cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Marked Variability in Susceptibility to Ventricular Fibrillation in an Experimental Commotio Cordis Model

Background—Precordial blows in sports and daily activities can trigger ventricular fibrillation (VF) (commotio cordis). Whereas chest wall blows are common, commotio cordis is rare. Although factors such as timing, location, orientation, and energy of impact are critically important, we also hypothesize that there is individual susceptibility to commotio cordis. Using our model of commotio cordis, we evaluated individual animal susceptibility to VF induction and assessed animal characteristics that might be involved. Methods and Results—This retrospective analysis included 139 juvenile swine (weight, 8 to 54 kg) that were anesthetized and placed prone in a sling to receive chest wall strikes with a ball propelled at 30 to 40 mph. Each animal received a minimum of 4 impacts directly over the cardiac silhouette, all timed to a narrow vulnerable window during cardiac repolarization. Of 1274 total impacts, 360 impacts (28%) resulted in VF. There was wide variability in individual animal susceptibility to VF. ...
Fibroblast-Mediated Fiber Realignment in Fibrin Gels

When fibroblasts are added to a fibrin gel, the cells rapidly compact the gel and produce a fiber alignment pattern that depends in part on the cell traction forces, gel geometry, and gel mechanical constraints [1]. Over time the fibrin is digested and replaced with cell synthesized collagen and other extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins that follow the initial alignment pattern of the gel [2]. This remodeling process proceeds in a complex and integrated manner that is influenced by the mechanical environment [3]. In order to better understand fibroblast-fibrin interactions and the remodeling process, we obtained time-lapse images of the development of fiber alignment between clusters of dermal fibroblasts (i.e., explants) in a fibrin gel. The experimental results were then compared to a model that incorporated the effects of traction forces on ECM reorganization.© 2013 ASME
Flame emission studies of several metal chlorides with vapor-phase sampling

Abstract A method is described for the production of spectra of aluminum chloride, iron(III) chloride, silicon tetrachloride and titanium tetrachloride vapors by flame emission spectrometry. The aluminum and iron(III) chloride vapors were prepared by heating solid samples in reaction flasks; silicon and titanium tetrachlorides have sufficient vapor pressures at ambient temperatures to produce vapor-phase samples. Techniques have been developed to introduce the sample into the flame as a vapor, and to accommodate a large concentration of sample while requiring minimum preparation. Spectra were obtained individually and as a mixture over 240–600 nm. The analytical wavelength was chosen for each element, and 10-s integrations were made by utilizing a microcomputer to slew rapidly to the line of interest, hold for 10 s on the emission line, move off wavelength, hold for a 10-s background measurement and slew rapidly to the next line of interest. The microcomputer was also used to digitize and display the number of photons counted.
Gaussian-Weighted RMSD Superposition of Proteins: A Structural Comparison for Flexible Proteins and Predicted Protein Structures

Many proteins contain flexible structures such as loops and hinged domains. A simple root mean square deviation (RMSD) alignment of two different conformations of the same protein can be skewed by the difference between the mobile regions. To overcome this problem, we have developed a novel method to overlay two protein conformations by their atomic coordinates using a Gaussian-weighted RMSD (wRMSD) fit. The algorithm is based on the Kabsch least-squares method and determines an optimal transformation between two molecules by calculating the minimal weighted deviation between the two coordinate sets. Unlike other techniques that choose subsets of residues to overlay, all atoms are included in the wRMSD overlay. Atoms that barely move between the two conformations will have a greater weighting than those that have a large displacement. Our superposition tool has produced successful alignments when applied to proteins for which two conformations are known. The transformation calculation is heavily weighted by the coordinates of the static region of the two conformations, highlighting the range of flexibility in the overlaid structures. Lastly, we show how wRMSD fits can be used to evaluate predicted protein structures. Comparing a predicted fold to its experimentally determined target structure is another case of comparing two protein conformations of the same sequence, and the degree of alignment directly reflects the quality of the prediction.
Evaluating interconnect and virtualization performance for high performance computing

Scientists are increasingly considering cloud computing platforms to satisfy their computational needs. Previous work has shown that virtualized cloud environments can have significant performance impact. However there is still a limited understanding of the overheads and the type of applications that might do well in these environments. In this paper, we detail benchmarking results that characterize the virtualization overhead and examine the performance of various interconnect technologies. Our results show that virtualization and less capable interconnect technologies can have a significant impact upon performance of typical HPC applications. We also evaluate the performance of the Amazon Cluster Compute instances and show that it performs approximately equivalently to a 10G Ethernet cluster at low core counts.
Reproductive functions and hypothalamic catecholamines in response to the soil fumigant metam sodium: adaptations to extended exposures.

Abstract Metam sodium (MS) is a soil fumigant and Category II pesticide with a relatively low toxicity in mammals. Previous data have shown an ability to impair reproductive mechanisms in ovariectomized, estradiol-primed rats. A single i.p. injection blocked the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge that in gonadal-intact females initiates the final stages of follicular and oocytic maturation and serves as the trigger for ovulation. The effect paralleled a fall in hypothalamic norepinephrine (NE) and rise in hypothalamic dopamine (DA) that was likely due to a suppression in dopamine-β-hydroxylase activity. In addition to determining the influence on catecholamine (CA) concentrations from a single oral exposure to MS, the present study explored effects of longer, 3-week treatments on estrous cyclicity, the LH surge, ovulation and hypothalamic CAs. Normally cycling 90 d S–D rats were administered MS (0–200 mg/kg/d, oral) and cyclicity was monitored daily. At the end of the 3rd week, proestrous blood was sampled over the afternoon from regular 4-day cyclers for a determination of LH. These animals were then killed on the following day of estrus (treatment days 21–26) for oocyte retrieval and assessment of hypothalamic CAs. Results showed that shortly after treatment began there occurred a dose-related period of persistent diestrus that typically lasted 8–16 d before regular cycles were reinstated. After 3 weeks, no effects were seen on the magnitude/timing of the LH surge or ovulated oocyte numbers. Anterior and posterior hypothalamic NE and DA were not significantly different from controls, although DA turnover (reflected by the ratio of DOPAC {3,4-dihydroxy-phenylacetic acid} to DA) in both anterior hypothalamic and caudate regions was decreased at all dosages. The data indicate that a 3 week oral exposure to MS induced an initial period of extended diestrus before the resumption of apparently normal reproductive activity, with previously reported CA alterations (apart from a persistent alteration in the DOPAC/DA ratio) being normalized by the end of dosing.
Turning off phototriggered linkage isomerizations in ruthenium dimethyl sulfoxide complexes.

We report on the spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and linkage isomerization in a family of [Ru(tpy)(L2)(dmso)]z+ complexes (tpy is 2,2‘:6‘,2‘ ‘-terpyridine, dmso is dimethyl sulfoxide, and L2 is a variable ligand: 2,2‘-bipyridine (bpy), 2-picolinate (pic), N,N,N‘,N‘-tetramethylethylenediamine (tmen), acetylacetonate (acac), or malonate (mal)). The identity of this bidentate ligand serves to tune the absorption maxima (λmax = 419−502 nm) and the reduction potential (E1/2 = 1.67 to 0.82 V) of these complexes. Photochemical and electrochemical studies show that S→O and O→S linkage isomerization may be triggered through an electron transfer mechanism, resulting in dramatic shifts in both the absorption maxima and the reduction potential (for [Ru(tpy)(pic)(dmso)]+ S-bonded, 421 nm, 1.38 V vs Ag/AgCl; O-bonded, 527 nm, 1.38 V vs Ag/AgCl). Certain of these complexes [Ru(tpy)(acac)(dmso)]+ and [Ru(tpy)(mal)(dmso)] do not undergo isomerization. These results are discussed in the context of electron transfer trigge...
Parametrically Excited Plasma Fluctuations

The enhancement of the spectrum of density fluctuations in a parametrically excited plasma is studied using the linearized theory. In the particular case studied, the plasma is "pumped" by a monochromatic electromagnetic field of either transverse or longitudinal polarization with frequency ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}\ensuremath{\simeq}(\mathrm{electron}\mathrm{plasma}\mathrm{frequency})+(\mathrm{ion}\mathrm{acoustic}\mathrm{frequency})$. A strong enhancement of the fluctuation power at the two individual frequencies is predicted as the previously calculated threshold for instability or oscillation of the linearized theory is approached. The experiments of Stern and Tzoar and other recent theories are discussed. Approximate expressions are derived for the strength of the enhanced resonances and the range of k vectors which actively participate. The cross section for inelastic scattering of radiation from the excited plasma is derived and compared with a result due to Berk, who did not consider the important regenerative process of parametric amplification. The saturation of the noise level for pump powers above the linear threshold is treated.
Deficient brightness discrimination in hooded but not albino rats given neocortical ablations

Abstract Hooded and albino rats with lesions of the neucortex overlying hippocampus and normal rats of both strains were trained in an operant discrimination. Though the normal groups did not differ from one another and the neocortically lesioned albinos did not differ from the unlesioned rats, when compared to the other groups the hooded group was found to be deficient in the acquisition of the task. A greater amount of cell loss and gliosis was observed in the thalamus of the hooded rats.
A surrogate-assisted and informed linkage aware GA

We present a genetic algorithm that combines linkage learning, surrogate models and informed operators. Linkage learning aims at measuring and exploiting interdependence of groups of genes. Surrogate models are fitness approximators to ease the task of calculating true fitness values. Informed operators generate, evaluate and rank a set of solutions according to their fitness model to return their most fit solution. Our described approach provides on-line perturbation based linkage learning and informed linkage exploitation with novel, specialized operators. Results of experimental runs on several synthetic fitness function compositions are provided to demonstrate significant improvement of the final result quality compared to a conventional GA setup.
Multiscale constitutive modeling and numerical simulation of fabric material

A multiscale model for a fabric material is introduced. The model is based on the assumption that on the macroscale the fabric behaves as a continuum membrane, while on the microscale the properties of the microstructure are accounted for by a constitutive law derived by modeling a pair of overlapping crimped yarns as extensible elasticae. A two-scale finite element method is devised to solve selected boundary-value problems.
Influence of colloidal charge on response of pH and reference electrodes: the suspension effect.

Abstract The pH measured in a charged sediment is often very different from that of the supernatant solution. This effect has been studied to determine whether it is caused by an anomalous junction potential at the reference electrode, as commonly thought, or by Donnan partitioning of hydrogen ions. Electrical conductivities in sediments of a strong cation-exchange resin were much higher than predicted by the junction artifact theory; electrode measurements of pH in sediments corresponded to titratable H+-content, and pH-changes induced by titration and salt addition were in accord with partitioning theory. These findings suggest that most pH differences observed between colloidal sediments and supernatants are real, not junction artifacts. Guidelines for interpretation of pH measurements on colloids are suggested.
Effect of route of administration on drug disposition.

An increasing body of information tends to support the hypothesis that drug effect, therapeutic or toxic, is more closely correlated with plasma concentration than dose (Levy, 1968). Absorption is one important determinant of drug plasma levels. Distribution and elimination are others. Most drugs are administered as drug products, not drug entities. The biologic performance of a drug product can be affected by its bioavailability (defined as a measure of the rate and extent to which a drug reaches a sampling site (usually a peripheral vein) or its site of action). Biophasic availability is generally reserved for situations where pharmacologic data are used to assess biologic performance (Smolen, 1971). This paper discusses the various factors that can influence the bioavailability of drug products. Major emphasis is placed on preparations intended for oral administration.
Propeller noise prediction

Analytic propeller noise prediction involves a sequence of computations culminating in the application of acoustic equations. This paper describes the prediction sequence currently used by NASA in its ANOPP (Aircraft Noise Prediction) program. No attempt is made here to review the state of the art of noise prediction. Some elements of this sequence represent classic results while other represent the most recent publications. The elements of the sequence are called program modules. The first group of modules analyze the propeller geometry, the aerodynamics, including both potential and boundary layer flow, the propeller performance, and the surface loading distribution. This group of modules is based entirely on aerodynamic strip theory. The next group of modules deals with the actual noise prediction, based on data from the first group. Deterministic predictions of periodic thickness and loading noise are made using Farassat's time‐domain methods. Broadband noise is predicted by the semi‐emipirical Schlinker‐Amiet method. Nearfield predictions of fuselage surface pressures include the effects of boundary layer refraction and (for a cylinder) scattering. Farfield predictions include atmospheric and ground effects. Comparisons are made to experimental data from subsonic and transonic propellers and NASA's future directions in propeller noise technology development are indicated.
On the application of polyelectrolyte “limiting laws” to the helix-coil transition of DNA. I. Excess univalent cations

A general theory of polyelectrolyte solutions is here used to calculate the differences in Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, and entropy between the coil and helix forms of DNA at any temperature and salt concentration. The salt has univalent cations and is assumed present in excess over the base concentration. The results are restricted to sufficiently dilute solutions. It is shown that the salt concentrations effect is entirely entropic in origin. When applied to the melting temperature, the calculations yield a relation between the enthalpy difference at the melting temperature and the slope of the plot of melting temperature vs. the logarithm of the salt concentration. In accord with observation, both the Gibbs free energy difference at any fixed temperature and the melting temperature are predicted to be linear functions of the log of the salt concentration. However, the theory is not in quantitative agreement with enthalpy data. Data on various colligative and transport properties of both helix and coil forms are reviewed in the text and in Appendix B, and good agreement is found with theory for both forms. No attempt is made to explain why the theory is quantitative for these properties but not for heat measurements. Finally, in Appendix A, an approximate calculation is made of the free energy contributions due to ionic effects not associated with the salt concentration.
Over-modulated AM-FM decomposition

Most previous amplitude- and frequency-modulation (AM and FM) decomposition methods assume that the AM component is non-negative. However this assumption is not always valid. Over-modulation, where the AM component has both positive and negative values, may be present in not only synthetic signals, but also in natural signals like speech and music. Assuming all non-negative values for AM in an over-modulated signal will introduce significant phase discontinuities in the FM estimate. Because of this, previous methods yield significant errors for instantaneous frequency (IF) estimation at AM zero-crossings. We propose a two-step algorithm that utilizes coherent demodulation to estimate AM and FM correctly for over-modulated signals. For synthetic signals, the algorithm produces very accurate AM and FM estimates; for band-passed speech signals, the algorithm corrects the discontinuities in the FM estimate and produces more physically reasonable results. The evaluation of source sensitivity for the algorithm shows that the estimation errors generally increase with AM and FM frequencies, but are insensitive to carrier frequency. The robustness in noise is relatively low in the over-modulation case due to very low local SNR at AM zero-crossings. Limitations of the algorithm and future work are also discussed.
Evidence for GABA receptors on serotonergic afferent terminals in the substantia nigra and on nigral efferent projections to the caudal mesencephalon.

Abstract Changes in [ 3 H]GABA binding in rat substantia nigra (SN) were examined after (1) hemitransections at various levels posterior to SN and (2) 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) induced lesions of the dorsal or median raphe or SN. Hemitransections 2 mm caudal to SN resulted in a 52% decrease in specific high affinity [ 3 H]GABA binding in SN when measured 2–3 weeks postoperatively. No significant change in nigral GABA binding was found in rats with hemitransections placed at a postcollicular level (through the rostral pons). 5,7-DHT placements in the median raphe, or directly into SN, caused a 25% decrease in specific [ 3 H]GABA binding in SN. 5,7-DHT lesions of the dorsal raphe did not significantly affect the binding of [ 3 H]GABA in SN. These data suggest that a significant portion of GABA receptors in SN may be located presynaptically on axon terminals of serotonergic projections from the median raphe to SN. Other pathways between the SN and the caudal mesencephalon also appear to contain GABA receptors; these are likely to be efferent nigral projections to the mesencephalic reticular formation.
Self-similar Evolution of Parabolic Pulses in a Fiber Laser

A femtosecond fiber laser supporting self-similarly propagating parabolic pulses is demonstrated theoretically and experimentally. In addition to constituting another example of self-similarity, this new pulse shaping mechanism in principle allows scaling to unprecendented pulse energies.
Magnetic Geometry and Dynamics of the Fast Coronal Mass Ejection of 1997 September 9

A coronal mass ejection (CME) was observed on 1997 September 9 by the Mauna Loa Solar Observatory Mark III K-coronameter (MK3) and by the LASCO C2/C3 and EIT instruments on board the SOHO spacecraft. Magnetograms and EIT images obtained on days leading up to the eruption show a neutral line that appears to correspond to the site of the eruption. Taken together, the data from these instruments provide a comprehensive, beginning-to-end record of the event within the 32 R☉ field of view. The motion of several features are tracked through the fields of view of MK3, C2, and C3. The CME exhibits the previously identified morphological features and dynamical properties consistent with those of an erupting magnetic flux rope with its legs connected to the Sun. The LASCO images and magnetograms indicate that the flux rope axis was aligned with the neutral line approximately 2 days behind the west limb. Its apparent orientation provides an oblique view of an erupting flux rope, a view that has not been discussed previously. A theoretical flux rope model is used to understand the forces responsible for the observed CME dynamics. Synthetic coronagraph images based on the model flux rope are constructed.
The Tribological Behavior of Blends of Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and Polyetherimide (PEI) at Elevated Temperatures

The friction and wear under dry sliding conditions of injection molded blends of Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and Polyetherimide (PEI) at temperatures from 20°C to 232°C were investigated on a pin-on-disk apparatus. The friction and wear results were correlated to results obtained from dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) temperature scans performed on each of the materials. It was found that tan δ peaks corresponding to α transitions occurring in the vicinity of the glass transition temperature (Tg) coincided with catastrophic tribological failure in the case of PEI and the amorphous PEEK/PEI blends. PEEK and the annealed 70% PEEK/30% PEI blend, exhibited marked increases in friction and wear at and above the Tg. The absence of catastrophic tribological failure in PEEK and the annealed 70/30 blend in the vicinity of the glass transition temperature corresponded to a transitions of significantly lesser strength (i.e. lower tan δ peak values) than those observed in PEI and the amorphous blends. Betwee...
More profit with less carbon.

Offers a look at the benefits of focusing on energy efficiency for the protection of Earth's climate. Claim that climate protection would reduce costs; List of businesses that have boosted production while cutting energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, including chemical manufacturer DuPont; Importance of switching to fuels that emit less carbon; Availability of energy-efficient products such as light bulbs and electronic speed controls; Discussion of home heating systems and thermal insulation; Report that transportation consumes 70 percent of U.S. oil and generates a third of the nation's carbon emissions; Improvements that could be made to transportation's efficiency by combining lightweight materials with innovations in propulsion and aerodynamics; Increase of alternatives to coal-fired power plants, including solar power and wind power. INSET: CROSSROADS FOR ENERGY.
Morphology-controlled synthesis of silica nanotubes through pH- and sequence-responsive morphological change of bacterial flagellar biotemplates

Bacterial flagella are naturally occurring self-assembling protein nanofibers protruding from the bacterial surface to assist the swimming of bacteria. They are rigid and exhibit diverse morphologies depending on the ionic strength, the pH values, temperature, and subunit sequences. Here, silica nanotubes (SNTs) with controllable morphologies were synthesized using flagella as biological templates in aqueous solution under mild conditions. The morphologies and surface features of flagella-templated SNTs can be simply tuned by adjusting the pH value or surface chemistry of flagella by peptide display. A variety of different morphologies (coiled, straight, and curly with different wavelengths) and surface features (smooth, rough, granular and pearl-necklace-like) of SNTs were obtained. When pH varies from acidic to alkaline conditions, in general, SNTs varied from bundled coiled, to characteristic sinusoidal waves, helical, and straight morphologies. Under genetic control, flagella displaying negatively charged peptides exhibited thinner layer of silica condensation but a rougher surface. However, flagella with positively charged peptide inserts induced the deposition of a thicker silica shell with a smoother surface. Incorporation of hydroxyl bearing amino acid residues such as Ser into the peptide displayed on flagella highly enhanced the biotemplated deposition of silica. This work suggests that bacterial flagella are promising biotemplates for developing an environmentally benign and cost-efficient approach to morphology-controlled synthesis of nanotubes. Moreover, the dependency of the thickness of the silica shell on the peptides displayed on flagella helps us to further understand the mechanism of biomimetic nucleation of silica on biological templates.
A bijection proving orthogonality of the characters of Sn

Abstract Suppose ϱ and β are partitions of n. If ϱ ⋍ β, a bijection is given between positive pairs of rim hook tableaux of the same shape λ and content β and ϱ, respectively, and negative pairs of rim hook tableaux of some other shape μ and content β and ϱ, respectively. If ϱ = β, the bijection is between positive pairs and either negative pairs or permutations of hooks. The bijection, in the latter case, is a generalization of the Schensted correspondence between pairs of standard tableaux and permutations. If the irreducible characters of Sn are interpreted combinatorially using the Murnaghan-Nakayama formula, these bijections prove ∑ λ X λ ρ X λ β =δ ρβ 1 j1 J1!2 j2 J2!… where ϱ = 1j12j2….
Measurements of pressure broadening and pressure shifting by nitrogen in the 4.3-μm band of 12C16O2

Lorentz-broadening coefficients and pressure-induced line-shift coefficients of 34 individual lines have been determined for the P(40) to R(40) vibration-rotation transitions in the nu(3) fundamental of CO2 using N2 as the buffer gas. The parameters were derived from 0.01/cm resolution infrared absorption spectra recorded using the McMath Fourier transform spectrometer and a nonlinear, least-squares fitting algorithm. It is concluded that the N2-broadening coefficients obtained in the present study agree well with recent high resolution measurements. The results are considered to be of importance not only for predicting the infrared spectrum of the atmosphere due to CO2 absorption or emission but also for verifying theoretical calculations.
Encapsulation of indomethacin in liposomes provides protection against both gastric and intestinal ulceration when orally administered to rats.

Encapsulation of indomethacin into egg phospha-tidylcholine (EPC) monophasic vesicles (MPV) or into stable plurilamellar vesicles (SPLV) before oral administration to rats substantially reduced or eliminated the gastric and intestinal ulceration normally associated with ingestion of this drug. Ulcers were assessed by the 4-hour single-dose gastric ulceration model and the 4- or 14-day repeated-dose intestinal ulceration model, using microscopic/planimetric quantitation. Oral dosages of up to 10 mg/kg of indomethacin in polyethylene glycol-400 resulted in substantial gastric ulceration, but not when given in methylcellulose suspension or as EPCMPV. Severe intestinal ulcers resulted following oral administration of indomethacin in either vehicle at daily 3–4-mg/kg doses, but did not result from EPCMPV formulations, whether dosed for 4 days or 14 days. Oral administration of pH-sensitive indomethacin liposomes constructed from cholesterol hemisuccinate resulted in loss of the protective action. Indomethacin-MPV showed both comparable bioactivity and comparable blood levels of the drug when contrasted with free drug in vehicles. Biodistribution studies demonstrated that when delivered from liposomes, drug and phospho-lipid are rapidly cleared through the stomach but then are differentially absorbed. Empty EPCMPV given by mouth also offered some protection against ulcers induced by systemic (subcutaneous) introduction of indomethacin, although better protective action was noted when the drug was first liposome-encapsulated and then given orally. The application of liposomes to the development of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs that have minimal gastrointestinal side effects is discussed.
Kinetics of octacalcium phosphate crystal growth in the presence of organic acids

Octacalcium phosphate (OCP) is an important P solid phase in geochemical and biological systems and has been recognized as a precursor phase to the formation of thermodynamically more stable hydroxyapatite (HAP). Metastability of OCP with respect to HAP may be explained by precipitation kinetics and the influence of dissolved organic C (DOC) on crystal growth. Octacalcium phosphate precipitation was measured at pH 6.0 and 25°C in the absence and presence of organic acids commonly found in natural waters and soil solutions using a seeded crystal growth constant composition method. Rate constants for OCP precipitation were calculated from the following expression: Rate = kS(IAP18 − Ksp18)n, where k is the rate constant (L7 mol−6 m−2 s−1), S is OCP seed crystal surface area (m2 L−1), IAP = ion activity product, Ksp = OCP solubility constant (mol8 L−8), and n is the rate reaction order. The rate constant for OCP precipitation in the absence of organic acids was 1034.93·L7 mol−6 m−2 s−1. Humic, fulvic, tannic, and citric acids were added to OCP crystal growth experiments at total soluble (CTS) C levels ranging from 20 μM to 2 mM. Inhibition of OCP precipitation was nearly complete (99% ) in the presence of 1.0 mM CTS as humic acid. At the same level of CTS, OCP precipitation was inhibited by 97,88, and 68% in the presence of fulvic, citric, and tannic acids, respectively. Inhibition of precipitation is caused by adsorption of organic acids onto OCP surfaces blocking active crystal growth sites. The ability of organic acids to inhibit OCP crystal growth is related to their hydrophobicity, functional group content, size, geometry, and orientation on the crystal surface. Precipitation kinetics and crystal growth inhibition by organic acids may explain the metastability of dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) and OCP with respect to thermodynamically more stable HAP often observed in geochemical environments.
Enhanced Optical Trapping through Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance of Au Nanoparticle Array

We utilize localized surface plasmon resonance excited on an Au nanoparticle array for optical trapping. The radiation field from the resonant oscillating dipoles has large gradient, which results in dielectrophoretic force with lower optical intensity than conventional optical tweezers.
Introduction: The (overlooked) virtues of "unvirtuous" attitudes and behavior: reconsidering negativity, complaining, pessimism, and "false" hope.

The attitudes and behaviors examined in this special section-namely, negativity, complaining, pessimism, and "false" hope-have not typically been viewed as virtuous either in popular culture or in professional psychology. In reconsidering these attitudes and behaviors, each of the authors demonstrates how there may actually be virtue, or at least something positive, in what has typically been cast in a negative light.
Cadmium resistance from Staphylococcus aureus plasmid pI258 cadA gene results from a cadmium-efflux ATPase.

Abstract Cadmium resistance specified by the cadA determinant of Staphylococcus aureus plasmid pI258 results from the functioning of a cadmium-efflux system. In the nucleotide sequence of the DNA fragment containing the cadA determinant, two open reading frames were identified. The larger one, corresponding to a predicted polypeptide of 727 amino acid residues, is necessary and sufficient for expression of cadmium resistance. Comparison of the CadA amino acid sequence with known protein sequences suggested that CadA is a member of the E1E2 cation-translocating ATPases, similar to the K+-uptake ATPases of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The sequence homology is lower but significant with other E1E2-type ATPases, including the H+-efflux ATPases of eukaryotic microbes and the Ca2+- and Na+/K+-ATPases of animals. A frame-shift mutation in the middle of the gene destroys the Cd2+-resistance phenotype. A detailed model for the putative CadA ATPase based on homologies to other E1E2 ATPases is presented and discussed.
Purification and recovery of bulky hydrophobic DNA adducts.

Abstract For many years 32 P postlabeling has detected DNA adducts at very low levels and yet has not been able to identify unknown adducts. Mass spectrometry offers substantially improved identification powers, albeit at some loss in detection limits. With this ultimate utilization of mass spectrometry in mind, the current research presents a new method to quantitatively purify bulky hydrophobic DNA adducts at levels that are pertinent to ongoing DNA adduct research in human health and environmental fields. This method was demonstrated with benzo[ a ]pyrene adducts. Purification was accomplished with the use of small columns (7.5-mm frits) with an 11 mg bed of polystyrene–divinlybenzene beads which retained the adducts while permitting the nonadducted nucleotides to be washed out with water. Subsequently, the adducts were eluted with 50% MeOH and the sample was reduced in volume in an evacuated centrifuge. Purification was demonstrated at adduct levels ranging from 4 adducts in 10 6 nonadducted nucleotides to 4 in 10 8 . For these levels, analyses by capillary electrophoresis with sample stacking and UV detection determined that recoveries ranged from 91 to 54%, respectively. The adduct quantities isolated should be sufficient to allow the use of current MS capabilities that are linked on-line to separation methodologies such as capillary electrophoresis, capillary electrochromatography, and high-pressure liquid chromatography.
Maintenance therapies in bipolar disorder: focus on randomized controlled trials

Objective: Lithium remains the cornerstone of maintenance therapy for bipolar disorder despite growing use of other agents, including divalproex, lamotrigine, carbamazepine and the atypical antipsychotics. Lithium has the largest body of data to support its continued use as a prophylactic agent; however, most of this data comes from early studies that did not use contemporary analytic methods. Alternatives to lithium are needed because of the relatively high rate of non-response to lithium monotherapy and the drug's frequent side-effects. This article reviews available data with an emphasis on double-blind, placebo controlled studies that examine the efficacy of lithium and other putative mood stabilizers: carbamazepine, divalproex, lamotrigine and olanzapine.Method: The authors reviewed key literature using Medline searches using key words: bipolar disorder, controlled trials, mood stabilizer, lithium, lomotrigine, divalproex, olanzapine, carbamazepine.Results: Lithium remains the gold standard for overa...
Impact of clinical and therapeutic factors on incident cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in a population-based cohort of HIV-infected and non-HIV-infected adults.

Background Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular (CVD) events/diseases are a common cause of non–acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related mortality in the aging human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected population. The incidence rate and clinical correlates of CVD in people living with HIV/AIDS compared to the general population warrants further investigation. Hypothesis HIV/AIDS is associated with increased risk CVD compared to general population. Methods CVD events in a matched cohort of HIV-infected and non–HIV-infected adults, ≥18 years old, served through the South Carolina Medicaid program during 1994 to 2011 were examined using time-dependent proportional hazards regression and marginal structural modeling. Results A retrospective cohort of 13 632 adults was followed longitudinally for an average of 51 months. The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of incident CVD events was higher among HIV-infected individuals exposed to combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) (aHR = 1.15) compared to the non–HIV-infected group, but did not differ from the subgroup of cART-naive HIV-infected adults. A higher aHR of incident CVD was associated with comorbid hypertension (aHR = 2.18), diabetes (aHR = 1.38), obesity (aHR = 1.30), tobacco use (aHR = 1.47), and hepatitis C coinfection (aHR = 1.32), and older age (aHR = 1.26), but with a lower risk among females (aHR = 0.86). A higher risk of incident CVD events was also apparent in HIV-infected individuals with exposure to both protease inhibitors (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] = 1.99) and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (aRR = 2.19) compared to those with no exposure. Sustained viral load suppression was associated with a lower risk of incident CVD events (aRR = 0.74). Conclusions After adjusting for traditional risk factors and sociodemographic differences, there is higher risk of incident cardiovascular events among HIV-infected individuals exposed to combined antiretroviral medications compared to the general population.
The Pauli exclusion principle in pre-equilibrium decay

Abstract A recent extended version of Griffin's model for nuclear reactions has been further modified to include the first-order effects of the Pauli exclusion principle. The resulting changes in the description of nuclear equilibration have been studied. Comparisons of the results of calculations made before and after modification indicate that earlier analyses of experimental data carried out with the model are not seriously in error but that in other isolated cases the exclusion principle might become important. The sensitivity of the calculated pre-equilibrium spectra to the Paul; principle is greatest for low-energy low-mass systems and for complex particle emission.
Computer education in the 1980s, a somber view

The discipline of computer science is a child of the 1970s. Its growth in infancy has been impressive, statistically, but so it is with infants. As we enter the decade of the 1980s, the discipline and all of us engaged in computer science education face some difficult choices. It is becoming abundantly clear that in the 1980s computer education cannot be provided for our students in the variety and quality which they demand. It will fall to us, personally, to decide what kind of computer education will be made available. In this next decade we will suffer a national deficiency of computer expertise equivalent to our national deficiency in oil. The cost of this expertise is already inflating at an alarming rate, and we have yet to begin to mobilize programs which in the long-term will stabilize the market. It is therefore inevitable that the 1980s will witness a frantic shift to alternative sources of expertise and a consequent dilution in the quality of computer professionals and computer products. The academic profession must make program decisions now which will serve to minimize the cost which our society will pay as it struggles to fully enter the computer age.
Median power and median correlation theory

We show that the maximum likelihood (ML) estimate of location under the Laplacian model, which forms the basis for weighted median filters, can be generalized to correlation estimates based on weighted medians. Much like linear sample correlations, the resultant median correlation estimates have a surprisingly simple structure. Unlike linear correlations, median correlations are robust to data contamination. Notably, weights in this framework do not assume fixed values as with weighted median filters but take on random values determined by the underlying data itself. The underlying parameters associated with the sample median correlations are obtained, leading to well-defined expressions that can be used in subspace-based signal processing algorithms. The properties of median correlations are illustrated through a number of simulations where the MUltiple SIgnal Classification (MUSIC) algorithm is applied on linear and median sample correlation matrices for real-valued frequency estimation applications. This paper thus unveils new and powerful capabilities of weighted medians for use in modern signal processing applications.
Susceptibility of pseudomonas aeruginosa to cefepime versus ceftazidime in patients with cystic fibrosis.

Study Objectives. To compare the susceptibility of respiratory cultures of Pseudomonas aeruginosa obtained from patients with cystic fibrosis to cefepime versus ceftazidime. The pattern of cumulative resistance of P. aeruginosa to cefepime in patients who had received at least one treatment course of cefepime between two sputum cultures was also characterized. Design. Prospective consecutive data collection. Setting. University-affiliated cystic fibrosis clinic and medical center. Patients. Eighty patients with cystic fibrosis who had at least one sputum culture positive for P. aeruginosa with reported microbiologic susceptibilities to cefepime and ceftazidime. Intervention. Patient data was collected and analyzed. Measurements and Main Results. Two hundred and thirty-one P. aeruginosa isolates were collected over 6 months. A total of 16.4% and 8.7% of the isolates were nonsusceptible to cefepime and ceftazidime, respectively (p=0.01). In eight patients who had not received cefepime before the study period, nonsusceptibility was 11.8% and 27.2% before and after exposure to cefepime, respectively. Conclusions. Susceptibility of P. aeruginosa isolates in patients with cystic fibrosis was lower with cefepime than with ceftazidime. Follow-up surveillance to determine changes in susceptibility of P. aeruginosa isolates to cefepime is warranted.
Thermal Characteristics Comparison of Two Fire Resistant Materials

Two intumescent fire resistant materials were characterized. The thermophysical properties—mass loss, rate of mass loss, specific heat, thermal conductivity, thermochemical expansion, permeability, and porosity—of Firex RX-2390 and No Fire Formula A were characterized as a function of temperature. Correlation models were derived from the data. Properties of the two materials were compared and related to their thermal performance.
Translating SBIRT to public school settings: An initial test of feasibility

Public schools are not traditional locations where screening, brief motivational counseling intervention and referral to treatment (SBIRT) are provided. This translational research study aimed to test the feasibility of conducting SBIRT in two urban New York schools and to examine its economic sustainability. In Spring 2012, 248 students were screened during non-academic classes: 42% of them (n=105) reported substance use (versus 28% reported in school-wide, paper anonymous survey). All but one of the positively screened students voluntarily accepted one or more brief intervention sessions and two students were referred to treatment. This school-based SBIRT model did not interfere with academic activities, was feasible to implement, and was attractive to students, teachers and administration. The data offer clear indication that further effectiveness testing is warranted and potentially valuable, however the sustainability of this model was not supported due to our lack of obtaining insurance information, authorization and reimbursement.
Effects of ranolazine on wild-type and mutant hNav1.7 channels and on DRG neuron excitability

Background: A direct role of sodium channels in pain has recently been confirmed by establishing a monogenic link between SCN9A, the gene which encodes sodium channel Nav1.7, and pain disorders in humans, with gain-of-function mutations causing severe pain syndromes, and loss-of-function mutations causing congenital indifference to pain. Expression of sodium channel Na v 1.8 in DRG neurons has also been shown to be essential for the manifestation of mutant Nav1.7-induced neuronal hyperexcitability. These findings have confirmed key roles of Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 in pain and identify these channels as novel targets for pain therapeutic development. Ranolazine preferentially blocks cardiac late sodium currents at concentrations that do not significantly reduce peak sodium current. Ranolazine also blocks wild-type Na v 1.7 and Na v 1.8 channels in a use-dependent manner. However, ranolazine's effects on gain-offunction mutations of Nav1.7 and on DRG neuron excitability have not been investigated. We used voltage- and current-clamp recordings to evaluate the hypothesis that ranolazine may be effective in regulating Na v 1.7-induced DRG neuron hyperexcitability. Results: We show that ranolazine produces comparable block of peak and ramp currents of wild-type Nav1.7 and mutant Na v 1.7 channels linked to Inherited Erythromelalgia and Paroxysmal Extreme Pain Disorder. We also show that ranolazine, at a clinically-relevant concentration, blocks high-frequency firing of DRG neurons expressing wild-type but not mutant channels. Conclusions: Our data suggest that ranalozine can attenuate hyperexcitability of DRG neurons over-expressing wildtype Nav1.7 channels, as occurs in acquired neuropathic and inflammatory pain, and thus merits further study as an alternative to existing non-selective sodium channel blockers.
Factors Affecting the Decision to Exit Dairy Farming: A Two-Stage Regression Analysis

Substantial attention has focused on the dairy industry because of a concern that many producers are getting out of dairying. Although low milk prices are postulated as a primary reason for exits from dairying, other factors may be important as well. Data from a representative 64-farm subset of a 2002 survey of dairy producers in Maine were used in the current study. Of the 64 farms, 15 indicated an imminent exit from dairying, whereas 49 dairy farms expected to remain in business for ≥5 yr. A binary choice logit regression model, based upon the dependent variable decision to exit or remain in the industry, was used as part of a 2-stage regression process to ascertain why dairy producers are choosing to leave the industry. The hypothesis states that the decision is a function of 3 independent variable categories: demographic, efficiency, and opportunity costs. Four variables were revealed that significantly influence the exit decision. Older producers, higher off-farm income, lower returns over variable cost, and greater diversification of farm income were more likely associated with a decision to leave dairy farming. Because factors other than milk price are involved in exit decisions, perhaps national or regional dairy programs should consider strategies beyond price supports to provide for a stable dairy industry and a reduction in the rate of dairy farm exits.