cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The tail end of guinea worm - global eradication without a drug or a vaccine.

Thanks to a two-decade campaign, guinea worm disease is about to be eradicated without any drug therapy or vaccine. Dr. Michele Barry writes that its demise will be proof that people can be persuaded to change their behavior through innovative health education. Former President Jimmy Carter and Dr. Donald Hopkins, vice president for health programs at the Carter Center, discuss the strategy they have pursued in mobilizing poor village communities to help eradicate guinea worm disease worldwide.
SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC IDENTITY OF THE ENERGY TRANSFER CHROMOPHORES IN RENILLA AND AEQUOREA GREEN‐FLUORESCENT PROTEINS

Abstract— Spectral properties of guanidine-denaturated and pronase-digested green-fluorescent proteins (GFP) from two species of bioluminescent coelenterates have been investigated. Spectrophotometric titrations of Renilla and Aequorea GFP, following denaturation in 6M guanidine HCl at elevated temperature, revealed identical absorption peaks in acid (383–384 nm) and in alkali (447–448 nm) and a single isosbestic point in the visible region at 405 nm. Both proteins exhibited a spectrophotometric pK. of 8.1 in guanidine -HCl. Pronase digestion of the heat-denaturated GFP's generated a methanol-soluble blue-fluorescent peptide with identical fluorescence emission spectra (λmax= 430 nm, uncorrected; φf1= 0.003) for both coelenterate species. These data suggest that the large absorption differences between native Renilla and Aequorea GFP molecules result from unique protein environments imported to a common chromophore.
Synchronization of replicated data in distributed systems

Abstract Replication is the key factor in improving the availability of data in distributed systems. Replicated data is stored redundantly at multiple sites so that it can be used by the user even when some of the copies are not available due to site failures. A major restriction in using replication is that replicated copies must behave like a single copy, i.e. mutual consistency as well as internal consistency must be preserved. Synchronization techniques based on the maintenance of multiple versions of data objects have been studied by many researchers in order to increase the degree of concurrency and to reduce the possibility of transaction rollback. Improved availability and increased degree of concurrency would result if multiversion concurrency control techniques can be used with replication control methods in distributed systems. This paper surveys synchronization methods for multiversion distributed systems with replicated data objects that have appeared in the literature. Different synchronization methods are grouped by the underlying mechanisms they use in ordering the operations, and their advantages and disadvantages are discussed. A theory that is used in analyzing the correctness of synchronization methods is reviewed, and a proving method based on the serializability theory is demonstrated using a simple synchronization scheme.
Cartographic calculations of territory

Two themes dominate this year’s report: calculation and territory. Both of these are larger issues than cartography itself, but cartography has been increasingly drawn into their ambit such that we might tentatively identify cartographic calculations of territory. Ranging across a wide set of problems including colonial, political and racial mappings, not to mention indigeneity and philosophical concerns of ontology, calculation and territory mark out a wide swath of cartographically informed work.
Lensless method of measuring Gaussian laser beam divergence.

The radii of a Gaussian laser beam was measured using a technique employing a CaF/sub 2/ attenuator and polaroid film. (AIP).
Structure of thermolysin.

Results of the chemical and X-ray analyses are combined to locate the active site and the calcium binding sites.
Heptakis(2,6-di-o-methyl)-β-cyclodextrin complexation with the antitumor agent chlorambucil

The effects of heptakis(2,6-di-O-methyl)-beta-cyclodextrin (DIMEB) and of beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) on the aqueous solubility and stability of chlorambucil (CHL) have been compared. In the presence of 1.3 x 10(-3) M DIMEB, there is a greater than 20-fold increase in the stability of chlorambucil at 37 degrees C, pH 4.13. Aqueous solubility of CHL is increased more than 40-fold in the presence of 1.74 x 10(-2) M DIMEB when the solubility is studied under conditions where degradation is minimized (3.0 degrees C, pH 4.13). In the presence of 1.3 x 10(-3) M beta-CD, there is a fourfold increase in the stability, and with 1.74 x 10(-2) M beta-CD, there is a threefold increase in the aqueous solubility of CHL under similar conditions. Stability constants of the CHL complex with DIMEB were determined kinetically and spectrophotometrically under various experimental conditions assuming 1:1 inclusion complex formation.
The convergence of equilibrium strategies of approximating signaling games

For a class of infinite signaling games, the perfect Bayesian equilibrium strategies of finite approximating games converge to equilibrium strategies of the infinite game. This proves the existence of perfect Bayesian equilibrium for that class of games. It is well known that in general, equilibria may not exist in infinite signaling games.
Two-stage global search designs for Linkage analysis I: Use of the mean statistic for affected sib pairs

Two-stage global search designs for linkage analysis using pairs of affected relatives were shown by Elston et al. [1996] to typically halve the cost of a study compared to a one-stage design. The statistic used for testing linkage in that study was based on the proportion of pairs sharing no marker alleles identical by descent (IBD). However, it has been established that the mean statistic often has the greatest power for full sib pairs [Blackwelder and Elston, 1985; Schaid and Nick, 1990; Knapp et al. 1994]. In this paper, we study optimal two-stage global search designs, in the case of affected full sib pairs, when using the mean test statistic to test for linkage. When dominant genetic variance is present, using the mean statistic is usually more cost efficient than using the proportion of pairs sharing no maker alleles IBD; in the case when there is no dominant genetic variance, the mean statistic leads to a better design, in the sense of being more cost-saving, provided that the relative risk ratio for first-degree relatives is small. The effect of heterogeneity and markers' informativeness is also investigated, the latter using the Linkage Information Content value for sibs. Genet. Epidemiol. 18:97–110, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Introduction: THE JOURNAL AS A UNIVERSITY—PATHOLOGY

Pathology as a discipline is fundamentally based on observation of the gross and microscopic morphologic changes in tissue associated with disease. Thomas Hodgkin, in his historic paper, “On Some M...
An analysis of adsorbate mobility from the kinetics of two-dimensional domain growth: precursor-mediated surface diffusion

Abstract We have conducted a Monte Carlo investigation of the relationship between the rate of domain growth in a quenched, chemisorbed overlayer and the rate of adatom hopping. We propose an analysis of domain growth kinetics which accounts for the non-equilibrium diffusion in these systems and yields the complete, time-dependent proportionality factor for growth in the Monte Carlo model. Similar analyses applied to analogous experimental systems could yield a very detailed description of the non-equilibrium adsorbate mobility. We find that, even when the proportionality factor for domain growth can be known exactly, an Arrhenius plot of this quantity does not yield the most probable microscopic diffusion barrier. This occurs because adsorbate lateral interactions dictate that the overall rate is actually a distribution of rates and affirms the conclusions of previous studies, which have shown the limitations of the Arrhenius analysis for systems with multiple activation barriers.
Phase shifting of eclosion in Drosophila pseudoobscura as a function of the energy of the light pulse

The phase shifting effect of different energies of blue light pulses has been determined at two points in the circadian eclosion cycle of Drosophila pseudoobscura. At circadian time CT 16 as well as CT 20 no significant effect is found at energies up to 102ergs/cm2. Higher energies given at CT 16 delay phase, at CT 20 advance phase relative to a control. Figs. 1 and 2 show the amount of phase shift as a function of the energy of the light pulse for the fourth peak. These figures also show a plateau in the response to energies above 104ergs/cm2, i. e. phase-shifting response saturates around this energy. In contrast to earlier findings, phase shifting light pulses at CT 16 did not lead to a constant residual phase shift in respect to a control. Possible explanations are discussed.
It's acronymania all over again: with due reference to YB Yogi Berra.

Does everything have to be reduced to an acronym? Is it to save space or is it just a cute way to develop an expression? Whether you call it acronymia, as the late William Beck 1 did, or acronymitis, as Bernard Jaffe 2 did, it is the same.
Two-color squeezing and sub-shot-noise signal recovery in doubly resonant optical parametric oscillators.

A monolithic doubly resonant optical parametric oscillator produced signal and idler modes at widely separated wavelengths whose amplitude fluctuations were correlated (53.6\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.0)% below the vacuum-noise level. The system was used to detect modulated signals well below the shot-noise limit.
Long-term corticosteroid replacement in patients with adrenal insufficiency and measuring patient experience.

Submitted for publication April 20, 2011 Accepted for publication April 26, 2011 From the 1Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, & Nutrition, Mayo Clinic Rochester, 2Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, & Nutrition, Mayo Clinic Rochester and Mayo College of Medicine, and 3Department of Preventive Medicine, Mayo Clinic Rochester and Mayo College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota. Address correspondence to Dr. Irina Bancos, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, & Nutrition, Mayo Clinic Rochester, 200 First Street Southwest, Rochester, MN 55905. E-mail: bancos.irina@mayo.edu. Published as a Rapid Electronic Article in Press at http://www.endocrine practice.org on July 8, 2011. DOI:10.4158/EP11114.CO Copyright © 2011 AACE. Abbreviations: HRQL = health-related quality of life; QOL = quality of life
Preincubation Tests with Turkey Eggs

Abstract TURKEY eggs held at about 36°F. or at 60 to 65°F. do not hatch so well as eggs held at about 54°F., according to Scott (1933) who also found that the decrease was much more rapid with increasing age of the eggs at the higher and lower temperatures than in eggs held at 54° or at 55 to 60°F. In a recent test (Asmundson 1947), turkey eggs held at 55°F. showed a reduction in hatchability with increase in age after the first week of about one percent per day. Some other tests made at the same time indicated that eggs held for a period of 48 hours or less at temperatures of 30°F. or at 70° F. hatched as well as eggs held at 55°F., when all eggs were set when not more than 4 to 8 days old. Moreover, some of the eggs held for only about 6 hours . . .
Effect of Catheter Ablation on Progression of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Ablation and Progression of Atrial Fibrillation. Objective: The objective was to determine the effect of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) on progression of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). Background: Progression to persistent AF may occur in up to 50% of patients with paroxysmal AF receiving pharmacological therapy. Hypertension, age, prior transient ischemic event, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and heart failure (HATCH score) have been identified as independent risk factors for progression of AF. Methods: RFA was performed in 504 patients (mean age: 58 ± 10 years) to eliminate paroxysmal AF. A repeat RFA procedure was performed in 193 patients (38%). Clinical variables predictive of outcome and their relation to progression of AF after RFA were assessed using multivariate analysis. Results: At a mean follow-up of 27 ± 12 months after RFA, 434/504 patients (86%) were in sinus rhythm; 49/504 patients (9.5%) continued to have paroxysmal AF; and 14 (3%) were in atrial flutter. Among the 504 patients, 7 (1.5%) progressed to persistent AF. In patients with recurrent AF after RFA, paroxysmal AF progressed to persistent AF in 7/56 (13%, P 75 years, duration of AF >10 years and diabetes were independent predictors of progression to persistent AF. The HATCH score was not significantly different between patients with paroxysmal AF who did and did not progress to persistent AF (0.7 ± 0.8 vs 1.0 ± 0.5, P = 0.3). Conclusions: Compared to a historical control group of pharmacologically treated patients with paroxysmal AF, RFA appears to reduce the rate of progression of paroxysmal AF to persistent AF. Age, duration of AF, and diabetes are independent risk factors for progression to persistent AF after RFA. (J Cardiovasc
Effect of Applied Hydrostatic Pressure on the Enantioselective Quenching of the Luminescence from rac-Tris(2,6-pyridinedicarboxylate)terbium(III) by Resolved Tris(1,10-phenanthroline)ruthenium(II) in Water and Methanol

The effect of applied hydrostatic pressure on the enantioselective excited-state quenching of rac-tris(2,6-pyridinedicarboxylate)terbium(III) [Tb(DPA)33-] by optically active tris(1,10-phenanthroline)ruthenium(II) [Ru(phen)32+] is presented. The time dependence of the excited-state luminescence is analyzed in terms of a biexponential decay at pressures from 1 bar to 3 kbar corresponding to the diastereomeric (Δ−Δ and Δ−Λ) quenching reactions. In water solution it is found that the diastereomeric quenching rates and enantioselectivity increase with pressure, while in methanol solution the quenching rates and enantioselectivity decrease. The results are interpreted in terms of a detailed model for the quenching involving solvation effects within the diastereomeric encounter complexes.
Simultaneous determination of trace levels of nine haloacetic acids in biological samples as their pentafluorobenzyl derivatives by gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry in electron capture negative ion chemical ionization mode.

Haloacetic acids (HAAs) are environmentally and medically important chemicals. No analytical method is currently available to analyze EPA-regulated HAAs in biological samples at environmentally relevant low concentrations. Clinical studies of this class of chemicals are also limited by the lack of analytical techniques of high sensitivity and precision. We now report a new analytical method using gas chromatography/ion trap mass spectrometry for quantifying nine HAAs present in plasma, urine, and water at picogram per milliliter levels. The derivatization reactions of HAAs with pentafluorobenzyl bromide were optimized and detection with an electron capture negative ion chemical ionization mode was employed to enhance the sensitivity. Selected ion monitoring and selected reaction monitoring methods were utilized for quantitation. The detection limits of HAAs in plasma, urine, and water were 25−1000 pg/mL. Accuracies varied from 86.6 to 118.1% (intraday) and 81.7 to 119.6% (interday). Precisions (CV) varied...
Cation‐Cation Three‐Membered Ring Formation

The stoichiometric compound FeS undergoes an electron-ordering transition at T α≈140°C on heating, T α≈100°C on cooling. It is pointed out that the various magnetic, crystallographic, and electric properties associated with this transition are compatible with the formation of three-electron Fe2+—Fe2+ bonds within the basal planes. This rather unexpected effect brings to nine the number of different electron-ordering transitions that can be identified. It is also noted that Mn2Mo3O8 probably represents a closely related type of electron ordering.
NMR characterization of residual structure in the denatured state of protein L.

Triple-resonance NMR experiments were used to assign the (13)C(alpha), (13)C(beta), (15)N and NH resonances for all the residues in the denatured state of a destabilized protein L variant in 2 M guanidine. The chemical shifts of most resonances were very close to their random coil values. Significant deviations were observed for G22, L38 and K39; increasing the denaturant concentration shifted the chemical shifts of these residues towards theory random coil values. Medium-range nuclear Overhauser enhancements were detected in segments corresponding to the turn between the first two strands, the end of the second strand through the turn between the second strand and the helix, and the turn between the helix and the third strand in 3D H(1), N(15)-HSQC-NOESY-HSQC experiments on perdeuterated samples. Longer-range interactions were probed by measuring the paramagnetic relaxation enhancement produced by nitroxide spin labels introduced via cysteine residues at five sites around the molecule. Damped oscillations in the magnitude of the paramagnetic relaxation enhancement as a function of distance along the sequence suggested native-like chain reversals in the same three turn regions. The more extensive interactions within the region corresponding to the first beta-turn than in the region corresponding to the second beta-turn suggests that the asymmetry in the folding reaction evident in previous studies of the protein L folding transition state is already established in the denatured state.
Belief control and intentionality

In this paper, I argue that the rejection of doxastic voluntarism is not as straightforward as its opponents take it to be. I begin with a critical examination of William Alston’s defense of involuntarism and then focus on the question of whether belief is intentional.
Factors Influencing the DNA Nuclease Activity of Iron, Cobalt, Nickel, and Copper Chelates

A library of complexes that included iron, cobalt, nickel, and copper chelates of cyclam, cyclen, DOTA, DTPA, EDTA, tripeptide GGH, tetrapeptide KGHK, NTA, and TACN was evaluated for DNA nuclease activity, ascorbate consumption, superoxide and hydroxyl radical generation, and reduction potential under physiologically relevant conditions. Plasmid DNA cleavage rates demonstrated by combinations of each complex and biological co-reactants were quantified by gel electrophoresis, yielding second-order rate constants for DNA(supercoiled) to DNA(nicked) conversion up to 2.5 × 10(6) M(-1) min(-1), and for DNA(nicked) to DNA(linear) up to 7 × 10(5) M(-1) min(-1). Relative rates of radical generation and characterization of radical species were determined by reaction with the fluorescent radical probes TEMPO-9-AC and rhodamine B. Ascorbate turnover rate constants ranging from 3 × 10(-4) to 0.13 min(-1) were determined, although many complexes demonstrated no measurable activity. Inhibition and Freifelder-Trumbo analysis of DNA cleavage supported concerted cleavage of dsDNA by a metal-associated reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the case of Cu(2+)(aq), Cu-KGHK, Co-KGHK, and Cu-NTA and stepwise cleavage for Fe(2+)(aq), Cu-cyclam, Cu-cyclen, Co-cyclen, Cu-EDTA, Ni-EDTA, Co-EDTA, Cu-GGH, and Co-NTA. Reduction potentials varied over the range from -362 to +1111 mV versus NHE, and complexes demonstrated optimal catalytic activity in the range of the physiological redox co-reactants ascorbate and peroxide (-66 to +380 mV).
The application of fluorescein labeled serum proteins (FLSP) to the study of vascular permeability in the brain

1. Vascular permeability in normal and edematous brain tissue was studied by application of the fluorescein labeled serum proteins (FLSP) as well as by the use of free fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) marker. 2. The electrophoretic studies demonstrated that the binding capacity of the FITC to albumin was of such degree that morphological observations made after injection of the free tracer can be considered depending primarily on the visualization of the fluorescent serum albumin in the brain tissue. 3. The normal brain, with the exception of the several regions described below, showed no evidence of FLSP passage beyond the vascular endothelial lining. 4. The choroid plexus, area postrema and the tuber cinereum exhibited green FLSP fluorescence in the connective tissue investitures of the blood vessels but no parenchymatous penetration of the FLSP could be detected in the last two mentioned structures. 5. Edema of the white matter, produced by the cortical cold injury in the cat, was associated with the extravascular passage of FLSP which was studied at various stages. 6. The appearance of discrete FLSP inclusions in glial cells is interpreted as resulting from pinocytotic uptake of extravasated serum proteins and the significance of pinocytosis in the nervous tissue is discussed. 7. The involvement of the microglia in the transport of FLSP from the area of edema towards the pial and ependymal surfaces suggests the importance of this glial element with regard to the transport of soluble substances in the brain tissue. 8. It is suggested that the area of edema in the white matter resulting from cold injury may be associated with the presence of an appreciable extracellular compartment.
Real-time forecasting of short-term irrigation canal demands using a robust multivariate Bayesian learning model

In the lower Sevier River basin in Utah, the travel times between reservoir releases and arrival at irrigation canal diversions limit the reservoir operation in enabling delivery changes, which may not be compatible with the on demand schedule in the basin. This research presents a robust machine learning approach to forecast the short-term diversion demands for three irrigation canals. These real-time predictions can assist the operator to react promptly to short-term changes in demand and to properly release water from the reservoir. The models are developed in the form of a multivariate relevance vector machine (MVRVM) that is based on a Bayesian learning machine approach for regression. Predictive confidence intervals can also be obtained from the model with this Bayesian approach. Test results show that the MVRVM learns the input–output patterns with good accuracy. A bootstrap analysis is used to evaluate robustness of model parameter estimation. The MVRVM is compared in terms of performance and robustness with an Artificial Neural Network.
Diphtheria toxin forms transmembrane channels in planar lipid bilayers

Abstract When exposed to a lipid bilayer, diphtheria toxin binds to it and forms transmembrane, voltage-dependent, anion-selective channels. The mean (+/- SD) conductance of these channels in asolectin membranes is 6.2 +/- 0.7 pmho (pS) in 0.2 M NaCl and 20 +/- 2 pmho in 1.0 M NaCl. The rate of channel formation depends on the pH in the toxin-containing compartment; it is very low at pH greater than 5.0 and increases abruptly as the pH decreases from 4.9 to 4.0. Binding of toxin to the membrane is also pH dependent, being unmeasurable at pH 7 and increasing monotonically with decreasing pH. The rate of channel formation depends upon membrane potential as well; channels form only at negative potentials. These channels are permanent in the time scale of the experiments (about 1 hr). The membrane conductance caused by the channels is also voltage dependent, being constant at positive potentials and decreasing at negative potentials. Hence, the current-voltage curve is linear at positive potentials and sublinear at negative potentials. The conditions necessary for insertion of toxin into the bilayer and formation of channels are similar to those that prevail inside the lysosome. Thus, these results lend credence to the idea that toxin enters the cytoplasm from the lysosomal compartment.
Metabolic heating of embryos and sex determination in the american alligator, Alligator mississippiensis

The potential for metabolic heating by embryonic reptilesto influence temperature-dependent s determination (TSD) hasnot been examined in a controlled environment. 2. In a laboratory experiment conducted within a single background environment, eggs of the American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) arranged in a small cluster (''clutch'') yielded a sex ratio (73% male) that differed appreciably from the sex ratio (15% male) in a matched set of eggs in an open arrangement. 3. The apparent cause of the difference in sex ratio was metabolic heating, which caused much higher temperatures in the cluster than in the open arrangement.
Decay characteristics of potassium-42 and tellurium-132

Abstract The γ-spectra of potassium-42 and tellurium-132 have been examined with a sodium iodide crystal spectrometer. A recently reported 53 keV γ-transition has been observed in the decay of tellurium-132. Coincident summing in a single sodium iodide crystal at high geometry is used to reveal the main features of the relatively simple γ-decay schemes.
The effects of task complexity and time availability limitations on human performance in database query tasks

Prior research on human ability to write database queries has concentrated on the characteristics of query interfaces and the complexity of the query tasks. This paper reports the results of a laboratory experiment that investigated the relationship between task complexity and time availability, a characteristic of the task context not investigated in earlier database research, while controlling the query interface, data model, technology, and training. Contrary to expectations, when performance measures were adjusted by the time used to perform the task, time availability did not have any effects on task performance while task complexity had a strong influence on performance at all time availability levels. Finally, task complexity was found to be the main determinant of user confidence. The implications of these results for future research and practice are discussed.
The emergence of phonetic segments: evidence from the spectral structure of fricative-vowel syllables spoken by children and adults.

A variety of evidence, including the speech errors of normal and aphasic speakers, and the metalinguistic skills of literate individuals, demonstrates that speech has an underlying phonemic organiz...
Stress concentration in machine components with complex shape

An experimental stress analysis of machine components with complex shape, which are usually used in agriculture machines, is described. Brittle-coating and its precision-inductance strain gages were employed to determine stress distributions over the outer surface of specimens when they are subjected to bending. Particular emphasis was placed on determining stress concentrations as affected by weld arrangement in the components investigated. Strain measurement enables the determination of the stress gradient and the ratio of stress gradient to the maximum stress at the location of highest stress level of the structural components investigated. Based upon the results of this study, an attempt was made to classify components with respect to fatigue behavior using the fatigue-stress-concentration approach. In this context, an analytical model was developed for calculation of the combined-fatigue-stress concentration factor.
Problems in Rhinoplasty

In this review, the complications of rhinoplasty are examined in terms of their timing of presentation. An algorithmic approach to postoperative problems is discussed. Complications can frequently be avoided by meticulous technique, recognition of pitfalls, and early attention to perioperative morbidity. Reoperative rates can be minimized with good patient education and proper command of the postoperative situation, so that unnecessary procedures are not undertaken.
Attitudes and Practices for Smoking Cessation Counseling by Provider Type and Patient Age

Abstract Attitudes and self-reported practices for smoking cessation counseling among 145 providers at a health maintenance organization were compared among two provider groups, physicians/nurse practitioners and registered/licensed practical nurses, and across three patient age groups,
Another look at admissible functions

Abstract Problems associated with using global admissible functions in boundary value problems are discussed. It is shown that if care is not taken, it is possible to construct sets of trial functions that yield inaccurate results which take too long to converge. The concept of complementary boundary conditions is introduced, and their existence is established. Complementary boundary conditions indicate that the solution to the boundary value problem cannot take certain values at the boundaries. It is shown that trial functions that yield incorrect or very slowly converging results are those that violate the complementary boundary conditions. A revision for the definition of admissible and comparison functions is proposed that takes the complementary boundary conditions into consideration.
Aggregation Kinetics of Metal Chalcogenide Nanocrystals: Generation of Transparent CdSe (ZnS) Core (Shell) Gels

Transparent CdSe(ZnS) sol-gel materials have potential uses in optoelectronic applications such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) due to their strong luminescence properties and the potential for charge transport through the prewired nanocrystal (NC) network of the gel. However, typical syntheses of metal chalcogenide gels yield materials with poor transparency. In this work, the mechanism and kinetics of aggregation of two sizes of CdSe(ZnS) core(shell) NCs, initiated by removal of surface thiolate ligands using tetranitromethane (TNM) as an oxidant, were studied by means of time-resolved dynamic light scattering (TRDLS); the characteristics of the resultant gels were probed by optical absorption, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). At low concentrations of NCs (ca. 4 × 10(-7) M), the smaller, green-emitting NCs aggregate faster than the larger, orange-emitting NCs, for a specific oxidant concentration. The kinetics of aggregation have a significant impact on the macroscopic properties (i.e. transparency) of the resultant gels, with the transparency of the gels decreasing with the increase of oxidant concentration due the formation of larger clusters at the gel point and a shift away from a reaction limited cluster aggregation (RLCA) mechanism. This is further confirmed by the analyses of the gel structures by SAXS and TEM. Likewise, the larger orange-emitting particles also produce larger aggregates at the gel point, leading to lower transparency. The ability to control the transparency of chalcogenide gels will enable their properties to be tuned in order to address application-specific needs in optoelectronics.
Advances in integrated hollow waveguides for on-chip sensors

We have previously produced antiresonant reflecting optical waveguides (ARROWs) with hollow cores that can guide light through liquid or gas media. In order to utilize these structures in sophisticated sensing applications, we have improved our initial designs and fabrication methods to increase yield, lower waveguide transmission loss, and incorporate structural features into the waveguides themselves. Yields have been increased by optimizing PECVD film conformality leading to greater sidewall strength for hollow waveguides. Sensing applications require interfacing hollow waveguides with solid waveguides on the surface of a substrate to direct light on and off a chip and into and out of a test medium. Previous interfaces required light transferring from solid to hollow waveguides to pass through the antiresonant layers, with measured transmission efficiencies of about 30%. By removing the ARROW layers at the interfaces, transmission efficiencies at these interfaces can be improved to greater than 95%. We also demonstrate the fabrication of micropore structures on the hollow waveguides to be used for chemical sensing. A fabrication method has been developed that allows for removal of the thick top oxide and nitride ARROW layers leaving only a thin nitride membrane directly over the hollow core allowing controlled access to test media.
Distribution of UDP-glucuronyl transferase among cell fractions of rat liver.

Microsomal UDP-glucuronyl transferases (uridine-5′-diphosphate-glucuronate glucuronyl transferase, acceptor unspecific, EC 2.4.1.17) function in detoxification of a wide range of aglycons containing phenolic, alcoholic, carboxylic or amino acceptor groups through formation of water-soluble glucuronic acid derivatives. To localize this activity within a specific cell component, purified rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus fractions from rat liver were compared with total homogenates. The UDP-glucuronyl transferase specific activity of the Golgi apparatus fractions was less than or approximately equal to that of the total homogenate whereas this activity was concentrated 3–8 fold in the rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum fraction depending upon substrate. We conclude that the rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum is the major site of glucuronide formation within the microsome fraction of normal rat livers.
Respiratory Pattern Disturbances in Ischemic Cerebral Vascular Disease

Impedance pneumography was used to monitor respiratory rates and patterns in 49 patients with acute ischemic cerebral vascular disease. Nine patients had clinical evidence of bilateral ischemic cerebral disease. In one of these, normal respiratory pattern was present at all times; in five, there was intermittent Cheyne-Stokes respiration; in two, there were variants of Cheyne-Stokes pattern, and one patient eventually developed sustained tachypnea with probable hyperpnea. Twenty-eight patients had unilateral cerebral infarct. In five of these, normal respiratory pattern was present at all times; in 15, there was intermittent Cheyne-Stokes respiration; six had a variant of Cheyne-Stokes respiration; two had sustained tachypnea with probable hyperpnea. In 12 patients with brainstem infarcts, Cheyne-Stokes respiration was intermittently present in four, Cheyne-Stokes variant patterns were observed in two, and sustained tachypnea with probable hyperpnea developed in six. Abnormalities of respiratory patterns ...
Cybersecurity in Artificial Pancreas Experiments.

Abstract Medical devices have transformed modern health care, and ongoing experimental medical technology trials (such as the artificial pancreas) have the potential to significantly improve the treatment of several chronic conditions, including diabetes mellitus. However, we suggest that, to date, the essential concept of cybersecurity has not been adequately addressed in this field. This article discusses several key issues of cybersecurity in medical devices and proposes some solutions. In addition, it outlines the current requirements and efforts of regulatory agencies to increase awareness of this topic and to improve cybersecurity.
Designing a group support system to review and practice emergency plans in virtual teams

In the 21st century, rapid changes in our society necessitate continuous review and practice of emergency plans. Traditional Face-to-Face (FtF) interactions in making emergency plans and training responders seem insufficient. The Virtual Team (VT), a new team form allowing a dynamic recruitment of experts from a global extent and a conduction of teamwork whenever it is needed, provides a more agile solution. This paper introduces a Group Support System (GSS) called Collaborative Scenario (Collario), aiming to facilitate effective collaboration in creating and discussing scenarios in VTs and to utilise scenarios as a vehicle in reviewing and practising emergency plans on a continuous basis. This research is still in progress. Three professionals have been involved in system demonstrations and interviews. Although it is still too early to make any conclusions, it is encouraging to know that all the three experts think that Collario is easy to use and might be useful for various Emergency Preparedness purposes.
Effects of A.C. stress on charge and voltage decay rates of PZT thin film capacitors for DRAM applications

A PZT thin film capacitor displays a reduction in the charge storage density (Qc′) after the device has undergone pulsed electrical stress. This changes the charge-voltage relationship for the devices. The effect of this change in the Q-V relationship on the DRAM READ time is described. Measurements of the charge and voltage decay rates have been previously identified as ideal techniques for characterizing signal loss. For the first time the effects of electrical stress on these rates have been studied. While the charge decay rate decreases with an increase in the number of stress cycles for both the bipolar and unipolar stress, the voltage decay rate decreases after unipolar stress but it increases for bipolar stress at lower stress voltages. The implications of these results on the DRAM performance shall be discussed.
A fast matrix-vector multiplication method for solving the radiosity equation

A “fast matrix–vector multiplication method” is proposed for iteratively solving discretizations of the radiosity equation (I — К)u = E. The method is illustrated by applying it to a discretization based on the centroid collocation method. A convergence analysis is given for this discretization, yielding a discretized linear system (I — Kn)un = En. The main contribution of the paper is the presentation of a fast method for evaluating multiplications Knv, avoiding the need to evaluate Kn explicitly and using fewer than O(n2) operations. A detailed numerical example concludes the paper, and it illustrates that there is a large speedup when compared to a direct approach to discretization and solution of the radiosity equation. The paper is restricted to the surface S being unoccluded, a restriction to be removed in a later paper.
A general framework to construct stationary mobility models for the simulation of mobile networks

Simulation has become an indispensable tool in the design and evaluation of mobile systems. By using mobility models that describe constituent movement, one can explore large systems, producing repeatable results for comparison between alternatives. In this paper, we show that a large class of mobility models - including all those in which nodal speed and distance or destination are chosen independently - have a transient period in which the average node speed decreases until converging to some long-term average. This speed decay provides an unsound basis for simulation studies that collect results averaged over time, complicating the experimental process. In this paper, we derive a general framework for describing this decay and apply it to a number of cases. Furthermore, this framework allows us to transform a given mobility model into a stationary one by initializing the simulation using the steady-state speed distribution and using the original speed distribution subsequently. This transformation completely eliminates the transient period and the decay in average node speed and, thus, provides sound models for the simulation of mobile systems.
Molecular Weight Effects on the Mechanical Properties of Novel Epoxy Thermoplastics

A series of epoxy thermoplastics (ETPs) with varying molecular weights were synthesized from a difunctional diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A (DGEBA)-based epoxy resin and an aromatic secondary diami...
A novel bridgeless single-stage half-bridge AC/DC converter

This paper proposes a new bridgeless single-stage half-bridge ac-dc converter. The proposed converter integrates the operation of the bridgeless power factor correction (PFC) boost rectifier and the asymmetrical pulse-width modulation (APWM) half-bridge dc-dc converter. The proposed converter provides high power factor and direct power conversion from the line voltage to an isolated dc output voltage without using the full-bridge diode rectifier. Conduction losses are lowered with a simple circuit structure. Switching losses are also reduced by achieving zero-voltage switching (ZVS) of the power switches. The effectiveness of the proposed converter is verified on a 250 W (48 V/5.2 A) experimental prototype.
Standards, Persuasion, and Performance A Test of Cognitive Mediation Theory

An experiment was performed to examine the influence of goal setting and verbal persuasion on task goals, expectancies, and performance. Subjects were assigned an easy, medium, or hard performance standard on a creativity task over 10 repeated trials. In addition, they either did or did not receive verbal persuasion throughout the work period. Task goals and expectancies were measured prior to each trial. As hypothesized from cognitive mediation theory (Garland, 1985), assigned standards and verbal persuasion influenced task goals and expectancies, which in turn influenced performance.
Impact of high intracranial pressure on neurophysiological recovery and behavior in a chronic porcine model of hypothermic circulatory arrest.

Objective: This review was undertaken to determine whether high intracranial pressure (ICP) during reperfusion after hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) correlates with evidence of suboptimal cerebral protection in a chronic porcine model. Methods: In concurrent studies of cerebral protection, 48 control pigs (24–31 kg) underwent 90 min of HCA at 20 8C using a strictly standardized protocol. Hemodynamic measurements, ICP and neurophysiological data (EEG, SSEP) were assessed before HCA and until 3 h postoperatively. ICP was measured using a Codman microtip catheter inserted directly into brain parenchyma. Neurological/behavioral evaluation (9 ¼ full recovery) was carried out daily through postoperative day (POD) 3. Results: There were no significant hemodynamic or metabolic differences between individual animals. ICP (mmHg) increased significantly for the first 3 h after HCA: from baseline levels of 6.2 ^ 2.1 to 10 ^ 2.6 at 1 h, 11 ^ 3.2 at 2 h and 10 ^ 3.6 mmHg at 3 h; P , 0:001 for the trend. EEG recovery 3 h after HCA was observed in 13 animals (27%), and correlated with lower ICP during reperfusion (P , 0:001): with each 1 mmHg increase in ICP at 3 h, the odds of early EEG recovery decreased by a factor of 0.72. Lower ICP during reperfusion was also significantly associated with higher behavioral scores on POD 1 and 2, P , 0:001. Conclusions: A significant rise in ICP may help explain the prolonged obtundation and confusion often seen clinically after HCA. If these small but consistent increases in ICP contribute to rather than reflect ischemic neuronal damage, simple maneuvers to reduce ICP may improve cerebral recovery after HCA. q 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Major Metabolic Determinants of Milk Volume, Mammary Efficiency, and Spontaneous Ketosis in Dairy Cows

Mammary uptakes of glucose and long-chain fatty acids are proposed to be the major metabolic determinants of milk volume production and mammary efficiency, respectively. Moreover, the ratio of glucogenic to lipogenic nutrients in the diet is proposed to be the major determinant of spontaneous ketosis. Experimental evidence and clinical observations are adduced in support of these three interrelated propositions. Their heuristic value would be demonstrable in tests of formulations of high-fat rations and administrations of articles, such as growth hormone preparations, intended to promote maximal production and efficiency with least risk of ketosis.
Pitfalls in the use of adenosine

The report by Dixon et al. on the dosing of adenosine is important.1 That the use of higher starting doses (100–200 μg/kg) should significantly increase the chance of adenosine terminating the supraventricular tachycardia or demonstrating its mechanism on the first dose was clearly demonstrated in their retrospective review. It is worth repeating that the maximum dose for children of 500 μg/kg and neonates of 300 μg/kg is for a singly administered dose. An issue that we see far too frequently is the summing of each dose of adenosine to arrive at a cumulative dose that “precludes further administration”. When starting at 50 μg/kg and …
An update on statin alternatives and adjuncts

LDL cholesterol is the primary target of therapy to lower cardiovascular risk. Statins are medications of first choice to lower LDL cholesterol, but cannot be tolerated in up to 10% of individuals. Intermittent dosing strategies for statins can help reduce muscle symptoms in some patients. A Mediterranean-type diet supplemented with plant stanols and sterols, fiber and fish oils can help achieve cholesterol goals and reduce cardiovascular events. Caution may be needed when using supplements, such as red yeast rice, because of the concern regarding contaminants. Other lipid-lowering medications, such as intestinal agents, niacin and fibrates, can be used as alternative strategies in patients who cannot tolerate statins or in combination with low-dose statins to achieve lipid goals and reduce cardiovascular risk.
Role of T-lymphocytes and pro-inflammatory mediators in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of death in the US and a major worldwide healthcare problem. The pathophysiologic mechanisms that drive development and progression of this disease are complex and only poorly understood. While tobacco smoking is the primary risk factor, other disease processes also appear to play a role. Components of the innate immune system (eg, macrophages and neutrophils) have long been believed to be important in the development of COPD. More recent evidence also suggests involvement of the adaptive immune system in pathogenesis of this disease. Here we will review the literature supporting the participation of T-cells in the development of COPD, and comment on the potential antigenic stimuli that may account for these responses. We will further explore the prospective contributions of T-cell derived mediators that could contribute to the inflammation, alveolar wall destruction, and small airway fibrosis of advanced COPD. A better understanding of these complex immune processes will lead to new insights that could result in improved preventative and/or treatment strategies.
Diamond nucleation on unscratched silicon substrates coated with various non-diamond carbon films by microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition

The efficacy of various non-diamond carbon films as precursors for diamond nucleation on unscratched silicon substrates was investigated with a conventional microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition system. Silicon substrates were partially coated with various carbonaceous substances such as clusters consisting of a mixture of C[sub 60] and C[sub 70], evaporated films of carbon and pure C[sub 70], and hard carbon produced by a vacuum arc deposition technique. For comparison, diamond nucleation on silicon substrates coated with submicrometer-sized diamond particles and uncoated smooth silicon surfaces was also examined under similar conditions. Except for evaporated carbon films, significantly higher diamond nucleation densities were obtained by subjecting the carbon-coated substrates to a low-temperature high-methane concentration hydrogen plasma treatment prior to diamond nucleation. The highest nucleation density ([similar to]3[times]10[sup 8] cm[sup [minus]2]) was obtained with hard carbon films. Scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy demonstrated that the diamond nucleation density increased with the film thickness and etching resistance. The higher diamond nucleation density obtained with the vacuum arc-deposited carbon films may be attributed to the inherent high etching resistance, presumably resulting from the high content of [ital sp][sup 3] atomic bonds. Microscopy observations suggested that diamond nucleation in the presence of non-diamond carbon depositsmore » resulted from carbon layers generated under the pretreatment conditions.« less