cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differentiation of Twenty‐One Glitter Lip‐Glosses by Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectroscopy*

Abstract: Differentiation of 21 glitter lip-glosses from seven manufacturers was attempted by pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy. Samples were pyrolyzed on a ribbon probe at 800°C for 20 sec and analyzed with an Agilent® 6890N Network GC System and Agilent® 5973 Network Mass Selective Detector with MSD Productivity ChemStation® Data Analysis software. The total ion chromatograms obtained were examined and differences in the presence or absence of certain chromatographic peaks corresponding to certain pyrolysis products (e.g., styrene, cyclohexane) noted. In cases where the total ion chromatograms between lip-glosses were similar, select ion profiling was performed. Of the 21 lip-glosses, 15 were differentiated by either the total ion chromatograms alone or through select ion profiling. Considering that lip-glosses are typically worn by young women (who are disproportionately victims of sexual assault), this study offers the potential of being able to provide investigative leads in sexual assault investigations with evidentiary samples of this kind.
In vitro mixed ruminal microorganism fermentation of whole cottonseed coated with gelatinized corn starch and urea.

Abstract We conducted an in vitro mixed ruminal microorganism fermentation study to determine the effect of coating whole cottonseed with gelatinized corn starch and feed grade urea. Treatments were arranged as a 3 × 4 factorial to provide three concentrations of starch (0.0, 2.5, and 5.0%) and four concentrations of urea (0.0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0%). All treatments were prepared from one lot of whole cottonseed. Batch culture fermentations were conducted using anaerobic medium that contained 20% (vol/vol) ruminal fluid in 160-ml serum bottles. Whole cottonseed was ground to pass through a 6-mm screen and weighed amounts (0, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.2g) were added to the serum bottles. As starch increased, H 2 ,CH 4 , total volatile fatty acids, and molar proportions of propionate increased linearly, whereas pH, molar proportions of acetate, and the acetate to propionate ratio decreased linearly. l-Lactate concentrations were highest with 2.5% starch compared with 0 or 5.0%. As the amount of urea in the coating increased, pH and CH 4 increased linearly, whereas H 2 concentrations decreased linearly. Ammonia concentrations exhibited a quadratic response due to moderate increases with the addition of 0.25 and 0.5% urea, and a greater increase was observed with 1.0% urea. Interactions between starch and urea were observed for H 2 ,CH 4 ,NH 3 , and l-lactate. Concentrations of H 2 decreased and CH 4 was relatively constant as urea increased in the presence of 0 and 2.5% starch, but increased with 5% starch. l-Lactate concentrations were unchanged (0% starch), higher (2.5% starch), or lower (5.0% starch) as urea increased. Ammonia concentrations increased after urea exceeded 10% of the starch concentration. The addition of urea did not prevent the decline in pH, but did reduce H 2 and CH 4 accumulation with 2.5% starch.
Ionic strength independence of charge distributions in solvation of biomolecules

Electrostatic forces enormously impact the structure, interactions, and function of biomolecules. We perform all-atom molecular dynamics simulations for 5 proteins and 5 RNAs to determine the dependence on ionic strength of the ion and water charge distributions surrounding the biomolecules, as well as the contributions of ions to the electrostatic free energy of interaction between the biomolecule and the surrounding salt solution (for a total of 40 different biomolecule/solvent combinations). Although water provides the dominant contribution to the charge density distribution and to the electrostatic potential even in 1M NaCl solutions, the contributions of water molecules and of ions to the total electrostatic interaction free energy with the solvated biomolecule are comparable. The electrostatic biomolecule/solvent interaction energies and the total charge distribution exhibit a remarkable insensitivity to salt concentrations over a huge range of salt concentrations (20 mM to 1M NaCl). The electrostatic potentials near the biomolecule's surface obtained from the MD simulations differ markedly, as expected, from the potentials predicted by continuum dielectric models, even though the total electrostatic interaction free energies are within 11% of each other.
Collective motion in nucleus-nucleus collisions at 800 MeV/nucleon

Semicentral Ar+KCl, La+La, and Ar+Pb collisions at 800 MeV/nucleon were studied using a streamer chamber. The results are analyzed in the framework of the transverse momentum analysis and in terms of the average sphericity matrix. A critical examination of the analysis procedures, both experimental and theoretical, is given. New procedures are described to account for overall momentum conservation in the reaction, and to correct for azimuthal variations in the detection efficiency. Average transverse momenta per nucleon in the reaction plane are presented for deuterons emitted in the forward hemisphere, as these provide the most reliable information. A Vlasov-Uehling-Uhlenbeck calculation with a stiff equation of state gives a good fit to the momenta in the Ar+Pb reaction. Flow effects parametrized further using the sphericity tensor are found stronger than in the cascade model and consistently weaker than predicted by hydrodynamics. Parameters from the sphericity tensor exhibit a larger variation as a function of multiplicity than do the average momenta per nucleon.
In-situ Soil Moisture Sensing: Measurement Scheduling and Estimation Using Sparse Sampling

We consider the problem of monitoring soil moisture evolution using a wireless network of in-situ underground sensors. To reduce cost and prolong lifetime, it is highly desirable to rely on fewer measurements and estimate with higher accuracy the original signal (the temporal evolution of soil moisture). In this article, we explore the use of results from the theory of sparse sampling, including Compressive Sensing (CS) and Matrix Completion (MC), in this application context. We first consider the problem of reconstructing the soil moisture process at a single location using CS. Our physical constraint leads to very sparse measurement matrices, which makes finding a suitable representation basis very challenging: it needs to make the underlying signal sufficiently sparse while at the same time being sufficiently incoherent with the measurement matrix, two common preconditions for CS techniques to work well. We construct a representation basis by exploiting unique features of soil moisture evolution and show that this basis attains a very good tradeoff between its ability to sparsify the signal and its incoherence with measurement matrices that are consistent with our physical constraints. We next consider the problem of jointly reconstructing soil moisture processes at multiple locations, assuming sparse measurements can be taken at each location. We show that the spatial soil moisture process enjoys a low-rank property, a priority for MC. Accordingly, we introduce a spatiotemporal measurement matrix and apply the MC framework to reconstruct the soil moisture field. Extensive numerical evaluation is performed on both real, high-resolution soil moisture data and simulated data and through comparison with a closed-loop scheduling approach. Our results demonstrate that, for a single location, a uniform measurement scheduling followed by CS recovery results in a very nice tradeoff between estimation accuracy, sampling rate, flexibility, and feasibility in implementation. When multiple locations are available, our results show that joint reconstruction using MC in general produces better estimation accuracy than using a single location alone, but it requires the use of independent and random measurement schedules across locations. We also show that these sparse sampling techniques can be augmented so as to be robust against sporadic data outliers/corruption caused by, for example, intermittent sensor faults.
Sea mine detection with a nearest-neighbor classifier based on residual vector quantization

ABSTRACT The use of residual (multiple stage) vector quantizer codevectors in a nearest neighbor classifier for direct classification of image pixel data is proposed. This approach combines the successive approximation process generated by theresidual vector quantizer with sequential decision making. This approach potentially has the advantage of making large data base searches for small object or texture recognition in images both computation and memory efficient. Key Words: nearest neighbor classifier, vector quantization 1 INTRODUCTION The technical goals of counter-mine programs require that systems be developed for processing sensor data forautonomous detection and classification of mine-like objects in image data. The autonomous detection task involveslocal image decisions to discriminate between harmless and potentially hazardous subregions of an image. The au-tonomous classification task involves decisions to verify and identify potential threats. Machine-based identificationusing entire images can sometimes be achieved by very sophisticated, and often, computationally demanding algo-rithms. Machine-based classification using only small regions of an image to identify small objects is much simpler.The scope of this paper is restricted to the effective automation of the detection and classification of small objects( objects that are comprised on the order of 10 '
Sexual behavior of male dairy goats: effects of deafferentation of the genitalia

The following study examines the effects of deafferentation of the penis, scrotum, prepuce and adjacent cutaneous surfaces on the development of mounting behavior in male dairy goats. Ten males underwent surgical deafferentations and 10 males received sham operations at 8 to 12 weeks of age. Mounting and other sexual behaviors were monitored while subjects were cohabiting with male and female penmates and when individually exposed to estrous females. Denervated males mounted penmates less frequently than sham controls and lacked vigorous thrusting behavior. When exposed to estrous females denervated goats did not exhibit the normal progression from shallow to deep thrusting with successive mounts and failed to attain intromissions and ejaculations. However, frequency of mounting was similar to that of controls when the latter were prevented from attaining intromissions. It was concluded that sensory feedback from the genitalia and surrounding cutaneous areas is not required for the initiation of leg-kicking behavior in male dairy goats but plays an important role in the development and maintenance of normal patterns of thrusting behavior. Because it was not possible to determine the rate at which reinnervation occurred, the extent to which mounting behavior depends on sensory feedback could not be determined.
Delayed extraction for improved resolution of ion/surface collision products by time-of-flight mass spectrometry

A time-of-flight mass spectrometer is described which contains a collision surface located behind the reflectron. This collision device uses delayed extraction (DE) to improve the instrument resolving power for ion/surface collision products formed by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and surface induced dissociation (SID). Comparisons are made between spectra acquired using delayed and continuous extraction. SIMS spectra were acquired by bombarding a perfluoropolyether (PFPE) surface with 1.5 keV ferrocene molecular ion projectiles. Sputtered fluorocarbon ions were detected with resolving powers (m/Δm, FWHM) of 150 and 950 using continuous and delayed extraction, respectively. SID spectra were acquired using naphthalene projectile ions which collide upon the PFPE surface at 50 eV. Naphthalene fragments were detected with a resolving power of 130 using continuous extraction and 350 with DE. For both the high- and low-energy experiments, the instrument resolving power showed a strong dependence on extraction delay. Energy resolved SID mass spectra collected using ferrocene molecular ions show that fragmentation of this projectile is similar to that observed while using other instrument geometries.
Applying Web-based tools for research, engineering and operations

Personnel in the NASA Glenn Research Center Network and Architectures branch have performed a variety of research related to space-based sensor webs, network centric operations, security and delay tolerant networking (DTN). Quality documentation and communications, real-time monitoring and information dissemination are critical in order to perform quality research while maintaining low cost and utilizing multiple remote systems. This has been accomplished using a variety of Internet technologies often operating simultaneously. This paper describes important features of various technologies and provides a number of real-world examples of how combining Internet technologies can enable a virtual team to act efficiently as one unit to perform advanced research in operational systems. Finally, real and potential abuses of power and manipulation of information and information access is addressed. 1 2
Dipstick proteinuria: Can it guide hypertension management?

Recent guidelines call for lower blood pressure targets in patients with proteinuria of 1 g/d or greater. Dipstick test for proteinuria is widely available, but no information on its sensitivity or specificity is available when implementing current guidelines. To determine performance characteristics of dipstick proteinuria, we studied 332 patients attending a Veterans Administration renal clinic who underwent simultaneous measurement of urine protein and creatinine, as well as automated urinalysis with a dipstick graded from 0 to 4+ with a machine reader. There was increasing severity of proteinuria with each increment in dipstick result. When the spot urine protein-creatinine ratio was less than 1, a lower specific gravity was associated with greater severity of proteinuria. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for 1 and 3 g protein/g creatinine were 0.945 and 0.905, respectively. This attests to the excellent performance of the urine dipstick. The likelihood of having a protein-creatinine ratio of 1 or greater was 7% when urine dipstick protein value was 1+ or 2+, 62% when dipstick protein value was 3+, and 92% when dipstick protein value was 4+. Thus, dipstick proteinuria assessed by an automated reader remains a useful test to predict the severity of proteinuria and can be used to guide therapy. A cutoff dipstick proteinuria value of 3+ has the best combination of sensitivity and specificity (96% and 87%, respectively) in predicting a protein-creatinine ratio of 1 or greater and a cutoff value of 4+ in predicting a protein-creatinine ratio of 3 or greater (sensitivity, 94%; specificity, 83%). These results suggest that patients with 3+ or greater proteinuria should not only trigger appropriate evaluation of proteinuria, but also have mean arterial pressures targeted to less than 92 mm Hg.
Ascorbate 6-palmitate protects human erythrocytes from oxidative damage

Lipid-soluble antioxidants, such as alpha-tocopherol, protect cell membranes from oxidant damage. In this work we sought to determine whether the amphipathic derivative of ascorbate, ascorbate 6-palmitate, is retained in the cell membrane of intact erythrocytes, and whether it helps to protect the cells against peroxidative damage. We found that ascorbate 6-palmitate binding to erythrocytes was dose-dependent, and that the derivative was retained during the multiple wash steps required for preparation of ghost membranes. Ascorbate 6-palmitate remained on the extracellular surface of the cells, because it was susceptible to oxidation or removal by several cell-impermeant agents. When bound to the surface of erythrocytes, ascorbate 6-palmitate reduced ferricyanide, an effect that was associated with generation of an ascorbyl free radical signal on EPR spectroscopy. Erythrocyte-bound ascorbate 6-palmitate protected membrane alpha-tocopherol from oxidation by both ferricyanide and a water-soluble free radical initiator, suggesting that the derivative either reacted directly with the exogenously added oxidant, or that it was able to recycle the alpha-tocopheroxyl radical to alpha-tocopherol in the cell membrane. Ascorbate 6-palmitate also partially protected cis-parinaric acid from oxidation when this fluorescent fatty acid was intercalated into the membrane of intact cells. These results show that an amphipathic ascorbate derivative is retained on the exterior cell surface of human erythrocytes, where it helps to protect the membrane from oxidant damage originating outside the cells.
Approach to the patient with aortic stenosis and low ejection fraction

Aortic stenosis is the most common valvular abnormality in the United States today. It has been well established that most patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis should undergo operation with aortic valve replacement. This is particularly true when ventricular function is maintained, as the operative risk is low and the long-term outcome is excellent. In most patients with a reduced ejection fraction, there is an increased risk of operation and poorer long-term outcome. However, operation is still of benefit in most patients, as relief of an afterload mismatch will improve ventricular function and provide symptom relief. There is a subset of patients with left ventricular dysfunction at even higher risk who have a low aortic valve gradient and small valve area, some of whom may not have severe obstruction. Pharmacologic challenge may be necessary to identify those patients with true aortic stenosis and further helps determine those who would benefit from surgical intervention.
Oxygen Consumption by Nymphs of Dragonfly Somatochlora cingulata (Odonata: Anisoptera)

Abstract Determination of oxygen consumption a t 20 ± 1 °C was made in nymphs of the dragonfly Somatochlora cingulata. Three methods of measuring oxygen uptake rates were compared with respect to reproducibility and sensitivity. A flow-through regime, employing chemical titration of oxygen yielded the most reproducible results, though titration is not as sensitive as manometric based procedures. The Gilson respirometer and static chemical titration procedures were both more variable.
Trenching effects on dynamic behavior of a steel catenary riser

Abstract The fatigue life of a steel catenary riser (SCR) near its touch-down zone (TDZ) is substantially affected by its interaction with the seabed. Therefore, accurate estimate of the fatigue life of a SCR requires the understanding and realistic modeling of this interaction. The interaction depends on several factors, such as soil properties, riser characteristics, and the development of trenching at the seabed. Existing approaches for modeling the seabed in interaction with a SCR approximate the behavior of the seabed soil by linear or nonlinear spring and dashpot, which represent the stiffness and damping of the soil, respectively. However, these approaches do not account for certain phenomena resulting from the plastic deformation of soil, such as trenching development at the seabed. In this study, a more realistic approach is developed for simulating the interaction between a SCR and the seabed. In addition to the use of a realistic P–y curve (where P stands for the supporting force of the seabed and y for the vertical penetration of the riser into the seabed) to simulate the soil deformation during its interaction with the riser, it considers the development of a trench caused by continuous impact of a riser on the seabed and then its feedback effect on the variation of the bending moment along the riser. It is found that the trenching development on the seabed may decrease the maximum variation of bending moment of a riser near its TDZ. Since the variation of bending moment dictates the fatigue damage to the SCR, the results based on this approach indicate that the trenching development at the seabed may increase the fatigue life of the SCR and hence it may have important application to the design of a SCR.
The changing epidemiology of HIV-related chronic kidney disease in the era of antiretroviral therapy

The epidemiology of kidney disease in HIV-infected individuals has changed significantly since the introduction of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in the mid 1990s. HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN), an aggressive form of collapsing focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) caused by direct HIV infection of the kidney in a genetically susceptible host, emerged early in the HIV epidemic as a leading cause of end-stage renal disease. With the widespread use of cART, HIVAN is increasingly rare in populations with access to care, and the spectrum of HIV-related chronic kidney disease now reflects the growing burden of comorbid disease in the aging HIV population. Nonetheless, available data suggest that both HIV infection and cART nephrotoxicity continue to contribute to the increased risk of chronic kidney disease in HIV-infected individuals in the United States and Europe. Despite the genetic susceptibility to HIVAN in individuals of West African descent, limited data are available to define the prevalence and spectrum of HIV-related kidney disease in sub-Saharan Africa, which is home to two-thirds of the world's HIV population. In this mini-review, we characterize the changing epidemiology of HIV-related chronic kidney disease in Western nations and in sub-Saharan Africa.
Action of the single-stranded DNA specific nuclease S1 on double-stranded DNA.

Abstract The single-stranded DNA specific nuclease S1 (Ando, T. (1966) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 114, 158–168) puts single-stranded breaks into double-stranded ΦX174 and T7 DNAs. The enzyme first converts the supercoiled ΦX174 RF I ★ into the relaxed form RF II, and then puts an increasing number of nicks into both of the DNA strands of the duplex. These breaks can only be observed upon denaturation of the molecule. This double-stranded DNA nicking activity of S1 nuclease is low compared with the single-stranded DNA digestion activity, and during the time it takes to completely digest ΦX174 single-stranded DNA to acid soluble nucleotides (i.e. approx. 5000 phosphodiester bond cleavages), only two to three nicks are put into the double-stranded ΦX174 DNA molecule (i.e. four to six phosphodiester bond cleavages). As the enzyme preparation used gave a single band on a sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel, it is tentatively concluded that the S1 nuclease not only digests single-stranded DNA to nucleotides, but also puts single-strand breaks in double-stranded DNA.
Identifying artificially deformed crania

In this paper we report on a new discriminant function for the identification of artificially deformed crania. Development of the function, based on a sample of deformed and undeformed crania from the Philippines, required visual classification of the sample into deformed and undeformed groups. Working from the observation that deformed crania display flattened frontal and occipital regions, the sample was seriated based on degree of flattening; classification was based on the results of this seriation. The discriminant function, calculated using curvature indices, required only six simple measurements: arc and chord measurements for the frontal (glabella to bregma), parietals (bregma to lambda) and occipital (lambda to opisthion). The function was designed to be conservative, in that a deformed cranium may be classified as undeformed, but the opposite should not occur. Our function classified the undeformed crania with 100% accuracy and deformed crania with 76.9% accuracy, for a total of 91.9% agreement with visual classification. In order to evaluate whether the function is applicable for samples from outside the Philippines, a double blind test was conducted with a large sample of deformed and undeformed crania from a broad geographical and temporal range. For this sample, the function agreed with visual classification in 89.7% of cases; 98.8% of undeformed crania were correctly classified, while deformed crania were identified with 73.7% accuracy. These results demonstrate the utility of the new discriminant function for the classification of artificially deformed crania from diverse contexts. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gain-Switched Pulse Response of Quantum-Well Lasers

An analytical model is established for the gain-switched pulse response of quantum-well lasers (QWLs). The electron and photon rate equations are coupled through the dynamic variations of the laser gain represented by the stimulated lifetime in terms of the Fermi energies. The gain switching response is obtained analytically using approximate quiescent boundary conditions and a perturbation technique which enables solution of the differential equations. A theoretical sech2(t) pulse shape for the photon response is obtained analytically for the first time. The condition for obtaining identical repetitive pulses is discussed and found to be determined by both the electrical direct current (dc) bias and alternating current (ac) pulse amplitude and width. The analytical solution is shown to be excellent by comparison to a numerical solution of the standard equation. To establish the utility of the model, pulse data on vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) were taken and found to be well predicted within the error of the measurement.
Self-correlation method for processing random phase signals in Fourier Transform Mass Spectrometry

Abstract Image current measurement followed by Fourier transform has been widely used for Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance and Orbitrap mass spectrometers. It has also been explored as a non-destructive mass analysis method using quadrupole ion traps. The phase between the ion excitation and the image current measurement typically needs to be well controlled for obtaining high quality spectra. In this study, a data processing method based on self-correlation (SC) function has been explored for signal enhancement with image current data recorded at random phases. The simple algorithm of the SC method was introduced and a series of data used for demonstrations was simulated based on a previous study on non-destructive mass analysis using an ion trap. A significant improvement has been achieved in the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) as well as in the accuracy of the peak ratio. The efficiency of using a mask data set for selected ion monitoring has also been demonstrated.
Continuous enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass with simultaneous detoxification and enzyme recovery.

Recovering hydrolysis enzymes and/or alternative enzyme addition strategies are two potential mechanisms for reducing the cost during the biochemical conversion of lignocellulosic materials into renewable biofuels and biochemicals. Here, we show that enzymatic hydrolysis of acid-pretreated pine wood with continuous and/or fed-batch enzyme addition improved sugar conversion efficiencies by over sixfold. In addition, specific activity of the hydrolysis enzymes (cellulases, hemicellulases, etc.) increased as a result of continuously washing the residual solids with removal of glucose (avoiding the end product inhibition) and other enzymatic inhibitory compounds (e.g., furfural, hydroxymethyl furfural, organic acids, and phenolics). As part of the continuous hydrolysis, anion exchange resin was tested for its dual application of simultaneous enzyme recovery and removal of potential enzymatic and fermentation inhibitors. Amberlite IRA-96 showed favorable adsorption profiles of inhibitors, especially furfural, hydroxymethyl furfural, and acetic acid with low affinity toward sugars. Affinity of hydrolysis enzymes to adsorb onto the resin allowed for up to 92 % of the enzymatic activity to be recovered using a relatively low-molar NaCl wash solution. Integration of an ion exchange column with enzyme recovery into the proposed fed-batch hydrolysis process can improve the overall biorefinery efficiency and can greatly reduce the production costs of lignocellulosic biorenewable products.
Spinal cholinergic inhibition of the pressor response to muscle activation is mediated by muscarinic, but not nicotinic, receptors

Abstract This study examined the influence of spinal muscarinic and nicotinic receptors on the cardiovascular adjustments to skeletal muscle activation in anesthetized cats. Microdialyzing into the L 7 dorsal horn increasing doses of the muscarinic receptor agonist bethanechol, but not the nicotinic receptor antagonist mecamylamine, reduced increases in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) during hindlimb contraction or passive stretch. Atropine administration accentuated the cardiovascular responses during contraction, but not during passive stretch. These data indicate that muscarinic, but not nicotinic, receptors at the dorsal horn level blunt the pressor response to muscle activity. Further, the data suggest that the two neural pathways involved in muscle contraction or stretch are anatomically distinct.
Review of techniques for optimizing multiple quality characteristics in product development

Abstract For a manufacturing organization to compete effectively in the global marketplace a strong product development process is essential. An important ingredient in the product development process is the identification and subsequent optimization of those product characteristics which denote quality. Relying upon inspection and testing to ensure product quality is inefficient and expensive. Rather, quality should be built into the design of the product. Consequently, product quality characteristics must be optimized during the product development process. Typically, there are several product quality characteristics which are important indicators of quality, and one or more of the quality characteristics may require optimization of both mean and variance. This paper describes the application of the methodologies available for optimization of quality characteristics in product development: Taguchi's Methods, mathematical programming, and response surface methodology. The utilization of each technique for optimization of a single quality characteristic and for optimization of both the mean and variance of multiple quality characteristics is described.
Authorship for Software

Excerpt To the editor: The decision to review microcomputer software related to internal medicine is timely (1). As the initial reviews show (2, 3), the quality of available software is variable, a...
Evaluation of the stability of creatine in solution prepared from effervescent creatine formulations

The objectives of this study were to determine the cause of the crystallization in a large volume creatine supplement solution made from effervescent powders containing di-creatine citrate, and to characterize these crystals using thermal analyses and x-ray diffractometry. Creatine effervescent powders were dissolved in deionized water (pH 6.2) and stored both at room temperature (RT) (25°C) and refrigerated condition (4°C) over a period of 45 days. Creatine concentration was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Intrinsic dissolution and saturated solubility of creatine, creatine monohydrate, and di-creatine citrate in water were determined and compared. Crystal growth was detected only in the refrigerated samples on the seventh day of storage. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and x-ray diffraction (XRD) studies revealed that the crystals formed were of creatine monohydrate. Ninety percent creatine degradation was observed within 45 days for RT samples. However, at refrigerated condition this degradation was 80% within the same time period. The pH of the RT samples also increased from 3.6 to 4.5 during storage. No such increase was observed in the case of refrigerated samples. The intrinsic dissolution rate constants of the compounds decreased in the following order: dicreatine citrate>creatine>creatine monohydrate. In conclusion, di-creatine citrate used in effervescent formulation dissociates to creatine in aqueous solution and eventually crystallizes out as creatine monohydrate. Significant decrease in solubility and effect of pH contribute to this crystallization process.
Evolution of Stellar Collision Products in Globular Clusters - II. Off-axis Collisions.

We continue our exploration of collisionally merged stars in the blue straggler region of the color-magnitude diagram. We report the results of new smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) calculations of parabolic collisions between two main-sequence stars, with the initial structure and composition profiles of the parent stars having been determined from stellar evolution calculations. Parallelization of the SPH code has permitted much higher numerical resolution of the hydrodynamics. We also present evolutionary tracks for the resulting collision products, which emerge as rapidly rotating blue stragglers. The rotating collision products are brighter, bluer, and remain on the main sequence longer than their nonrotating counterparts. In addition, they retain their rapid rotation rates throughout their main-sequence lifetime. Rotationally induced mixing strongly affects the evolution of the collision products, although it is not sufficient to mix the entire star. We discuss the implications of these results for studies of blue straggler populations in clusters. This work shows that off-axis collision products cannot become blue stragglers unless they lose a large fraction of their initial angular momentum. The mechanism for this loss is not apparent, although some possibilities are discussed.
Direct transoral manipulation to reduce a displaced odontoid fracture: a technical note.

Abstract Background context Irreducible anteriorly displaced odontoid fractures are usually treated with posterior atlantoaxial fusion. Purpose To present an alternative for fracture reduction and anterior stabilization for displaced odontoid fractures. Study design A technique for reduction of odontoid fractures is reported. Patient sample Case study of a single patient with an odontoid fracture. Outcome measures Only fracture reduction and fracture healing were evaluated. Methods After a failed trial of closed reduction with skeletal traction, a patient with an anteriorly displaced odontoid fracture was taken to the operating room for attempted closed reduction and odontoid screw placement. Results Fracture reduction was achieved with routine maneuvers supplemented by posterior translation through direct oropharyngeal pressure with a padded laryngoscope blade. Conclusions Direct transoral reduction of odontoid fractures is safe and feasible and can be used to assist in reduction of anteriorly displaced fractures.
The pairwise correlated generalized valence bond model of electronic structure I; the estimation of pair energies from orbital overlaps.

Abstract A new method for the accurate a priori calculation of atomic and molecular energies is proposed. The new method agrees with experiment to within less than 1 kcal/mole in all cases examined thus far, and is applicable to excited states and to transition states for chemical reactions. Since the new method corrects the results of generalized valence bond calculations for the effects of electron pair correlations, we call the new method the pairwise correlated generalized valence bond method.
Range separation performance and optimal pulse-width prediction of a three-dimensional flash laser detection and ranging using the Cramer-Rao bound.

This paper derives the Cramer–Rao bound (CRB) on range separation estimation of two point sources interrogated by a three-dimensional flash laser detection and ranging (LADAR) system. An unbiased range separation estimator is also derived to compare against the bound. Additionally, the CRB can be expressed as a function of two LADAR design parameters (range sampling and transmitted pulse width), which can be selected in order to optimize the expected range resolution between two point sources. Given several range sampling capabilities, the CRB and simulation show agreement that there is an optimal pulse width where a shorter pulse width would increase estimation variance due to undersampling of the pulse and a longer pulse width would degrade the resolving capability. Finally, the optimal pulse-width concept is extended to more complex targets and a normalized pulse definition.
EVAR Deployment in Anatomically Challenging Necks Outside the IFU

Objective Treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms with high-risk anatomy (neck length 60°) using commercially available devices has become increasingly common with expanding institutional experience. We examined whether placement of approved devices in short angled necks provides acceptable durability at early and intermediate time points. Methods A total of 218 patients (197 men, 21 women) at a single academic center underwent endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) with a commercially available device between January 2004 and December 2007. Available medical records, pre- and postoperative imaging, and clinical follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into those with suitable anatomy (instructions for use, IFU) for EVAR and those with high-risk anatomic aneurysm characteristics (non-IFU). Results IFU ( n = 143) patients underwent repair with Excluder (40%), AneuRx (34%), and Zenith (26%) devices, whereas non-IFU ( n = 75) were preferentially treated with Zenith (57%) over Excluder (25%) and AneuRx (17%). Demographics and medical comorbidities between the groups were similar. Operative mortality was 1.4% (2.1% IFU, 0% non-IFU) with mean follow-up of 35 months (range 12–72). Non-IFU patients tended to have larger sac diameters (46.7% ≥60 mm) with shorter (30.7% ≤10 mm), conical (49.3%), and more angled (68% >60°) necks (all p p = .003), and needed increased fluoroscopy time (31 vs. 25 minutes, p = .02). Contrast dose was similar between groups (IFU = 118 mL, non-IFU = 119 mL, p = .95). There were no early or late surgical conversions. Rates of migration, endoleak, need for reintervention, sac regression, and freedom from aneurysm-related death were similar between the groups ( p > .05). Conclusions EVAR may be performed safely in high-risk patients with unfavorable neck anatomy using particular commercially available endografts. In our experience, the preferential use of active suprarenal fixation and aggressive use of proximal cuffs is associated with optimal results in these settings. Mid-term outcomes are comparable with those achieved in patients with suitable anatomy using a similar range of EVAR devices. Careful and mandatory long-term follow-up will be necessary to confirm the benefit of treating these high-risk anatomic patients.
An Overview of Fuzzy Logic Based Power System Stabilizers

Fuzzy logic has emerged as a promising tool for several power system applications. A large body of the literature in this area is concerned with the stability of the electric power system, and considerable effort has been directed to the development of a fuzzy logic based power system stabilizer (FLPSS). The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of the FLPSS, based on published literature from 1989 to the present.
Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)—incidence and etiologies at a regional Children’s Hospital in 2001–2006

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a serious health concern in children. HUS has primarily been linked to Escherichia coli O157:H7 infections, but non-O157 strains are gaining attention. Hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute renal failure are the characteristics of the syndrome. This study investigated the incidence of HUS at a regional Children’s Hospital between 2001 and 2006 by retrospective review. Cases of HUS were investigated for outcomes based on stool culture and an association of acute pancreatitis. A total of 44 cases were identified, of which 57% were female and 43% were male, with an age distribution of 13 months to 17 years and a median age of 3.44 years. Data revealed 13 cases in 2006 compared to two cases in 2001, with 84% of all illnesses occurring in the summer and fall seasons. The median duration of thrombocytopenia was eight days and 50% of all cases required dialysis. E. coli O157:H7 was the predominant pathogen; however, 53% of the cases had unknown etiology. This data may suggest a growing number of cases from 2001 to 2006 and a role for agents other than E. coli O157:H7. E. coli O157:H7 caused longer intensive care unit (ICU) stay. No association between HUS and acute pancreatitis was found.
The elasticity problem for a thick-walled cylinder containing a circumferential crack

The elasticity problem for a long hollow circular cylinder containing an axisymmetric circumferential crack subjected to general nonaxisymmetric external loads is considered. The problem is formulated in terms of a system of singular integral equations with the Fourier coefficients of the derivative of the crack surface displacement as density functions. The stress intensity factors and the crack opening displacement are calculated for a cylinder under uniform tension, bending by end couples, and self-equilibrating residual stresses.
The distribution of serotonin in the CNS of an elasmobranch fish: immunocytochemical and biochemical studies in the Atlantic stingray, Dasyatis sabina.

The distribution of serotonin (5HT) in the brain of the Atlantic stingray was studied with peroxidase-antiperoxidase immunocytochemistry and high-pressure liquid chromatography. The regional concentrations of 5HT determined for this stingray fell within the range of values previously reported for fishes. A consistent trend in vertebrates for the hypothalamus and midbrain to have the highest concentrations and the cerebellum the lowest was confirmed in stingrays. Neuronal cell bodies and processes exhibiting 5HT-like immunoreactivity were distributed in variable densities throughout the neuraxis. Ten groups of 5HT cells were described: (I) spinal cord, (II-IV) rhombencephalon, (V, VI) mesencephalon, (VII, VIII) prosen-cephalon, (IX) pituitary, and (X) retina. There were three noteworthy features of the 5HT system in the Atlantic stingray: (1) 5HT cells were demonstrated in virtually every location in which 5HT-containing cells have been described or alluded to in the previous literature. The demonstration of immunopositive cells in the spinal cord, the retina, and the pars distalis of the pituitary suggests that 5HT may be an intrinsic neurotransmitter (or hormone) in these regions. (2) The distribution of 5HT cells in the brainstem shared many similarities with that in other vertebrates. However, there were many 5HT cells outside of the raphe nuclei, in the lateral tegmentum. It appears that the hypothesis that “lateralization” of the 5HT system is an advanced evolutionary trend cannot be supported. (3) 5HT fibers and terminals were more widely distributed in the Atlantic stingray brain than has been reported for other nonmammalian vertebrates on the basis of histofluorescence. It appears that this feature of the 5HT system arose early in phylogeny, and that the use of immunohistochemistry might reveal a more general occurrence of widespread 5HT fibers and terminals.
Repulsive van der Waals Forces for Silica and Alumina

Abstract The forces of interaction between a flat polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) surface and an α-alumina or amorphous silica sphere in cyclohexane as a function of distance of separation have been measured using the colloid probe technique in an atomic force microscope in a liquid cell. Repulsive van der Waals forces were predicted for the forces of interaction between PTFE and α-alumina or silica according to the negative Hamaker constants, which were calculated from the dielectric response functions of materials using the Lifshitz theory. The measured forces fit well to theoretically calculated forces, which include the retardation contribution. The retardation effects are apparent at large distance of separation (>4–5 nm), where the measured forces are weaker than the nonretarded prediction.
Reproduction and Early-Life Accommodations of Landlocked Alewives to a Southern Range Extension

Abstract Reproduction and first-year growth and food habits of landlocked alewives Alosa pseudoharengus in Claytor Lake, Virginia were examined and compared to descriptions for populations in the species' established New England-Great Lakes range. Alewives in mesothermal (2–27 C) Claytor Lake are shorter-lived (3 years) but grow faster, mature earlier (age 1), and have higher relative and absolute fecundities than have been reported for populations in colder northern waters. The 1979 spawning period extended from early May to early August, beginning at least 1 month earlier and lasting 4–9 weeks longer than in northern lakes. Changes in ovary condition during the spawning period suggest that alewives may be fractional spawners. Evidence of spawning was found in littoral areas throughout the lower 15 km of the reservoir. Growth in length of age-0 Claytor Lake alewives was linear through September and terminated in late autumn. Total first-year growth was reduced in 1979 (maximum of 130 mm total length, TL)...
Optimization and Microstructural Analysis of Cobalt-Sulfide-Pigmented Aluminum Oxide

Abstract Porous anodic films formed on aluminum in a phosphoric acid electrolyte were used to develop selective solar coatings by double precipitation of cobalt acetate and ammonium sulfide indide the pores. The black coatings containing cobalt sulfide were then sealed in hot water and their optical, mechanical and thermal degradation properties were tested. Multiple linear regression routines were used to optimize the absorptance and emittance values and the coating formation conditions were accordingly adjusted. After optimization, the coatings were characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and thermal stability tests were performed to determine the long-term quality of the coatings. The coatings were found to have good thermal stability up to 150°C and high adhesion strength as well as absorptances of up to 0.965 at emittances ranging from 0.15 to 0.25.
Phosphorylation of rat brain cytoskeletal proteins is increased after orally administered aluminum

In rats, administration of 0.3% aluminum in the drinking water for 4-5 weeks significantly increased the in vivo incorporation of 32-phosphorous (32Pi) into proteins with apparent molecular weights of 300 and 210 kDa in the brainstem and cerebral cortex. The identities of these two phosphoproteins as microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP-2) and the 200 kDa neurofilament subunit (NF), respectively, were established using immunoprecipitation techniques with monoclonal antibodies. Aluminum treatment did not significantly change the amount of MAP-2 or 200 kDa NF in the cerebral cortex and brainstem. Phosphorylation of MAP-2 in aluminum-treated rats in the brainstem and cerebral cortex was 163 and 155% of control values, respectively. The phosphorylation of 200 kDa NF in the brainstem and cerebral cortex of aluminum-treated rats was 148 and 209% of control values, respectively. These results demonstrate that chronic oral aluminum administration to rats increases the phosphorylation of certain cytoskeletal proteins. This treatment regimen may provide a model system with which the mechanisms and consequences of altered in vivo phosphorylation of cytoskeletal proteins can be studied.