cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Monte Carlo Study of the Effect of Pressure on Hydrophobic Association

This paper describes a series of simulations using pressure as a tool to study the hydrophobic interaction between two simple solutes. The change in the free energy of association (ΔΔGr) of the solutes as a function of pressure is expressed in terms of the change in partial molar volume (ΔV°) and the change in isothermal compressibility (Δκ°) of the system. At 30 °C, ΔV° is found to be −7.4 ± 1.1 mL mol-1, and Δκ° is found to be (−1.4 ± 0.3) × 10-3 mL mol-1 bar-1. The two effects are in opposition to each other: The volume term tends to favor solute association, while the compressibility term favors dissociation. The volume term is the dominant one in determining ΔΔGr at moderate pressures. At higher pressures (above 5 kbar), the opposing effect becomes dominant. A new analysis of experimental data concerning pressure-dependent effects in the association constants for a series of carboxylic acids (Suzuki, K.; Taniguchi, Y.; Watanabe, T. J. Phys. Chem. 1973, 77, 1918−1922) lends support for these conclusi...
Perceptions of the heart-rate guide.

Preliminary assessment was made concerning perceptions of the newly developed bean-rate guide, devised as an educational tool to promote physical activity. Unlike the traditional target heart-rate ...
Generation of CD34+ cells from human embryonic stem cells using a clinically applicable methodology and engraftment in the fetal sheep model

Until now, ex vivo generation of CD34 + hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) mostly involved use of feeder cells of nonhuman origin. Although they provided invaluable models to study hematopoiesis, in vivo engraftment of hESC-derived HSCs remains a challenging task. In this study, we used a novel coculture system composed of human bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) and peripheral blood CD14 + monocyte-derived macrophages to generate CD34 + cells from hESCs in vitro. Human ESC–derived CD34 + cells generated using this method expressed surface makers associated with adult human HSCs and upregulated hematopoietic stem cell genes comparable to human bone marrow–derived CD34 + cells. Finally, transplantation of purified hESC-derived CD34 + cells into the preimmune fetal sheep, primed with transplantation of MSCs derived from the same hESC line, demonstrated multilineage hematopoietic activity with graft presence up to 16 weeks after transplantation. This in vivo demonstration of engraftment and robust multilineage hematopoietic activity by hESC-derived CD34 + cells lends credence to the translational value and potential clinical utility of this novel differentiation and transplantation protocol.
Improving Adherence in African American Women With Uncontrolled Hypertension

Background and objectives African American women are disproportionately affected with hypertension (HTN). The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of a 6-week culturally tailored educational intervention for 60 African American women with HTN. Methods Sixty African American women, 29 to 86 years old (mean ± SD, 57.98 ± 12.37 years), with primary HTN were recruited from 4 rural locations and randomized to intervention (n = 30) and control (n = 30) groups to determine the effectiveness of the intervention on knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, social support, adherence to an HTN regimen, and blood pressure control. Culturally tailored educational classes were provided for 90 minutes once a week for 6 weeks. The control group received usual care. Results A significant favorable overall main effect (time) was found for systolic blood pressure (F3,174 = 11.104, P = .000) and diastolic blood pressure (F3,174 = 4.781, P = .003) for both groups. Also for diastolic blood pressure, older age was a significant covariate (F1,56 = 6.798, P = .012). Older participants tended to have increased diastolic blood pressures. There were no significant differences between groups on knowledge, adherence, or attitudes. Conclusion The culturally tailored program used the African American church as a basis for recruitment and implementation of the program that retained all participants over a 6-month period. African American women living in rural Texas who participated in a 6-week intervention program demonstrated a significant decrease in blood pressure over a 6-month period regardless of whether they were in the intervention or control group. In general, they had a relatively good knowledge of HTN and reported an average level of adherence. Future studies using a culturally tailored program with a larger sample size are warranted to decrease the high level of HTN-related complications in African American women.
Effects of Temperature and Controlled Atmospheres on Codling Moth Metabolism

ABSTRACT Although controlled atmosphere temperature treatments are effective in controlling codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), in fruit, the mechanism by which this combination treatment kills the larvae is unknown. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to determine the effects of elevated temperatures, low O2, and high CO2 on the metabolic heat rate of fifth-instar codling moths. Total ATP levels also were determined. Metabolic heat rates in air increased from 0 to 30°C and decreased above 30°C. Heat rates measured isothermally at 23°C under decreased O2 or increased CO2 were lower than those in air with the lowest in 1 kPa O2 and 1 kPa O2 + 15 kPa CO2, Continuous temperature scans from 23 to 44.5°C under low O2 and high CO2 atmospheres produced lower metabolic heat rates than scans under air. Low O2 atmospheres produced the lowest ATP levels, and high concentrations of CO2 produced the highest ATP levels. These results indicate that heat treatments under controlled atmospheres have a dramatic effe...
Microleakage of composite resin cores treated with various dentin bonding systems

Composite resin post and cores have gained widespread acceptance as an alternative for cast-gold post and core systems. A prefabricated metal post is generally used. Substantial microleakage at the interface between the composite resin core and the dentin substrate may occur. A tight and impervious bond between the dentin and the restorative material is critical for the longevity of core restorations. This study compared the microleakage of composite resin cores treated with various dentin bonding agents, including the recently developed Gluma, Tenure, and Scotchbond 2. The results indicated that Tenure and Scotchbond 2 bonding agents were most effective in reducing microleakage, followed by Gluma and conventional Scotchbond (Dual Cure) bonding agents. Although all proprietary dentin bonding systems used in this study significantly reduced microleakage, no system was capable of preventing microleakage completely.
On flexurally superconvergent four-node quadrilaterals

Various implementations of flexurally superconvergent four-node quadrilateral elements, which achieve almost exact engineering beam solutions with a single layer of elements through the thickness, are examined. Stabilization matrices and B-bar forms of the element are given, and integration of the latter by 2- and 3-point quadrature formulae is considered. In addition, the extension to orthotropic materials is considered.
A new light boson

It is pointed out that a global U(1) symmetry, that has been introduced in order to preserve the parity and time-reversal invariance of strong interactions despite the effects of instantons, would lead to a neutral pseudoscalar boson, the "axion," with mass roughly of order 100 keV to 1 MeV. Experimental implications are discussed.
Direct assessment of hepatic mitochondrial oxidative and anaplerotic fluxes in humans using dynamic 13C magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Despite the central role of the liver in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, there are currently no methods to directly assess hepatic oxidative metabolism in humans in vivo. By using a new (13)C-labeling strategy in combination with (13)C magnetic resonance spectroscopy, we show that rates of mitochondrial oxidation and anaplerosis in human liver can be directly determined noninvasively. Using this approach, we found the mean rates of hepatic tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle flux (VTCA) and anaplerotic flux (VANA) to be 0.43 ± 0.04 μmol g(-1) min(-1) and 0.60 ± 0.11 μmol g(-1) min(-1), respectively, in twelve healthy, lean individuals. We also found the VANA/VTCA ratio to be 1.39 ± 0.22, which is severalfold lower than recently published estimates using an indirect approach. This method will be useful for understanding the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes, as well as for assessing the effectiveness of new therapies targeting these pathways in humans.
One-Sided Prediction Intervals for at Least p Out of m Future Observations from a Normal Population

Tables of factors are provided for constructing prediction intervals to contain at least p = m – l future observations from a normal distribution; the simplified new procedure for obtaining these factors is described. The tables pertain to selected values of the given sample size, n. the future sample size, m, and the number of items, M – l. in a future sample to be included in the prediction interval. Factors are given for n = 2(1)15(5)30(10)5O,∞, m = 20,25,30(10)80, and l = 1(1)8. An example demonstrates the use of the tables.
Delivery: Bringing the Words into the World

As part of an argument in favour of using the five canons of classical rhetoric as a foundation for poetry-writing instruction, I discuss applications of the fifth canon, delivery. First, I summarise and discuss delivery in the rhetorical tradition, approaches to teaching delivery in composition studies and poetry's oral tradition. Then I analyse a student poem that was written primarily to be heard out loud. Finally, I offer 23 practical classroom applications of my research.
Decision Theory and the Sale of Alcohol

Two studies examined the role of representativeness in determining the legal age of customers seeking to purchase alcohol. In Study 1, subjects were presented with a series of common grocery products along with an alcoholic beverage and a shopper. Results indicated that products which cued an older consumer produced higher age estimates of the shopper and decreased the likelihood that they would be asked to provide proof of legal age. Study 2 extended these findings in two important ways: (a) The target was presented as either a college student or parent and (b) individual differences in self-consciousness were related to susceptibility to manipulations of representativeness. Results indicated that the parent/student manipulation affected both the decision to request identification and age estimates of the target. Age estimations were positively related to individual differences in public self-consciousness, whereas the decision to request identification depended upon individual levels of social anxiety and private self-consciousness. Implications of these data for restricting access to alcohol among minors are considered.
Intracellular protein degradation in Leishmania tropica promastigotes.

Abstract A labile class of proteins in the range of M r = 30 000–60 000 which turn over rapidly have been demonstrated in Leishmania tropica promastigotes. The rate of protein degradation is increased by exhaustion of nutrients or inhibition of energy metabolism. Proteolysis is reduced when the parasites are provided with a readily utilizable carbon and energy source such as glucose, glutamate or proline. The breakdown of proteins in L. tropica is dependent on continuous protein synthesis probably for protease synthesis. It is suggested that the relatively high rate of intracellular protein degradation is an auxiliary means for generating carbon and energy sources during nutritional stress.
Flow in heated curved pipes

The fully developed laminar flow in a heated curved pipe under the influence of both centrifugal and buoyancy forces is studied analytically. The pipe is assumed to be heated so as to maintain a constant axial temperature gradient. Both horizontal and vertical pipes are considered. Solutions for these two cases are obtained by regular perturbations in the Dean number and the product of the Reynolds and Rayleigh numbers; the solutions are therefore limited to small values of these parameters. Predictions of the axial and secondary flow velocities, streamlines, shear stress, temperature distribution and heat transfer are given for a representative case.
THE EFFECT OF PREGNANCY AND LACTATION ON THE BLOOD CALCIUM OF THYRO-PARATHYROIDECTOMIZED DOGS

In our previous work (Fisher and Larson, 1925) we have shown that a decrease in the calcium of the blood serum invariably accompanies the onset of tetany in a thyro-parathyroidectomized dog. The work of MacCallum and Voegtlin (1909), Salvesen (1923) and Hanson (1924) was not entirely accepted by Dragstedt, et al. (1924). The methods used in preparing potent parathyroid extracts and in operating upon the dogs were those reported in a previous paper (Fisher and Larson, 1925). The dogs were purposely kept on a meat diet. The calcium values are all of the blood serum and are given in terms of 100 c.c. of blood serum. All determinations were made in duplicate by the method of Clark and Collip (1925).
Variance reduction in Fourier spectra and their corresponding images via support constraints

The use of support constraints for improving the quality of Fourier spectra, their associated images, and the relationship between the two domains is discussed in this paper. Theoretical relationships are derived which predict the noise reduction in both the image domain and the Fourier domain achieved by single and repeated application of support constraints for the case of wide sense stationary Fourier domain noise. It is shown that the application of support constraints can increase noise inside the support constraint if the application is not done correctly. An iterative algorithm is proposed which enforces support constraints in such a way that noise is never increased inside the support constraint and the algorithm achieves the minimum possible noise in a finite number of steps.
Clockwise rotation of the Korean Peninsula with respect to the North China Block inferred from an improved Early Triassic palaeomagnetic pole for the Ryeongnam Block

Summary In order to detect a possible clockwise rotation of the Korean Peninsula with respect to the North China Block, Early Triassic rocks in the Ryeongnam Block, Korean Peninsula have been restudied. Sandstones in the Nogam Formation were collected at four sites for palaeomagnetic study. A high-temperature magnetization component with an unblocking temperature of 690 °C is isolated from all sites and yields a positive fold test at the 95 per cent confidence level. This high-temperature component is interpreted to be of primary origin because folding is Middle Triassic in age. The primary directions together with previously reported ones give a new Early Triassic mean direction (D = 347.4°, I = 23.8°, α95 = 5.1°) and corresponding palaeomagnetic pole (62.6°N, 336.1°E, A95 = 4.2°) for the Ryeongnam Block. This improved Early Triassic pole for the Ryeongnam Block is located to the west of the coeval poles for the North China Block. It is therefore concluded that the Ryeongnam Block underwent clockwise rotation of 10°−15° with respect to the North China Block. Because the amount of rotation observed in the present study is comparable with rotations observed in Cretaceous results from the Ryeongnam Block and in the Triassic–Cretaceous results from other blocks in the Korean Peninsula, the whole of the Korean Peninsula appears to have been subjected to clockwise rotation in Tertiary times.
DO CHILDREN EAT WHAT THEY SAY? VALIDITY OF INTENDED FOOD CHOICES AMONG NATIVE AMERICAN SCHOOL CHILDREN

Objective. To examine the agreement between school children's intended food choices and observed food choices. Design. Native American students in the second through fifth grade completed a questionnaire that asked them to select from 10 paired food choices for a given meal or snack. Three weeks later students chose among foods identical to those on the questionnaire as part of their usual school lunch or breakfast over three consecutive days; afternoon snacks were also offered. Results. Agreement between students' intended food choices and observed food choices was examined across 10 food pairs. The composite K coefficient between intended and observed food choices was 0.09 (95% confidence interval 0.06, 0.12), indicating virtually no agreement above that expected by chance. There were no differences in agreement by sex or grade. Conclusions. Intended food choices were not significantly associated with observed food choices. It is unclear whether intended food choices reflect nutrition knowledge, socially desirable responses, food preferences, or some other dimension of eating behavior. Although responsive to school-based nutrition interventions, the interpretation of changes in intended food choices must be clarified in future research.
Ascites and severe hepatitis complicating Epstein-Barr infection

Epstein-Barr (EB) virus infection is common, with up to 90% of individuals demonstrating positive titers by age 20. Although elevated liver function tests commonly occur, severe hepatitis is rare. Only six cases of ascites complicating Epstein-Barr infection are reported, but none clearly demonstrate the absence of other causes of hepatic dysfunction. A 37-yr-old male presented with a 4-wk history of upper respiratory tract symptoms. Over 3 days before admission he developed jaundice and right upper quadrant pain. After hospitalization, the patient developed tense ascites requiring paracentesis. Serum-ascitic albumin gradient was 0.3 g/dL. Liver function tests peaked at the following values: prothrombin time of 24.5 s, total bilirubin of 18.0 mg/dL, and transaminases in excess of 5000 IU/L. EB Virus IgG and IgM titers were 1:640 and >1:40, respectively. Other viral serologies and polymerase chain reactions were negative. The patient experienced a complete clinical and laboratory recovery over the next 6 months. This represents the first documentation of ascites complicating Epstein-Barr infection without other sources of hepatic dysfunction. It demonstrates a narrow serum-ascitic albumin gradient in these patients, and that complete recovery can occur with supportive care.
Granulomatous inflammation and organizing pneumonia: Role of computed tomography-guided lung fine needle aspirations, touch preparations and core biopsies in the evaluation of common non-neoplastic diagnoses

Background: Fine-needle aspirations (FNAs) and core biopsies (CBs), with or without touch preparations (TPs), are performed to characterize pulmonary lesions. Although a positive (P) or suspicious report is sufficient for further management, the significance of unsatisfactory (U), negative (N) and atypical (A) cytological diagnoses remains uncertain. The aims of the study were to correlate U, N and A cytological diagnoses with histological and/or clinical/radiological follow-up and evaluate the utility of FNAs, TPs and CBs. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective search and examined 30 consecutive computed tomography-guided transthoracic U, N and A lung FNAs (n = 23) and TPs (n = 7) with surgical pathology (SP) (n = 17) and/or clinical/radiological follow-up (n = 13) and compared them to 10 SP-confirmed P FNAs, which served as controls. Results: The 30 FNAs and TPs were from 29 patients. All 6 U specimens were scantly cellular. Granulomas, the most common specific benign cytological diagnosis, were evident in 8 (of 13) and 7 (of 11) N and A cytology cases, respectively. Histology corroborated the presence of granulomas identified on cytology. Organizing pneumonia was the second leading benign specific diagnosis (5/17), but it was rendered on histology (n = 5) and not FNAs or TPs. Evaluation of the A cases revealed that type II pneumocytes were the source of atypical, diagnoses often associated with granulomas or organizing pneumonia and lacked 3-D clusters evident in all P cases. Discussion: U, N and A FNAs and TPs lacked 3-D clusters seen in carcinomas and were negative on follow-up. Granulomas and organizing pneumonia were the most common specific benign diagnoses, but the latter was recognized on histology only. In the absence of a definitive FNA result at the time of on-site assessment, a CB with a TP containing type II pneumocytes increases the likelihood of a specific benign diagnosis.
Some Considerations on Nonlinear Realizations of Chiral SU ( 3 ) × SU ( 3 )

We consider how nonlinear realizations of the chiral $\mathrm{SU}(3)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{SU}(3)$ symmetry arise in certain limits of models in which fields transform linearly under the group of transformations which leave the Lagrangian (approximately) invariant. All possible cases of nonlinear realizations of the chiral $\mathrm{SU}(3)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{SU}(3)$, wherein at least the $U(2)$ group generated by isospin and hypercharge is linearly represented, are considered. The connection between the nonlinear realizations and the spontaneous breakdown of the symmetry is made clear. Our results are clarified from a group-theoretic point of view, thereby establishing the connection between our results and a more general consideration of Coleman et al. We discuss theoretical and experimental implications of nonlinar realizations of the chiral $\mathrm{SU}(3)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{SU}(3)$, with reference to the $\ensuremath{\kappa}$ meson.
Seasonality tests on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges: an empirical analysis

This article investigates Day-of-the-Week and January Effects in the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock markets over the period 1990 to 2006 for both the ‘A’ and ‘B’ indices. During this period, these two Chinese stock markets went through the limit period and nonlimit period and then again through a limit period. We examine the seasonality effects both during the different periods and also over the whole period. Our results indicate that the Shanghai A index is prone to higher volatility and also shows some January and Weekend Effects.
Onset of collectivity in the odd-odd nucleus 72 As

High-spin states in the odd-odd nucleus $^{72}\mathrm{As}$ were investigated by means of coincidence measurements via the $^{59}\mathrm{Co}$${(}^{19}$F,\ensuremath{\alpha}pn) and the $^{65}\mathrm{Cu}$${(}^{12}$C,\ensuremath{\alpha}n) reactions at beam energies of 55 MeV and 50 MeV, respectively. Two new rotational-like level sequences of probably opposite parities have been found to feed into the known ${7}^{(\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}})}$ isomer at 562.8 keV. Lifetime measurements for some states of the positive-parity sequence using the Doppler shift attenuation method revealed transition strengths of B(E2)\ensuremath{\approxeq}40 Weisskopf units. Thus, this band is interpreted as a collective structure built on the two-quasiparticle intruder configuration (\ensuremath{\pi}${\mathit{g}}_{9/2}$\ensuremath{\bigotimes}\ensuremath{\nu}${\mathit{g}}_{9/2}$).
Selective interruption of high molecular weight RNA synthesis in HeLa cells by camptothecin.

THE study of macromolecular metabolism in eukaryotic cells has depended to a large extent on the use of selective inhibitors. Camptothecin is a potent, rapidly acting inhibitor of both DNA and RNA synthesis1–3 which first came to attention as a potential anti-tumour agent4 and which has since been shown to have the remarkable property of inducing breaks in cellular DNA5; it also has unusual effects on RNA synthesis possibly as a result of DNA breakage. We show that the drug causes aberrant synthesis of high molecular weight nuclear RNA, but has a much smaller effect on the labelling of 4S RNA and does not affect 5S RNA synthesis. If the effect on RNA synthesis is due to DNA breakage, the results suggest that the breaks are induced at specific points.
Optimal conditions for simulating microgravity employing NASA designed rotating wall vessels

Abstract This article discusses the requirements to successfully simulate certain aspects of microgravity employing the NASA designed HARV in the laboratory. Presence of low fluid shear, a clear understanding of the role of the spin of the microcarrier/cell about its own axis, availability of adequate mass transport of nutrients and oxygen, the elimination of collisions between microcarriers and between the microcarrier and walls of the bioreactor, and the use of adequate and appropriate controls are some of the important aspects that enable a successful simulation of certain aspects of microgravity. Results of numerical simulation of the above aspects have been presented and discussed.
Resisting protein adsorption on biodegradable polyester brushes.

The protein adsorption and degradation behaviors of poly(lactic acid), poly(glycolic acid) (PGA) and poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL) brushes and their co-polymer brushes with oligo(ethylene glycol) (OEG) were studied. Both brush structure and relative amount of OEG and polyester were found to be important to the protein resistance of the brushes. A protein-resisting surface can be fabricated either by using OEG as the top layer of a copolymer brush or by increasing the amount of OEG relative to polyester when using a hydroxyl terminated OEG (OEG-OH) and a methoxy terminated OEG (OEG-OMe) mixture as the substrate layer. The degradation of single polyester brushes and their co-polymer brushes using OEG-OH as a substrate layer or using OEG as a top layer was hindered. This phenomenon was rationalized by the inhibition of the proposed back-biting process as the hydroxy end groups of polyester were blocked by OEG molecules. Among these brushes tested, PGA co-polymer brushes using the methoxy/hydroxyl OEG mixture as the substrate layer proved to be both protein-resistant and degradable due to the relatively large amount of OEG moieties and the good biodegradability of PGA.
Bismuth germanate scintillator as a fast high-energy ion detector

Abstract The pulse-height response and timing characteristics of bismuth germanate scintillator haven been determined for light and heavy ions (A ⩽ 35 E ⩽ 250 MeV). Timing resolutions of ⩽ 250 ps have been observed.
Knowledge discovery in an earthquake text database: correlation between significant earthquakes and the time of day

The authors take a real world application from a text database and present a case history. The techniques ultimately led to a discovery contradicting an accepted paradigm in seismology. Using simple, tailored, keyword extraction, they examined a text collection of earthquake data. A discovery was made when an unusual pattern emerged from the text. They then tested a more comprehensive numerical database, treating the the text discovery as a hypothesis. It was verified using a standard /spl chi//sup 2/ statistic. The hypothesis was significant earthquakes in the longitude regions that include California, occur more often in the morning hours than any other time of day.
RTM: Laws and a Recursive Generator for Weighted Time-Evolving Graphs

How do real, weighted graphs change over time? What patterns, if any, do they obey? Earlier studies focus on unweighted graphs, and, with few exceptions, they focus on static snapshots. Here, we report patterns we discover on several real, weighted, time-evolving graphs. The reported patterns can help in detecting anomalies in natural graphs, in making link prediction and in providing more criteria for evaluation of synthetic graph generators. We further propose an intuitive and easy way to construct weighted, time-evolving graphs. In fact, we prove that our generator will produce graphs which obey many patterns and laws observed to date. We also provide empirical evidence to support our claims.
Development and Characterization of Continuous SiC Fiber-Reinforced HfB2-Based UHTC Matrix Composites Using Polymer Impregnation and Slurry Infiltration Techniques

This paper discusses the development of continuous SiC fiber-reinforced HfB2-SiC composite laminates. A range of techniques, based on resin-based precursors and slurries, for infiltrating porous SiC preforms with HfB2 powder were developed. While resin-based precursors proved to be ineffective due to low HfB2 yield and poor adhesion, the slurry infiltration techniques were effective to varying degrees. The greatest pore filling and composite densities were achieved using pressure and vibration-assisted pressure infiltration techniques. SiCf/HfB2-SiC laminates were subsequently developed via lamination, cure and pyrolysis of fabrics using a HfB2-loaded polymeric SiC precursor, followed by HfB2 slurry infiltration and preceramic polymer infiltration and pyrolysis (PIP). Repeated PIP processing, for 6–10 cycles, resulted in density increases, from the 3.03–3.22 g/cm3 range after HfB2 slurry infiltration, to 3.97–4.03 g/cm3 after PIP processing. Correspondingly, there was a decrease in open porosity from approximately 52% to less than 11%. The matrix consisted of discreet, lightly sintered HfB2 particles dispersed in SiC. The PIP SiC matrix was primarily nanocrystalline after 1300°C pyrolysis, but experienced grain growth with further heat treatment at 1600°C.
Dexmedetomidine and the reduction of postoperative delirium after cardiac surgery.

Background: Delirium is a neurobehavioral syndrome caused by the transient disruption of normal neuronal activity secondary to systemic disturbances. Objective: The authors investigated the effects of postoperative sedation on the development of delirium in patients undergoing cardiac-valve procedures. Methods: Patients underwent elective cardiac surgery with a standardized intraoperative anesthesia protocol, followed by random assignment to one of three postoperative sedation protocols: dexmedetomidine, propofol, or midazolam. Results: The incidence of delirium for patients receiving dexmedetomidine was 3%, for those receiving propofol was 50%, and for patients receiving midazolam, 50%. Patients who developed postoperative delirium experienced significantly longer intensive-care stays and longer total hospitalization. Conclusion: The findings of this open-label, randomized clinical investigation suggest that postoperative sedation with dexmedetomidine was associated with significantly lower rates of postoperative delirium and lower care costs. (Psychosomatics 2009; 50:206 –217)
Identifying the History and Logic of Negative, Ambivalent, and Positive Responses to Literature: A Case-Study Analysis of Cultural Models

This paper begins with the assumption that the interpretive practices people acquire in social worlds often transfer to their stances toward and interpretations of worlds encountered in literature (Beach, Thein, & Parks, 2007). The goal of this paper is to identify the history and logic behind one student’s negative, ambivalent, and positive responses to classroom texts. This paper joins socio-cultural theories of response to literature (Galda & Beach, 2001) with theories of identity (Holland, Lachicotte, Skinner, & Cain, 2002) and cultural models (Gee, 1999) to understand the social and cultural history that this student, Molly, drew upon in her interpretations of texts. More specifically, this paper examines Molly’s interpretations of her lived-worlds and the worlds of texts that she read outside of class as locations for investigating social and cultural practices that were relevant to her. This paper develops a case study that looks closely at the cultural models (Gee, 1996, 1999, 2004) that Molly drew upon in her interpretations of her lived-worlds and worlds of texts she read outside of class in order to better understand how social and cultural practices and beliefs mediated her responses to classroom literature. Findings from this study suggest that teaching students to identify, acknowledge, and value the stances that they bring with them to the classroom, while at the same time teaching them to understand the usefulness of other theories for interpreting texts, has the potential to engage students in more critical and thorough interpretations of literature.
Thymol Production from Callus Culture of Nigella sativa L.

Roots, hypocotyls and leaves of Nigella sativa L. were collected from the seedlings raised on sterilized filter paper and cultured on MS supplemented with different concentrations of 2,4-D (0.0, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 mg/l) and Kn (0.0, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 5.0). The best callus production was obtained from leaf explants with 1 mg/l 2,4-D and 1.5 mg/l Kn. The higher thymol concentrations were extracted after 75 days for the above callus; which was detected by HPLC using retention time. This is the first report in Iraq about extracting thymol from callus of Nigella sativa . Key words: Thymol produiction, Callus culture, Nigella sativa D. O.I. .3329/ptcb.v18i2.3649 Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 18 (2): 181-185, 2008 (December)
Solution-phase mixture synthesis with fluorous tagging en route: total synthesis of an eight-member stereoisomer library of passifloricins.

Double your pleasure: A new double-tagging approach is validated by making eight individual stereoisomers of passifloricin through the intermediacy of a pair of four-compound quasi-isomeric mixtures. (Chemical Equation Presented) © 2006 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.
What score on the Vancouver Scar Scale constitutes a hypertrophic scar? Results from a survey of North American burn-care providers

Introduction Reliable characterization of a hypertrophic scar (HTS) is integral to epidemiologic studies designed to identify clinical and genetic risk factors for HTS. The Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) has been widely used for this purpose; however, no publication has defined what score on this scale corresponds to a clinical diagnosis of HTS.
Tricuspid valve gonococcal endocarditis: Fourth case report

Disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI) occurs in 1-3% of all gonococcal infections; endocarditis is a complication in 1-2% of patients with DGI. We present the fourth reported case of gonococcal tricuspid valve endocarditis, this one occurring in a 53-year-old male with a 2-month history of shortness of breath.
Attainment of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol goals in coronary artery disease

Background The National Cholesterol Education Program Guidelines offer an optional low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goal of less than 70 mg/dL for very high-risk patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). This study evaluated the extent to which this recommendation can be attained by the use of currently available lipid-lowering therapies. Methods A retrospective, cross-sectional study of patients in the Kaiser Permanente Colorado healthcare system 18 years of age or older with CAD and a predetermined LDL-C goal less than 70 mg/dL. The LDL-C most proximal, but within 1 year before April 1, 2008, was deemed the qualifying LDL-C and used to determine LDL-C goal attainment. Lipid-lowering medication(s) for those attaining goal and factors associated with failure to attain LDL-C goal also were identified. Results A total of 7427 patients were included in the study. A total of 3226 patients attained a LDL-C less than 70 mg/dL. The majority (92.4%) attaining goal were receiving statin monotherapy or in combination compared with 81.3% not at goal ( P Conclusion This study reports the greatest rate of LDL-C less than 70 mg/dL goal attainment in a very high-risk population with CAD to date. However, despite a system dedicated to aggressively treat to a LDL-C goal of less than 70 mg/dL, success in the majority is a challenge with the currently available therapies.
Objective analysis of actors' voices: An initial report

Summary This study describes an ongoing acoustic evaluation program for students in a professional actor training program. To date, 84 students have participated in periodic acoustic evaluation of their voices. This article presents the basis for selection of evaluation tasks and describes the method of data collection and feedback. Measures were obtained at the beginning of the actor's training via a variety of tasks including the use of oral reading and scripted materials. Measures included maximum exhalation and phonation times and resultant s/z ratio, physiological frequency range, mean speaking frequency, frequency range usage, habitual and peak intensity, vocal stability, and aperiodicity.
Phase I Trial of the Angiogenesis Inhibitor TNP-470 for Progressive Androgen-independent Prostate Cancer

Clinical and laboratory observations support the view that angiogenesis is necessary for prostate cancer progression. The angiogenesis inhibitor TNP-470 has demonstrated in vivo antitumor activity in a series of clinical models. To evaluate a possible therapeutic clinical value, we conducted a Phase I dose escalation trial of alternate-day i.v. TNP-470 in 33 patients with metastatic and androgen-independent prostate cancer. The patients were evaluated during therapy for evidence of neurological toxic effects. An assay of endothelial and vascular proliferation “markers” and a sequential assay of serum prostate-specific antigen concentration were performed. The effects of TNP-470 could be evaluated in 32 of the 33 patients. The maximum tolerated dose was 70.88 mg/m2 of body surface area. The dose-limiting toxic effect was a characteristic neuropsychiatric symptom complex (anesthesia, gait disturbance, and agitation) that resolved upon cessation of therapy. The times to clinical recovery of neurological side effects were 6, 8, and 14 weeks. No definite antitumor activity of TNP-470 was observed; however, transient stimulation of the serum prostate-specific antigen concentration occurred in some of the patients treated. Additional studies of TNP-470 should be conducted using an alternate-day i.v. injection of 47.25 mg/m2 body surface area and should focus on understanding and overcoming the neurological toxic effects. In addition, valid intermediate end points that reflect the status of tumor-associated neovascularity are needed to facilitate effective development of treatment strategies.
An application of white light interferometry in thin film measurements

An application of the white light interferometry technique has been developed for measuring the thickness of thin films. The technique is used in the development of sliders which serve as carriers for the magnetic transducers (read/write elements) that operate in close proximity to magnetic disks. With the proper design of a surface contour and the applied load on the slider, a self-acting air bearing is created under the slider due to the boundary layer existing on a rotating disk. To evaluate the performance of these sliders, parameters such as surface contour and steady-state slider-to-disk spacing must be determined. Since these parameters have a magnitude of only a few wavelengths of visible light, a light interference technique was chosen for their measurement. Conventionally, measurements of this kind are made with monochromatic light. However, when measurement magnitudes are less than 1 µm, the resolution of white light interferometry surpasses that of the monochromatic technique. The white light interference pattern is a continuous color spectrum instead of the dark and bright fringes of the monochromatic technique. For a film thickness of less than 1 µm these colors can be identified to a resolution of 0.05 µm, as compared with 0.15 to 0.20 µm for the visible monochromatic fringes of the technique currently applied to the measurement of these parameters.
Klaus Conrad (1905–1961): Delusional Mood, Psychosis, and Beginning Schizophrenia

Klaus Conrad’s major contribution to the phenomenology of psychosis focused on the patient’s experiences during the prodromal and early psychotic phases of schizophrenia. The literature in English concerning his work is sparse, in part because Conrad’s work contains complex concepts that lose much in translation. This communication attempts to clarify Conrad’s thought, especially as it pertains to the role of mood and delusions in beginning psychosis and its underlying neurobiology.
Measurements of Air Breakdown and Scaling to Microwaves Using 193 nm Focused Laser Radiation

We report the measurements and analysis of air breakdown processes by focusing 193 nm, 200 mJ, 10 MW high power UV laser radiation on to a 10 - 20 mum spot size that produces laser power densities up to 1012 -1013 W/cm2 , well above the threshold power flux for air ionization. The breakdown threshold is measured and compared with classical and quantum theoretical models. A universal scaling analysis of these results allows one to predict some aspects of high power microwave breakdown based on measured laser breakdown observations.
Steered molecular dynamics simulations of Na+ permeation across the gramicidin A channel.

force SMD with a steering force parallel to the channel axis revealed at least seven energy wells in each monomer of the channel dimer. Except at the channel dimer interface, each energy well is associated with at least three and at most four backbone carbonyl oxygens and two water oxygens in a pseudo-hexahedral or pseudo-octahedral coordination with the Na + ion. Repeated constant-velocity SMD by dragging a Na + ion from each energy well in opposite directions parallel to the channel axis allowed the computation of the PMF across the gA channel, revealing a global minimum corresponding to Na + binding sites near the entrance of gA at (9.3 A from the geometric center of the channel. The effect of volatile anesthetics on the PMF was also analyzed in the presence of halothane molecules. Although the accuracy of the current PMF calculation from SMD simulations is not yet sufficient to quantify the PMF difference with and without anesthetics, the comparison of the overall PMF profiles nevertheless confirms that the anesthetics cause insignificant changes to the structural makeup of the free energy wells along the channel and the overall permeation barrier. On average, the PMF appears less rugged in the outer part of the channel in the presence of anesthetics, consistent with our earlier finding that halothane interaction with anchoring residues makes the gA channel more dynamic. A causal relationship was observed between the reorientation of the coordinating backbone carbonyl oxygen and Na + transit from one energy well to another, suggesting the possibility that even minute changes in the conformation of pore-lining residues due to dynamic motion could be sufficient to trigger the ion permeation. Because some of the carbonyl oxygens contribute to Na + coordination in two adjacent energy wells, our SMD results reveal that the atomic picture of ion “hopping” through a gA channel actually involves a Na + ion being carried in a relay by the coordinating oxygens from one energy well to the next. Steered molecular dynamics complements other computational approaches as an attractive means for the atomistic interpretation of experimental permeation studies.
Hamiltonian theory of guiding-center motion

Guiding-center theory provides the reduced dynamical equations for the motion of charged particles in slowly varying electromagnetic fields, when the fields have weak variations over a gyration radius or gyroradius in space and a gyration period or gyroperiod in time. Canonical and noncanonical Hamiltonian formulations of guiding-center motion offer improvements over non-Hamiltonian formulations: Hamiltonian formulations possess Noether’s theorem hence invariants follow from symmetries, and they preserve the Poincare invariantsso that spurious attractors are prevented from appearing in simulations of guiding-center dynamics. Hamiltonian guiding-center theory is guaranteed to have an energy conservation law for time-independent fields—something that is not true of non-Hamiltonian guiding-center theories. The use of the phase-space Lagrangian approach facilitates this development, as there is no need to transform a priori to canonical coordinates, such as flux coordinates, which have less physical meaning. The theory of Hamiltonian dynamics is reviewed, and is used to derive the noncanonical Hamiltonian theory of guiding-center motion. This theory is further explored within the context of magnetic flux coordinates, including the generic form along with those applicable to systems in which the magnetic fields lie on nested tori. It is shown how to return to canonical coordinates to arbitrary accuracy by the Hazeltine-Meiss method and by a perturbation theory applied to the phase-space Lagrangian. This noncanonical Hamiltonian theory is used to derive the higher-order corrections to the magnetic moment adiabatic invariant and to compute the longitudinal adiabatic invariant. Noncanonical guiding-center theory is also developed for relativistic dynamics, where covariant and noncovariant results are presented. The latter is important for computations in which it is convenient to use the ordinary time as the independent variable rather than the proper time. The final section uses noncanonical guiding-center theory to discuss the dynamics of particles in systems in which the magnetic-field lines lie on nested toroidal flux surfaces. A hierarchy in the extent to which particles move off of flux surfaces is established. This hierarchy extends from no motion off flux surfaces for any particle to no average motion off flux surfaces for particular types of particles. Future work in magnetically confined plasmas may make use of this hierarchy in designing systems that minimize transport losses.
Scaling properties of NDVI and their relationship to land-cover spatial variability

A major issue in remote sensing involves the relationship between sensor resolution and the scales of variability of scene elements. The authors present four methods for understanding the relationship between vegetation and TM-based NDVI across a range of spatial scales for a rugged mountainous environment. They analyze spatially degraded NDVI and vegetation data by a) determining the partitioning of total image variance into different landscape scales and b) quantifying the ability of classification to absorb total NDVI-image variance across scales. For the given definition of vegetation, and within the the range of scales analyzed, 90 m emerges as a fundamental scale of variability in the landscape. This scale may provide the most parsimonious resolution for linking vegetation type to NDVI in this particular landscape.
Deployment: Regulations and Steps for Commercialization

Genetically modified (GM) crops produced by genetic engineering continue to increase in production worldwide. In 2007, 23 countries produced 282.3 million acres of GM crops, up 30.3 million acres since 2006 [International Service of AgriBiotech Applications (ISAAA)]. The US ranks first in GM crop production, followed by Argentina, Brazil and Canada, in that order. The potential for economic and social gain from the production of GM crops is generally greater in developing countries/economies, since there is usually a higher incidence of disease/pests and larger potential for yield increase (Abdalla et al. 2003; Qaim 2005). According to Nossal et al. (2008), GM crop production in 2007 increased by 20% in countries with emerging economies versus 6% in developed countries.
Historic Preservation and the Role of the Civil Engineer

The general neglect of historic industrial and engineering sites and artifacts has made modern man feel that technology has taken control of his life. The divisions of the National Park Service responsible for historic preservation programs have begun to devote more attention to our engineering and industrial heritage. The Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) conducts both extensive and intensive programs to document such sites. The National Register of Historic Places, the Preservation Grants Program, and the National Historic Landmarks Program all include engineering sites. Engineering professionals must take an active role in the preservation of the artifacts of their discipline both by initiating specific preservation projects and through technical assistance to other preservationists. There is no substitute for the well-informed engineer with a sense of the history of his profession and of his town or region.