cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of contaminants in CO2 lasers.

A theoretical model which includes the effects of contaminants is developed for the high flow electric discharge CO2-N2-He laser. The model couples the excitation and relaxation processes, CO2 dissociation, and negative ion formation with the flow processes. An analysis of the effects of CO, O2, NO, and N2O impurities on the average small signal gain is presented. CO decreases the gain by collisional depopulation of the upper laser level, and O2, NO, and N2O reduce the gain by decreasing the electron density by forming stable negative ions. In particular, N2O exhibits a strong quenching effect because of its large dissociation cross section for the formation of O(-).
Affinity labeling of bovine opsin by trans-retinoyl chloromethane

Abstract All-trans-retinoyl chloromethane is a potent irreversible inactivator of bovine opsin in retinal rod outer segments. The inactivation appears to be due to specific modification of the apoprotein at the 11-cis-retinaldehyde binding site. The reaction follows pseudo first order kinetics at 37°C. A moderate dissociation constant for the initial reversible complex of 6.1 mM could be derived with a first order rate constant of 1.8×10−1 min−1 for the conversion to the irreversible inactivated form. Native rhodopsin or rhodopsin regenerated from opsin by addition of 11-cis-retinaldehyde is completely protected against inactivation by trans-retinoyl chloromethane. All-trans-retinaldehyde does not provide this protection for the irreversible inactivation.
Hematologic disorders and nonimmune hydrops fetalis

Hematologic disorders are implicated in approximately 10% to 27% of cases of nonimmune hydrops fetalis. In almost all of these disorders, anemia leading to heart failure, edema, ascites, and anasarca is the final common denominator. The etiology of the anemia in these cases can be conveniently divided into two categories: (1) excessive erythrocyte loss by hemolysis or hemorrhage, and (2) erythrocyte underproduction. The former include intrinsic erythrocyte abnormalities such as α-thalassemia and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, and conditions with excessive fetal blood loss such as fetomaternal hemorrhage and twin-twin transfusion. The latter include bone marrow replacement syndromes and conditions associated with failure of erythrocyte production. The presentation, diagnosis, and management of hematologic disorders associated with nonimmune hydrops fetalis are reviewed.
Treatment of Nasopharyngeal Stenosis by Prosthetic Hollow Stents: Clinical Experience in Eight Patients

Abstract Objective: A series of nasopharyngeal appliance designs is presented that represents our evolving experience over a 20-year period in the adjunctive use of prosthetic stents in the surgical correction of nasopharyngeal stenosis. Design: Retrospective assessment of effectiveness of two nasopharyngeal stenosis hollow stent designs in a consecutive series of patients for relief of nasal obstructive symptoms. Setting: Tertiary academic medical center, Craniofacial Program at Children's Hospital. Patients: Four patients with nasopharyngeal stenosis were treated with a preoperatively fabricated stent made from a clasped palatal appliance onto which hollow acrylic conduits were extended through surgically re-created pharyngeal ports. A subsequent set of four patients with nasopharyngeal stenosis were treated with intraoperatively-fashioned silastic grommets, as opposed to palatal appliances. Interventions: Postoperative intraoral stenting of nasopharyngeal ports. Main Outcome Measures: Maintenance of ph...
Bound acetyl cholinesterase in the central nervous system of Acheta domesticus (L.) (Orthoptera)

Three of eight esterases separable by acrylamide gel electrophoresis of homogenates of central nervous tissue from Acheta domesticus are true acetyl cholinesterases as determined by substrate preference and inhibition with eserine. A major portion of the three cholinesterases occurs in a form which is activated by treatment with the detergent Triton X-100. Triton X-100 has been shown to release bound hydrolases from vesicles, e.g. lysosomes, but in this case may be liberating acetyl cholinesterase from the cell surface where it has been demonstrated by recent electron microscope studies.
Synthesis, structure determination, and spectroscopic/computational characterization of a series of Fe(II)-thiolate model complexes: implications for Fe-S bonding in superoxide reductases.

A combined synthetic/spectroscopic/computational approach has been employed to prepare and characterize a series of Fe(II)−thiolate complexes that model the square-pyramidal [Fe(II)(NHis)4(SCys)] structure of the reduced active site of superoxide reductases (SORs), a class of enzymes that detoxify superoxide in air-sensitive organisms. The high-spin (S = 2) Fe(II) complexes [(Me4cyclam)Fe(SC6H4-p-OMe)]OTf (2) and [FeL]PF6 (3) (where Me4cyclam = 1,4,8,11-tetramethylcyclam and L is the pentadentate monoanion of 1-thioethyl-4,8,11-trimethylcyclam) were synthesized and subjected to structural, magnetic, and electrochemical characterization. X-ray crystallographic studies confirm that 2 and 3 possess an N4S donor set similar to that found for the SOR active site and reveal molecular geometries intermediate between square pyramidal and trigonal bipyramidal for both complexes. Electronic absorption, magnetic circular dichroism (MCD), and variable-temperature variable-field MCD (VTVH-MCD) spectroscopies were util...
Protein binding of warfarin enantiomers in serum of humans and rats

The protein binding of racemic14C-warfarin and3H-S(-)-warfarin was determined in individual undiluted serum samples from 31 human subjects and 11 rats. The free fraction value of the R(+) enantiomer was determined indirectly from the free fraction values of the S(−) enantiomer and racemic warfarin, a method which was verified by direct determination of the free fraction of R(+)-warfarin with the unlabeled compound at higher concentrations. The ratio (mean±sd)of free fraction values, R(+):S(−), was 1.32±0.256in man and 1.56±0.351 in the rat;the difference between species is statistically significant (p<0.025).This ratio was independent of the free fraction value of either enantiomer even though there were pronounced intersubject differences in serum protein binding of the anticoagulant. S(−)-Warfarin is eliminated more rapidly than the R(+) enantiomer in man, while the opposite occurs in rats. The results of this study rule out a species difference in serum protein binding as a factor contributing to the difference in elimination kinetics but help to explain the strong correlation in the elimination kinetics of the two enantiomers in individual rats.
Enhancement of the antioxidants ergothioneine and selenium in Pleurotus eryngii var. eryngii basidiomata through cultural practices

Antioxidants are molecules that may reverse, prevent or slow cellular damage caused by free radicals. Increasing dietary intake of antioxidants is thought to reduce oxidative stress that may contribute to the development of several diseases. Mushrooms are known to contain antioxidants such as selenium, ergothioneine and phenolics that may serve this role. Here we sought to enhance selenium and ergothioneine concentration in Pleurotus eryngii var. eryngii basidiomata by modifying the techniques used for their commercial cultivation. To enhance selenium content in mushrooms, substrates were supplemented with sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) to reach selenium concentrations of 5 and 10 μg/g. Basidiomata of one commercial isolate (WC888) accumulated selenium up to 4.6 and 9.3 μg/g (d.w.), respectively. Therefore, a serving size (85 g) of fresh P. eryngii mushrooms produced on substrates supplemented with 5 and 10 μg/g of Na2SeO3 would supply 70.4 and 116.3% of the daily value of selenium (DV = 70 μg), respectively. Since selenium-enriched mushrooms would supply more than 20% of the DV, they could be considered an excellent source of selenium. Ergothioneine concentration was enhanced in mushrooms produced on low-moisture (55%) substrate compared to the commonly used 60% (high-moisture) in commercial cultivation. Mushrooms produced on low-moisture substrate had ergothioneine concentrations of 3.0 mg/g, while mushrooms produced on high-moisture substrate contained 2.2 mg/g or less. Use of a casing overlay for mushroom production resulted in significant yield increases on low-moisture substrate but not on high-moisture substrate.
Contamination of KBr Pellets by Plastic Mixing Vials

Potassium bromide is widely used as a matrix material in infrared spectroscopy (1). In fact, the KBr pressed pellet technique has almost completely supplanted the mineral oil-mull technique in some laboratories. The KBr method has several inherent advantages such as absence of interfering absorption bands, reproducible concentrations, and use of small 1-2 mg. samples. However, as with any method of sample preparation, the KBr technique has limitations and difficulties. For instance, unusual or misleading effects have been noted in this technique due to grinding (2), pressing (3), and interactions between the solid sample and matrix (4,5). The difficulty of preparing a homogeneous sample seems to have been solved by the use of the mechanical vibrator (6,7).
Genetic dissection of phosphate- and vitamin D-mediated regulation of circulating Fgf23 concentrations.

Abstract Fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) is a circulating factor that plays critical roles in phosphate and vitamin D metabolism. The goal of our studies was to dissect the pathways directing the vitamin D–phosphate–FGF23 homeostatic axis. To test the role of diet in the regulation of Fgf23, wild-type (WT) mice were fed either a standard (0.44% phosphorus) or a low-phosphate (0.02%) diet. WT mice on standard diet had a serum phosphate of 9.5 ± 0.3 mg/dl and an Fgf23 concentration of 99.0 ± 10.6 pg/ml; mice on the low-phosphate diet had a phosphate of 5.0 ± 0.2 mg/dl ( P P −/− ) mice, which are hypocalcemic and hypophosphatemic secondary to hyperparathyroidism. On standard diets, WT and VDR +/− mice had Fgf23 levels of 106.0 ± 30.7 and 90.6 ± 17.3 pg/ml, respectively, whereas Fgf23 was undetectable in the VDR −/− . Animals were then placed on a diet that normalizes serum calcium and phosphorus. This ‘rescue’ increased Fgf23 in WT to 192.3 ± 32.5 pg/ml and in VDR +/− to 388.2 ± 89.6pg/ml, and importantly, in VDR −/− to 476.9 ± 60.1 pg/ml ( P −/− mice. In summary, Fgf23 is suppressed in diet-induced hypophosphatemia and in hypophosphatemia associated with secondary hyperparathyroidism. Normalization of serum phosphate by diet in VDR −/− mice increases Fgf23. Thus, our results demonstrate that Fgf23 is independently regulated by phosphate and by vitamin D.
Contribution of SAM and HD domains to retroviral restriction mediated by human SAMHD1.

The human SAMHD1 protein is a novel retroviral restriction factor expressed in myeloid cells. Previous work has correlated the deoxynucleotide triphosphohydrolase activity of SAMHD1 with its ability to block HIV-1 and SIVmac infection. SAMHD1 is comprised of the sterile alpha motif (SAM) and histidine–aspartic (HD) domains; however the contribution of these domains to retroviral restriction is not understood. Mutagenesis and deletion studies revealed that expression of the sole HD domain of SAMHD1 is sufficient to achieve potent restriction of HIV-1 and SIVmac. We demonstrated that the HD domain of SAMHD1 is essential for the ability of SAMHD1 to oligomerize by using a biochemical assay. In agreement with previous observations, we mapped the RNA-binding ability of SAMHD1 to the HD domain. We also demonstrated a direct interaction of SAMHD1 with RNA by using enzymatically-active purified SAMHD1 protein from insect cells. Interestingly, we showed that double-stranded RNA inhibits the enzymatic activity of SAMHD1 in vitro suggesting the possibility that RNA from a pathogen might modulate the enzymatic activity of SAMHD1 in cells. By contrast, we found that the SAM domain is dispensable for retroviral restriction, oligomerization and RNA binding. Finally we tested the ability of SAMHD1 to block the infection of retroviruses other than HIV-1 and SIVmac. These results showed that SAMHD1 blocks infection of HIV-2, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), bovine immunodeficiency virus (BIV), Equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV), N-tropic murine leukemia virus (N-MLV), and B-tropic murine leukemia virus (B-MLV).
Fluorescence microscopy for visualization of soil microorganisms—a review

Direct microscopic observation of microorganisms is an important tool in many microbial studies. Such observations have been reported for Protozoa, fungi, inoculated bacteria, and rhizosphere microorganisms but few studies have focused on indigenous bacteria and their spatial relationship within various microhabitats. Principles and applications of epifluorescence microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy for visualization of soil microorganisms in situ are reviewed. Both cationic and anionic dyes (also commonly referred to as fluorochromes if they are fluorescent) have been used based on their ability to bind to specific cellular components of microbial cells. Common fluorochromes used for imaging of microbial cells include acridine orange, ethidium bromide, fluorescein isothiocyanate, 5-(4,6-dichlorotriazinyl) aminofluorescein, 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole, europium chelate, magnesium salt of 8-anilino-1-naphthalene sulfonic acid, and calcofluor white M2R. Combining fluorescence staining techniques with soil thin section technology allows one to obtain images of microorganisms in situ. Soil texture and the procedures used for resin embedding are important factors affecting the quality of stained soil thin sections. Indeed, general limitations of applying fluorescence microscopy to soil ecological studies are the non-specific binding of dyes to the soil matrix and the autofluorescence of some soil components. The development of fluorescent in situ hybridization and confocal laser scanning microscopy techniques provides new potential for microbial distribution studies.
Multiscale Simulation of Nucleation-limited Viral Capsid Assembly

Viral capsids provide a striking example of the complexity and diversity in self-assembled biological systems. Computer simulations of capsids therefore serve as a valuable test bed for understanding and predicting the behavior of complicated macromolecular self-assembly in general. Previous work in our lab has focused on investigating pathway usage in model capsid assembly systems across broad parameter ranges primarily using models based on the stochastic simulation algorithm (SSA). The standard SSA, though, can become highly inefficient for multi-timescale problems, where important events occur in parallel and at a much slower rate than other relatively unimportant events. Recently, we have devised two new algorithms based on the spectral analysis of Continuous Time Markov Model (CTMM) graphs to accelerate sampling of rare events in SSA models. These methods are well suited for simulating a broad class of “stiff” reaction networks, including some important parameter domains for modeling self-assembly of nucleation-limited systems. We demonstrate these methods for use in modeling nucleation events and multi-bond dissociation events, important issues in accurately modeling capsid-like assembly near the critical concentration. We are now applying these methods to develop more accurate and efficient models of capsid assembly at low (in vitro) concentrations.
Opial type inequalities for cosine and sine operator functions

Various L p form Opial type inequalities are given for cosine and sine operator functions with applications.
Electrochemical impedance biosensor with electrode pixels for precise counting of CD4+ cells: a microchip for quantitative diagnosis of HIV infection status of AIDS patients.

Abstract Oriented for the quantitative diagnosis of HIV infection status of AIDS patients, a cell biosensor based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy has been developed for the precise counting of human CD4 + cells. In this new biosensor, the sensing area was composed of densely packed working electrode pixels, each of which was comparable to a single CD4 + cell in size. CD4 + cells were captured on the chemically modified electrode pixels, and detected individually by monitoring the interfacial impedance changes on each independent pixel. The detection of a single cell was achieved by the “on” and “off” states of electrode pixel, depending on the cell capture status. The cell counting was digitalized by summing the electrode pixels in the “on” state (captured with a single cell). Compared with peer counting methods, the biosensor reported here was featured with a small device dimension, a minimal sample consumption, a finest detection resolution and a highest counting accuracy.
The Arabidopsis translatome cell-specific mRNA atlas : Mining suberin and cutin lipid monomer biosynthesis genes as an example for data application

Plants consist of distinct cell types distinguished by position, morphological features and metabolic activities. We recently developed a method to extract cell-type specific mRNA populations by immunopurification of ribosome-associated mRNAs. Microarray profiles of 21 cell-specific mRNA populations from seedling roots and shoots comprise the Arabidopsis Translatome dataset. This gene expression atlas provides a new tool for the study of cell-specific processes. Here we provide an example of how genes involved in a pathway limited to one or few cell-types can be further characterized and new candidate genes can be predicted. Cells of the root endodermis produce suberin as an inner barrier between the cortex and stele, whereas the shoot epidermal cells form cutin as a barrier to the external environment. Both polymers consist of fatty acid derivates, and share biosynthetic origins. We use the Arabidopsis Translatome dataset to demonstrate the significant cell-specific expression patterns of genes involved in those biosynthetic processes and suggest new candidate genes in the biosynthesis of suberin and cutin.
Intramuscular hand neuroprosthesis for chronic stroke survivors.

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of a percutaneous band neuroprosthesis system for stroke survivors. Case reports of 4 chronic stroke survivors who were implanted with percutaneous intramuscular electrodes in various muscles of the forearm for hand grasp and release are presented. A percutaneous hand neuroprosthesis was able to open a spastic hemiparetic hand as long as the upper limb was in a resting position, the wrist and proximal forearm were supported, participants did not try to assist the stimulation, and an individual other than the participant modulated the stimulation. However, when participants tried to assist the stimulation or complete a functional task, hand opening was significantly reduced due to increased finger flexor hypertonia, even with increased stimulation intensity. Similarly, electrically stimulated hand opening was significantly reduced following voluntary hand closure. Techniques that provide real-time modulation of hypertonia with closed loop control, con...
Effects of Traffic Noise on Occupancy Patterns of Forest Birds

Noise may drive changes in the composition and abundance of animals that communicate vocally. Traffic produces low-frequency noise (<3 kHz) that can mask acoustic signals broadcast within the same frequency range. We evaluated whether birds that sing within the frequency range of traffic noise are affected by acoustic masking (i.e., increased background noise levels at the same frequency of vocalizations reduce detection of vocalization) and are less abundant in areas where traffic noise is loud (44-57 dB). We estimated occupancy, the expected probability that a given site is occupied by a species, and detection probabilities of eight forest-breeding birds in areas with and without traffic noise as a function of noise and three measures of habitat quality: percent forest cover, distance from plot center to the edge of forest, and the number of standing dead trees or snags. For the two species that vocalize at the lowest peak frequency (the frequency with the most energy) and the lowest overall frequency (Yellow-billed Cuckoo [Coccyzus americanus] and White-breasted Nuthatch [Sitta carolinensis]), the presence of traffic noise explained the greatest proportion of variance in occupancy, and these species were 10 times less likely to be found in noisy than in quiet plots. For species that had only portions of their vocalizations overlapped by traffic noise, either forest cover or distance to forest edge explained more variation in occupancy than noise or no single variable explained occupancy. Our results suggest that the effects of traffic noise may be especially pronounced for species that vocalize at low frequencies.
Amphiphiles I have known

Abstract This paper depicts twenty-five amphiphilic systems synthesized in our laboratory while reviewing the essential properties of ten of them.
Socio-economic status, neighbourhood food environments and consumption of fruits and vegetables in New York City.

Objective Recommendations for fruit and vegetable consumption are largely unmet. Lower socio-economic status (SES), neighborhood poverty and poor access to retail outlets selling healthy foods are thought to predict lower consumption. The objective of this study was to assess the inter-relationships between these risk factors as predictors of fruit and vegetable consumption.
How Cardiologists Present the Benefits of Percutaneous Coronary Interventions to Patients With Stable Angina A Qualitative Analysis

Importance Patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) attribute greater benefit to percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) than indicated in clinical trials. Little is known about how cardiologists’ presentation of the benefits and risks may influence patients’ perceptions. Objectives To broadly describe the content of discussions between patients and cardiologists regarding angiogram and PCI for stable CAD, and to describe elements that may affect patients’ understanding. Design, Setting, and Participants Qualitative content analysis of encounters between cardiologists and patients with stable CAD who participated in the Verilogue Point-of-Practice Database between March 1, 2008, and August 31, 2012. Transcripts in which angiogram and PCI were discussed were retrieved from the database. Patients were aged 44 to 88 years (median, 64 years); 25% were women; 50% reported symptoms of angina; and 6% were taking more than 1 medication to treat angina. Main Outcomes and Measures Results of conventional and directed qualitative content analysis. Results Forty encounters were analyzed. Five major categories and subcategories of factors that may affect patients’ understanding of benefit were identified: (1) rationale for recommending angiogram and PCI (eg, stress test results, symptoms, and cardiologist’s preferences); (2) discussion of benefits (eg, accurate discussion of benefit [5%], explicitly overstated benefit [13%], and implicitly overstated benefit [35%]); (3) discussion of risks (eg, minimization of risk); (4) cardiologist’s communication style (eg, humor, teach-back, message framing, and failure to respond to patient questions); and (5) patient and family member contributions to the discussion. Conclusions and Relevance Few cardiologists discussed the evidence-based benefits of angiogram and PCI for stable CAD, and some implicitly or explicitly overstated the benefits. The etiology of patient misunderstanding is likely multifactorial, but if future quantitative studies support the findings of this hypothesis-generating analysis, modifications to cardiologists’ approach to describing the risks and benefits of the procedure may improve patient understanding.
Short Note: Maskless shaping of gold stud bumps as high aspect ratio microstructures

Micro/nanoimprinting is a simple and economical way of patterning polymeric structures over large areas. This paper seeks to extend this technique to fabricate three dimensional (3D) metallic microstructures, even in trenches and constrained areas using a flip chip bonder in conjunction with a wire bonder. In this two step process, gold stud bumps were placed first on sputtered metal at appropriate locations using a wire bonder capillary tool. The second step involved flattening of the said gold bump followed by in situ restructuring into high aspect ratio microstructures using deep reactive ion etched (DRIE) silicon molds coated with an anti-stiction agent. This process produced microstructures of differing geometries and sizes ranging in height from 1-50@mm and aspect ratios from a low 0.3:1 to as much as 4:1 (with uniformity). The data obtained for 26 different templates, with varying imprint areas, were analyzed and a strong correlation of 1.62X (SD=0.3) was observed between the force applied and the heights of the resulting microstructures. Final microstructure yield enhancement was around 70% with this technique in comparison to the traditional electroplating through mask approach.
Simple Tuning Algorithm improvements for fuzzy logic controllers

Simple Tuning Algorithm is a methodology designed to improve the desired response of a fuzzy controller in an intuitive way. In this paper several new changes to this methodology are included, to reduce the effects of the overshot of the previous version and redesign the rules to apply in dynamical systems with different damping factors. In this version, the simplicity is maintained, to reach a broader universe of readers without automatic control or fuzzy logic knowledge. Some experiments with different dynamics confirm the performance of the new methodology.
Pricing Default Risk in Mortgages

This paper examines the valuation of fixed-rate mortgages and the pricing of insurance against default on such mortgages. Both the mortgage and the insurance are treated as compound European put options. A put is the right, but not the obligation, to turn over an asset to another party for a specified payment, and being a European put indicates that this can only occur at a specified expiration date. The mortgage contract, and hence the insurance on it, fit into a European option framework because no rational borrower would ever choose to default until a payment is due. Mortgages are compound options in nature because at each payment data prior to the last one, the borrower either defaults or purchases a new option to default at the next payment date by making the scheduled payment. Since the current value of the mortgage is affected by options to default in the future, the problem is solved working backwards in time with the value of later options feeding into the earlier ones, so that the process builds on itself in a recursive fashion. Using familiar arguments from option-pricing theory, the value of any of the assets in the model is expressed as the solution to a partial differential equation, where the terms of the contract yield the appropriate terminal conditions. Standard numerical procedures are then used to produce the value of the mortgage and the insurance under various economic conditions. The simulations indicate that the prime determinants of the value of the assets considered are the volatility of the house price and the volatility of the spot interest rate. Sensitivity tests show that changing either of these parameters affects the results substantially more than any of the other parameters examined. The paper completely analyzes the default option and insurance against default on the mortgage. It is one part of a complete model of fixed-rate mortgages that would allow for both prepayment and default and treat the interaction of the two options. The general approach outlined in this paper can be used to develop such a model as well as to value any mortgage-related security. In light of the increasing variety and the complexity of such instruments in the market today, the presentation of our approach to these valuation problems is perhaps the most important contribution of the paper.
Monitoring Vascular Sclerosis in Hypertension A New Window of Opportunity

The pressure with which circulating blood is contained in the arterial circulation is related to a number of factors. Prominent among these is the structure of resistance vessels, or arterioles,1 and conduit vessels, or arteries.2 3 For a normal intravascular volume and cardiac output, pathological distortions in arteriolar structure are accompanied by intravascular pressures greater than the expected norm. Such abnormalities include endothelial cell hyperplasia; intimal hyalinization; vascular smooth muscle cell hypertrophy and/or hyperplasia; and increased vessel wall collagen,4 5 including its adventitia, here referred to as a perivascular fibrosis. Subsequent to such arteriolar remodeling and rise in arterial pressure are iterations in conduit vessel structure. This includes medial thickening and increased concentrations of collagen and elastin in arteries and the aorta. Arteriolosclerosis and arteriosclerosis, a thickening and hardening of arterioles and arteries, respectively, of systemic organs, such as kidney, heart, brain, and eyes, account for and sustain arterial hypertension. Such arteriolar and arterial remodeling is associated with increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction, heart failure, and stroke. Effective monitoring of arteriolosclerosis and arteriosclerosis would have important clinical applications. An example addresses vascular remodeling in response to pharmacological intervention that offers potential as either a cardioprotective or cardioreparative strategy.6 Microscopic examination of biopsied tissue provides an opportunity to address the presence and extent of arteriolar remodeling in hypertensive patients. It has been effectively used by a number of investigators.4 5 7 The invasive nature of this approach, however, detracts from its broad-based application to the many millions of individuals with hypertension. Funduscopic examination offers a “window to the vasculature,” albeit primarily the external features of the retinal circulation. It is an essential feature in the examination of hypertensive patients. In an important and widely recognized study published in 1939, Keith et al …
Stellar Rotation and Planet Ingestion in Giants

We investigate the expected increase in the rotation rate of post-main-sequence stars as they expand and ingest orbiting planets. This phenomenon is expected to occur when the stellar radius becomes larger than the planet's periastron distance. We calculate the expected frequency of planet ingestion during the red giant, horizontal branch (HB), and early asymptotic giant branch phases for planets of mass . We also calculate the probability of observing anomalous rotation rates in a population of solar metallicity giants as a function of stellar mass and evolutionary stage. Planet ingestion is most easily detectable in a solar mass HB star, with a probability of about 1% for solar-neighborhood metallicity. Our analysis is based on the observed distribution of mass, eccentricity, semimajor axis for extrasolar planets around solar-type main-sequence stars, on stellar evolution models, and on the typical observed rotation rates observed in a sample of solar-neighborhood giants.
Yield and fatigue behavior of polypropylene and polyamide-6 nanocomposites

In this paper, yield and fatigue behavior of a polypropylene nanocomposite and a polyamide-6 nanocomposite has been studied. The Eyring equation was used to model the temperature and strain rate sensitivity of the yield strengths of these two nanocomposites. Both activation volume and activation energy of the polypropylene nanocomposite were higher than those of the polyamide-6 nanocomposite. The fatigue strength of the polyamide-6 nanocomposite was higher than that of the polypropylene nanocomposite. However, the ratio of maximum fatigue stress to yield strength of the polypropylene nanocomposite was higher than that of the polyamide nanocomposite. The fatigue failure in both composites was initiated at agglomerated nanoparticles.
Variable serum testosterone levels suggests different treatment thresholds for hypogonadal symptomatology

OBJECTIVE: Hypogonadism is diagnosed by a combination of symptomatology and low serum testosterone. The current study assessed hypogonadal symptoms in menR40 years of age using the Androgen deficiency in Aging Male (ADAM) questionnaire. DESIGN: Retrospective study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We surveyed a sample of 360 men (160 hypogonadal patients with total T%300ng/dL and 200 controls with total T>300ng/dL) not on testosterone therapy between the ages of 40 and 90 years old. Using the Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male (ADAM) questionnaire, we collected data with regard to sexual, psychological, and physical health. T levels were measured in morning blood samples by radioimmunoassay. Men who were currently on testosterone supplementation therapy (TST) or had received TST in the one month previous to reporting the survey were excluded from the analysis. RESULTS: Of the 10 hypogonadal symptoms that are part of the ADAM questionnaire, the prevalence of 5 symptoms were significantly different (p 300ng/dL. These included one sexual symptom (decreased libido), one psychological symptom (lack of energy), and three physical symptoms (decreased strength and endurance, decreased ability to play sports, and falling asleep after dinner). A range of serum testosterone levels (320-375ng/dL), rather than a solitary testosterone level, was found to differentiate between the five, most significantly different symptoms. Specifically, serum testosterone thresholds of 375ng /dl were identified for decreased libido, 350ng/dL for lack of energy, 320ng/dL for decreased ability to play sports, 340ng/dL for decreased strength and endurance, and 360ng/dL for increasingly falling asleep after dinner. CONCLUSION: Among men >40 years of age presenting to a men’s health clinic, symptoms of decreased libido, decreased energy, decreased strength and endurance, decreased ability to play sports, and falling asleep after dinner were most associated with low total serums testosterone. The threshold serum testosterone for these hypogonadal symptoms ranged from 320 – 375 ng/dL. As such, we propose that unique testosterone thresholds exist in which hypogonadal symptoms become increasingly prevalent below variable demarcation points. Rather than using solitary, predefined levels of serum testosterone (i.e. <300 ng/dL) as cut-points for treatment, we recommend using a sliding scale based on symptomatology.
THE EFFECT OF INVESTMENT IN INTERORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN A RETAIL SUPPLY CHAIN

The primary purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of investment in information technology in a supply chain. The results of that investigation are presented by focusing on an empirically tested supply chain relationship model containing both behavioral and operational constructs. The four behavioral constructs represented in the model are relationship trust, relationship commitment, relationship dependence, and long-term relationship orientation. The four operational constructs represented in the model are retailer investment in interorganizational information technology, perceived supplier investment in interorganizational information technology, logistics efficiency, and logistics effectiveness. Among other findings, the results of the investigation found that perceived supplier investment in interorganizational information technology has a significant and positive effect on logistics efficiency.
USE OF CYSTEINE PROTEINASE INHIBITORS FROM INJURED TOMATO LEAVES IN WHITING SURIMI

Cooking surimi paste from Pacific whiting results in a gel with poor texture due mainly to myosin degradation caused by a cysteine proteinase. Cysteine and serine proteinase inhibitors were isolated from injured and methyl jasmonate treated tomato leaves. Tomato cysteine proteinase inhibitor was stable at 60C but inactivated at 90C, making it suitable for use in surimi. Tomato proteinase inhibitors (TPI), having 7. 9 papain inhibitor units, inhibited autolysis about 95% in 10 g of Pacific whiting surimi. Gel strength of Pacific whiting surimi was improved by adding only 0.0 27% of TPI to the surimi formulation. Addition of TPI did not affect the color of whiting surimi gel, while egg white needed to prevent gel weakening caused the gels to have more yellow hue (P<0. 05). SDS-PAGE showed that myofibrillar protein degradation was prevented during cooking when 0.027% of TPI was included in the surimi. TPI extracted from tomato plants has potential for use as food grade additive in Pacific whiting surimi.
Second Generation HTS Quadrupole for FRIB

Quadrupoles in the fragment separator region of the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) will be subjected to very large heat loads (over 200 Watts) and an intense level of radiation (~10 MGy per year) into the coils of just the first magnet. Magnets made with High Temperature Superconductors (HTS) are advantageous over conventional superconducting magnets since they can remove these heat loads more efficiently at higher temperatures. The proposed design is based on second generation (2G) HTS which allows operation at ~50 K. 2G has been found to be highly radiation tolerant. The latest test results are summarized. The goal of this R&D program is to evaluate the viability of HTS in a real machine with magnets in a challenging environment where HTS offers a unique solution.
An Introduction to Multivariate Statistical Analysis, 3rd ed. T.W. Anderson. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, 2003, 742 pp., $99.95, hardcover. ISBN 0-471-36091-0.

This third edition is a wonderful textbook for graduate students studying statistics or professional statisticians interested in a thorough introduction to the mathematical theory underlying many common multivariate statistical methods. However, if you are a laboratory scientist lacking a strong mathematical background, this book is not for you. The author earned his PhD in mathematics at Princeton in 1945 and has been an influential figure in the statistical field for many decades. In addition to this book, he is also the author of The Statistical Analysis of Time Series. The first edition of An Introduction to …
Spectral element discontinuous Galerkin simulations for wake potential calculations: NEKCEM

In this paper we present high-order spectral element discontinuous Galerkin simulations for wake field and wake potential calculations. Numerical discretizations are based on body-conforming hexagonal meshes on Gauss-Lobatto-Legendre grids. We demonstrate wake potential profiles for cylindrically symmetric cavity structures in 3D, including the cases for linear and quadratic transitions between two cross sections. Wake potential calculations are carried out on 2D surfaces for various bunch sizes.
PROCESS STABILITY AND PROCESS CAPABILITY IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The purpose of the case study was to determine what a process capability study could contribute to the continuous improvement of learning processes in a public school (Riverview Learning Center). Rational subgroups of data contained 18 individual measur..
The Particle—Antiparticle Pair Without Annihilation Creation

Throughout the preceding theoretical development of a basis for the behavior of matter in the microscopic domain of atoms, nuclei and elementary particles, we have concentrated on the features of a formalism for either an entire closed system of many interacting component matter fields, or the one-body approximation, where one considers, as an approximation, the coupling of a single matter component to an averaged background field, representing the remainder of the assumed closed system. In this chapter, and in the following chapter, we will investigate two very important examples of ‘two-body’ systems, within the context of this theory — assuming again that the ‘rest’ of the closed system may either be neglected altogether or that it may be represented by an averaged background matter field.
Miniature Flow-Through Low-Temperature Plasma Ionization Source for Ambient Ionization of Gases and Aerosols.

The design and operation of an inexpensive, miniature low-temperature plasma ion source is detailed. The miniature low-temperature plasma ion source is operated in a “flow-through” configuration, wherein the gaseous or aerosolized analyte, caffeine or pyrolyzed ethyl cellulose, in a carrier gas is used as the plasma gas. In this flow-through configuration, the sensitivity for the caffeine standard and the pyrolysis products of ethyl cellulose is maintained or increased and the reproducibility of the ion source is increased. Changes in the relative intensity of ions from the aerosol produced by pyrolysis of ethyl cellulose are observed in the mass spectrum when the low-temperature plasma ion source is used in the flow-through configuration. Experiments suggest this change in relative intensity is likely due to differences in ionization efficiency rather than increased fragmentation of ethyl cellulose pyrolysis products during ionization. Flow-through low-temperature plasma ionization with the miniature ion...
Sectoral asymmetries and a social-welfare interpretation of Hukou

The Hukou system's restriction of Chinese internal migration is controversial. This paper models internal migration in a dual economy and assesses the social welfare consequences of the Hukou system. It contrasts the effects of absolute prohibition of migration with the mere exclusion of migrants from certain services such as health care and education. Asymmetries between the rural and urban sectors mean that optimality may require different levels of utility in the two sectors. The existence of a floating population, however, is inconsistent with an optimal labor allocation.
Outcomes Assessment in Academic Libraries

ABSTRACT Reviews the literature on outcomes assessment in academic libraries in the 1990s, focusing on performance measures and indicators, outcomes and impacts. More and more, academic libraries are being asked to demonstrate their impact on student learning and faculty research outcomes, and to frame their assessment in relation to the goals and objectives of the parent institution. Librarians need to find ways of measuring outcomes and impacts in relation to inputs.
The Role of Tongue Revascularization in Oncologic Resection and Reconstruction

Simultaneous sacrifice of both lingual arteries usually leads to critical compromise of the tongue’s vascular supply and ischemic necrosis.1 As a result, simultaneous sacrifice of both lingual arteries has almost uniformly necessitated a total glossectomy.2 Although the bilateral facial arteries provide a minor vascular contribution to the tongue, situations where tongue remnants are preserved after bilateral lingual artery sacrifice usually result in eventual partial or total necrosis and sloughing of the tongue remnant. In scenarios where useful tongue tissue remains, revascularization of the devitalized remnant should be considered. The purpose of this article is review the available literature in this regard and to report a case of bilateral lingual artery sacrifice due to tumor involvement, with successful lingual artery interposition graft revascularization of the tongue.
Electrospun Nanofibrous Membranes Surface-Decorated with Silver Nanoparticles as Flexible and Active/Sensitive Substrates for Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering

The development of novel nanomaterials with well-controlled morphologies/structures to achieve excellent activities/sensitivities in surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is crucial in advancing...
The Inner Incompatibility of Empire and Nation: Popular Sovereignty and Decolonization:

This paper argues that metropolitan political theories and institutions grounded in popular sovereignty help to produce decolonization. Radical distinctions between metropolis and dependency only a...
Correlation of Retention Indices with Resolution and Selectivity in Reversed-Phase HPLC and GC

Etudes comparatives entre differents solvants en chromatographie HPLC et entre diverses phases stationnaires en chromatographie en phase gazeuse
Long-Term Effect of Consolidatory and Purificatory Measures After Filariasis Basically Eliminated in Dongbo District,Meishan County

Objective To understand the long-term fiariasis control effect of consolidatory and purificatory measures after the disease being basically eliminated.Method Detection and treatment of residual source of infection,mass administation of 3% diethyl carbamazine medicated salt and mosquito control measures were taken.Besides,transverse surveillance on filariasis among key population and investigation on chronic filariasis cases were carried out.Result From 1983 to 1988,6 217 key persons were surveillanced,and 7 microfilariemia positive cases (3 original posilive cases and 4 newly detected cases)were detected.From 1989 to 1994,after consolidatory and purificatory measures were carried out,transverse surveillance was made among 10 076 persons but no microfilariemia positive case was detected.In 1995,after filariasis control program achieved elimination criteria,transwerse surveillance was made among 3 680 persons and no positive microfilariemia case was found.The chronic filariasis cases from 49 cases before filariasis elimination dropped to 6 cases and no new chronic filariasis case was found until now.Conclusion After filariasis being eliminated in Dongbo District,no endogenous source of infection was found,The consolidatory and purificatory control measures revealed significant long-term control effect.
Failure analysis on tube bursting of platen superheater of 600 MW ultra-supercritical power plant

By use of the analysis of fracture appearance,chemical composition of the austenite stainless steel tube,microstructure metallography observation,mechanical properties examination and SEM fracture analysis,the reason of tube bursting of the platen superheater used in power plant was analyzed.The results show that the crack initiates from the original defect on the inner wall of the leaking tube,and during the generating set running the cracking propagates step by step,and leads to the tube bursting finally.
Control strategies of hydraulic ABS oil pump and its influence on braking characteristics

In allusion to the practical problems such as wheel locked and bad pedal comport encountered in the development process of hydraulic ABS,this paper focuses on the oil pump control strategy and its influence on the braking performance. The flow mathematical model of the oil pump and the mathematical model of the wheel cylinder are built up in this paper. The model is verified correctly. The hydraulic system model is established in the AMEsim. The influence of the opening time and speed of the oil pump on the anti-lock brake system is analyzed and the control strategy of the oil pump is proposed through designing simulation experiments. It is concluded that when entering the ABS control,first of all the oil pump should maintain a low speed in order to overcome the static friction and reduce their moment of inertia and when decompression,the oil pump should speed up the speed and the keeping a low speed when pressure maintaining first. The control strategy is verified through experiments. The results show that good control effect is achieved with the proposed control strategy,the master cylinder pressure fluctuation is effectively restrained and the ride comfort performance is improved.