cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
User and developer common knowledge: Effect on the success of information system development projects

Abstract Since Information Systems Development (ISD) project success is difficult to achieve and the literature has shown the relationship between IS developer skills and system success is mixed, this paper isolates and studies the knowledge shared by users and developers and its interaction with group solving practices that may lead to ISD project success. We evaluate developer’s knowledge of application domains and user knowledge of IS development along with the level of group problem solving among users and developers as related to the ultimate success of the project. A survey of 168 ISD professionals indicates that a combination of both user knowledge of IS development and IS developer knowledge of application domains had significant impact on successful project outcomes. The magnitude of this success is moderated by the level of group problem solving activities held by the project implementation teams. Up to a certain point, the more group problem solving interaction the more successful the project outcome. However, if knowledge redundancy is very high then exchange of knowledge is not so essential.
An overview of strongly correlated electron systems

This work provides an overview of strongly correlated electron systems. Taking a historical point of view, this work emphasizes early papers and general concepts that have remained relevant over the 50-year development of the field. Selected experimental results are given that illustrate different phenomena. The subjects discussed include concentrated Kondo systems, anomalous gapless superconductivity, non-Fermi liquid behavior, and quantum phase transitions.
Optimization of crop canopy sensor placement for measuring nitrogen status in corn.

Active canopy sensors can be used to assess corn (Zea mays L.) N status and direct spatially-variable in-season N application. The goal of this study was to determine optimal sensor spacing for controlling whole- and/or split-boom N application scenarios for a hypothetical 24-row applicator. Sensor readings were collected from 24 consecutive rows at eight cornfields during vegetative growth in 2007 and 2008, and readings were converted to chlorophyll index (CI) values. A base map of measured CI values was created using square pixels equal to row spacing for each site (0.91 or 0.76 m in size). Sensor placement and boom section scenarios were evaluated using MSE (mean squared error) of calculated CI maps vs. the base CI map. Scenarios ranged from one sensor, one variable-rate to 24 sensors, 24 variable-rates for the hypothetical 24-row applicator. The greatest reduction in MSE from the one variable-rate scenario was obtained with 2 to 3 sensors estimating average CI for the entire boom width, unless each row was individually sensed. In every field, more accurate prediction ofCI was obtained by averaging sensor readings across the entire 24 rows rather than predicting CI for more than two consecutive rows using only one sensor in each section. Because of the nature of spatial variability in CI, some fields may benefit from an increased number of sensors and/or boom sections equipped with 2 to 3 sensors each.
Factors associated with persistence and resumption of insulin pen use for patients with type 2 diabetes.

Abstract Objective: This study assessed patient-related factors associated with persistence and resumption of using pens as insulin delivery devices. Methods: Patients (n = 549; 300 current pen users, 249 former pen users) were recruited from national panels to participate in computer-assisted telephone interviews. Measures included demographic characteristics, diabetes treatment and self-care factors, physician recommendation for pen use, perceptions of pen convenience, clinical efficacy, facilitation of self-care, cost, patient reasons for terminating pen use, and likelihood of resuming pen use among those who had terminated use. Results: Current and former pen users rated the pen higher (P < 0.05) than vial and syringe on convenience, efficacy, facilitation of self-care, and cost, except for former users' ratings of cost. Current pen users rated pens higher (P < 0.05) than former users on all these measures. In addition to more positive pen perceptions, multivariate analysis showed that current users w...
ORGANISATION STRUCTURE AND STRATEGIC PLANNING: AN EMPIRICAL EXAMINATION

The relationship between organisation structure and strategic planning has been discussed by numerous authors. However, empirical studies of this relationship remain scarce. This article examines the interrelationship between strategic plan intensity and organisation structural factors through an empirical analysis to provide additional insights into this important relationship. Strategic plan intensity is defined as the degree to which an organisation uses a strategic plan to guide the actions and decisions of organisation members.
Protodolomite Synthesis at 100°C and Atmospheric Pressure

Ordered protodolomite, CaMg(CO3)2, has been synthesized at 100°C by reaction of metastable precipitated carbonates with aqueous magnesium-bearing solutions. Initial reaction products have expanded crystallographic cells, attributed to the presence of structural water. Longer reaction time produces a protodolomite approaching ideal composition and exhibiting order reflections in x-ray powder
General Ligand Affinity Chromatography in Enzyme Purification Ligands, Affinity Chromatography, Enzyme Purification

Abstract Recent developments in enzyme purification have revolutionized isolation techniques and at the same time provided a more profitable manner in which to obtain them. These developments are primarily concerned with the preparation and usability of imobilized ligands for the selective isolation and purification of biologically active substance1–5, particularly enzymes. This technique is based on the unique principle that the biological macromolecule is able to be adsorbed to the immobilized ligand, specifically and reversibly, unlike the traditional methods by which proteins are separated by their dffferences in physicochemical properties. Numerous proteins have been purified since this technique was first applied by Campbell et al.6 for the purification and isolation of antibodies. From these preliminary efforts it is apparent that further development of thfs method would greatly facilitate our understanding and utilizattion of enzymes.
Functional MRI and Wada studies in patients with interhemispheric dissociation of language functions

Rare patients with chronic epilepsy show interhemispheric dissociation of language functions on intracarotid amobarbital (Wada) testing. We encountered four patients with interhemispheric dissociation in 490 consecutive Wada language tests. In all cases, performance on overt speech production tasks was supported by the hemisphere contralateral to the seizure focus, whereas performance on comprehension tasks was served by the hemisphere with the seizure focus. These data suggest that speech production capacity is more likely to shift hemispheres than is language comprehension. Wada and fMRI language lateralization scores were discordant in three of the four patients. However, the two methods aligned more closely when Wada measures loading on comprehension were used to calculate lateralization scores. Thus, interhemispheric dissociation of language functions could explain some cases of discordance on Wada/fMRI language comparisons, particularly when the fMRI measure used is not sensitive to speech production processes.
Reply to comment on ‘characterizing unpaired electrons from the one-particle density matrix’

Abstract The different behavior of two definitions of the unpaired electron distribution in a molecule for small and large natural orbital occupation numbers are contrasted based on theory and three examples: O2 dissociation, the triplet state of He, and benzene.
Is borderline fasting hyperglycemia a risk factor for cardiovascular death

Abstract The majority of previously reported studies of borderline hyperglycemia as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease are based on post-challenge glucose levels, are limited to men, and show either no significant association or a possible threshold effect. In order to determine whether fasting plasma glucose (FPG) in the normal range (
Partitions and ( m and n ) sums of products

Abstract We consider the sums of m increasing products from a sequence 〈 X t 〉 t = 1 ∞ , denoted SP m (〈 x t 〉 t = 1 ∞ ). We show that whenever N is partitioned into finitely many cells, one cell will contain a SP m (〈 x t 〉 t = 1 ∞ ) for some sequence 〈 x t 〉 t = 1 ∞ . We show further that given m ≠ n there is a two cell partition of N so that neither cell contains SP n (〈 x t 〉 t = 1 ∞ ) ∪ SP m (〈 y t 〉 t = 1 ∞ ) for any sequences 〈 x t 〉 t = 1 ∞ and 〈 y t 〉 t = 1 ∞ .
A model framework for integrated studies of the climate problem

Abstract Establishing research priorities and developing and evaluating alternative policy options in the domain of climate change are activities that require a broad look across all the elements of the climate problem. Such broad integrated assessment should involve different analytical approaches in different parts of the problem. However, appropriate computer model frameworks, into which a variety of specific alternative results and submodels can be inserted, can provide convenient vehicles for putting the pieces together. Such a framework is described. A simple version is used to illustrate how such frameworks can be used to perform uncertainty analysis, and how, together with expert judgment, they might be used in setting research priorities.
Metabolic and Neurologic Effects of an Intravenous Medium-Chain Triglyceride Emulsion

These studies were undertaken to investigate the relationship between medium-chain fatty acid availability, medium-chain fatty acid oxidation, and central nervous system toxicity during infusion of medium-chain triglycerides in dogs. Six dogs received a sequential, stepwise infusion of trioctanoin at three different rates for 80 min each, providing calories below and equal to resting energy expenditure in the species. Ketone body production rates (using a 14C beta-hydroxybutyrate tracer) and plasma concentrations of lactate and octanoate were monitored. Three animals were infused with saline to serve as controls. Blood-brain barrier integrity was assessed with Evans blue dye, and brain samples were taken at the end of the study to quantify brain water. Three animals were studied under anesthesia to obtain good quality EEG and intracranial pressure measurements. Results were (1) plasma octanoate increased to 0.37 +/- 0.13, 0.78 +/- 0.2, and 1.44 +/- 0.41 mmol/liter during the three infusion intervals; (2) emesis, somnolence, and coma were observed at the two highest trioctanoin rates; (3) ketone body concentrations and production increased from 102 +/- 15 to 859 +/- 54 mumol/liter and 3.6 +/- 0.43 to 18.5 +/- 1.7 mumol/kg/min, respectively, at the highest trioctanoin infusion rate; and (4) plasma lactate also increased from 1.3 +/- 0.1 to 4.3 +/- 0.9 mmol/liter at the highest infusion rate. EEG changes were also observed, consisting of high amplitude slowing and reduction in amplitude of faster components. There was no extravasation of Evans blue dye, nor change in brain water or intracranial pressure. The conclusion--medium-chain triglycerides have significant dose-related central nervous system toxicity in dogs. Therefore, caution should be exercised in clinical studies with MCTs, including careful measurement of medium-chain fatty acid concentrations.
Eigenspectrum and localization for diffusion with traps

We investigate the survival-return probability distribution and the eigenspectrum for the transition probability matrix, for diffusion in the presence of perfectly absorbing traps distributed with critical disorder in two and three dimensions. The density of states is found to have Lifshitz tail in the low frequency limit, consistent with a recent investigation of the long-time behavior of the survival probability. The localization properties of the eigenstates are found to be very different from diffusion with no traps.
Toward optimal scaling in the method of abstract forces for interactive multiple criteria optimization

This paper presents a multiple criterion decision making model based on the Troutt-Hemming (1984) Method of Abstract Forces (MAF). The MAF is an interactive optimization method that allows the units of measurement of the various criteria to be different. The proposed method uses a scaling technique that adjusts for the diversity in impacts caused by the differences in the units of measurement of heterogeneous criteria. The method was tested by comparing solutions derived with it against solutions found with the more traditional what-if problem solving model. The MAF, with the scaling algorithm, was shown to be far superior to the what-if method in the application tested.
How to defeat electrostatic discharge

The generation of electrostatic discharge (ESD) and the ways in which it causes failure are explained. Three ways of solving ESD problems are described and evaluated. They are: preventing ESD altogether; preventing the coupling of ESD noise into circuits or devices; and increasing the inherent noise immunity of devices and circuits. Firmware and software solutions to ESD upsets are also considered, and ESD testing is discussed. >
Lymphatic smooth muscle responses to leukotrienes, histamine and platelet activating factor

Regional lymphatics regulate the accumulation of edema resulting from inflammation. The effects of mediators of inflammation on lymphatic smooth muscle, the primary determinant of lymph flow, are poorly understood. We studied mesenteric lymphatic vessels in 22 anesthetized rats with in vivo videomicroscopy following topical applications of histamine, leukotriene C4 or D4, or platelet-activating factor (PAF). Diameter, contractility, and contraction frequency were measured, and flow was calculated. Histamine caused increases in vessel diameter and contractility (174 and 218% of control, respectively; P < 0.05), while contraction frequency was unaffected. Leukotrienes C4 and D4 caused an increase in frequency of contraction (348 and 392% of control, respectively; P < 0.05), while having no significant influence on diameter or contractility. PAF caused smooth muscle relaxation, resulting in vasodilation and a decrease in contraction frequency (202 and 5% of control, respectively; P < 0.05). Topical application of histamine and leukotrienes caused significant increases in calculated flow, while PAF decreased calculated flow. Mediators of inflammation have striking and diverse effects on lymphatic smooth muscle activity.
An elderly woman with chest pain and shortness of breath.

The patient was treated for myocardial infarction but became hypotensive and developed moderate respiratory distress on her third hospital day. What is the likely cause?
Effect of anomalous pulse timing on call discrimination by females of the gray treefrog (Hyla versicolor): behavioral correlates of neurobiology

SUMMARY Research has demonstrated that certain midbrain neurons of anurans ‘count’ interpulse intervals (IPIs). Some neurons fire after exposure to fewer intervals than do others. Counting can be reset to zero if an IPI falls outside the cell9s tolerance range. We tested female gray treefrogs for behavioral correlates of these neural response patterns using phonotaxis tests in order to gain a better understanding of the mechanistic bases of female responses to calls. For example, previous work demonstrated females often prefer longer to shorter pulsed advertisement calls, even when the former occur at lower rates. Call attractiveness can also be reduced when pulse duration and timing have been manipulated experimentally or disrupted by acoustic interference. In this study, female responses were consistent with neural data, emphasizing the importance of IPIs. Females discriminated in favor of calls with normal interpulse timing relative to those in which a single IPI was too long or too short. Our data suggest that neural resetting of interval counting by inappropriate intervals may more strongly influence females than reduced firing in response to such intervals on an individual basis. Data also suggest a transition point between 125 ms and 175 ms at which an interval between pulse strings is treated as an interval between calls.
Effects of solid-propellant temperature gradients on the internal ballistics of the Space Shuttle

The internal ballistic effects of combined radial and circumferential grain temperature gradients are evaluated theoretically for the Space Shuttle solid rocket motors (SRMs). A simplified approach is devised for representing with closed-form mathematical expressions the temperature distribution resulting from the anticipated thermal history prior to launch. The internal ballistic effects of the gradients are established by use of a mathematical model which permits the propellant burning rate to vary circumferentially. Comparative results are presented for uniform and axisymmetric temperature distributions and the anticipated gradients based on an earlier two-dimensional analysis of the center SRM segment. The thrust imbalance potential of the booster stage is also assessed based on the difference in the thermal loading of the individual SRMs of the motor pair which may be encountered in both summer and winter environments at the launch site. Results indicate that grain temperature gradients could cause the thrust imbalance to be approximately 10% higher in the Space Shuttle than the imbalance caused by SRM manufacturing and propellant physical property variability alone.
Permeability Performance of High-Performance Concrete Subjected to Various Curing Regimes

Concrete technology has continued to advance throughout the years to meet the demands of designers and innovative structural systems. Traditionally, the most common means to specify durable concrete has been via specifying a maximum water-to-cementitious material ratio or a minimum cement content. With the advent of high-performance concrete (HPC), which often has higher contents of cementitious materials and a variety of admixtures, questions about permeability performance and alternative methods to specify durable concrete have arisen. The study conducted herein comments on the applicability of prescriptive specifications for HPC and investigates the influence of curing regimes and concrete temperature development during hydration on the permeability performance of HPC prestressed and precast beams and cast-in-place decks. These components were constructed for use in two recently constructed HPC bridges in Texas. Results indicate the benefits of an ASTM Class C fly ash from a permeability standpoint and emphasize that variables such as material constituents, curing condition, and concrete temperature play a dramatic role in the permeability performance of HPC.
Immunotherapy with short ragweed fraction A: d-glutamic acid: d-lysine polymer in ragweed hay fever☆

We report the first human trial of immunotherapy employing the nonimmunogenic carrier, D-glutamic acid:D-lysine linked to short ragweed (SRW) fraction A (fraction A:D-GL). Twelve SRW-sensitive patients with no immunotherapy during the previous 19 yr received a 2-mo (7/79 to 9/79) course of fraction A:D-GL (average dose 49.5 mg, range 21 to 78 mg). We compared their symptom scores and serologic changes with two control groups of SRW-sensitive patients. Patients receiving fraction A:D-GL demonstrated at least a tenfold decrease in skin-test sensitivity to SRW and had statistically lower mean seasonal symptom scores (p less than 0.02) than untreated controls. Mean seasonal symptom scored did not differ statistically from those of control patients on year 4 of immunotherapy. In contrast to the expected suppression of IgE, we found that fraction A:D-GL stimulated both IgE and IgG responses to SRW and SRW-antigen E. These increases in IgE and IgG antibodies were significantly greater than in the control groups and appeared to be due largely to injection of fraction A:D-GL. Though fraction A:D-GL was generally well tolerated, we noted mild generalized urticaria in three patients, and large local reactions in five others. The difference between our results and the earlier results in mice may reside in the particular characteristics of this preparation of fraction A:D-GL.
(Arene)Cr(CO)3 Complexes: Arene Lithiation/Reaction with Electrophiles

Coordination of an arene with a transition metal changes the reactivity of the arene pi system and the substituents. The ring hydrogens are made more acidic compared to the free arene, and can be removed with strong bases such as LDA and n-BuLi to give (ArLi)MLn complexes. This effect has been demonstrated with several arene-metal systems but investigated systematically only with the arene-Cr(CO)3 complexes and these are the focus of this review. Other methods for producing (ArLi)Cr(CO)3 complexes such as halogen-metal and metal-metal exchange are also known. In general, the metal-complexed aryl lithium derivatives are formed more readily and react like a stabilized version of the free aryl lithiums. Many examples of the effect of substituents on the regioselectivity of proton abstraction have been reported, including alkyl, halo, alkoxy, and alkylamino, and benzylic heteroatoms. The (ArLi)Cr(CO)3 complexes react as strong nucleophiles with a variety of electrophiles to provide substituted (arene)Cr(CO)3 species. Even (o-chlorophenyl lithium)Cr(CO)3 gives substantial yields of addition instead of benzyne formation, the primary pathway in the absence of the chromium stabilization.
Alternative approaches to potential of mean force calculations: Free energy perturbation versus thermodynamic integration. Case study of some representative nonpolar interactions

We investigated the convergence behavior of potential of mean force (PMF) calculations using free energy perturbation (FEP), thermodynamic integration (TI), and “slow growth” (SG) techniques. The critical comparison of these alternative approaches is illustrated by the study of three different systems: two tagged argon atoms in a periodic box of argon, two methane molecules, and two benzene molecules maintained in a “T-shaped” conformation, both dimers embedded in a periodic box of water. The complete PMF simulations were carried out considering several protocols, in which the number of intermediate “λ” states, together with the amount of sampling per individual state, were varied. In most cases, as much as 1 ns of molecular dynamics (MD) sampling was used to derive each free energy profile. For the different systems examined, we find that FEP and TI unquestionably constitute robust computational methods leading to results of comparable accuracy. We also show that proper convergence of the free energy calculations, and further quantitative interpretation of the PMFs, requires total simulation times much higher than has been hitherto estimated. In some circumstances, the free energy profiles derived from FEP calculations tend to be slightly poorer than those obtained with TI, as a probable consequence of the greater sensitivity of FEP to the window spacing δλ. In the context of TI, and to a lesser extent FEP, simulations, it appears preferable to employ a limited number of “λ” points of the integrand involving extensive sampling, rather than numerous points with fewer samplings. Finally, we note that, at least in the case of nonpolar interactions, PMFs of reasonable quality can be generated using SG, and at a substantially lower cost than with either FEP or TI. © 1996 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Preference for moist wood by the Formosan subterranean termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

In a laboratory choice feeding test, groups of Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki were offered wood blocks that differed in initial moisture content. Wood-feeding rate, number of workers, and number of soldiers were highest in the high-moisture treatment. In higher-moisture blocks, damage by termites was associated with loss of block moisture, but in lower-moisture blocks, damage was associated with gain of moisture. Even though block moisture contents changed, termites determined their preferred wood blocks early, when moisture contents were more discrete, then they continued to prefer those blocks. Changes in moisture were probably the result of blocks equilibrating to ambient relative humidity of the containers, but termites enhanced this process, perhaps by actively relocating water. Our data imply that damp wood in buildings is especially vulnerable to C. formosanus and that bait blocks for remedial control of this pest should have high moisture content.
Lower extremities magnetic resonance angiography with blood pressure cuff compression: quantitative dynamic analysis.

Purpose To quantitatively evaluate changes induced by the application of a femoral blood-pressure cuff (BPC) on run-off magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), which is a method generally previously proposed to reduce venous contamination in the leg. Materials and Methods This study was Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)- and Institutional Review Board (IRB)-compliant. We used time-resolved gradient-echo gadolinium (Gd)-enhanced MRA to measure BPC effects on arterial, venous, and soft-tissue enhancement. Seven healthy volunteers (six men) were studied with the BPC applied at the mid-femoral level unilaterally using a 1.5T MR system after intravenous injection of Gd-BOPTA. Different statistical tools were used such as the Wilcoxon signed rank test and a cubic smoothing spline fit. Results We found that BPC application induces delayed venous filling (as previously described), but also induces significant decreases in arterial inflow, arterial enhancement, vascular-soft tissue contrast, and delayed peak enhancement (which have not been previously measured). Conclusion The potential benefits from using a BPC for run-off MRA must be balanced against the potential pitfalls, elucidated by our findings. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;29:1450–1456. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Fluence to absorbed foetal dose conversion coefficients for photons in 50 keV-10 GeV calculated using RPI-P models

Radiation protection of pregnant females and the foetus against ionising radiation is of particular importance to radiation protection due to high foetal radiosensitivity. The only available set of foetal conversion coefficients for photons is based on stylised models of simplified anatomy. Using the RPI-P series of pregnant female and foetus models representing 3-, 6- and 9-month gestation, a set of new fluence to absorbed foetal dose conversion coefficients has been calculated. The RPI-P anatomical models were developed using novel 3D geometry modelling techniques. Organ masses were adjusted to agree within 1% with the ICRP reference data for a pregnant female. Monte Carlo dose calculations were carried out using the MCNPX and Penelope codes for external 50 keV-10 GeV photon beams of six standard configurations. The models were voxelised at 3-mm voxel resolution. Conversion coefficients were tabulated for the three gestational periods for the whole foetus and brain. Comparison with previously published data showed deviations up to 120% for the foetal doses at 50 keV. The discrepancy can be primarily ascribed to anatomical differences. Comparison with published data for five major mother organs is also provided for the 3-month model. Since the RPI-P models exhibit a high degree of anatomical realism, the reported dataset is recommended as a reference for radiation protection of the foetus against external photon exposure.
Alterations in the lipid and lipoprotein composition of prairie dogs fed a high cholesterol diet

Abstract Cholesterol feeding induced a marked hypercholesterolemia with a significant change in the chemical composition of different lipid and lipoprotein fractions. The change of lipoprotein composition in the prairie dog resembles that of human hyper-β-lipoproteinemia. It is assumed that the mechanism of gallstone formation in humans is not identical to that of the prairie dog. The absolute increase in the hepatic free cholesterol in the prairie dog is due to the dietary cholesterol while the relative increase in free cholesterol in humans is due to a high FC EC which is probably due to a defect in cholesterol esterification or cholesterol ester hydrolyzing activity.
Desiderata for a Predictive Theory of Statistics

In many contexts the predictive validation of models or their associated prediction strategies is of greater importance than model identiflcation which may be practically impossible. This is particularly so in flelds involving complex or high dimensional data where model selection, or more generally predictor selection is the main focus of efiort. This paper suggests a unifled treatment for predictive analyses based on six 'desiderata'. These desiderata are an efiort to clarify what criteria a good predictive theory of statistics should satisfy. 1 Validation The central issue in this paper is how to ensure inferences from a speciflc data set validate beyond a speciflc context. To address the validation challenges, we propose a list of six desiderata that may provide a framework for addressing a large class of statistical problems predictively. These six desiderata are not formal enough to be a paradigm or analytic framework, however, they are formal enough that their prescriptions can be meaningfully interpreted. For the sake of giving it a name, this set of desiderata is called a Coordinating Theory in the hope that it may inter-relate many of the foundational ideas in statistics. It will be seen that the approach advocated here is not purely Bayesian, but is much closer to Bayesian than it is to any other existing school of statistical thought. The six desiderata themselves are an efiort to complete the Prequential approach, see Dawid (1984) and below, to an efiective alternative to the main philosophies such as Bayes, Frequentist, Conditional Likelihood and Information-theoretic. Note that use of the word \complete" is meant to convey the belief that, while many properties of the Prequential approach are known, there are statistical issues conceptually disjoint from online prediction (narrowly deflned) that are important and should be integrated into Prequentialism to help make it a full prescription for statistical analysis. The beneflts of proposing an ideal analysis include identifying what features of modeling are generically most important to address and identifying what features of a statistical problem are most important to be used in further study. We hope this Coordinating Theory will be well suited to complex data for which conventional modeling does not scale up well.
Determination of threshold energy dose for ultrasound-induced transdermal drug transport

Low-frequency (20 kHz) ultrasound has been shown to enhance transdermal transport of drugs, a phenomenon referred to as sonophoresis. In this paper, we report the threshold energy dose for ultrasound-induced transdermal drug transport. The threshold was determined by in vitro measurements of the dependence of sonophoretic enhancement on ultrasound parameters, including intensity, duty cycle, and exposure time. While the enhancement varies linearly with ultrasound intensity and exposure times, it is independent of the duty cycle in the range of parameters studied. The enhancement is also directly proportional to the ultrasound energy density once the threshold value is crossed. For full thickness pig skin, the threshold value is about 222 J/cm2. The overall dependence of transport enhancement on ultrasound parameters is similar to that of cavitation measured in a model system, pitting of aluminum foil. Specifically, the extent of pitting is proportional to ultrasound intensity and exposure time and is independent of duty cycle. Furthermore, the extent of pitting is also proportional to the ultrasound energy density. The similarity between the parametric dependence of transport enhancement and cavitation is consistent with previous findings that cavitation plays the dominant role in sonophoresis.
Methoprene Photolytic Compounds Disrupt Zebrafish Development, Producing Phenocopies of Mutants in the Sonic Hedgehog Signaling Pathway

Environmental chemicals have been proposed to impact endocrine or retinoid pathways, causing developmental abnormalities in humans and other vertebrates. Presented evidence shows that exposure of zebrafish embryos to sunlight-induced photolytic products of the pesticide methoprene results in developmental defects in the head, heart, pectoral fins, and somites, and in spinal motor and optic nerve axons. Exposed embryos are phenocopies of zebrafish you-type mutants and, as in the mutant sonic-you, show underexpression of the signaling protein sonic hedgehog. Reduced expression of sonic hedgehog is also displayed in embryos treated with the retinoic acid synthesis inhibitor citral. This study identifies citral-related compounds as embryonic signaling disruptors of potential environmental concern.
Cysteine, glutathione, and Percoll treatments improve porcine oocyte maturation and fertilization in vitro.

Several factors have been examined to improve in vitro fertilization and development of porcine oocytes. Cysteine is known to be beneficial for oocyte maturation and male pronuclear formation in pigs and glutathione is known to help prevent membrane disruption of sperm in other species, including human. It has also been reported that the presence of cumulus cells influences the outcome of in vitro fertilization in cattle. The objectives of the present study were to investigate the effects of several factors involved in porcine in vitro maturation (IVM) and fertilization (IVF) procedures on oocyte embryogenic competence. The following factors were examined: the effects of different concentrations (0, 0.285, 0.57, 1.14, 2.28 microM) and exposure duration (22 and 44 hr) of cysteine during IVM, glutathione inclusion and of cumulus presence during IVF, and the use of gradient Percoll (45%/90%) during sperm preparation. The presence of cysteine in maturation medium improved blastocyst development significantly regardless of the duration of exposure when compared to the control (11--16% vs. 4%, P < 0.01). However, no dose-responsive effect was observed at the concentrations tested. The use of gradient Percoll during sperm preparation significantly improved cleavage (85% vs. 57%, P < 0.01) and blastocyst development (24% vs. 6%, P < 0.01) over conventional sperm preparation. Significant improvement was also achieved by the addition of glutathione to Percoll gradient (30% vs. 20%, P < 0.05). In conclusion, cysteine and glutathione as well as Percoll and cumulus were beneficial to embryogenic competence of porcine oocytes in this study. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 59:330-335, 2001.
When do patients with hand illness seek online health consultations and what do they ask

Background Several websites allow people to post health questions and get answers from doctors. Knowing more about what patients seek from these websites might help in-office educational efforts, but little is known about what occurs on these sites.
Performance measurements of cylindrical- and spherical-helical cross-flow marine hydrokinetic turbines, with estimates of exergy efficiency

Power and drag (or thrust) measurements were performed in a towing tank for two different helical cross-flow marine hydrokinetic energy conversion devices—a cylindrical Gorlov Helical Turbine (GHT) and a Lucid Spherical Turbine (LST). The turbines are compared with respect to their various design parameters, with the GHT overall operating at higher power and drag coefficients. An estimate for the exergy efficiency of a turbine in free flow is formulated using momentum theory, and this quantity is computed for both devices. The GHT's exergy efficiency advantage over the LST was higher than that based on the power coefficient. Momentum theory-based blockage corrections were applied to the measurements and compared with the non-corrected data. The results presented here will help increase the amount of experimental data for helical devices in the literature, which is necessary for the development of more accurate engineering tools that take into account the unique three-dimensional nature of these devices.
An Investigation into the Role of Solvation in a Well Characterized Chiral Recognition System

Abstract The effect of mobile phase composition upon the thermodynamic parameters of enantiomer adsorption and separation has been studied using a well characterized chiral recognition system. The separation of the enantiomers of a series of N-(2-naphthyl) alanine derivatives on an N-(3,5-dinitrobenzoyl) leucine-derived chiral stationary phase using various mobile phases was studied at several temperatures. Van't Hoff analysis of the chromatographic data was performed to determine the enthalpy and entropy of enantiomer adsorption and separation. In general, increased enantioselectivities were seen for the less polar mobile phases, although analytes containing polar sites in addition to those required for chiral recognition did show greater enantioselectivities in polar mobile phases capable of solvating these superfluous polar groups.
Review of Ophthalmic Findings in 204 Patients With Epidermolysis Bullosa

Surgical excision of subfoveal neovascular membranes may result in recovery of excellent visual acuity in patients with presumed ocular histoplasmosis but not in patients with age-related macular degeneration. To provide an explanation for this discrepancy, I analyzed the clinical and histopathologic findings in five patients with presumed ocular histoplasmosis. These findings provide evidence that the new vessels arising in the choroid in these patients usually grow within the subsensory retinal space and not in the subpigment epithelial space, as occurs in patients with age-related macular degeneration. In presumed ocular histoplasmosis, the new vessels are partly engulfed by a monolayer of proliferating retinal pigment epithelium. Surgical excision of this membrane permits reapproximation of the retinal receptors and native pigment epithelium and may be associated with remarkable return of visual acuity.
Imaging the brachial plexus

Imaging the brachial plexus is challenging because of the complex anatomy of the region and the wide variety of pathology that can affect it. For the purpose of imaging, it is helpful to divide traumatic and nontraumatic entities affect-ing the brachial plexus. Improvements in imaging technology, including multidetector CT for CT myelography and the availability of full-field-strength MRI systems with fast gradients and dedicated surface coils for optimal spatial resolution, have led to more accurate prospective diagnoses and improved aid for neurosurgical planning for traumatic and nontraumatic brachial plexopathies. CT myelography is the current gold standard for the diagnosis of nerve root avulsions affecting the brachial plexus. MRI is the preferred modality for nontraumatic brachial plexopathy. Other modalities, such as US and PET, have a limited role in the evaluation of brachial plexus pathology. High-quality, high-resolution CT and MRI remain the mainstays for imaging the brachial plexus.
An assessment of routine chromosomal staining procedures in radioautography.

Unlabeled human chromosome preparations were treated with commonly employed chromosome stains as follows: (I) they were stained, destained, coated with liquid emulsion, developed, fixed, and restained; (II) stained and coated directly; or (III) coated and then stained. Of the stains tested, the methylene blue-eosin type (Giemsa, MacNeal's, Wright's) was useful for application after coating, although a similar stain (eosin-Stevenel's blue) caused formation of a heavy precipitate in the emulsion when so used. None of these stains could be employed before coating, however, even though they were removed with acid alcohol prior to dipping, because they caused chemographic grain formation in the emulsion. Aceto-orcein and Feulgen could not be employed after coating because the procedures removed the emulsion from the slides. Safranin was also found to be ineffective for staining coated preparations due to chemical changes caused by the photographic processing. The only stain which did not cause chemography, and...
Multicamera setup for generating stereo panoramic video

Traditional visual communication systems convey only two-dimensional (2D) fixed field-of-view video information. The viewer is presented with a series of flat, non-stereoscopic images, which fail to provide a realistic sense of depth. Furthermore, traditional video is restricted to only a small part of the scene, based on the director's discretion and the user is not allowed to 'look around' in an environment. The major goal of our research is to develop new techniques for creating stereo panoramic video sequences. A stereo panoramic video sequence should be able to provide the viewer with stereo vision at any direction (complete 360 degrees field-of-view) at video rates. In this paper we explore the possibility of creating stereo panoramic video using a multi-camera approach, thus creating a high-resolution output. We present a setup that is an extension of a previously known approach, developed for the generation of still stereo panoramas, and demonstrate that it is capable of achieving our goal. We further explore the practical limitations involved in a practical implementation of the setup, namely the limited number of cameras and the non-zero physical size of real cameras. The relevant trade-offs are identified and studied. Experimental results are presented to support our conclusions.
Linear infiltration systems along urban streets: evaluating aesthetic values

The last decade has seen the design of numerous infiltration systems along urban streets. With the goal of reducing the impact of runoff on urban watersheds, they have largely been functionally designed with little regard to design aesthetics even though aesthetic value is important to public acceptance and increased use. This paper compares three case studies of linear infiltration systems along urban residential streets: one in Hannover-Kronsberg (Germany) and two in High Point, Seattle (USA). The cases develop and apply an expert-based evaluative method for assessing the visual quality of these designed landscapes. The methodology applies qualitative and quantitative measures for four design principles—coherence, variety, legibility, and spaciousness—common to all types of spatial design and some 2-D disciplines. The findings demonstrate that the designed systems have unrealized potential to engage aesthetic values, including the legibility of infiltration's enhanced visibility.
Episode Organization and Cohesive Conjunctives in Narratives of Children with and without Language Disorder.

Language-disordered children (chronological ages [CA] 7:6 [years:months] to 10:6) were compared with children who have normal language skills in their ability to cohere episode units in verbally pr...
Noncontact Measurement of the Exit Temperature of Sheet Metal in an Operating Rolling Mill

In order to monitor the temperature at the exit end of a hot rolling mill, the Aluminum Association and NIST entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement to use the sheet itself as the basic element of a resistance thermometer. The non-contacting requirement can be satisfied by using eddy current techniques, and the temperature can be deduced from the basic relationship between electrical resistivity and temperature. To convert the measured resistivity to temperature, the temperature dependence of the resistivity of pure aluminum is obtained from laboratory calibration measurements and a temperature independent contribution characteristics of the alloy being produced. The latter is determined from the nominal alloy composition or by making a direct measurement of the resistivity and the temperature at an upstream location when the particular alloy being processed is temporarily held stationary for a contact thermocouple measurement of its temperature. The results of on-line measurements with the eddy current noncontacting thermometer in an operating rolling mill are discussed. These measurements consist of data taken from an entry eddy probe, a contact thermometer, a precise resistivity meter, an exit eddy probe, and a thickness gauge. The entry eddy probe was designed, built, and calibrated by the NIST.
Airlines as Baseball Players: Another Approach for Evaluating an Equal-Safety Hypothesis

Within the First World, observed differences across air carriers in passenger death risk are almost never statistically significant. But given the rarity of fatal crashes, even a lopsided split of crashes across airlines is unlikely to achieve significance. For greater perspective about relative airline safety performance, we supplemented an analysis of overall mortality data with a two-part statistical procedure. The first part---which was inspired by the way the Oakland Athletics Major League baseball team evaluates individual baseball players---allows for a sharp test of a key aspect of an equal-safety hypothesis, related to the frequency with which individual airlines suffer life-threatening events. The second test considers a further aspect of safety, namely the ability to recover from emergencies given that they have occurred. When applied to U.S. domestic jet services over 1983--2002, the test procedures indicate that long-established airlines have been about equally (and hugely) successful in protecting their passengers from accidental death and that established airlines are not demonstrably safer than the “new-entrant” jet carriers formed after U.S. airline deregulation.
CARBAMOYL PHOSPHATE SYNTHETASE DEFICIENCY: DNA ANALYSIS

Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase deficiency (CPSD) is an autosomal recessive disorder of ureagenesis. Untreated patients with complete CPSD die as neonates of hyperammonemia. Since CPS is not expressed in amniocytes, prenatal detection is limited to in utero liver biopsy. To determine if the CPS genes are abnormal in affecteds we analyzed nuclear DNA prepared from leukocytes or fibroblasts by hybridization to rat and human CPS cDNA sequences. DNAs from 6 individuals affected with CPSD, 2 non-affected sibs and 2 controls were digested with Eco RI, Hind III or Pst I and hybridized to 32P labeled rat CPS cDNA. No variations in the number or size of hybridizing fragments were seen. To enable linkage studies DNAs from the 10 parents were digested with 12 different restriction endonucleases. Only after Bgl I digestion was a variation seen (23,15.5 and 13 kb bands in some versus 23 kb in others). Using a smaller human CPS cDNA we detected three patterns 23, 23+13 and 13 kb. In one family both parents had the 23+13, 2 affected sibs had only the 23 and a normal sib had only the 13 kb fragment(s) in agreement with simple Mendelian inheritance. In 2 other families the affected had only the 23 kb fragment. The affected children in the remaining 2 families had 23+13 or 13 kb patterns. Our studies suggest that 1) large deletions or insertions of the CPS genes were not detected; 2) the CPSD phenotype and the Bql I derived restriction fragments co-segregate and 3) genetic heterogeneity exists in CPSD.