cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Investigation of multiaxial molecular dynamics by MAS NMR spectroscopy

Abstract The technique of 2 H MAS NMR spectroscopy is presented for the investigation of multiaxial molecular dynamics. To evaluate the effects of discrete random reorientation a Lie algebraic formalism based on the stochastic Liouville–von Neumann equation is developed. The solution to the stochastic Liouville–von Neumann equation is obtained both in the presence and absence of rf irradiation. This allows effects of molecular dynamics to be evaluated during rf pulses and extends the applicability of the formalism to arbitrary multiple pulse experiments. Theoretical methods are presented for the description of multiaxial dynamics with particular emphasis on the application of vector parameters to represent molecular rotations. Numerical time and powder integration algorithms are presented that are both efficient and easy to implement computationally. The applicability of 2 H MAS NMR spectroscopy for investigating molecular dynamics is evaluated from theoretical spectra. To demonstrate the potential of the technique the dynamics of thiourea– 2 H 4 is investigated experimentally. From a series of variable temperature MAS and quadrupole echo spectra it has been found that the dynamics can be described by composite rotation about the CS and CN bonds. Both experiments are sensitive to the fast CS rotation which is shown to be described by the Arrhenius parameters ECS=46.4±2.3 kJ mol−1 and ln(ACS)=32.6±0.9. The MAS experiment represents a significant improvement by simultaneously allowing the dynamics of the slow CN rotation to be fully characterized in terms of ECN=56.3±3.4 kJ mol−1 and ln(ACN)=25.3±1.1.
Risk perception and communication in vaccination decisions: a fuzzy-trace theory approach.

The tenets of fuzzy-trace theory, along with prior research on risk perception and risk communication, are used to develop a process model of vaccination decisions in the era of Web 2.0. The theory characterizes these decisions in terms of background knowledge, dual mental representations (verbatim and gist), retrieval of values, and application of values to representations in context. Lack of knowledge interferes with the ability to extract the essential meaning, or gist, of vaccination messages. Prevention decisions have, by definition, a status quo option of “feeling okay.” Psychological evidence from other prevention decisions, such as cancer screening, indicates that many people initially mentally represent their decision options in terms of simple, categorical gist: a choice between (a) a feeling-okay option (e.g., the unvaccinated status quo) versus (b) taking up preventive behavior that can have two potential categorical outcomes: feeling okay or not feeling okay. Hence, applying the same theoretical rules as used to explain framing effects and the Allais paradox, the decision to get a flu shot, for example, boils down to feeling okay (not sick) versus feeling okay (not sick) or not feeling okay (sick, side effects, or death). Because feeling okay is superior to not feeling okay (a retrieved value), this impoverished gist supports choosing not to have the flu vaccine. Anti-vaccination sources provide more coherent accounts of the gist of vaccination than official sources, filling a need to understand rare adverse outcomes.
Spectroscopy of Hydrothermal Reactions. 27. Simultaneous Determination of Hydrolysis Rate Constants of Glycylglycine to Glycine and Glycylglycine−Diketopiperazine Equilibrium Constants at 310−330 °C and 275 bar

Hydrolysis rate constants of glycylglycine to glycine and equilibrium constants between glycylglycine and diketopiperazine were determined simultaneously in situ using an FT-IR spectroscopy flow reactor at 310−330 °C and 275 bar. The hydrolysis of the peptide bond in neutral hydrothermal solution follows the first-order (or pseudo-first-order) rate law. The cyclization of dipeptides is very prominent at high temperatures. Pressure affects the hydrolysis rate and the enthalpy of cyclization of the dipeptide. Specifically, the activation energy for hydrolysis of the dipeptide is reduced by about 50 kJ/mol and the standard enthalpy change of cyclization of the dipeptide is increased by about 50 kJ/mol when pressure is increased from a steam pressure of 1−16 bar to a solution pressure of 275 bar. The data analysis method used in this work is general and could be applied to other dipeptides provided the decomposition rate of the free amino acid product of hydrolysis is monitored.
An overview of STEREO/WAVES science results

The Radio and Plasma Wave (WAVES) Experiment on the Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO) mission has been tracking heliospheric radio signatures of large-scale energy release on the Sun in the form of radio bursts at frequencies below the ionospheric cutoff. In particular, type III bursts caused by beams of electrons propagating along open magnetic field lines and type II bursts caused by electrons accelerated at shocks driven by coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Occasionally one observes type IV bursts, which are thought to be produced by energetic electrons trapped in flare magnetic structures. In addition, STEREO/WAVES observations provide information on radio enhancement associated with colliding CMEs within the coronagraphic field of view. Most of these radio emissions were also observed by the WAVES experiment on board the Wind spacecraft, but the STEREO/WAVES experiment provides additional information because of the stereoscopic observations. This paper summarizes some of the key results obtained using the STEREO/WAVES observations.
Metabolism of monoacylglycerol and diacylglycerol by enzyme preparations from spinach leaves

Abstract Acetone powders prepared from a 20,000g participate preparation from spinach leaf catalyzed several reactions involving monoacylglycerol and diacylglycerol. When these substrates were presented as Triton X-100-mixed micelles, diacylglycerol gave rise to free fatty acids, monoacylglycerol, triacylglycerols, and steryl esters, and in the presence of ethanol, small amounts of ethyl esters of fatty acid. Monoacylglycerol gave rise to free fatty acids and diacylglycerol, and in the presence of ethanol, large amounts of ethyl esters of fatty acid. In the presence of bovine serum albumin, the conversion of monoacylglycerol to free fatty acid was retarded. In the presence of bovine serum albumin, steryl ester was an important product from diacylglycerol. The system containing Triton X-100-mixed micelles and bovine serum albumin permitted analysis of reaction products which showed diacylglycerol to be an acyl donor in steryl ester biosynthesis. All reactions observed in the mixed micelle system were transacylation reactions involving various acceptors: dipalmitoylglycerol → monopalmitoylglycerol + palmitate; monopalmitoylglycerol → glycerol + palmitate; dipalmitoylglycerol + sterol → monopalmitoylglycerol + steryl palmitate; monopalmitoylglycerol + ethanol → ethyl palmitate + glycerol; monopalmitoylglycerol → dipalmitoylglycerol (+glycerol); dipalmitoylglycerol → tripalmitoylglycerol (+monopalmitoylglycerol).
Early Correction of Neonatal Acidemia in the Preterm Low Birth Weight Infant

The effects of early correction of acidemia in the newborn period was evaluated in 43 pre-term infants. Criteria for inclusion into the study was a pH of less than 7.25 either from fetal scalp blood, cord arterial blood or form umbilical arterial blood up to 20 min after birth. The infants were placed at random into: Group A, birth weight < 1,500g, early treatment (Rx.), Group B < 1,500 g late Rx., Group C 1,501–2,250 g early Rx., and Group D 1,501–2,250 g late Rx. Infants in the early Rx. groups were given intravenous sodium bicarbonate within 30 min of age. The late Rx. group were given bicarbonate at 2–3 h of age. All infants were otherwise similarly managed. Predetermined clinical parameters were used to make the diagonsis and to grade the severity of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) at designated intervals. No significant difference was observed in arterial blood pH, PO2, PCO2 and based deficits between groups during the first 30 min of life. The arterial blood pH were significantly higher during the first 12 h following early correction of acidemia. Group A has significantly higher PaO2 than similar in early vs. late Rx. groups, but the base deficit was significantly lower in early Rx. infants at ½–12 h. The incidence of RDS betwen groups was similar. However, the degree of severity of RDS was less in the early Rx. group. four of 21 early Rx. and 6 of 22 Rx. infants died during the first 10 days of life. These preliminary data suggest that early correction of acidemia in low birth weight infants improves acid base and blood gas status as well as the clinical course of RDS.
Characterization of a military training site containing 232Thorium.

Abstract Understanding contaminant distribution is critical to selection and implementation of effective and affordable containment and remediation efforts. This article describes the characterization of soil containing thorium at a training site on Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, NM. The site has been used by the Defense Nuclear Weapons School since the early 1960’s to train personnel in emergency response to nuclear weapons accidents and for characterization and containment of radioactive contamination. The purpose of work reported herein is to describe the primary location and migration pattern of 232 Thorium ( 232 Th) and 232 Th progeny (decay products) at the site. Soil containing thorium oxide (ThO 2 ) was applied to the site for approximately 30 years (early 1960–1990) and was used to simulate a plutonium release from a nuclear weapons accident. Data presented indicate that surface 232 Th and 232 Th progeny at approximately 5 times background levels are approaching test site boundaries. However, the data also indicate that vertical migration has not exceeded 0.9 m because of the insoluble nature of ThO 2 . The major mechanisms of 232 Th mobility appear to be surface migration mediated by precipitation runoff and wind-blown soil.
Treatment Options for Improving Wellbeing in Dementia Family Caregivers: The Case for Psychoeducational Interventions

This paper provides an empirical and conceptual rationale for the relative advantages of psychoeducational programs versus support groups for caregivers of people with dementia. The need for interventions that improve the well being of caregivers is well documented. We reviewed studies that have directly compared support-based and psychoeducational interventions. Two major strengths of psychoeducational interventions are their emphasis on training caregivers in a variety of cognitive and behavioral skills for coping with caregiving, and their adaptability to caregivers from diverse backgrounds. We present an overview of how caregiver training can be tailored to suit individual needs. Specific examples for working with ethnically diverse caregivers are also offered. Finally, recommendations for the translation of psychoeducational research to clinical practice are provided.
The microbiota of the gingival crevice area of man. I. Total microscopic and viable counts and counts of specific organisms.

Abstract Total microscopic, total aerobic and anaerobic viable counts, as well as counts of aerobic and facultative streptococci, fusobacteria, spirochetes and Bacteroides melaninogenicus per g wet weight of gingival debris were determined in normal and periodontally-involved individuals. It was found that the total microscopic counts approximated 1.7 × 10 11 organisms per g wet weight, indicating that gingival debris is composed almost entirely of bacteria. Total viable counts performed aerobically averaged 1.6 × 10 10 , while total anaerobic viable counts averaged 4 × 10 10 . This suggests that the majority of the bacterial population is obligately anaerobic. All organisms which grew aerobically were facultative. Spirochetes were the only group of organisms enumerated which increased significantly in periodontal disease.
Smoothing the electromagnetic heating pattern in polymers

In the production of polymers, particles and fibers are often added for coloring and/or improvement of mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. Carefully choosing the electrical properties and size of these additives can allow manipulation of the electrical properties of the composite so that the material can then be heated in both the electric and magnetic fields. Heating can be induced by fields at microwave frequences, where the electric and magnetic fields tend to be concentrated in different regions, or by fields that are quasistatic. These features add a degree of freedom in smoothing the total heating pattern. Models for predicting the electrical properties with the addition of particles or fibers are developed and verified experimentally. Engineering guidelines are established in choosing the electrical properties and size of the additives. Experimentally, a rectangular cavity at 2.45 GHz is used to heat a casting resin with a 5.7 micrometer aluminum powder additive, demonstrating the dramatic smoothing in the heating, pattern made possible by using these additives. Some examples are also suggested to indicate the use of this technique in quasistatic heating configurations.
Seismic While Drilling (SWD) with a Rotary Percussive Sounding System (RPSS)

Seismic while drilling (SWD) with a rotary percussive drill used as the seismic source is presented. In addition to saving time by collecting seismic data while drilling, SWD also has the advantage of collecting a high data density with no additional effort and has a signal with a broad frequency spectrum. The only disadvantage is its signal-to-noise ratio is lower than many other seismic sources, although the signal-to-noise ratio is quite sufficient. The discussed methodology includes the triggering system and the stacking approach used to improve the signal-to-noise ratio. An example of SWD data is presented and compared to traditional down-hole (check-shot) data. Other examples of SWD are presented to demonstrate some of the data acquisition possibilities.
Plant mitochondrial DNA evolved rapidly in structure, but slowly in sequence

We examined the tempo and mode of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) evolution in six species of crucifers from two genera,Brassica andRaphanus. The six mtDNAs have undergone numerous internal rearrangements and therefore differ dramatically with respect to the sizes of their subgenomic circular chromosomes. Between 3 and 14 inversions must be postulated to account for the structural differences found between any two species. In contrast, these mtDNAs are extremely similar in primary sequence, differing at only 1–8 out of every 1000 bp. The point mutation rate in these plant mtDNAs is roughly 4 times slower than in land plant chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) and 100 times slower than in animal mtDNA. Conversely, the rate of rearrangements is extraordinarily faster in plant mtDNA than in cpDNA and animal mtDNA.
The mechanical nature of stress-corrosion cracking in Al-Zn-Mg alloys: II. electrochemical-mechanical model

Slow crack growth during SCC of 7075 aluminum has been shown to comprise both an electrochemical and a mechanical component. These findings prompted a review of several possible mechanical models, and seven possible controlling thermally-activated processes. Since no existing interpretation could satisfy all of the observations, an empirical model was developed. The conclusion is that slight modification of many existing proposed mechanisms could explain the general features of SCC but that any theoretical model must contain some aspect of the mechanical rupture process.
Comparative static analysis of open urban models with a full labor market and suburban employment

Abstract Most models of urban spatial structure assume a rudimentary labor market and ignore suburban employment. This paper provides the first complete comparative static analysis of an open urban model with a full labor market, with an extension to employment in a suburban beltway or business district. Adding a full labor market makes several results, including the impacts of transportation costs, indeterminate in sign. Adding suburban employment increases the number of derivatives that cannot be signed, but wages in the city and suburban labor markets usually move in the same direction in response to an exogenous shock.
Second-trimester abortion by intramuscular 15-methyl-prostaglandin F2 alpha or intravaginal prostaglandin E2 suppositories: a randomized trial.

Objective: To compare intramuscular (IM) prostaglandin 15 methyl-F2α (15M-PGF2α) with prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) vaginal suppositories for second-trimester abortion in terms of efficacy and side effects. Methods: Fifty-one women were randomized to receive either 15M-PGF2α IM injections or PGE2 intravaginal suppositories for second-trimester abortion. Efficacy and side effects of the two agents were analyzed by two-tailed t tests, χ2 analysis with Fisher exact test, and survival analysis. Results: The mean times to rupture of membranes, delivery of fetus, and delivery of placenta were significantly less for women receiving PGE2 vaginal suppositories. The cumulative abortion rate after 24 hours for the PGE2 group was 96%, compared with 69% for the 15M-PGF2α group. Although there were few differences in side effects, the 15MPGF2α group had significantly fewer headaches, fevers, and chills. Conclusion: Intravaginal PGE2 is superior to IM 15MPGF2α for second-trimester abortion.
Childhood Behavior and Adult Criminality: Cluster Analysis in a Prospective Study of African Americans

Adult criminality has important roots in childhood. While many studies have established that multiple problem behaviors in childhood increase the likelihood of future crime and deviance, the current study extends this "established" relationship by asking three questions: (1) Do different combinations of childhood behavioral risk factors affect adult offending? (2) Do family risk factors affect adult offending above and beyond these combinations of risks?, and (3) Are there gender differences present with respect to these two questions? Gender-specific cluster analyses identified seven clusters of childhood behavioral patterns based on teacher ratings measured in first grade among an epidemiologically-defined cohort of African Americans. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were utilized to examine the relationship of cluster membership, family risks, and criminal arrests through age 32 for serious violent and property crimes. While some gender differences emerged, both males and females in the multiple problem cluster were more likely to have later arrests for serious crime. Females who were frequently punished as first graders were most likely to have later arrests for serious crimes, while males who were from mother-only families were at higher risk of having serious criminal arrests compared to those from mother-father families. Implications for prevention and intervention strategies are also discussed.
Alchemy in Popular Culture: Leonardo Fioravanti and the Search for the Philosopher's Stone

This article examines the alchemical ideas and practices of the sixteenth-century Italian surgeon Leonardo Fioravanti. I argue that Fioravanti's "search for the philosopher's stone" was as much an effort at self-fashioning as a search for alchemical gold. Exploiting the fashion for alchemical drugs, he framed a "new theory" of healing that relied on the use of distilled drugs as a means of purging bodily corruptions. His theory resonated with popular culture, and made him the focus of an alternative medical movement. I conclude that Fioravanti's alchemy was not Paracelsianism, but relied much more on more immediate sources such as Arnald of Villanova, the pseudo-Lull, and the contemporary Milanese alchemist Ettore Ausonio.
Deviceless Gestural Interaction for Public Displays

This paper introduces a gestures based interaction method to interact with public displays that avoids the use of any device attached to the user. To accomplish interactive tasks, the user just need to position himself in front of the display and interact with the information presented on the screen using his hands. Supported gestures provide navigation, selection and manipulation of objects, as well as panning and zooming at the screen. In order to evaluate how robust the system is in a real public scenario, some criteria that could interfere on the interactive task are evaluated, as the amount of brightness in the environment, and the presence of other persons in the same interaction place. Given the results of the performed tasks, it is possible to conclude that the system, although not behaving correctly in all situations, has potential use if its difficulties are circumvented, most of which come from the inherent limitations of the Kinect, the device used.
Proton transport and membrane shuttling in turtle bladder epithelium.

Proton secretion in the urinary bladder of the freshwater turtle is mediated by proton pumps located in the apical membrane of carbonic-anhydrase (CA)-rich cells. It has been proposed that the rate of proton transport is regulated by endocytotic and exocytotic fusion processes which alter the apical membrane area, and hence number of exposed pumps. Three techniques were used to study this process. Analyses of transepithelial impedance provided estimates of transport-associated changes in net membrane area, as well as other electrical parameters. Electron microscopy allowed visualization of the endocytotic vesicles thought to be involved in the process. Finally, uptake of a florescent fluid-phase markerprovided measurements of the rates of endocytosis. We report the following: (i) endocytotic and exocytotic processes occur primarily in the CA-rich cells; (ii) inhibition of proton transport resulting from 0.5mm acetazolamide (AZ) results in a decrease in the apical membrane area of approximately 0.47 cm2/cm2 tissue; (iii) the apical membrane specific conductance of the CA-rich cells is approximately 220 μS/μF, and possibly represents a Cl− conductance that may function in counter-ion flow; (iv) the decline in transport following AZ is not directly proportional to the decline in apical membrane area, suggesting that changes in pump kinetics are also involved in the regulation of transport; (v) the CA-rich cells exhibit a high rate of constitutive pinocytosis, and hence membrane shuttling, which appears to be independent of the rate of transport; (vi) AZ induces a transient increase in the rates of endocytosis and shuttling; and (vii) the transport-associated changes in apical membrane area may reflect an effect of AZ on a regulated endocytotic pathway which is distinct from the pinocytotic process.
Measurement of right ventricular volumes using 131I-MAA.

Abstract A method has been presented for determining the right ventricular residual ratio, that is, the ratio of the end-systolic volume to the end-diastolic volume during each cardiac cycle. 131 I-MAA was injected as a bolus into the right ventricle, and the ratio of isotope remaining in the chamber during the succeeding cardiac cycles was determined with a collimated scintillation counter placed over the right ventricle. Since the counter detected the radioactivity from the entire right ventricular cavity, potential errors from incomplete mixing were minimized. The washout curve from the ventricle was distorted somewhat by the accumulation of isotope in intervening lung tissue. This distortion was eliminated by subtracting the build-up curve of radioactivity in the lung recorded simultaneously with a second scintillation counter positioned over the lateral chest wall. In 14 dogs anesthetized with chloralose, the right ventricular residual ratio was relatively constant at 40.4 ± 3.1 per cent. Duplicate measurements differed by less than 3 per cent indicating the good reproducibility of the method. Right ventricular stroke volume was determined from cardiac output (dye dilution) and heart rate. With this and the simultaneously determined residual ratio ( 131 I-MAA), end-diastolic volume could be calculated. Stroke volume and stroke work were highly correlated with end-diastolic volume, in keeping with the Frank-Starling mechanism.
Effect of Antioxidant Addition on NOx Emissions from Biodiesel

Biodiesel is a renewable, domestically produced fuel that has been shown to reduce particulate, hydrocarbon, and carbon monoxide emissions from diesel engines. Biodiesel produced from certain feedstocks, however, has been shown to cause an increase in nitrogen oxides (NOx), which is of particular concern in urban areas that are subject to strict environmental regulations. There are several pathways proposed that try to account for NOx formation during the combustion process, one of which is the Fenimore mechanism. In the Fenimore mechanism, it is postulated that fuel radicals formed during the combustion process react with nitrogen from the air to form NOx. We proposed that if these radical reactions could be terminated, NOx production from biodiesel combustion would decrease. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the ability of antioxidants, which are capable of terminating these kinds of radical reactions, to reduce NOx levels in biodiesel exhaust. Several antioxidants added to a 20% soy biodiesel/80...
Identification of functional subsets by flow cytometry: Intracellular detection of cytokine expression

Methods for analysis of T cell function have traditionally relied upon measurements of proliferation or cytokine expression in bulk cultures of PBMC in long term incubations with polyclonal mitogens or putative antigen. These techniques suffer from the drawback that they do not enable analysis of single cell responses in the context of unselected cellular backgrounds. In addition these methods are not sensitive enough to rapidly assess rare event responses characteristic of cognate memory T cell responses. This review discusses recently developed flow cytometric methods designed to rapidly assess leukocyte subset cytokine responses to polyclonal activators and specific antigen in PBMC and whole blood samples. These procedures determine the percentages of activated cells and the identification of leucocyte subsets capable of expressing various cytokines and cell surface antigens. The ability to assess key intracellular functional markers by multiparameter flow cytometry offers some unique advantages in a number of clinical applications. The technical simplicity and rapidity of the flow cytometric intracellular cytokine detection techniques described in this report, as well as the widespread availability of appropriate flow cytometers and cell surface directed antibodies in clinical laboratories, suggests the possibility that this technique could be broadly applicable to the clinical evaluation of immune status. Since any cell type can be identified with this approach, responses to a variety of clinically relevant stimuli in virtually any leukocyte subset can be evaluated including monocyte responses to LPS, and T cell responses to mitogens and a variety of bacterial and viral antigens. The significance of measuring low frequency antigen-specific responses with respect to clinical significance in assessing immune status in a variety of clinical conditions and determining efficacy or immunotoxicity of drugs and vaccine antigens is discussed.
High-resolution imaging of pelagic bacteria by Atomic Force Microscopy and implications for carbon cycling.

In microbial oceanography, cell size, volume and carbon (C) content of pelagic bacteria and archaea (‘bacteria’) are critical parameters in addressing the in situ physiology and functions of bacteria, and their role in the food web and C cycle. However, because of the diminutive size of most pelagic bacteria and errors caused by sample fixation and processing, an accurate measurement of the size and volume has been challenging. We used atomic force microscopy (AFM) to obtain high-resolution images of pelagic bacteria and Synechococcus. We measured the length, width and height of live and formalin-fixed pelagic bacteria, and computed individual cell volumes. AFM-based measurements were compared with those by epifluorescence microscopy (EFM) using 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI). The ability to measure cell height by AFM provides methodological advantage and ecophysiological insight. For the samples examined, EFM (DAPI)-based average cell volume was in good agreement (1.1-fold) with live sample AFM. However, the agreement may be a fortuitous balance between cell shrinkage due to fixation/drying (threefold) and Z-overestimation (as EFM does not account for cell flattening caused by sample processing and assumes that height=width). The two methods showed major differences in cell volume and cell C frequency distributions. This study refines the methodology for quantifying bacteria-mediated C fluxes and the role of bacteria in marine ecosystems, and suggests the potential of AFM for individual cell physiological interrogations in natural marine assemblages.
Restriction fragment length polymorphism of the T-cell receptor beta-chain gene in dogs

Abstract Since T-cells and the T-cell receptor (TCR) play a pivotal role in the response of the immune system, they are a target for pathogenesis studies in immune mediated diseases and have been used to generate markers for T-cell dependent diseases in humans and dogs. TCR rearrangement is generated at the genomic DNA level and can be analyzed by Southern blotting techniques. In the present study this method to detect rearrangement of the TCR beta chain in the dog was critically examined. To search for restriction fragment length differences due to either inherited polymorphism or in diseases with suspected superantigen influence (X-linked severe combined immune deficiency and canine juvenile polyarteriitis syndrome) 13 dog families of three different breeds were examined. In addition primary spleen cell cultures, stimulated with either phytohemagglutinin A (PHA) or staphylococcus enterotoxin A (SEA) and B (SEB) were studied. The germline digest pattern of the enzymes Pst I, Sst I, Bgl II, Eco RI and Eco RV were identical in all dogs examined with the exception of one dog with canine juvenile polyarteriitis syndrome. In this dog an additional band was found in the Bgl II and Eco RV digestion suggestive of specific TCR rearrangement. Bam HI digestion revealed restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) showing Mendelian inheritance. After digestion of the genomic DNA extracted from PHA, SEA or SEB stimulated spleen cells and Southern blot analysis, no differences in fragment patterns between the unstimulated cells and the stimulated cells could be detected. An important point to consider before a specific pattern variation between dogs is classified to be a marker for a specific disease or is used in pathogenesis studies, is the possibility of an inherited RFLP, especially after Bam HI digestion. In such studies the combined examination of the parents and the offspring must be recommended.
Teaching moderate drinking behaviors to young adult heavy drinkers: The effects of three training procedures

Abstract The present study employed an objective assessment methodology to investigate the effectiveness of instructions, self-monitoring, and practice in teaching young adult heavy drinkers a specific moderate drinking style. The results, specific to young male (age 19–24) heavy social drinkers, indicate that the practice training procedure was superior to the other two training procedures. Implications for the treatment of alcohol abuse as well as the development of preventive programs designed to teach beginning drinkers responsible drinking behavior are discussed.
Nonlinear CG-like iterative methods

Abstract A nonlinear conjugate gradient method has been introduced and analyzed by J.W. Daniel. This method applies to nonlinear operators with symmetric Jacobians. Orthomin(1) is an iterative method which applies to nonsymmetric and definite linear systems. In this article we generalize Orthomin(1) to a method which applies directly to nonlinear operator equations. Each iteration of the new method requires the solution of a scalar nonlinear equation. Under conditions that the Hessian is uniformly bounded away from zero and the Jacobian is uniformly positive definite the new method is proved to converge to a globally unique solution. Error bounds and local convergence results are also obtained. Numerical experiments on solving nonlinear operator equations arising in the discretization of nonlinear elliptic partial differential equations are presented.
A highly linear fast sampling system for non-recurring pulses

Abstract A fast sampling system for on-line use was built that sampled and digitized non-recurring pulses 16 times at intervals of 18.5 ns with an integral non-linearity of less than 0.1%. The system was used to measure the height of a pulse that was riding on another pulse of varying amplitude.
RPC-level support for object-oriented distributed programming

In this paper we describe the design of an RPC system for building object-oriented distributed software systems. The general requirements for such a system is to provide mechanisms for supporting use of inheritance, polymorphism, dynamic binding, and modular development in implementing distributed software systems. We briefly outline here the functionalities of this RPC system to support these general requirements.
CONSTANT AMPLITUDE AND POST-OVERLOAD FATIGUE CRACK GROWTH BEHAVIOR IN PM ALUMINUM ALLOY AA 8009

A recently developed, rapidly solidified, powder metallurgy, dispersion strengthened aluminum alloy, AA 8009, was fatigue tested at room temperature in lab air. Constant amplitude/constant delta kappa and single spike overload conditions were examined. High fatigue crack growth rates and low crack closure levels compared to typical ingot metallurgy aluminum alloys were observed. It was proposed that minimal crack roughness, crack path deflection, and limited slip reversibility, resulting from ultra-fine microstructure, were responsible for the relatively poor da/dN-delta kappa performance of AA 8009 as compared to that of typical IM aluminum alloys.
Activation of substantia nigra pars reticulata neurons: role in the initiation and behavioral expression of kindled seizures.

Abstract Numerous studies have implicated the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNR) in the initiation and behavioral expression of kindled seizures. In immobilized, amygdala-kindled animals, SNR neurons have been shown to enter an intense burst-firing pattern during afterdischarge (AD). Taken together these findings raised the possibility that the SNR facilitates the expression of kindled seizures by directly propagating seizure activity into target structures. In this study we examined the relationship between activation of SNR neurons and the electrical (EEG) and behavioral (clonic motor) expression of kindled seizures using both immobilized and unrestrained animals. The principal findings were that: (1) in both immobilized and unrestrained animals the SNR neurons of kindled, but not control, animals were recruited into a burst-firing pattern during AD; (2) the onset of burst-firing was delayed until after the onset of AD; and (3) the onset of burst-firing was not correlated with the onset of rhythmic motor seizure activity. These findings support the idea that the development of kindling is associated with recruitment of 3NR neurons into a seizure propagating network. However, these data suggest that activation of SNR neurons is not necessary for the expression of clonic motor activity and does not lower seizure threshold.
Analgesic Warfare: Acetaminophen, Really?

The first medication recommended in the treatment of mild-to-moderate pain in older persons is almost always acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is available over the counter (OTC) without a prescription, is inexpensive, and consumers understand how to administer itdor do they? In the United Kingdom, death associated with accidental overdose, suicide, and low-dose chronic ingestion of paracetamol (acetaminophen) resulted in the 1998 policy change in Great Britain to decrease the package size of paracetamol to no greater than 32 tablets in pharmacies and 16 tablets in other retail outlets. Independent analysis identified that the suicide rates in general declined in the United Kingdom before implementing the decreases in paracetamol package size, leading authors to question what effect, if any, was contributed by the 1998 policy change. In the United States, acetaminophen overdose and liver injury continues to be a public health concern. In July 2009, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it was requiring label changes to OTC acetaminophen products to reduce potential overdose errors. Manufacturers were advised to have acetaminophen product labels indicate the following:
Chelate effect in cyclodextrin dimers: a computational (MD, MM/PBSA, and MM/GBSA) study.

The complexation of an adamantyl-phosphate derivative with one β-cyclodextrin, with two β-cyclodextrins, and with two β-cyclodextrins dimerized with a disulfide bridge was studied by computational methods (MD, MM/PBSA, and MM/GBSA) to analyze and rationalize the chelate effect. Although this effect is usually explained by invoking favorable entropy contribution due to the preorganization of the ligand, it has been determined experimentally that in this case it is enthalpy-driven. The computational results are in accord with this finding, although the entropy contribution due to the solvent structural organization around the complex is crucial for the final estimates of the free energy of complexation.
Definition and Application of a Process Flexibility Index

A performance index, C f , is developed for assessing the flexibility of candidate engineering designs and manufacturing processes at various stages during product development. The index is a ratio of the range of the feasible space to the range of the specification or measured process variation. The process flexibility index complements the process capability index, C p , to provide a simple and quantitative basis for practicing the principles of axiomatic design. This quantitative measure can be used to support rational product development and manufacturing investment decisions, and clearly illustrates important concepts regarding controllability across conflicting specifications. A high C p indicates that the design or process can consistently manufacture the product within precisely defined performance specifications. A high C f indicates that the process can be easily changed to meet diverse performance specifications. The evaluation of C f requires the mapping of the global feasible space, the solution to which is also discussed.
Pediatrics in the Community: A Little PUSH to Get the Advocacy Snowball Rolling

1. Katherine R. Snyder, MD, MPH 1. University of Louisville, Louisville, Ky. Pediatricians Urging Safety & Health (PUSH) is an advocacy group created in 2006 by Dr Josh Honaker, a former resident in pediatrics at the University of Louisville (http://pushkentucky.org/home). Among its successes, PUSH has helped to pass the Graduated Driver License Bill, Booster Seat Bill, and Shaken Baby Bill in the state legislature while also working at a community level. PUSH has sparked interest in advocacy among residents, faculty, and the community. Phone calls or emails are common from these groups for information on topics, state law, or …
Modeling Vigilance Performance as a Complex Adaptive System

Current cognitive models not only lack flexibility and realism, they struggle to model individual behavior and reduced performance. We propose that reduced human performance can be best modeled as a complex adaptive system. We built a multi-agent model, “Reduced Human Performance Model (RHPM),” as a proof of principle. The simulation system realistically simulates the reduction of vigilance that individuals experience during such operations as airport screening, radar-screen operation, and other vital tasks in which attention easily flags. The developed multi-agent system generates individual behavior within a reasonable range. Its use for computer-generated forces (i.e., radar screen operator) would improve the realism of simulation systems by adding human-like reduced vigilance performance. The model represents a well suited tool to mediate between vigilance theories such as signal detection theory and experimental data. Using the model as a surrogate generates insights that potentially create likely hy...
ESTIMATING COST EFFECTIVENESS OF RESIDENTIAL YARD TREES FOR IMPROVING AIR QUALITY IN SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA, USING EXISTING MODELS

(First reeeived 29 September 1995 and in flnal figrm 28 November 1996. Published October 1997) Abstract--The Sacramento Municipal Utility District's (SMUD) shade tree program will result in the planting of 500,000 trees and has been found to produce net benefits from air conditioning savings. In this study we assume three scenarios (base, highest, and lowest benefits) based on the SMUD program and apply Best Available Control Technology (BACT) cost analysis to determine if shade trees planted in residential yards can be a cost effective means to improve air quality. Planting and maintenance costs, pollutant deposition, and biogenic hydrocarbon emissions are estimated annually for 30 years with existing deterministic models, For the base case, the average annual dollar benefit of pollutant uptake was $895 and the cost of biogenic hydrocarbon emissions was $512, for a net pollutant uptake benefit of $383 per 100 trees planted. The uniform annual payment necessary to repay planting and maintenance costs with a 10% rate of interest was $749. When high biogenic hydrocarbon emitting tree species were replaced with low- emitters, the base case benefit-cost ratio (BCR) increased from 0.5: 1 to 0.9: 1. The BCR for the "highest" and "lowest" benefit cases were 2.2:1 and -0.8: 1, respectively. Although SMUD plantings produce cost effective energy savings, our application of the BACT analysis does not suggest convincing evidence that there is cost savings when only air quality benefits are considered. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. Key word index: Air pollution mitigation, urban forestry, pollutant deposition, hydrocarbon emission, natural resource valuation.
Measurement based QoS comparison of cellular communication networks

A Quality of Service (QoS) assessment methodology for cellular communication networks is described. The methodology is based on the data collected through drive testing; it is focused on the end user perception of service quality and it is independent of access technologies implemented by the cellular networks. QoS assessment for both the circuit switched and packet switched side of the network is discussed. The end goal of the proposed methodology is QoS comparison between cellular networks implementing different cellular technologies. Illustrative examples based on live network measurements are used in support of the presented methodology.
Proposed cutoff for identifying adult smokeless tobacco users with urinary total 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanonol: an aggregated analysis of NHANES 2007-2010 data.

Introduction NNAL [4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanonol] is a valid biomarker of tobacco use. However; no study has assessed its use in distinguishing current smokeless tobacco (SLT) users from nonusers. Therefore, this study used aggregated data from the 2007-2008 and 2009-2010 waves of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to determine an optimal threshold for identifying SLT users with NNAL. Methods Optimal urinary total NNAL concentrations for discriminating SLT-only users from nonusers of any tobacco were determined using receiver operating characteristic analysis. Percentage agreement between self-reported SLT use status and NNAL levels was calculated overall and by sociodemographic characteristics. All analyses were weighted and performed with Stata, Version 11, and MedCalc for Windows, Version 9.5.0.0. Results In total, 264 individuals reported exclusively using SLT (and no other combustible tobacco product) within the past 5 days, whereas 14,824 were self-reported nonusers of any combustible or smokeless tobacco product. The optimal NNAL cutoff point was 34.0 pg/ml, which was associated with a high sensitivity (95.2%), specificity (93.4%), and overall correct classification rate (93.5%). The area under the curve was 98.3% and the corresponding Youden's Index was 88.7%. There was high agreement between the proposed NNAL cutoff point and self-reported SLT-only use (95.6%) and self-reported SLT nonuse (93.9%). Conclusion The proposed cutoff point of 34.0 pg/ml had high sensitivity and specificity and may be used by clinicians and researchers to verify or detect recent SLT use. This study also indicated that self-reported SLT use among adults is a reliable measure and has high agreement with biochemical assessment.
Conformal solution correlation for the nitrogen-oxygen-argon system

A correlation based on conformal solution theory has been developed for the excess properties of the nitrogen-oxygen-argon systems. A better method for calculating the conformal parameters makes possible the simulataneous correlation of the three excess properties FE, HE, and VE. Each binary is characterized by a k12, c12 set which represents corrections to the geometric and arithmetic mean combination rules. These binary constants predict the ternary data. Also, the correlation based on data at one atm. (77° and 84°K.) predicts the FE data accurately up to the critical points (110° to 120°K.).
Persistence of cellulitis-associated Escherichia coli DNA fingerprints in successive broiler chicken flocks

Avian cellulitis in broiler chickens is primarily caused by Escherichia coli. Previous research found that the E. coli isolates of cellulitis origin were unique to each ranch, suggesting that these E. coli were endemic within the ranch environment. To test the hypothesis that the E. coli associated with cellulitis are endemic in the litter of the broiler house, we designed a study to determine whether E. coli DNA fingerprints associated with cellulitis persist over successive flocks that are grown in the same house. In addition, we assessed the impact of different cleaning and disinfection strategies on this persistence. Two broiler houses were followed on each of five farms over 3-4 flocks. A total of 353 E. coli isolates from cellulitis lesions were analyzed in this study, and 314 of these isolates (89%) were DNA fingerprinted by PFGE. In each ranch, there were several DNA fingerprint patterns that were present over successive flocks, regardless of the cleaning and disinfection strategy utilized. Isolates persisted as long as 191 days, implying that these E. coli are capable of persisting in the broiler house environment for long periods of time. In addition, these E. coli isolates were associated with cellulitis lesions in successive flocks. Thus, the isolates of E. coli that are associated with cellulitis in broiler chickens appear to be endemic in the litter environment of the broiler house.
Application of an integral equation formulation to the prediction of space shuttle annular slot antenna radiation patterns

Pitch and roll plane radiation patterns computed by use of an integral equation formulation are presented for a space shuttle annular slot communications antenna. The excellent agreement between computed patterns and experimental patterns obtained from 1/35 scale models supports the use of this method as a design tool for similar spacecraft/aircraft antenna applications.