cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of survival between short-daily hemodialysis and conventional hemodialysis using the standardized mortality ratio

More frequent hemodialysis (5 or more times weekly, both short during the day and long overnight) has been shown to improve patient well-being, reduce symptoms during and between treatments, and have beneficial effects on clinical outcomes. Because of the relatively small patient sample sizes, there are little or no data on mortality from any single study at this time. This study compares survival in 117 U.S. patients treated by short-daily hemodialysis in 2003 and 2004, with patients reported in the 2003 data from the United States Renal Data System (USRDS). Expected mortality was calculated from the USRDS and compared with observed actual mortality. The standardized mortality ratio (SMR) was used to adjust for differences in patient age, sex, race, and cause of renal failure. The SMR for the short-daily hemodialysis patients was 0.39, statistically significantly better (p < 0.005) than data from the overall U.S. population of hemodialysis patients and indicating that daily hemodialysis patients had a 61% better survival. Patients treated by short-daily hemodialysis have a better survival rate than comparable populations treated by conventional hemodialysis.
Adaptation to capsaicin burn : effects of concentration and individual differences

Human subjects rated the time course of the burn produced by three concentrations of capsaicin applied to the tongue via filter papers. Data were fit to a dynamic model composed of a level detector, a change detector, and a double integrator. These three processes responded differently to concentration. 6-n-Propyl-2-thiouracil (PROP) taster status correlated positively with the integrator process. Although a minority of subjects showed evidence of the integrator process, any subject with an integrator process at a given concentration also showed it at any higher concentration.
On Energy Stored in Linear Viscoelastic Solids

It is shown that the constitutive equations and the existence of a minimum potential energy principle are insufficient for the unique determination of a stored energy functional in linear viscoelastic solids. Es wird gezeigt, das die konstitutiven Gleichungen und die Existenz eines Minimalprinzips nicht hinreichend sind um die aufgesparte Energie eines linear viscoelastischen Stoffes eindeutig zu bestimmen.
2. The Effect of Feeding Excess Methionine on Live Performance, Carcass Traits, and Ascitic Mortality

Appetite suppressant activity of dietary excess Met was investigated in a 7-wk trial for the potential to restrict feed intake and the early growth of broilers as a means of reducing the incidence of ascitic mortality. A basal starter diet meeting the minimum NRC (1994) requirements for broilers was compared with a diet providing Met above the requirement (1.86% of the diet). Excess dietary Met was fed to the broilers from 4 to 11 d. Grower and finisher diets were provided from 22 to 35 d and from 36 to 49 d. Birds in two rooms were exposed to cool temperatures to induce ascites. The temperature program for the cool rooms was as follows: 12 h at 24 C daily (0800 to 2000) and 12 h at 15 C nightly (2000 to 0800) from 14 to 49 d, whereas the other two rooms were maintained at 24 C (control rooms). Body weight gain was depressed by 20.4% when excess Met was fed from 4 to 11 d. Feed conversion was also negatively affected by the excess dietary Met. A brief recovery was achieved from 11 to 14 d upon refeeding the well-balanced basal starter diet. Full compensatory growth was achieved by 49 d when body weight was equal to that of birds fed the basal diet. Excess dietary Met did not affect the carcass traits with the exception of abdominal fat pad, which was reduced by the excess dietary Met in the control rooms, whereas the opposite was true in the cool rooms. Ascitic mortality was not altered by dietary Met, however, the total mortality was significantly reduced by excess Met in the control rooms.
Measuring Efficiency of Winter Maintenance Practices

The need to objectively evaluate the effect of new technology and the advent of externally contracted winter maintenance have increased the need for quantitative measures of winter maintenance efficiency and effectiveness. Varying severity of winter storms and lane kilometers within a maintenance facility's service area together largely account for storm-to-storm differences in the cost of fighting snow. Efforts were made to develop a measure of winter maintenance efficiency that accounts for labor, equipment, and material costs, as well as storm severity and duration, for an established number of lane kilometers of given service levels. The expenditures are normalized by the lane kilometers in the maintenance facility's service area and a storm severity index. The storm severity index (WI) is a modified winter index calculated from weighted daily snowfall totals and minimum and maximum temperatures. The resulting winter maintenance metric (daily snow-fighting $/WI x lane-km) is a normalized measure of a maintenance facility's efficiency in performing snow- and ice-control operations. Databases and resulting winter maintenance efficiency metrics were developed for the winters 1996-1997, 1997-1998, and 1999-2000 for three Utah Department of Transportation maintenance facilities. The efficiency of these three sheds is compared for the winter of 1996-1997, and the winter maintenance efficiency is considered at one shed for specific storms during winter 1998-1999. The winter maintenance efficiency metric allows maintenance managers to objectively consider storm-to-storm efficiency within a facility and to compare the storm-to-storm and annual efficiency of facilities. The impact of new technology on winter maintenance and the efficiency with which contract organizations perform snow-fighting duties can be measured with a winter maintenance metric.
A study of the oxidative coupling and total oxidation of methane over supported antimony oxide catalyst

Abstract The oxidative coupling and total oxidation of methane were studied over potassium-doped antimony oxide supported on silica. Flow reaction studies and 13 C NMR studies of the reaction of various methyl compounds were used to deduce the mechanism of the reactions. A mechanism of total oxidation is postulated which involves the formation of methoxy intermediate.
Structural characterization and ionic conductivity of Co2+-stabilized β″-alumina

Abstract Single crystals of Co 2+ -stabilized β″-alumina were synthesized by a flux growth technique using Bi 2 O 3 as the flux and subsequent X-ray crystallographic studies showed that the Co 2+ ions substitute only at the Al(2) sites. Optical absorption spectroscopic measurement also supports the concept that the dopant ions are in distorted tetrahedral environment. Co 2+ -doped β-alumina crystals were made by a skull melting technique. Chemical analysis of these two materials indicated that the Co 2+ ion concentration may be important in the formation of one phase over the other. The temperature-dependent ionic conductivity of Co 2+ -stabilized β″-alumina, Co 2+ -doped β-alumina, and undoped β-alumina has been measured and compared between 25 and 450°C. The detailed conductivity analysis was made by a phase-synchronous detection system in the frequency range 100 Hz-10 MHz. The conductivity is highest in the stabilized β″-alumina and lowest in the undoped β-alumina. For Co 2+ -doped β-alumina, a slight bend in the conductivity at around 200°C is noted. The analysis of the conductivity and the effect of the dopant Co 2+ ions on the resulting conductivity is discussed.
Cytochemical and pharmacological studies on polysensory neurons in the primate frontal cortex.

Abstract Neurons of the squirrel monkey postarcuate cortex respond to a number of different sensory modalities. The pharmacological responses of these neurons to putative neurotransmitters, administered by microiontophoresis, was studied. Norepinephrine and serotonin had a powerful inhibitory action on the vast majority of cells at relatively low iontophoretic currents. The inhibitory action of norepinephrine was potentiated by low doses of desmethylimipramine; higher doses produced a direct slowing of discharge. Acetylcholine had mixed effects, exciting and inhibiting approximately equal numbers of neurons. The threshold current for acetylcholine responses was considerably higher than that for norepinephrine or serotonin. Treatment of freeze-dried slices of postarcuate cortex with paraformaldehyde vapor, after uptake of alpha-methyl norepinephrine or 6-hydroxytryptamine, showed an extensive plexus of fine fluorescent axons with characteristic varicosities, throughout the cortex. Many of the varicosities surrounded the soma of neurons. Light microscopic autoradiography of polysensory cortex, after subdural injection or incubation with tritiated norepinephrine or serotonin, revealed many grains along neuronal soma and major dendrites. With electron microscopy after this same treatment, autoradiographic grains were localized largely to fine unmyelinated axons and to small terminals making synaptic contact with the soma and large dendrites. After chronic treatment with 6-hydroxydopamine, fibers within the polysensory cortex which take up alpha-methyl norepinephrine or tritiated norepinephrine are greatly reduced in number, whereas fibers which take up 6-hydroxytryptamine or tritiated serotonin are still plentiful. These electrophysiological and cytochemical studies support the existence of norepinephrine and serotonin-containing inhibitory pathways to neurons of the postarcuate cortex of squirrel monkey.
Natural language processing for radiology (part 2).

Natural language processing (NLP) is a field of study focused on understanding the full meaning of spoken or written text, using various computational techniques. To fully realize the potential benefits of electronic medical records and radiology information systems that contain mostly unstructured text, the role of NLP in health care has expanded greatly in the previous decades and has permeated clinical practice. Generally, NLP in clinical applications is used for computerized decision making, evaluating appropriateness of care for quality improvement initiatives, structuring data for clinical research, and data processing to support educational programs. Several NLP applications focus specifically on recognizing clinical findings in radiology reports (eg, fractures, tumors) and identifying normal reports.
Fatty acid oxidation in the myocardium: Effects of parathyroid hormone and CRF

Fatty acid oxidation in myocardium: Effects of parathyroid hormone and CRF. Fatty acids constitute an important substrate utilized by the myocardium as a major fuel for energy production; certain data suggest that oxidation of long chain fatty acids (LCFA) may be impaired in uremia, and such a derangement could, in part, contribute to the myocardiopathy of uremia. The latter is associated with secondary hyperparathyroidism and PTH has been shown to affect myocardial metabolism. The present study evaluated in rats the effects of four days administration of PTH and 21 days of chronic renal failure (CRF) with and without excess PTH on oxidation of α-ketoglutarate, β-hydroxybutyric acid, LCFA and short chain fatty acids (SCFA). PTH impaired oxidation of α-ketoglutarate, LCFA, SCFA, but not of β-hydroxybutyric acid and reduced the activity of carnitine palmitoyl transferase (CPT). Inactivation of the PTH abolished its effects. CRF rats with intact parathyroid glands also had impaired oxidation of LCFA and CTP activity. Carnitine contents of myocardium were not altered. The data show that PTH excess in normal rats is associated with impaired oxidation of LCFA and SCFA, and secondary hyperparathyroidism in CRF animals impairs oxidation of LCFA. This effect is due to: 1) reduction in the activity of CPT, a key enzyme for the transport of LCFA to mitochondrial matrix for β-oxidation; and 2) impairment in β-oxidation. The data provide for new and additional pathway through which excess PTH and CRF can affect myocardial metabolism.
Relation of Apple Flower Age to Infection of Hypanthium by Erwinia amylovora.

ABSTRACT Blossom age as related to hypanthial susceptibility to Erwinia amylovora is not well established, but is relevant to disease risk assessment. To test this, detached crab apple blossoms were maintained for various periods and at different temperatures before applying inoculum to hypanthia. Inoculum potential on hypanthia due to wetting was evaluated by subjecting detached stigma-inoculated blossoms (~106 CFU per flower) to varying amounts and durations of simulated rain (or dew) at 14°C. Blossoms of varying age on mature ‘Gala’ apple trees were inoculated on hypanthia with 102, 104, or 106 CFU per flower. In the laboratory, susceptibility decreased with flower age at rates that increased with temperature. Wetness periods up to 12 h resulted in populations on hypanthia of <103 CFU per flower; 24 h of wetness resulted in ~104 or ~105 CFU. A dose response was shown in the orchard, and regression curves indicated steepest decline of susceptibility during initial days after petal expansion. Disease mod...
DAMPING OF FLUID INFILTRATED NANOPOROUS MEDIA : PART I. LOSS TANGENT

Mechanical damping behavior of Corning Vycor porous glass, code 7930, fully and partially saturated with water, was studied. This porous glass had 28% volume porosity, 2.3 nm average pore radius, and 207 m2yg internal surface area. The relaxation strength appears consistent with the damping mechanism in which the infiltrated water flows from the compressive region to the tensile region inside the glass specimen undergoing a three-point bending vibration. The effect of water content in partially saturated specimens suggests that only about 40% of the absorbed water is free to flow under pressure gradients and the rest (60%) of the absorbed water or about three monomolecular layers were adsorbed on the internal surfaces. Such adsorbed water does not seem to contribute to the relaxation strength but appears to increase the damping background. The behavior of the loss tangent of the porous glass partially saturated with water implies that some pores are full and others are empty except for the adsorbed layer.
Community respiration/production and bacterial activity in the upper water column of the central Arctic Ocean

Community metabolism (respiration and production) and bacterial activity were assessed in the upper water column of the central Arctic Ocean during the SHEBA/JOIS ice camp experiment, October 1997–September 1998. In the upper 50 m, decrease in integrated dissolved oxygen (DO) stocks over a period of 124 d in mid-winter suggested a respiration rate of B3.3 nM O2 h � 1 and a carbon demand of B4.5 gC m � 2 . Increase in 0–50 m integrated stocks of DO during summer implied a net community production of B20 gC m � 2 . Community respiration rates were directly measured via rate of decrease in DO in whole seawater during 72-h dark incubation experiments. Incubation-based respiration rates were on average 3-fold lower during winter (11.0710.6 nM O2 h � 1 ) compared to summer (35.3724.8 nM O2 h � 1 ). Bacterial heterotrophic activity responded strongly, without noticeable lag, to phytoplankton growth. Rate of leucine incorporation by bacteria (a proxy for protein synthesis and cell growth) increased B10-fold, and the cell-specific rate of leucine incorporation B5-fold, from winter to summer. Rates of production of bacterial biomass in the upper 50 m were, however, low compared to other oceanic regions, averaging 0.5270.47 ngC l � 1 h � 1 during winter and 5.173.1 ngC l � 1 h � 1 during summer. Total carbon demand based on respiration experiments averaged 2.472.3 mgC m � 3 d � 1 in winter and 7.875.5 mgC m � 3 d � 1 in summer. Estimated bacterial carbon demand based on bacterial productivity and an assumed 10% gross growth efficiency was much lower, averaging about 0.1270.12 mgC m � 3 d � 1 in winter and 1.370.7 mgC m � 3 d � 1 in summer. Our estimates of bacterial activity during summer were an order of magnitude less than rates reported from a summer 1994 study in the central Arctic Ocean, implying significant inter-annual variability of microbial processes in this region. r 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
All-Atom Simulations of Actin-Myosin Interactions --- A Comparative Study of Cardiac Alpha Myosin, Beta Myosin and Skeletal Muscle Myosin

To explore the structural and energetic basis of actin-myosin interactions, we have performed intensive all-atom molecular dynamics simulations followed by free energy calculations & partitions for three types of myosins (cardiac alpha myosin, beta myosin and skeletal muscle myosin). We constructed atomistic models for acomyosin complex in the rigor state by fitting models of myosin and three actin subunits into the cryo-EM map of myosin-decorated filamentous actin. A total of 100ns molecular dynamics simulations were performed for each actomyosin system. We have identified a set of key residues critically involved in actin-myosin binding --- many of them are highly conserved or implicated in mutations that cause hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The calculated actin-binding affinities are in good agreement with the experimental finding of higher affinity for cardiac beta myosin than alpha myosin and skeletal muscle myosin.
Moving cup particulates feeder used in laboratory FCC unit

Abstract A particulates feeder was designed in which a bed of solids contained in a cup is lifted to contact the tip of a tube where the solids are entrained and transported out of the feeder by a flow of gas. This device, which is analogous to a piston pump for liquids, is capable of precise metering of low flows of solids and clean flow shutoff. For steady solids flow, it was found necessary to maintain the solids bed in a state of incipient fluidization. Its flow characteristics and the lack of tight mechanical clearances made this feeder well-suited for use in a cyclic laboratory FCC riser reactor where solids are metered at temperatures up to 1030 °K. The operation of this unit is briefly described. The moving cup feeder may be useful in one-shot dispensing of a solids load or in other cyclic applications where the cup can be periodically lowered and refilled.
Expression and signal transduction of calcium-sensing receptors in cartilage and bone.

We previously showed that Ca 21 -sensing receptors (CaRs) are expressed in chondrogenic RCJ3.1C5.18 (C5.18) cells and that changes in extracellular [Ca 21 ] ([Ca 21 ]o) modulate nodule formation and chondrogenic gene expression. In the present study, we detected expression of CaRs in mouse, rat, and bovine cartilage and bone by in situ hybridization, immunocytochemistry, immunoblotting, and RT-PCR; and we tested the effects of CaR agonists on signal transduction in chondrogenic and osteogenic cell lines. In situ hybridization detected CaR transcripts in most articular chondrocytes and in the hypertrophic chondrocytes of the epiphyseal growth plate. Expression of CaR transcripts was weak or absent, however, in proliferating and maturing chondrocytes in the growth plate. In bone, CaR transcripts were present in osteoblasts, osteocytes, and bone marrow cells, but rarely in osteoclasts. A complementary DNA was amplified from mouse growth plate cartilage, which was highly homologous to the human parathyroid CaR sequence. Immunocytochemistry of cartilage and bone with CaR antisera confirmed these findings. Western blotting revealed specific bands (;140 ‐190 kDa) in membrane fractions isolated from growth plate cartilage, primary cultures of rat chondrocytes, and several osteogenic cell lines (SaOS-2, UMR-106, ROS 17/2.8, and MC3T3-E1). InsP responses to high [Ca 21 ]o were evident in C5.18 cells and all osteogenic cell lines tested except for SaOS-2 cells. In the latter, high [Ca 21 ]o reduced PTH-induced cAMP formation. Raising [Ca 21 ]o also increased intracellular free [Ca 21 ]i n SaOS-2 and C5.18 cells. These studies confirm expression of CaRs in cartilage and bone and support the concept that changes in [Ca 21 ]o may couple to signaling pathways important in skeletal metabolism. (Endocrinology 140: 5883‐5893, 1999)
Effects of perceptual isolation on introverts and extraverts.

RECENTLY there has been increasing attention directed to “perceptual isolation” or “sensory deprivation” as a stressful condition. Extensive reviews of this literature are available in other sources (SOLOMON, et al.(l)) and will not be repeated here. Within the framework of Jungian theory, sensory deprivation phenomena such as hallucinations and daydreams can be interpreted as concomitant features of the process of introversion. When the environment becomes very stressful by virtue of its ambiguity, there is a turning away from reality to fantasy. If there is no meaningful information in the environment there is no way for the ego to mediate between unconscious forces and external reality. Action and judgment are no longer possibilities, consequently there must be some substitute for action. This substitute is provided by the introverted type of thinking with the ascendance of the “archaic forces of the unconscious” in the form of hallucination, fantasy, changes in affect, daydreams. Out of this formulation arises a question regarding the reactions of the individual whose usual attitude is introversive, in the Jungian sense, to the conditions of perceptual isolation. If introversion refers to a progressive withdrawal from reality, it should be expected that individuals on the extreme end of this dimension would be little affected by sensory alterations and perceptual changes in the environment. It is the purpose of this study to investigate the following hypotheses : 1. Introverts are able to tolerate perceptual isolation better than extraverts. 2. Introverts show smaller changes in emotional experiences as a function of perceptual isolation than do extraverts. For the purposes of this study, a change in emotional experience is defined as a change in ratings of words on the Semantic Differential.
1514 ELEVATION OF NEPHROGENOUS CYCLIC ADENOSINE MONOPHOSPHATE (Neph CAMP) AS EVIDENCE OF EARLY RENAL OSTEODYSTROPHY

To determine at which point in chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) the physiologic conditions for altered bone metabolism appear, radiographs, serum chemistries, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and neph cAMP were evaluated in 25 children with CRI compared to 7 children with benign renal disease and normal renal function: Neph cAMP increases linearly with creatinine (Cr) (r=0.81) and PTH (r=0.89) except for patients on chronic hemodialysis, in whom a metabolic steady state did not exist, or for patients with serum Cr > 8.Omg/dl. Serum Cr appropriate for age and height was universally associated with neph cAMP 1.Omg/dl and all patients with Cr > 3.5mg/dl. Both PTH and neph cAMP were elevated in asymptomatic patients with Cr as low as 1.45mg/dl. Neph cAMP > 4.Onmol/100mlGF is a reliable, non-invasive measure of early changes consistent with the development of renal osteodystrophy even before routine changes are evident.
Dynamical origin of low frequency fluctuations in external cavity semiconductor lasers

Abstract Low-frequency fluctuations (LLFs) in semiconductor lasers subject to time-delayed optical feedback from external reflectors have been experimentally observed and theoretically studied for the past two decades. Yet recently a question has come into focus: whether these fluctuations are only a transient phenomenon. This Letter addresses this issue from the viewpoint of deterministic chaotic transitions. In particular, we investigate the single-mode single-delay Lang–Kobayashi equations by constructing a scheme that allows for a detailed bifurcation analysis and, consequently, an understanding of the coexistence of LFFs and stable emission on the maximum gain mode , the latter's being the subject of recent experiments [Phys. Rev. A 60 (1999) 634]. Our computations suggest that LFFs can be either transient or sustained , depending on the dynamical interplay between the maximum gain mode and a chaotic set.
Detailed Characterization of Contact Resistance, Gate-Bias-Dependent Field-Effect Mobility, and Short-Channel Effects with Microscale Elastomeric Single-Crystal Field-Effect Transistors

The organic field-effect transistor (OFET) has proven itself invaluable as both the fundamental element in organic circuits and the primary tool for the characterization of novel organic electronic materials. Crucial to the success of the OFET in each of these venues is a working understanding of the device physics that manifest themselves in the form of electrical characteristics. As commercial applications shift to smaller device dimensions and structure/property relationships become more refined, the understanding of these phenomena become increasingly critical. Here, we employ high-performance, elastomeric, photolithographically patterned single-crystal field-effect transistors as tools for the characterization of short-channel effects and bias-dependent parasitic contact resistance and field-effect mobility. Redundant characterization of devices at multiple channel lengths under a single crystal allow the morphology-free analysis of these effects, which is carried out in the context of a device model previously reported. The data show remarkable consistency with our model, yielding fresh insight into each of these phenomena, as well as confirming the utility of our FET design.
Pass-algorithms: a user validation scheme based on knowledge of secret algorithms

A superset of the secondary passwords technique, pass-algorithms provide enormous flexibility and ease of implementation and represent an attractive alternative to more costly systems security features and equipment. The method validates users who demonstrate knowledge of a secret algorithm rather than a password.
Systemic immune response after mucosal immunization in patients with IgA nephropathy.

Increased IgA production has been proposed as a portion of the etiology of IgA nephropathy. Indirect human data suggest that IgG and complement may be equally important. We have immunized 17 patients with IgA nephropathy and 27 controls with tetanus toxoid. They were nasally immunized and, 2 weeks later, received an im booster immunization. This protocol has been shown to result in an increased serum IgA1 antibody response to tetanus toxin (TT). Patients had higher serum IgG antibodies to TT before and after the im immunization than did controls (pre, 42 vs 13 U; post, 155 vs 71 U;P=0.004). Patients also had a greater increase in serum IgG antibodies (118 vs 58;P=0.02). After the im TT, patients had lower levels of serum IgA1 antibody to TT (115 vs 180;P=0.005) but the change in IgA1 antibodies was not significant. These data suggest that patients with IgA nephropathy may produce inappropriately large amounts of serum IgG antibodies to antigens encountered in the upper respiratory tree. Such antigens also induce a serum IgA1 response. Such a response could result in the formation of potentially nephritogenic immune complexes containing IgG, IgA1, and C3.
Collective Excitations of Dipolar Systems

A system of neutral molecules having permanent electric dipole moments should exhibit self-sustained longitudinal polarization waves analogous to the plasma vibrations of an electron gas. To study these long-wavelength collective modes (dipolar plasmons), we adapt some techniques successful in many-electron problems to systems whose Hamiltonians include kinetic energy both of center-of-mass and of rotational motion, the interaction between rigid dipoles, and short-range interactions which we need not specify in detail. A canonical transformation plus a random-phase approximation (RPA) is used to display the collective modes explicitly in the Hamiltonian, and it is shown that the ground state of the system is adequately described in the RPA. The dipolar plasmon frequency so found is also obtained by linearizing equations of motion for Fourier components of the polarization charge density, and is affected statistically by short-range forces through a constant factor. Linear dielectric response theory yields a simple exact sum rule and, in a self-consistent-field approximation, a dielectric function in which dynamical effects of short-range forces can be retained. The classical dielectric function for linear and spherical rotators is evaluated in closed form when short-range forces are neglected. Its static limit is the Onsager expression for rigid dipoles, and it vanishes at the dipolar plasmon frequency.
Studies on the effects of chronic ethanol ingestion on the properties of rat brain ribosomes

Previous observations have demonstrated decreased in vivo and in vitro protein synthesis by brain ribosomal systems following long-term ethanol ingestion. For further investigation of the properties of brain ribosomes, the 40S and 60S ribosomal subunits were successfully isolated from control and chronic 10% ethanol-drinking rats. For a successful dissociation of ribosomes into subunits NH4Cl, puromycin and a high-salt treatment at 10 degrees C were essential with a critical concentration of Mg2+ since ribosomes could not be resolved at less than 7 mM Mg2+. Analysis of the A260 profile of the subunits on the sucrose gradients showed no significant differences between the control and ethanol-ingesting groups. Studies on 3H-labeled ribosomes following in vivo RNA labeling showed correspondence of the radioactive profiles from the incorporation of [5(-3) H) orotic acid into RNA with the sucrose gradient absorbance profile of 60S and 40S ribosomal subunits. Furthermore, active reassociation of both subunits occurred at 37 degrees C as demonstrated by the increased [14 C]-phenylalanine incorporation in the presence of poly(U). Results further showed that the poly(U)-dependent [14C]phenylalanine incorporation was significantly reduced by the subunits from the ethanol-ingesting animals. These findings suggest that long-term ingestion of ethanol caused functional changes in the properties of brain ribosomes, specifically on the reassociation process of the two subunits.
Mechanical characteristics and comparisons of cerclage wires: introduction of the double-wrap and loop/twist tying methods.

Objective— Evaluate the mechanical properties of twist, loop, double loop, double-wrap and loop/twist cerclage. Methods— The initial tension generated by 18 cerclage of each type was determined using a materials testing machine after tying around a testing jig. Six wires from each type were distracted and the initial stiffness and yield load were determined. Yield behavior was further investigated in six wires of each type by determining the load required to reduce cerclage tension below 30 Newton (N) following an incremental (50 N) stepwise load and unload regimen. The amount of collapse of the simulated bone fragments that resulted in the reduction of initial tension to 30 N was measured for the final six wires of each group. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance and a multiple comparison test. Results— Twist type cerclage generated less tension than loop-type cerclage. The yield load of these two types was similar. Double-loop and double-wrap cerclage generated superior tension and resisted a greater load before loosening. Loop/twist cerclage had an intermediate initial tension but had the greatest resistance to loading. In the collapse test, the greater the initial tension, the more collapse could occur before the wire was loose. For all types of cerclage wire fixation, a reduction of diameter of the testing jig of more than 1% caused loosening. Clinical Relevance— Double-loop and double-wrap cerclage provide greater compression of fragments and resist loads associated with weight-bearing better than the twist and loop methods. Loop/twist cerclage may have advantages because of their superior resistance to loading. All cerclage will loosen if fracture fragments collapse.
Resonance Raman Spectroscopy of Met121Glu Azurin

The resonance Raman spectra for Pseudomonas aeruginosa Met121Glu azurin have been measured at wavelengths throughout the 600-nm absorption band at low and high pH. The spectra of the mutant at pH 3.5 and 7.0 are identical. Analysis of the 600-nm absorption band and resulting resonance Raman excitation profiles under both pH conditions indicates that the excited-state distortions in this mutant are smaller than those in the native protein.
Heuristics for locating upper extremity joint centres from a reduced set of surface markers

This article presents a set of heuristic algorithms (computational procedures) for determining upper extremity joint centers from a reduced set of surface markers (as compared to the conventional scenario of three markers per segment) during three-dimensional (3-D) motions. Two experiments were conducted to empirically derive and evaluate the algorithms. The first experiment characterized the geometric relations between the instantaneous helical axes and corresponding surface markers at the shoulder and elbow. These relations, along with anatomic data available in the literature, were employed to derive the geometric heuristics. The heuristics were then enhanced through a solidification optimization procedure with the objective function of minimizing segment length variability over time. This latter variability was also used as the error measure in evaluation of the algorithms. The second experiment, incorporating a wide range of upper extremity motions in 3-D, showed the following: (1) the geometric heuristics alone yielded an average error of approximately 7.5 mm; (2) with optimization-based enhancement, the average error was reduced to 3.7 mm; (3) further improvement of the algorithm performance is achievable by modifying the parameter setting of the optimization procedure. While more extensive evaluation is needed before the proposed approach can be generalized, the current work demonstrates the viability of heuristic algorithms for estimating upper extremity joint centers based on a reduced set of surface markers and in an efficient manner.
Remembering in signs

Abstract In a short-term memory experiment, signs of American Sign Language in list lengths of three to seven items were presented to deaf college students whose native language is American Sign Language. A comparable short-term memory experiment for words (words representing the English translation-equivalents of the signs) was presented to hearing college students. Recall was written, immediate and ordered. Overall, short-term memory mechanisms in the deaf seem to parallel those found in hearing subjects, even with the modality change. A significant number of multiple intrusion errors made by deaf subjects to signs were based on formational properties of the signs themselves, a result paralleling the phonologically based errors in experiments with hearing subjects. Our results are consistent with a theory that the signs of American Sign Language are actually coded by the deaf in terms of simultaneous formational parameters such as Hand Configuration, Place of Articulation and Movement. Evidence is given that signs are treated by the deaf as consisting of independent parameters — specific to American Sign Language — which are essentially arbitrary in terms of meaning.
Acidity of Keggin-Type Heteropolycompounds Evaluated by Catalytic Probe Reactions, Sorption Microcalorimetry, and Density Functional Quantum Chemical Calculations

The acidity and its effects on reactivity of Keggin-type heteropolycompounds were examined by catalytic probe reactions, microcalorimetry of ammonia sorption, and density functional quantum chemical calculations. Phosphotungstic, phosphomolybdic, silicotungstic, and silicomolybdic acids were used as model compounds. The specific rates of double-bond isomerization of both 1-butene and cis-2-butene were orders of magnitude greater on the tungsten heteropolyacids than on molybdenum heteropolyacids, which suggests the tungsten-containing solids are stronger acids. The rate of double-bond isomerization over silicotungstic acid was similar to that over phosphotungstic acid, indicating the minor role of the heteroatom. Results from ammonia sorption microcalorimetry showed ΔHsorp on tungsten-based heteropolyacids was approximately 40 kJ mol-1 higher than the corresponding enthalpy obtained on molybdenum-based heteropolyacids. Residual waters of hydration significantly affected both reaction rates and sorption ent...
Deposition Patterns on Garments during Application of Lawn and Garden Chemicals: A Comparison of Six Equipment Types

The deposition pattern produced on the clothing of the operator during typical lawn and garden maintenance was identified in this study. The application was completed using water (for spray applications) and fertilizer (for granular applications) mixed with fluorescein dye as a tracer. Six types of application equipment were used to apply the dye mixtures to turf in timed and measured walks. The deposition patterns and the level of deposition on the operators clothing produced by each equipment type were determined. Fluorescein dye was used to provide visual evidence of exposure. The quantity of dye deposited at various body locations was measured, using an ultraviolet visible spectrophotometer. The deposition pattern and the total amount deposited were dependent on the type of equipment used for application. Overall, those pieces of equipment where a liquid spray was produced resulted in greater deposition levels than the equipment using a granular product. Contamination from the low volume application and the adjustable garden hose end sprayer equipment was significantly higher than all other pieces of equipment. The amount of contamination also varied by body area with the feet, lower legs, and upper legs receiving the greatest amount of deposition.
Characterization of Punta Toro S mRNA species and identification of an inverted complementary sequence in the intergenic region of Punta Toro phlebovirus ambisense S RNA that is involved in mRNA transcription termination.

The transcription termination sites for the subgenomic N and NS(S) mRNA species coded by the 1904 nucleotide, ambisense S RNA species of Punta Toro (PT) phlebovirus (Bunyaviridae, Ihara et al., 1984) have been identified by Northern analyses using a series of synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides. For the viral-complementary N mRNA species the oligonucleotides that were used represented viral RNA sequences; for the viral-sense NS(S) mRNA species they represented viral-complementary sequences. The results have been confirmed by employing the same oligodeoxynucleotides to backcopy purified mRNA preparations in the presence of appropriate chain-terminating dideoxynucleotides. The results obtained have allowed the 3' termini of both mRNA species to be mapped to a common region of the viral S RNA between RNA residues 977 and 1017. Based on these results and the presence of short non-viral sequences at the 5' ends of the PT mRNA species (Ihara et al., 1985), the estimated sizes of the PT N and NS(S) mRNA species are of the order of 1000 and 900 nucleotides, respectively. Computer analysis of DNA sequences representing the centrally located intergenic region (i.e., residues 768-1127) revealed a long inverted complementary sequence corresponding to nucleotides 886-1092. The peak of this potential hairpin structure, residue 996, correlates to the region of the genome identified by Northern analyses to be involved in the termination of mRNA transcription. Neither the N nor NS(S) mRNA species appeared to be polyadenylated to the extent that is characteristic of most eukaryotic mRNA species, although from the indicated sequences the viral mRNA species contain 3' proximal regions that are rich in short stretches of adenylic acid residues. This is particularly true for the N mRNA species, permitting its purification by selective oligo(dT) chromatography. In vitro translation of purified N and NSS mRNA species by rabbit reticulocyte lysates resulted in the synthesis of proteins that were identified as the viral N and NS(S) species, respectively, by comparison with proteins obtained from PT virus infected Vero cells.
Fusarium wilt of tobacco.

Abstract Fusarium wilt of tobacco is widespread in tobacco growing regions of the world and can cause significant losses in yield and quality. The pathogen is quite variable, with different pathogenicity and host ranges associated with forma speciales and lineages from tobacco and sweet potato or cotton. At least 4 groups have been described, including F. o. f. sp. vasinfectum from cotton, one that includes all isolates originally recovered from tobacco ( F. o. f. sp. nicotianae ), and two F. o. f. sp. batatas groups with different pathogenicity to flue-cured tobacco or wilt-resistant sweet potato. In addition, a new species has recently been described causing wilt of flue-cured tobacco in China. The Fusarium wilt pathogen has the potential to spread quickly, and can be associated with tobacco seed. In experiments conducted in Connecticut, the fungus was present both inside and on the exterior of the seed and can account for the rapid spread of the pathogen between farms, states and even between countries. The wilt pathogen can interact with plant parasitic root-knot and cyst nematodes to increase disease, and can persist in soils for years in the absence of a host crop. Fusarium wilt may best be managed in tobacco by integrating different tactics, including plant resistance, sanitation, rotation, nutrition, nematode management, and fumigation or biofumigation. Wilt resistance has been, and continues to be, the most effective and economical means of reducing disease. However, wilt resistance does not eliminate the pathogen from soils, so breeders and pathologists must work together to develop and deploy wilt-resistant tobacco cultivars indefinitely.
Student, instructor, and course factors predicting achievement in CPR training classes

Twenty-three chapters of the American Red Cross located in the Northeast participated in this study of achievement in adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) classes. Sixty-eight classes offered to the public were studied by a pencil-and-paper survey and a specially developed written test. This study locates student, instructor, and course factors associated with achievement in CPR classes. Student factors found to be significant predictors of achievement were reading difficulty, age, and prior CPR training. The only instructor factor to predict student achievement was training within the 12 months prior to teaching the studied class. Showing a videotape to the class and distributing workbooks before the class also had a significant positive effect on student achievement. The addition of material by the instructor decreased achievement.
The thermodynamic properties of biphenyl

Abstract Ideal-gas thermodynamic properties for biphenyl based on calorimetric measurements were determined between 300 and 700 K, well into the range of typical chemical-process temperatures. Experimental methods included adiabatic heat-capacity calorimetry, comparative ebulliometry, inclined-piston manometry, and differential-scanning calorimetry (d.s.c.). The derived values provide a firm basis for the prediction of thermodynamic properties for a large family of molecular structures including many substituted biphenyls—such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)—as well as polyphenyls of arbitrary size. Results also highlighted ambiguities common in the statistical calculation of thermodynamic properties of polycyclic molecules. Critical-property measurements with a d.s.c. indicated the commonly accepted assessed values to be in error. The biphenyl critical properties serve as a “cornerstone” in group-contribution estimation schemes, which are employed often by engineers in corresponding-states correlations for the estimation of a great variety of physical properties. Thermodynamically consistent sublimation vapor pressures were derived to show which of the many literature values are valid, an essential step in the validation of the many reported PCB vapor-pressure measurements, which are key to environmental-impact considerations.
Photoinduced Charge Separation and Photophysical Dynamics in Polynorbornene Chromophore Labeled and Quencher-Labeled Block Copolymers

Photophysical measurements have been used to characterize a series of well-defined block copolymers labeled with aromatic chromophores and quenchers. These include measurements of (1) energy migration kinetics in the homopolymers and diblock copolymers; (2) solvent effects (CH{sub 2}Cl{sub 2}, THF, THF/CH{sub 3}CN and CHCl{sub 3}) on exciplex emission in the diblock copolymers; (3) temperature effects on the fluorescence and phosphorescence of the diblock copolymers; (4) the dependence of the efficiency of steady-state and time-resolved emission in several triblock copolymers (dicyanobenzene){sub 5}- (phenanthrene){sub n}-(dimethylaniline){sub 5} on relay length (n); and (5) transient absorbance and photoinduced charge separation in these triblock copolymers as a function of relay length. A photoinduced charge separation of 7.2 {mu}s was achieved in a polynorbornyl triblock copolymer bearing a graded series of electron transfer relays: (dicyanobenzene){sub 5}-(phenanthrene){sub 10}-(dimethylaniline) {sub 5}. 31 refs., 14 figs., 5 tabs.
Optical microscopy measurements of kT-scale colloidal interactions

Abstract Understanding colloidal assembly processes requires knowledge of interactions between colloids, surfaces, and external fields on the scale of the thermal energy, kT . In this review, we discuss recent advances in the development of non-intrusive optical microscopy methods to measure kT -scale colloidal interactions. We begin with a brief historical overview of quantitative optical microscopy measurements of colloidal interactions, which provides a precedent for emerging techniques. We then review recent advances in methods and analyses associated with Total Internal Reflection Microscopy (TIRM), Video Microscopy (VM), and Confocal Scanning Laser Microscopy (CSLM). We limit the scope of this review to the use of these methods for quantitative measurements of kT -scale colloidal interactions. We also discuss how these methods can be used in an integrated fashion to measure complementary quantities based on each method's strengths. Finally, we conclude with an overview of current and future trends related to both method development and new applications.
The efficiency of electric power pools: evidence from firing unit data

(1986). The efficiency of electric power pools: evidence from firing unit data. Applied Economics: Vol. 18, No. 12, pp. 1323-1334.
Response of school personnel to student threat assessment training

School safety has become an important area of concern for school improvement. This study examined the effects of staff training as means of improving school responses to student threats of violence. A multidisciplinary sample of 351 staff from 2 school divisions completed pre-post training surveys as part of a 1-day training program using the Guidelines for Responding to Student Threats of Violence (Cornell & Sheras, 2006). Analysis of pre-post surveys found large changes in staff attitudes toward school safety and violence prevention efforts. There was a substantial decrease in concerns about school homicide and increased awareness of effective violence prevention efforts. There was a drop in support for zero tolerance and profiling approaches, along with increased knowledge of threat assessment principles and concepts. These changes were sustained across school divisions serving a challenging urban population and a more affluent, suburban population. Similar effects were found across all school personne...
Vocal fold mass is not a useful quantity for describing F0 in vocalization.

Purpose Confusion exists about the effect of mass and size of the vocal folds on fundamental frequency (F0) of phonation. In particular, greater vocal fold thickness is often assumed to be associat...
Projection operators for rearrangement collisions

Abstract As in Mittleman's recent paper we derive a system of equations which describes the scattering of a system into a rearranged channel. Instead of defining a projection operator into the open channel subspace, we define elementary projectors into each open channel; this definition leads to more simplified equations than those obtained by Mittleman. Discussion of the existence of these elementary projectors is given.