cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Technological innovation and the management of alertness and fatigue in the workplace

The misapplication of technological innovations can decrease workplace safety, health, and productivity by introducing boring duties, nonstandard work hours, and fatiguing states. Information relevant to this problem from contemporary workplaces is presented. Lost‐workday rates for injuries and illness have increased in the United States during recent years. Existing hours of service regulations in the commercial transportation industry do not appear to prevent alertness problems. Electronic data‐processing workers do not appear to follow work schedule practices that are recommended by contemporary shiftwork research. The introduction of technological innovations requires that significant consideration be given to the impact of these changes on worker state and cognitive functioning. The problem of managing alertness should be not confused with the issues related to physiological fatigue, because these two processes often appear to have quite robust and different characteristics. Simple proposals to manag...
Low-frequency white noise in reference diodes

Abstract The theory for the noise voltage in uniform avalanche diodes is extended to the low frequency case of (1) small values of multiplication M and (2) unequal hole and electron avalanche ionization coefficients. In the noise equivalent circuit the diode space charge resistance is in series with a noise voltage source. The results are compared in a survey of previous theoretical and experimental work. Further experiments on low voltage, mixed tunneling and avalanche breakdown diodes confirm the theory for small multiplication values.
Effects of Na2HPO4 and NaH2PO4 on hydroxyapatite formation.

Particulate solids CaHPO4 (DCP) and Ca4 (PO4)2O (TetCP) can react to form hydroxyapatite (HAp) under conditions which may be compatible with those in vivo. Effects of sodium phosphate solutions on the formation of calcium deficient HAp at 25°C by this reaction in dilute suspensions (liquid-to-solids ratio of 100) and at l/s = 1 were studied. An l/s ratio of one is not greatly different from that at which monolithic HAp forms. Solution chemistry results showed that the sodium phosphate used and its concentration strongly influenced the kinetics of HAp formation and the HAp composition. HAp formation occurred by the same mechanism in water and in the Na2HPO4 solutions investigated; however; HAp formation occurred more rapidly in Na2HPO4 solutions. DCP dissolution was congruent in these solutions and this delayed the overgrowth of DCP by HAp. Reaction in NaH2PO4 solutions resulted in the formation of CaHPO4 · 2H2O as an intermediate product. The final product formed in the NaH2PO4 solutions was affected by the l/s ratio used. CaHPO4 · 2H2O, not HAp, was the product formed from dilute suspension but it was not observed during reaction at l/s = 1. Variations in solution were correlated with the formation of HAp and intermediate products, with the consumption of reactants, and with the heat evolution characteristics. The latter were determined by isothermal calorimetry. Calorimetric analysis of the reactions indicated increased heat evolution in sodium phosphate solutions and acceleration in HAp formation. This appears to be related to accelerated dissolution of CaHPO4, which was rate limiting. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Muscle Activation Patterns in Snapping Triceps Syndrome

Abstract Boon AJ, Spinner RJ, Bernhardt KA, Ross SR, Kaufman KR. Muscle activation patterns in snapping triceps syndrome. Objective To compare the muscle activation pattern in subjects with and without "snapping triceps syndrome" (dislocation of the medial head of the triceps and ulnar nerve over the medial epicondyle). Design Controlled study. Setting Biomechanics laboratory. Participants Eight male subjects (9 elbows), with symptomatic snapping triceps and 9 male controls. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Activation pattern of the 3 triceps heads during active elbow extension at 0°, 45°, 70°, 90°, and 115° of flexion, recorded by fine-wire electromyography. Results There were no significant differences between subjects and controls in the firing pattern of the triceps heads. The medial head fired first in 6 of 9 symptomatic elbows and in 7 of 9 controls at 90° of flexion, and in 6 of 9 elbows of both subjects and controls at 115° of flexion, positions where snapping typically occurs. There was no significant difference between the groups as to how often the medial head fired maximally. Conclusions This study suggests the firing pattern of the triceps heads may not contribute to the pathogenesis of this syndrome. Rather, the authors believe the anatomic position of the medial head causes it to dislocate over the medial epicondyle, often resulting in ulnar neuritis.
Oesophageal cancer in Irish females: influence of a Celtic gene?

There is a definite trend of increased incidence of oesophageal cancer in females within the Celtic populations of Europe. We propose a genetic link but further studies are needed to prove this hypothesis.
Mn2+ activated green, yellow, and red long persistent phosphors

Abstract Mn 2+ activated long persistent phosphors, CaAl 2 O 4 :Mn 2+ , Ce 3+ , Ca 2 Al 2 SiO 7 :Mn 2+ , Ce 3+ and MgSiO 3 :Mn 2+ , Eu 2+ , Dy 3+ , were prepared. Long persistent phosphorescence in green, yellow, and red have been observed in the systems with persistence time over 10 h for the green (525 nm) and the yellow (550 nm) and 4 h for the red (660 nm). Emission and excitation spectra showed that Mn 2+ emission was dominant in these materials. Long persistent phosphorescence was also measured in the systems without Mn 2+ as a co-dopant. The emissions were much stronger due to 5d–4f transitions in Ce 3+ and Eu 2+ other than 3d–3d transitions in Mn 2+ . The disappearances of the long persistent afterglow in these systems when co-doped with Mn 2+ suggested the existence of a strong persistent energy transfer from Ce 3+ and Eu 2+ to Mn 2+ .
Flow cytometric, phase-resolved fluorescence measurement of propidium iodide uptake in macrophages containing phagocytized fluorescent microspheres.

BACKGROUND Spectral interference (overlap) from phagocytosed green-yellow (GY) microspheres in the flow cytometric, red fluorescence emission measurement channel causes errors in quantifying damaged/dead alveolar macrophages by uptake of propidium iodide. METHODS Particle burdens of uniform GY fluorescent microspheres phagocytosed by rat alveolar macrophages and the discrimination of damaged/dead cells as indexed by propidium iodide uptake were assessed with conventional and phase-sensitive flow cytometry. RESULTS The fluorescence spectral emission from phagocytosed microspheres partly overlapped the propidium iodide red fluorescence emission and interfered with the measurement of damaged/dead cells when using conventional flow cytometry without subtractive compensation. This caused errors when estimating the percentage of nonviable, propidium iodide–positive, phagocytic macrophages. The interference was eliminated by employing phase-sensitive detection in the red fluorescence measurement channel based on differences in fluorescence lifetimes between the fluorescent microspheres and propidium iodide. Intrinsic cellular autofluorescence, whose fluorescence lifetime is approximately the same as that of the phagocytosed microspheres, also was eliminated in the phase-sensitive detection process. Because there was no detectable spectral interference of propidium iodide in the green fluorescence (phagocytosis) measurement channel, conventional fluorescence detection was employed. CONCLUSIONS Phase-resolved, red fluorescence emission measurement eliminates spectral overlap errors caused by autofluorescent phagocytes that contain fluorescent microspheres in the analyses of propidium iodide uptake.Cytometry 39:45–55, 2000. Published 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Objective measures for longitudinal assessment of robotic surgery training.

Objectives Current robotic training approaches lack the criteria for automatically assessing and tracking (over time) technical skills separately from clinical proficiency. We describe the development and validation of a novel automated and objective framework for the assessment of training. Methods We are able to record all system variables (stereo instrument video, hand and instrument motion, buttons and pedal events) from the da Vinci surgical systems using a portable archival system integrated with the robotic surgical system. Data can be collected unsupervised, and the archival system does not change system operations in any way. Our open-ended multicenter protocol is collecting surgical skill benchmarking data from 24 trainees to surgical proficiency, subject only to their continued availability. Two independent experts performed structured (objective structured assessment of technical skills) assessments on longitudinal data from 8 novice and 4 expert surgeons to generate baseline data for training and to validate our computerized statistical analysis methods in identifying the ranges of operational and clinical skill measures. Results Objective differences in operational and technical skill between known experts and other subjects were quantified. The longitudinal learning curves and statistical analysis for trainee performance measures are reported. Graphic representations of the skills developed for feedback to the trainees are also included. Conclusions We describe an open-ended longitudinal study and automated motion recognition system capable of objectively differentiating between clinical and technical operational skills in robotic surgery. Our results have demonstrated a convergence of trainee skill parameters toward those derived from expert robotic surgeons during the course of our training protocol.
Psychosomatic factors in duodenal ulcer disease

Abstract Psychological factors may play an important role in peptic ulcer disease, but this has not yet been proven. The psychosomatic theory suggests than an unconscious conflict, by some yet unknown route, results in an increase in acid-pepsin secretion or a decrease in resistance of the duodenal mucosa, thereby upsetting the normal balance between injurious and defensive factors. At least some ulcer patients have a conflict over an exaggerated need for dependency and a desire to be a self-sufficient adult. In a prospective study [13]aimed at predicting individuals predisposed to ulcer disease, the presence of this dependent-independent conflict was confirmed. Since this personality profile was found to be associated with hyperpepsinogenemia which has since been shown to be genetically determined, the intriguing possibility exists that the psychological traits are also genetically determined. This personality profile may be associated with a predisposition to ulcer disease, but so far there is no clearcut evidence showing that the psychological factor actually influences the gastrointestinal disorder: Clinical experience suggests that “stress” is frequently a contributory factor to exacerbations of the ulcer disease. We are coming to recognize that a number of different pathophysiological mechanisms may lead to a duodenal ulcer. It seems likely that psychological factors may be found to be important in some forms of the disease and not in others. Consideration of psychiatric treatment should be based on the individual's psychological characteristics and not solely on the presence of ulcer disease.
Assessment of DES Multiscale Turbulence Models for Prediction of Flow and Heat Transfer in an Axial-Channel Rod Configuration

This paper presents results of a computational study conducted to assess the multiscale resolution capabilities and limitations of different Detached Eddy Simulation (DES) multiscale turbulence models in unsteady flow predictions for internal axial flow in a single rod channel configuration. Two different DES models are compared in the present analysis. The DES models are based on the Spalart-Allmaras (S-A) one-equation model and the two-equation realizable k-e model. A detailed assessment of the DES turbulence model coefficient for the S-A based DES model is presented. The predicted time-averaged mean velocity and turbulent stresses are compared with the available experimental results. Flow unsteadiness, which is important for determining heat, momentum, and mass transfer in the gap region, is presented through time histories and spectra of flow quantities. The unsteady spectra for the velocity fluctuations are also compared with the experimental observations. The results demonstrate that the DES turbulence model coefficient significantly influence the predicted solution. The realizable k-e-model-based DES model is found to be numerically more stable than the one-equation S-A-based DES model. Predicted results demonstrate that the modifications need to be incorporated in the current DES model formulations for proper prediction of wall bounded internal turbulent flows.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Post-Socialist Transition and Environmental Protection

This article examines the institutional characteristics of market and centrally planned economies and their impact on the environment. It argues that while the planned economies are utilising market mechanisms in environmental protection, their market counterparts are facing more and more environmental problems that require governmental intervention. Using the latest statistical information, the records of sulphur dioxide emission under market and planning over the past twenty years are compared. The findings show that while planned economies generated more pollution due to energy inefficiency, they were nevertheless quite effective in reducing pollution under centralised coordination. This is particularly true at the initial stage of pollution control. Although the industrialised market economies were capable of diverting resources into pollution control, they were equally capable of causing environmental disruption, especially at their early stages of industrialisation. Finally, it is argued that environmental protection in post-socialist societies is likely to experience a downturn in the near future. This is due to the decreasing role of government coordination, the lack of a legal system, and the difficulty of developing a well-functioning market.
Zooplankton Feeding Ecology: Contents of Fecal Pellets of the Copepods Acartia tonsa and Labidocera aestiva from Continental Shelf Waters Near the Mouth of the Mississippi River

Abstract. Feeding habits of adult female Acartia tonsa and Labidocera aestiva and L. aestiva CV copepodites were examined by comparing fecal pellet contents and available phytoplankton. Samples were collected from eight stations in the northern Gulf of Mexico near the mouth of the Mississippi River. Fecal pellets of both copepods contained remains of a wide variety of chain-forming and solitary phytoplankters of various sizes, as well as remains of other crustaceans. Contents of fecal pellets generally mirrored the composition and relative abundance of fluctuating assemblages of available natural phytoplankton. Both species fed upon a wide size range of cells, from solitary centric diatoms of 2–8 um diameter up to large solitary centrics of 33–53 urn diameter. Both copepods also ingested the elongate solitary pennate diatom Thalassiothrix sp. (264–330 urn long) and chain-forming diatoms such as Skeletonema costatum. Remains of large or chain-forming diatoms and crustaceans were more dominant in fecal pellets of L. aestiva. This suggests that L. aestiva is primarily a raptorial feeder, grasping larger particles while A. tonsa is a more typical suspension feeder. Both copepods are opportunistic omnivores, however, and there is considerable overlap in their diets.
Cilia and the life of ctenophores

Ctenophores, or comb jellies, are a distinct phylum of marine zooplankton with eight meridional rows of giant locomotory comb plates. Comb plates are the largest ciliary structures known, and provide unique experimental advantages for investigating the biology of cilia. Here, I review published and unpublished work on how ctenophores exploit both motile and sensory functions of cilia for much of their behavior. The long-standing problem of ciliary coordination has been elucidated by experiments on a variety of ctenophores. The statocyst of ctenophores is an example of how mechanosensory properties of motile cilia orient animals to the direction of gravity. Excitation or inhibition of comb row beating provides adaptive locomotory responses, and global reversal of beat direction causes escape swimming. The diverse types of prey and feeding mechanisms of ctenophores are related to radiation in body form and morphology. The cydippid Pleurobrachia catches copepods on tentacles and undergoes unilateral ciliary reversal to sweep prey into its mouth. Mnemiopsis uses broad muscular lobes and ciliated auricles to capture and ingest prey. Beroe has giant smooth muscles and toothed macrocilia to rapidly engulf or bite through ctenophore prey, and uses reversible tissue adhesion to keep its mouth closed while swimming. Ciliary motor responses are calcium-dependent, triggered by voltage-activated calcium channels located along the length (reversed beating) or at the base (activation of beating) of ciliary membranes. Ciliary and muscular responses to stimuli are regulated by epithelial and mesogleal nerve nets with ultrastructurally identifiable synapses onto effector cells. Post-embryonic patterns of comb row development in larval and adult stages are described and compared with regeneration of comb plates after surgical removal. Truly, cilia and ctenophores, like love and marriage, go together like a horse and carriage.
A low cost high gain transistor IF amplifier for consumer frequency modulation receivers

This paper describes a high gain transistor IF amplifier-discriminator using new techniques for reducing direct and harmonic feedback. Intermediate Frequency amplifier designs with gains an order of magnitude greater than are presently realized are available employing these techniques. The primary advantage is that full limiting can be guaranteed on all receivers regardless of variations in manufacturing procedures and components.
First-Principles Modeling of Dopants in C29 and C29H24 Nanodiamonds

Presented here is our continuing first-principles density functional theory study of the structural stability of a select group of dopants in diamond nanocrystals. On the basis of the work of others concerning dopants in diamond and endohedral atoms in fullerenes, the dopants selected for use here are oxygen, aluminum, silicon, phosphorus, and sulfur. These atoms were included substitutionally in the center of a 29-carbon-atom nanodiamond crystal, and each structure was relaxed using the Vienna Ab Initio Simulation Package. We describe the bonding and structure of the relaxed doped nanocrystals via examination of the electron charge density and point group symmetry. In combination with our previously reported results, it is anticipated that these results will assist in providing a better understanding of the mechanical stability of doped nanodiamonds for use in diamond nanodevices.
A Mathematical Model to Predict the Thermal Response of Decomposing, Expanding Polymer Composites

A one-dimensional transient thermal model has been developed to predict the thermal response of a decomposing, expanding polymer composite exposed to high temperatures. Both the decomposition and t...
The three-factor model and artificial neural networks: predicting stock price movement in China

Since the establishment of the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SHSE) in 1990 and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SZSE) in 1991, China’s stock markets have expanded rapidly. Although this rapid growth has attracted considerable academic interest, few studies have examined the ability of conventional financial models to predict the share price movements of Chinese stock. This gap in the literature is significant, given the volatility of the Chinese stock markets and the added risk that arises from the Chinese legal and regulatory environment. In this paper we address this research gap by examining the predictive ability of several well-established forecasting models, including dynamic versions of a single-factor CAPM-based model and Fama and French’s three-factor model. In addition, we compare the forecasting ability of each of these models with that of an artificial neural network (ANN) model that contains the same predictor variables but relaxes the assumption of model linearity. Surprisingly, we find no statistical differences in the forecasting accuracy of the CAPM and three-factor model, a result that may reflect the emerging nature of the Chinese stock markets. We also find that each ANN model outperforms the corresponding linear model, indicating that neural networks may be a useful tool for stock price prediction in emerging markets.
Effects of embedded SHM sensors on the structural integrity of glass fiber/epoxy laminates under in-plane loads

This experimental research is focused on examining the effects of stress concentration due to the embedded Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) sensors on the structural integrity of glass fiber/epoxy laminates subjected to in-plane tensile loads. Recent advances of health monitoring technologies have resulted in development of micro-dimensional sensors that can be embedded into composite laminates. Notwithstanding their small sizes, such inclusions may affect the response of the composite. Damage induced by the peak values of stress concentration around the embedded devices is, in fact, one of the main concerns. To assess this and related issues, we have fabricated a series of samples with and without embedded (dummy) sensors and micro-processors in S2 glass fiber/epoxy laminates, and systematically tested the samples while continuously monitoring the response by the acoustic emission technique. In this manner we have sought to address the process of damage initiation and evolution within the material. The results show that acoustic events begin earlier on during the loading process, in specimens with embedded sensors and the source of the damage is located near the sensors. These early events are associated with matrix failure at the sensor-resin interfaces through micrographic observations.
Cyclophosphamide 24 hours before or after total body irradiation: effects on lung and bone marrow

Preparative regimens for bone marrow transplantation (BMT) use a sequence of drugs, such as cyclophosphamide, in combination with radiation. However, the optimum sequencing of the two agents that will maximize tumor cell kill and minimize normal tissue damage is unknown and controversial. The studies presented here were done in order to determine the effect of cyclophosphamide on bone marrow and lung damage in mice when given 24 h before or after total body irradiation (TBI). A range of single doses of TBI was given before or after a single sublethal dose of 180 mg/kg of cyclophosphamide. The bone marrow of all mice intended for lung damage assessment was reconstituted with 5 x 10(6) syngeneic bone marrow cells. Lung damage was assessed by breathing rate and lethality; bone marrow damage by lethality at 30 days. LD50 values for pneumonitis were obtained between 30 and 84 days after cyclophosphamide and radiation and between 80 and 180 days after radiation alone. Dose modifying factors were obtained as the ratio of LD50s for mice given only TBI compared to those for mice given cyclophosphamide and TBI. Cyclophosphamide enhanced radiation pneumonitis when given before or after TBI, giving DMFs of 1.4 and 1.2 (1.1-1.4, 95% c.l.) respectively. The effect of cyclophosphamide on radiation pneumonitis was drug dose-dependent. The LD50 for death from bone marrow damage was reduced when cyclophosphamide was given either before or after TBI but the effect was greater, i.e. the LD50 was lower when cyclophosphamide was given after TBI. These data show that cyclophosphamide given 24 h after TBI causes less lung damage but more bone marrow damage in this mouse model.
MOCVD growth of ZnSe films using diethylselenide

Abstract Good quality ZnSe films were grown on GaAs and glass substrates by mixing dimethylzinc and diethylselenide upstream and then introducing H 2 Se downstream. This was done to try to form a Me 2 Zn · SeEt 2 adduct to prevent the room temperature reaction between Me 2 Zn and H 2 Se. The film growth rates were ≈ 1 μm / h , the single crystal films had a smooth morphology, and the polycrystalline films were only slightly strained and had good adhesion.
Computer-generated graphical presentations: use of multimedia to enhance communication

Personal computers may be used to create, store, and deliver graphical presentations. With computer-generated combinations of the five media (text, images, sound, video, and animation)--that is, multimedia presentations--the effectiveness of message delivery can be greatly increased. The basic tools are (1) a personal computer; (2) presentation software; and (3) a projector to enlarge the monitor images for audience viewing. Use of this new method has grown rapidly in the business-conference world, but has yet to gain widespread acceptance at medical meetings. We review herein the rationale for multimedia presentations in medicine (vis-a-vis traditional slide shows) as an improved means for increasing audience attention, comprehension, and retention. The evolution of multimedia is traced from earliest times to the present. The steps involved in making a multimedia presentation are summarized, emphasizing advances in technology that bring the new method within practical reach of busy physicians. Specific attention is given to software, digital image processing, storage devices, and delivery methods. Our development of a urology multimedia presentation--delivered May 4, 1996, before the Society for Urology and Engineering and now Internet-accessible at http://www.usrf.org--was the impetus for this work.
Probing viscosity of nanoliter droplets of butterfly saliva by magnetic rotational spectroscopy

Magnetic rotational spectroscopy was employed for rheological analysis of nanoliter droplets of butterfly saliva. Saliva viscosity of butterflies is 4–5 times greater than that of water and similar to that of 30%–40% sucrose solutions at 25 °C. Hence, viscosity stratification would not be expected when butterflies feed on nectar with 30%–40% sugar concentrations. We did not observe any viscoelastic effects or non-Newtonian behavior of saliva droplets. Thus, butterfly saliva is significantly different rheologically from that of humans, which demonstrates a viscoelastic behavior.
Effects of a monoclonal anti-αvβ3 integrin antibody on blood vessels—A pharmacodynamic study

Purpose: The integrin αvβ3 is an adhesion molecule expressed by proliferating endothelial cells and antibodies blocking this integrin inhibit angiogenesis in preclinical models. MEDI-522 is a second generation humanized anti-αvβ3 antibody designed for antiangiogenic therapy. The purpose of this study was to examine potential effects of this agent on blood vessels. Experimental design: In a phase I dose escalation study, MEDI-522 was administered by weekly infusions to 25 adult patients with advanced solid organ malignancies. As a surrogate angiogenesis assay, a wound was created by punch biopsy of the arm skin. This wound site was re-biopsied after a 7-day interval. Dual-label immunofluorescence experiments followed by computer-assisted image analysis were conducted to analyze the vasculature. Results: Sequential pretreatment and 4-week treatment skin biopsy pairs were available on 4 patients, who had received 6 or 10 mg/kg of MEDI-522. MEDI-522 was detected in the dermal blood vessels as well as the dermal interstitium both in intact and wounded skin sites following treatment. No statistically significant difference was found between pretreatment and treatment samples of skin for vascular area, endothelial cell proliferation and apoptosis, or β3 integrin levels. Phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase (pFAK) was significantly diminished in skin wound vessels during MEDI-522 treatment compared to the pretreatment samples. Conclusions: MEDI-522 was detectable both in quiescent and in angiogenically active skin blood vessels as well as in the dermal interstitial space. The levels of pFAK were reduced during MEDI-522 treatment, suggesting a modulating effect on this signaling molecule.
ALTERITÀ, IDENTITÀ E DIVISMO IN NON TI MUOVERE E IN CRISTO SI È FERMATO A EBOLI: DAL LINGUAGGIO LETTERARIO A QUELLO CINEMATOGRAFICO

Nelle due opere di Levi e della Mazzantini, l'autrice discute il ruolo del' Altro (la donna) e dell' Altrove (la Lucania per Levi e la periferia urbana per il protagonista di Non ti muovere) nel ridefinire l'identita personale dei due protagonisti maschili e l'identita della nazione Italia. Nella seconda parte del saggio, l'analisi dell'autrice si sposta sulle traduzioni filmiche dei due testi letterari: le opere di F. Rosi (1978) e di S. Castellitto (2004), rispettivamente. Le versioni cinematorafiche raggiungono risultati alquanto diversi nella rappresentazione dell' Alterita e nella ridefinizione dell' identita nazionale, riflettendo in cio due modelli di traduzione di un' opera di narrativa in un testo cinematografico. In conclusione, il mondo contadino, ormai morto storicamente, non definira mai piu l'identita italiana, ma le periferie urbane con i loro immigrati recenti sono il cuore di una nuova nazione, la cui identita si sta costruendo nel continuo confronto con l'Altro.
Induction of α‐amylase by maltooligosaccharides in Thermomonospora curvata

The action pattern of the α-amylase produced by Thermomonospora curvata is unique. Maltooligosaccharides (maltose to maltopentaose) were tested individually for their ability to induce α-amylase in this thermophilic actinomycete. Maltotetraose was the most inductive followed by maltotriose. Maltose was a good inducer of amylase production when used as sole carbon source, but had relatively little inductive capacity in the presence of either glucose or cellobiose. When cellobiose was added during exponential growth on maltose, maltose utilization and extracellular α-amylase accumulation were transiently inhibited. With maltotriose as the initial carbon source, addition of cellobiose did not inhibit the utilization of the trisaccharide; however, cellobiose, whether added during exponential growth or stationary phase, resulted in the rapid degradation of amylase when maltotriose was depleted from the medium. This inactivation did not appear to be a growth phase-induced phenomenon because stationary phase cells in the absence of cellobiose maintained their peak extracellular amylase level. This cellobiose-mediated α-amylase inactivation would be particularly important during production of the enzyme on a complex lignocellulosic substrate.
Condensation polymerization of α,α′-dimethoxycarbonyl-p-xylylenedicyanide (α,α’) and oxidation to a quinodimethane polymer

α, α′-di(methoxycarbonyl)-p-xylylenedicyanide and oxydiethanol were treated with Ti(OBu)4 to produce a linear soluble polyester. Long reaction times led to the formation of an insoluble cross-linked polymer by reaction of the cyano groups.
Chemical effects on the frequencies of Si-H vibrations in amorphous solids

Abstract We show that the frequencies of the bond-stretching vibrations of Si-H groups in amorphous solids, such as a-Si and a-SiO 2 , vary systematically with the electronegativities of the next nearest neighbor atoms of the network. This induction effect is well-known in substituted silane molecules, SiHR 1 R 2 R 3 ; however, this represents the first discussion of a similar effect in network solids. The empirical relationship developed for the vibrational frequencies in the silane molecules is shown to apply to the solid state network structures as well. The applicability of this analysis to other network amorphous solids is illustrated by comparing the vibrational frequencies of the P = 0 bond in molecules, 0 = PR 1 R 2 R 3 , and network glasses, e.g., a-P 2 O 5 , and a-P 2 O 5 -SiO 2 .
Academic abilities in children and adolescents with a history of autism spectrum disorders who have achieved optimal outcomes

This study examines the academic abilities of children and adolescents who were once diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, but who no longer meet diagnostic criteria for this disorder. These individuals have achieved social and language skills within the average range for their ages, receive little or no school support, and are referred to as having achieved “optimal outcomes.” Performance of 32 individuals who achieved optimal outcomes, 41 high-functioning individuals with a current autism spectrum disorder diagnosis (high-functioning autism), and 34 typically developing peers was compared on measures of decoding, reading comprehension, mathematical problem solving, and written expression. Groups were matched on age, sex, and nonverbal IQ; however, the high-functioning autism group scored significantly lower than the optimal outcome and typically developing groups on verbal IQ. All three groups performed in the average range on all subtests measured, and no significant differences were found in per...
Rotating quadrant slant-hole SPECT scintimammography: an initial investigation

The authors investigate the use of rotating quadrant slant-hole (RQSH) collimation in SPECT scintimammography (SM). A RQSH collimator is able to acquire a complete set of projection data for fully 3-D reconstruction of the breast with 90 degrees of collimator rotation at each of 2-3 collimator detector positions on a 90-120 degree arc around the breast. The use of a 90-120 degree arc allows the collimator to remain close to the breast throughout the data acquisition, providing better resolution in the reconstructed image as compared to the conventional parallel-hole collimation SPECT acquisition. In addition, a RQSH collimator for SPECT SM has 2.8-3.5 times the efficiency of a conventional parallel-hole collimator with equivalent spatial resolution. While the field-of-view of each quadrant of the RQSH collimator can encompass a medium sized breast, significant truncation of the body occurs. It is essential that the collimator design parameters and the data acquisition orbit be chosen in such a way as to minimize the effect of truncation on the reconstruction of the breast. Here, the authors investigate the choice of collimator design parameters and data acquisition orbits for RQSH SPECT SM. These initial experiments are performed using the 3-D mathematical cardiac torso (MCAT) phantom with a realistic medium sized breast model. The reconstructions are performed using an iterative ML-EM algorithm and transformation based projector/back-projector pair. The results indicate that while the projection images are severely truncated when using the RQSH collimator, appropriate collimator design parameters and data acquisition orbits can be chosen to limit the effects of truncation on the reconstruction of the breast region.
An Inconvenient Sea Truth: Spread, Steepness, and Skewness of Surface Slopes

Breon and Henriot (BH) have collected eight million globally distributed satellite images of sunglitter, which yield a few simple, robust rules about the statistics of surface slopes: 1) constant angular spread, 2) linear steepness, and 3) sigmoid (near stepwise) skewness (all with respect to wind speed). Yet the information is sparse because it says nothing about time and space scales. The BH rules are an inconvenient sea truth, too fundamental to be ignored, too incomplete to be understood. With regard to BH rule 1 (BH:1), I suggest that the constant spread is associated with a wake-like geometry of the short gravities. Steepness linearity (BH:2) remains an enigma. Skewness (BH:3) appears to be correlated with a rather sudden onset of breaking for winds above 4 m s−1. I do not think that skewness comes from parasitic capillaries. These are tentative conclusions; I look forward to intensive sea-going experiments over the next few years demolishing the proposed interpretations.
The occurrence of normal and partial aggregates of the enzymes of the common polyaromatic synthetic pathway in some water molds.

Fractionation studies indicated that in the water molds: Allomyces javanicus, Pythium ultimum and Saprolegnia ferax the enzymes DHQ synthetase, DHQase (5-dehydroquinate hydrolyase, EC 4.2.1.10), DHS reductase, SA kinase and EPSP synthetase appeared in the same fraction after ammonium sulphate precipitation. Sucrose density gradient experiments also demonstrated an aggregation of at least three of the five activities in the above mentioned organisms. The molecular weight of the arom enzyme complex was found to be ca. 240000 daltons for Allomyces javanicus and Pythium ultimum and 211000 daltons for Saprolegnia ferax. These molecular weights are therefore, essentially similar to the MW values for arom aggregates obtained from other fungi (Ahmed and Giles, 1969). However, the dissimilarity between the organization of aromatic enzymes in the water molds and other fungi lies in the detection of a single stable arom aggregate in other fungi, whereas in the water molds, in addition to a normal, high molecular weight aggregate, partial aggregates with a MW of ca. 65000 daltons were also present. The possible molecular organization of the arom aggregates is discussed.
The effect of anionic polyacrylamide molecular conformation and configuration on flocculation effectiveness

Anionic polyacrylamide was used to flocculate kaolin slurries. Both linear and branched polyacrylamide were polymerized. The polymer samples were fractionated and the molecular weights determined on the fractionated samples. The molecular weight range studied varied from 10,000 to 3,000,000. Each polyacrylamide sample was hydrolyzed to anionic levels ranging from 5 to 25 percent. The flocculating performance of the above polymers was measured on kaolin slurries using both settling tests with 3% kaolin and jar tests with 200 ppm kaolin. The effect of anionic polyacrylamide conformation on the flocculating rates was determined by varying the pH and hydrolysis level. The effect of the polymer configuration was studied by varying the molecular weight and using both linear and branched samples. In every case tested the linear polyacrylamide was a more effective flocculant than the branched polymer. The polyacrylamide effectiveness increased with increasing molecular weight for both the linear and branched samples tested. Increasing the mean end-to-end distance of the dissolved polymer molecular increased its flocculating effectiveness. This increased length could be accomplished by changing either the pH or the hydrolysis level. The results of the study were the same whether settling tests or jar tests were used as a performance criteria.
Current Concepts of "Normal Values," "Reference Values," and "Discrimination Values" in Clinical Chemistry

The term "normal values" is seriously afflicted by sylleptic ambiguities and conceptual problems, and it is gradually being discarded from the lexicon of clinical chemistry. The neutral term "reference values" preferable on semantic and scientific grounds, and its use in clinical chemistry is rapidly gaining acceptance. The term "discrimination value" has been added to the lexicon of clinical chemistry. Use of the "discrimination value" for the results of a laboratory test in a specified clinical situation provides the optimal discrimination between the "healthy" and the "diseased," or between "those who need not be investigated further" and "those who do."
Expression and characterization of human ecto-ATPase and chimeras with CD39 ecto-apyrase.

Summary Human ecto-ATPase (ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 2 [eNTPDase2], also known as CD39L1) has been expressed and characterized in COS cells. It exhibits some unusual enzymologythatissimilartoafewmembersofthisclassofproteins but different from the majority of the family members. Hydrolysis of ATP by human ecto-ATPase is nonlinear with time, and its activity is stimulated/stabilized by both the lectin concanavalin A and the chemical cross-linking agent disuccinimidylsuberate. Like other members of the eNTPDase family, the human ecto-ATPase is a tetramer, the activity of which depends on its glycosylation. Chimeras of this protein with human CD39 (eNTPDase1) were constructed to test the hypothesis that the N-terminal half of these proteins regulates nucleotide specie city. The two chimeras generated demonstrated that the N-terminal half of these proteins is crucial for determining the relative activities of the nucleoside diand triphosphatases. Chemical cross-linking of the two chimeras suggeststhatdisuccinimidylsuberateinteractswith theC-terminal half of ecto-ATPase in a manner that results in an increase of activity for both the ecto-ATPase and the ecto-apyrase/ecto-ATPase chimera. IUBMBLife, 50: 43‐50, 2000
Subscapularis Tenotomy: Optimal Approach to Shoulder Replacement: Affirms

Subscapularis tenotomy is a simple, reproducible, and time-efficient method to provide secure repair of the subscapularis in shoulder arthroplasty. Comparing lesser tuberosity osteotomy with tenotomy, biomechanical research has shown no difference in maximum load, stiffness, elongation amplitude, or cyclic elongation. Clinical research has shown satisfactory results of subscapularis healing with tendon-to-tendon repair. In addition, research on the outcome of lesser tuberosity osteotomy shows concerning rates of progressive fatty infiltration of the subscapularis. Therefore, the complexity of lesser tuberosity osteotomy, in conjunction with concerns about possible nonunion and fragmentation, does not seem to warrant changing from the safe, reliable, and simple approach of subscapularis tenotomy.
A Bosphorus submarine passage and the reinvention of neurosurgery.

One of the major themes characterizing the emergence of modern neurosurgery has been the concept of technology transfer and the application of a broad spectrum of revolutionary elements of technology from both physical and biological science. These transference applications are now apparent in modern neurosurgery as it is practiced on all continents of the globe. More than 3 decades ago, these ideas that now have come to fruition were in states of formulation. This article describes and further documents one such fertile cauldron of ideas and practical realities—the United States Navy Nuclear Submarine Service and its role and affect on the life and professional career of an academic neurosurgeon who was active in areas of progress as modernity was established for the early 21st century.
Assessing Flow Regimes from Pressure Fluctuations in Pneumatic Conveying of Polymer Pellets

Relating pressure fluctuations to the various flow regimes in dilute phase pneumatic conveying systems and exploring the effects of the variations of a number of intrinsic flow parameters through the analysis of complex pressure signals are of importance. To explore the pressure fluctuations, a series of experiments were conducted by monitoring the pressure drop and its fluctuations in horizontal and vertical pipe sections of an experimental conveying rig of industrial relevance. Observed pressure signals contained not only the effects of flow rates of conveyed polymeric solid particles and the conveying air, but also the effects of the pipe orientation, solids feeder, and the air blower employed. Time series of the observed pressure signals were analyzed in order to obtain information about the relations based on four different analysis techniques: power spectral density (PSD) analysis, phase space diagram, rescaled range analysis, and wavelet analysis. The sampling frequency of the study was determined ...
Evidence for a role of platelet activating factor in the pathogenesis of irreversible but not reversible myocardial injury after reperfusion in dogs

Abstract The role of platelet activating factor (PAF) in myocardial injury after either brief (15 minutes, stunned myocardium) or prolonged (90 minutes, infarcted myocardium) coronary artery occlusion and 3 hours of reperfusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery was investigated in barbital-anesthetized dogs. Regional myocardial blood flow was measured by radioactive microspheres, regional segment shortening by sonomicrometry, and infarct size by the triphenyltetrazolium chloride stain. Infarct size expressed as a percentage of the area at risk was significantly reduced by the intravenous administration of two structurally unrelated PAF antagonists, BN 52021 (10 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg/hr) and CV-3988 (3 mg/kg and 0.3 mg/kg/hr). Infarct size was 38% ± 5% in the saline (control) group, (n = 7), 22% ± 5% in the BN 52021 group (n = 7), and 19% ± 5% in the CV-3988 group (n = 8). However, the intravenous administration of BN 52021 (5 and 10 mg/kg) and CV-3988 (5 mg/kg) had no effect on functional recovery (regional segment shortening) in the stunned myocardium after brief occlusion and reperfusion. Regional myocardial blood flow, hemodynamic data, and the incidence of cardiac arrhythmias were not significantly affected by PAF antagonists in both series of experiments at any time. These data suggest that PAF may play an important role in the pathogenesis of an evolving myocardial infarction that follows a prolonged coronary artery occlusion and reperfusion. Furthermore, PAF antagonists may have a beneficial role in reduction of the injury produced during an acute infarction. Finally, these data indicate tha tPAF does not appear to be an important mediator of myocardial stunning.
An Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Design Course for Wearable and Pervasive Computing Products

This paper reports on a design experience for undergraduates in computer engineering, industrial design, and marketing that focuses on pervasive computing devices. Across a broad range of targeted application areas and user groups, many of the student designs have been wearable computers. Consequently, our course will be of interest to the wearable computing community, particularly in terms of our aim of bridging the gap between design and engineering. For the two most recent offerings of the course, we have utilized external observers and surveyed the students in order to validate the impact of aspects of our process and changes to it. This paper presents an overview of our process with both qualitative and quantitative results from these two most recent offerings.
Polyoma and hamster papovavirus large T antigen-mediated replication of expression shuttle vectors in Chinese hamster ovary cells

Eukaryotic expression vectors have been used successfully in viral LT-expressing cell lines (ie. COS) to clone cDNAs encoding proteins that can be detected through their bio-activity or reactivity with specific antibodies. Since Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO) have been used extensively for the isolation and characterization of somatic cell mutants, we felt it would be an advantage to develop an expression cloning system in CHO cells. We have modified the eukaryotic expression vector CDM8 by replacing the polyoma and SV40 origins of replication with the 427bp non-coding region of the Syrian hamster papovavirus. Wild-type CHO cells and the CHO glycosylation-mutant Lec4A were transfected with plasmids bearing the early genes of either polyoma virus or hamster papovavirus in order to establish stable, LT antigen-expressing cell lines designated CHOP or CHOH, respectively. CHOP cell lines expressing polyoma LT antigen supported efficient replication of CDM8, but replicated pMH poorly. Conversely, CHOH cells expressing the hamster papovavirus LT antigen supported replication of pMH, and at a lower efficiency, CDM8. Replication of CDM8 and pMH vectors were equally efficient in selected CHOP and CHOH cell lines, respectively and comparable to that of CDM8 replication in COS-1 cells. A bacterial beta-galactosidase fusion gene inserted into the multiple cloning site of a CDM8 derivative was efficiently expressed when transiently transfected into CHOP and CHOH cells but not CHO cells since only the former supports autonomous plasmid replication. These results show that expression-cloning in CHO cells expressing either polyoma virus or hamster papovavirus LT antigens is possible using either the CDM8 or the pMH vectors, respectively.