cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Developing scaling relations for the yield strength of nanoporous gold

In this work, the applicability of Gibson and Ashby’s porous scaling relations to nanoporous metals is discussed, and an updated equation is proposed for relating the yield strength of nanoporous gold to the yield strength of individual gold ligaments that form the porous structure. This new relation is derived from experimental measurements obtained by small-scale tensile testing and by nanoindentation, and incorporates the average ligament diameter. Nanoindentation data, obtained experimentally by the authors as well as reported by others in the literature, are reconciled with tensile test measurements previously reported by the present authors. The values of ligament yield strength calculated with the new scaling relation are found to agree with data reported from mechanical testing of nanowires, and the scaling relation thus represents a bridge between nanowire and nanoporous metal behaviour. In addition, calculations of yield strength for nanoporous gold samples with various ligament size and relativ...
Applications of symbolic analysis to analog system design

The author considers the use of specialized computing methods in the design of analog systems. Such systems are characterized by simultaneous sets of relations which are nonlinear in the controlling system parameters. These relations are also typically subject to constraints imposed by the physical parameters of the components used, and also the design specifications which must be met. The design method described consists of an iterative approach involving computational tools which implement optimization and symbolic analysis. Such an approach permits a desirably high degree of designer interaction in the application of the method. >
Under Pressure: Financial Effect of the Hospital‐Acquired Conditions Initiative–A Statewide Analysis of Pressure Ulcer Development and Payment

Objectives To assess the financial effect of the 2008 Hospital-Acquired Conditions Initiative (HACI) pressure ulcer payment changes on Medicare, other payers, and hospitals. Design Retrospective before-and-after study of all-payer statewide administrative data for more than 2.4 million annual adult discharges in 2007 and 2009 using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Inpatient Datasets for California. How often and by how much the 2008 payment changes for pressure ulcers affected hospital payment was assessed. Setting Nonfederal acute care California hospitals (N = 311). Participants Adults discharged from acute-care hospitals. Measurements Pressure ulcer rates and hospital payment changes. Results Hospital-acquired pressure ulcer rates were low in 2007 (0.28%) and 2009 (0.27%); present-on-admission pressure ulcer rates increased from 2.3% in 2007 to 3.0% in 2009. According to clinical stage of pressure ulcer (available in 2009), hospital-acquired Stage III and IV ulcers occurred in 603 discharges (0.02%); 60,244 discharges (2.42%) contained other pressure ulcer diagnoses. Payment removal for Stage III and IV hospital-acquired ulcers reduced payment in 75 (0.003%) discharges, for a statewide payment decrease of $310,444 (0.001%) for all payers and $199,238 (0.001%) for Medicare. For all other pressure ulcers, the Hospital-Acquired Conditions Initiative reduced hospital payment in 20,246 (0.81%) cases (including 18,953 cases with present-on-admission ulcers), reducing statewide payment by $62,538,586 (0.21%) for all payers and $47,237,984 (0.32%) for Medicare. Conclusion The total financial effect of the 2008 payment changes for pressure ulcers was negligible. Most payment decreases occurred by removal of comorbidity payments for present-on-admission pressure ulcers other than Stages III and IV. The removal of payment for hospital-acquired Stage III and IV ulcers by implementation of the HACI policy was 1/200th that of the removal of payment for other types of pressure ulcers that occurred in implementation of the Hospital-Acquired Conditions Initiative.
Postoperative Complications in Patients With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Disease: Clinical Data and a Literature Review

Objective: To compare complications after and outcome from surgical procedures between patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease and a matched control population. Design: Retrospective case review. Setting: 476-bed university tertiary care center. Patients: Of 343 patients diagnosed as having HIV disease between 1981 and September 1991, 26 (7.6 percent) were Walter Reed classifications system 3B or greater and underwent a surgical procedure with general anesthesia or, in the case of 2 patients, regional anesthesia, at the study hospital. These patients were matched to 26 control patients by severity of illness according to APACHE II severity of illness score and by age, sex, race, and anesthetic regimen. Measurements and Results: The postoperative occurrence of dysrhythmia, hypotension, hypoxia, hemorrhage, renal insufficiency, or infection was evaluated in the study and control groups. Deaths within 3 and 30 days of the procedure and duration of survival after discharge from the hospital were recorded. Frequency of complications and 3- and 30-day mortality did not differ between the 2 groups. Duration of survival after discharge from the hospital in patients with HIV disease (7.4 ± 9.7 months) was approximately 25 percent that in control patients (30.6 ± 35.9 months) (p = 0.02). Conclusions: HIV disease does not increase the risk of postprocedural complications, including death, up to 30 days postprocedure. Thereafter, patients with HIV disease classified by the Walter Reed System as ≥ 3B may survive for a shorter time than do equally ill patients who do not have HIV disease. Thus, needed surgical intervention should not be limited based on HIV status and concern for subsequent complications. (Chest 1993; 103:1800-07)
An FT-IR investigation of the influence of doping on the molecular organization of Langmuir-Blodgett thin films containing poly(3-hexylthiophene)

Abstract The influence that various doping treatments have on the molecular structure and organization of mixed Langmuir-Blodgett films comprised of poly(3-hexylthiophene) and deuterated stearic acid was investigated using reflection-absorption infrared spectroscopy. The molecular organization and electrical properties of these films were found to depend strongly on the type of dopant used and its method of introduction. When doped from solution with NOPF 6 and SbCl 5 , the original molecular organization of the multilayer film was significantly disrupted and the deuterated stearic acid molecules were extracted into the doping solution. In some cases, this extraction process produced uniform thin films of poly(3-hexylthiophene) with conductivities comparable to free-standing films. Gas-phase doping with I 2 and SbCl 5 , on the other hand, could be accomplished without significantly altering the molecular morphology of the film. The heterogeneous two-phase nature of the multilayer films in this case resulted in lower conductivities.
Self-assembly of collagen.

The structure and self-assembly of collagen and procollagen molecules are reviewed. The registration peptides of procollagen have specific recognition properties which assure (1) selection of component polypeptide chains and (2) registration of their N-termini, facilitating orderly folding into a collagen helix. The stability of this helix relative to body temperature is critically altered by post-ribosomal hydroxylation of proline residues. The registration peptides of procollagen may have additional functions such as preventing intracellular fiber formation.
Ion microprobe studies of water in silicate melts. Concentration-dependent water diffusion in obsidian

Abstract The temperature dependence of water diffusivity in rhyolite melts over the range 650–950°C and [PT(H2O] = 700 bars is evaluated from water concentration-distance profiles measured in glass with an ion microprobe. Diffusivities are exponentially dependent on concentration over this temperature range and vary from about 10−8 cm2/s at 650°C to about 10−7 cm2/s at 950°C at 2 wt.% water. Water solubility also varies with temperature at a rate of −0.14 wt. per 100°C increase. The avtivation energy (Ea) appears to be constant at 19 ± 1kal/mole for 1, 2,and 3 wt.% H2O. Comparison of these data with results for cation diffusion indicates that this value is a minimum Ea for diffusion of any species in a rhyolite melt. Compensation plots of log10D0 (the frequency factor) versus Ea indicate that hydrous rhyolite melts follow the same trend as anhydrous basalts. D0 increases for H2O and Ca2+ [1] as Ea decreases. This suggests that these molecules may diffuse by different mechanisms than do monovalent cations, and that hydration of the melt affects diffusion of Ca2+ and H2O differently than it does monovalent cation diffusion. The results imply that dramatic increases in cation diffusivities by hydration [1] may occur with additions of less than 1 wt.% H2O.
Effect of high rates of zinc on several crops grown on an irrigated plainfield sand

Abstract A field experiment was conducted to determine whether Zn applied for pathogen control could accumulate to a level which would be toxic to snapbeans, cucumbers, or corn. Zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) was applied at rates varying from 0 to 363 kg Zn/ha on a Flainfield loamy sand to approximate 3, 9, 27 and 81 years of fungicidal treatment. Even at the high rate of Zn, yields of snapbeans, cucumbers, or corn generally were not reduced. As rates of applied Zn increased, there was a corresponding increase in the level of Zn in the leaf tissue of all crops grown. At the high Zn rate, snapbean and cucumber leaf tissue accumulated over 350 ppm Zn. Available soil Zn was extracted with 0.1N HCl, EDTA, or DTPA. Highly significant correlations were observed between the Zn removed by each extractant and plant tissue Zn, thus, indicating that the various extractants were equally effective in predicting Zn uptake. Very little downward movement of Zn was observed. Two and one‐half years after application, the Zn had leac...
The magnitude of error in conventional bulk-sediment radiocarbon dates from central North America

Although the carbon-reservoir problem with bulk-sediment radiocarbon dates from lakes has long been recognized, many synoptic studies continue to use chronologies derived from such dates. For four sites in central North America, we evaluate chronologies based on conventional radiocarbon dates from bulk sediment versus chronologies based on accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) radiocarbon dates from terrestrial plant macrofossils. The carbon-reservoir error varies among sites and temporally at individual sites from 0 to 8000 yr. An error of 500–2000 yr is common. This error has important implications for the resolution of precise event chronologies.
Eutrophic lichens respond to multiple forms of N: implications for critical levels and critical loads research

Epiphytic lichen communities are highly sensitive to excess nitrogen (N), which causes the replacement of native floras by N-tolerant, “weedy” eutrophic species. This shift is commonly used as the indicator of ecosystem “harm” in studies developing empirical critical levels (CLE) for ammonia (NH3) and critical loads (CLO) for N. To be most effective, empirical CLE and/or CLO must firmly link lichen response to causal pollutant(s), which is difficult to accomplish in field studies in part because the high cost of N measurements limits their use. For this case study we synthesized an unprecedented array of atmospheric N measurements across 22 long-term monitoring sites in the Los Angeles Basin, California, USA: gas concentrations of NH3, nitric acid (HNO3), nitrogen dioxide, and ozone (n = 10 sites); N deposition in throughfall (n = 8 sites); modeled estimates of eight different forms of N (n = 22 sites); and nitrate deposition accumulated on oak twigs (n = 22 sites). We sampled lichens on black oak (Quercu...
Quantitative Nondimensional Properties of the Gradient Wind

Abstract Elementary gradient wind balance has been discussed in all dynamic meteorology texts and many papers since the turn of the century. It has nearly escaped notice, however, that if one fully nondimensionalizes the gradient balance equation with the inertia velocity fR, then it contains only two dimensionless variables: a gradient wind and a geostrophic wind measured in inertia velocity units. A single square root expression gives the gradient wind for all four classes of flow as a 1–1 function of the dimensionless geostrophic wind and numerical tables are easily constructed showing numerical ratios and the approach to cyclostrophic balance. Such numerical tables apply to any horizontal scale from micro- to meso- to synoptic or larger as long as the elementary physical assumptions are reasonably satisfied. Examples suggesting that anomalous anticyclonic flows can occur on mesoscales are discussed.
Preparation of PIXE samples by lithium metaborate fusion

Abstract Materials containing a significant silicate matrix are often considered for element analysis by the PIXE method. In some circumstances such materials may not be conveniently prepared for sample analysis. It has been found that a lithium metaborate fusion-acid dissolution procedure works well for converting siliceous materials into solution from which thin-target PIXE samples may be made. We have demonstrated that this method will allow rapid and accurate element analysis. The lithium metaborate, however, creates a matrix residue leading to the requirement for sample thickness corrections and an increase in detection limits. We have found this to be a useful sample-preparation method.
Genetic Linkage of Serum Homocysteine in Dominican Families The Family Study of Stroke Risk and Carotid Atherosclerosis

Background and Purpose— Homocysteine levels are determined by genetic and environmental factors. Several studies have linked high plasma levels of total homocysteine to the increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and many other conditions. However, the exact mechanism of documented and novel total homocysteine quantitative trait loci to that risk is unknown. Methods— We have performed linkage analysis in 100 high-risk Dominican families with 1362 members. Probands were selected from the population-based Northern Manhattan Study. A set of 405 microsatellite markers was used to screen the whole genome. Variance components analysis was used to detect evidence for linkage after adjusting for stroke risk factors. Ordered-subset analysis based on Dominican Republic enrollment was conducted. Results— Total homocysteine levels had a heritability of 0.44 (P<0.0001). The most significant evidence for linkage was found at chromosome 17q24 (maximum logarithm of odds [MLOD]=2.66, P=0.0005) with a peak at D17...
Tertiary structural changes and iron release from human serum transferrin.

Iron release from human serum transferrin was investigated by comparison of the extent of bound iron,measured by charge transfer absorption band intensity (465 nm), with changes observed by small-angle solution X-ray scattering (SAXS) for a series of equilibrated samples between pH 5.69 and 7.77. The phosphate buffers used in this study promoteiron release at relatively high pH values, with an empirical pK of 6.9 for the convolved release from the two sites. The spectral data reveal that the N-lobe release is nearly complete by pH 7.0, while the C-lobe remains primarily metal-laden. Conversely, the radius of gyration, Rg, determined from the SAXS data remains constant between pH 7.77 and 7.05, and the evolution of Rg between its value observed for the diferric protein at pH 7.77 (31.2 ± 0.2 A) and that of the apo protein at pH 5.69 (33.9 ± 0.4 A) exhibits an empirical pK of 6.6. While Rg is effectively constant in the pH range associated with iron release from the N-lobe, the radius of gyration of cross-section, Rc, increases from 16.9 ± 0.2 A to 17.6 ± 0.2 A. Model simulations suggest that two different rotations of the NII domain relative to the NI domain about a hinge deep in the iron-binding cleft of the N-lobe, one parallel with and one perpendicular to the plane of the iron-binding site, can be significantly advanced relative to their holo protein positions while yielding constant Rg and increased Rc values consistent with the scattering data. Rotation of the CII domain parallel with the C-lobe iron-binding site plane can partially account for the increased Rg values measured at low pH; however, no reasonable combined repositioning of the NII and CII domains yields the experimentally observed increase in Rg.
Right-Sided Hydrothorax and Central Venous Catheters in Extremely Low Birthweight Infants

Central venous catheters (CVCs) have become more common in the care of very low birthweight newborns. Nutrition is enhanced, fluid delivery is more secure, and stress from the intervention of starting new IVs is reduced. Complications of these devices include infection, thrombus or embolus, damage to vessels and organs, and extravascular collections of fluid. Pleural fluid collections can occur due to superior vena caval obstruction with obstruction of lymphatic drainage, and erosion or perforation of the catheter through the vein into the pleural space. Three infants weighing less than 1000 gm had CVCs placed in an antecubital vein. Severe respiratory compromise developed in 1 at 5, 1 at 6, and 1 at 40 hours after line placement, and chest radiograph suggested fluid in the right pleural space. Milky fluid was found in two cases in which the infants received lipid emulsion and parenteral nutrition fluid (PNF). Bright yellow fluid, resembling PNF, was found in the third, not receiving lipids. None of the patients was enterally fed. The tips of the CVCs were adjusted to a more peripheral location and there was no recurrence of pleural fluid, nor were signs of superior vena cava syndrome seen. Etiologies for the unilateral hydrothorax include vein perforation and erosion, but another cause is discussed. A right pleural fluid collection in a patient with a CVC tip in the right subclavian vein is a serious problem, which may be solved with repositioning of the CVC instead of removal.
Octopaminergic action of the carbodiimide metabolite of diafenthiuron

Abstract DFCD or 3-(2,6-diisopropyl-4-phenoxyphenyl)-1- tert -butylcarbodiimide, a metabolite of the propesticidal thiourea diafenthiuron, stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in preparations from the bulb mite, Rhizoglyphys echinopus (Fumouze and Robin). Additivity studies with DFCD and octopamine at maximally effective concentrations suggested that both compounds were interacting with the same receptor. Cyproheptadine, chlorpromazine, phentolamine, metoclopramide, and mianserin were more potent inhibitors of DFCD- and octopamine-stimulated adenylate cyclase than were yohimbine and propranolol. DFCD had a threshold concentration of 1.0 n M and was a partial agonist with a V max 50% of that of octopamine. With a K a of 0.2 μ M , DFCD was 5, 40, and 500 times more potent than N′ -(2,4-xylyl)- N -methylformamidine (XMF), octopamine, and N′ -(4-chloro- o -tolyl)- N -methylformamidine (DMC), respectively. At high concentrations, DFCD was a partial antagonist of octopamine-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity with an EC 50 of 350 μ M . DFCD also caused light emission when applied to isolated male firefly, Photinus pyralis (L.), tails as did octopamine, XMF, and DMC. In firefly lantern homogenates, DFCD was a partial agonist with a V max 19% of that of octopamine and a K a of 0.85 μ M , a value 94 times lower than that of octopamine. Collectively, these data indicate that DFCD is an octopamine receptor agonist in some mite and insect preparations, an action that may play a role in the acaricidal and insecticidal activities of diafenthiuron.
Photochemistry of 2,3-dimethylcyclobutanone. Temperature and wavelength effects.

Abstract The ratio of products formed in the photochemistry of cis- and trans-2,3-dimethyl-cyclobutanone in alcohols is found to be wavelength and temperature dependent.
US global health strategy: promoting healthy development.

LAST YEAR, PRESIDENT OBAMA SIGNED A POLICY DIRECtive on global development, the first by a US president. It provides a common framework for the US government, emphasizing economic growth as “the only sustainable way to accelerate development and eradicate poverty.” Its health pillar is the $63 billion Global Health Initiative, launched in 2009. The initiative builds on existing programs, such as the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, and increases support for maternal and child health, family planning, and nutrition programs. The initiative targets problems that impede development in the poorest countries. But even there, new health threats are arising with economic growth. The United States needs a new, forward-looking global health strategy that sustains progress against traditional priorities while confronting emerging impediments to global development.
Pattern analysis in real time with smart power sensor

The current state of the art in electronic prognostic health management systems does not fully support detection, collection, and remediation of real-time faults. As a result, knowledge has not been captured from an actual platform failure mechanism. Thus, point-of-failure feedback cannot be applied by system designers or operators to improve lifecycle weak links in replacement platforms, or to strengthen effectiveness of mission-critical platforms. Our innovation makes it possible to extract and analyze the power system's eigenvalues, which are related to the intrinsic frequencies of the power system that determine correlations between extracted features and state of health (SoH). In-situ electronic prognostics for power systems are crucial for attaining a sound theoretical basis of health status. To provide correlation information such as state of health (SOH) using pattern analysis with real-time data from a non-intrusive smart power sensor, Ridgetop researched using data-driven modeling with a proposed health distance and Support Vector Machines (SVMs) with signatures in a standard IEEE 1451-enabled smart power sensor. Results of this study indicate that a fault pattern analysis methodology overcomes certain disadvantages of the standard failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) approach, which does not account for the contribution of unobserved failure to a degradation trajectory. The efficacy of the proposed pattern analysis approach is illustrated with test results showing critical distinction in pattern analysis and test data acquired from a real-time IEEE 1451-enabled smart power sensor testbed, and monitored via a testbed with appropriate instrumentation. 1 2
Reconstitution of Peptidoglycan Cross-Linking Leads to Improved Fluorescent Probes of Cell Wall Synthesis

The peptidoglycan precursor, Lipid II, produced in the model Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis differs from Lipid II found in Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli by a single amidation on the peptide side chain. How this difference affects the cross-linking activity of penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) that assemble peptidoglycan in cells has not been investigated because B. subtilis Lipid II was not previously available. Here we report the synthesis of B. subtilis Lipid II and its use by purified B. subtilis PBP1 and E. coli PBP1A. While enzymes from both organisms assembled B. subtilis Lipid II into glycan strands, only the B. subtilis enzyme cross-linked the strands. Furthermore, B. subtilis PBP1 catalyzed the exchange of both D-amino acids and D-amino carboxamides into nascent peptidoglycan, but the E. coli enzyme only exchanged D-amino acids. We exploited these observations to design a fluorescent D-amino carboxamide probe to label B. subtilis PG in vivo and found that this probe labels the cell wall dramatically better than existing reagents.
Solving coelution problems on a smectic-liquid crystalline polysiloxane capillary column for the determination of priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in environmental samples

A comparison of the separation efficiency of a liquid-crystalline polysiloxane capillary column (smectic phase) and a DB-5 column (5% phenyl-substituted methyl polysiloxane) is made for the analysis of the 16 US Environmental Protection Agency polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and three isomeric, nonpriority PAHs (triphenylene, benzo[j]fluoranthene and dibenzo[a,c]anthracene) which have been shown to occur in environmental samples. The three isomeric compounds which coelute on the DB-5 column are well separated on the smectic phase. The analysis of a soil sample shows that some priority PAHs tend to be overestimated on DB-5 type columns. The smectic phase is therefore an attractive alternative for confirmation and correction of final quantitative results.
Pain Subsequent to Mechanical Loading of the Facet Capsular Ligament Depends on Encoding by Afferents in the Spinal Facet Joint

The cervical facet joint has been identified as the source of neck pain in up to 60% of the cases [1], with the C6/C7 facet joint being particularly susceptible to injury during painful mechanical neck injuries [2]. The facet joint is innervated by both mechanoreceptors and nociceptors (i.e. pain receptors) [3,4]. Both receptor types respond to manipulation of the facet joint and afferent activation is related to the magnitude of joint loading [5]. Also, tensile stretch of the capsular ligament in vivo to magnitudes of strain simulating those during neck injury also produces sustained behavioral sensitivity (pain) and upregulates proteins involved in nociception [6]. Although anatomic and biomechanical studies suggest that facet capsule loading has a role in the development of pain, the relationship between capsule tension, the joint’s innervation, and the production of pain is still unclear.© 2012 ASME
Photoemission Studies of Ferromagnetic and Paramagnetic Nickel

High-resolution photoemission spectra obtained from ferromagnetic nickel (295\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, $0.47{T}_{C}$) and paramagnetic nickel (678\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, $1.07{T}_{C}$) give no evidence of a change in the position of the $d$-electron peak near the high-energy cutoff of the photoelectron distribution within the experimental uncertainty of \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05 eV. On the other hand, a calculation of the spectra based on a band structure with an exchange splitting of 0.37 eV for ferromagnetic Ni and zero splitting for paramagnetic Ni predicted peak position changes of 0.1 to 0.2 eV.
Stalingrad and the Evolution of Soviet Urban Warfare

Examining Soviet urban warfare at Stalingrad, particularly in comparison to pre-war Soviet doctrine on combat in cities, suggests a number of conclusions about Soviet military performance. Soviet victory was not simply a matter of enormous human sacrifice, but also required winning the production battle with Nazi Germany. The Red Army also had to master the tactics of urban warfare from bitter experience, given the underdeveloped state of Soviet doctrine before the war and lack of relevant experience before Stalingrad. Despite that, the Soviets proved to be highly skilled at urban warfare. Given that fighting in cities requires great initiative and improvisation on the part of individual soldiers and junior officers, the Soviet victory further undermines the outdated conventional wisdom of stolid and faceless Russian soldiers.
Turbid-polyurethane phantom for microscopy

Calibration standards are needed for measurements of tissues in reflectance mode confocal microscopy. We have created a three dimensional turbid polyurethane phantom with a grid of inclusions. The grid had a 10 fold increase in absorption compared to the bulk of the phantom and the same scattering properties. India ink was used as an absorber for the bulk of the phantom, and Epolin 5532 (absorption peak at 500 nm) was used in the grid. Titanium dioxide particles were used as scatterers. The optical properties of the constructed phantoms were characterized with difiuse reflectance and transmission measurements followed by an inverse adding doubling method. At 488nm the total attenuation coeffcient was 40.6 ± 0.3 cm-1 in the grid and 32.5 ± 0.3 cm-1 in the bulk of the phantom. The phantom was imaged with reflectance mode confocal microscopy. Image analysis using the Beer-Lambert-Bouguer Law was performed. In the low absorbing bulk of the phantom the total attenuation coeffcient was estimated accurately, however in the high absorbing grid, the total attenuation coeffcient was underestimated by image analysis techniques.© (2008) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Synthesis and characterization of single-source precursors to nanocrystalline GaP, GaPxAs1−x, and GaPxSb1−x. X-ray crystal structures of [Et2GaP(SiMe3)2]2, (Me3Si)2P[μ-GaEt2]2As(SiMe3)2, and (Me3Si)2P[μ-GaEt2]2Sb(SiMe3)2

The 1:1 mole ratio reaction of Et 2 GaCl with P(SiMe 3 ) 3 resulted in the formation of [Et 2 GaP(SiMe 3 ) 2 ] 2 ( 1 ). The mixed-pnicogen compounds (Me 3 Si) 2 P[μ-GaEt 2 ] 2 As(SiMe 3 ) 2 ( 2 ) and (Me 3 Si) 2 P[μ-GaEt 2 ] 2 Sb(SiMe 3 ) 2 ( 3 ) were prepared from the 2:1:1 mole ratio reactions of Et 2 GaCl with P(SiMe 3 ) 3 and As(SiMe 3 ) 3 and P(SiMe 3 ) 3 and Sb(SiMe 3 ) 3 , respectively. Compounds 2 and 3 were also synthesized by comproportionation reactions of 1 and [Et 2 GaAs(SiMe 3 ) 2 ] 2 , and 1 and [Et 2 GaSb(SiMe 3 ) 2 ] 2 , respectively. Characterization of 1 , 2 , and 3 was accomplished using multinuclear NMR, elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, and single-crystal X-ray crystallographic analysis. The X-ray crystal structures of compounds 1 , 2 and 3 are reported. Thermolysis of 1 , 2 , and 3 results in the formation of nanocrystalline GaP, GaP x As 1− x , or GaP x Sb 1− x , respectively. Compound 3 represents the first example of a compound containing a P(μ-Ga) 2 Sb core.
Innovative genetic algorithms for chemoinformatics

Abstract In this paper, we report on the development of a genetic algorithm (GA) for pattern recognition analysis of multivariate chemical data. The GA identifies feature subsets that optimize the separation of the classes in a plot of the two or three largest principal components of the data. Because principal components maximize variance, the bulk of the information encoded by the selected features is about differences between classes in the data set. The principal component (PC) plot function as embedded information filter. Sets of features are selected based on their principal component plots, with a good principal component plot generated by features whose variance or information is primarily about differences between classes in the data set. This limits the GA to search for these types of feature subsets, significantly reducing the size of the search space. In addition, the pattern recognition GA focuses on those classes and/or samples that are difficult to classify by boosting their weights over successive generation using a perceptron to learn the class and sample weights. Samples that consistently classify correctly are not as heavily weighted in the analysis as samples that are difficult to classify. The pattern recognition GA integrates aspects of artificial intelligence and evolutionary computations to yield a “smart” one-pass procedure for feature selection. The efficacy and efficiency of the pattern recognition GA is demonstrated via problems from chemical communication and environmental analysis.
NFAT signalling and the differentiation of coronary smooth muscle cells.

Development of the heart is complex and cells with different embryonic origins participate in cardiac organogenesis. The first and second heart fields deliver cells to generate the atrial and ventricular chambers and also participate in venous inflow and arterial outflow tract formation. There are also important cellular contributions from two extra-cardiac cell populations, i.e. cardiac neural crest cells and the pro-epicardium.1 The neural crest cells populate the outflow tract, are involved in septation of the arterial pole into the aorta and pulmonary trunk, and contribute to the smooth muscle layer of these large vessels. The pro-epicardium forms at the venous pole of the heart as a cauliflower-like cluster, which establishes contact to the myocardial surface and through proliferation and migration rapidly invest the myocardium to establish the epicardium. The embryonic epicardium gives rise to epicardium-derived cells (EPDCs) that undergo epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT) and migrate into the myocardial wall to participate in coronary artery formation and to differentiate into interstitial and perivascular fibroblasts ( Figure 1 ).4 Figure 1 Model of coronary smooth muscle differentiation by calcineurin/NFAT signalling. The adult myocardium consists of three tissue layers, i.e. the endocardium, myocardium, and epicardium. In the embryo, cells from the epicardium undergo EMT and form a migratory cell population, which has been termed epicardium-derived cells (EPDC). These cells will migrate into the subepicardium or into the ventricular wall and give rise to interstitial or adventitial fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells of the coronary arteries, while their contribution to the coronary endothelium is uncertain. The epicardium secretes signals (IGF2, PDGF), which stimulate myocardial proliferation resulting in chamber wall expansion, whereas the …
Optical Detection of Meat Spoilage Using Fluorescence Spectroscopy with Selective Excitation Wavelength

The native fluorescence (FL) spectra of muscle foods (meat) stored at 4 °C (refrigerated) and 25 °C (at room temperature) were measured with the selected excitation wavelength of 340 nm as a function of storage time to detect the meat spoilage status. The contributions of the principal biochemical components to the FL spectra were extracted using Multivariate Curve Resolution with Alternating Least-Squares (MCR-ALS). The change of the reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) content was found from the measured FL spectra and the MCR-ALS analysis, which reflects the microbial spoilage of muscle foods involved in the metabolic processes. This study presents the possibility that the change of relative content of NADH determined by native FL spectroscopy may be used as a "fingerprint" or criterion for monitoring the spoilage status of muscle foods.
Evidence of active transport of benzyl-14C-penicillin from cerebrospinal fluid to blood

Data presented supports the hypothesis that benzylpenicillin is transported actively from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to blood. Benzylpenicillin is capable of moving against a concentration gradient, undergoes self-saturation indicative of a transfer maximum. and is competitively inhibited by p-aminohippuric acid and probenecid. The locus of this transport mechanism appears to be the choroid plexus. It further appears that active movement of penicillin from CSF to blood may add to the difficulty of obtaining therapeutic concentrations of this antibiotic in the CNS. Data presented also support the concept that the cerebrospinal fluid functions as an escape channel for polar metabolites of neuronal metabolism and various polar drugs. Once a drug or metabolite enters the CSF from blood or brain by simple diffusion, it may be rapidly removed either by a nonselective bulk flow process via the arachnoid granulations or by an active transport mechanism.
The potential for iron and copper based rapidly solidified alloys as fusion reactor materials

Rapid quenching from the melt, a new, rapidly evolving field of effort, is revolutionizing alloy design, compositions, processing and the resultant properties. Low alloy segregation (zero for the glassy state), unusual grain size control, down to submicron sizes, sharply increased solid state supersaturation (even of insoluble elements), and controlled size, shape and distribution of excess phases make possible broad control of structure and therefore of properties. Of particular interest as fusion reactor materials are copper alloys and ferritic steels, in part because of excellent thermal conductivity relative to most other alloy systems. Ability to select alloying elements to take into account requirements for activation; useful strength levels up to 400 or 500°C, including thermal stresses; swelling resistance; long term structural stability with increasing temperature are discussed. Strengthening by elemental precipitation, by intermetallic compounds, fine refractory oxides and combinations of these are demonstrated.
Is the Gibbs Fracture Zone a Westward Projection of the Hercynian Front into North America

Recent geophysical measurements across the Gibbs Fracture Zone eastwards from 30° W clearly show that the fracture zone's eastern limits may be extended to east of 17° W. Alignment with the Hercynian Front in Europe and its extension in North America is offered as a possible clue to the age and origin of the fracture zone.
An approach to the validation of novel molecular markers of breast cancer via TMA-based FISH scanning

Tissue microarrays (TMA) are valuable tools for validating results of array-based comparative genomic hybridization (ACGH) and other translational research applications requiring independent verification of genomic gains and losses by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). However, spatial orientation and accurate manual tracking of the TMA cores is challenging and prone to error. Image analysis combined with core tracking software, implemented via an automated FISH scanning workstation, represents a new approach to FISH and TMA-based validation of novel genomic changes discovered by ACGH in breast and other cancers. Automated large-scale tissue microarray validation FISH studies of genomic gains and losses identified by ACGH for breast cancer are feasible using an automated imaging scanner and tracking/classifying software. Furthermore, by leveraging the bifunctional fluorescent and chromogenic properties of the alkaline phosphatase chromogen fast red K and combining the technology with FISH, correlative and simultaneous phenotype/genotype studies may be enabled.
Immunochemistry of ovine and bovine submaxillary mucins.

Abstract Rabbit antisera were obtained to ovine and bovine submaxillary mucins (OSM, BSM, respectively) and the comparative precipitation of these sera by the mucins and by the desialated mucins was determined. More antibody was precipitated from anti-BSM and anti-OSM by the sialomucins than by the desialated mucins. One out of three anti-BSM sera and one out of six anti-OSM sera were inhibited by N-acetylneuraminic acid (NANA). Thus, both comparative precipitation and hapten inhibition studies with unabsorbed sera suggest that anti-sialyl antibodies were present in two of the nine anti-mucin sera investigated. Sera which were absorbed with desialated OSM still contained 18–35% of the antibody protein precipitable by OSM. The OSM, anti-OSM precipitin reaction with absorbed sera was markedly inhibited by NANA even though the reactions of OSM with the unabsorbed sera were not inhibited or were only minimally inhibited by NANA. Accordingly, antibodies directed at a determinant containing sialic acid were present in antisera to OSM, but such antibodies constituted a small fraction of the antibodies to OSM. All of the anti-OSM and anti-BSM sera were inhibited by N-acetyl- d -galactosamine and by sialoglycopeptides obtained from pronase digests of the mucins.
CLINICAL APPLICATIONS OF AN IMPROVED, RAPIDLY RESPONDING FIBEROPTIC CATHETER.

Abstract Recent modifications of a fiberoptic catheter system now permit direct and continuous measurement of intravascular oxygen saturation. The response time of the new instrument is 0.1 sec. By an interchange of optical filters, the device can also be used for the registration of indicator dilution curves using indocyanine green dye. Oxygen saturation has been measured without complications in 30 patients for periods as long as three hours. The system proved particularly useful in facilitating rapid and thorough catheterization studies in patients with left to right shunts, without the necessity of withdrawing blood. In addition, the rapid response time of the catheter-tip oximeter permitted study of phasic changes in the pulmonary arterial oxygen saturation during respiratory maneuvers. Variations of up to 3 per cent saturation were noted with deep respirations, a decrease in saturation resulting from inspiration. Changes in pulmonary arterial oxygen saturation during the Valsalva maneuver were variable in patients without circulatory shunts, although decreases occurred on its release. In patients with atrial septal defect, pulmonary arterial oxygen saturation also decreased with inspiration, while during the Valsalva maneuver, an increase in the saturation was observed. Finally, the catheter-tip oximeter permitted continuous measurement of the pulmonary arterial oxygen saturation before, during and after muscular exercise either in the supine or upright positions. It is concluded that this instrument provides a new and valuable tool both for cardiovascular diagnosis and for clinical investigations.
Towards effective urban transportation system in Lagos, Nigeria: Commuters’ opinions and experiences

Abstract The economic and financial sustainability of cities is inextricably linked with the viability of the city’s transportation system. The viability of the system can be enhanced through an understanding of commuters’ opinions and experiences. Using Lagos, Nigeria, as a case study, the purpose of this study therefore is to investigate commuters’ opinions and experiences about several elements of the city’s transportation system. The results of the survey indicate that commercial vehicles represent the dominant mode of transportation in the city while the most-frequently mentioned causes and locations of traffic congestion are “law and order” issues such as motorists who pick up and drop off passengers on the roadway, informal economic entrepreneurs who occupy bus stops, and police and traffic warden checkpoints. Most of the respondents reported experiencing “road rage” during their daily commute, and the reported reasons are mostly “law and order” issues. Most of the respondents indicate that they at least “sometimes” stay late at work in order to avoid evening time traffic congestion, and virtually all the respondents support the provision of information about traffic situation either as electronic messaging or on radio stations. The study offers suggestions that can be used to reduce traffic congestion, and improve the quality of commuters’ transportation experiences.
Comparing cardiovascular risk prediction scores.

In this issue, DeFilippis and colleagues examined several prominent risk prediction tools for cardiovascular disease in which they found cases of overestimation and underestimation. The editorialis...
Exchange rate dynamics in integrated markets

This paper intends to formalize the behavior of exchange rate dynamics in integrated markets. The decomposition of the exchange rate behavior in different time frequencies suggests that both stochastic and fundamental processes as well as exogenous random shocks are present in the determination of the nominal exchange rate dynamics in integrated countries. A stochastic process within a potential well captures all the elements observed in the data. In addition, the mathematical solutions shed some light on the relationship between the stochastic process and the drift found in the literature. Finally, this model provides an alternative to the Standard Target Zone Stochastic Model thus far used to analyze the exchange rate dynamics in integrated markets.
Objective outcomes following semi-constrained total distal radioulnar joint arthroplasty.

A dysfunctional distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) can significantly compromise an individual's forearm rotation, grip, and weight bearing at the hand and wrist. This retrospective study reports surgeon- and therapist-collected objective wrist function and subjective pain scores of 10 patients who received the Scheker total DRUJ prosthesis. A review of these patients' medical records was performed to collect preoperative measurements of wrist range of motion (ROM), grip strength, and pain scores (0–10 scale). The degree of pronation, supination, flexion, extension, radial deviation, and ulnar deviation were the outcome measures used to evaluate wrist ROM. Postoperative measurements were collected at a follow up of 5 ± 1.1 years in our clinic (minimum follow-up of 2yrs). Mean final wrist flexion and extension were 32.1 ± 22.8° and 44.8 ± 13.9°, respectively. Mean final supination and pronation were 72.5 ± 14.4° and 69.5 ± 14.6°, respectively. Average grip strength was 54.9 ± 23.7 lbs. The mean pain score was 3.6 ± 3.1. Although there were no statistically significant changes in any of these outcome measures, the Scheker prosthesis improved wrist ROM (with the exception of wrist flexion) and decreased pain. Grip strength decreased by less than 1 lb but was still higher than the postoperative grip strength measurements in the literature for this prosthesis. Because of the self-stabilizing nature of this prosthesis and the satisfactory functional outcomes from this study and other studies, the Scheker prosthesis is still a viable option for DRUJ pathology that is refractory to nonimplant arthroplasties. This is a therapeutic level IV study.
Lifestyle behaviors associated with lower risk of having the metabolic syndrome

The metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors that predisposes individuals to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes and is present in almost one fourth of adult Americans. Risk factors involved with the metabolic syndrome can be altered via modifiable lifestyle factors, such as diet, physical activity, and smoking and drinking habits. The objective of this study was to examine the extent to which these modifiable lifestyle behaviors are associated with the risk of having the metabolic syndrome. Data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), conducted between 1988 and 1994, were used to measure the risk of having the metabolic syndrome in healthy adult Americans who follow certain lifestyle behaviors, such as dietary practices, levels of physical activity, smoking and drinking habits. Low physical activity level, high carbohydrate (CHO) intake, and current smoking habits were all significantly associated with an increased risk of having the metabolic syndrome, even after adjusting for other related covariates. Relative to physically inactive subjects, being physically active was associated with lower odds ratio (OR) (0.36, confidence interval [CI] 0.21 to 0.68, P < .01) in overweight men and in normal weight (0.36, CI 0.18 to 0.70, P < .01) and overweight (0.61, CI 0.38 to 0.97, P < .05) women. Although the type of CHO could not be distinguished, relative to a high CHO diet, men having a low or moderate CHO intake had a lower risk of having the metabolic syndrome with respective ORs of 0.41 (CI 0.24 to 0.67, P < .01) and 0.44 (CI 0.25 to 0.77, P < .01); no effect of dietary CHO was observed in women. Moderate alcohol consumption was not significantly related to the risk of having the metabolic syndrome in men, but was associated with a lower OR in women (0.76, CI 0.61 to 0.95, P < .05). Regression models indicate a reduced risk of having the metabolic syndrome when selected low-risk lifestyle factors are present in combination, particularly in subjects with body mass index (BMI) < 30 kg/m(2). According to our cross-sectional logistic models, the risk of having the metabolic syndrome is substantially lower in individuals who are physically active, nonsmoking, have a relatively low CHO intake and moderate alcohol consumption, and who maintain a BMI in the non-obese range. These observations have potentially important value for public health recommendations.