cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Organo-Illite as a Low Permeability Sorbent to Retard Migration of Anionic Contaminants

Landfill leachate, often having high concentrations of metal cations, anions, and organic compounds, presents a great threat to nearby groundwater. Due to negative charges on soil particles, regular clay liners cannot effectively retard the movement of anionic contaminants such as chromate. In this paper, a natural illite was modified by cationic surfactants with different chain lengths and tested for its chromate removal efficiency. When the surfactant tail group is relatively short and the solution critical micelle concentration is high, the sorbed surfactant molecules from a monolayer on illite, resulting no chromate sorption by the organo-illite. As the chain length of surfactant tail group increases, the critical micelle concentration reduces and the surfactant molecules sorb as admicelles on illite with the surfactant sorption exceeding the illite’s cation-exchange capacity. Such admicelle modification makes the organoclay capable of retaining chromate instantaneously and retarding the movement of chromate by 1-2 orders of magnitude. The illite’s hydraulic conductivity showed a slight increase after surfactant modification, form 1×10\U-7\N to 8×10\U-7\N cm/s, probably due to reduced packing density after modification. Chromate breakthrough data from column transport experiments were well described by a one-dimensional advection-dispersion model that incorporated Langmuir sorption.
The Ardent Pilgrim: An Introduction to the Life and Work of Mohammed Iqbal

This work aims, through a study of Mohammed Iqbal's poetry, to arrive at an understanding of his personality and the relationship in which he stood to the life of his times. It provides a sympathetic yet critical picture of Iqbal's intellectual life and the contemporary political context as well as an expression of the pre-Partition ethos, including the character of the Muslim intelligentsia and its dilemmas. It should be of value to those interested in Urdu poetry and biographies and students of Asian history.
Pericardial cyst with partial erosion of the right ventricular wall

A case of pericardial cyst with partial erosion into the anterior wall of the right ventricle is presented. Cardiopulmonary bypass was necessary for excision of the cyst. This report helps to alert surgeons of the possible need for cardiopulmonary bypass during the removal of some pericardial cysts, especially in patients with signs and symptoms of infection and in whom preoperative imaging fails to show distinct margins between the cyst and cardiac structures.
Effective charge parameters for 7Li, 11B, 12C, 14N, and 16O projectiles traversing Kapton targets

Abstract Some recent measurements of the stopping powers of Kapton foils for 0.2–2.1 MeV/u 7 Li, 11 B, 12 C, 14 N, and 16 O projectiles have been subjected to analysis in terms of modified Bethe-Bloch theory so as to extract values of projectile effective charge parameters. Although one-parameter and two-parameter fits were attempted, only the former provided meaningful results. The one-parameter fits showed excellent internal consistency, and reasonable consistency with results obtained in a recent similar analysis of nickel and Havar stopping powers for the same projectiles.
Lygus Bugs Feeding on Developing Carrot Seed: Plant Resistance to That Feeding

The resistance of individual plants of three varieties of carrots, ‘Nantes’, ‘Imperida’, and ‘Royal Chantenay’, to the feeding of 2 species of lygus bugs, Lygus hesperus Knight and L. elisus Van Duzee, was determined by caging adult lygus bugs on the umbels during seed development. The degree of resistance was measured by percent mortality of the caged insects. Each variety of carrot exhibited individual plant differences in resistance to lygus bug feeding. Also, differences between varieties was exhibited. Imperida possessed a low, Nantes a high, and Royal Chantenay a very high degree of resistance.
Information systems accreditation: revisited

This column briefly reviews the history of information systems (IS) accreditation and presents a set of criteria, that are in the development stages, for accrediting IS programs. The purpose of the draft IS criteria is to generate discussion within the professional community that will lead to support and improvements in the criteria and endorsement of the IS accreditation process.Educators expressed interest in IS accreditation soon after CSAB was formed in 1985. An IS accreditation workshop was held in November 1986 at the Fall Joint Computer Conference in Dallas. Representatives from ACM, IEEE-CS, and DPMA (now AITP) discussed the merits of and mechanisms for accreditation. There was sufficient interest to form a working group with one representative from each society to develop draft criteria.The group circulated the draft criteria and presented it to ACM's Accreditation Committee at the 1987 Computer Science Conference. Public presentations were made at the DPMA Educational Foundation's Information Systems Education Conference (ISECON) in 1987 and at the 19th ACM SIGCSE Technical Symposium in 1988. Each society published the criteria encourage discussion within the professional community. At the time, however, many IS programs were housed in an accredited AACSB school of business and these schools were not interested in program accreditation. DPMA was not interested in joining the ACM or the IEEE-CS in funding an IS accreditation process, so the idea was put on hold.Today, approximately 50% of IS programs are located outside schools of business and interest in accreditation is being revisited. NSF has provided a three-year grant to examine the feasibility of accreditation of programs in computer information science/systems/technology. The principal investigators (PI) of the study are project director Doris Lidtke of Towson University, and Co-PIs John T. Gorgone of Bentley College, John Henderson of Boston University, and Willis King of the University of Houston. The study includes the development of a set of criteria and procedures which may be used for accreditation of IS related programs. Check the IS accreditation web site [1] for ongoing information. This NSF-sponsored project brings together representation from all identified stakeholders:1. Leading information-computing societies: Association for Information Systems (AIS), Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), IEEE-Computer Society (IEEE/CS), and Association for Information Technology Processing (AITP);2. Major recent curriculum efforts, IS'97, ICC'99 and Curriculum '91;3. NSF funded curriculum development efforts;4 The Computing Sciences Accreditation Board; and representatives from industry and academic institutions.
Discrete Fourier transforms, linear filters, and spectrum weighting

Computational procedures which have been developed in the past few years have taken the familiar frequency-domain techniques from the realm of theory and placed them in the realm of practice. In order to realize fully the potential of th techniques, it is necessary to gain insight into the physical significance of the discrete Fourier transform. Here, the discrete Fourier transform is viewed as a set of discrete linear filters--one filter for each Fourier coefficient. Each filter is seen to have zero poles and (N-1) zeros. (N is the number of data points transformed.) The characteristics of these filters are discussed. Spectrum weighting, for the purpose of sidelobe reduction, is also shown to be equivalent to discrete linear filtering. The filters in this case are similar to those which represent the discrete Fourier transform.
A simple primate headholder.

A simple, inexpensive primate headholder is described which may be easily constructed from a shop vise.
Limb salvage in the skeletally immature patient

The most common tumors of bone, osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma, commonly occur in the skeletally immature patient. Historically, amputation was the procedure of choice; however, improved oncologic outcome and technical advances in limb salvage surgery have made limb salvage therapy a feasible and valuable treatment option. Nevertheless, depending on the extent of the lesion within the long bone, it may be difficult to spare the physis, and hence, in the skeletally immature patient, resection of a sarcoma of bone can create a limb-length discrepancy and gait abnormalities. This article reviews the limb salvage options available for the skeletally immature patient who requires reconstruction of a segmental long bone defect.
Colo-mentality: Colonial Trauma in Oyono's Houseboy and Condé's Crossing the Mangrove

This essay analyzes the traumas induced by colonial violence in Ferdinand Oyono’s Houseboy and Maryse Conde’s Crossing the Mangrove . Despite the differences between both texts, they are joined by their engagement with colonial violence in African societies, by their discursive inscription of trauma arising from such violence, and the way their portrayal of the severity of colonial violence shows the limits of trauma theory. Moreover, both novels’ portrayals of bloodshed and death make them rich for a comparative study of colonial trauma. Cathy Caruth’s notion of trauma inspires the use of the term in this essay.
Spatial categorical outlier detection: pair correlation function based approach

Spatial Categorical Outlier Detection (SCOD) has attracted considerable attentions from the areas of spatial data mining and geological analysis. When encountering an SCOD problem, some researchers introduce to utilize Spatial Numerical Outlier Detection measures by mapping categorical attributes to continuous ones. However, such approaches fail to capture the special properties of spatial categorical data, which is prone to incur the masking and swamping issues. In this paper, we model spatial dependencies between spatial categorical observations and propose a Pair Correlation Function(PCF) based method to detect SCOs. First, a new metric, named Pair Correlation Ratio(PCR), is estimated for each pair of categorical combinations based on their co-occurrence frequency at different spatial distances. Then discrete PCRs are fitted in a continuous function of distances. The outlier score is computed using the average PCRs between referenced object and its spatial neighbors. Observations with the lowest PCRs are labeled as potential SCOs. Extensive experiments demonstrated that PCF based method outperformed existing approaches.
Cause-specific Mortality among Older African-Americans: Correlates and Consequences of Age Misreporting

Abstract This paper examines the quality of age reporting on death certificates of elderly African‐Americans by major causes of death. We utilize a sample of death certificates linked to early census records and to Social Security Administration records to establish a “true” age at death. We then examine the patterns, predictors, and consequences of age misreporting for major causes of death. We find a pattern of greater age misreporting among females, identify educational background as a key predictor of accurate age reporting, and show that mortality crossovers are eliminated for most causes of death when more accurate age data are used.
The Terrible Geographicalness of Terrorism: Reflections of a Hazards Geographer

Oppositional engagement with the phenomenon of terrorism by geographers could bring much needed scholarly clarity and balance to the militaristic dominant discourse on terrorism. The hazards subfield within the discipline of geography is germane to research on terrorism, as hazards geographers have been deeply concerned with environmental and technological extremes threatening human life and well-being. A hazards perspective on terrorism could contribute towards defining terrorism, clarifying the contours of the terrorism discourse, root causes, and response. Insights gleaned from geographical research on social violence, technological and environmental hazards can be eminently applicable to researching various aspects of terrorism. The fundamental point is that terrorism is a deeply geographical phenomenon with potentially disastrous consequences for international peace. Beyond enhancing human safety, the geographical research agenda in terrorism will be part of the struggle to wrest control of the terrorism terminology away from the Western politico-military elites, to keep them from using it to whip their real or imagined enemies.
Effects of the Youth Empowerment Seminar on Impulsive Behavior in Adolescents

Purpose: Becauseimpulsivityduringadolescencepredictshealth-riskbehaviorsandassociatedharm, interventions that attenuate impulsivity may offer protection. We evaluated effects of the Youth EmpowermentSeminar(YES!),abiopsychosocialworkshopforadolescentsthatteachesskillsofstress management, emotion regulation, conflict resolution, and attentional focus, on impulsive behavior. Methods: High school students (14e18 years of age) in the United States participated in YES! during their physical education classes. Students in a control group attended their usual curriculum and were tested in parallel. We used items from the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (framed to reflect recent behavior) to assess students’ behavior before and after they underwent the program. Results: Compared with the control group, YES! participants reported less impulsive behavior after the program. Conclusions: The results suggest that YES! can promote mental health in adolescents, potentially protecting them from harmful coping behaviors.
A fission product monitor for water cooled reactors

Abstract A Cerenkov detector for monitoring fission products in water cooled reactors is described. The selection of design parameters maximizes the Cerenkov radiation signal amplitude, thus eliminating problems associated with photomultiplier tube noise as well as retaining good beta energy discrimination. In this instrument a small sample (50 cc) of coolant water is exposed to a photomultiplier tube with S-13 response. The sample-detector geometry takes full advantage of the directional and spectral characteristics of the Cerenkov radiation, while the small sample volume serves to limit the signal input rate that the electronic system must process without pulse “pile-up”.
Improvements in the Working Relationship at JLSD: Collective Bargaining Choice Leads to Improvement in the Labor/Management Relationship at Jones Local School District

This case study examines the impact that implementation of a collaborative style of bargaining has had on one Ohio school district. Readers will gain insight as to the effect the style of bargaining a school district chooses can have on shaping the faculty/administrative relationship. As many schools explore the possibilities of using collaborative styles of bargaining, it is appropriate that educators investigate what impact this choice may have on this important relationship. Although the case study contains real information gathered at a rural school in northwest Ohio, all names have been changed in an effort to protect the anonymity of the district.
Mass correlated acceleration in a reflectron MALDI TOF mass spectrometer: an approach for enhanced resolution over a broad mass range.

Compared to continuous extraction, pulsed extraction (PE) of ions formed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) in time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometers significantly improves mass resolution. Parameters such as extraction voltage, delay time, and correction pulse must be varied, however, to achieve optimum mass resolution over a broad mass range because the PE method is mass dependent. We previously reported a novel method, mass correlated acceleration (MCA), which we have now combined with a reflectron MALDI TOF mass spectrometer to further enhance mass resolution over a broader mass range. Unlike the PE method, MCA is not mass dependent and high resolution mass spectra can be achieved with a single tuning of instrument parameters. The ions may be brought into focus simultaneously, i.e., the multi-channel recording advantage can be more fully realized. The MCA dual-stage ion source design includes an extraction pulse region and an acceleration region that contains a time-dependent waveform correlated with mass. We demonstrate the validity of this novel technique with applications in peptide mixture analysis and protein digests of lysozyme and bovine serum albumin.
Physical fitness and work capacity in women with rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective. To investigate physical fitness and work capacity in women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods. The 42 subjects were a subset of a prospective trial of conditioning exercise in rheumatic disease. Assignment to an exercise or nonexercise group was determined by proximity to the intervention, a 3-month supervised group exercise program. Physical fitness and work capacity were assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 12 months. Results. At baseline, subjects were deconditioned and limited in hand function, lifting ability, and lower extremity mobility. Only the exercise group improved their aerobic capacity and exercise tolerance. There were no significant changes in measured work capacity in either group. Moderate to strong correlations were found between aerobic capacity. mobility, hand function, and work capacity. Grip strength was a strong and consistent correlate of work capacity. Conclusion. Our findings suggest that physical capacity, particularly hand function, may be important in the complex phenomenon of work disability in RA.
Growth Lines in a Bivalve Mollusk: Subdaily Patterns and Dissolution of the Shell

Scanning electron micrographs of sections of the prismatic shell of the bivalve Mercenaria mercenaria reveal narrow subdaily growth striations. The width of these narrow lines, formed by concentrations of organic material, corresponds to the quantity of shell material that would be expected to dissolve during periods of anaerobic metabolism. The pH in the extrapallial fluid of the bivalve decreases when the valves are closed, and the amount of dissolution of shell is related to the duration of valve closure.
The e-Book Apocalypse: A Survivor's Guide

Over the past few years, e-books have shifted from being an extravagant means of leisure reading to becoming a serious contender for the consumer's dollar. Marketing and innovations in e-book devic...
Preservation of regional myocardial ultrasonic backscatter and systolic function during brief periods of ischemia by synchronized coronary venous retroperfusion

Abstract This study examines the effects of brief periods of ischemia on average and cardiac cycle-dependent variation of regional ultrasonic backscatter paralleled with changes in regional myocardial contraction, and to what extent these changes could be reversed by synchronized coronary venous retroperfusion. In five closed-chest dogs, the left anterior descending coronary artery was occluded on four occasions for a 2-minute period and retroperfusion was applled randomly to two of the coronary occlusions. Complete functional recovery was allowed between the occlusions. Two-dimensional echocardiographic images were obtained before and at the peak of the 2-minute occlusion period. Regional myocardial contraction as measured by fractional area change and systolic wall thickening during untreated occlusions decreased from 33.9 ± 14.0% to −0.15 ± 6.2%, and from 22.0 ± 1.8% to −17.9 ± 2.2%, whereas during retroperfusion-treated occlusions it changed from 37.4 ± 8.5% to only 23.4 ± 11.2% ( p p p
Safety Assessment of 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic Acid Deaminase Protein Expressed in Delayed Ripening Tomatoes

Tomato plants with delayed fruit ripening have been produced by stable insertion of the gene encoding the 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid deaminase (ACCd) protein into the tomato chromosome. Two approaches were used to assess the safety of the ACCd protein for human consumption. Purified Escherichia coli-produced ACCd protein, which is chemically and functionally equivalent to the ACCd protein produced in delayed ripening tomato fruit, was used in these studies. First, the ACCd protein was readily degraded under simulated mammalian digestive conditions. Second, the ACCd protein did not have any deleterious effects when administered to mice by acute gavage at a dosage of up to 602 mg/kg of body weight. This dosage correlates to greater than a 5000- fold safety factor relative to the average daily consumption of tomatoes, assuming that all tomatoes consumed contain the ACCd protein. These results, in conjunction with previously published data, establish that ingestion of tomato fruit expressing the AC...
The crystal structure of α-fluorine

Abstract The crystal structure of α-fluorine, stable below 45.6°K, has been studied by the theoretical analysis of the crystal energy and by the reinterpretation of the X-ray powder pattern reported by Meyer, Barrett, and Greer. It is concluded that the space group is C2 c , with eight F in the unit cell, cell dimensions a = 5.50A, b = 3.28A, c = 7.28A, β = 102.17°, in the general positions 8(f), with x = 0.285, y = 0.317, z = 0.0997.
Scaling SeerSuite in the Cloud

The Seer Suite digital library search engine framework is used to build tools such as CiteSeerx. It includes a complex metadata extraction system capable of extracting elements, such as author name, title, citations and citation contexts that are crucial bibliometric data and for building a citation graph. The workload faced by the exractor is dynamic in nature and this variability makes CiteSeerx attractive for hosting in a cloud computing environment. Given its application binary dependencies and its reliance on a specialized infrastructure, the current extractor has several limitations. These limitations motivated the design and implementation of the metadata extraction system proposed in this study. A message oriented middleware architecture is used with a publish/subscribe pattern to build a scalable, flexible system that can be deployed across a range of cloud infrastructure. To demonstrate the broad applicability of the proposed system, we evaluate it in terms of its reference implementation across different scenarios of deployment and in regard to its scalability.
In vivo expression profile of a H+-K+-ATPase α2-subunit promoter-reporter transgene

Because little is known about the molecular basis of transcriptional regulation of the murine H+-K+-ATPase α2 (HKα2) gene or other genes whose expression is restricted in part to the collecting duc...
Genomic organization and differential expression of Kalirin isoforms

Multidomain guanine nucleotide (GDP/GTP) exchange factor (GEF) proteins coordinate diverse inputs that signal the actin cytoskeleton. Mammals have two such proteins (Kalirin, Trio), while Drosophila has one, which plays essential roles within and outside the nervous system. For Kalirin, numerous isoforms containing different combinations of functional domains are generated through alternative splicing and use of alternative transcriptional start sites. These different isoforms potentially allow a wide variety of proteins to interact with Kalirin, thereby affecting the activity of the functional domains. Humans, like rats, express a large set of Kalirin isoform mRNAs, and we identified a novel Kalirin isoform, containing only the second GEF domain. Kalirin isoforms are predominantly expressed in the brain, while Trio is expressed in a wider variety of tissues. Alternative splicing and transcription of Kalirin are differentially regulated during development in rats and humans, resulting in expression of isoforms of Kalirin containing different functional domains at different times and locations. The prevalence of Kalirin in the cortex throughout life suggests roles in axonal development and the mature brain.
Prevalence and significance of subcentimeter hepatic lesions in patients with localized pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Abstract Purpose To determine the prevalence and significance of incidental, subcentimeter hepatic lesions in patients with a new diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Materials and Methods This Institutional Review Board-approved retrospective study included 101 patients [45% men, median age 63 years (34-85)] treated for localized pancreatic adenocarcinoma at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute from January 1999 to December 2007. Initial staging and follow-up computed tomographic scans were reviewed to determine the frequency of liver lesions that were initially too small to characterize and later proved to be metastases. Clinical variables known to be prognostic for patients with pancreatic cancer were also recorded. Using Cox regression, we calculated adjusted hazard ratios to determine the association between presence of liver lesions and overall survival. Results A total of 31 patients (30.7%) had subcentimeter hepatic lesions on staging scans. Of these patients, 21 (20.7% of total, 67.7% of patients with lesions) had eventual metastases to the liver. Finally, of this group, 5 patients (5.0% of total, 16.1% of patients with lesions) eventually had a metastatic focus at the specific site of the original lesion. Liver lesions predicted the occurrence of metastatic disease to the liver compared with patients without lesions (67.7% with lesions vs 44.4% without, P = .034). The presence of subcentimeter liver lesions at diagnosis was significantly associated with reduced overall survival (hazard ratio 1.65; 95% confidence interval 1.03-2.64, P = .036). Conclusions Subcentimeter lesions in the liver are common in patients with a new diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Approximately 16% of these lesions represent metastases. The presence of indeterminate liver lesions may be associated with reduced overall survival.
Introductory—Applying physics to volcanoes

In introducing a constructive discussion of the physics of volcanic processes it will suffice to provide a very brief historic background against which the distinguished students of this subject, who will follow me, may present the current status of such studies and the outlook for the future. In a volume entitled “Das Magma und seine Produkte” [ I . Tell, Leipzig, 1937], which is just off the press, Dr. Paul Niggli has given a most interesting resume of the long record of experimental efforts to elucidate these processes. The speculations of the early Greeks, who sought to explain the activity of Etna, and their Italian successors beginning with Pliny's description of the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 A.D., have brought us little actual evidence that is useful today. They do not go beyond the effort to reconcile the supposedly incompatible activities of the primitive elements air and fire and water, and the earlier accounts are rather highly flavored with instances of arbitrary interference by the Gods.
Proteinase-activated receptor 2 sensitizes transient receptor potential vanilloid 1, transient receptor potential vanilloid 4, and transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 in paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain

Paclitaxel chemotherapy is limited by a long-lasting painful neuropathy that lacks an effective therapy. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that paclitaxel may release mast cell tryptase, which activates protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) and, subsequently, protein kinases A and C, resulting in mechanical and thermal (both heat and cold) hypersensitivity. Correlating with the development of neuropathy after repeated administration of paclitaxel, mast cell tryptase activity was found to be increased in the spinal cord, dorsal root ganglia, and peripheral tissues in mice. FSLLRY-amide, a selective PAR2 antagonist, blocked paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain behaviors in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In addition, blocking downstream signaling pathways of PAR2, including phospholipase C (PLC), protein kinase A (PKA), and protein kinase Ce (PKC), effectively attenuated paclitaxel-induced mechanical, heat, or cold hypersensitivity. Furthermore, sensitized pain response was selectively inhibited by antagonists of transient receptor potential (TRP) V1, TRPV4, or TRPA1. These results revealed specific cellular signaling pathways leading to paclitaxel-induced neuropathy, including the activation of PAR2 and downstream enzymes PLC, PKCe, and PKA and resultant sensitization of TRPV1, TRPV4, and TRPA1. Targeting one or more of these signaling molecules may present new opportunities for the treatment of paclitaxel-induced neuropathy.
Microelectrode array fabrication by electrical discharge machining and chemical etching

Wire electrical discharge machining (EDM), with a complementary chemical etching process, is explored and assessed as a method for developing microelectrode array assemblies for intracortically recording brain activity. Assembly processes based on these methods are highlighted, and results showing neural activity successfully recorded from the brain of a mouse using an EDM-based device are presented. Several structures relevant to the fabrication of microelectrode arrays are also offered in order to demonstrate the capabilities of EDM.
A robust algorithm for reduction of truncation artifact in chemical shift images

A new iterative technique to reduce the ringing artifacts in chemical shift images due to the truncation of the high spatial frequency is presented. In this approach the authors extrapolate the high spatial frequency data guided by the edge information obtained from a high resolution anatomic image of the region of interest. The fact that the edge information obtained from the anatomic image can be off by a few pixels (due to factors such as chemical shift artifact, error in edge detection or misregistration) is taken into account by assuming a confidence interval of several pixels around the anatomic edges. The algorithm is validated on simulated and in vivo data, and excellent results were obtained. >
Democratizing Global Politics: Discourse Norms, International Regimes, and Political Community

Democratizing Global Politics: Discourse Norms, International Regimes, and Political Community. By Rodger A. Payne and Nayef H. Samhat. Albany: State University of New York Press, 2004. 194p. $45.00.Since the September 11 attacks, depending on the month or even the day, one might or might not reply in the affirmative to the question of whether there is an emerging international or even global political order. President George W. Bush justified the United States March 2003 invasion of Iraq as the preservation and enhancing of that order and of the United Nations itself. A few months later, the UN secretary general suggested that the U.S. invasion was illegal. And even if one grants the emergence of a nascent global political order, its character is uncertain: Is it democratic, consensual, and egalitarian, or hierarchical and undemocratic?
Evaluation of the Brucella abortus species-specific polymerase chain reaction assay, an improved version of the Brucella AMOS polymerase chain reaction assay for cattle.

In a blind test, 344 samples representing 80 bacterial isolates were analyzed by the Brucella abortus species-specific polymerase chain reaction (BaSS PCR) assay for the identification and discrimination of B. abortus field strains (wild-type biovars 1, 2, and 4) from 1) B. abortus vaccine strains, 2) other Brucella species, and 3) non-Brucella bacteria. Identical samples were tested in 2 laboratories. Half the samples were fully viable, and half were bacteria that had been killed by methanol fixation. The results in 1 laboratory correctly identified 100% of the samples, resulting in a predictive value of 100% for all categories and 100% sensitivity and specificity under the prescribed conditions. The second laboratory misidentified 31 samples, resulting in a range of 66.7-100% sensitivity, 93.2-99.7% specificity, and 77.3-98.2% predictive values de- pending on the category. There was no significant difference in viable versus fixed bacteria for either laboratory. Subsequent review of the protocol indicated that contamination was the likely cause of 26 of the 31 erroneous identifications. The results show that the BaSS PCR assay has the potential to be a very reliable screening tool for B. abortus identification. However, the data also provide a cautionary reminder of the importance of pre- venting contamination in diagnostic PCR.
Optimized construction of linear approximations to image data

We present a method for the efficient construction, optimization, and storage of linear approximations to image data. A general simulated annealing-based optimization technique is adapted to the specific problem of optimizing image approximations. A linear approximation is defined by a triangulated subset of the source image pixels and the quality of an approximation may be judged with reference to a computed mean or RMS per-pixel difference between the source image and the approximation. A greedy algorithm for the construction of an initial configuration is described for which the spatial distribution of approximation points rejects the distribution of detail in the image. The approximation is optimized by a sequence of reconfiguration steps chosen according to a simulated annealing process. We outline an efficient implementation of the optimization procedure, explore fast error-recalculation methods, and describe an approximation-compression technique that allows efficient storing, transmission, and viewing of the final approximations. Test results are provided to illustrate the performance of the approximation construction pipeline.
Variation in color between intended matched shade and fabricated shade of dental porcelain.

Abstract Statement of Problem. The total quantifiable color difference between shade matching and shade duplication has not been investigated formally. Purpose. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate and compare the color difference of the total color replication process and the direction of the individual color parameters for 3 dental porcelain shade-matching systems. Material and Methods. The shade of 11 porcelain master disks was determined visually and instrumentally using 3 porcelain shade-matching systems: (1) Vita Lumin/Vita VMK 68, (2) Vitapan 3D-Master/Vita Omega 900, and (3) Shofu ShadeEye-EX/Vintage Halo. Corresponding porcelain disks made of 4.5 mm opaque and 1 mm dentin porcelain were fabricated with each of the porcelain systems. The colors of the master disks and fabricated disks (CIE L * a * b * coordinates) were measured with a spectroradiometer with a 45°/0° configuration. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to evaluate within-group differences among the porcelain systems for the total color difference (ΔE) and direction of the color parameters (ΔL, Δa, and Δb). The Ryan-Einot-Gabriel-Welsch multiple range test was used for post-hoc analysis (α=.05). Results. The largest mean ΔE was recorded for the Vitapan 3D-Master system, which was significantly different from the other systems ( P =.0024). A significant difference was found between the interaction of the different systems and the direction of color ( P =.0024). The amount of change within each color parameter was dependent on the porcelain system, as well as the amount of change among the color parameters. Conclusion. Within the limitations of this study, the results suggest that reliable delivery of a properly matched restoration to existing porcelain restorations cannot be ensured regardless of the shade assessment method used (visual or computer-generated). (J Prosthet Dent 2002;87:657-66.)
The biologic basis of fatigue

In spite of many remarkable advances in our understanding of the mechanisms of cancer biology, very little attention has been directed toward mechanisms underlying cancer-induced symptoms. Although fatigue is a widely prevalent complication of cancer, there is a paucity of both basic and clinical research in this area. This article details our current knowledge of mechanisms causing cancer-related fatigue and briefly discusses currently available therapeutic options. A framework for addressing gaps in our knowledge and recommendations for future research directions are proposed.
The Changing Construct of Computer Anxiety for Younger and Older Adults.

Abstract A revalidation of a previously developed computer anxiety scale (Marcoulides, 1989) indicated changes in the factor structure for both younger and older adults. Two factors emerged — Direct and Indirect Involvement with computers — as compared with the previous two factors of General Computer Anxiety and Equipment Anxiety. This suggests that the construct of computer anxiety may have changed, perhaps because of the rapid changes in computers and the technological environment. Additional results showed that, while the factor structure was similar for younger and older adults, two items differentially loaded on the two factors. These results suggest the need for further examination of computer anxiety with older adults, with the possibility of developing computer anxiety scales specifically for older adults.
The Effects of Plasma Immersion Ion Implantation on Thermal Hillock Formation

The effect of shallow (< 500 A) implanted ions on the formation of thermal hillocks in thin (5000 A) patterned Al9 9w%Si1w%, films was studied. The ions were implanted by plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) and the gases (N2, O2, and Ar) used in the implantation ranged from completely inert to highly reactive with Al. The voltages used to accelerate the ionized molecules were 2.5 kV to 30 kV. This corresponds to implant depths of 50 A to 400 A. The nominal doses were adjusted to achieve a ∼20% dopant concentration over the fullwidth- at-half-maximum of the calculated implant profile. Following implant, the samples were sintered at 450°C for 30 minutes and inspected for thermal hillock formation by scanning electron microscopy. We find that PIII is effective in suppressing thermal hillock formation for implant depths greater than 60 A.
On the ΔH and ΔS of metal ion interaction with substituted methylene diphosphonates

Abstract The Ca2+ and Mg2+ complexing constants with a series of substituted methylene diphosphonates have been determined at 25° in 0·5 M tetramethylammonium chloride. The enthalpies of Ca2+, Li+, Na+, and K+ complexing by substituted methylene diphosphonates have been measured calorimetrically. The Δ S values of complexing of a given metal ion is shown to be remarkably constant with diphosphanates, and proportional to Z 2 r . Variations in the Δ G values of complexing are attributed to differences in the Δ H term.
Efficient estimation of option price and price sensitivities via structured database Monte Carlo (SDMC)

We describe how to develop generic efficient simulation algorithms for estimating price and price sensitivities (the Greeks) of financial options using the Structured Database Monte Carlo (SDMC) approach. These algorithms are based on stratification, control variate and a combination of the two in an SDMC setting. Experimental results and some discussion of the effectiveness of the approach are provided. The algorithms also serve as illustrations of the basic approach of developing variance reduction algorithms in an SDMC setting that are not necessarily limited to stratification and control variate techniques.
A treatise on grounding of AC electrical systems and an atypical electrocution case study

In the United States, “grounded” and “grounding” are defined by the National Electrical Code (NEC), which is concerned with the safety of life and property.
Deletion of the Rab GAP Tbc1d1 modifies glucose, lipid, and energy homeostasis in mice

Tbc1d1 is a Rab GTPase-activating protein (GAP) implicated in regulating intracellular retention and cell surface localization of the glucose transporter GLUT4 and thus glucose uptake in a phosphor...
Lightning injuries. A unique treatment challenge.

Care of victims of lightning injury is a unique challenge rarely encountered in most clinical practices. Victims may present without signs or symptoms or, conversely, may present in cardiac arrest. Many have chronic, debilitating sequelae. Physicians caring for these patients either in the field or in the emergency department should be prepared to institute aggressive management techniques. An understanding of lightning physics and injury patterns prevents costly and inappropriate diagnostic tests and treatment. Language: en
Prevalence and Seasonality of the Amphibian Chytrid Fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis Along Widely Separated Longitudes Across the United States

The chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) has been implicated in amphibian declines on almost all continents. We report on prevalence and intensity of Bd in the United States amphibian populations across three longitudinally separated north-to-south transects conducted at 15 Department of Defense installations during two sampling periods (late-spring/early summer and mid to late summer). Such a standardized approach minimizes the effects of sampling and analytical bias, as well as human disturbance (by sampling restricted military bases), and therefore permits a cleaner interpretation of environmental variables known to affect chytrid dynamics such as season, temperature, rainfall, latitude, and longitude. Our prevalence of positive samples was 20.4% (137/670), and our mean intensity was 3.21 zoospore equivalents (SE = 1.03; range 0.001-103.59). Of the 28 amphibian species sampled, 15 tested positive. Three sites had no evidence of Bd infection; across the remaining 12 Bd-positive sites, neither infection prevalence nor intensity varied systematically. We found a more complicated pattern of Bd prevalence than anticipated. Early season samples showed no trend associated with increasing temperature and precipitation and decreasing (more southerly) latitudes; while in late season samples, the proportion of infected individuals decreased with increasing temperature and precipitation and decreasing latitudes. A similar pattern held for the east-west gradient, with the highest prevalence associated with more easterly/recently warmer sites in the early season then shifting to more westerly/recently cooler sites in the later season. Bd intensity across bases and sampling periods was comparatively low. Some of the trends in our data have been seen in previous studies, and our results offer further continental-level Bd sampling over which more concentrated local sampling efforts can be overlaid.
Object-oriented user interfaces

The typical overall organization of an object-oriented user interface is shown and its layered relationship with the application is explained. Typical classes and their hierarchies in the presentation (output), input, and control components are illustrated, such as classes for graphical objects: windows, menus, icons, mouses, keyboards. The chapter explains how object-oriented concepts improve user interfaces: (1) by allowing flexible construction and dynamic behavior in a uniform programming framework, (2) by producing reusable and extensible components, and (3) by achieving multiple levels of device and platform independence. The Smalltalk MVC paradigm and the C++ Interviews toolkit are described.
Some Chemical Characteristics of a DDT-Induced Neuroactive Substance from Cockroaches and Crayfish

Isolated cockroach ventral nerve cords yield a neuroactive substance following application of either tetra methyl or tetraethyl pyrophosphate. Chromatographically this substance is similar to the toxicant found in the blood of DDT-prostrate cockroaches. On the basis of the similarity of Rf’s, solubility, in activation by alkali, and their reaction to qualitative organic spot tests, the substances produced in vitro by isolated nerve cords when treated with an organophosphate, and and in vivo by DDT-prostration are thought to be identical. A chromatographically similar material was isolated from the blood of DDT-poisoned crayfish. Organic spot tests were positive for nitrogen, and negative for phosphorus. Three tests were for nitrogen, and negative for phosphorus. Three tests were positive for aromatic amines; 2 of these also indicate phenols while 1 indicates aliphatic amines. The results ruled out a pyrrole or derivative, catechold, thioketone or thiol, and also phenol. An ester of acarboxylic acid was indicated by positive results. It is concluded tentatively that the neuroactive substance may be an aromatic amine and an ester.
Are kiosk blood pressure readings trustworthy

Background Out-of-office blood pressure (BP) measurements have been shown to improve BP assessment and is now an accepted and critical part of the diagnosis and management of hypertension. Traditionally, we think of two outof-office options – ambulatory BP (ABPM) and home BP. Whereas ABPM provides high-value clinical data, the cost of ABPM and its limited availability severely hinder its widespread use. Home BP is a valuable alternative, but many home BP devices have not undergone independent testing to ensure their accuracy and validity. Wrong cuff size and selective data reporting have also been cited as serious concerns while implementing home BP in clinical decision-making.
Epithelial-mesenchymal-transition regulators in prostate cancer: Androgens and beyond

Castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) remains one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among men. Conventional therapies targeting androgen signaling driven tumor growth have provided limited survival benefit in patients. Recent identification of the critical molecular and cellular events surrounding tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis to the bone as well as other sites provide new insights in targeting advanced disease. Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process via which epithelial cells undergo morphological changes to a motile mesenchymal phenotype, a phenomenon implicated in cancer metastasis but also therapeutic resistance. Therapeutic targeting of EMT has the potential to open a new avenue in the treatment paradigm of CRPC through the reversion of the invasive mesenchymal phenotype to the well differentiated tumor epithelial tumor phenotype. Overcoming therapeutic resistance in metastatic prostate cancer is an unmet need in today's clinical management of advanced disease. This review outlines our current understanding of the contribution of EMT and its reversal to MET in prostate cancer progression and therapeutic resistance, and the impact of selected targeting of mechanisms of resistance via EMT towards a therapeutic benefit in patients with CRPC.
A multi-step model for facilitated unwinding of the yeast U4/U6 RNA duplex

The small nuclear RNA (snRNA) components of the spliceosome undergo many conformational rearrangements during its assembly, catalytic activation and disassembly. The U4 and U6 snRNAs are incorporated into the spliceosome as a base-paired complex within the U4/U6.U5 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (tri-snRNP). U4 and U6 are then unwound in order for U6 to pair with U2 to form the spliceosome's active site. After splicing, U2/U6 is unwound and U6 annealed to U4 to reassemble the tri-snRNP. U6 rearrangements are crucial for spliceosome formation but are poorly understood. We have used single-molecule Forster resonance energy transfer and unwinding assays to identify interactions that promote U4/U6 unwinding and have studied their impact in yeast. We find that U4/U6 is efficiently unwound using DNA oligonucleotides by coupling unwinding of U4/U6 stem II with strand invasion of stem I. Unwinding is stimulated by the U6 telestem, which transiently forms in the intact U4/U6 RNA complex. Stabilization of the telestem in vivo results in accumulation of U4/U6 di-snRNP and impairs yeast growth. Our data reveal conserved mechanisms for U4/U6 unwinding and indicate telestem dynamics are critical for tri-snRNP assembly and stability.