cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Isomeric characterization via ion neutralization and dissociation. Experimental variables

Major deficiencies of mass spectrometry for characterizing isomeric molecules, and of collisionally activated dissociation for characterizing isomeric ions, can be alleviated by complementary information from new techniques of neutraiization-reionization (NR) mass spectrometry. Mass data can be obtained from most fragments of the original species, irrespective of their ability to retain the charge; dissociation of fast neutrals prepared from isomeric ions can involve novel reaction pathways and can minimize competing isomerization reactions; isomeric neutrals undergoing similar dissociations can be differentiated by forming them with different internal energies; reionization of the neutral products to negative as well as positive ions can provide increased selectivity; and structural information on the resulting ions can be derived using MS/MS/MS, Dissociation by novel non-isomerization pathways can also be effected by a second addition (or subtraction) of an electron to produce an unstable ion of opposite charge. Special techniques can yield neutralized products in favorable dissociative states by collisional activation, by using neutralization targets of selected ionization energy, or through Franck-Condon factors. Optimum excitation of the neutral is important, as this should be high enough to minimize rearrangement, to maximize the differences in the dissociation pathways of isomers, and to minimize the further dissociation of the characteristic primary products of the neutral. NR experiments can, thus, also provide information on the energy surfaces for unimolecular dissociations of neutrals that are difficult to study by conventional techniques. Dissociations of the neutrals can be differentiated from those occurring after reionization by separate collisional activation of the neutrals, by changing the ionization energy of the neutralization agent, or by reionization to ions of opposite charge.
Purification of Polysomes

Isolated polysomes (also known as translating ribosomes or polyribosomes) are mRNA-ribosome complexes that are frequently used for the in vitro study of the regulation of protein synthesis. Here we describe a protocol for the isolation of prokaryotic and plant polysomes by sucrose gradient sedimentation. The protocol allows for the separation of multiple ribosomes attached to mRNA from run-off ribosome monomers. In addition to collecting the polysome pellet, if the sucrose gradients used in this protocol are fractionated, it is possible to isolate and quantify the polysomes, the ribosome monomers, and the ribosomal subunits.
Maintenance and Change in the Diet of Hispanic Immigrants in Eastern North Carolina

The objectives of this descriptive, exploratory study were to assess maintenance and change in the food consumption, preparation, and purchasing practices of Hispanic immigrants currently residing in eastern North Carolina who had lived in the United States for no more than 10 years, and to identify underlying ecological factors and perceptions about food quality that shape their postmigrational food habits. The participants were 33 Hispanic immigrants: 8 males and 25 females. Qualitative data were collected using individual interviews and a focus group session. Findings suggest that these Hispanic immigrants struggle to retain their cultural food traditions and are consuming more high-fat, high-sugar foods than they did in their home countries. Improved economic status and school food service offerings are examples of factors that promote dietary change among children and families. These influences and identified misconceptions about food safety and freshness are important topics for culturally sensitive nutrition education for this population.
Planar Optical Sources And Detectors For Monolithic Integration With GaAs Metal Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (MESFET) Electronics

The monolithic integration of GaAs electronics and light emitting sources (or detectors) is a desirable method for producing compact, reliable, potentially low-cost optoelectronic modules for fiber optic communications. The material's and processing required for opto-electronic components (emitters and detectors) and electronics (FETs) are different and often incompatible. This has been primarily responsible for the relatively slow development of integrated structures. Therefore, it is important that a method be developed for combining the two dissimilar technologies using materials and processes which do nct place prohibitive restrictions on the performance or geometry of the optical and electronic devices. In this paper we present the progress and results of an integration scheme termed "emitter/detector-in-a--well" which presents a simple solution to the problems that have plagued other integration schemes. MESFET compatible A1GaAs light emitting diodes and GaAs p-n junction detectors have been successfully fabricated on semiinsulating substrates using this new integrating scheme. Adjacent to each optoelectronic component there is an exposed surface of the semi-insulating substrate (for MESFET fabrication by direct ion implantation) which is coplanar to the top surface of the GaAs optoelectronic component. The merits of this "all planar" integration technique are discussed. In addition, the fabrication and performance of MESFET compatible Transverse Junction Stripe LEDs and Be-implanted detectors are presented.
Nucleation and the interfacial tension of sparingly soluble salts

Critical supersaturations required for the onset of homogeneous nucleation of sparingly soluble salts from solution have been determined by nephelometry. The data so obtained are used, in conjunction with nucleation theory, to calculate values for the interfacial tension and radius of the critical nucleus. The dimensions of these critical nuclei are close to those of the unit cell and consequently relatively few ions are involved in the nucleation of crystals in solution.
Hubble Space Telescope Observations of the Gravitationally Lensed Cloverleaf Broad Absorption Line QSO H1413+1143: Modeling the Lens*

We investigate gravitational lens models for the quadruply lensed Cloverleaf broad absorption line QSO H1413+1143 based on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) WFPC/WFPC2 astrometric and photometric data of the system by Turnshek et al. and the HST NICMOS-2 data by Falco et al. The accurate image positions and the dust-extinction-corrected relative amplifications, along with a possible detection of the lensing galaxy in the infrared, permit more accurate lens models than were previously possible. While more recent models are qualitatively consistent with the HST data, none of the previous models considered the dust-extinction-corrected relative amplifications of the image components. We use the power-law elliptical mass model to fit the HST data. We find that a single elliptical galaxy perturbed by an external shear can fit the image positions within the observational uncertainties; however, the predicted relative magnifications are only roughly consistent with the observational relative amplifications. We find that a primary galaxy combined with a secondary galaxy in the vicinity of the Cloverleaf or a cluster centered (south-) west of the Cloverleaf can fit both the image positions and relative amplifications within the observational uncertainties. We discuss future observations that could be used to test and/or further constrain lens models of the Cloverleaf.
Desulfurization of α-Sulfenylated Allyl Nitriles Using an Amine-Deactivated Palladium [0] Catalyst

Abstract A chemospecific desulfurization method of α-sulfenylated allyl nitriles in Et3 N via catalytic hydrogenation on Pd[0] is described.
Response of lymphangiectasis to radiotherapy

A 14-year-old girl with lymphangiectasis of the skull causing rapid extensive destruction of the left orbit, zygoma, mandible, sphenoid, and occiput underwent radiotherapy with 2000 rad to the entire skull, mandible, and upper cervical vertebrae. Three years later, progression of the disease has ceased, and the involved bone is slowly remineralizing.
The L X-Ray Spectrum of Solid Aluminum

The $L$ x-ray spectrum of solid Al has been observed to consist, not of sharp lines, but of a wide continuous band of radiation extending between the approximate limits 170 and 200A. This is in agreement with the Pauli-Sommerfeld theory of free electrons in metals.
Creativity management: Systems and contingencies from a literature review

Based on certain literature, theoretical considerations are developed for the area of creativity management in industrial technological innovation. The creative individual is viewed as progressing through a multistage process in which multimodal methods of management are applicable. A preliminary case scenario illustrates how a variety of mechanisms may be applied by an inventor in creating a new product. Consideration of organic and mechanistic stages in the creative process led to the hypothesis that a bimodal management model is most appropriate. The postulated model allows for flexibility in providing slack or constrained environments depending on earlier performance and on whether initiation or implementation modes are desirable for stimulating creative advances.
Primate Phylogeny and Immunological Distance

Recalculation of the time of divergence of the Pongidae and Hominidae after correction of immunological distance by inclusion of generation length yields minimum dates of approximately 14 million years ago.
Design and synthesis of highly CO2-soluble surfactants and chelating agents

Abstract Use of a surfactant or chelate as an associative co-solvent is a useful method for increasing the solvating power of non-polar supercritical fluids (SCF's). Although CO 2 is the most widely used SCF, commercially available surfactants and chelating agents have been shown to be generally poorly soluble in this fluid. Consequently, this study outlines the identification of CO 2 -philic functionalities, synthesis and characterization of surfactants and chelating agents containing these functionalities, and their phase behavior in supercritical CO 2 .
Secundum Atrial Septal Defect and Mitral Valve Incompetence

Mitral regurgitation associated with secundum atrial septal defect is described in 4 patients, each with a different mitral lesion: rheumatic valvular disease, congenitally cleft valve, subacute bacterial endocarditis with disruption of the chordae tendineae, and traumatic valve rupture. The pathological spectrum of mitral valve disease associated with atrial septal defect is reviewed, and it is suggested that structural abnormality of the mitral valve may accompany the atrial septal defect. More general awareness of this association will allow the surgeon more accuracy in defining and repairing this rather unusual combination of lesions.
Josephson behavior in small normal one-dimensional rings

Abstract Small and strictly one-dimensional rings of normal metal, driven by an external magnetic flux, act like superconducting rings with a Josephson junction, except that 2e is replaced by e.
Thrombospondin-1-induced vascular smooth muscle cell chemotaxis: the role of the type 3 repeat and carboxyl terminal domains.

Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), an acute phase reactant implicated in vascular disease, is a matricellular glycoprotein with six domains that confer different functions. The authors have shown TSP-1 induces vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) chemotaxis via extracellular signal-regulated kinases-1 and -2 (ERK) and p38 kinase (p38) and that a fusion protein of the carboxyl terminal (COOH) and type 3 repeat (T3) domains independently induce VSMC chemotaxis. The purpose of this study was to determine whether COOH-, T3-induced VSMC chemotaxis, or both, is dependent upon ERK or p38 activation. To determine if the T3, COOH, or type 2 repeat domain (T2, control domain not associated with chemotaxis) activate ERK, p38, or both, VSMCs were exposed to each fusion protein (20 microg/ml for 15, 30, 60, or 120 min), serum-free media (SFM, negative control), or TSP-1 (20 microg/ml for 30 min, positive control). Western immunoblotting was performed for activation studies. Using a microchemotaxis chamber, VSMCs pre-incubated in SFM, DMSO (vehicle control), PD98059 (10 microM), or SB202190 (10 microM) were exposed to each domain, TSP-1, or SFM. After 4 h (37 degrees C), migrated VSMCs were recorded as cells/five fields (400 x) and analyzed by paired t-test. ERK was activated by T2, T3, and COOH. However, p38 was activated by T3 and COOH, but not T2. T3 and COOH-induced VSMC chemotaxis were inhibited by PD98059 or SB202190, but more completely by SB202190. The T2 domain had no effect on VSMC chemotaxis. These results suggest activation of the p38 pathway may be more specific than ERK for COOH- and T3-induced VSMC chemotaxis.
Fgf16IRESCre mice: A tool to inactivate genes expressed in inner ear cristae and spiral prominence epithelium

Fibroblast growth factors play important roles in inner ear development. Previous studies showed that mouse Fgf16 is expressed asymmetrically during the otic cup and vesicle stages of development, suggesting roles in regulating or responding to anteroposterior axial cues. Here, we studied otic Fgf16 expression throughout embryonic development and found transcripts in the developing cristae and in a few cells in the lateral wall of the cochlear duct. To determine the otic function of Fgf16 and to follow the fate of Fgf16-expressing cells, we generated an Fgf16(IRESCre) allele. We show that Fgf16 does not have a unique role in inner ear development and that the Fgf16 lineage is found throughout the three cristae, in portions of the semicircular canal ducts, and in the cochlear spiral prominence epithelial cells. This strain will be useful for gene ablations in these tissues.
Adjuvant therapy of resected adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.

Abstract Seventy-two patients underwent resections of pancreatic carcinomas between 1981 and 1989 at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and were evaluable for follow-up. There were three treatment groups as treatment policies evolved. Initially, patients were observed after surgery without adjuvant treatment (Group 1–33 patients). Beginning in 1984, patients were offered adjuvant radiation therapy postoperatively (Group 2–19 patients) and eight of these patients also received 5-FU as an IV bolus on the first 3 days of the first and fifth weeks of treatment. Twenty patients were treated with chemosensitized radiation therapy following surgery using 96-hour 5-FU infusions during the first and fifth weeks of treatment. There were four postoperative deaths, which are excluded from the analysis, and sites of failure could not be determined for five other patients. Among evaluable patients, local recurrences occurred in 85% of the patients in group 1, 55% of the patients in group 2, and 25% of the patients in group 3. The 2-year survival was 35% in group 1, 30% in group 2, and 43% in group 3. Patients with involved surgical margins had a poor survival; only 2 of these 16 patients survived longer than 18 months. Among patients with negative margins, the 2-year survival is 41% in group 1, 33% in group 2, and 59% in group 3. Although the number of patients is smaller, the 3-year survival is 22% in group 1, 11% in group 2, and 47% in group 3. Chemosensitized irradiation is well tolerated in these patients. The major challenge in this group of patients is nutritional maintenance. There was no other significant toxicity. The trend in these observations suggests that survival following pancreatic resection is substantially improved with the addition of adjuvant chemosensitized radiation therapy.
Homoepitaxial tunnel barriers with functionalized graphene-on-graphene for charge and spin transport

The coupled imperatives for reduced heat dissipation and power consumption in high-density electronics have rekindled interest in devices based on tunnelling. Such devices require mating dissimilar materials, raising issues of heteroepitaxy, layer uniformity, interface stability and electronic states that severely complicate fabrication and compromise performance. Two-dimensional materials such as graphene obviate these issues and offer a new paradigm for tunnel barriers. Here we demonstrate a homoepitaxial tunnel barrier structure in which graphene serves as both the tunnel barrier and the high-mobility transport channel. We fluorinate the top layer of a graphene bilayer to decouple it from the bottom layer, so that it serves as a single-monolayer tunnel barrier for both charge and spin injection into the lower graphene channel. We demonstrate high spin injection efficiency with a tunnelling spin polarization >60%, lateral transport of spin currents in non-local spin-valve structures and determine spin lifetimes with the Hanle effect.
A PHYSICOCHEMICAL RATIONALE FOR THE BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF MERCURY AND ITS COMPOUNDS

An equation is presented which describes the affinity of methylmercury for biological substances. Relative affinities for various biological substances may then be obtained by comparing the equilibrium constants for the reaction. The distribution of methylmercury in the body is discussed, and the preferential accumulation of mercury salts in kidney, liver, and spleen is discussed. The data available on the distribution of mercury in human tissues indicate that pathological effects are the result of real concentrations of mercury in the affected organs. In the case of the brain, which has been considered extremely sensitive to mercury, mental impairment has been found at levels of greater than 1 ppm. 17 references, 2 tables.
Evaluation of Improved Pushback Forecasts Derived from Airline Ground Operations Data

Accurate and timely predictions of airline pushbacks can potentially lead to improved performance of automated decision-support tools for airport surface traffic, thus reducing the variability and average duration of costly airline delays. One factor which affects the realization of these benefits is the level of uncertainty inherent in the turn processes. To characterize this inherent uncertainty, three techniques are developed for predicting time-to-go until pushback as a function of available ground-time; elapsed ground-time; and the status (not-started/in-progress/completed) of individual turn processes (cleaning, fueling, etc.). These techniques are tested against a large and detailed dataset covering approximately l0(exp 4) real-world turn operations obtained through collaboration with Deutsche Lufthansa AG. Even after the dataset is filtered to obtain a sample of turn operations with minimal uncertainty, the standard deviation of forecast error for all three techniques is lower-bounded away from zero, indicating that turn operations have a significant stochastic component. This lower-bound result shows that decision-support tools must be designed to incorporate robust mechanisms for coping with pushback demand stochasticity, rather than treating the pushback demand process as a known deterministic input.
Motivational Factors in Health Promoting Behavior in Later Aging

Abstract This study investigated motivational factors in health- promoting behavior in later aging. The participants were 162 members of the Terman Study of the Gifted (82 men and 80 women) who responded to a mailout questionnaire in 1999 at a mean age of 86. The motivational variables included questionnaire measures of the goal to be as healthy as possible, purpose in life, and optimism. Seven health promoting behaviors were studied and included exercise and physical recreation, getting enough sleep, getting enough relaxation, good nutrition, controlling weight, accident prevention, and regular checkups. The results showed that all three motivational variables were correlated with positive health behavior, with optimism the strongest predictor. In a multiple regression analysis in which perceived health limitations were controlled, the goal to maintain health and optimism were significant predictors of positive health behavior. The implications of the study results for health promotion in the elderly are...
Effect of the synergistic anion on electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of iron-transferrin anion complexes is consistent with bidentate binding of the anion.

Continuous wave (cw) X-band EPR spectra at approximately 90 K were obtained for iron-transferrin-anion complexes with 18 anions. Each anion had a carboxylate group and at least one other polar moiety. As the second polar group was varied from hydroxyl to carbonyl to amine to carboxylate, the EPR spectra changed from a dominant signal at g' approximately 4.3 with a second smaller peak at g' approximately 9 to a broad signal with intensity between g' approximately 5 and 7. Computer simulation indicated that the changes in the EPR spectra were due to changes in the zero field splitting parameter ratio, E/D, from approximately 1/3 for carbonate anion to approximately 0.04 for malonate anion. Observation of iron-13C coupling in the electron spin echo envelope modulation (ESEEM) for iron transferrin [1–13C]pyruvate indicated that the carboxylate group was bound to the iron. It is proposed that all of the anions behave as bidentate ligands, with coordination to the iron through both the carboxylate and proximal groups, and the carboxyl group serves as a bridge between the iron and a positively charged group on the protein.
Potential ofGeocoris punctipes [Hemiptera: Lygaeidae] andNabis spp. [Hemiptera: Nabidae] as predators ofEpilachna varivestis [Coleoptera: Coccinellidae]

Predation byGeocoris punctipes (Say) andNabis spp. onEpilachna varivestisMulsant was studied in the laboratory at 26.7°C and in field cages containing soybeans. Both predator groups fed uponE. varivestis eggs, 1st, 2nd and 3rd stage larvae, but not upon 4th stage larvae, pupae, or adults.
Automated manufacturing—Why is it taking so long?

Abstract There are strong forces directed towards automated manufacturing with great potential for increases in productivity and efficiency. However, despite these forces, there are barriers preventing the rapid adoption of the new technologies. The author analyses these factors in relation to a study which aimed to identify market opportunities over the next decade in relation to the developments in microtechnology.
Reliability Based Design Optimization Using Automatic Differentiation

Typically, a reliability based design optimization (RBDO) problem is solved as a nested optimization problem because an evaluation of the probabilistic constraint(s) involves solving a minimization problem. Over the years, a number of algorithms have been developed to solve the RBDO problem efficiently. All of these approaches involve an evaluation of derivatives of the responses. In this paper, a decoupled approach using automatic differentiation (AD) is presented to solve the RBDO problem. The proposed approach employs AD to evaluate the reliability, as well as to evaluate the sensitivity of the most probable point (MPP) with respect to the design variables. Since these evaluations involve a computation of the Jacobian and the Hessian, a use of AD improves the accuracy while simultaneously reducing the required number of response evaluations. The applicability of the proposed approach is shown through examples of increasing complexity ranging from problems where closed form solutions are available for evaluation of response to situations where finite element analysis is needed to compute the system response.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Venous thromboembolism after thoracic/thoracolumbar spinal fusion.

Objective Venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, is a serious and potentially fatal surgical complication. The goal of our study was to examine preoperative characteristics, incidence, and outcomes of patients with VTE after elective thoracic/thoracolumbar level spine fusion. Methods We identified 430,081 patients from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database who underwent spinal fusion between 2002 and 2008. Patients undergoing thoracic/thoracolumbar level fusion (n = 8617) were found to have the greatest concurrent rate of VTE. We then performed multivariate analyses on this cohort to identify predictors of and outcomes after VTE in patients undergoing thoracic/thoracolumbar level fusion. Results The overall VTE rate in spinal fusion surgery was 0.40% (cervical = 0.22%, thoracic/thoracolumbar = 1.90%, lumbar/lumbosacral = 0.49%, re-fusions = 0.64%, and fusions not otherwise specified = 0.84%). On multivariate logistic regression analysis of patients undergoing spinal fusion at the thoracic/thoracolumbar level, increasing age, Medicare insurance coverage (vs. private insurance), urban teaching hospital (vs. urban nonteaching hospital), combined anterior/posterior surgical approach (vs. posterior-only approach), and the presence of congestive heart failure or weight loss (Elixhauser comorbidity groups) were each independently associated with an increased odds ratio of VTE complication. VTE after thoracic/thoracolumbar surgery was significantly associated with longer hospital stays (16.6 vs. 6.74 days), increased total hospital costs ($260,208 vs. $115,474), and increased mortality (4.33% vs. 0.33%). Conclusions Multivariate logistic regression analysis reveals age, insurance status, hospital type, combined anterior/posterior surgical approach, and the presence of congestive heart failure or weight loss to be independently associated with an increased odds ratio of VTE complication. This complication is associated with increased hospital costs, length of stay, and overall mortality.
Blockade of N-methyl-D-aspartate induced convulsions by 1-aminocyclopropanecarboxylates.

Abstract 1-Aminocyclopropanecarboxylic acid is a potent and selective ligand for the glycine modulatory site on the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor complex. This compound blocks (ED50 234 mg/kg) the convulsions and deaths produced by N-methyl-D-aspartate (125 mg/kg) in a dose dependent fashion. In contrast, 1-aminocyclopropanecarboxylic acid does not protect mice against convulsions induced by pentylenetetrazole (80 mg/kg), strychnine (2 mg/kg), bicuculline (6 mg/kg), or maximal electroshock (50 mA, 0.2 s), and does not impair motor performance on either a rotarod or horizontal wire at doses of up to 2 g/kg. The methyl- and ethyl- esters of 1-aminocyclopropanecarboxylic acid are 5- and 2.3-fold more potent, respectively, than the parent compound in blocking the convulsant and lethal effects of N-methyl-D-aspartate. However, these esters are several orders of magnitude less potent (IC50>40 μM) than 1-aminocyclopropanecarboxylic acid as inhibitors of strychnine-insensitive [3H]glycine binding, indicating that conversion to the parent compound may be required to elicit an anticonvulsant action. These findings suggest that 1-aminocyclopropanecarboxylates may be useful in the treatment of neuropathologies associated with excessive activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor coupled cation channels.
A Broad-Band Cyclotron Resonance RF Detector Tube

A tube is described which utilizes the cyclotron motion of electrons to provide a resonant system which is tuned by variation of the magnetic flux density. The amplitude of the cyclotron motion depends upon the relationship of the applied signal frequency and the electron cyclotron frequency; at resonance, the amplitude is maximum. Resonance is detected by shooting the spiraling electrons through a honey-comb type mesh grid; the current intercepted by the grid is greatest at resonance and is proportional to the RF signal power. The tube is a complete TRF receiver (less video amplifier) within one vacuum envelope. The resonant frequency is a linear function of solenoid current; the tube can be tuned over a wide frequency range (at least 10:1) with a single control. The characteristics of the device have been investigated for resonant frequencies from 65 to 650 mc; the sensitivity and 3-db RF bandwidth can be varied within limits; typical signal sensitivity is -45 dbm (500-kc video bandwidth) with a 4-mc 3-db RF bandwidth. The measured characteristics and the theoretical predictions are in reasonable agreement.
Abstract A23: Psychometric development and validation of a Patient Satisfaction with Interpersonal Relationship with Navigator (PSN-I) measure: A multisite National Cancer Institute-sponsored Patient Navigation Research Program (PNRP) study

Background: Patient navigation (PN) is used increasingly to address racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in cancer care. Patient navigators provide logistic and emotional support to help patients successfully complete the cancer diagnostic and treatment care. Despite the importance of interpersonal relationships between patient and health care staff, there is no measure of patient satisfaction with the interpersonal relationship with his/her navigator. Objective: To validate the PSN-I scale for patients undergoing diagnostic and therapeutic cancer care. Methods: We administered the nine-item PSN-I to 783 participants recruited from the nine different sites of the National Cancer Institute-sponsored PNRP. We randomly divided the English language proficient sample into two subsamples (N1 = 391 and N2 = 392). We used the first subsample to test the latent structure of the PSN-I and the second subsample to replicate and confirm its stability. We evaluated the latent structure and internal consistency of the PSN using principal components analysis (PCA) and Cronbach coefficient alpha (α) respectively. We used correlation analyses to examine divergence and convergence of the PSN with the Patient Satisfaction with Cancer-Related Care (PSCC), the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine-Long Form (REALM-LF), and patients’ demographic characteristics. Results: The PCA revealed a coherent set of items that explicates 76% of the variance in PSN-I. Reliability assessment revealed high internal consistency (α ranging from 0.95 to 0.96). The PSN-I had good face validity, as well as convergent and divergent validities as indicated by moderate positive correlations with score on the PSCC (all ps 0.05). Conclusion: The PSN-I is a nine-item scale that shows high internal consistency and construct validity for patient assessment of the interpersonal relationship with their navigator during cancer-related care. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2010;19(10 Suppl):A23.
Evaluating the Role of Coinage Metal Films in the Detection of Mercury Vapor by Surface Plasmon Resonance Spectroscopy

We have studied the adsorption of mercury vapor to gold and silver surfaces by surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy. Three types of metal films were studied including 50 nm Au, 50 nm Ag, and Au-coated silver films (15 nm Au/35 nm Ag). The sensitivity of each substrate for Hg detection was determined by quantitative X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements and objectively compared. An important finding is that there exists an angle for each film where the reflectivity change is directly proportional to Hg coverage. Theoretical surface plasmon resonance curves were calculated and qualitatively predict the observed trends. The Au-coated Ag film offers greater chemical stability than a pure Ag film and slightly higher sensitivity than a pure Au film.
ACTION OF HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE (hGH) ON T 3 METABOLISM

Although hGH has been shown to suppress the release of TSH, its action on the metabolism of thyroid hormones remains unknown. We examined the effect of hGH on a loading dose of T3 in 11 hypopituitary children (3 to 18 years). Six patients were on oral L-thyroxine because of TSH deficiency. Before and after one month of hGH therapy (2U three times weekly), a single dose of T3 (50 to 100 ug) was administered orally; serum levels of T3 and T4 were measured at 0, 4, 6, 12, 18 and 24 hours. Both before and after hGH therapy, serum levels of T3 peaked at 4 hours and returned to normal by 24 hours. After hGH therapy, significantly higher levels of T3 were achieved at 0, 4, 6, 18 and 24 hours (p values from 0.003 to 0.03). In contrast, following T3 ingestion, serum levels of T4 decreased and reached a nadir at 18 hours. The decrease in serum levels of T4 were of similar magnitude whether the patients were or were not receiving replacement therapy with L-thyroxine. Therefore, these changes could not be explained by T3 induced suppression of thyroid gland. The decrease in serum levels of T4 was not influenced by hGH therapy. In conclusion, hGH causes an increase in the basal level of serum T3 and an augmentation of T3 levels following a loading dose of T3; mechanisms for these changes are not known. The decrease in serum levels of T4 following a T3 load, although not altered by hGH, is of special interest. This effect seems to be due to changes in extrathyroidal metabolism of T4.
Randomized reverse marker strategy design for prospective biomarker validation

We describe a novel study design for validating marker-based treatment strategies meant to select among possible therapeutic options using a biologic marker. Studying existing designs in realistic scenarios, we demonstrate that this design is more than four times more efficient for testing the interaction between a marker and its intended treatment. Our analysis employs a simple parametric framework that uncovers systematic biases in currently proposed designs and suggests how they may be accommodated or enumerated. In the context of markers for choosing a treatment for recurrent ovarian cancer, our proposal requires sample sizes on the order of recently completed phases II and III studies making validation studies for this clinical decision scenario viable.
Fungal culture findings in cyclic vulvitis.

Abstract Objective: To estimate the prevalence of fungal infection in cyclic vulvitis. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 40 cases of cyclic vulvitis. We examined the historic characteristics, physical findings, and laboratory results in this population, including the results of potassium hydroxide preparations of vaginal secretions and fungal cultures. Results: The median age was 32 years and the mean duration of symptoms was 3.8 years. Thirty women (75%) reported prior antifungal therapies. Fungal cultures were positive in 24 of 39 (61.5%). Candida albicans was the species isolated in 13 of 24 cases (54%). Potassium hydroxide wet mounts contained evidence of fungal infection in 15 of 37 cases (40.5%). The sensitivity of the potassium hydroxide preparation was only 61%. Potassium hydroxide preparations were more sensitive when the species isolated was C albicans. Conclusions: Many women with cyclic vulvitis have positive vaginal fungal cultures. Potassium hydroxide preparations of vaginal secretions are not sufficiently sensitive to exclude fungal infection in this setting, possibly because of the relatively high incidence of fungal species other than C albicans. Fungal culture should be considered in the evaluation of women with recurrent episodes of vulvar discomfort, even when potassium hydroxide wet mounts do not contain fungal elements.
SU‐GG‐J‐47: Clinical Implementation of An Integrated System for Image‐Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) and Adaptive Radiation Therapy (ART)

Purpose: It is critical that image‐guidedradiation therapy(IGRT) and adaptive radiation therapy(ART) are performed with clearly defined goals without abusing the technologies. This study illustrates the current integrated system that provides efficient implementation of IGRT and ART.Method and Materials: The process of IGRT starts with planning CT, where the target volumes and critical organs are delineated in the treatment planning system (TPS). A treatment plan is designed and proper QA is performed. For daily treatment, a patient is setup based on skin markers, followed by 2D imaging guidance with radiographs and DRR Positioning correction is achieved by automatically shifting the treatment couch. Couch positions before and after shift are recorded with the images in the integrated system. Based on the results of daily 2D imaging guidance over the first week, the patient‐specific IGRT protocol is determined between daily and bi‐weekly/weekly IGRT. The process of ART is performed to adapt patient specific variations using 3D CBCTimaging guidance. If a significant geometrical variation (e.g. deformation, rotation, tumor shrinkage/enlargement) is observed, a verification plan based on CBCT is generated in TPS. We evaluate the dosimetrical consequences of the geometrical variation that cannot be corrected on‐line by couch shift. Following the evaluation, a decision is made among choices of a new immobilization device, redesign of the PTV‐margin or OAR‐margin, re‐planning based on CBCT or new planning CT, and IGRT frequencies. Results: The integration of IGRT and ART is achieved by the ARIA (Varian Medical Systems, Inc), which has one server connected to CT/MR/PET units, TPS, record‐and‐verifying system, treatment consoles, and offline review for IGRT evaluation. IGRT takes 2–5 min and ART takes 1–2 days. Conclusion: Efficient and effective evaluation and decision‐making process for IGRT and ART are possible with the integrated system in a timely manner.
Graphical specification of flexible user interface displays

This paper describes the implementation concepts behind the user interface editor of the Apogee UIMS. This editor allows many aspects of a user interface to be specified graphically without a conventional textual specification. The system supports the specification of flexible user interfaces — ones that can adapt automatically to changes in the size of objects they present and that can adapt to specific user needs in a dynamic and responsive fashion. To serve as an implementation base for this editor, the Apogee UIMS supports an active data model based on one-way constraints. This model is implemented by a small object-oriented programming language embedded within the system.
Search in sensor networks: Challenges, techniques, and applications

Recently embedded wireless sensor networks (EWSN) have emerged as a solution to bridge the gap between the physical (and chemical and biological) world and the information world of the Internet. Deployment and effective use of EWSN posses numerous conceptual and technological challenges. In particular, there is a genuine need for the coordinated use of techniques from a variety of scientific and engineering fields, including DSP, computer science, information theory, communication, and applied mathematics. We address the problem of search in sensor networks using techniques from DSP and computer science. The search problem encompasses tasks such as indexing, stream searching, information filtering, semantic and syntax compression, profiling and recommending. The development of search tools will greatly facilitate efforts in many application of sensor networks, including event monitoring, low power operation, and physical space modelling. EWSN also poses unique challenges. For example, in the case of power and storage limitations, the key requirement is distributed space localized processing. The technical highlights of the paper include the first statistical stream search technique, the first technique for simultaneous search of correlated streams and the first technique for effective acquisition of correlated information under bandwidth and power constraints.
Octupolar excitation of ion motion in a penning trap

The excitation of the motion of ions in a Penning trap at twice their cyclotron frequency, 2v c , by means of an azimuthal octupolar RF field has been studied with the LEBIT facility at the NSCL. The possibility of such an RF octupolar excitation has been verified. Compared to ion excitation at v c by means of quadrupolar fields an increased resolving power is observed in the cyclotron resonance curves, which may have important implications for Penning trap mass measurements. Numerical simulations have been used to characterize important properties of this type of excitation in detail and to predict the behavior of the ion motion under realistic conditions. Good agreement with the experimental results is observed.
High-sensitivity DPSK receiver for high-bandwidth free-space optical communication links

A high-sensitivity modem and high-dynamic range optical automatic gain controller (OAGC) have been developed to provide maximum link margin and to overcome the dynamic nature of free-space optical links. A sensitivity of -48.9 dBm (10 photons per bit) at 10 Gbps was achieved employing a return-to-zero differential phase shift keying based modem and a commercial Reed-Solomon forward error correction system. Low-noise optical gain was provided by an OAGC with a noise figure of 4.1 dB (including system required input loses) and a dynamic range of greater than 60 dB.
One-way and two-way couplings of CFD and structural models and application to the wake-body interaction

Abstract The current study focuses on the wake-body interaction of a circular cylinder, whose transverse free vibration is modeled by a mass-spring-damper system coupled to a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model for the flow and wake. We first simulate the free vibration of the elastically-mounted cylinder and the wake, and analyze the transverse load it exerts on the cylinder and its phase with the vibration. We vary the damping by three orders of magnitude and examine the difference in the wake-body interaction for slightly-damped and highly-damped systems. We then use the spectral properties of the free vibration and use them to construct two different types of forced vibrations: one consists only of the fundamental component of the free vibration, and the other accounts for all spectral properties of it. We compare the wake load for each type to that corresponding to the free vibration. The forced vibrations correspond to a one-way coupling and the information is communicated from the CFD model to the structural model, whereas the free vibration corresponds to a two-way coupling of the models. By comparing the spectral properties of the wake load, including the phase relation of its components with the vibration, which we obtained for the free vibration and for the equivalent forced vibration, we identify the effects of the wake feedback. The findings show that a forced vibration does not reproduce exactly the wake load at small and intermediate levels of structural damping. As the damping increases, the vibration changes from being in-phase with the wake load to being 90° out-of-phase with it, corresponding to two different wake states, and the forced vibration gives wake load that is very close to the one occurring in the case of full wake-body interaction.
An alternative method to introduce fine Y2BaCuO5 precipitates into YBa2Cu3Ox with enhanced flux pinning

Abstract We have examined the effect of fine Y2BaCuO2 (211) precipitates on the flux pinning in textured YBa2Cu3Ox (123). We have used an alternative method to introduce fine Y2BaCuO5 (211) precipitates in YBa2Cu3Ox (123) without melting at high temperatures and without subsequent quenching as in the quench melt growth (QMG) process. Instead of generating the liquid by heating above 1200°C as in the QMG method, we obtain the liquid composition by a solid-state route at much lower temperatures. The microstructure achieved by using this alternative method is similar to that achieved by the quench-melt-growth process. We show that the fine 211 precipitates produced by this process can effectively enhance flux pinning.
Particle wettability effects on bubble wake dynamics in gas—liquid—solid fluidization

We examine the nonwettable particle effect on the bubble rise and wake characteristics including bubble shape, bubble rise velocity and wake shedding frequency. Comparisons of the behavior of wettable and nonwettable particles are also made
LYSOSOMAL ENZYME DISTRIBUTION IN ELECTRICALLY STIMULATED OVINE MUSCLE

Six lamb carcasses were split, the left side (ES) was electrically stimulated (25 pulses, 0.5–1 set each at 440V) while the right side (C) served as an unstimulated control. Samples were removed at 1 hr post-stimulation and assayed for total, free, and specific activities of the lysosomal enzymes β-glucuronidase and cathepsin-C. A significant (P < 0.05) increase in percent free activity and a significant decrease in specific sedimentable activity and total activity of both enzymes was found for the ES samples. This indicates that the lysosomal membranes are disrupted due to electrical stimulation. The possible effects of the free lysosomal enzymes on muscle proteins and meat tenderness is discussed.
A Method of Measurement of the Internal Series Resistance of a Capacitor under Surge Conditions

Recent application of capacitors as energy-storage devices for low-impedance loads, such as short-duration light sources and electric detonators, has emphasized the importance of examination of capacitor efficiency from this standpoint. Ballistic measurements, using a vacuum thermocouple and galvanometer, are shown to afford the desired evaluation.
Home health care registered nurses and the risk of percutaneous injuries: a pilot study.

Background Home health care is the fastest-growing sector in the health care industry, expected to grow 66% over the next 10 years. Yet data on occupational health hazards, including the potential risk of exposure to blood and body fluids, associated with the home care setting remain very limited. As part of a larger study of bloodborne pathogen risk in non–hospital-based registered nurses (RNs), data from 72 home health care nurses were separately analyzed to identify risk of blood/body fluid exposure. Methods A 152-item self-administered mailed risk assessment questionnaire was completed by RNs employed in home health care agencies in New York State. Results Nine (13%) of the home health care nurses experienced 10 needlesticks in the 12-month period before the study. Only 4 of the needlesticks were formally reported to the nurse's employer. The devices most frequently associated with needlesticks were hollow-bore and phlebotomy needles, and included 3 needles with safety features. Exposure was most commonly attributed to patient actions, followed by disposal-related activities. Conclusions These data suggest that home health care nurses may be at potential occupational risk for bloodborne pathogen exposure. Risk management strategies tailored to the home health care setting may be most effective in reducing this risk.
The Barnum effect in Luscher color test interpretation

A series of statements from the interpretation section of the Luscher Color Test were selected randomly and put into paragraph form. College students read these interpretative statements under several conditions to assess how accurately the statements described themselves. On a scale from 1 to 9, the ratings were all 5 or higher, which indicates a Barnum effect from the Luscher Color Test.
Automated Illustration of Molecular Flexibility

In this paper, we present an approach to creating illustrations of molecular flexibility using normal mode analysis (NMA). The output of NMA is a collection of points corresponding to the locations of atoms and associated motion vectors, where a vector for each point is known. Our approach abstracts the complex object and its motion by grouping the points, models the motion of each group as an affine velocity, and depicts the motion of each group by automatically choosing glyphs such as arrows. Affine exponentials allow the extrapolation of nonlinear effects such as near rotations and spirals from the linear velocities. Our approach automatically groups points by finding sets of neighboring points whose motions fit the motion model. The geometry and motion models for each group are used to determine glyphs that depict the motion, with various aspects of the motion mapped to each glyph. We evaluated the utility of our system in real work done by structural biologists both by utilizing it in our own structural biology work and quantitatively measuring its usefulness on a set of known protein conformation changes. Additionally, in order to allow ourselves and our collaborators to effectively use our techniques we integrated our system with commonly used tools for molecular visualization.