cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evolution of UHMWPE: Do We Need Antioxidants?

Periprosthetic osteolysis is primarily caused by particulate debris created through wear of UHMWPE components used in total joint arthroplasty [15], resulting in bone resorption around implants and in most cases leading to revision surgery (Fig. 18.1). Osteolysis was a major problem until the advancement of highly cross-linked UHMWPEs in the mid-1990s. The clinical use of highly cross-linked UHMWPE in total hips has been tried as early as the 1970s by a number of clinicians in the United Kingdom [2, 3], in South Africa [12, 14], and in Japan [27–29]. The success of these early, experimental highly cross-linked UHMWPE formulations was not appreciated until much later when the long-term clinical follow-up data became available [45]; therefore, the widespread clinical use of these experimental formulations did not materialize. In the mid-1990s, with the growing concern of periprosthetic osteolysis, combined research efforts of many centers around the world resulted in the development of the more contemporary, first-generation highly cross-linked UHMWPE formulations [22, 25]. These efforts were greatly helped by the more sophisticated understanding of the interplay between kinematics and wear of the load-bearing surfaces [6] and adverse effects of trapped free radicals on oxidative stability of gamma-sterilized UHMWPE components [8]. The more clinically relevant hip and knee simulator wear testing was instrumental in preclinical testing. Accelerated aging was also used to better understand potential material changes in the long term.
Effect of ethanol on parathyroid hormone secretion in the rat.

Abstract The effect of ethanol on serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcium concentration was evaluated. In the first study unanesthetized and unrestrained 350-g rats with indwelling aortic catheters received a gavage of ethanol (2.5 g/kg body weight) or saline (control). During the 2-hr observation period in the ethanol-treated rats the serum calcium concentrations significantly declined and serum PTH secretion significantly increased. The second study evaluated the effect of even smaller doses of ethanol (0.2 g/kg and 0.4 g/kg) administered intraperitoneally to 300-g rats. Six hr later, both low doses of ethanol had caused significant decreases in serum calcium levels and significant elevations in serum PTH concentration. Following the 0.4 g ethanol/kg treatment, the decline in serum calcium level was even lower and elevation in serum PTH concentration was even higher than those observed in the rats receiving 0.2 g ethanol/kg treatment. These data indicate that in the rat (1) even small doses of ethanol have a dose-related hypocalcemic effect, (2) impaired PTH secretion is not the cause of this hypocalcemic effect of ethanol, and (3) the compensatory increase in PTH secretion cannot prevent or correct the hypocalcemia caused by ethanol. These observations further suggest caution in using even small amounts of ethanol as a solvent for the agents used in studies of calcium metabolism.
A vertical submarine electrophoresis apparatus for polyacrylamide minigels

A vertical submarine electrophoresis apparatus for use with minislab polyacrylamide gels is described. The design allows polyacrylamide gels to be run with the same ease and convenience that agarose gels are run with horizontal submarine apparatuses. The vertical submarine features a single buffer chamber with a restriction between the upper and the lower portions of the chamber. Acrylamide gels, cast between 9 X 10-cm glass slides, are inserted into the restriction and are completely immersed in buffer. Thus, current flows primarily through the gel itself, but some current flows through the buffer in the restriction surrounding the gel. Because water-tight separation of buffer chambers is not necessary, time-consuming and/or expensive procedures such as sealing with agarose or using fragile notched glass plates are eliminated. The apparatus can be set up to run a gel in less than 30 s. It is versatile in that gels of varying thickness (0.5, 0.8, 1.5, and 3 mm) can be run on a single apparatus. The apparatus has been used for sodium dodecyl sulfate gels, low ionic strength native gels for nucleoprotein complexes, and composite acrylamide-agarose gels.
A Singularity in Clear-Day Frequencies in the North-Central Region

Abstract The frequency that clear days (0.0 sky cover) occur within each week of the year was determined for 14 North-Central region stations. A remarkably consistent and nearly region-wide feature of a high frequency of clear days was found to be concentrated in the week of 27 September–3 October. This period is probably an integral part of the Midwestern Indian Summer and follows by about one week the frequently referred to autumnal change of season date.
Passive hemagglutination studies with snake venom and antivenin

Abstract Sheep red blood cells to which Crotalus viridis helleri venom proteins have been coupled with bis diazo benzidine are extremely sensitive indicators of antivenin, which causes agglutination of the cells in high dilution. Minute quantities of the venom can also be detected by virtue of their ability to neutralize dilute antibody, thus provoking an apparent reduction of titer. Various applications of the technique in both experimental and clinical studies are discussed.
In Situ Toughened Silicon Carbide with Al‐B‐C Additions

“In situ toughened” silicon carbides, containing Al, B, and C additives, were prepared by hot pressing. Densification, phase transformations, and microstructural development were described. The microstructures, secondary phases, and grain boundaries were characterized using a range of analytical techniques including TEM, SEM, AES, and XRD. The modulus of rupture was determined from fourpoint bend tests, while the fracture toughness was derived either from bend tests of beam-shaped samples with a controlled surface flaw, or from standard disk-shaped compact-tension specimens precracked in cyclic fatigue. The R-curve behavior of an in situ toughened SiC was also examined. A steady-state toughness over 9 MPa·m1/2 was recorded for the silicon carbide prepared with minimal additives under optimum processing conditions. This increase in fracture toughness, more than a factor of three compared to that of a commercial SiC, was achieved while maintaining a bend strength of 650 MPa. The mechanical properties were found to be related to a microstructure in which platelike grain development had been promoted and where crack bridging by intact grains was a principal source of toughening.
Signaling between Focal Adhesion Kinase and Trio

The Trio guanine nucleotide exchange factor functions in neural development in Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila and in the development of neural tissues and skeletal muscle in mouse. The association of Trio with the Lar tyrosine phosphatase led us to study the role of tyrosine phosphorylation in Trio function using focal adhesion kinase (FAK). The Lar-interacting domain of Trio is constitutively tyrosine-phosphorylated when expressed in COS-7 cells and was highly phosphorylated when it was co-transfected with FAK. Co-precipitation studies indicated that Trio binds to the FAK amino-terminal domain and to the FAK kinase domain via its SH3 and kinase domains, respectively. Tyrosine-phosphorylated FAK and Trio were present mainly in the detergent-insoluble fraction of cell lysates, and co-expression of Trio and FAK resulted in increased amounts of Trio present in the detergent-insoluble fraction. Immunofluorescence of cells co-transfected with FAK and Trio revealed significant co-localization of the proteins at the cell periphery, indicating that they form a stable complex in vivo. A FAK phosphorylation site, tyrosine residue 2737, was identified in subdomain I of the Trio kinase domain. Additionally, in vitro phosphorylation assays and in vivo co-expression studies indicated that Trio enhances FAK kinase activity. These results suggest Trio may be involved in the regulation of focal adhesion dynamics in addition to effecting changes in the actin cytoskeleton through the activation of Rho family GTPases.
Identification of hatchery-reared channel catfish by means of pectoral spine cross sections

Abstract Cross sections of pectoral spines were used to identify hatchery-reared and wild channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus in the Buffalo River, Arkansas. Stocked, catchable-size catfish could be identified by wide growth increments between the first and second annuli (corresponding to rapid hatchery growth) followed by narrow annual increments beyond age 2 (corresponding to slower posthatchery growth). For stocked fish, the mean width between the first and second annulus of the spine section was 3.4 times wider than the mean width between the second and third annulus. In wild fish these widths were not significantly different. This growth pattern for stocked fish was verified by using pectoral spines obtained from marked hatchery fish stocked in 1990 and 1991, and by comparing back-calculated lengths of suspected hatchery fish at age 2 with the length at stocking. By the use of this method, it was determined that previously stocked catfish accounted for more than 92% of the catfish sampled in the Buff...
Irritant and allergic reactions to topically applied Micatin cream.

Miconazole nitrate (Micatin® cream) is a potent antifungal agent. Few side effects have been reported with topical application. We report on 10 patients who exhibited an intolerance to topical use of this drug. Most of the reactions were irritant in nature but in two instances, an allergic contact dermatitis was observed. Patch tests were positive to the cream base.
Breaking Down Barriers to UAS Integration What are government agencies doing

This symposium brings together researchers from NASA, the FAA, DoD and academia who have been investigating human factors barriers to UAS integration into the NAS. Participants will describe NASA’s five year effort, work on defining minimum information elements for detect and avoid, acceptable levels of automation, acceptable time for UAS pilots to respond to ATC and DoD efforts on air born sense and avoid.
Achieving autonomous data flow of the Automated Planet Finder (APF)

The Automated Planet Finder (APF) is a dedicated, ground-based precision radial velocity facility located at Lick Observatory, operated by University of California Observatories (UCO), atop Mt. Hamilton in California. The 2.4-m telescope and accompanying high-resolution echelle spectrograph were specifically designed for the purpose of detecting planets in the liquid water habitable zone of low-mass stars. The telescope is operated every night (weather permitting) to achieve meaningful signal-to-noise gains from high cadence observing and to avoid the aliasing problems inherent to planets whose periods are close to the lunar month. To take full advantage of the consistent influx of data it is necessary to analyze each night's results before designing the next evening's target list. To address this requirement, we are in the process of developing a fully automated reduction pipeline that will take each night's data from raw FITS files to final radial velocity values and integrate those values into a master database. The database is then accessed by the publicly available Systemic console, a general-purpose software package for the analysis and combined multiparameter fitting of Doppler radial velocity observations. As each stellar system is updated, Systemic evaluates the probability that a planetary signal is present in the data, and uses this value, along with other considerations such as the star's brightness and chromospheric activity level, to assign it a priority rating for future observations. When the telescope is once again on sky it determines the optimal targets to observe in real time using an in-house dynamic scheduler.
Epinephrine-induced cyclic AMP production in skin fibroblasts from patients with dementia of Alzheimer type and controls

Abstract Skin biopsies were obtained from six patients with dementia of Alzheimer type (DAT) and from three hospitalized age matched controls. Fibroblasts from these biopsies were grown in culture and compared for their growth characeristics and sensitivity to epinephrine with four cultures from age matched healthy individuals. The growth characteristics were similar in all three groups. The basal levels of cyclic AMP and the epinephrine-induced increase of cyclic AMP levels were also similar in control and DAT cells.
Depression in mothers of sexually abused vs. mothers of nonabused children

A total of 104 mothers whose children were receiving a psychological evaluation at a university outpatient clinic completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) as part of their child's evaluation. Of these, 32 (31%) mothers were seeking treatment for children who were victims of intrafamilial sexual abuse, 26 (25%) were requesting help for child victims of extrafamilial sexual abuse, and 46 (44%) were seeking counseling services for nonabused children who were exhibiting a variety of common childhood problems. Although there was no significant group difference for BDI raw scores or BDI score categories (i.e., Normal Functioning, Moderate Depression, Moderate-Severe Depression, Extremely Severe Depression), results revealed that 16 (50%) of the intrafamilial abuse mothers, 18 (69%) of the extrafamilial mothers, and 23 (50%) of the mothers of nonabused children reported experiencing at least a moderate degree of depression. Results are discussed relative to their clinical significance, and recommendations are provided for future research with mothers of sexually abused children.
Radiation therapy for primary lymphoma of bone

The records of 30 patients with primary lymphoma of bone (PLB) who were treated with radiation therapy were reviewed. The probability of NED-survival and overall survival at five-year follow-up was 53 and 63%, respectively. There were three local failures following treatment. The cumulative incidence of local recurrence was 14% at five years. No local failures were observed when tumors received doses higher than 50 Gy, or equivalent to a TDF of 70 or greater. The number of failures was too small to examine for a correlation between histologic subclassification and local control frequency if doses higher than 50 Gy were utilized. Complications of treatment occurred in four patients. Functional results were excellent in all except two patients. These data provide guidelines for determination of a clinically appropriate radiation dose level for PLB.
Associations Between Physical Activity and Health-Related Factors in a National Sample of College Students

Abstract Objective: To examine associations between meeting the current moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) recommendation and health-related factors in a national sample of college students. Participants: Participants (N = 67,861) completed the National College Health Assessment II during the Fall 2008/Spring 2009 academic year. Methods: Hierarchical binary logistic regression was used to examine the contribution of 19 variables in explaining whether or not participants met the MVPA recommendation. Results: Meeting the MVPA recommendation was associated with several protective factors among college students, including adequate daily fruit and vegetable consumption, positive perception of general health, healthy body mass index, consistent seatbelt use, not smoking cigarettes, less perceived depression, and adequate sleep. In addition, meeting the MVPA recommendation was also significantly associated with a few risky behaviors including binge drinking, physical fighting, and multiple sexual part...
Using Sensewear armband and diet journal to promote adolescents' energy balance knowledge and motivation

Purpose: Educating adolescents about energy balance (EB) is essential for effective weight control. This study utilized the Sensewear (SWA) armband and a diet journal to promote adolescents’ EB knowledge and motivation. Methods: Ninety sixth graders were randomly assigned into the experimental group (n ¼ 46) who utilized SWA and diet journal for 7 consecutive days or the control group (n ¼ 44) who did not. Both groups were pre- and post-measured on EB knowledge, situational interest, and weight. The experimental group was tracked on motivation effort, energy expenditure (EE), and energy intake (EI). Results: EB knowledge significantly increased and situational interest remained stable (except for total interest and enjoyment) over time, but these changes did not favor the experimental group. Situational interest and motivation effort were correlated with EE, EI, and/or EB. Conclusion: Tracking EB using the SWA and diet journal is motivating but has limited efficacy in promoting adolescents’ EB knowledge. Using these two tools as educational technology in conjunction with a focused, systematic, and educational approach has the potential to leverage adolescents’ EB knowledge, motivation, as well as behaviors for living an energy-balanced lifestyle. Copyright 2013, Shanghai University of Sport. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Changes in soil carbon and nitrogen cycling along a 72-year wildfire chronosequence in Michigan jack pine forests

We investigated the changes in soil processes following wildfire in Michigan jack pine (Pinus banksiana) forests using a chronosequence of 11 wildfire-regenerated stands spanning 72 years. The objective of this study was to characterize patterns of soil nutrients, soil respiration and N mineralization with stand development, as well as to determine the mechanisms driving those patterns. We measured in situ N mineralization and soil respiration monthly during the 2002 growing season and used multiple regression analysis to determine the important factors controlling these processes. Growing-season soil respiration rates ranged from a low of 156 g C/m2 in the 7-year-old stand to a high of 254 g C/m2 in the 22-year-old stand, but exhibited no clear pattern with stand age. In general, soil respiration rates peaked during the months of July and August when soil temperatures were highest. We used a modified gamma function to model a temporal trend in total N mineralization (total N mineralization = 1.853−0.276 × age × e −0.814 × age; R 2 = 0.381; P = 0.002). Total N mineralization decreased from 2.8 g N/m2 in the 1-year-old stand to a minimum value of 0.5 g N/m2 in the 14-year-old stand, and then increased to about 1.5 g N/m2 in mature stands. Changes in total N mineralization were driven by a transient spike in N turnover in the mineral soil immediately after wildfire, followed by a gradual accrual of a slow-cycling pool of N in surface organic horizons as stands matured. Thus, in Michigan jack pine forests, the accumulation of surface organic matter appears to regulate N availability following stand-replacing wildfire.
Thermal structure and heat loss at the summit crater of an active lava dome

Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) nighttime thermal images were used to extract the thermal and morphological properties for the surface of a blocky-to-rubbley lava mass active within the summit crater of the Caliente vent at Santiaguito lava dome (Guatemala). Thermally the crater was characterized by three concentric regions: a hot outer annulus of loose fine material at 150–400°C, an inner cold annulus of blocky lava at 40–80°C, and a warm central core at 100–200°C comprising younger, hotter lava. Intermittent explosions resulted in thermal renewal of some surfaces, mostly across the outer annulus where loose, fine, fill material was ejected to expose hotter, underlying, material. Surface heat flux densities (radiative + free convection) were dominated by losses from the outer annulus (0.3–1.5 × 104 s−1m−2), followed by the hot central core (0.1–0.4 × 104 J s−1m−2) and cold annulus (0.04–0.1 × 104 J s−1m−2). Overall surface power output was also dominated by the outer annulus region (31–176 MJ s−1), but the cold annulus contributed equal power (2.41–7.07 MJ s−1) as the hot central core (2.68–6.92 MJ s−1) due to its greater area. Cooled surfaces (i.e. the upper thermal boundary layer separating surface temperatures from underlying material at magmatic temperatures) across the central core and cold annulus had estimated thicknesses, based on simple conductive model, of 0.3–2.2 and 1.5–4.3 m. The stability of the thermal structure through time and between explosions indicates that it is linked to a deeper structural control likely comprising a central massive plug, feeding lava flow from the SW rim of the crater, surrounded by an arcuate, marginal fracture zone through which heat and mass can preferentially flow.
Axenic culture of Lambornella clarki (Ciliophora: Tetrahymenidae), an endoparasite of Aedes sierrensis (diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract Lambornella clarki (Ciliophora: Tetrahymenidae) is a facultative parasite of the western treehole mosquito Aedes sierrensis (Diptera: Culicidae). In response to waterborne substances produced by larval mosquitoes, free-living trophonts of L. clarki are induced to form parasitic theronts that attach to and infect the larvae. Reported here are methods for establishing and maintaining axenic and monoxenic trophont cultures, determining cell growth rates, and inducing theront formation of L. clarki. Results from laboratory experiments indicate that these methods provide for reliable cell growth and induction of theronts. After 19 months in continuous axenic culture, theront formation by trophonts exposed to ground A. sierrensis larvae declined, while moderate levels of theronts (16%) were still obtainable from trophonts exposed to water previously containing larvae. Highest cell densities and theront production were achieved from trophonts cultured in media that also contained Streptomyces sp.
The Country, the City, and Visions of Modernity in 1930s China

The 1930s saw new research and extended debates over the nature of the countryside in China and its socio-economic and historical role. Those on different sides of these debates, many drawing on historical materialism, tended to recreate modernist assumptions. These included assumptions that history was unilinear, and that what was Western was also modern, universal, urban, and objective, while what was not Western was traditional, local, rural, and subjective. The modern nation state, made up of modern citizens, was the outcome of, and the active subject in, a progressive history.Yet other approaches, focusing on the role of the countryside in China's development, challenged not only aspects of modernity but the assumptions in which the debates were couched. The philosopher and social activist Liang Shuming (1893–1988) focused on the countryside as the creative field in China. He envisioned a new form of community that, instead of the state, would be the active locus for change. Liang's new, village communities would draw on but not reproduce cultural traditions across a ruptured history and form the basis of a non-capitalist industrialisation. Rather than appropriate the dominant image of modernity, Liang revisited its basic assumptions. In so doing, he generated fresh visions, opening up a different set of possibilities and recasting the relation of the country to the city, the nation and the future.
Integration host factor (IHF) represses a Chlamydomonas chloroplast promoter in E.coli

We show that in E. coli, a Chlamydomonas chloroplast promoter, PA, is repressed by Integration Host Factor (IHF). The himA 42 mutation, altering the alpha-subunit of E. coli IHF, leads to over-accumulation of PA transcripts in vivo. This effect requires upstream chloroplast DNA sequences. DNAase I and methylation protection experiments show that IHF binds in vitro to a site within PA and band-retardation shows that IHF inhibits formation of PA-E. coli RNA polymerase open complexes. We interpret these results, together with our previous deletion analyses, to mean that in E. coli, repression of PA by IHF minimally requires both binding of IHF to a site overlapping PA and binding of one or more additional proteins, perhaps including IHF itself, to sequences upstream of PA.
Thermal and mechanical analysis of material response to non-steady ramp and steady shock wave loading

Abstract Ramp wave experiments on the Sandia Z accelerator provide a new approach to study the rapid compression response of materials at pressures, temperatures and stress or strain rates not attainable in conventional shock experiments. Due to its shockless nature, the ramp wave experiment is often termed as an isentropic (or quasi-isentropic) compression experiment (ICE). However, in reality there is always some entropy produced when materials are subjected to large amplitude compression even under shockless loading. The entropy production mechanisms that cause deformation to deviate from the isentropic process can be attributed to mechanical and thermal dissipations. The former is due to inelasticity associated with various deformation mechanisms and the rate effect that is inherent in all the deformation processes and the latter is due to irreversible heat conduction. The main purpose of the current study is to gain insights into the effects of ramp and shock loading on the entropy production and thermomechanical responses of materials. Another purpose is to investigate the role of heat conduction in the material response to both the non-steady ramp wave and steady shock. Numerical simulations are used to address the aforementioned research objectives. The thermomechanical response associated with a steady shock wave is investigated first by solving a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. Using the steady wave solutions as the reference, the material responses under non-steady ramp waves are then studied with numerical wave propagation simulation. It is demonstrated that the material response to ramp and shock loading is essentially a manifestation of the interaction between the time scale associated with the loading and the intrinsic time scales associated with mechanical deformation and heat transfer. At lower loading rates as encountered in ramp loading, the loading path is closer to an isentrope and results in lower entropy production. The reasonable ramp rate to obtain a quasi-isentropic state depends on the intrinsic time scales of the dissipation mechanisms which are strongly material dependent. Thus shockless loading does not necessarily produce an isentropic response. Between two equilibrium states, heat conduction was shown to have significant effect on the temperature history but it contributes little to the overall temperature change if the specific heat remains constant. It also affects the history of entropy, but only the irreversible part of heat conduction contributes to the net entropy change. The various types of thermomechanical responses of materials would manifest themselves more significantly in terms of the thermal history than the mechanical history. Thus temperature measurement appears to be an important experimental tool in distinguishing the various mechanisms for the thermomechancial responses of the materials.
Medications Used by Children With Asthma Living in the Inner City

Objective. The purpose of the study was to examine medication use reported by families participating in an urban school-based community intervention program and to relate this use to other social and medical variables. Design. The design of the study was a cross-sectional questionnaire survey. Setting. Patients and their families recruited from elementary schools in a community setting were interviewed between December 1991 and January 1992. Participants. A total of 508 children with asthma were identified by school health records and teacher surveys. Their families confirmed the diagnosis and agreed to enter the study. Questionnaires were completed by 392 families. Intervention. The 392 families participated in a controlled trial of asthma education after providing the data that are the basis of this report. Results. More than half of the children took two or more medications for asthma. Thirty-one percent took theophylline alone or in combination with an adrenergic agent; 11% took some form of daily antiinflammatory medication, either cromolyn (8%) or inhaled steroids (3%). The pattern of medication use related to measures of severity and to regular visits to physicians or nurses. In general, however, children were undermedicated. A total of 78 children (20%) reported no medication or over-the-counter medication use, although 37% reported asthma severe enough to be associated with ≥20 days of school missed per month, and 37% had had an emergency room visit for asthma in the past 6 months. More than half of children ≥9 years old supervised their own medication. Conclusions. We concluded that undermedication is common in poor children with asthma living in urban areas. Antiinflammatory medications are used less commonly than in the general population, and theophylline is used more often. School children may be likely to supervise their own medication.
Analyses of three-dimensional dam—reservoir interactions based on bem with particular integrals and semi-analytical solution

Abstract A solution procedure is proposed for determining the hydrodynamic pressure on a dam with an infinite reservoir in the upstream direction. The boundary element method with particular integrals, which adopts a frequency-independent fundamental solution, is used in the analysis involving the effect of the water compressibility. One of the major difficulties in infinite reservoir analysis is the assessment of the effect of radiation damping. This difficulty is solved in this paper by modeling the near field and the cross-section of the far field of the fluid domain by the boundary element method with particular integrals and the finite element method, respectively. The upstream direction of the far field is represented by a continuum solution. Numerical results in the three-dimensional fluid domain are obtained and compare well with available analytical solutions. Calculated results are also compared with available numerical solutions where analytical solutions do not exist. It is concluded that the proposed method yields solutions on hydrodynamic pressures with very good computational efficiency.
Development of a low-cost tactile sleeve for autism intervention

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a pervasive disorder that can cause sensory-perceptual anomalies, such as a hypersensitivity to contact with other people. We have designed and developed a tactile sleeve to help ASD patients potentially learn how to manage hypersensitivities to human contact through virtual experiences of being touched. Our tactile sleeve simulates both simple and dynamic social touches on the upper arm of the user. These touch gestures are perceived from phantom tactile sensations and apparent tactile motions that are generated by a rectangular grid of vibrotactile actuators. Our design requirements for the sleeve included being inexpensive to produce and integrable with prior ASD intervention software. We describe our formative process for developing the sleeve and conclude with details of our final prototype.
Reaction behaviour and kinetic constants for photopolymerizations of multi(meth)acrylate monomers

Abstract The polymerization behaviour of a series of multifunctional methacrylate and acrylate monomers was studied using differential scanning calorimetry to characterize the reaction rate profiles. The polymerization rates, double-bond conversion and kinetic constants were determined for each of the monomers, as well as the effects of monomer type, functionality and rates of polymerization on the reaction behaviour. In particular, by quantifying the kinetic constants for termination and propagation, the controlling mechanism for each of these processes was determined as a function of conversion. In contrast to linear polymerizations, the termination mechanism for these reactions proceeded primarily through reaction diffusion. This behaviour was seen as the termination kinetic constant became proportional to the propagation kinetic constant at very low double-bond conversions. In comparing the acrylates to the methacrylates, the increased reactivity of the acrylates was apparent in the greater values (by three orders of magnitude) of both the termination and propagation kinetic constants. Also, as the number of acrylate or methacrylate groups in the monomer was increased, the kinetic constants correspondingly decreased. This decrease resulted mainly from the greater viscosity of the higher-functionality monomers, attributed to their large molecular weights. Finally, with the exception of the trimethacrylate and triacrylate, the average number of double bonds reacted per monomer at the maximum conversion was near unity, independent of the monomer type or functionality.
Consequences of Least Tern (Sternula Antillarum) Microhabitat Nest-Site Selection on Natural and Mechanically Constructed Sandbars in the Missouri River

Abstract. Nest-habitat selection in colonial species has rarely been assessed at multiple spatial scales to evaluate its fitness consequences. Management for the federally endangered U.S. Interior population of Least Terns (Sternula antillarum) has focused on maintenance of breeding habitats, including mechanical construction of sandbars from dredged material. Least Terns are attracted to large areas of unvegetated substrate, yet small-scale habitat features are thought to trigger selection for nesting. We evaluated nest-scale habitat selection to determine (1) whether selection differs between constructed and natural sandbars and (2) the subsequent consequences of habitat selection on nest success. During 2006–2008, we examined 869 Least Tern nest sites on constructed and natural sandbars in the Missouri River for evidence of microhabitat selection at the nest in relation to habitat within the surrounding 3-m area. Least Tern nest sites had coarser and larger substrate materials at the nest, more debris,...
An improved column for preparative electrophoresis.

Abstract A simplified and improved apparatus for preparative column electrophoresis has been described. It provides for the collection and monitoring of zones migrating out of both ends of the packed bed, and thus makes practical the full utilization of the techniques of counterflow electrophoresis and migration-elution.
Antimicrobial activity of ascorbic acid alone or in combination with lactic acid on Escherichia coli O157:H7 in laboratory medium and carrot juice

Abstract The antimicrobial effects of ascorbic acid alone and in combination with lactic acid, against Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) broth and in carrot juice as a food model was investigated. In control samples, E. coli O157:H7 continued to growth from 3.98 ± 0.2 log CFU and reached to 8.88 ± 0.1 log10 CFU after 8 h at 37° C; however, bacterial population was undetectable level in BHI in the presence of 0.4% ascorbic acid and 0.2% lactic acid. In carrot juice, E. coli O157:H7 continue to grow from initial population count of 4.41 ± 0.9 log10 CFU to 8.75 ± 0.07 log10 CFU at 37 °C for 24 h. Similarly, the bacteria population was undetectable when 0.2 or 0.4% ascorbic acid and 0.2% lactic acid applied. Our findings suggest the application of ascorbic acid, in combination with lactic acid, may have potential as preservative to inhibit the growth of E. coli O157:H7 in food.
EFFECT OF EXERCISE ON OVERWEIGHT MIDDLE-AGED MALES*

An exercise program (running) significantly reduced body weight in 5 previously sedentary, overweight males whose ages ranged between 35 and 46 years. (Five control males remained sedentary.) With exercise, body weight decreased an average of 4.5 kg (from 88.1 to 83.6 kg). The weight reduction was primarily the result of loss of body fat; the fat-free weight did not change significantly. Each subject participated in 47 training sessions during a 16-week period. The heart rate, measured by palpation at ten-minute intervals throughout each training session, ranged between 155 and 170 beats per minute. It appears that exercise is effective in reducing body weight and can reverse the trend towards increased adiposity in middle age and thereafter.
The interaction of link proteins with proteoglycan monomers in the absence of hyaluronic acid.

Abstract Cartilage proteoglycan aggregates contain three classes of interacting components: proteoglycan monomers, hyaluronic acid and link proteins. Direct evidence is presented for a link protein to proteoglycan monomer association which hitherto has only been presumed to occur. Thus, when mixtures of purified link proteins and proteoglycan monomers were subjected to ultracentrifugation or gel chromatography under ‘associative’ conditions, link proteins were found to fractionate with proteoglycan.
Rapidly Improving Stroke Symptoms: A Pilot, Prospective Study

Background Rapidly improving stroke symptoms (RISSs) are a controversial exclusion for intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We estimated the frequency of 4 prespecified RISS definitions and explored their relationship to clinical outcome. Methods Pilot, prospective study of AIS patients admitted within 4.5 hours of symptom onset. Serial assessments using National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) were performed every 20 ± 5 minutes until a rt-PA treatment decision was made, independent of the study. Improvement was calculated as the difference between baseline NIHSS and treatment decision NIHSS. RISS was defined as a 4-point or greater improvement, 25% or greater, 50% or greater, and according to the previously reported TREAT (The Re-examining Acute Eligibility for Thrombolysis) criteria. Unfavorable outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale score more than 1 at 90 days after stroke. Logistic regression determined if RISS definition(s) related to the outcome. Results Fifty patients with AIS were enrolled: mean age 65 years; median baseline NIHSS score 5 (interquartile range, 2-11). RISS frequencies were 10%-22% based on definition. Median treatment decision NIHSS score is 5 (interquartile range, 2-9). Twenty-three (46%) patients received rt-PA. None of the 3 non-TREAT RISS definitions was independently associated with the outcome. Five of fifty (10%) were RISS according to the TREAT criteria, all 5 had good outcome without rt-PA. Conclusions A Serial NIHSS assessment before treatment decision is feasible and may help determine the frequency and magnitude of RISS. This is the first prospective estimate of RISS frequency and outcome according to various prespecified definitions. The TREAT RISS frequency as a more restrictive definition may better predict good outcome of RISS in future, larger studies.
SELDI-TOF MS of quadruplicate urine and serum samples to evaluate changes related to storage conditions

Proteomic profiling with SELDI-TOF MS has facilitated the discovery of disease-specific protein profiles. However, multicenter studies are often hindered by the logistics required for prompt deep-freezing of samples in liquid nitrogen or dry ice within the clinic setting prior to shipping. We report high concordance between MS profiles within sets of quadruplicate split urine and serum samples deep-frozen at 0, 2, 6, and 24 h after sample collection. Gage R&R results confirm that deep-freezing times are not a statistically significant source of SELDI-TOF MS variability for either blood or urine.
Using planting date to manage bean pod mottle virus in soybean.

Abstract Delayed planting has been suggested to reduce density of the bean leaf beetle ( Cerotoma trifurcata (Forster)), the principal vector of Bean pod mottle virus. Therefore, planting date was explored to determine if it might impact damage caused by the virus. Four planting dates, ranging from mid-March to mid-June, and two soybean ( Glycine max (L.)) cultivars were examined for their effect on the relative damage caused by the virus in central Iowa for the years 2000–2002. Damage was assessed in terms of seed coat mottling, pod number, and yield loss. In 2000, the third planting date resulted in improved yield and seed quality compared to the other three dates. In 2001 and 2002, however, planting date had minimal impact. Therefore, the practice of delayed planting, under the conditions of these experiments, is not a consistently effective management tactic for controlling disease caused by this virus. The data also demonstrated that seed coat mottling, which can result in financial penalties to producers, was unreliable for predicting relative amounts of virus in seed.
Exergetic Evaluation of an Organic Rankine Cycle Using Medium-Grade Waste Heat

Abstract This article presents an exergetic analysis for an organic Rankine cycle that converts waste energy to power from medium-grade heat sources (503 to 923 K). In addition, the effect of the waste heat temperature, the evaporator pressure, and the pinch point temperature difference on the thermal and exergetic performance of the system is studied. Several organic working fluids were selected to investigate the effect of the fluid's critical temperature on the performance of organic Rankine cycles. The working fluids under investigation are R245fa, R123, R142b, Isobutane, R113, and R141b with critical temperatures in the range of 407.7 to 524.9 K.
REAL-TIME in situ SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO ESTIMATION FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF OPERATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS LINKS

The work presented here formulates the rigorous statistical basis for the correct estimation of communication link SNR of a BPSK, QPSK, and for that matter, any M-ary phase-modulated digital signal from what is known about its statistical behavior at the output of the receiver demodulator. Many methods to accomplish this have been proposed and implemented in the past but all of them are based on tacit and unwarranted assumptions and are thus defective. However, the basic idea is well founded, i.e., the signal at the output of a communications demodulator has convolved within it the prevailing SNR characteristic of the link. The acquisition of the SNR characteristic is of the utmost importance to a communications system that must remain reliable in adverse propagation conditions. This work provides a correct and consistent mathematical basis for the proper statistical 'deconvolution' of the output of a demodulator to yield a measure of the SNR. The use of such techniques will alleviate the need and expense for a separate propagation link to assess the propagation conditions prevailing on the communications link. Furthermore, they are applicable for every situation involving the digital transmission of data over planetary and space communications links.
Theoretical ELNES spectra of Si-K, Si-L, N-K, and O-K edges of an intergranular glassy film model in β-Si3N4

A realistic atomic model of an intergranular glassy film (IGF) between the prismatic faces of crystalline β-Si3N4 has been used for ab initio exploration of variations in electron energy loss near edge structure (ELNES) spectral response from each of the component elements and available edges. The computed ELNES spectra within the IGF region show substantial variability that sometimes defy expectation. Upon careful analysis, we have devised guidelines for comparison and interpretation of the spectra in terms of the local coordination and bonding environment. The bond lengths, bond angles, coordination number, and elemental types of the bonded atoms cannot be relied upon to systematically explain the computed variations. It is anticipated that the rise of ELNES spectral measurements with enhanced spatial and energy resolution that are performed in conjunction with atomic scale imaging techniques will require new methods to interpret observed results. The intent of this work is to make progress and stimulate others in that direction.
Winter Occurance and Spring Migration of Frankliniella fusca (Hinds) (Thysanoptera: Tripidae) in North Carolina Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Fields

Abstract Overwintering of Frankliniella fusca (Hinds), tobacco thrips, in North Carolina and their subsequent spring movement into peanut fields were evaluated using two winter sampling techniques and three spring sampling techniques at the Peanut Belt Res. Sta., Lewiston, NC. In the spring of 1992 and 1993, for 14 d following peanut planting, the aerial movement of tobacco thrips was monitored using cylindrical sticky traps, trap plants, and exclusion cages. Frankliniellafusca were trapped significantly more often at 0.2 m and 0.9 m than at 1.8 m and during the afternoons. Thrips catch was significantly influenced by prevailing wind direction. No thrips were caught on sticky traps on days when maximum temperatures did not exceed 18.7 C. Frankliniella fusca began to colonize emerging peanut plants as they cracked the soil surface on days when there were temperatures above 18.7 C and times when there was no precipitation. Aerial F. fusca movement was monitored with sticky traps for three consecutive winter...
Plutarchia ecuadorensis (Ericaceae, Vaccinieae) : a new species and a new generic record for Ecuador

Plutarchia, a shrubby paramo genus, is here reported for the first time in Ecuador where two species are recognized: P. angulata A. C. Smith and the new P. ecuadorensis Luteyn. These two species are keyed, described, and the new species illustrated.
Microbial survival and dissemination associated with an air-fluidized therapy unit

Clinitron Therapy Units (CTU) are used as adjuncts to the treatment of a variety of medical conditions, including burns, decubitus ulcers, and pain.l Some patients who could benefit from air-fluidized therapy, however, may also be incontinent or have infected wounds. For this reason there is concern that the CTU could become a vehicle for the transmission of infectious agents, particularly via the aerosolization route. The Clinitron bed (SSI Corp., Charleston, SC.) is an air-fluidized therapy unit consisting of a tank filled with 681.8 kg of minute (50 to 1.50 pm diameter) silicone-coated glass beads. A compressor pump filters air through a diffuser board and up through the beads, causing the beads to become fluidized. Clumps of beads form in the presence of fluids (e.g., patient exudates) and sink to the bottom of the tank because of their increase in weight. A mesh net that lines the sides and bottom of the tank is used to sieve out the clumps. A polyfilament polyester filter sheet covers the unit, allowing the upward movement of air while containing the beads in the tank. It has been proposed that desiccation of microbial cells results from the constant upward
Nonconfrontive Use of Video Playback to Promote Change in Brief Family Therapy.

This paper describes a nonconfrontive use of video playback in brief family therapy. Replaying critical transactions from previous sessions, while maintaining a neutral and nonconfrontive therapeutic stance, encourages an atmosphere which is conducive to change. The technique allows family members to reexperience their own interactional patterns in a nonthreatening manner, enabling them to consider the meanings they attach to their family experience in different and productive ways.
Evolution of male mating behavior: male spadefoot toads preferentially associate with conspecific males

The evolution of male breeding aggregations is difficult to explain because males may reduce their reproductive success by associating with their closest competitors. We examined aggregative behavior by male New Mexico spadefoot toads, Spea multiplicata, which form breeding choruses in rain-filled pools. We specifically asked whether males are attracted to conspecific calls and, if so, whether they preferentially associate with those male calls that are also attractive to females. Field observations revealed that males showed significant clustering with conspecifics within breeding ponds, whereas laboratory phonotaxis experiments revealed that males preferentially associated with conspecific male calls. Moreover, when males were presented with conspecific calls that differed in call rate, smaller males associated with the stimulus preferred by females (average call rate). Thus, males appear to evaluate the attractiveness of competitors using the same trait employed by females to assess potential mates, and males adjust their positions relative to competitors depending on their size. We discuss these results in the light of several current hypotheses on the adaptive significance of male breeding aggregations.