cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optical Characteristics Of Fiber Optic Evanescent Wave Sensors

Experimental results are reported for an unclad multimode optical fiber whose lateral surface is immersed in dilute fluorescein solution. This system provides a physical basis for fiber optic fluoroimmunoassay independent of immunochemical binding and kinetics. The excitation of fluorescein by evanescent wave interaction and subsequent detection of fluorescence from the optical fiber endface by the reciprocal process was studied. A systematic variation of optical launch conditions and cladding refractive index was completed. These results are compared with a semi-classical optical model which has been developed for this purpose. This predictive model yields results which for the first time are fully quantitative. Good agreement has been obtained between the experiments and the model. Additionally, sensitivity to 10 -9 molar solution has been obtained.
Interaction of short chain and long chain fatty acid phosphoglycerides and bile salts with prothrombin

Abstract An equimolar mixture of phosphatidylserine and (dioleoyl)phosphatidylethanolamine could substitute for brain cephalin preparations in the single stage prothrombin assay. However, no clot promoting activity was observed on the addition of any of the individual long chain fatty acid-containing phospholipids. Short chain fatty acid-containing phospholipids, such as diheptanoylphosphatidylcholine, diheptanoylphosphatidylethanolamine, diheptanoylphosphatidic acid, and dihexanoylphosphatidylcholine, or dihexanoylphosphatidylethanolamine were inhibitory under all conditions studied. Similar effects of these two general classes of phospholipids were observed in a two-stage thrombin generation system, in which a mixture of bovine Factor Xa, Factor Va, and Ca2+ were interacted with prothrombin. In the presence of 25 mM Ca2+, dioleoylphosphatidic acid or brain phosphatidylserine alone, and with other long chain phospholipids, formed complexes with bovine plasma prothrombin. On the other hand, dioleoyl-, diheptanoyl- or dihexanoylphosphatidylcholine under comparable conditions showed no binding to prothrombin. There appeared to be a small degree of binding of diheptanoylphosphatidic acid to prothrombin, but it was insufficient to cause any significant change in apparent molecular weight of prothrombin. A mixture of prothrombin, Factor V, diheptanoylphosphatidic acid/diheptanoylphosphatidylcholine and Ca2+ eluted in the void volume of Sephadex G-200, but showed a much reduced coagulant activity. Though a net negative charge on the phospholipid surface is required for phospholipid-protein interactions, this does not necessarily promote coagulant activity. Bile acids and bile salts, such as cholic acid, deoxycholic acid, taurocholic acid, glycocholic acid, lithocholic acid and dehydrocholic acid, exerted varying levels of stimulation on the prothrombin assay and thrombin generation system, but were not as effective as the phospholipids. Interestingly, no interaction of these bile acids or salts with prothrombin was noted in the presence of Ca2+. The results of these experiments suggest that negatively charged micelles per se are not sufficient for binding alone and that other chemical and physical characteristics of phospholipids are of prime importance.
Cytotoxic properties of estramustine unrelated to alkylating and steroid constituents

Using cultured HeLa S3 cells an ID50 of 2.5 micrograms/ml was found after a twenty-four-hour incubation with estradiol-17 beta- 3N -bis-(2-chloroethyl) carbamate (estramustine). Similar ID90 values were found in two Walker 256 rat carcinoma cell lines which were either sensitive or resistant to nitrogen mustards. Alkaline elution methodology revealed the complete absence of DNA strand breaks or cross-links in cells receiving up to 10 micrograms/ml estramustine for twenty-four hours. Nuclear uptake was 1.34 per cent of the available drug, one third of which was hydrophobically associated with the protein/phospholipid components of the nuclear matrix. In the human prostatic cell lines DU145 and PC3 , estramustine caused a drastic dose-dependent increase in the mitotic index. This increase resulted from an arrest of cells in metaphase, with highly contracted disoriented chromosomes present. Rapid reverse of the arrest on removal of drug resulted in cell death. Neither nor-nitrogen mustard nor estradiol demonstrated antimitotic properties. The lack of macromolecular alkylation together with the observed antimitotic effects predict a mechanism of action for estramustine which is distinct from either of its constituent components.
Ultrastructural aspects of atrium development: demonstration of endocardial discontinuities and immunolabeling of atrial natriuretic factor in the Syrian hamster

The endocardium ultrastructure of 13 embryonic day old hamsters was examined, especially in relationship with the atrial myocytes. The endothelial morphology was described, including the junctional attachments and their relationships with subjacent atrial myocytes. Characteristic atrial myocytes organelles were identified: myofibrils, atrial granules, lipidic inclusions, and polysomes. Immunogold labeling demonstrated that atrial natriuretic factor (ANF)-containing granules were already present in the differentiating cardiomyocytes, even before the myofibrils were completely organized. At this stage of development, while the endothelium was a narrow barrier between the blood and the cardiomyocytes, it displayed fenestrations, but also epithelial discontinuities. In addition it also contains immunoreactive-ANF products. In light of the current knowledge about ANF processing it was proposed that the endocardium lining could be an obligated passageway for transport or activating proANF into ANF before its release into the blood stream. In addition the endocardial gaps could suggest that, until about 13 to 14 days of fetal development, heart atrial tissue could be more susceptible to the effects of pathogenetic compounds than in a later state of development.
Effect of xenobiotics on peroxidation of hepatic microsormal lipids from striped mullet (Mugil cephalus) and Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus)

Abstract The effect of several xenobiotics on the in vitro peroxidation of hepatic microsomal lipids from two marine fish, striped mullet (Mugil cephalus) and Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) was examined. These xenobiotics have been shown to stimulate lipid peroxidation in mammalian tissues. Stimulation of peroxidation of hepatic microsomal lipids from mullet was noted when 5–25 μl CCl4, was added to the incubation medium. No stimulation was observed with 1·0 μm dicumarol in the incubation medium and lipid peroxidation was completely inhibited by addition of 25 μm HgCl2. In vitro lipid peroxidation was stimulated when mullet were injected with 17mg acetaminophen/1OOg body wt 1 h prior to the assay. Exposure of croaker to Cd in the water and to PCB (Aroclor 1254) in the diet, environmentally realistic routes of administration, also resulted in increased in vitro lipid peroxidation.
Bilateral synchronous rupture of the quadriceps tendon

Bilateral simultaneous rupture of the quadriceps tendon is a rare entity. They are often associated with degenerative changes of the tendons and predisposing conditions such as diabetes or excessive steroid use. They most commonly tend to occur in patients of 40 years of age or older. We describe a case of a 67-year-old man with simultaneous rupture of both quadriceps tendons. The diagnosis can be difficult and often delayed or missed in the initial examination. We report bilateral quadriceps tendon rupture in a previously healthy patient with good post-operative functional outcome.
Critical Heat Flux During Submerged Jet Impingement Boiling of Saturated Water at Sub-Atmospheric Conditions

Experimental data for critical heat flux (CHF) during submerged jet impingement boiling of saturated water at sub-atmospheric conditions is presented. Experiments are performed at three sub-atmospheric pressures of 0.176 bar, 0.276 bar, and 0.477 bar with corresponding fluid saturation temperatures of about 57.3 °C, 67.2 °C, and 80.2 °C. Jet exit Reynolds numbers ranging from 0 to 14,000 are considered for two different heater surface finishes at a fixed nozzle to surface spacing of six nozzle diameters. CHF correlations from literature on jet impingement boiling are compared against the experimental data and found to poorly predict CHF under the conditions considered. A CHF correlation that captures the entire experimental data set within an average error of ±3 percent and a maximum error of ±13 percent is developed to serve as a predictive tool for the range of conditions examined.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Sensitivity of the retinal circular dichroism of bacteriorhodopsin to the mutagenetic single substitution of amino acids: tyrosine

Bacteriorhodopsin (bR) in the native purple membrane, in wild type expressed in E. coli and reconstituted in lipid vesicles, and its constituted mutants with substitutions of Tyr-185 by Phe all are found to have different visible retinal CD spectra. The results strongly suggest that the environment of the retinal in bR determines the sign and heterogeneity of its visible retinal CD spectrum. This supports the recent proposal that the observed biphasic CD spectrum of bR is due to the superposition of the CD spectra having opposite signs of more than one type of bR rather than due to exciton coupling.
Antibodies to synthetic human gastrin I.

Abstract Antibodies to pure synthetic human gastrin I have been produced in chickens after injections of synthetic human gastrin I attached to polyacrylate latex particles. The presence of antibodies has been demonstrated by the qualitative precipitin ring test, precipitation in the Ouchterlony agar-gel system, and bioassay.
Detection of avalanching in submicrometer field-effect devices

In submicrometer field-effect devices, where large electric fields are produced in the channel region under normal biasing conditions, the presence and the onset of avalanching can be detected by the measurement of the noise power spectrum of the drain current at a frequency in the UHF range. This technique is illustrated by measurements on GaAs MESFET's.
Concurrent observations of barpress suppression and freezing: Effects of CS modality and on-line vs. off-line training upon posttrial behavior

In a conditioned suppression study with rats, CS modality (light vs. noise) and type of conditioning (on-line vs. off-line training) were manipulated. All rats were then tested on-line with only half the test trials reinforced. Some results and conclusions were as follows: (1) During initial training, suppression following reinforced noise trials was moderately strong at first but weakened over days; for the light, it was weak from the start. It was suggested that this strong influence of CS modality might complicate interpretations of posttrial suppression as a measure of US effectiveness. (2) During testing, posttrial suppression and freezing were greater following non-reinforced trials than following reinforced trials (US-omission effect), and this effect was stronger for noise than for light. Since noise also produced more freezing than light, this result favors the hypothesis that the US-omission effect is due to persistent CS-elicited freezing that is un-disrupted by a shock US. (3) Although noise produced more freezing, both noise and light produced similar barpress suppression. This result is consistent with the suggestion that noise and light acquire equal associative strength but elicit different defensive behaviors.
An Electrical Circuit for Modeling the Dynamic Response of Li-Ion Polymer Batteries

An equivalent electrical circuit model based on parameters taken from ac impedance measurements obtained from a Li-ion polymer battery is simulated in a Matlab/Simulink environment. The model representation contains relevant parameters, including ohmic resistance, slow migration of Li-ions through the surface layers, faradaic charge transfer process, solid-state diffusion of Li-ions, and charge accumulation (intercalation capacitance) within the host material. The model also takes into account the non-homogeneous distribution properties (e.g, particle size, pore geometry) of the electrode which account for deviation from the ideal finite space Warburg behavior. The simulated and experimental results are compared and demonstrate that the impedance model can accurately predict the discharge power performance and transient and dynamic behavior of the Li-ion polymer batteries.
Aneurysm of the membranous portion of the ventricular septum.

Abstract Two cases of aneurysm of the membranous portion of the ventricular septum are presented. This brings the total number of reported cases to 110. Both patients were asymptomatic and the clinical findings were those of coexisting ventricular sepal defect. The diagnosis was established on cardiac catheterization and selective angiocardiography with injection of dye into the left atrium or left ventricle. The anomaly was confirmed at surgery and corrected successfully in both cases.
Analysis of a differential magnetic amplifier with flux reset control

Abstract This paper describes in detail the theoretical operation and mathematical analysis of a differential magnetic amplifier circuit operating on the flux reset control principle.Experimental results verify the theoretical operation and the usefulness of the derived gain and output range equations. With the results of this investigation, it is possible to make intelligent use of a simple, yet extremely versatile magnetic amplifier circuit.
Separating Clique Trees and Bipartition Inequalities Having a Fixed Number of Handles and Teeth in Polynomial Time

Many important cutting planes have been discovered for the traveling salesman problem. Among them are the clique tree inequalities and the more general bipartition inequalities. Little is known in the way of exact algorithms for separating these inequalities in polynomial time in the size of the fractional point x* which is being separated. An algorithm is presented here that separates bipartition inequalities of a fixed number of handles and teeth, which includes clique tree inequalities of a fixed number of handles and teeth, in polynomial time.
Atmospheric oxidation of sulfur dioxide: A review as viewed from power plant and smelter plume studies

Abstract An overview is presented of significant historical, recent, and new power plant and smelter plume studies which have been directed at understanding the atmospheric oxidation of sulfur dioxide. It can be concluded that the average rate of oxidation of sulfur dioxide in plumes entering into and mixing with clean air is generally less than 1 %h−1 but with polluted urban air the rate can be at least twice as fast. In addition, a diurnal variation in the rate is sometimes observed that is near zero at night and approx. 3% during mid-day. Although there is a tendency for some scientific observers to select the homogenous over the hetrogenous mechanism as the dominant pathway for the oxidation, the basis for choice is not definitive and most likely both mechanisms are at times operative. Suggestions are advanced for new and important studies that can be performed with technologies just becoming available.
Microhardness evaluation of a two-piece post and core technique

Abstract This study compared the microhardness of one- and two-piece cast post cores. Twenty 0.070 inch Whaledent "burn-out" posts were invested in a phosphate investment, cast, and bench cooled to room temperature. Five samples, were grouped by Sturdicast or Midas metal and by casting technique. The specimens were cast in matched pairs with one of each technique per casting ring. The Vickers hardness number sites were centered on the post diameter with the core-to-post head junction used as a baseline, at the following sites: (1) 1.5 mm into the core to post head assembly; (2) at the junction of the post to the post head and core assembly; (3) 1 mm into the post; (4) 2 mm into the post; and (5) 3 mm into the post. There were no significant differences in microhardness at the sites tested for metal or casting technic ( p
Ecology, life cycle, and infectious propagule of Cryptococcus neoformans

Cryptococcus neoformans is a biotrophic smut-like fungus, and the epidemiology of cryptococcosis can mainly be explained by exposure to an infective aerosolised inoculum. For C neoformans var gattii it is postulated that the principal infectious propagule is the basidiospore and that exposure to Eucalyptus camaldulensis, the host tree, is required to initiate infection in man and animals. C neoformans var gattii may have been exported from Australia by infected seeds of E camaldulensis containing dormant dikaryotic mycelium of the fungus. For C neoformans var neoformans both the basidiospore and desiccated encapsulated yeast cells are postulated to act as infectious propagules, the basidiospores showing a seasonal distribution in association with an as yet unidentified host plant, and the encapsulated yeast cells dispersed from accumulations of dried bird (mainly pigeon) droppings which act as a year-round vector.
Proteomic Analysis Reveals Late Exercise Effects on Cardiac Remodeling Following Myocardial Infarction

Exercise has been shown to improve function of the left ventricle (LV) following myocardial infarction (MI). The mechanisms to explain this benefit have not been fully delineated, but may involve improved mechanics resulting in unloading effects and increased endothelial nitric oxide synthase levels.[1, 2] Accordingly, the goal of this study was to determine how the LV infarct proteome is altered by a post-MI exercise regimen. Sprague-Dawley rats underwent ligation of the left descending coronary artery to induce MI. Exercise training was initiated four weeks post-MI and continued for 8 weeks in n=12 rats. Compared with the sedentary MI group (n=10), the infarct region of rats receiving exercise showed 20 protein spots with altered intensities in two-dimensional gels (15 increased and 5 decreased; p<0.05). Of 52 proteins identified in 20 spots, decreased levels of voltage-dependent anion-selective channel 2 and increased levels of glutathione perioxidase and manganese superoxide were confirmed by immunoblotting. Cardiac function was preserved in rats receiving exercise training, and the beneficial effect was linked with changes in these 3 proteins. In conclusion, our results suggest that post-MI exercise training increases anti-oxidant levels and decreases ion channel levels, which may explain, in part, the improved cardiac function seen with exercise.
Optimal Cutpoint Estimation With Censored Data

Maximal chi-squared methods and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves-based methods are commonly used to dichotomize a continous predictor when the outcome is binary. In this article we consider this problem when the outcome of interest is subject to right censoring, with a twofold goal. First, we propose maximal concordance, a measure similar to the area under an ROC curve, as a metric for selecting an optimal cutpoint with censored endpoints. To support this, we show that selecting the cutpoint that maximizes the concordance probability is equivalent to maximizing the Youden index, a popular criterion when the ROC curve is used to choose a threshold with binary outcomes. Second, we compare the performance of two concordance-based metrics (c-index and concordance probability estimate) and the performance of three chi-squared-based metrics (Wald, log-rank, and partial likelihood ratio statistics). In our simulations performed under a variety of assumptions, maximizing the partial likelihood ratio...
Synthesis and processing of RNA by isolated human placental nuclei

Summary Conditions for isolating intact and active nuclei from human term placenta and for studying their transcription products are described. The isolated nuclei can synthesize cell-free RNA for a prolonged period at 29°C in a medium containing 100 m m KCl and 5 m m MgCl 2 . Actinomycin D inhibited 92 per cent of RNA synthesis, whereas approximately 60 per cent of RNA synthesis was sensitive to α -amanitin. When nuclei were incubated at 29°C for 1 h, about 27 per cent of the newly synthesized RNA was released into the medium outside the nucleus. Analysis of this released material by affinity chromatography on an oligo(dT)-cellulose column revealed that 2.4 per cent of the total released RNA was adsorbed at high salt concentration. Most of this fraction was eluted with a low-salt buffer at 45°C and the remainder by 50 per cent formamide, conditions that are necessary for elution of poly(A)-containing mRNP particles from oligo(dT)-cellulose. These results show that placental nuclei incubated in vitro synthesize poly(A)-containing RNA, which is released as a protein-bound complex. This procedure allows exploration of changes in mRNA release during placental development.
Wind velocities associated with dust deflation events in the Western Sahara

Abstract Data from eight meteorological stations in the western Sahara for the period 1 July-15 August 1974 indicate that the mean wind velocity associated with dust-raising events is about 10.5 m s−1. The mean deflation velocity at individual stations ranged from 6.5 to 13.0 m s−1. At most stations the wind velocity associated with the onset of a dust-raising event (the threshold velocity) appears to be a reproducible characteristic of the environment. Threshold velocity variations appear to be attributable in part to differences in soil and terrain characteristics at the stations.
The health benefits of writing about positive experiences: The role of broadened cognition

This study tested the potential to elicit a broadened attentional focus through writing about a positive life experience and to derive health benefits from such writing. Participants (n = 38) wrote for 20 min each day for 3 consecutive days about either a positive life experience or a control topic. Writing about positive experiences led to improved physical health (measured 4-6 weeks after writing) compared to control and higher levels of global cognitive focus after writing mediated this effect. Notably, while the positive writing condition was more broadened than control, positive affect was not responsible for this difference. Implications for disclosive writing and the broaden and build model are discussed.
The influence of perceived sexual orientation on fricative identification.

Listeners are more likely to hear a synthetic fricative ambiguous between /s/ and /ʃ/ as /ʃ/ if it is appended to a woman’s voice than a man’s voice [Strand and Johnson, in Natural Language Processing and Speech Technology: Results of the 3rd KONVENS Conference (Mouton de Gruyter, Berlin, 1996), pp. 14–26]. This study expanded on this finding by replicating the result with a much larger group of male and female talkers than had been examined previously, by examining whether phonetic context mediates the influence of talker sex on fricative identification, and by examining whether talkers’ perceived sexual orientation influences fricative identification. Stimuli were created by pairing a synthetic nine-step /s/-/ʃ/ continuum with tokens of /aek/ and /ɪp/ taken from productions of shack and ship by 44 talkers whose perceived sexual orientation had been reported previously [Munson et al., J. Phonetics (in press)]. Listeners participated in a series of two-alternative sack-shack and sip-ship identification exp...
Does lithium carbonate affect the ion transport abnormality in cystic fibrosis

Lithium is known to affect several aspects of cellular regulation which may be related to ion channel function in epithelial cells. To determine whether the ion transport abnormality in cystic fibrosis (CF) is affected by lithium with resultant changes in clinical status, 36 CF patients, 12-37 years old, were enrolled in a 14 week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Eighteen patients were randomly assigned to receive lithium carbonate for 10 weeks. At the end of therapy their average serum lithium concentration was 0.56 +/- 0.06 mmol (SEM) per liter. Their sweat chloride concentration fell from 92.1 +/- 4.8 mmol per liter to 87.4 +/- 4.0 mmol per liter after 10 weeks of therapy (P = 0.07) and rose to 94.4 +/- 3.5 mmol per liter 4 weeks after end of therapy (P less than 0.001 compared to results at end of therapy). Their forced vital capacity (FVC) fell from 72 +/- 5.3% of predicted to 66 +/- 5.1% of predicted after 4 weeks of therapy (P less than 0.01), and their forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) fell from 56 +/- 5.5% of predicted to 51 +/- 5.5% of predicted after 4 weeks of therapy (P less than 0.01). In a non-blind assessment, performed 19 weeks after the end of therapy, their FVC and FEV1 had risen and were not significantly different from baseline. Sweat chloride, FVC, and FEV1 remained unchanged in the placebo group throughout the period of study.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Pain rating schema: three distinct subgroups of individuals emerge when rating mild, moderate, and severe pain.

Background While the validity of pain assessment has been well documented, the underlying schema (ie, organized, preconceived ideas) of how individuals interpret numerical pain ratings is not well understood. This study’s objectives were to examine numerical pain intensity ratings, from (0 to 10 cm on the visual analog scale [VAS]) across multiple severities of commonly experienced acute pain conditions to determine whether the ratings differed between these pain conditions and/or between individuals.
Mosfet devices with trapezoidal gates: I–V characteristics and magnetic sensitivity

Abstract MOSFET transistors may be fabricated with a variety of channel geometries. The trapezoidal shape for the gate provides useful I – V characteristics. Channel probes are diffused for sensing Hall voltages developed across the device channel. This paper matches experimental and theoretical results for trapezoidal-gate, p -channel, enhancement-mode MOSFET devices. A nonparabolic variation of drain current with gate bias is observed. An optimum gate bias for maximum magnetic sensitivity is obtained for MAGFETs. Devices are fabricated with substrates oriented along the (100) and (111) crystallographic planes. A mobility variation with gage bias is required to accurately match the experimental measurements.
Response of a Compliant Beam in a Constricted Channel Wall

The flow through a compliant-walled channel or tube is analogous to human systems, such as blood vessels (Holt, 1969), the trachea during forced expiration (Elad and Kamm, 1989), and, with some limitations, the glottis (Conrad, 1980). Typical studies involving collapsible channels have used a rigid channel with a longitudinal section of the channel wall replaced with a deformable structure, such as a membrane. Numerical and analytical studies of the flow and accompanying wall deformation have used 1-dimensional or lumped-parameter models (e.g., Shapiro, 1977; Cancelli and Pedley, 1985) as well as detailed flow and structural models using the finite element method (e.g., Rast, 1994; Luo and Pedley, 1995, 1996; Shim and Kamm, 2002; Cai and Luo, 2003).Copyright © 2003 by ASME
CUG Start Codon Generates Thioredoxin/Glutathione Reductase Isoforms in Mouse Testes

Mammalian cytosolic and mitochondrial thioredoxin reductases are essential selenocysteine-containing enzymes that control thioredoxin functions. Thioredoxin/glutathione reductase (TGR) is a third member of this enzyme family. It has an additional glutaredoxin domain and shows highest expression in testes. Herein, we found that human and several other mammalian TGR genes lack any AUG codons that could function in translation initiation. Although mouse and rat TGRs have such codons, we detected protein sequences upstream of them by immunoblot assays and direct proteomic analyses. Further gene engineering and expression analyses demonstrated that a CUG codon, located upstream of the sequences previously thought to initiate translation, is the actual start codon in mouse TGR. The use of this codon relies on the Kozak consensus sequence and ribosome-scanning mechanism. However, CUG serves as an inefficient start codon that allows downstream initiation, thus generating two isoforms of the enzyme in vivo and in vitro. The use of CUG evolved in mammalian TGRs, and in some of these organisms, GUG is used instead. The newly discovered longer TGR form shows cytosolic localization in cultured cells and is expressed in spermatids in mouse testes. This study shows that CUG codon is used as an inefficient start codon to generate protein isoforms in mouse.
A study of production and growth of sulfate particles in plumes from a coal-fired power plant

Abstract A number of airborne plume sampling experiments designed to examine the importance of sulfate particle-generating chemical reactions within coal-burning power station plumes are described. The flights were conducted downwind of the Keystone Generating Station in western Pennsylvania, with The Penn State University research aircraft, an Aerocommander 680E. On-board aerosol sampling instrumentation included a condensation nucleus counter, an optical particle counter and an electrical aerosol analyzer. A casella cascade impactor containing electron microscope copper grids coated with carbon film was used to collect particles at varying distances from the stacks. These samples were analyzed for sulfate content and particle size distribution. Measurements of SO 2 were made with a rapid-response pulsed fluorescent analyzer. Atmospheric pressure, temperature, dewpoint, winds and aircraft position were also monitored. For each flight, a vertical spiral aircraft sounding was made upwind of the power station to determine atmospheric stability and background aerosol particle and SO 2 concentrations. Downwind, the flight pattern consisted of a series of cross wind and longitudinal plume penetrations out to distances at which SO 2 reached background levels. During the case in which cooling tower plume and stack plume merger occurred, sampling continued out to regions where the liquid plume had dissipated. It was found that when relative humidity was low, stability near-neutral and solar radiation intense, the production of new Aitken particles was the primary mechanism of SO 2 oxidation. In the case of merger between the stack plume and the cooling tower plume, the formation of sulfate on pre-existing particles predominated over the formation of new particles. During cases with intermediate meteorological conditions both processes were of equal importance.
IMPACT OF SEPSIS ON POSTOPERATIVE RISK OF ARTERIAL AND VENOUS THROMBOSIS

Patients are at higher risk for both arterial and venous thrombosis after surgical interventions, but it is unknown whether some systemic inflammatory responses -in particular sepsis- subsequently increase the risk of thrombosis. We assessed the impact of preoperative sepsis on postoperative risk
CONSTRAINING PULSAR MAGNETOSPHERE GEOMETRY WITH γ-RAY LIGHT CURVES

We demonstrate a method for quantitatively comparing γ-ray pulsar light curves with magnetosphere beaming models. With the Fermi LAT providing many pulsar discoveries and high-quality pulsar light curves for the brighter objects, such a comparison allows greatly improved constraints on the emission zone geometry and the magnetospheric physics. Here we apply the method to Fermi LAT light curves of a set of bright pulsars known since EGRET or before. We test three approximate models for the magnetosphere structure and two popular schemes for the location of the emission zone, the two pole caustic model and the outer gap (OG) model. We find that OG models and relatively physical B fields approximating force-free dipole magnetospheres are preferred at high statistical significance. An application to the full LAT pulsar sample will allow us to follow the emission zone's evolution with pulsar spindown.
Reverse engineering digital circuits using functional analysis

Integrated circuits (ICs) are now designed and fabricated in a globalized multi-vendor environment making them vulnerable to malicious design changes, the insertion of hardware trojans/malware and intellectual property (IP) theft. Algorithmic reverse engineering of digital circuits can mitigate these concerns by enabling analysts to detect malicious hardware, verify the integrity of ICs and detect IP violations. In this paper, we present a set of algorithms for the reverse engineering of digital circuits starting from an unstructured netlist and resulting in a high-level netlist with components such as register files, counters, adders and subtracters. Our techniques require no manual intervention and experiments show that they determine the functionality of more than 51% and up to 93% of the gates in each of the practical test circuits that we examine.
The growth of GaAs at reduced pressure in an organometallic CVD system

Abstract GaAs has been grown by organometallic CVD at reactor pressures from 0.046 to 1.0 atm, and at temperatures from 600 to 750°C. Approximately constant growth rate was found as a function of pressure for constant reactant flows, in agreement with numerical calculations and the diffusion boundary layer theory. The growth rate departed significantly from the predicted value under two conditions: (1) at low pressure and high temperature the growth rate was slightly enhanced and (2) at high pressure and high temperature the growth rate decreased rapidly in the direction of gas flow. We propose that the first of these is caused by diffusion of Ga species from the susceptor to the substrates during the initial stages of growth, while the second is due to parasitic depletion of the Ga reactant from the gas phase. A model is presented in which the gas phase depletion reaction occurs between Ga(CH 3 ) 2 and an As species, in a hot zone just above the susceptor surface. Analysis of this reaction indicates that parasitic depletion is a strong function of the reactor pressure, as observed experimentally.
A Follow-up Study of Aortic Valve Homografts for Two to Four and One-Half Years

Abstract Fifty-two patients underwent replacement of the aortic valve with a homograft and were followed for two to four and one-half years. There was no intraoperative mortality; 3 patients died in the immediate postoperative period and 7 patients died after discharge from the hospital. The results are very favorable when compared with the results in patients who have undergone replacement with aortic valve prostheses and have been followed at least two years. Patients with aortic homografts have been spared the problems of anticoagulants, and no emboli have been recognized. Eighteen of 42 survivors now have diastolic murmurs that are not hemodynamically significant. Neither diastolic murmurs that have been present continually nor those that have appeared late have been associated with deterioration of the patient's state, and all patients remain normally active with very few taking any medication. The homografts have proved to be excellent aortic valve replacements, and their continued use is justified.
Laparoscopic repair of traumatic intrapericardial diaphragmatic hernia

Diaphragm rupture is associated with approximately 5% of blunt abdominal trauma. However, rupture of the central tendon of the diaphragm leading to an intrapericardial diaphragmatic hernia is very rare, with less than 100 cases reported in the world literature. All previously reported cases have been repaired via laparotomy or thoracotomy. In this paper, we present the first laparoscopic repair of a traumatic intrapericardial diaphragmatic hernia.
Cancer health disparities among Indian and Pakistani immigrants in the United States: a Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-based study from 1988 to 2003.

BACKGROUND. Immigrants from India and Pakistan comprise about 1.5% of the total United States population. To the author' knowledge, this is the first study analyzing epidemiologic data on Indian and Pakistani patients with newly diagnosed cancer. METHODS. The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database has reported cancer incidence from 1973 to 2003. Since 1988, the Indian and Pakistani population has been reported separately under race and ethnicity. Frequency and survival analyses with SEER data were performed, and descriptive parameters were calculated along with overall survival in common cancers. RESULTS. In total, 6889 cases were reported between 1988 and 2003, and those cases included 51% men and 49% women (P = .821). Among men, 30% of cases were prostate cancers, 10% of cases were lung cancers, and 9% of cases were colorectal cancers. Among women, 38% of cases were breast cancers, 15% of cases were genital cancers, and 7% of cases were colorectal cancers. When overall survival with common cancer was compared between immigrants and non-Hispanic whites in the United States, it was better among Indian and Pakistani immigrants. CONCLUSIONS. In a United States-based Indian and Pakistani population, prostate and breast cancers were the most common malignancies in men and women, respectively. This differed from the incidence in India and Pakistan, where oral cavity cancer in men and breast and cervical cancers in women were the most common. These immigrant cancer patients also had better survival. This change in demographics may be attributed to multiple factors, and the current data have implications on cancer screening and intervention. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
A model for wear in an abrasive environment as applied to a magnetic sensor

Abstract A model for sliding wear on a surface contaminated by abrasive particles was developed. The model relates the amount, size and type of abrasive to the wear generated on the slider. A testing technique appropriate to such a wear condition is also presented. The model and the technique are evaluated in terms of their application to the wear of a magnetic sensor, which slides against magnetic media exposed to uncontrolled and sometimes hostile environments. In addition, abrasive wear data for single-crystal sapphire are presented for several different crystallographic orientations.
Nicotine is a developmental neurotoxicant and neuroprotectant: stage-selective inhibition of DNA synthesis coincident with shielding from effects of chlorpyrifos

Although nicotine is now well recognized as a developmental neurotoxicant, it also may have neuroprotectant properties. In the current study, we used PC12 cells to characterize the specific developmental phases in which these effects are expressed. In undifferentiated cells, nicotine had a modest effect on DNA synthesis (10% reduction), which was nevertheless selective, as no significant reductions were seen for RNA or protein synthesis. The effects were blocked by mecamylamine, indicating mediation by nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Initiation of differentiation with nerve growth factor, which greatly increases the receptor concentration, produced a commensurate increase in the sensitivity of DNA synthesis to nicotine, while RNA and protein synthesis again remained unaffected. The organophosphate insecticide, chlorpyrifos, also interferes with DNA synthesis in undifferentiated PC12 cells, but by mechanisms independent of nicotinic receptors. Accordingly, the effects of a combination of nicotine and chlorpyrifos should be additive. However, simultaneous exposure of undifferentiated cells to both agents produced less-than-additive effects at low concentrations of chlorpyrifos, and at high chlorpyrifos concentrations, nicotine produced outright protection: the combination of nicotine and chlorpyrifos had lesser effects than chlorpyrifos alone. The same neuroprotection was seen when cells were exposed to nicotine for 24 h, washed free of the drug for 24 h, and then exposed to chlorpyrifos. The results indicate that nicotine interferes with neural cell replication, with peak effects in early stages of differentiation. At the same time, nicotine promotes trophic actions that protect against neurotoxicants that work through other mechanisms.
ATR-Mediated Phosphorylation of FANCI Regulates Dormant Origin Firing in Response to Replication Stress

Excess dormant origins bound by the minichromosome maintenance (MCM) replicative helicase complex play a critical role in preventing replication stress, chromosome instability, and tumorigenesis. In response to DNA damage, replicating cells must coordinate DNA repair and dormant origin firing to ensure complete and timely replication of the genome; how cells regulate this process remains elusive. Herein, we identify a member of the Fanconi anemia (FA) DNA repair pathway, FANCI, as a key effector of dormant origin firing in response to replication stress. Cells lacking FANCI have reduced number of origins, increased inter-origin distances, and slowed proliferation rates. Intriguingly, ATR-mediated FANCI phosphorylation inhibits dormant origin firing while promoting replication fork restart/DNA repair. Using super-resolution microscopy, we show that FANCI co-localizes with MCM-bound chromatin in response to replication stress. These data reveal a unique role for FANCI as a modulator of dormant origin firing and link timely genome replication to DNA repair.
Computation of the autocovariances of stationary arma processes

Abstract Autoregressive-moving average (ARMA) models are often used for the purpose of forecasting a time series. As an aide to chosing a model, use is made of the autocorrelation function which is estimated from the data. If the only interest in the model is for forecasting purposes, then it is not necessary to compute the autocorrelation function associated with the chosen model. For this reason, a method for computation of the autocorrelation function is not usually included in the software used for identifying ARMA models. However, there are applications of ARMA models where it is important to compute the autocovariance function. This paper contains an algorithm and a listing of a FORTRAN program which computes the autocovariance directly from the solution to the difference equations which govern its behavior.
Chronic oral administration of ginseng extract results in behavioral change but has no effects in mice models of affective and anxiety disorders

Ginseng is a popular 'tonic' herb in Chinese traditional medicine with diverse biological activity. The core of ginseng's therapeutic abilities is thought to be its neuroprotective actions in increasing cellular resilience. These actions coincide with novel theories of affective and anxiety disorders and raise the possibility that ginseng may serve as medication for these common and devastating diseases. The present study was designed to explore the possible effects of chronic ginseng extract, administered in a clinically relevant schedule (similar to antidepressants) in animal models of affective and anxiety disorders. Groups of mice received chronic oral treatment with ginseng extract (500 mg/kg/day for 3 weeks) and were tested in a large open eld, in the emergence test for anxiolytic activity, the forced swim test for antidepressant activity and the amphetamine hyperactivity test for mood stabilizing activity. Chronic ginseng had a signicant effect on reducing spontaneous locomotor activity in the open eld test but not on the distribution of activity and had no inssuence on the performance of mice in any of the specic models. Although the extract used in this study contained signicant levels of ginsenosides, detailed analysis of the brain levels of the active ingredients of ginseng may be needed to make a far reaching conclusion. However, the doses and schedule of administration of ginseng used in the present study induced some behavioral changes but did not inssuence affective- and anxiety-like measures.
Fifth Grade Two-Way Immersion Students' Responses to Form-Focused Instruction.

Two-way immersion (TWI) programs in the US are not reaching their minority language learning potential. While English home language (EHL) students develop functional proficiency, their minority language (e.g., Spanish) remains grammatically inaccurate. Spanish home language (SHL) students may also develop non-native-like aspects. Scholars suggest that underdeveloped language proficiency is partly due to teachers’ tendency to neglect language during content instruction, and form-focused instruction (FFI) has been suggested as a possible remedy. The purpose of this descriptive, observational case study was to investigate how EHL and SHL students responded to FFI focused on past tense-aspects: preterit and imperfect. Data were collected in a 5th grade TWI classroom in a large, urban district in the Midwest. They included 16 audio-recorded classroom observations (5 pre-FFI, 7 during-FFI, and 4 post-FFI), field notes, and teacher interviews. For this study, pre-FFI and post-FFI transcripts were examined for 10 focal students. Data were analyzed both quantitatively (with an obligatory occasion analysis) and qualitatively. Qualitative analysis provides further interpretation of quantitative results.
Direct mass spectrometric analysis of intact proteins of the yeast large ribosomal subunit using capillary LC/FTICR

Electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry coupled with capillary reverse-phase liquid chromatography was used to characterize intact proteins from the large subunit of the yeast ribosome. High mass measurement accuracy, achieved by “mass locking” with an internal standard from a dual electrospray ionization source, allowed identification of ribosomal proteins. Analyses of the intact proteins revealed information on cotranslational and posttranslational modifications of the ribosomal proteins that included loss of the initiating methionine, acetylation, methylation, and proteolytic maturation. High-resolution separations permitted differentiation of protein isoforms having high structural similarity as well as proteins from their modified forms, facilitating unequivocal assignments. The study identified 42 of the 43 core large ribosomal subunit proteins and 58 (of 64 possible) core large subunit protein isoforms having unique masses in a single analysis. These results demonstrate the basis for the high-throughput analyses of complex mixtures of intact proteins, which we believe will be an important complement to other approaches for defining protein modifications and their changes resulting from physiological processes or environmental perturbations.