cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Programmable Control of Column Selectivity for Temperature-Programmed GC

A computer-driven pressure controller connected to the junction point of a series-coupled ensemble of two capillary GC columns having different stationary-phase selectivity is used to obtain on-the-fly (programmable) changes in ensemble selectivity. Changes in the junction-point pressure result in differential changes in the local carrier gas velocity in the two columns, and this results in changes in the pattern of peaks eluting from the ensemble. When used with relatively fast temperature programming (30 degrees C/min), the pattern of eluting peaks can be very sensitive to the time at which a selectivity (junction-point pressure) change is implemented. These elution pattern changes are described for a set of six PCB congeners that elute with a small range of retention times. The components are considered as a group, and changes in their elution pattern are described for a single junction-point pressure change, which is implemented at various times after sample injection. If the pressure change is implemented after the components have migrated across the junction point, the final pressure has relatively little impact on the ensemble retention pattern. Pressure changes implemented prior to the components reaching the junction can have a large effect and usually result in a pattern of peaks similar to the pattern obtained when the final pressure is used for the entire separation. For pressure changes made when the group of components is near the junction point, the observed peak pattern may be very sensitive to the time of the pressure change. The time at which the junction-point pressure change occurs is varied in 1.0-s intervals. Artifacts such as peak doubling and peak focusing or broadening are observed if a migrating band is crossing the column junction point at the time of the programmed pressure change.
Investigation of the periodate oxidation of 2,3-dihydroxypropylcobalamin

Abstract The reaction between periodate and 2,3-dihydroxypropylcobalamin has been investigated in the pH range 3.5–7.5. At least three reactions were found to affect the rate of the appearance of vitamin B12a. Under conditions of excess cobalamin, the periodate reacts to give formylmethylcobalamin as evidenced by its rate of protolysis of the cobalt-carbon bond to give vitamin B12a. Under conditions of excess periodate, however, the reaction proceeds directly to vitamin B12a at a much faster rate. Finally at conditions of high pH (>6.2) the presence of the periodate species, H3IO6−2, degrades the vitamin B12a itself to give some bleached product. The rate law for this overall reaction is given and the rate constant is correlated with the steric strain around the cobalt-carbon bond.
Polycystic kidney disease: neoplasia in disguise.

SOLITARY CYSTS, localized fluid collections enclosed by a continuous layer of epithelium, are among the most common pathologic abnormalities observed in human kidneys. It now appears that all renal cysts derive from microscopic renal tubules that enlarge progressively, often to a diameter of several centimeters. The central processes in the initiation and progressive enlargement of cysts are proliferation of renal epithelial cells to form a diverticulum or a saccular expansion of the tubule wall, accumulation within the cyst cavity of fluid derived from glomerular filtrate or net transepithelial fluid secretion, and remodeling of extracellular matrix within and adjacent to the cyst wall. Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), a major inherited cause of renal failure, is characterized by progressive enlargement of kidneys filled with countless expanding cysts. ADPKD, autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD), and acquired cystic kidney disease (ACKD) resemble multi focal neoplastic disorders, except that in these renal conditions the "tumors" are filled with fluid rather than cells. This update summarizes the current status of studies to determine the etiology and the pathogenesis ofPKD.
Oxidation of heterocyclic nitrogen Ylids to nitro heterocycles. Comparison of a sulfilimine and a phosphine imine

Oxidation of 3-amino-4-(4-chlorophenyl)furazan (1) with peroxytrifluoroacetic acid (ptfa) gave azoxy(4-chlorophenylfurazan) (6) as the major product along with a small amount of 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-nitrofurazan (5). The dimethylsulfilimine 2 derived from 1 gave near quantitative yields of 5 when subjected to oxidation with either ptfa or m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid (mcpba). In contrast, both the trioctylphosphine imine 3 and the triphenylphosphine imine 4 derived from 1 were oxidized by mcpba to give 6 as the exclusive product.
Numerical study of optical absorption in two-dimensional metal-insulator and normal-superconductor composites☆

Abstract We analyze a random RLC lattice model for the optical properties of a two-dimensional normal metal-insulator composite, using the Y − Δ transformation algorithm developed by Frank and Lobb. Within such a model, the surface plasmon resonances of a Drude metal-insulator composite are modeled by the ac resonances of a random resistor-inductor-capacitor (RLC) network. The real part of the effective conductance is found to show a broad surface plasmon resonance peak below and above the threshold. An effective-medium (EM) calculation is in excellent agreement with the results of the simulations. We also calculate the far-infrared absorption in a model composite of normal metal and superconductor, using a lattice model. The absorption shows a strong absorption below the superconducting energy gap. An approximate calculation based on the EMA is again in excellent agreement with these results.
Brief announcement: strong scaling of matrix multiplication algorithms and memory-independent communication lower bounds

A parallel algorithm has perfect strong scaling if its running time on $P$ processors is linear in $1/P$, including all communication costs. Distributed-memory parallel algorithms for matrix multiplication with perfect strong scaling have only recently been found. One is based on classical matrix multiplication (Solomonik and Demmel, 2011), and one is based on Strassen's fast matrix multiplication (Ballard, Demmel, Holtz, Lipshitz, and Schwartz, 2012). Both algorithms scale perfectly, but only up to some number of processors where the inter-processor communication no longer scales. We obtain a memory-independent communication cost lower bound on classical and Strassen-based distributed-memory matrix multiplication algorithms. These bounds imply that no classical or Strassen-based parallel matrix multiplication algorithm can strongly scale perfectly beyond the ranges already attained by the two parallel algorithms mentioned above. The memory-independent bounds and the strong scaling bounds generalize to other algorithms.
Late Cretaceous truncation of the western Idaho shear zone in the central North American Cordillera

The Mesozoic boundary separating accreted oceanic rocks and continental North America in west-central Idaho forms a prominent right-angle bend, the origin and kinematic significance of which have had a great influence on models for the evolution of the North American Cordilleran orogen. Based on structural and geochronologic relations, we conclude that the bend in the steep crustal boundary is formed by the intersection of two shear zones with different ages. Structural fabrics of the north-striking western Idaho shear zone are overprinted by penetrative structures of the west-northwest–striking Orofino shear zone. U-Pb sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe ages on metaplutonic rocks and late synkinematic leucocratic dikes constrain the age of deformation in the Orofino shear zone to ca. 90–70 Ma, distinctly younger than ca. 120–90 Ma magmatism and deformation within the western Idaho shear zone. The Orofino shear zone is interpreted as a southwest-vergent contractional relay structure that linked basement-cored foreland thrusts of the Middle and Southern Rocky Mountains with the deep crustal duplex of the Shuswap complex in the Canadian Rockies. Truncation ca. 90 Ma terminated Late Cretaceous margin-parallel translation of terranes along the western Idaho shear zone and required displacement to step outboard to poorly understood structures to the west.
Characterization of a novel set of membrane antigens associated with axonal growth. I. Biochemical and functional studies

Abstract Crainin, a prominent 120 kDa laminin-binding protein of cell membranes, was originally identified and characterized by virtue of its ability to bind laminin directly in ligand-blotting assays. We have now raised polyclonal (‘3070’) and monoclonal antibodies (MAbs 4 and 199) against a partially purified preparation of cranin, and have characterized the properties and expression of the corresponding antigens in further detail. In immunoblots of E14 chick brain membranes, these antibodies all recognized a single major band migrating at approximately 125 kDa, with minor bands at 115 kDa and 170/180 kDa. The major 125 kDa antigen bound to laminin affinity beads in a divalent cation- and conformation-dependent manner. The 125 and 115 kDa bands were also the most prominent HNK-1 positive proteins detected overall within E14 chick brain membranes. MAbs 4 and 199 specifically inhibited the attachment of NG108-15 cells to low, but not high amounts of substratum-bound laminin. While the relation of 3070/MAb 4 antigens to cranin requires further elucidation, these data, together with evidence presented in the companion papers and elsewhere, suggest that the antigens are important in neural development by mediating at least some of the responses of neural cells to laminin — for example, by acting as a laminin receptor guiding axonal outgrowth and neuronal migration, or by involvement in the transport and binding of laminin to the surface of neurons and reactive glial cells that synthesize laminin.
Memories of Childhood Homes: Some Contributions of Environmental Autobiography to Interior Design Education and Research

Environmental autobiography is a written memoir of one's own life with emphasis on environmental aspects. This article proposes that environmental autobiography, in addition to its value as a self-learning process, can generate useful concepts for the programming phase in designing children's environments. Much of the limited knowledge about children's use of interior space is based on observational studies by adults. Environmental autobiography is a method for understanding more directly children's feelings about the places they inhabit. As self-reported data, environmental autobiography may yield insights into child-environment behaviors that might otherwise be ignored. Reentering the childhood experience can be a rich source of inspiration for interior design students. This article presents examples from students' environmental autobiographies collected over a 4-year period. A central theme of these accounts is the preference for small, enclosed spaces. This theme is discussed as it supports children's need for seclusion, exploration, and imagination.
A morphological examination of ceric ion and preirradiation acrylic acid‐grafted rayon fibers

Using the ceric ion and preirradiation methods, acrylic acid was grafted to rayon. The fiber used was large denier (50) continuous filament, particularly suited for examining changes in morphology and properties. The grafted fiber was given decrystallization treatments involving ZnCl2 and NaOH. Optimization studies conducted to seek maximum graft with minimum homopolymer formation has been published elsewhere.1 Also published earlier were the results of changes in mechanical and physical properties of the fiber resulting from the grafting and decrystallization treatments.2 Presented in this article are the results on the effects of these treatments on the structure and the morphology of the fiber. The structural features examined were the molecular orientation, crystallinity and crystalline orientation, and the surface morphology. Based on the results of this study and those of the earlier2, it was possible to develop and propose a model of fiber structure that fits the present fiber. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A hierarchical model for the complexity of plant communities

Abstract A hierarchical model for ecological community structure is proposed. The higher levels are not simply summations of lower levels but represent organizations requiring their own sets of explanatory principles. Terms become redefined in content or context with a change in level. Disturbance at a low level of organization may be a stabilizing force at higher levels without contradiction because the differences between the levels keep the two descriptions disjunct. Levels are defined by the filters used by the observer. Here two levels of organization are displayed in two separate principal component analyses of prairie permanent quadrats. Analyses of cover data display a level where fire is a perturbation, while analyses of presence data focus upon a level in which fire is incorporated as a stabilizing factor of a healthy prairie. The general implication for data transformation is that each transformation may be profitably viewed as a filtering operation that emphasizes structure of different grain size in the data. The effect is to cut into the biological structure at different levels of resolution so as to display structure at different levels of organization.
Relationships among three isolates of barley yellow dwarf virus.

Abstract Relationships among the MAV, PAV, and RPV isolates of the vector-dependent barley yellow dwarf virus, previously characterized mainly by virus-vector interactions, were investigated by two serological methods and by in vivo interactions. All tests showed a close relationship between MAV and PAV, but revealed that RPV was distinct from the other two isolates. In micro agar double-diffusion tests, homologous dilution end points were 1:4096 for antiserum specific for MAV and RPV and 1:2048 for PAV-antiserum. Minimum concentrations of virus detected in the agar diffusion tests were about 2.5 μg/ml for MAV and RPV and 5.0 μg/ml for PAV. In the latex agglutination test, homologous antigen titers were 0.02, 0.03, and 0.06 μg/ml for RPV, MAV, and PAV, respectively. Reactions between MAV and PAV and their heterologous antisera occurred in both kinds of serological tests. Agar double-diffusion spur patterns and cross absorption tests confirmed the serological relatedness of MAV and PAV, but showed that the two antigens were not identical. No reaction occurred when RPV, or antiserum specific for RPV, was used in heterologous reactions with MAV or PAV in more than 100 different tests. In one type of cross-absorption test, however, a reaction between RPV and PAV-antiserum was detected. When plants infected by one of the virus isolates were inoculated with a second isolate, reciprocal cross protection occurred in most tests between MAV and PAV when the second inoculation followed the first after at least 4 days. In parallel tests, no protection occurred between RPV and either MAV or PAV. Additional evidence for the marked difference between RPV and the other two viruses was increased disease severity when plants were doubly infected with RPV and either MAV or PAV.
Recent studies of electronic tuning of out of plane stiffness and dissipation of piezoelectric polymer membranes

Space structures would benefit greatly from an ability to tune the dissipation and stiffness of the structural element. This would provide a compromise between large passive systems, and complex, real-time, active control implementations. Different elements of a structure could be altered based on the loads that they experience. This study will focus on thin piezoelectric film strips connected in parallel with an electronic circuit which provides a "negative capacitance," and an electrical load consisting of a resistor and a capacitor. Due to the inverse piezoelectric effect, each film forms an electromechanical system in conjunction with the parallel circuit. The overall impedance of this system can be controlled by correctly varying gain parameters within the circuit. This work models the PVDF strips of non-vanishing thickness and stretched under a constant, boundary applied tension. Both flexural stiffness and in-plane tension are accounted for in setting up the partial differential equation of motion. Harmonic excitation was provided with an acoustic speaker driven by a wave form generator. Measurements of out-of-plane deflection at a chosen point were taken using an LED/photodiode pair, which was calibrated experimentally. The voltage developed between the electrodes was also measured. Theoretical and experimental results are analyzed and compared.
A kinetic model for nucleohistone-dependent DNA synthesis

A basse concentration de «template» et de deoxynucleoside triphosphate, la vitesse de synthese de DNA par la DNA polymerase deE. coli suit la loi simple de Michaelis. Les valeurs deK m et deV pour les reactions dependant de la nucleohistone sont plus basses que les valeurs pour les reactions dependant du DNA, mais les rapportsV/K m sont semblables. Les additions supplementaires de constituants du melange reactionnel de la polymerase n'ont eu qu'un tres faible effet sur le systeme dependant de la nucleohistone.
SELLING FRESHWATER PRAWN IN FOOD FESTIVALS: A MARKETING EXPERIMENT IN KENTUCKY

This paper evaluated consumer perceptions of cooked freshwater prawn sold in festivals. Data were collected from prawn consumers attending the Kentucky State Fair and Garrett's Festival (in Lexington, Kentucky) on knowledge of prawn, seafood consumption frequency, proclivity of purchasing locally grown food, etc. A conjoint experiment was conducted in which respondents rated nine hypothetical plates of cooked prawn, differing from one another by the number of prawns, price, cooking style, and the presence or absence of side items. Results from data analyses indicated that the Garrett's Festival respondents were more educated and had more knowledge of prawns than the State Fair respondents. The State Fair respondents, while indifferent to the prawn cooking style, considered the product's price to be more important than the Garrett's Festival respondents. All results suggest that vendors would be more successful in dedicated prawn festivals than participating in festivals of general interest, such as the St...
Memories of menarche: Older women remember their first period

Abstract In this article we interpret and analyze older women's (N=30) narratives surrounding their memories of menarche, or first menstrual period. Menarche is a normative maturational event accompanied by strong cultural interpretations and personal implications. The experiences of present cohorts of older women provide important insights into how the biological event of menarche is shaped by the personal, familial, socio-historical and cultural contexts in which it takes place. Older women have rarely been asked to reflect on this part of their lives, nor on their bodily experiences more generally. Our engagement in this exploratory, phenomenological project is centered on two theoretical approaches—feminist and life-span developmental. Three interconnected themes emerged from the narratives: shame and embarrassment; sexualization; and issues of power. In addition, the narratives illustrate that ordinary women find ways to negotiate, resist and cope with the powerful cultural messages and meanings associated with women's bodies and the things female bodies do.
2104 Differences in hemodynamics in the infra-renal aorta in mice and men: implications for the localization of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA)

Introduction In humans, abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) develop inferior to the renal arteries and end above the aortic bifurcation. The aorta superior to the renal artery is remarkably spared. Conversely, mouse models of AAA (including ApoE-/or LDL Receptor-/mice infused with AngII) exhibit AAA formation exclusively in the aorta superior to the renal arteries. Oscillatory wall shear stress (WSS) has been shown be important in the localization of atherosclerosis and has been implicated in AAA pathogenesis. Humans have a triphasic flow pattern (forward-reverseforward) in the infra-renal aorta that results in oscillatory WSS in that vascular segment (Figure 1). Hemodynamics of the human aorta have been studied extensively but similar studies in mice have not been done.
Heightened inflammasome activation is linked to age-related cognitive impairment in Fischer 344 rats

Background Members of the mammalian nucleotide binding domain, leucine-rich repeat (LRR)-containing receptor (NLR) family of proteins are key modulators of innate immunity regulating inflammation. Our previous work has shown that among the members of this family, NLRP1/NALP1, present in neurons, plays a crucial role in inflammasome formation and the production of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL) -1β and IL-18 after various types of central nervous system injury.
Long-lived time-dependent remnants during cosmological symmetry breaking: From inflation to the electroweak scale

Through a detailed numerical investigation in three spatial dimensions, we demonstrate that long-lived time-dependent field configurations emerge dynamically during symmetry breaking in an expanding de Sitter spacetime. We investigate two situations: a single scalar field with a double-well potential and an SU(2) non-Abelian Higgs model. For the single scalar, we show that large-amplitude oscillon configurations emerge spontaneously and persist to contribute about 1.2% of the energy density of the Universe. We also show that for a range of parameters, oscillon lifetimes are enhanced by the expansion and that this effect is a result of parametric resonance. For the SU(2) case, we see about 4% of the final energy density in oscillons.
Determination of the glial fibrillary acidic protein in human cerebrospinal fluid and in cyst fluid of brain tumors.

The glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) have been quantitatively determinated in over 200 samples of liquid content of brain tumours and in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of cases with various tumours of the cerebral nervous system. For establishing the GFAP value, the rocket radioimmunoelectrophoresis was used. The studies were performed in three series of patients. The GFAP value of fluids from 26 cysts of both neoplastic and non-neoplastic type had a wide range of 0,6 μg/ml to 40 μg/ml. Significant elevation of GFAP was usually recorded in fluid from cysts of anaplastic tumour with astroglial differentiation. In this series of 24 cases with various brain tumours, the GFAP value of the CSF ranged from 0,2 μg/ml to 50 μg/ml. In gliomas, as in astrocytoma and glioblastoma, these values were on a higher level, of over 4 μg/ml. In other tumours and in cerebral lesions of other aetiology, the GFAP values were lower, below 3 μg/ml and 0,3 μg/ml respectively.
A Method of Measuring the Temperature Profile of a Thermal Barrier Coating Using Inverse Radiative Heat Transfer Methods

Ceramic thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) are used in power generation and aerospace turbines to protect superalloy components from large and extended heat loads. These coatings allow for increased inlet temperatures, thereby increasing efficiency and reducing air cooling requirements. Knowledge of the temperature profile in a thermal barrier coating is critical for evaluating the TBC performance and monitoring its health, as well as for accurate simulation and modeling. Non-contact, non-destructive techniques for finding these temperature profiles are highly desirable. Current techniques are limited in that they cannot measure the entire temperature profile of the TBC along with its radiative properties. An inverse radiative heat transfer method capable of determining the temperature profile, as well as the spectral absorption coefficient and spectral emittance at various wavenumbers, of a TBC using non-contact techniques was developed. A model of the measurements of the intensity exiting the TBC, which account for the emission from the substrate as well as the emission and absorption of the TBC itself, was developed. The TBC was approximated as a one-dimensional, plane-parallel, non-scattering medium. Optimization methods were used to determine the desired parameters by minimizing the error between actual intensity measurements and those calculated from the model. This method was tested for a number of simulated measurements with and without measurement error. Even with 10% measurement error introduced, the base temperature of the TBC was determined with only 0.45% error while the error in the TBC surface temperature measurement was 3.36% and that in the spectral emittance of the bondcoat was 12%. The error in the spectral absorption coefficient was significant.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Studies in the Flotation of Colloidal Particulates: Effects of Aggregation in the Flotation Process

Abstract An experimental investigation is reported of the effects of several solution parameters on the flotation of colloidal kaolin and montmorillonite using ethylhexadecyldimethylammonium bromide. The parameters examined were the zeta potential of the surfactant-particulate species, the concentration of selected cations, pH, and the ratio of initial surfactant concentration to initial particulate concentration. Two apparatuses were used to assess the affect of aggregation on flotation; one employed bubbles of 1-2 mm average diameter to effect the flotation, while the other used bubbles of about 0.2 mm. In the large bubble system, aggregation adversely affected the flotation of the particulates. For the small bubble (0.2 mm) system, the affect of aggregation on the flotation of particulates was contrary to that in the large bubble (1-2 mm) system. These observations are explained in terms of bubble sizes and their attachment to the particulate species during the flotation process. Studies also showed th...
Passing Time: An Exploration of School Engagement among Puerto Rican Girls

This article presents data from an ethnographic study focused on the school engagement of Puerto Rican girls. I explore the school engagement of Puerto Rican girls through the metaphor of passing. The findings demonstrate that despite variation between individual girls in academic achievement, all of the girls in the study suffered negative consequences from the limited ways that school engagement was constructed at their school. I argue that to understand and address the opportunity and achievement gap between Puerto Rican girls and other students, we must pay close attention to how this group of students is passing their time at school and to what passes as school engagement.
HPLC and NMR Study of the Reduction of Sweet Whey Permeate

Sweet whey permeate was hydrogenated under high pressure and temperature with Raney Ni as a catalyst. Different reaction conditions, such as reaction time, amount of catalyst, and initial hydrogen pressure and temperature, were studied. The reaction mixtures were analyzed by HPLC and NMR. The major whey component, lactose (4-O-β-d-galactopyranosyl-d-glucose), was converted under these conditions to lactitol (4-O-β-d-galactopyranosyl-d-glucitol) to different degrees. Hydrolysis of lactose to galactose and glucose and further reduction was also observed over a wide temperature range, whereas isomerization of lactose to lactulose (4-O-β-d-galactopyranosyl-d-fructose) and subsequent reduction only occurred above 110 °C. With reaction time of 4 h, an initial hydrogen pressure of 1500 psi, 40.5 g of Raney Ni, and a temperature = 120 °C, sweet whey permeate (42%, 340 g) gives lactitol (85.2 %), lactulitol (1.7%), and sorbitol and dulcitol (0.8%) together with unreacted fat, protein, and salts (12.3%). Keywords: ...
The mutagenicities of safrole, estragole, eugenol, trans-anethole, and some of their known or possible metabolites for Salmonella typhimurium mutants.

Abstract Safrole, estragole, anethole, and eugenol and some of their known or possible metabolites were tested for mutagenic activity for S. typhimurium TA1535, TA100, and TA98. Highly purified 1′-hydroxyestragole and 1′-hydroxysafrole were mutagenic (approximately 15 and 10 revertants/μmole, respectively) for strain TA100 in the absence of fortified liver microsomes; trans-anethole and estragole appeared to have very weak activity. 3′-Hydroxyanethole was too toxic for an adequate test. Supplementation with NADPH-fortified rat-liver microsomes and cytosol converted 3′-hydroxyanethole to a mutagen(s) and increased the mutagenic activities for strain TA100 of 1′-hydroxyestragole, 1′-hydroxysafrole, estragole, and anethole. No mutagenicity was detected for safrole or eugenol with or without added NADPH-fortified liver preparations. The electrophilic 2′,3′-oxides of safrole, 1′-hydroxysafrole, 1′-acetoxysafrole, 1′-oxosafrole, estragole, 1′-hydroxyestragole, and eugenol showed dose-dependent mutagenic activities for strain TA1535 in the absence of fortified liver microsomes. These mutagenic activities ranged from about 330 revertants/μmole for 1′-oxosafrole-2′,3′-oxide to about 7000 revertants/μmole for safrole-2′,3′-oxide. The arylalkenes, their hydroxylated derivatives, or their epoxides did not show mutagenic activity for strain TA98, except for 1′-oxosafrole-2′,3′-oxide, which had weak activity. Since the arylalkenes are hydroxylated and/or epoxidized by hepatic microsomes, hydroxy and epoxide derivatives appear to be proximate and ultimate mutagenic metabolites, respectively, of the arylalkenes.
Radio-frequency energy delivery to the anal canal for the treatment of fecal incontinence.

PURPOSE: In this prospective study we investigated the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of radio-frequency energy delivery deep to the mucosa of the anal canal for the treatment of fecal incontinence. METHODS: We studied ten patients with fecal incontinence of varying causes. All patients underwent anoscopy, anorectal manometry, endorectal ultrasound, and pudendal nerve terminal motor latency testing at baseline and six months. The Cleveland Clinic Florida scale for fecal incontinence (Wexner, 0–20), fecal incontinence-related quality of life score, and Short Form 36 were administered at baseline, 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months. Using conscious sedation and local anesthesia, we delivered temperature-controlled radio-frequency energy via an anoscopic device with multiple needle electrodes to create thermal lesions deep to the mucosa of the anal canal. RESULTS: Ten females (age, 55.9 ± 9.2 years; range, 44–74) were enrolled and treated. Median discomfort by visual analog scale (0–10) was 3.8 during and 0.9 two hours after the procedure. Bleeding occurred in four patients (14–21 days after procedure), spontaneous resolution (n = 3) and anoscopic suture ligation (n = 1). At 12 months, the median Wexner score improved from 13.5 to 5 (P < 0.001), with 80 percent of patients considered responders. All parameters in the fecal incontinence-related quality of life were improved (lifestyle (from 2.3 to 3.4), coping (from 1.4 to 2.7), depression (from 2.2 to 3.5), and embarrassment (from 1.3 to 2.8); P < 0.05 for all parameters). Protective pad use was eliminated in five of the seven baseline users. At six months, there was a significant reduction in both initial and maximum tolerable rectal distention volumes. Anoscopy was normal at six months. CONCLUSION: Radio-frequency energy delivery to the anal canal for treatment of fecal incontinence is a new modality that, in this study group, safely improved Wexner and fecal incontinence-related quality of life scores, eliminated protective pad use in most patients, and improved patient quality of life.
Comparison of a dietary survey and the duplicate plate method for determining dietary fluoride ingested by young children: a pilot study.

Background Investigators have attempted to establish the diet's contribution to the total body burden of fluoride in response to a reported trend towards an increase in fluoride intake. Aim The aim of this study was to compare the suitability of two methods to collect dietary data for fluoride intake assessment. Design Assessments were made in 12 children using the duplicate plate and dietary diary methods following a randomized cross-over design. Foods and beverages were analysed for fluoride, and total fluoride intake per day was calculated. Results from each method were compared. Results Mean beverage fluoride intake was estimated at 316 +/- 120 and 422 +/- 195 microg/day utilizing the diary and duplicate plate methods, respectively. Mean food fluoride intake was estimated at 188 +/- 48 microg/day using the diary, whereas it was 130 +/- 41 microg using the duplicate plate method. Total fluoride intake was 504 +/- 138 and 552 +/- 192 microg/day utilizing the diary and duplicate methods. Large variations in daily fluoride intake from both beverages and food were observed between and within children. Conclusions Both methods had inherent shortcomings and sources of error. The duplicate method was more labour intensive and costly; however, the diary method required a large number of assumptions. A combination of both methods seems to be most suitable to obtain reliable data.
Plasma Barodiffusion in Inertial-Confinement-Fusion Implosions: Application to Observed Yield Anomalies in Thermonuclear Fuel Mixtures

The observation of large, self-generated electric fields ($\ensuremath{\ge}{10}^{9}\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{V}/\mathrm{m}$) in imploding capsules using proton radiography has been reported [C. K. Li et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 100, 225001 (2008)]. A model of pressure gradient-driven diffusion in a plasma with self-generated electric fields is developed and applied to reported neutron yield deficits for equimolar $\mathrm{D}^{3}\mathrm{He}$ [J. R. Rygg et al., Phys. Plasmas 13, 052702 (2006)] and $(\mathrm{DT})^{3}\mathrm{He}$ [H. W. Herrmann et al., Phys. Plasmas 16, 056312 (2009)] fuel mixtures and Ar-doped deuterium fuels [J. D. Lindl et al., Phys. Plasmas 11, 339 (2004)]. The observed anomalies are explained as a mild loss of deuterium nuclei near capsule center arising from shock-driven diffusion in the high-field limit.
Characterization of single and double fiber-coupled diffusing spheres

A fiber-optic sensor, consisting of an optical fiber with and without a 1.59-mm-diameter spherical ceramic tip, inserted into a 19-mm-diameter Spectralon sphere has been characterized. This sensor is evaluated as a large-area omnidirectional sensor. An optical transport measurement system that rotates the sphere about two axes has been designed. The system measured the UV transport efficiency at 351 nm of light impinging on the sphere with an f-6 cone angle. When a bare fiber was placed at the center of the target sphere, the detection sensitivity was biased in the forward direction. The peak of the sensitivity of the inverse integrating sphere shifted from front to back as the bare fiber was withdrawn from the sphere and the numerical aperture of the fiber viewed more of the scattering volume. The response function with respect to the angle of incidence of the dual sphere was much more uniform than that obtained with a bare fiber in the center of the sphere.
The effects of 100,000 observation data sets on the study of eclipsing binaries

Current technology permits acquisition of data sets consisting of 100,000 or more high precision observations of individual eclipsing binaries. This paper considers whether current light synthesis programs can easily process such data sets, and whether the underlying model for the binary system has sufficient physical accuracy.
Checking the adequacy of the gamma frailty model for multivariate failure times

SUMMARY Multivariate failure time data arise when the sample consists of clusters and each cluster contains several dependent failure times. The semiparametric gamma frailty model (Vaupel, Manton & Stallard, 1979; Clayton, 1978; Oakes, 1982) for multivariate failure times characterises the intracluster dependence by the gamma frailty distribution while allowing the marginal distributions to be unspecified. This paper develops both graphical and numerical techniques for checking the adequacy of this model. The proposed techniques are based on the posterior expectation of the frailty given the observable data. Two examples from genetics are provided.
Assembly of a micro-hotspot of caenogastropod endemism in the southern Nevada desert, with a description of a new species of Tryonia (Truncatelloidea, Cochliopidae)

Newly obtained and previously published sequences of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene were analyzed to examine the biogeographic assembly of the caenogastropod fauna (belonging to the families Assimineidae, Cochliopidae, and Hydrobiidae) of an isolated spring along the lower Colorado River in southern Nevada (Blue Point Spring). Based on available COI clock calibrations, the three lineages that comprise this fauna are 2.78–1.42 million years old, which is roughly coeval or slightly younger than the age of Blue Point Spring (inferred from local fossil spring deposits). Two of the lineages—endemic Pyrgulopsis coloradensis and Assiminea aff. infima—are most closely related to snails in the Death Valley area (well to the west) and likely colonized Blue Point Spring by transport on birds. A single haplotype was detected in both of these snails, suggesting that they may have only recently colonized Blue Point Spring. The third lineage—endemic Tryonia infernalis, newly described herein based on morphological and molecular evidence—is most closely related to a geographically proximal species in a lower Colorado River tributary (Tryonia clathrata); the split between these taxa may be the product of vicariance (severance of a prior drainage connection) or a separate jump dispersal event. The considerable genetic diversity in Tryonia infernalis (three haplotypes differing by 0.6% mean sequence divergence) suggests a possibly lengthy history of local differentiation. Our findings also identify Blue Point Spring as a new micro-hotspot of groundwater-dependent biodiversity in Nevada and will assist ongoing efforts to protect and conserve these imperiled ecosystems.
Vertical dust mixing and the interannual variations in the Mars thermosphere

[1] Mars winter polar warming is a phenomenon of the lower thermosphere temperatures and densities that is well documented by in situ accelerometer data taken during spacecraft aerobraking maneuvers. Previous work by Bougher et al. (2006) simulates two specific time periods, corresponding to existing aerobraking data sets, and confirms the existence of winter polar warming structures in the Martian upper atmosphere, using the coupled Mars General Circulation Model–Mars Thermosphere General Circulation Model (MGCM-MTGCM). The present work investigates the underlying mechanisms that drive winter polar warming in three major studies: (1) a systematic analysis of vertical dust mixing in the lower atmosphere and its impact upon the dynamics of the lower thermosphere (100–130 km), (2) an interannual investigation utilizing 3 years of lower atmosphere infrared (IR) dust optical depth data acquired by the Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) instrument on board Mars Global Surveyor (MGS), and finally (3) a brief study of the MTGCM’s response to variations in upward propagating waves and tides from the lower atmosphere. From the first study, we find that the vertical dust mixing greatly modifies the simulated winter polar warming features in the MTGCM’s thermosphere at both solstice seasons. Furthermore, this sensitivity study confirms that an interhemispheric Hadley circulation and the concomitant adiabatic heating rates are the primary causes for these winter polar warming structures. From the second study, we find that as revealed in the lower atmosphere by Liu et al. (2003), the polar lower thermosphere exhibits a high degree of variability at LS = 270, with reduced yet significant variability at LS = 090. Finally, the third numerical experiment indicates, as was found in the lower atmosphere by Wilson (1997), that upward propagating waves and tides allow meridional flows to access the thermosphere’s winter polar latitudes. This last investigation also indicates that the Hadley circulation responsible for thermospheric winter polar warming originates in the lower atmosphere and extends high into the upper atmosphere. In summary, these new efforts establish a baseline numerical study upon which more comprehensive model-to-data comparisons may be conducted for the Martian thermosphere.
Phospholipase A2 mechanism: Inhibition and role in arachidonic acid release

The role of phospholipases in cellular activation and arachidonic acid production for prostaglandin and leukotriene biosynthesis is reviewed. Particular emphasis is placed on the function of phospholipase A2 in the processes. The experimental basis of our current state of knowledge of the mechanism of action of the pure, extracellular phospholipase A2 is considered in detail. Experimental approaches dealing with lipid activation, surface dilution kinetics, and enzyme aggregation are considered, and the “dual phospholipid model” for phospholipase A2 action at the lipid/water interface is described in detail. The kinetic analysis of phospholipase A2 inhibitors, including p-bromophenacylbromide, manoalide, and an alkylether amide analogue of phosphatidylcholine, is considered in light of this model.
High-power high-wall plug efficiency mid-infrared quantum cascade lasers based on InP/GaInAs/InAlAs material system

The latest result at the Center for Quantum Devices about high power, high wall plug efficiency, mid-infrared quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) is presented. At an emitting wavelength of 4.8 μm, an output power of 3.4 W and a wall plug efficiency of 16.5% are demonstrated from a single device operating in continuous wave at room temperature. At a longer wavelength of 10.2 μm, average power as high as 2.2 W is demonstrated at room temperature. Gas-source molecular beam epitaxy is used to grow the QCL core in an InP/GaInAs/InAlAs material system. Fe-doped semiinsulating regrowth is performed by metal organic chemical vapor deposition for efficient heat removal and low waveguide loss. This accomplishment marks an important milestone in the development of high performance midinfrared QCLs.
TH‐E‐L100F‐02: Using Computer Simulation to Assess Image Quality in Tomographic Breast Imaging

Annual screening with mammography is the best known method for early detection of breast carcinoma and is known to reduce breast cancer mortality by approximately 25%. Nonetheless, the diagnostic accuracy of mammography is not perfect. Studies have shown that 30% of cancers are not detected, and 70–90% of biopsies recommended based on mammographic studies turn out to be negative. One of the limiting problems with mammography is that the recorded 2D image represents the superposition of the 3D breast, thus normal anatomical breast structure can combine with useful diagnostic information in such a way to impede visualization of breast tumors. One technique for improving visualization of breast tissue is tomographic imaging of the breast. There has been much interest of late in tomographic breast imaging methods such as tomosynthesis and computed tomography(CT). Tomographic breast imaging systems are complex imaging devices, and there are a number of system and acquisition parameters that should be evaluated for optimal performance. One powerful approach for optimizing and evaluating such systems is to use computer simulationmodels. This presentation will discuss a computer simulation methodology developed to model tomographic breast imaging modalities using a cesium iodine (CsI ) based amorphous silicon flat‐panel detector. The simulation is divided into three stages: 1) modeling the x‐ray spectra typically used for each modality, and scaling the x‐ray fluence to provide the appropriate radiation dose, 2) determining the x‐ray transmission through the breast model, and 3) modeling the signal and noise propagation through the CsI based detector. Another important aspect that will be discussed is the modeling of 3D breast structure and breast tumors. Examples showing how this computer simulation can be used to evaluate tomographic breast imaging systems will be presented. Educational Objectives: 1. To understand the issues involved in developing computermodels for tomographic flat‐panel breast imaging systems. 2. To understand the issues involved in developing 3D breast tissue and tumormodels. 3. To learn about how computer simulationmodels can be used in exploring tomographic breast imaging systems.
Regularity of the Green's operator on abstract Wiener space☆

Let G be the Green's operator for the Laplacian on an abstract Wiener space (H, B, i). For a Lip-α (0 < α < 1) function f of bounded support in B it is shown that the mapping x → the second H derivative of Gf, with the Hilbert-Schmidt norm on the range space, is in Lip β for all 0 < β < 1. This estimate holds uniformly on bounded subsets of B.
Use of a stepping motor for scanning analytical ultracentrifuge images

Abstract A stepping motor has been attached to the photoelectric scanner of an analytical ultracentrifuge so that the photomuliplier can be advanced in discrete steps. Use of the stepping motor increases the accuracy of scanner operation in two ways: First, it allows very precise positioning of the photomultiplier so that the radial position under observation can be more accurately detemined. Second, the photomultiplier can be kept at each position for as long as desired. Under conditions in which the photomultiplier signal is weak—such as high sample concentrations or at wavelengths below 250 nm—this ability to remain at a defined position allows the operator to take an average reading over a reasonable period of time and avoids recorder artifacts that accompany electronic noise suppression. At a wavelength of 278 nm, each step corresponds to a distance of 8.7 μ in the cell. Since the step size is known and since the photomultiplier is held at each position for an indefinite length of time, rotor precession can be measured accurately and conveniently. Finally, the stepping motor will be useful with on-line computer-directed sedimentation analysis.
Using multi-criteria modeling and simulation to achieve lean goals

Lean principles require the identification of an ideal system state along with an associated policy to achieve that state. This paper discusses the use of multi-criteria models in conjunction with optimization procedures and simulation in order to identify an ideal system state and associated policy. An illustration involving the determination of a replenishment policy for a distribution system is described.
The Composition of “Cu(II)-Poly(3-Methylthiophene) Conducting Polymer” Electrodes

Abstract The electrode material formed on the chemical polymerization of 3-methylthiophene using Cu(II) salts as catalysts had been previously reported to be a poly(3-methylthiophene) incorporating coordinately bound Cu(II). Further examination of the nature and composition of this material by FTIR, EPS, elemental analysis and cyclic voltammetry reported here shows that this material is actually a composity of Cu(I) and Cu(II) cyanide in a matrix containing poly(3-methylthiophene).
A two-genome microarray for the rice pathogens Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae and X. oryzae pv. oryzicola and its use in the discovery of a difference in their regulation of hrp genes

Background Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) and X. oryzae pv. oryzicola (Xoc) are bacterial pathogens of the worldwide staple and grass model, rice. Xoo and Xoc are closely related but Xoo invades rice vascular tissue to cause bacterial leaf blight, a serious disease of rice in many parts of the world, and Xoc colonizes the mesophyll parenchyma to cause bacterial leaf streak, a disease of emerging importance. Both pathogens depend on hrp genes for type III secretion to infect their host. We constructed a 50–70 mer oligonucleotide microarray based on available genome data for Xoo and Xoc and compared gene expression in Xoo strains PXO99A and Xoc strain BLS256 grown in the rich medium PSB vs. XOM2, a minimal medium previously reported to induce hrp genes in Xoo strain T7174.