cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Age-dependent differences in short-term outcome after surgical or endovascular treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms in the United States, 1996-2000

INTRODUCTION Unruptured intracranial aneurysm patients are frequently eligible for both open surgery ("clipping") and endovascular repair ("coiling"). We compared short-term end points (mortality, discharge disposition, complications, length of stay, and charges) for clipping and coiling in a nationally representative discharge database. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study using Nationwide Inpatient Sample data from 1996 to 2000. Multivariate logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, race, payer status, geographic region, presenting signs and symptoms, admission type and source, procedure timing, hospital caseload, and possible clustering of outcomes within hospitals. The results were confirmed by performing propensity score analysis. RESULTS A total of 3498 patients had clipping, and 421 underwent coiling. Clipped patients were slightly younger (P < 0.001). Medical comorbidity was similar between the groups. More clipped patients had urgent or emergency admissions (P = 0.02). More coiling procedures were performed on hospital Day 1 (P = 0.007). When only death and discharge to long-term care were counted as adverse outcomes, there was no significant difference between clipping and coiling. On the basis of a four-level discharge status outcome scale (dead, long-term care, short-term rehabilitation, or discharge to home), coiled patients had a significantly better discharge disposition (odds ratio, 2.1; P < 0.001). With regard to patient age, most of the difference in discharge disposition was in patients older than 65 years of age. The degree of difference between treatments increased from 1996 to 2000. Neurological complications were coded twice as frequently in clipped patients as in coiled patients (P = 0.002). Length of stay was longer (5 d versus 2 d, P < 0.001) and charges were higher ($21,800 versus $13,200, P = 0.007) for clipped patients than for coiled patients. CONCLUSION There was no significant difference in mortality rates or discharge to long-term facilities after clipping or coiling of unruptured aneurysms. When discharge to short-term rehabilitation was counted as an adverse event, coiled patients had significantly better outcomes than clipped patients at the time of hospital discharge, but most of the coiling advantage was concentrated in patients older than 65 years of age. Even in older patients, long-term end points-including long-term functional status in patients discharged to rehabilitation and efficacy in preventing hemorrhage-will be critical in determining the best treatment option for patients with unruptured aneurysms.
Easy ways to save money during and after library construction

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to offer advice, in the interest of preventing expensive mistakes, about certain aspects of library building projects.Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents a list of avoidable errors made during real library construction or renovation projects.Findings – The paper finds that a little common sense is a good thing to use in tandem with grand designs.Practical implications – Hopefully, the practical implications of the paper will be cost savings for libraries and their parent organizations. Librarians, project managers, or architects might enjoy compiling photographs of similar mistakes and comparing them with sensible alternatives.Originality/value – The paper presents a useful list for project managers.
Effect of the replacement of tropical forests with tree plantations on soil organic carbon levels in the Jomoro district, Ghana

Background and aims In the Jomoro district in Ghana, tree plantations were the first cause of deforestation in the past, drastically reducing the area occupied by primary forests. The aim of this study was to quantify soil organic carbon (SOC) losses due to a change in land use from primary forest to tree plantations (cocoa, coconut, rubber, oil palm) on the different substrates of the district. Secondary forests and mixed plantations were also included in the study.
Fixed distortion subband coding of images for packet-switched networks

A subband image codec is presented that approximately attains a user-prescribed fidelity by allowing the encoder's compression rate to vary. The fixed distortion subband coding (FDSBC) system is suitable for use with future of packet-switched networks. The codec's design is based on an algorithm that allocates distortion among the subbands to minimize channel entropy. By coupling this allocation procedure with judiciously selected subband quantizers, an elementary four-band codec was obtained. Additional four-band structures may be nested in a hierarchical configuration for improved performance. Each of the configurations tested attains mean square distortions within 2.0 dB of the user-specific value over a wide range of distortion for several standard test images. Rate versus mean-square distortion performance rivals that of fixed-rate systems having similar complexity. The encoder's output is formatted to take advantage of prioritized packet networks. Simulations show that FDSBC is robust with respect to packet loss and may be used effectively for progressive transmission applications. >
1007-19 Transesophageal Echocardiography is a Useful Technique in Localizing Pericardial Thickening in Patients with Diastolic Dysfunction Compared to Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Transesophageal echocardiography(TEE) has been used to differentiate constrictive pericarditis (CP) from restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) by Doppler echocardiography; however its utility to anatomically localize pericardial thickening (PT) has not been described. We prospectively studied 62 patients with clinically suspected diastolic dysfunction with both TEE and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and detected 35 patients (29 M; mean age 59 ± 14 yrs.) with pericardial disease (surgically confirmed, n = 13) and compared the location PT independently. Fourteen pts. had CP, 6 had effusive-CP and 15 had mixed CP/RCM. PT location was graded independently as predominantly involving the right heart (RT), left heart (LT), generalized (GE) or no thickening (NO). (pts) TEE MRI RT LT GE NO RT 0 0 0 0 LT 0 0 2 1 GE 0 0 30 0 NO 2 0 0 0 Download : Download high-res image (136KB) Download : Download full-size image TEE and MRI were in agreement in 30 (86%) of 35 patients (concordance g 70%; P = 0.05). TEE was able to visualize PT adjacent to the right ventricular apex and left ventricular apex but TEE was limited in visualizing the lateral LV wall. Conclusions TEE and MRI are concordant in localizing pericardial thickening in pts with diastolic dysfunction. These findings suggest that TEE, when combined with Doppler flows, provides an excellent technique in the diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis.
The APNG(c): A preliminary look at credentialing nurses through portfolio review

Abstract Recently, the International Society of Nurses in Genetics (ISONG) was the first nursing organization to award the Advanced Practice Nurse in Genetics credential, APNG(c), through portfolio review to 13 nurses. While the literature review shows that portfolios have been used to evaluate students in nursing education curriculums, the American Nurses Credentialing Center is using the ISONG portfolio review model to determine its applicability as an evaluation tool in other areas. In addition to an overview of the ISONG portfolio review process, testimonies from four of the APNG(c) recipients gave insight to the ISONG portfolio review model's advantages, disadvantages, as well as areas of improvement. Based on the findings from ISONG's experience, portfolio review may present a more cost-effective option to recognize and reward expertise than traditional exams for other emerging specialty organizations. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
Test-bed for the real-time implementation of infrared target detection and tracking algorithms

This paper describes the implementation of a test-bed for the real-time evaluation of target detection and tracking algorithms for infrared (IR) imagery. It contains a description of the test-bed algorithms their mapping into real-time digital hardware and an analysis of the system performance. 2.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A comprehensive comparison of transition-metal and actinyl polyoxometalates

While the d0 transition-metal POMs of Group V (V5+, Nb5+, Ta5+) and Group VI (Mo6+, W6+) have been known for more than a century, the actinyl peroxide POMs, specifically those built of uranyl triperoxide or uranyl dihydroxidediperoxide polyhedra, were only realized within the last decade. While virtually every metal on the Periodic Table can form discrete clusters of some type, the actinyls are the only—in addition to the transition-metal POMs– whose chemistry is dictated by the prevalence of the ‘yl’ oxygen ligand. Thus this emerging structural, solution, and computational chemistry of actinide POMs warrants comparison to the mature chemistry of transition-metal POMs. This assessment between the transition-metal POMs and actinyl POMs (uranyl peroxide POMs, specifically) has provided much insight to the similarities and differences between these two chemistries. We further break down the comparison between the alkaline POMs of Nb and Ta; and the acidic POMs of V, Mo and W. This more indepth literature review and discussion reveals that while an initial evaluation suggests the actinyl POMs are more akin to the alkaline transition-metal POMs, they actually share characteristics unique to the acidic POMs as well. This tutorial review is meant to provide fodder for deriving new POM chemistries of both the familiar transition-metals and the emerging actinides, as well as fostering communication and collaboration between the two scientific communities.
What if nothing grows

As in gardening, experimentation in the field of stem cell biology involves a measure of faith. Once the dormant seeds are planted, one must wait in anticipation for nature to take its course. On those sad occasions when nothing grows, one must evaluate the nature of the seed and the quality of the
Ozonation Effect on Taste in Water Packaged in High Density Polyethylene Bottles

Abstract The effect of ozonation on packaged water samples with high levels of a combination of monovalent ions and silica and elevated devalention was studied. The water samples were packaged in high density polyethylene bottles and exposed to either .3 or 3.0 ppm ozone. A 12-member difference taste panel was used as a quality control screening tool. Also, the effect of blow molding temperature on product quality was evaluated (176.7 or 231.1°C). The amount of ash in the carton varied from .027 to .037%. The containers were treated with either 185 or 235 ppm butylated hydroxytoluene. Using bottles with no holding period caused the development of a detectable taste no matter what the ozone level of the water. The level of the plastic off-taste increased with increasing ozone level. Increasing the level of butylated hydroxytoluene in the bottle decreased the extent of taste development. Catalyst residue in the polymer did not appear to contribute to the development of off-tastes in the bottle. There was a taste preference for the water stored in glass containers which decreased as the antioxidant content increased. Overall, the development of water off-taste occurred least in glass containers and most often in high density polyethylene containers with no butylated hydroxytoluene; off-taste was noted with increased frequency as levels of butylated hydroxytoluene were decreased in high density polyethylene. Also, softer water appeared to be less sensitive to development of off-taste than hard water treatments.
Urine flowing: a phenomenological study of living with a urinary catheter.

The experience of living with a long-term urinary catheter was investigated with a community-dwelling sample of 14 adults ranging in age from 35 to 95 who had worn a catheter for 6 months to 18 years. Data were obtained by audiotaped face-to-face interviews. Merleau-Ponty's phenomenology and van Manen's methodology guided the study. Living with a urinary catheter was found to be like living with the forces of flowing water. People were keenly aware of the flow of urine through their catheters, and they noticed when their bags needed emptying or when urine drainage seemed sluggish or obstructed. The metaphor of urine flowing like water may provide a teaching heuristic for assisting clients in adjusting to living with a catheter. Implications for further research focus on understanding the relationship between sensitivity to the dynamics of urine flow and urinary tract infection.
Investigation of thermomechanical effects of lighting conditions on canvas paintings by laser shearography

Quantitative techniques to characterize thermomechanical effects of light on canvas paintings are necessary in order to better understand the deleterious effects that light has on precious art collections in museum exhibitions. In this paper, we present advances in the development of a customized laser shearography system for temporal characterization of inplane displacements of canvas paintings when subjected to specific lighting conditions. The shearography system is synchronized with a thermal IR camera and concomitant measurements of derivatives of displacements along two orthogonal shearing directions as well as thermal fields are performed. Due to the nature of the measurements, we have developed real-time temporal phase unwrapping algorithms and high-resolution Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) methods to calibrate applied shearing levels. In addition, we are developing methods to isolate thermally-induced components from randomly-induced mechanical vibrations that occur in museum environments by application of IR imaging data. Representative examples are shown, which illustrate capabilities to measure, detect, and map crack propagation as a function of lighting conditions and time.
Empirical parameterization of a model for predicting peptide helix/coil equilibrium populations

A modification of the Lifson-Roig formulation of helix/coil transitions is presented; it (1) incorporates end-capping and coulombic (salt bridges, hydrogen bonding, and side-chain interactions with charged termini and the helix dipole) effects, (2) helix-stabilizing hydrophobic clustering, (3) allows for different inherent termination probabilities of individual residues, and (4) differentiates helix elongation in the first versus subsequent turns of a helix. Each residue is characterized by six parameters governing helix formation. The formulation of the conditional probability of helix initiation and termination that we developed is essentially the same as one presented previously (Shalongo W, Stellwagen, E. 1995. Protein Sci 4:1161-1166) and nearly the mathematical equivalent of the new capping formulation incorporated in the model presented by Rohl et al. (1996. Protein Sci 5:2623-2637). Side-chain/side-chain interactions are, in most cases, incorporated as context dependent modifications of propagation rather than nucleation parameters. An alternative procedure for converting [theta]221 values to experimental fractional helicities ( ) is presented. Tests of the program predictions suggest this method may have some advantages both for designed peptides and for the analysis of secondary structure preferences that could drive the formation of molten-globule intermediates on protein folding pathways. The model predicts the fractional helicity of 385 peptides with a root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) of 0.050 and locates (with precise definition of the termini in many cases) helices in proteins as well as competing methods. The propagation and nucleation parameters were derived from NMR data and from the CD data for a 79 peptide "learning set" for which an excellent fit resulted (RMSD = 0.0295). The current set of parameter corrections for capping boxes, helix dipole interactions, and side-chain/side-chain interactions (coulombic, hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic clustering), although still under development provide a significant improvement in both helix/coil equilibrium prediction for peptides and helix location in protein sequences. This is clearly evident in the rms deviations between CD measures and calculated values of fractional helicity for different classes of peptides before and after applying the corrections: for peptides lacking capping boxes and i/i + 3 and i/i + 4 side-chain/side-chain interactions RMSD = 0.044 (n = 164) versus RMSD = 0.054 (0.172 without the corrections, n = 221) for peptides that required context-dependent corrections of the parameters. If we restrict the analysis to N-acylated peptides with helix stabilizing side-chain/side-chain interactions (including N-capping boxes), the degree to which our corrections account for the stabilizing interaction can be judged from the change in helicity underestimation, ( calc- CD): -0.15 +/- 0.10, which is reduced to -0.018 +/- 0.048 (n = 191) upon applying the corrections.
Intrinsic linewidths and radiative lifetimes of free excitons in GaAs quantum wells.

The giant oscillator strength for radiative transitions of excitons in quantum wells is largely due to the macroscopic polarization of a two-dimensional system. At low temperatures the large oscillator strength leads to a short radiative lifetime of free excitons. We investigate the photoluminescence linewidths and lifetimes of free excitons in a series of extremely high-quality GaAs quantum wells as a function of lattice temperature, excitation intensity, and quantum-well width
Geometrically Finite Complex Hyperbolic Manifolds

The aim of this paper is to study geometry and topology of geometrically finite complex hyperbolic manifolds, especially their ends, as well as geometry of their holonomy groups. This study is based on our structural theorem for discrete groups acting on Heisenberg groups, on the fiber bundle structure of Heisenberg manifolds, and on the existence of finite coverings of a geometrically finite manifold such that their parabolic ends have either Abelian or 2-step nilpotent holonomy. We also study an interplay between Kahler geometry of complex hyperbolic n-manifolds and Cauchy–Riemannian geometry of their boundary (2n-1)-manifolds at infinity, and this study is based on homotopy equivalence of manifolds and isomorphism of fundamental groups.
Abstract 875: Ovarian and uterine carcinosarcoma: A comparative analysis of prognostic variables and survival outcomes

Objective: Carcinosarcomas (malignant mixed mullerian tumor) of the female genital tract are rare tumors associated with poor outcome. Previous studies have demonstrated that even tumors of similar histology originating in organs that are in proximity may be biologically distinct entities by virtue of their occurrence through different molecular pathways. The objective of this study was to identify site specific differences in the clinical behavior and survival outcome of carcinosarcomas originating in female genital tract by comparing carcinosarcomas arising in the uterus and ovaries. Methods: Data on patients with uterine carcinosarcoma and ovarian carcinosarcoma were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database between 1988 and 2005. Kaplan-Meier log rank and Cox proportional hazards models were used for survival analysis and to identify possible predictors for survival. Results: The identified cohort included 3,683 women, with 2,759 (75%) uterine carcinosarcomas and 924 (25%) ovarian carcinosarcomas. Uterine carcinosarcoma patients were older than patients with ovarian carcinosarcoma (median age 67.61 vs. 65.83 years, p Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 875.
Differential drift of plasma clouds in the magnetosphere

Abstract The magnetosphere is clearly not in its “lowest energy” state and may change to a lower energy state by a change of magnetic field configuration or de-energization or loss of energetic particles. In this paper the classic technique for finding the force on a parallel plate capacitor, i.e. the rate of change of stored energy with distance, is applied to flux tubes in the magnetosphere. By balancing the rate at which energy becomes available by flux tubes motion with the energy associated with ionospheric drag, an equilibrium velocity is computed. It is concluded that small-scale internally generated electric fields in the magnetosphere are likely to be of the same order as the large-scale convective electric fields.
Interpretation of two compact planetary nebulae, IC 4997 and NGC 6572, with aid of theoretical models.

Abstract Observations of two dense compact planetary nebulae secured with the Hamilton Echelle spectrograph at Lick Observatory combined with previously published UV spectra secured with the International Ultraviolet Explorer enable us to probe the electron densities and temperatures (plasma diagnostics) and ionic concentrations in these objects. The diagnostic diagrams show that no homogenous model will work for these nebulae. NGC 6572 may consist of an inner torordal ring of density 25,000 atoms/cm3 and an outer conical shell of density 10,000 atoms/cm3. The simplest model of IC 4997 suggests a thick inner shell with a density of about 107 atoms/cm3 and an outer envelope of density 10,000 atoms/cm3. The abundances of all elements heavier than He appear to be less than the solar values in NGC 6572, whereas He, C, N, and O may be more abundant in IC 4997 than in the sun. IC 4997 presents puzzling problems.
The black community's reactions to the 1992 los angeles riot

This article is based on field (street) interviews with a sample of 227 black community members living and/or working in South Central Los Angeles at the time of the 1992 riot. The interview instrument comprises 20 questions designed to (1) ascertain the reactions and feelings of black community members to the riot; and (2) compare a sample of black participants in the riot with nonparticipants. The participant group was found to be more frequently younger males with less education and lower income, and they were more likely to have arrest records prior to the riot than nonparticipants. Though reactions and feelings were mixed and contradictory, both groups reported an overall acceptance of the disorders. Differentials in reactions were in degree rather than in kind. Most objected to the riot in principle but concluded that collective violence “pays off.” The preriot structural facilitators (poverty, relative deprivation, unemployment, police brutality, racial discrimination, and negative police‐community...
Fluorocarbon Aerosol Propellents X: Pharmacokinetics of Dichlorotetrafluoroethane in Dogs

Abstract An intravenous dosage form of dichlorotetrafluoroethane, a common fluorocarbon aerosol propellant, was formulated in polyethylene glycol 400 for single dosing to unanesthetized dogs. A three‐compartment open model was proposed for the disposition of this compound in dogs, with average half‐lives of 1.3, 9.6, and 50.8 min for the three disposition phases. An analysis of tissue compartment distribution following a single dose showed that it took about 2 hr to achieve pseudo‐distribution equilibration, following which more than 90% of the propellant remaining in the body was retained in the tissue compartments. Pulmonary clearance and volumes of distribution were calculated considering the first‐pass effect through the lungs. The volume of distribution was approximately 10 times the body weight in terms of blood concentration, and about 84% of the propellant was cleared from the blood passing through the lungs in each cycle.
Covert Iridovirus Infection of Blackfly Larvae

Iridovirus infections are typically isolated at extremely low frequencies from invertebrate species in moist or aquatic habitats. Crystalline arrangements of virus particles in heavily infected tissues cause an iridescent hue obvious to the naked eye; diagnosis of iridovirus infection has traditionally occurred when the host appeared bright lilac or blue. Evidence is presented here to show that there are two forms of iridovirus infection in larval blackfly (Diptera: Simuliidae) populations: (i) the classical patent form which causes larvae to develop blue iridescence before death; and (ii) a covert (inapparent) form which is not lethal. Patent infections are extremely rare in Simulium populations from the River Ystwyth, Wales ( ca . 1 in 10 6 ). However, a large proportion of the population harbours the disease without obvious symptoms. Covert iridovirus infection was shown by using two techniques. First, tissue homogenates from 8 out of 30 apparently healthy Simulium larvae produced patent iridovirus infections when injected into a permissive lepidopteran host species. The DNA restriction profiles from these covert isolates showed very close similarities in fragment pattern and variability to isolates causing patent infections in the same River Ystwyth populations. Second, the presence of iridovirus DNA in host tissues was confirmed by using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeted at the iridovirus major structural protein gene. The frequency of PCR-positive larvae taken from the River Ystwyth in April 1992 varied between 17% and 37%, depending on site.
[3H]CFT ([3H]win 35,428) accumulation in dopamine regions of monkey brain: comparison of a mature and an aged monkey

Abstract The distribution of a tracer dose of the dopamine transport probe [3H]CFT ([3H]WIN 35,428; 2.5 nmol/kg) in brain was examined 90 min following intravenous administration to a mature (8 years, approximately) and an aged (> 20 years) squirrel (Saimiri sciureus) monkey. Ex vivo autoradiography revealed [3H]CFT labeling predominantly in dopamine-rich regions. The hig striatum:cerebellum ratio, 5.6 compares favorably with other markers for dopamine systems. Ligand accumulation in striatum was substantially lower in the aged monkey compared with the younger adult monkey. The present findings support the use of the cocaine ongener CFT for monitoring the dopamine transporter on dopamine nerve terminals by PET (positron emission tomography) imaging.
Structure of the human genomic glutathione S-transferase-π gene

The complete human genomic glutathione-S-transferase-pi gene (GST-pi) was isolated from a lambda Charon 4A bacteriophage library which was screened by hybridization to a human GST-pi cDNA. We have sequenced 4261 bp which include the entire GST-pi gene as well as over 1200 bp of the 5' and 200 bp of the 3' flanking regions. The GST-pi gene has 7 exons and 6 introns contained within approximately 2.8 kilobases. Primer extension experiments identified four possible transcription start points closely spaced between 29 and 33 nucleotides (nt) 5' to the start of translation. Analysis of the GST-pi promoter region revealed 4 putative transcription regulatory motifs; these sequences include a 'TATA' box 29 bp upstream from the major transcription start point (nt position -29), 2 Sp1 recognition sequences (GGGCGG, nt positions -46 to -41 and -56 to -51), and an AP-1 recognition sequence (TGACTCA, nt positions -69 to -63). The first 200 nt 5' to the start point of transcription contain a G + C-rich region (79%). Additionally, an intriguing A + T-rich region was found between nt positions -505 and -413 which contained 17 AAAAT tandem repeats. Comparison of the GST-pi gene with the homologous rate gene, GST-P, disclosed extensive conservation of genomic organization between the two species.
Seasonally-induced fluctuations in microbial production and consumption of methane during bioremediation of aged subsurface refinery contamination

Intrinsic bioremediation of 90−130 year old refinery wastes in shallow, saturated soils was studied over a 1-year period by measuring the compositions and isotopic ratios of soil gas and groundwater samples. CH4 concentrations in soil gas samples from areas with high residual refinery waste concentrations were found to fluctuate greatly in response to seasonal changes in groundwater levels. The 14C content of the CH4 was low (0.03−0.10 times modern), indicating that it was predominantly formed from the refinery wastes. The δ13C and δD values of the CH4 were consistent with formation via acetate fermentation. The source of the acetate to drive this reaction is not clear but could be due to either aerobic degradation of the hydrocarbons caused by influx of oxygen-enriched rainwater or anaerobic hydrocarbon degradation. In the vadose zone, the δ13C and δD values of the CH4 increased as its concentration decreased, indicating that the CH4 was being oxidized by methanotrophic bacteria. This is confirmed by lar...
Measurements of the pressure-volume-temperature properties of fluids to 20 kbar and 1000°C: A new approach demonstrated on H2O

Abstract A new method for measuring volumes of fluids in a piston cylinder apparatus has been tested and applied to measuring the molar volume of H 2 O V H 2 O from 8.5 to 20 kbar and 800° to 1000°C. A thick-walled nickel capsule partially filled with H 2 O is run at the desired pressure and temperature, allowing it to deform until pressures inside and outside the capsule equate. Rapidly quenching the experiment preserves the capsule volume, which is measured by weighing the capsule in air and in H 2 O. Subtracting the known volume of the metal in the capsule from the total capsule volume yields the inner volume of the capsule, which represents the equilibrium volume of the fluid at pressure and temperature. Multiple experiments defined the conditions under which capsules are strong enough to resist deformation on the short timescale of the quenching process, but weak enough to compact to achieve an equilibrium volume during the longer timescale of the experiment. The time required for the capsule to attain an equilibrium volume is between one and two days at 8.5 kbar and 800°C and 180 and 460 min at 17.5 kbar and 1000°C. Errors arising from modification of capsule volume during quenching appear minor at 10 kbar for temperatures up to 1000°C, but become significant at 15 kbar for temperatures above 900°C, resulting in poor precision or underestimation of the equilibrium volume. The total relative error in molar volume arising from uncertainties in pressure, temperature, and volume measurement is ∼2%. Measurements overlapping with those of Burnham et al. (1969) are in good agreement, suggesting the method is accurate. The equation of Brodholt and Wood (1993) fits our data best at pressures > 10 kbar but is not accurate at pressures 2 O from 10–30 kbar and 600–1200°C calculated by combining the equations of state of Kerrick and Jacobs (1981, 1 bar–10 kbar) and Brodholt and Wood (1993, > 10 kbar) are presented and fit with a polynomial to allow easy calculation of fugacity.
Understanding the kinematics and dynamics of the digit.

The flexor tendon system of the hand and the relationship between the flexor digitorum superficialis and flexor digitorum profundus is complicated and has been the subject of much research1-3. Treatment recommendations for diseases and injuries involving the flexor tendon system have evolved substantially over the past thirty years as a better understanding of its anatomy, function, healing capacity, and rehabilitation protocols has emerged. Both muscles originate in the forearm, and distally they form the flexor tendons of the digits. The flexor tendons are oval-shaped spiral bands composed of tenocytes and type-I collagen. Distally, beginning at the level of the metacarpal neck, the flexor tendons are enclosed in the flexor sheath, a fibro-osseous sheath with multiple functions. As has been well described, the sheath has thickened regions that form the pulley system. The pulley system is composed of the anular and cruciform pulleys. The A1, A3, and A5 pulleys arise from the volar plate of the metacarpophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal, and distal interphalangeal joints, respectively. The A2 and A4 pulleys arise from the proximal and middle phalanges. The cruciform pulleys are located between the anular pulleys and are less rigid. The flexor digitorum superficialis tendon of each digit is located volar to the flexor digitorum profundus tendon until the level of the flexor sheath, at which point the flexor digitorum superficialis tendon divides into two slips. One slip passes radial and the other passes ulnar to the flexor digitorum profundus tendon before rejoining dorsal to the flexor digitorum profundus tendon and inserting into the middle phalanx (Fig. 1). At this location, the flexor digitorum superficialis appears, anatomically, to have the capacity to act as an additional pulley for the flexor digitorum profundus. This anatomic layout prompted our investigation. Fig. 1 Diagram of the flexor tendon system of the digit. (Reprinted, …
Reversal of multiorgan system dysfunction in sickle cell disease with plasma exchange

A 23-year-old man with sickle cell anemia and multiorgan system dysfunction was treated with plasma exchange during a sickle cell crisis. The patient failed to respond to conventional treatment including hydration, blood transfusions, broad spectrum antibiotics, supplemental oxygen, and analgesics. The clinical picture resembled thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), and the patient responded dramatically to plasma exchange with reversal of a rapidly deteriorating clinical state. This case illustrates possible similarities in the pathophysiology of TTP and sickle cell crisis, and the value of plasma exchange in related critical disease states.
Preparation of dichloro(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)(1,2-diphenoxy)phosphorane and its nonoxidative chlorination reactions with alkyl and aryl phosphonates

Abstract The reaction of tetrachloro(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)phosphorane, (TBPO)PCl 4 , with o -catechol yields dichloro(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)(1,2-diphenoxy)phosphorane, (TBPO)(DP)PCl 2 . Quantitative 31 P[ 1 H] NMR spectroscopic studies demonstrate that this compound quantitatively converts secondary phosphonates into chlorophosphites. The chlorophosphites have been characterized by their reactions with tetracarbonylnorbornadienemolybdenum(0), Mo(CO) 4 (NBD), to form cis -Mo(CO) 4 (P(OR) 2 Cl) 2 . These reactions are also quantitative. The (TBPO)(DP)PCl 2 has major advantages over other nonoxidative chlorinating agents. The compound can be prepared in quantitative yield from stoichiometric amounts of the starting materials, the synthesis of the (TBPO)(DP)PCl 2 and the subsequent nonoxidative chlorination reaction can be carried out in one pot, and the byproduct of the reaction does not contain active chlorides.
A new nodosaurid ankylosaur (Dinosauria: Ornithischia) from the Paw Paw Formation (Late Albian) of Texas

ABSTRACT Pawpawsaurus campbelli gen. et sp. nov. from the Paw Paw Formation (late Albian), Tarrant County, Texas, appears more primitive than other pre-Campanian nodosaurids, Silvisaurus condrayi and Sauropelta edwardsi. New cranial synapomorphies for the Nodosauridae are prominent W-shaped basioccipital tubera, anteriorly concave and anteroposteriorly flattened quadrate, and transversely continuous and straight posterior margin of the pterygoid aligned with the quadrate shaft. These synapomorphies are closely related to the downward orientation of the nodosaurid head in life. A pair of bony eyelids recovered with the skull are the first discovered for the Nodosauridae. Other Paw Paw Formation nodosaurid remains, including new postcranial elements and a baby nodosaurid, are taxonomically indeterminate.
Disorder–order transitions induced in anionic homopolypeptides by cationic detergents

CD spectra have been obtained for poly(L-glutamic acid) and poly(L-aspartic acid) as functions of temperature and concentration of cationic detergents. Dodecylammonium chloride induces a coil–helix transition in fully ionized poly(L-glutamic acid). The interaction of the monomeric detergent with the polypeptide is responsible for the conformational transition. The detergent concentration required to produce the transition is independent of temperature. The CD of fully ionized poly(L-aspartic acid) is nearly unaffected by dodecylammonium chloride, in marked contrast to the situation found with poly(L-glutamic acid). However, these results do not imply that dodecylammonium chloride interacts differently with aspartyl and glutamyl residues. The observed results can be accounted for by the well-known fact that the glutamyl residue has a higher helix-forming tendency that the aspartyl residue. Cetyltrimethylammonium chloride destabilizes the helical form of poly(L-glutamic acid). This detergent presents an exception to the usual ability of ionic detergents to promote formation of ordered structures in oppositely charged homopolypeptides.
Exposed buffering and sub-datagram flow control for ATM LANs

We implemented an ATM network interface featuring two novel techniques: exposed buffering and subdatagram flow control. Exposed buffering allows applications to send or receive data from buffers shared with the network interface, thereby avoiding the latency of data copying or VM manipulations. Separate buffer areas maintain user privacy. Sub-datagram flow control uses feedback from the receiver to pace datagram transmission in small bursts according to the buffering available and eventual loss detected. This enables higher-level protocols or applications to use large transmission units and better amortize per-packet protocol overheads even if the network has limited buffering and no flow control. Our experiments show that these techniques can considerably improve latency, throughput, and congestion handling in ATM LANs. >
OpenVL: the open volume library

OpenVL is a modular, extensible, and high performance library for handling volumetric datasets. It provides a standard, uniform, and easy to use API for accessing volumetric data. It allows the volumetric data to be laid out in different ways to optimize memory usage and speed. It supports reading/writing of volumetric data from/to files in different formats using plugins. It provides a framework for implementing various algorithms as plugins that can be easily incorporated into user applications. The plugins are implemented as shared libraries which can be dynamically loaded as needed. OpenVL is developed openly and is a free software available on the web.
The Syntax of Defection and Cooperation: The Effects of the Implicit Sentences Nice Act Versus Act Nice on Behavior Change

The syntactic organization of incidentally presented word pairs may affect behavior by providing actors with implicit propositions about how to behave. In Experiment 1, participants who had already played turns of a mixed-motive game were less cooperative after an explicit propositional suggestion that they had been nice in prior turns but were more cooperative after the suggestion that they should be nice in upcoming turns. In three subsequent experiments, implicit priming with the phrase nice act produced greater levels of defection, implying that actors responded to the implicit suggestion that they had been sufficiently nice already. In contrast, act nice produced greater levels of cooperation, implying that actors responded to the implicit suggestion that they should try to be nicer in upcoming turns. These effects occurred outside of awareness and disappeared when the interval between the words was long and when behavior was measured after a delay.
Study of Noise Reduction by Feedback in Ultra-High Frequency Amplifiers

The object of this investigation was to determine the degree to which high frequency tube noise generated in the rf amplifiers may be cancelled, and to determine whether such cancellation could be used practically. An integral part of this investigation was to determine the sources of the tube noise.
Effect of Alkaline Treatment of Soy Protein on Sulfur Amino Acid Bioavailability

Racemization of amino acids and crosslinking appear to be at least partly responsible for decreased quality of alkali-treated proteins. Cystine is thought to be one source of the dehydroalanine residue of lysinoalanine. Thus, the lower quality of alkali-treated soy protein may also be due to cystine destruction. Results demonstrated that severe alkaline treatment reduced total sulfur amino acid bioavailability by 71%, the histidine bioavailability by 80%. It was concluded that the decrease in sulfur amino acid bioavailability was the result of decreased efficiency of utilization rather than cystine destruction, since the magnitude of the decrease was similar to that observed for histidine, an amino acid not chemically altered by alkaline treatment.
Experimental Data Set of Mining-Induced Seismicity for Studies of Full-Scale Topographic Effects

This paper describes two large, high-quality experimental data sets of ground motions collected with locally dense arrays of seismometers deployed on steep mountainous terrain with varying slope an...
Monitoring Chemical and Microbial Changes of Cottage Cheese using a Full‐history Time‐temperature Indicator

Cottage cheese (4% milkfat) was stored under three isothermal conditions (3, 9, and 15°C) and one varied temperature condition for the length of its useful shelf life–up to 32 days. Attached to each one-half pint carton were two full history, enzymatic based, time-temperature indicators (I-POINT models #4014 and #4021). Throughout the study quality attributes of the cottage cheese, as determined by chemical and microbial means, and the indicator progress were periodically monitored. The cheese spoiled due to growth of acid-forming bacteria under the warmer conditions and due to psychrotrophic bacteria under the coldest condition. Response of the I-POINT model 4014 was significantly related to changes in three of the quality attributes of the cottage cheese, specifically: pH, standard plate count when the cheese was stored at 8.8° C, and titratable acidity when the cheese was stored at 15.1° C.
X-band phased array development on teflon laminates with CMOS RFIC receivers

We present the development of an 8-channel X-band microstrip phased array receiver with beam-scan capability of +/−45 degrees in the azimuth plane. Two 0.13 µm CMOS RFIC chips are integrated directly on the laminates for the array feed network, with each chip comprising of a 4-way power combiner network and 4 channels of RF front-end. Each RF-front-end consists of an LNA, a VGA and a phase shifter, and the total chip size is 2.9 by 2.5 mm2. The design center frequency and bandwidth is 9.2 GHz and 75 MHz, respectively. An aperture coupled microstrip antenna is used for the basic radiating element, and measured response for the microstrip element deviates from the simulated response by 1.2 %.
Design of the button beam position monitor for PEP-II

The beam position monitor (BPM) was designed to provide a robust UHV feedthru and a reliable electromagnetic sensor. Stringent resolution requirements at low beam currents, bunch parameters, along with mechanical and chamber requirements produced challenges in the electrical, thermal, and structural design of the BPM's. Numerical modeling and experimental analyses were used to optimize the design. The higher order modes (HOM's) and beam impedance were modeled using MAFIA. Measurements agreed with the calculated 1 /spl Omega/ transfer impedance at the 952 MHz signal processing frequency, and the first two HOM's found in MAFIA. Tests and analysis both showed the button signal power approaching 40 W. Temperature and stress distributions were analyzed using this power loading with ANSYS. An electronic grade CuNi was selected for the BPM to reliably weld into the copper chambers. Pin seal and compressive joints were considered for the insulator vacuum seals. Both glassy ceramic-to-metal and ceramic-to-metal seals were evaluated.
Technology diffusion and diagnostic testing for prostate cancer.

Purpose: While the dissemination of robotic prostatectomy and intensity modulated radiotherapy may fuel the increased use of prostatectomy and radiotherapy, these new technologies may also have spillover effects related to diagnostic testing for prostate cancer. Therefore, we examined the association of regional technology penetration with the receipt of prostate specific antigen testing and prostate biopsy.Materials and Methods: In this retrospective cohort study we included 117,857 men 66 years old or older from the 5% sample of Medicare beneficiaries living in Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) areas from 2003 to 2007. Regional technology penetration was measured as the number of providers performing robotic prostatectomy or intensity modulated radiotherapy per population in a health care market, ie hospital referral region. We assessed the association of technology penetration with the prostate specific antigen testing rate and prostate biopsy using generalized estimating equations.Resu...
Nanophotonics for information systems applications

This paper explores the role of nanotechnology with focus on nanophotonics in dielectric, matal, and semiconductor inhomogeneous metamaterials and devices for optical communications, information and signal processing, and sensing.
Natural polypeptide scaffolds: β-sheets, β-turns, and β-hairpins

This paper provides an introduction to fundamental conformational states of polypeptides in the beta-region of phi,psi space, in which the backbone is extended near to its maximal length, and to more complex architectures in which extended segments are linked by turns and loops. There are several variants on these conformations, and they comprise versatile scaffolds for presentation of side chains and backbone amides for molecular recognition and designed catalysts. In addition, the geometry of these fundamental folds can be readily mimicked in peptidomimetics.
Change in Serum Bicarbonate Level Independently Predicts Late Mortality in Patients Hospitalized with Heart Failure

understand the long-term outcome probabilities within patients and populations with mild to moderate heart failure over an extended period (i.e., up to 7+ years). Objective: The principal aim of this analysis is to develop a predictive model of long term outcomes in patients with chronic HF undergoing angiotensin receptor blockade and to compare it to the SHFM with respect to predictions of 5 year survival. Statistical Methods: The HEAAL database consists of 3,834 patients who were eligible and received low (50mg daily) or high dose(150mg daily) losartan. This sample was divided into a Training Analysis Set (67% randomly selected observations) for estimating the predictive models and a Test Analysis Set (33% observations) for applying the models to predict survival. A Cox Proportional Hazard (PH) Model was used to select 22 covariates from over 50 baseline clinical and demographic variables using forward sequential selection applied to the Training Dataset. A parametric PH regression model was estimated from the Training Dataset using the Weibull distribution. Predictive probabilities of 5 year survival were estimated for the Test Dataset, and the SHFM was fitted to the Test Dataset for estimation of 5 year survival. Results: Table 1 presents the 22 covariates selected in the Cox PH Model from the Test Dataset together with the order of selection, 95% confidence intervals and PValues. Figure 1 presents the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves for the HEAAL parametric PH regression model and the SHFM model. The AUC for the HEAAL model was .752 and the AUC for the SHFM model was .759. Conclusion: The SHFM is a robust predictor of long term all cause mortality for patients with chronic heart failure.