cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tuning membrane phase separation using nonlipid amphiphiles.

Lipid phase separation may be a mechanism by which lipids participate in sorting membrane proteins and facilitate membrane-mediated biochemical signaling in cells. To provide new tools for membrane lipid phase manipulation that avoid direct effects on protein activity and lipid composition, we studied phase separation in binary and ternary lipid mixtures under the influence of three nonlipid amphiphiles, vitamin E (VE), Triton-X (TX)-100, and benzyl alcohol (BA). Mechanisms of additive-induced phase separation were elucidated using coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations of these additives in a liquid bilayer made from 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) and 1,2-diundecanoyl-sn-glycero-phosphocholine (DUPC). From simulations, the additive's partitioning preference, changes in membrane thickness, and alterations in lipid order were quantified. Simulations showed that VE favored the DPPC phase but partitioned predominantly to the domain boundaries and lowered the tendency for domain formation, and therefore acted as a linactant. This simulated behavior was consistent with experimental observations in which VE promoted lipid mixing and dispersed domains in both gel/liquid and liquid-ordered/liquid-disordered systems. From simulation, BA partitioned predominantly to the DUPC phase, decreased lipid order there, and thinned the membrane. These actions explain why, experimentally, BA promoted phase separation in both binary and ternary lipid mixtures. In contrast, TX, a popular detergent used to isolate raft membranes in cells, exhibited equal preference for both phases, as demonstrated by simulations, but nonetheless, was a strong domain promoter in all lipid mixtures. Further analysis showed that TX increased membrane thickness of the DPPC phase to a greater extent than the DUPC phase and thus increased hydrophobic mismatch, which may explain experimental observation of phase separation in the presence of TX. In summary, these nonlipid amphiphiles provide new tools to tune domain formation in model vesicle systems and could provide the means to form or disperse membrane lipid domains in cells, in addition to the well-known methods involving cholesterol enrichment and sequestration.
Sequential Flow Membraneless Microfluidic Fuel Cell with Porous Electrodes

Abstract A novel convective flow membraneless microfluidic fuel cell with porous disk electrodes is described. In this fuel cell design, the fuel flows radially outward through a thin disk shaped anode and across a gap to a ring shaped cathode. An oxidant is introduced into the gap between anode and cathode and advects radially outward to the cathode. This fuel cell differs from previous membraneless designs in that the fuel and the oxidant flow in series, rather than in parallel, enabling independent control over the fuel and oxidant flow rate and the electrode areas. The cell uses formic acid as a fuel and potassium permanganate as the oxidant, both contained in a sulfuric acid electrolyte. The flow velocity field is examined using microscale particle image velocimetry and shown to be nearly axisymmetric and steady. The results show that increasing the electrolyte concentration reduces the cell Ohmic resistance, resulting in larger maximum currents and peak power densities. Increasing the flow rate delays the onset of mass transport and reduces Ohmic losses resulting in larger maximum currents and peak power densities. An average open circuit potential of 1.2 V is obtained with maximum current and power densities of 5.35 mA cm −2 and 2.8 mW cm −2 , respectively (cell electrode area of 4.3 cm 2 ). At a flow rate of 100 μL min −1 a fuel utilization of 58% is obtained.
Purification of Amylase from Honey

: The major amylase in honey was concentrated by ultrafiltration, isolated by ultracentrifugation and gel filtration, and purified by ion-exchange chromatography. The amylase activity was in the flow-through fraction of the anion-exchange column, suggesting a high isoelectric point (>7.4) for the enzyme. The enzyme fraction from the anion-exchange chromatography was loaded onto a cation-exchange column, and the amylase activity was eluted as a single band at 50 mM NaCl. The purification factor after this step was 531-fold. The purified enzyme was an a-amylase, as determined by thin-layer chromatography, with a molecular weight of 57000 Da according to sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The results supported the concept that amylase in honey had a high degree of similarity with bee amylase.
A COMPARISON OF PROCEDURES FOR MEASUREMENT OF PIGMENT CONCENTRATION IN PORK

Pigment concentration of pork with known quality defects was evaluated using different methods. In Experiment 1, protein denaturation (induced by postmortem incubation at 5-35C) did not affect the pigment values. However, all methods yielded different absolute pigment values. When using the various procedures on a myoglobin standard, the alkaline haematin method and haematin-chloride method yielded similar results. In Experiment 2, loin samples identified as either PSE (Pale Soft Exudative), RSE (Red Soft Exudative), RFN (Red Firm Non-exudative) and DFD (Dark Firm Dry) based upon drip losses, L-values and ultimate pH, were analyzed for pigment concentration. The methods yielded different absolute pigment values. Moreover, depending on the method, the pigment concentration of meat from these four quality groups was either similar or significantly different. It is concluded that the lower pigment concentration reported for PSE pork may be due to the method used.
Evaluation of iron and cobalt powders as catalysts for 14C-AMS target preparation

Abstract We present an evaluation of different brands of cobalt and iron powders used to catalyze CO2 reduction for 14C-AMS graphite targets at the KCCAMS/University of California, Irvine. The optimal catalyst is characterized by rapid graphitization, homogeneity and lack of sintering of the catalyst/carbon mixture, and contains minimal amounts of both “modern” and “dead” carbon. Fifteen catalyst powders were evaluated using these criteria. The results of this study indicate three good “catalyst-candidates” with backgrounds on processed coal (Argonne Premium coal POC#3) samples around 60 ka BP and modern and dead carbon contamination of ⩽0.2 μgC for 4–5 mg of catalyst.
Social Influences on Smoking Initiation: Importance of Distinguishing Descriptive Versus Mediating Process Variables1

Social psychologists have become increasingly involved in undertaking process analyses concerning health threatening behaviors such as smoking. Certain problems in conducting such process analyses have been identified. Among these are those problems which stem from the failure to distinguish descriptive (e.g., number of smoking peers) from mediating process (e.g., perceived peer pressure) variables. For instructional purposes, the present paper examines this distinction within the context of the process underlying smoking initiation. After presenting these issues conceptually, data obtained from a sample of junior and senior high school students (n= 395) is used in an attempt to illustrate this distinction and the problems in interpretation that may follow from the failure to make it. Recommendations are made regarding possible solutions.
The clinical significance of the fourth heart sound in aortic stenosis.

Abstract It has previously been proposed that the presence of a fourth heart sound in an adult with discrete aortic stenosis predicts a peak systolic gradient of 75 mm Hg or more. A number of exceptions led us to reinvestigate this concept. Accordingly, 124 patients were studied in order to examine the significance of the fourth heart sound in the clinical assessment of severity in discrete obstruction to left ventricular outflow. Since both age and aortic stenosis are independent variables in the production of the fourth heart sound, the data were reviewed in this light. The results indicate that: (1) over age 40 years, the fourth heart sound is not a reliable index of severity in discrete aortic stenosis; (2) under age 40 years, a fourth heart sound is good evidence of a peak systolic gradient of 75 mm Hg or more; (3) absence of a fourth heart sound in any adult subject suggests that the peak gradient is less than 75 mm Hg and probably less than 60 mm Hg, provided that factors hindering detection of a fourth heart sound (such as very short P-R interval, emphysema or obesity) are taken into account. The essence of the problem can be concisely stated as follows: In severe aortic stenosis a fourth heart sound is almost always present, but the presence of a fourth heart sound in adults with aortic stenosis implies severity of disease only in subjects under 40 years of age.
Design concepts for a muon storage ring neutrino source

Abstract We described a preliminary design study for a muon storage ring neutrino source that could be built as a step towards the first muon collider. In our design the neutrino beam is produced by 3×10 20 muon decays per year occurring within the straight section of a muon storage ring, and that intensity could be increased by upgrading the proton source intensity. The resulting neutrino flux is sufficient to produce hundreds of charged current interactions per year in a reasonable sized detector on the other side of the Earth.
Nitrogen solubility in solid niobium

The solubility of nitrogen in solid niobium was measured in the temperature range 2473 to 2673 K using electromagnetic levitation technique. Nitrogen solution obeyed Sieverts’ law. The standard heat and entropy of solution of nitrogen in niobium were found to be −1.99 × 105 kJ/kg-atom and −52.3 kJ/kg-atom K, respectively. The equilibrium nitrogen solubility in solid niobium could be expressed as: $$ln\left( {\frac{{wt pct \underset{\raise0.3em\hbox{$\smash{\scriptscriptstyle-}$}}{N} }}{{\sqrt {P_{N_2 } } }}} \right) = \frac{{23950}}{T} - 12.0$$ whereP N 2 is in pascals. The terminal solubility of nitrogen in niobium with respect to Nb2N was found to be: $$wt pct \underset{\raise0.3em\hbox{$\smash{\scriptscriptstyle-}$}}{N} = 78.1 exp\left( { - \frac{{9270}}{T}} \right)$$
Effect of methoxyl group position on the regioselectivity of ammonia substitution reactions involving 3,3'-dichloro-2,2'-binaphthoquinones.

A series of methoxyl-substituted 3,3‘-dichloro-2,2‘-binaphthoquinones 2 were prepared and evaluated for regioselectivity in ammonia substitution reactions. Biquinone 2b underwent regiospecific amination at the unsubstituted chloronaphthoquinone unit whereas the isomeric biquinone, 2c, produced moderate regioselectivity (85:15). Biquinone 2d, however, showed no level of regioselectivity demonstrating that the position of the methoxyl group influences the regiochemistry. The intramolecular hydrogen bond in biquinone 5 altered the regioselectivity. Semiempirical calculations revealed comparatively larger LUMO coefficients at the chlorinated carbons that underwent preferential substitution.
Effects of seasonality, length of immersion, locality and predation on an intertidal fouling assemblage in the Northern Gulf of Mexico

Abstract Recruitment of the intertidal fouling assemblage was studied by placing out tiles at four sites along the Louisiana Gulf of Mexico coast in fall, spring and summer, for immersion periods of one, two and three months. The dominant species were the barnacle Balanus eburneus (Gould), which recruited in all three seasons, but at highest densities in the spring; the oyster Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin), which recruited only in fall, and the bryozoan Membranipora savartii , which recruited in spring and fall. Thus, the species that recruited varied with the season, as in earlier studies of colonization of free space in intertidal fouling assemblages. However, unlike previous studies, barnacle abundances or oyster and bryozoan percentage cover tended to decrease with length of immersion. To determine if these post-settlement decreases were caused by predation, we enclosed tiles in mesh cages to exclude predators, and replicated experiments at both coastal and estuarine sites to determine site-specific differences in recruitment. Barnacles recruited at higher rates at coastal sites and oysters at estuarine sites, as predicted by the literature. For barnacles, densities after one month of colonization were lower on open or partially caged tiles than on caged tiles, supporting the hypothesis that predators, like blue and mud crabs, or southern oyster drills, may regulate barnacle abundance. Caging did not increase the percentage cover of either oysters or bryozoans. Oyster abundance may be limited by larval supply, as oyster recruitment never reached above 5% cover. Small predators, like flatworms, which were not excluded by cages, may also be important for the latter two prey.
Histochemical and electron microscopic observations on the salt secreting lacrymal glands of marine turtles.

The lobular, compound, branched, tubular, salt-secreting lacrymal glands of two marine turtles, Chelonia mydas and Caretta caretta are similar in structure and in histochemical reactivity. Blood from the centrolobular arteries flows through a rich capillary bed counter to the flow of tubule secretion. The capillary endothelium is reactive for adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase). Nerves containing cholinesterase pervade the connective tissue. At the blind ends of the secretory tubules small basophilic peripheral cells contain an abundance of glycogen, monoamine oxidase (MAO) and phosphorylase but little succinic dehydrogenase (SDH) or cytochrome oxidase (CTO). Non-mitochondrial ATPase is concentrated at the luminal interface of these cells. The larger principal cells, lining the major portion of the secretory tubules, are rich in SDH and CTO but contain relatively little glycogen, MAO or phosphorylase. Broad intercellular channels reactive for mucopolysaccharide are formed by intermeshing, pleomorphic microvilli that fringe the extensive lateral surfaces of the principal cells. The cytoplasm of these cells contains profiles of smoothsurfaced endoplasmic reticulum (SSER), abundant mitochondria, and prominent Golgi membranes. Profiles of SSER and small membrane bound vesicles fill the apical cytoplasm but mitochondria are lacking. The luminal secretory border of the cell is extremely limited in area. Two types of epithelial cells line the duct system: basal cells that react strongly for non-specific esterase and MAO; and goblet cells containing mucopolysaccharide, acid phosphatase, cholinesterase, and ATPase. The principal cells, close to the arterial blood supply, contain the highest concentrations of oxidative enzymes and have special modifications of the cell surface consistent with their role in salt concentration and secretion.
Terrorism and Terrorist Leaders: Insights from Developmental and Ecological Psychology

A recent increase in terrorist actions where the terrorist's death is planned and intentional has raised interest in the psychological functioning, motivation, and reasoning of those who engage in terrorism and those who support it. No consensus exists among Western 1 psychologists regarding terrorists who plan to die in their attack, and no Western psychological perspective has thus far contributed substantively to explaining or predicting it. Although most agree that groups engaging in such actions typically have a wider network of support, the psychology of supporters is also unexplained. This article proposes a developmental psychological model of the conditions that favor focused terrorist actions that have publicly discernible goals ascribed to a political or religious cause. The article describes a common pattern of cognitive complexity among terrorist leaders, using Osama bin Laden as a model, where entrenched cognitive simplicity in one key ideological domain (religious or political) is coupled w...
Spare parts inventory control considering stochastic growth of an installed base

Installed base is a measure describing the number of units of a particular system actually in use. To maintain the performance of the installed units, spare parts inventory control is extremely important and becomes very challenging when the installed base changes over time. This problem is often encountered when a manufacturer starts to deliver a new product to customers and agrees to provide spare parts to replace failed units in the future. To cope with the resulting non-stationary stochastic maintenance demand, a spare parts control strategy needs to be carefully developed. The goal is to ensure that timely replacements can be provided to customers while minimizing the overall cost for spare parts inventory control. This paper provides a model for the aggregate maintenance demand generated by a product whose installed base grows according to a homogeneous Poisson process. Under a special case where the product's failure time follows the exponential distribution, the closed form solutions for the mean and variance of the aggregate maintenance demand are obtained. Based on the model, a dynamic (Q, r) restocking policy is formulated and solved using a multi-resolution approach. Two numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the application of the proposed method in controlling spare parts inventory under a service level constraint. Simulation is utilized to explore the effectiveness of the multi-resolution approach.
Melting of elements

The aim is to identify and evaluate the most important factors that determine the melting temperature Tm of the elements. Experimental data are analysed in terms of statistical mechanical theories of the energy and entropy of crystal and liquid phases. The elements are divided into two groups, according to their value of the entropy of fusion at constant density, AS: the normal elements have AS close to 0.79k per atom, and the anomalous elements have AS much larger. For the normal elements, a melting rule is constructed in terms of two factors, the lattice dynamics characteristic temperature for entropy, and the liquid correlation entropy. For the anomalous elements, the large AS is attributed to a change in electronic groundstate upon melting, and the melting rule depends also on the corresponding electronic energy change. The melting rules give Tm to an accuracy of around 20 %, and at this level, anharmonicity and crystal symmetry effects are negligible. Two conclusions regarding the relative motion of ions in crystal and liquid phases are: (a) liquid higher order correlations lower Tm because they lead to a more ordered liquid, and (b) the loss of long-range order in melting corresponds to AS ~ 0.79k per atom for normal and anomalous elements alike.
Descriptive epidemiology of morbidity and mortality in Minnesota dairy heifer calves

Abstract A prospective study was carried out on 845 heifer calves born during 1991 on 30 Holstein dairy farms in southeast Minnesota. The objectives of the study were to describe the epidemiology of morbidity and mortality in dairy calves from birth to 16 weeks of age (with an emphasis on respiratory disease), to examine individual calf and herd management practices as risk factors for calf morbidity and mortality, and to validate producer diagnosis of mortality. Incidence rates for all morbidity, enteritis, and pneumonia were 0.20, 0.15, and 0.10 cases per 100 calf-days at risk for the period of the study. Risk of enteritis was highest in the first 3 weeks of life, with pneumonia risk highest at 10 weeks of age. Case fatality rates averaged 11.8%, 17.9%, and 9.4% for all diagnoses, enteritis, and pneumonia, respectively. Average daily rates of gain from birth to 16 weeks of age differed between farms that had inadequate calf housing (0.8 kg day−1) versus those with adequate calf housing (1.0 kg day−1). Approximately half of the calves in the cohort (418) had blood samples taken monthly from birth until 16 weeks of age. Of the calves sampled, only 19 calves showed a four-fold rise in serum titers to respiratory viruses. Sixteen calves seroconverted to BVDV, two calves to IBRV, and one calf to PI3 virus. Of 98 calves less than 10 days of age tested for adequacy of passive transfer, 35 (35.7%) had serum immunoglobulin levels of less than 800 mg dl−1. There were no significant differences in mortality or morbidity between calves that had adequate passive transfer and those that did not. The incidence of mortality was 0.08 deaths per 100 calf-days at risk; 64 calves died during the 16 months of the study. The risk of death was highest at 2 weeks of age. Enteritis was the most common cause of death (28 deaths, 44% of all deaths) followed by pneumonia (19 deaths, 30% of all deaths). Comparing producer diagnosis of mortality with necropsy results yielded sensitivities of 58.3% and 56% and specificities of 93% and 100% for producer diagnoses of enteritis and pneumonia, respectively. The kappa statistic comparing producer diagnosis with necropsy result was 0.47. The most common pathogens isolated from calves that died of enteritis were rotavirus (five calves), and Escherichia coli (four calves). Pathogens isolated from pneumonic lungs included Pasteurella multocida (three calves), Haemophilus somnus (three calves), and Pasteurella haemolytica (one calf).
Introductory remarks: diabetes care in America - "a sense of urgency".

Objective: To review the status of diabetes care in America and present questions to be addressed in the current consensus conference. Methods: Data from recent studies are reviewed, and trends in diabetes care are summarized in an effort to improve interventional strategies and future results. Results: The diabetes epidemic is worsening; more than 20 million Americans have diabetes. Another 42 million Americans have pre-diabetes. Diabetes care in America has deteriorated during the past decade, with fewer patients at target hemoglobin A1c levels. New diabetes-related therapies and technologies are available, but clinicians often fail to intervene early and aggressively to achieve good glycemic control and help avoid complications. Moreover, many patients do not receive education and training in diabetes self-management. Several questions must be addressed in order to develop recommendations for implementing more aggressive treatment strategies in patients with diabetes. Conclusion: Substantial clinical a...
A suggested model for early detection of open-angle glaucoma.

Abstract Primary open-angle (simple) glaucoma is an ocular disease characterized by elevations of intraocular pressure in one or both eyes. This elevated pressure in the susceptible host may lead to damage of the optic nerve with resultant visual-field defects and, if untreated, irreversible blindness. Recognition of this disease in the early stages and arresting its development and the prevention of resultant blindness are the major goals of the proposed prevention program. Effective treatment with normalization of intraocular pressure by medical and surgical means can prevent loss of vision and blindness. Thus, early detection is very important in glaucoma. The proposed model for primary open-angle glaucoma detection would play an instrumental role in the secondary prevention of open-angle glaucoma and in the primary prevention of blindness due to this disease.
Fatty acid biosynthesis by isolated mitochondria from Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract Mitochondria isolated from Drosophila demonstrated few exogenous co-factor requirements compared to comparable studies which have been carried out by other workers on mitochondria from other organisms. These preparations were capable of oxidative phosphorylation and were capable of incorporating acetate into even-numbered saturated and monoenoic fatty acids from 12 to 18 carbons in chain length. Exogenous stearate was directly desaturated to oleate by these preparations. In contrast, palmitate was not directly desaturated to palmitoleate; however, palmitoleate contained a sizeable portion of label when labelled acetate was employed as substrate. The fatty acid composition of freshly extracted mitochondria revealed a much lower level of palmitoleate than whole larvae. The fatty acid composition of mitochondria appeared to be relatively free of dietary influences whereas whole-body composition was strongly affected by diet. The incorporation of radioactivity into unsaponified lipid classes and the proportion of these counts contributed by fatty acids was also determined.
QTL analysis for transgressive resistance to root-knot nematode in interspecific cotton (Gossypium spp.) progeny derived from susceptible parents.

The southern root-knot nematode (RKN, Meloidogyne incognita) is a major soil-inhabiting plant parasite that causes significant yield losses in cotton (Gossypium spp.). Progeny from crosses between cotton genotypes susceptible to RKN produced segregants in subsequent populations which were highly resistant to this parasite. A recombinant inbred line (RIL) population of 138 lines developed from a cross between Upland cotton TM-1 (G. hirsutum L.) and Pima 3–79 (G. barbadense L.), both susceptible to RKN, was used to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) determining responses to RKN in greenhouse infection assays with simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Compared to both parents, 53.6% and 52.1% of RILs showed less (P 50% in both GI and EGR were observed. The transgressive segregants with epistatic effects derived from susceptible parents indicate that high levels of nematode resistance in cotton may be attained by pyramiding positive alleles using a QTL mapping approach.
Refractive error with optimum intraocular lens power calculation after glaucoma filtering surgery.

Purpose To assess the possibility of deriving an optimum intraocular lens (IOL) power after previous successful trabeculectomy. Setting Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linko, Taiwan. Methods The retrospective study included 1 eye of 22 patients who had cataract surgery after successful trabeculectomy performed by 1 surgeon. Twenty-two eyes that had cataract surgery only performed by the same surgeon were paired as a control group. The IOL power was calculated by the Sanders-Retzlaff-Kraff regression analysis formula based on the data derived after trabeculectomy. The postoperative refractive error at least 1 month after cataract surgery was recorded, and the difference was analyzed by a paired t test and 2-sample t test. Results Cataract surgery combined with trabeculectomy resulted in a mean spherical equivalent of −0.33 diopter ± 1.58 (SD). This was not significantly different from the predicted refractive error or the result in the control group ( P >.05). Conclusion Although the fluctuation in pseudophakic axial length measurement after glaucoma filtering surgery was logical, a predictable pseudophakic refractive outcome was derived clinically once the intraocular pressure stabilized after trabeculectomy.
Electromyographic studies of mandibular muscles in basic jaw movements

Abstract The muscular activity for various jaw movements has been measured and the total electrical activity of the different muscles compared on a time basis. Based on observed electrical activity and anatomic considerations, it has been concluded that the external pterygoid and suprahyoid muscles were primarily responsible for the uncontrolled opening movement. The masseter and temporal muscles, of those listed, were responsible for the closing movement. The internal pterygoid muscles were not tested. The left external pterygoid muscle was mainly responsible for the movement of the mandible to the right and the right external pterygoid muscle for the opposite movement. Both external pterygoid muscles were responsible for the protrusion of the mandible. The analysis and discussion of the material covering the different sets of dentures will be presented at a later time.
Discovery of the yellow fever virus

The re-emergence of yellow fever in Africa and South America during the past decade tempers previous optimism that this disease could be eliminated as a public health problem during the twentieth century. Fortunately yellow fever is well understood by virtue of discoveries made between 1930 and 1932. These were proof of the mosquito transmission hypothesis; urban control by eradicating Aedes aegypti; development of a nonhuman primate model leading to isolation of the virus; development of a mouse model leading to a vaccine; and recognition that mosquitoes other than A. aegypti could serve as vectors. The least well known of these stories may be the development of an animal model reported in 1928 by Adrian Stokes Johannes H. Bauer and N. Paul Hudson from the Rockefeller Foundation’s West African Yellow Fever Commission in Nigeria. Stokes contracted the disease during the experiments and dying asked that studies be performed on himself--studies that established the viral etiology beyond reasonable doubt. His co-authors honored him with first authorship on the sentinel paper portions of which are reproduced here. (excerpt)
Stabilization of Complex Traumatic Lesions of the Occipitocervical Junction with a Tapered Rod-Plate Construct

Background/Objective: Occipitocervical fusion is an accepted surgical procedure for the management of atlanto-occipital instability, including traumatic etiologies. Various types of instrumentation have been used to promote fusion. We report experience with the use of a rod-plate construct. Method: 7 patients with traumatic atlanto-occipitial instability underwent occipitocervical fusion. There were 5 men and 2 women (age range, 34-53 years). 4 patients had an atlanto-occipital dislocation, and 3 had complex upper cervical spine fractures. 2 patients with atlanto-occipital dislocation had severe spinal cord injuries as well as a closed head injury. Outcome measures included fusion rates, complications, and functional neurologic status. Results: All patients achieved fusion. No patient experienced neurologic deterioration, and all 5 patients with neurologic injury experienced varying degrees of recovery. 1 patient required re-operation following back-out of his skull screws on one side. Conclusion: In indi...
Some Existence Results for Noncoercive Problems in Nonlinear Elasticity with Live Loadings

We consider a noncoercive nonconvex minimization problem with nonlinear perturbing terms that arises from equilibrium problems in nonlinear elasticity, in which the body is subjected to live outer loadings. By using a generalized recession method, we find sufficient and necessary conditions for the existence of minimizers of the energy functionals. An example is provided to illustrate the application of the results in cases not treated by usual recession approaches.
Synthesis of PZT fine particles using Ti3+ precursor at a low hydrothermal temperature of 110 °C

Abstract Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) fine particles (80 nm to 0.8 μm) were prepared by hydrothermal method using a Ti3+ precursor, TiCl3. In contrast with conventional hydrothermal methods using Ti4+-reagents, pure PZT particles without lead titanate (PTO) impurities were synthesized using the Ti3+-reagent at a low temperature of 110 °C which is lower than the previously reported temperatures of 160 and 130 °C, using Ti4+-reagents of TiO2 and TiCl4, respectively. Additionally, the crystallization time using the Ti3+-reagent is shorter than those using Ti4+-reagents at the same temperature of 140 °C. The high reaction rate of the Ti3+-reagent containing gels prepared here is probably due to the presence of much more defects in their PTO intermediates. The present hydrothermal method using Ti3+ precursor could lead to energy savings because of low temperature synthesis and the present method is potentially useful for non-pressurized equipment in manufacturing plants for synthesizing PZT particles.
Determining the Neutrino-Hadron Weak Neutral-Current Couplings

It has been argued recently that the inclusive, semi-inclusive, and elastic neutrinohadron data require the neutral-current parameters to lie in one of two allowed regions in coupling-parameter space (called regions $A$ and $B$). We remark in this paper that new measurements of $\ensuremath{\nu}(\overline{\ensuremath{\nu}})p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\nu}(\overline{\ensuremath{\nu}})p$ strongly favor region $A$ [which corresponds to the standard $\mathrm{SU}{(2)}_{L}\ensuremath{\bigotimes}\mathrm{U}(1)$ and $\mathrm{SU}{(2)}_{L}\ensuremath{\bigotimes}\mathrm{SU}{(2)}_{R}\ensuremath{\bigotimes}\mathrm{U}(1)$ models] over region $B$ [which corresponds to an SU(2) \ensuremath{\bigotimes} U(1) model with a ${(u, b)}_{R}$ doublet and ${d}_{R}$ singlet]. Neutral-current couplings of $u$ and $d$ quarks determined by this analysis are given.
P3P deployment on websites

We studied the deployment of computer-readable privacy policies encoded using the standard W3C platform for privacy preferences (P3P) format to inform questions about P3P's usefulness to end users and researchers. We found that P3P adoption is increasing overall and that P3P adoption rates greatly vary across industries. We found that P3P had been deployed on 10% of the sites returned in the top-20 results of typical searches, and on 21% of the sites returned in the top-20 results of e-commerce searches. We examined a set of over 5000 websites in both 2003 and 2006 and found that P3P deployment among these sites increased over that time period, although we observed decreases in some sectors. In the Fall of 2007 we observed 470 new P3P policies created over a 2-month period. We found high rates of syntax errors among P3P policies, but much lower rates of critical errors that prevent a P3P user agent from interpreting them. We also found that most P3P policies have discrepancies with their natural language counterparts. Some of these discrepancies can be attributed to ambiguities, while others cause the two policies to have completely different meanings. Finally, we show that the privacy policies of P3P-enabled popular websites are similar to the privacy policies of popular websites that do not use P3P.
On 3-D scene interpretation from F-S sonar imagery

Sonar imaging systems, including the recent generation of high-frequency 2-D forward-scan video cameras, are the most effective modality for underwater operations in highly turbid conditions. Automatic processing of sonar imagery to recover information about the 3-D environment enhances utility and performance and enables new capabilities in the operation of autonomous undersea vehicles. This paper is about the reconstruction of a 3-D scene from various visual cues in 2-D forward-scan sonar imagery. We show how the sizes, contour shapes and relative positions of various 3-D objects in the scene can be determined from both radiometric information in a single image to detect object and shadow regions, and various other geometric cues. Measurements from certain common auxiliary sensors, e.g., inclinometers and (or) altimeters, can be utilized to improve accuracy. Performance is assessed based on ground-truth in experiments with both synthetic data, and real images through comparison with estimates from an independent technique.
Imaging for pediatric brain tumors

Radiological imaging plays an important role in the care of pediatric and adolescent patients undergoing evaluation and treatment of brain tumors. The primary objective for any diagnostic magnetic resonance or computed tomography study is to distinguish between normality and abnormality. Establishing normality is typically more difficult than recognizing obvious pathology. To declare than an imaging procedure reveals either no apparent or no significant disease requires the examination to have been performed appropriately with the most sensitive imaging modality, scanned in the right location, using parameters capable of providing the optimum spatial and contrast resulution. Once tumor is observed, the role of imaging then shifts toward more specialized tasks including predicting the type of tumor, establishing the spatial relationship between the mass and eloquent areas, and staging the furthest extent of disease. These tasks require sophistocated imaging and experienced interpretation to adequately plant treatment.
The effect of cutaneous afferent activity on instrumental learning in rabbits.

Abstract The nictitating membrane response was trained in rabbits by two methods: (a) an instrumental escape-avoidance paradigm, and (b) a yoked classical conditioning paradigm. The magnitude of cutaneous afferent activity (CAA) from the orbital region of the eye was controlled using mechanical and chemical means. Animals received training in both instrumental and classical conditions with augmented and diminished CAA. Diminished levels of CAA were found to depress learning in both training paradigms. Instrumental animals emitted more nictitating membrane responses than did the yoked classical controls under conditions of augmented CAA. It was concluded that the general importance of the role of CAA in learning was strengthened.
Splenic rupture in a patient with plasma cell myeloma following G-CSF/GM-CSF administration for stem cell transplantation and review of the literature

Recipients of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor/granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor are not only individuals with underlying disorders, but also healthy donors undergoing peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) mobilization. In addition to the known adverse effects associated with G-CSF, complications such as splenic rupture have also been reported. A review of the English literature, with addition of a patient with plasma cell myeloma, reveals that splenic rupture occurs not only in patients with underlying disease, but also in healthy PBPC donors. Although the cause of splenic rupture does not appear to be associated with any specific condition, physicians should be alerted to the possibility of this potentially fatal complication in individuals receiving G-CSF therapy.
Synthesis and characterization of 1,2-bis (chlorosulfonyl) tetrafluoroethane and 1,2-bis (fluorosulfonyl) tetrafluoroethane

Abstract The new compound CIO2SCF2CF2SO2CI (1) is prepared by oxidative cleavage of the SS bonds in the cyclic polysulfides CF 2 CF 2 S 3,4 with chlorine and hydrogen peroxide. Compound (1) is converted in high yield to the bis (fluorosulfonyl) tetrafluoroethane FSO2CF2CF2SO2 F (2) by reaction with KF. This work represents an attractive alternative to the previously reported preparation of (2) by electrochemical fluorination (ECF).
Decision-Making in Bacteriophage Lambda: A View From the Single Phage

Upon infection of an E. coli bacterium by phage lambda, a decision is made between a violent (lytic) pathway, leading to cell death and the release of hundreds of new phages; and a non-violent (lysogenic) pathway, in which the phage DNA gets integrated into the bacterial genome. This post-infection decision process serves as a paradigm for an environmentally-regulated genetic switch and has been put forward as an example of noise-driven bifurcation of cellular fate. By following viral infection at the level of individual phages and cells under the microscope, we demonstrate how deterministic and stochastic aspects of the decision-making process combine to yield the observed noisy phenotype. A fluorescently-labeled phage is used, in conjunction with fluorescent reporters for the alternative developmental pathways. We find that, for each individual infecting phage, the probability of lysogeny exhibits a threshold dependence on the density of viral genomes inside the infected cell. However, the final fate of the cell depends on the individual decisions of all infecting phages, in a way that renders the whole-cell decision noisier, the higher the number of infecting phages. We also find that moving from the single-cell to the population-averaged level does not add significantly to the apparent noisiness of the decision.
Sample size determination for comparing two therapies taking both the α (type I or false positive) error and the β (type II or false negative) error into consideration

The sample size required for determination of a given degree of difference between two therapies or modalities A and B being compared with each other, supposing that the sample sizes are equal, is given by Here C"@a"/"2 is the upper @a/2 percentile point of the standard normal distribution, C"1"-"@b is the abscissa cutting off the proportion 1-@b in its upper tail and @b in its lower tail; p"A and p"B are the probabilities of favorable response to A and B; if p@^"A and p@^"B are the corresponding measured proportions, then p = 12(p@^"A + p@^"B); and the Q's are 1 minus the p's. When it is desirable to use unequal size groups, the sample sizes n"1
Simulation of Aerodynamic Influences on Rocket-Mounted Oxygen Sensors

Over the past several decades, atomic oxygen measurements taken from sounding rocket sensor payloads in the altitude range of 80-140 kilometers have shown marked variability. Many sounding rocket payloads contain atomic oxygen sensors that are located in close proximity to the payload surface, and are thus significantly influenced by flow field disturbances. Although several additional factors including Doppler shift and sensor contamination may also play a significant role in the accurate measurement of atomic oxygen concentrations, this work focuses solely on the effects due to the flow field. The present study utilizes the three-dimensional, steady-state, direct simulation Monte Carlo technique. In addition, the lower altitudes corresponding to near-continuum flow are solved via the Navier-Stokes equations with slip wall boundary conditions. The flow is simulated at 13 different altitudes, each with three separate rocket orientations, along both the rocket's upleg and downleg trajectory for a total of 75 simulations. The numerical simulations show conclusively that the relative magnitudes of undisturbed versus disturbed atomic oxygen concentrations are highly dependent upon rocket orientation, and provide a quantitative means by which existing atomic oxygen concentration data sets may be corrected for aerodynamic influences.
Welfare Reform in the United States: gender, race and class matter

This article argues that gender, race and class matter in welfare reform. It provides a brief historical overview of the US welfare programme for single mothers; describes the main provisions of welfare reform (enforcing work, promoting marriage and limiting the role of the federal government in wider society); and identifies the impact on women and children. It concludes that welfare reform is best understood as part of the neo-liberal/Right attack on the state.
Economies of scale and self-financing rules with non-competitive factor markets

Abstract When a firm or public enterprise prices output at marginal cost, its profits are related to the degree of local scale economies in its cost function. I show that contrary to common belief, this result holds even when scale economies are affected by a rising factor supply curve. Thus marginal-cost pricing may be profitable even with constant returns to scale. Examples are provided for a monopsonist both with and without price discrimination, and for a case such as highways where congestion-prone inputs are supplied by users. Court rulings governing land purchase for highways illustrate the applicability of the results.
SHOPPING TECHNIQUES FOR COLLECTING PRICE DATA

There are many products in our economy for which little reliable empirical evidence concerning price variations has been collected. These areas include goods and services upon which no price is customarily posted or for which the market price is different from the posted price owing to discounting, allowances, or inclusion of extras that make it difficult to determine the true market price. Some manufacturers of consumer durable goods collect price data, and some retailers use comparison shopping, but the results of their findings are seldom, if ever, published. However, most efforts of manufacturers and retailers deal with recording posted prices. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) devotes most of its resources to collecting posted prices, and where posted prices differ from market prices its representatives currently ask merchants to estimate the average price or the average discount from list price.' When I wanted to obtain some data on market prices where the selling price differed from the list price, I could see that the usual methods of recording posted prices or asking the sales representative for the price would not be satisfactory. To obtain market prices on appliances, automobiles, and home remodeling, I had to develop various shopping techniques. Credit data were gathered at outlets selling appliances and automobiles, and at banks, savings and loan associations, and personal finance (small loan) companies. The financing information included mortgage loans, home improvement loans, automobile loans, personal unsecured loans, and such related items as credit life insurance. All prices and finance terms were obtained by personally shopping retailers and financial institutions. Firms were contacted in communities ranging from less than i,ooo population to major cities.2 Over 1,500 shopping contacts were completed in twenty-two states,
SINGLE HIGH‐DOSE IRRADIATION FOR SELECTED CANINE RECTAL CARCINOMAS

Single high-dose radiotherapy was evaluated as a treatment for seven adenocarcinomas of the distal half of the rectum and anal canal in six dogs. A single dose of radiation ranging from 15–25 Gy was given to the tumor by the use of a well-collimated, low-energy orthovoltage x-ray beam. Six tumors had complete response to treatment. Minimal acute radiation reaction was observed in all dogs. The tumor control and survival rates at 1 year were estimated to be 46% and 67%, respectively. Median and mean tumor-free times were 6.0 and 9.7 months, respectively; and median and mean survival times were 7.0 and 11.3 months, respectively. No long-term side effects were noted. Proper patient selection was critical because of the physical limitations of the procedure. Tumors should be less than 3 cm in diameter, confined to the rectal wall, and be located in the distal half of the rectum and anal canal. This preliminary study documented the fasibility, efficacy, and lack of toxicity of single high-dose radiotherapy for selected rectal carcinomas.
Finite element formulation for composite plates with piezoceramic layers for optimal vibration control applications

A finite element (FE) formulation for piezoceramic laminated structures is derived, which includes plate elements that are developed using shear deformation (Mindlin plate) theory for each layer of the composite plate. In order to ensure shear continuity at the interface, a constraining matrix is introduced that defines the displacement field for each individual layer. The proposed model is applicable to both thick and thin plates where electromechanical coupling is present due to the piezoelectric effect. A combination of four-node Lagrange bilinear and eight-node serendipity quadratic elements are used for deriving the matrices and vectors necessary for approximating the solution. Electromechanical coupling terms model the orthotropic piezoelectric properties , and there is an orthotropic formulation for the mechanical properties of each plate layer. The proposed FE model is compared to FE models based on thin plate theory with isotropic piezoelectric actuation (g31 = g32) and isotropic material properties. Modeling accuracy is evaluated by comparison with experimental measurements. A passive control application is presented that is based on shunting one of the piezoceramic patches with a LR (inductor and resistor) circuit; a linear quadratic regulator is added to the shunt to enable active control. An optimization study for hybrid control is presented where all of the control parameters, including active feedback gain, passive shunt inductance and resistance, are optimized numerically; the response of the structure to an impulse disturbance is simulated for both controlled and uncontrolled cases.