that topical application of therapeutic CCT to the skin of neonatal rats results in induction of P-450 isozyme c in epidermis and isozymes b and c in liver, and that this induction is associated with the suppression of P-450 isozyme J in liver.
Neuromuscular function after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with autologous semitendinosus-gracilis graft.

Abstract Background: The quadrupled autologous semitendinosus-gracilis graft is the first choice of many orthopaedic surgeons when reconstructing the anterior cruciate ligament. The effect that this procedure has on voluntary muscle control remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect that anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with autologous semitendinosus-gracilis graft has on voluntary muscle control by assessing subjects' specificity of muscle action. Methods: The voluntary muscle control of 10 people (seven males, three females) with acute, isolated ACL ruptures was assessed in the days prior to when they underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with quadrupled autologous semitendinosus-gracilis grafts and after they had returned to play in sports requiring quick changes of direction and jumping (approximately 6 months later). The experimental protocol included the use of an established target-matching protocol that requires subjects to produce and modulate force with fine control, electromyographic recordings from 11 muscles about the knee, and the use of circular statistics to calculate specificity indices that describe the degree of focus (specificity) associated with the activity pattern of each muscle. Data were analyzed by performing pre-surgery and post-return to sports side-to-side comparisons, as well as, pre-surgery to post-surgery ipsilateral comparisons. Results: Diminished specificity of muscle action was observed in the activity patterns of most of the muscles of the subjects' anterior cruciate ligament deficient knees prior to surgery. The quadriceps muscles were particularly affected. Post-return to sports results indicated that voluntary muscle control had improved in most muscles. There was no significant difference in pre-surgery and post-return to sports semitendinosus and gracilis muscle control. The semimembranosus muscle displayed less specific muscle activity patterns following surgery, which may represent a compensation strategy for minor changes in neuromuscular function. Conclusions: Voluntary muscle control improved in most muscles following ACL reconstruction with semitendinosus-gracilis autografts. Semitendinosus and gracilis muscle control did not appear to be altered significantly by the procedure.
Microtremor observations of deep sediment resonance in metropolitan Memphis, Tennessee

We measured site resonance periods throughout metropolitan Memphis, Tennessee. The site-resonance was derived from recordings of ambient ‘microtremor’ and is a direct measurement of seismic ground shaking. In the Memphis metropolitan area, the period, T0 (in s) is predicted by the empirical relation T0=−0.39899+7.8922×10−3H−3.0634×10−6H2, [350<H<1100 m], where H is the thickness (in m) of the unconsolidated sediments that overly hard Paleozoic rocks. Assuming that a quarter-wavelength relationship governs the relationship between resonant period, sediment thickness, and average shear wave speed, we estimate the average shear wave speed of unconsolidated sediments as a function of sediment thicknesses: Vs=521.15+0.37459H [350<H<1100 m]. The scatter in the observations, and discordance with earlier work suggests that caution is warranted in applying these values of wave speed indiscriminately to sites in the absence of further detailed work.
Electric arc stabilization in crossed convective and magnetic fields.

Electric arc stabilization in crossed convective and magnetic fields, discussing column slanting relationship to widening near downstream electrode
Assessing impacts of unconventional natural gas extraction on microbial communities in headwater stream ecosystems in Northwestern Pennsylvania.

Hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling have increased dramatically in Pennsylvania Marcellus shale formations, however the potential for major environmental impacts are still incompletely understood. High-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was performed to characterize the microbial community structure of water, sediment, bryophyte, and biofilm samples from 26 headwater stream sites in northwestern Pennsylvania with different histories of fracking activity within Marcellus shale play. Further, we describe the relationship between microbial community structure and environmental parameters measured. Approximately 3.2 million 16S rRNA gene sequences were retrieved from a total of 58 samples. Microbial community analyses showed significant reductions in species richness as well as evenness in sites with Marcellus shale activity (MSA+). Beta diversity analyses revealed distinct microbial community structure between sites with and without Marcellus shale activity (MSA-). For example, OTUs within the Acetobacteracea, Methylocystaceae, Acidobacteriaceae, and Phenylobacterium were greater than three log-fold more abundant in MSA+ sites as compared to MSA- sites. Further, several of these OTUs were strongly negatively correlated with pH and positively correlated with the number of wellpads in a watershed. It should be noted that many of the OTUs enriched in MSA+ sites are putative acidophilic and/or methanotrophic populations. This study revealed apparent shifts in the autochthonous microbial communities and highlighted potential members that could be responding to changing stream conditions as a result of nascent industrial activity in these aquatic ecosystems.