cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive Study of the Formation and Reaction of a Tethered N-Hydroxysulfosuccinimidyl Ester Used to Covalently Tether Proteins to Surfaces

A fundamental understanding of surface-reaction kinetics and mechanisms is essential to making progress on rational design of complex surface architectures used in applications as varied as biosensor devices and organic electronic devices. We present recent progress on the understanding of the carbodiimide coupling reaction frequently used to form a surface-tethered active N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide ester and the subsequent substitution of the active ester with various nucleophiles in solution. These studies were carried out using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and show that the carbodiimide coupling reaction is first order in carbodiimide concentration and zero order in N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide concentration. This reaction proceeds with a second-order rate constant of 0.062 mM-1s-1 at about 20 °C. The tethered active ester was then reacted with histidine or glucose oxidase. The reaction with histidine was found to be first order in the histidine solution concentration, indicating a simple SN2...
Pyrolysis/chemical ionization mass spectrometry of polymers

Pyrolysis/mass spectrometric studies have been made on polystyrene, poly(vinyl chloride), and poly(methyl methacrylate) with electron ionization (EI) and chemical ionization (CI) mass spectrometry and a variable temperature probe for direct insertion into the source of the mass spectrometer. Similar results obtained with EI and CI mass spectrometry are in agreement with previous experiments. Advantages of the simplification of spectra in the CI made, as well as the advantages of using both techniques for identification of pyrolysis products, are discussed.
Discovering real-world use cases for a multimodal math search interface

To use math expressions in search, current search engines require knowing expression names or using a structure editor or string encoding (e.g., LaTeX). For mathematical non-experts, this can lead to an "intention gap" between the query they wish to express and what the interface will allow them to express. min is a search interface that supports drawing expressions on a canvas using mouse/touch, keyboard and images. We present a user study examining whether min changes search behavior for mathematical non-experts, and to identify real-world usage scenarios for multimodal math search interfaces. Participants found query-by-expression using hand-drawn input useful, and identified scenarios in which they would like to use systems like min such as for locating, editing and sharing complex expressions (e.g., with many Greek letters), and working on complex math problems.
Intentional over-treatment: the unmentionable conflict-of-interest.

Dr I.R. Tepid, highly regarded in residency, joined the group practice 9 months ago. His practice lacks the volume anticipated by the practice partners. He has not covered his expenses thus far and has 15 months remaining to receive a lucrative contractual salary, benefits, office help, and a nurse assistant. Everyone except Dr Tepid gets their salary from professional fees after expenses. The three other senior vascular surgeons are overloaded with work while the new associate goes to meetings and studies for his boards. Dr C. Ponzi, a founding partner who championed the hiring, wants Tepid released. What should be done?
Experimental optimization of diode-pumped Yb:GdCOB laser performance for broadband amplification at 1053 nm

We present experimental diode-pumped Yb:GdCOB laser performance using gain elements with a range of Yb-doping levels and thicknesses to optimize broadband amplification around 1053 nm.
Runoff from terraced areas under conditions of extreme flood

The tropical hurricane that caused widespread destruction along the Georgia and South Carolina coasts in August, 1940, was followed by torrential rains over a broad area extending from northeast Georgia, through Tennessee and the Carolinas to northern Virginia. Meteorological aspects of this disturbance, rainfall-maps, and flood-data may be found in a special report published by the Tennessee Valley Authority [see 1 of “References” at end of paper]. In Virginia, the storm centered over the south-central portion of the State where rains of 10 to 16 inches occurred during the four-day period, August 14 to 17.
On the propagation of random errors of constant-temperature anemometers in nonisothermal flows

The use of constant-temperature anemometry for measurements in flows characterized by temperature drifts and fluctuations is difficult because of the dependence of the anemometer response on the temperature of the medium. Methods of combating this problem generally fall into one of several categories in terms of correction methodology. These methodologies include electronic correction, mathematical correction, manual adjustment of the hot resistance, and direct velocity and temperature calibration. This paper examines the random errors associated with mathematical correction of the anemometer signal and assesses the significance of these errors relative to other errors associated with using a constant-temperature anemometer for velocity and/or turbulence measurements.
Sexual activity and the morphology of steroid-sensitive rat spinal motoneurons

In adult male rats, differential sexual experience has been shown to alter plasma androgen titers. Alterations in androgen levels have also been shown to significantly alter the structure of neurons in the spinal nucleus of the bulbocavernosus (SNB), a spinal motor nucleus that innervates perineal muscles involved in copulatory behavior. To determine if experientially induced alterations in androgen levels might alter SNB structure, male rats were assigned to one of three groups: sexually active, sexually inactive but exposed to inaccessible cycling females, and isolated. After 4 weeks of differential sexual experience, the soma size, total arbor, density, maximal fiber length, and frequency distribution of lengths of dendrites were examined in SNB motoneurons. No differences in motoneuron morphology were observed, suggesting that these motoneurons are not sensitive to socially induced alterations in androgen titers.
Fetal lung fluid response to maternal hyperosmolality

Lung fluid production in utero, a significant source of amniotic fluid, may be regulated by the fetus in response to environmental stress. We monitored changes of maternal and fetal plasma osmolality, plasma arginine vasopressin level, and fetal lung fluid production in response to mannitol-induced change in maternal osmolality in five chronically catheterized ovine fetuses. Four additional ewes and their fetuses did not receive mannitol and served as controls. Maternal infusion of 20% mannitol resulted in maternal and subsequent fetal hyperosmolality (changing from 303 +/- 2 to 322 +/- 2 mOsm and 300 +/- 5 to 319 +/- 8 mOsm, respectively), Mean fetal lung fluid production significantly decreased (from 2.6 +/- 0.4 to 1.6 +/- 0.4 ml/10 min), whereas lung fluid osmolality significantly increased (from 298 +/- 2 to 303 +/- 3 mOsm) in the study animals. No changes in lung fluid sodium or potassium concentrations were observed in study or control fetuses. Fetal plasma arginine vasopressin level significantly increased in the study fetuses (2.2 +/- 0.3 to 5.3 +/- 1.6 microU/ml), though not in control animals. These results indicate that the fetal lamb responds to increased osmolality by decreasing lung fluid production, and that there is a concomitant increase in lung fluid osmolality. This response appears to be mediated via increased fetal plasma vasopressin levels.
Studies of acetylcholinesterase of the central nervous system of Galleria mellonella

Abstract The central nervous system (CNS) of Galleria mellonella contains an active acetylcholinesterase, whose level changes during the development of the central nervous system. The enzyme occurs in five forms of different electrophoretic mobilities and the relative amounts of each form varies with the life state of Galleria . The molecular weight of the enzyme was estimated to be approximately 280,000 ± 15,000. It appeared to consist of four polypeptide subunits. Injection of the anticholinesterase, eserine, into the last larval stage inhibits the silk spinning and delays the formation of pupa by more than 2 weeks when compared with the controls.
What are you looking for?: an eye-tracking study of information usage in web search

Web search services are among the most heavily used applications on the World Wide Web. Perhaps because search is used in such a huge variety of tasks and contexts, the user interface must strike a careful balance to meet all user needs. We describe a study that used eye tracking methodologies to explore the effects of changes in the presentation of search results. We found that adding information to the contextual snippet significantly improved performance for informational tasks but degraded performance for navigational tasks. We discuss possible reasons for this difference and the design implications for better presentation of search results.
Animations of computers as teaching aids

This paper discusses several programs which are used as teaching aids for teaching computer science students. The programs are animations of the internal workings of a central processing unit. They should be particularly useful in assembly language and computer organization courses or to give introductory students a more tangible example of what is going on inside the computer. The animation techniques use only the capabilities of common dumb conversational computer terminals and can easily be implemented on many different computer systems.
Gastric necrosis due to acute dilatation of the stomach

Because of a generous blood supply, infarction of the stomach is much less likely to occur than in the rest of the gastrointestinal tract. The purpose of this communication is to describe a case of no
Ring Opening Photoreactions of Cytosine and Uracil with Ethylamine

The photochemical reactions of cytosine (Cyt) and uracil (Ura) with ethylamine, an analog of the side chain of the amino acid lysine, have been studied. After irradiation of Cyt in aqueous ethylamine at lambda = 254 nm, N-(N'-ethylcarbamoyl)-3-aminoacrylamidine (Ia) and N-(N'-ethylcarbamoyl)-3-ethylaminoacrylamidine (Ib) were isolated as products, while irradiation of Ura gave N-(N'-ethylcarbamoyl)-3-aminoacrylamide (IIa) and N-(N'-ethylcarbamoyl)-3-ethylaminoacrylamide (IIb) as products. Studies in which Ia and IIa were incubated with ethylamine at various pH values indicate that Ib and IIb are secondary products produced via thermal reactions of Ia and IIa with ethylamine. Heating of Ia and Ib leads to ring closure with the resultant formation of 1-ethylcytosine; small amounts of 1-ethyluracil are also produced. Heating of IIa and IIb produces 1-ethyluracil as the sole product. Spectroscopic properties were determined for each of these opened ring products, as well as for N-(N'-ethylcarbamoyl)-3-amino-2-methylacrylamidine (III) and N-(N'-ethylcarbamoyl)-3-amino-2-methylacrylamide (IV). Quantum yield measurements showed that Ia was formed with a phi of 1.6 x 10(-4) at pH 9.8, while phi for formation of IIa was 7.2 x 10(-4) at pH 11.5. A profile of the relative quantum yield for formation of Ia, determined as a function of pH, showed that the maximum quantum yield occurs at around pH 9.5; the analogous profile for IIa shows a maximum quantum yield at pH 11.3 and above. Acetone sensitization does not produce Ia in the Cyt-ethylamine system, which indicates that the known triplet state of Cyt is not involved in reactions leading to this opened ring product.
Event-by-event shape and flow fluctuations of relativistic heavy-ion collision fireballs

Heavy-ion collisions create deformed quark-gluon plasma (QGP) fireballs which explode anisotropically. The viscosity of the fireball matter determines its ability to convert the initial spatial deformation into momentum anisotropies that can be measured in the final hadron spectra. A quantitatively precise empirical extraction of the QGP viscosity thus requires a good understanding of the initial fireball deformation. This deformation fluctuates from event to event, and so does the finally observed momentum anisotropy. We present a harmonic decomposition of the initial fluctuations in shape and orientation of the fireball and perform event-by-event (2 + 1)-dimensional ideal fluid dynamical simulations to extract the resulting fluctuations in the magnitude and direction of the corresponding harmonic components of the final anisotropic flow at midrapidity. The final harmonic flow coefficients are found to depend nonlinearly on the initial harmonic eccentricity coefficients. We show that, on average, initial density fluctuations suppress the buildup of elliptic flow relative to what one obtains from a smooth initial profile of the same eccentricity and discuss implications for the phenomenological extraction of the QGP shear viscosity from experimental elliptic flow data.
On the Colonization of Amerindian Languages and Memories: Renaissance Theories of Writing and the Discontinuity of the Classical Tradition

When George Balandier proposed his theoretical approach to a colonial situation, the colonization of language was not an issue that piqued the interest of scholars in history, sociology, economics, or anthropology, which were the primary disciplines targeted in his article. When some fifteen years later Michel Foucault underlined the social and historical significance of language (‘l'enonce*’) and discursive formation, the colonization of language was still not an issue to those attentive to the archaeology of knowledge. Such an archaeology, founded on the paradigmatic example generally understood as the Western tradition, overlooked the case history in which an archaeology of discursive formation would have led to the very root of the massive colonization of language which began in the sixteenth century with the expansion of the Spanish and Portuguese empires.
The magnetospheric radiation belt and tail plasma sheet.

Abstract Theories of the origin of the storm-time radiation belt (the ring current) and associated bays and auroras have invoked hydromagnetic flow from the magnetotail on the one hand and flow into the tail on the other. It is shown that both flow patterns occur, the inward flow being the source of energy and driving the major magnetospheric convection pattern. Inward flow is the source of lower energy ( E ⪝ 10 keV ) auroral particles, of the asymmetric or storm-time radiation zone and higher energy ( E ⪞ 20 keV ) trapped particles, and of the permanent radiation belt itself. When the asymmetric belt develops sufficient energy density (⪞ 10 −8 erg cm 3 ) an electric space-charge field develops which changes the plasma convection pattern and ionospheric current system. The following phenomena are explained : (a) The tail plasma sheet is formed by the outward Hall drift of plasma from the stormtime radiation zone. (b) On a smaller scale, ‘bubbles’ of plasma from the radiation zone are released into the tail, accounting for the observed ‘islands’ of tail electrons, ‘spikes’ of electrons seen just above the ionosphere, and energetic protons (⪞ 300 keV) which have been seen in the tail. (c) The storm or bay ionospheric current system (DPI) develops from the quiet-time system (DP2) as a result of the magnetospheric space-charge field and changed ionospheric conductivity caused by auroral precipitation. (d) Quiet auroral arcs and auroral substorms are due to electron precipitation from regions of low magnetic field strength, where the first invariant (of trapped particles) is lost. The intermittent ejection of plasma from the radiation belt suggests that the model be termed the ‘burping radiation belt’.
Thyroid function in children with growth hormone deficiency, either idiopathic or caused by diseases of the central nervous system

Thyroid function was assessed in thirty two patients with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) by clinical examination and by measurement of T4-levels, free T4-indices, basal TSH values and TSH responses to TRH (100 mu/m2). Sixteen patients (50%) were hypothyroid. In thirteen patients, the endocrine disorders were considered to be of hypothalamic origin. Ten of them showed prolonged responses to TRH and in the other three the responses were exaggerated. In three patients hypothyroidism was due to a primary pituitary disorder. Sixteen patients were euthyroid although three of them showed impaired TSH responses. In the cases with idiopathic hypopituitarism (n = 20) there a high incidence of abnormal births in the children with additional hypothalamic hypothyroidism, but not in the euthyroid patients. It is concluded that in patients with previous breech or vacuum extraction delivery, growth hormone deficiency when combined with hypothalamic hypothyroidism may be due to birth trauma.
A Model in Which Component Failure Rates Depend on the Working Set.

We consider a multicomponent system in which the failure rate of a given component at any time depends on the set of working components at that time. Sufficient conditions are presented under which such a system has a life distribution of specified type. The Laplace transform of the time until all components are down is derived. When repair is allowed, conditions under which the resulting process is time reversible are presented.
AC calorimetry at CDW and SDW transitions

Abstract We have measured the specific heat at the SDW transition in κ-(BEDT-TTF)2Cu[N(CN)2]Cl and the CDW transitions in ZrTe3, blue bronze, and (TMTSF)2ReO4. No anomaly is observed at the SDW transition. For ZrTe3 s small peak, Δcp∼0.065R, is observed. For blue bronze and (TMTSF)2ReO4, the changes in cp are 3–4 times their calculated mean-field values, as expected for 1-D systems. For (TMTSF)2ReO4, there is also sample dependent latent heat associated with anion ordering.
Reconstitution into liposomes of glucose active transport from the rabbit renal proximal tubule. Characteristics of the system.

This paper describes the characteristics of Na+-dependent d-glucose transport into liposomes made from soybean phospholipids into which have been reconstituted detergent-solubilized components from the rabbit renal proximal tubular brush border membrane. Conditions for optimal and quantitative reconstitution of glucose carriers are defined. Na+-dependent d-glucose uptake occurs via a saturable system with a Km of 0.125–0.135 mM, is responsive to the volume of the internal liposomal space, and shows ‘overshoot’ as seen in natural membranes. The rate of Na+-dependent d-glucose uptake and the magnitude of the ‘overshoot’ are proportional to the concentration of protein used in reconstitution.
Self-regulation and Type A behavior

Abstract Self-regulation processes were examined in male ( N = 35) and female ( N = 40) Type A and Type B undergraduate college students. Type B subjects ( N = 40) displayed an adaptive self-regulation response to challenge when completing an untimed picture vocabulary task. Type Bs were significantly less self-critical and more self-reinforcing during challenge than at baseline. Type A subjects ( N = 35) displayed minimal changes in self-regulation processes from baseline to the challenge condition. In addition, Type B females utilized the most positive self-regulation strategies. Marginally significant differences were found on a questionnaire assessing self-reinforcement tendencies with Type Bs reporting higher levels of self-reinforcement. Framingham anger scale scores were not significantly related to self-regulation measures and state and trait measures of self-reinforcement and self-punishment were not significantly correlated across all subjects.
Ising Chain with Competing Interactions

The one-dimensional spin-\textonehalf{} Ising model is solved exactly with very long-range, equivalent-neighbor ferromagnetic interactions of strength ${J}_{\mathrm{LR}}$ superimposed on nearest-neighbor anti-ferromagnetic interactions of strength $\ensuremath{-}{J}_{\mathrm{sr}}$. For $\ensuremath{-}\frac{{J}_{\mathrm{lr}}}{{J}_{\mathrm{sr}}} gR=3.1532$... there is a critical point of classical type in zero field. For $2\ensuremath{-}\frac{{J}_{\mathrm{lr}}}{{J}_{\mathrm{sr}}}=R$ the critical exponents take the values $\ensuremath{\beta}=\frac{1}{4}$, $\ensuremath{\gamma}=1={\ensuremath{\gamma}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$, $\ensuremath{\delta}=5$, and $0=\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{\ne}{\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{\ensuremath{'}}=\frac{1}{2}$. For $2l\ensuremath{-}\frac{{J}_{\mathrm{lr}}}{{J}_{\mathrm{sr}}}lR$ the transition in zero field is of first order, and the critical points which occur in finite field are of classical type. For $0l\ensuremath{-}\frac{{J}_{\mathrm{lr}}}{{J}_{\mathrm{sr}}}l2$ there is no phase transition in zero field, although there are classical critical points in a field.
Modelling copper removal in wetland ecosystems

Abstract The quantification of the assimilative capacity of heavy metals by wetland ecosystems is a critical component in the design and use of wetlands for metals removal. A computer model has been developed to simulate the fate and transport of copper introduced to a wetland ecosystem. Modeled water quality variables include phytoplankton biomass and productivity; macrophyte (Nelumbo lutea) biomass; total phosphorus in the water column; dissolved copper in the water column and sediments; particulate copper in the water column and sediments; and suspended solids. The model was calibrated using total phosphorus and chlorophyll a data from the Old Woman Creek wetland in Ohio. Verification of the model was achieved using data on the copper content of the macrophyte Nelumbo lutea.
Polarized light based scheme to monitor column performance in a continuous foam fractionation column.

Background A polarized light scattering technique was used to monitor the performance of a continuously operated foam fractionation process. The S11 and S12 parameters, elements of the light scattering matrix, combined together (S11+S12) have been correlated with the bubble size and liquid content for the case of a freely draining foam. The performance of a foam fractionation column is known to have a strong dependence on the bubble size distribution and liquid hold up in foam. In this study the enrichment is used as a metric, representative of foam properties and column performance, and correlated to the S11+S12 parameter.
The conditions, criteria, and dialectics of human dignity: A transnational perspective

Human dignity refers to the status of individuals as ends in themselves rather than means to extraneous ends. To be consistent with dignity, institutions must provide for their constituencies' identity and community—the two components of dignity. These correspond roughly to individual freedom and social justice, which are seen as interdependent conditions of dignity. Achievement, extension, and preservation of human dignity are to a large extent a transnational enterprise. The paper addresses three issues in the realization of dignity in which the transnational dimension plays a significant role. It proposes (1) that the conditions for realizing human dignity (which include international peace in addition to social justice and individual freedom) must be created through worldwide efforts, given our increasing global interdependence; (2) that the criteria for assessing whether policies and institutional arrangements are consistent with human dignity must be universalistic, while remaining respectful of cultural and political differences; and (3) that the social processes whereby human dignity is extended and protected are inherently dialectical, since they require both the fulfillment and the inhibition of nationalistic demands.
Effects of chymotrypsin and a calcium-dependent protein activator on guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate phosphodiesterase from rat liver.

Abstract Cyclic GMP phosphodiesterases from 100 00 × g rat liver supernatant were partially resolved by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose. Multiple forms of cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase(s) that were activated to different degrees by calcium plus a low molecular weight protein from rat liver and bovine brain supernantants, or by limited exposure to chymotrypsin, were identified. The cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase in some column fractions was activated over 10-fold by calcium plus activator or chymotrypsin. Activation by chymotrypsin was dependent both on the time of incubation with protease and its concentration. Prolonged exposure to chymotrypsin resulted in a decrease in s20,w by sucrose density gradient centrifugation. The chymotrypsin-treated enzyme was no longer activated by exposure to calcium plus activator. The calcium- and protein activator-stimulated enzyme was inactivated by ethyleneglycol-bis-(β-aminoethylether)-N,N′-tetraacetic acid (EGTA). Exposure of this activated enzyme to chymotrypsin did not result in further activation, but the chymotrypsin-treated enzyme was no longer inhibited by EGTA. The apparently irreversible effects of chymotrypsin and the reversible effects of calcium plus activator on cyclic GMP hydrolysis by the phosphodiesterase over a wide range of cyclic GMP concentrations appeared to be identical.
Focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver: correlation of Tc-99m DISIDA hot spot appearance with histopathologic findings

The scintigraphic appearance of hepatic focal nodular hyperplasia of "hot spot" seen on hepatobiliary scintigraphy is correlated with the histopathological appearance of bile ductular cell proliferation seen in this lesion.
Human embryonic germ cell derivatives express a broad range of developmentally distinct markers and proliferate extensively in vitro

Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) have been derived from the inner cell mass cells of blastocysts (embryonic stem cells) and primordial germ cells of the developing gonadal ridge (embryonic germ cells). Like their mouse counterparts, hPSCs can be maintained in culture in an undifferentiated state and, upon differentiation, generate a wide variety of cell types. Embryoid body (EB) formation is a requisite step in the process of in vitro differentiation of these stem cells and has been used to derive neurons and glia, vascular endothelium, hematopoietic cells, cardiomyocytes, and glucose-responsive insulin-producing cells from mouse PSCs. EBs generated from human embryonic germ cell cultures have also been found to contain a wide variety of cell types, including neural cells, vascular endothelium, muscle cells, and endodermal derivatives. Here, we report the isolation and culture of cells from human EBs as well as a characterization of their gene expression during growth in several different culture environments. These heterogeneous cell cultures are capable of robust and long-term [>70 population doublings (PD)] proliferation in culture, have normal karyotypes, and can be cryopreserved, clonally isolated, and stably transfected. Cell cultures and clonal lines retain a broad pattern of gene expression including simultaneous expression of markers normally associated with cells of neural, vascular/hematopoietic, muscle, and endoderm lineages. The growth and expression characteristics of these EB-derived cells suggest that they are relatively uncommitted precursor or progenitor cells. EB-derived cells may be suited to studies of human cell differentiation and may play a role in future transplantation therapies.
Adapting associative classification to text categorization

Associative classification, which originates from numerical data mining, has been applied to deal with text data recently. Text data is firstly digitalized to database of transactions, and then training and prediction is actually conducted on the derived numerical dataset. This intuitive strategy has demonstrated quite good performance. However, it doesn't take into consideration the inherent characteristics of text data as much as possible, although it has to deal with some specific problems of text data such as lemmatizing and stemming during digitalization. In this paper, we propose a bottom-up strategy to adapt associative classification to text categorization, in which we take into account structure information of text. Experiments on Reuters-21578 dataset show that the proposed strategy can make use of text structure information and achieve better performance.
Detection of conspecific odors by the female broad-headed skink, Eumeces laticeps

The potential abilities of adult female E. laticeps to detect conspecific odors and to discriminate between male and female conspecific odors were investigated by comparisons of tongue extrusion rates emitted in response to chemical stimuli presented on moist cotton applicators. Postreproductive females treated with estradiol-17β to stimulate possible increases in sensitivity to odors associated with the breeding season showed significantly higher tongue-flick rates to the cloacal odors of both sexes than to distilled water. There was no evidence that the females discerned any difference between male and female odors. Estrogen-injected females had somewhat higher tongue-flick rates than did untreated postreproductive females, but the differences were not significant. Tongue extrusion rates of estrogen-injected females were substantially lower than those of testosterone-implanted males for all odor stimuli. It is argued, but not demonstrated, that female E. laticeps respond to the cloacal odors as stimuli arising from conspecific or at least closely related skinks.
Infrared bands of the HCNO molecule

Abstract Several vibration rotation bands of the H 12 C 14 N 16 O molecule have been studied by using high resolution vacuum grating infrared spectrographs. A linear molecular model has been used in establishing the vibrational assignments and evaluating the molecular constants. A value of 224.101 cm −1 has been determined for the band center of the ν 5 fundamental by application of the Ritz combination principle. Future efforts will be directed to arriving at a similar result for the ν 4 fundamental.
Element concentrations in shell of Pinctada margaritifera from French Polynesia and evaluation for using as a food supplement

Abstract Element concentrations in shell of Pinctada margaritifera (black-lip pearl oyster) from Manihi, French Polynesia, were measured with Inductively Coupled Plasma – Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES). The respective average concentrations were: calcium (Ca) 396.4 mg/g, sodium (Na) 5.536 mg/g, magnesium (Mg) 2.136 mg/g, strontium (Sr) 890.6 ppm, iron (Fe) 67.89 ppm, aluminum (Al) 45.74 ppm, phosphorus (P) 27.19 ppm, boron (B) 12.17 ppm, manganese (Mn) 2.308 ppm, copper (Cu) 1.050 ppm, zinc (Zn) 0.7180 ppm; and nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and vanadium (V) were below detection limits with ICP-AES. The above concentrations were normalized and compared to the safety standards for human consumption determined by regulatory agencies of United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU), and the United States (US). Element concentrations detected in this study were all lower than the safety standards promulgated by regulatory agencies. These findings suggest that shells of P. margaritifera from Manihi, French Polynesia, do not raise any significant health concerns for human consumption. The shell of P. margaritifera thus potentially represents an important natural source for calcium-fortified foods, calcium supplement, and even for potential osteogenesis applications.
Water vapor and oxygen permeability of wax films

The water vapor (WVP) and oxygen (O2P) permeabilities of beeswax (BW), candelilla wax (CnW), carnauba wax (CrW) and microcrystalline wax (MW), formed as freestanding films, were determined. CnW and CrW both had small values for O2P (0.29 and 0.26 g·m−1·sec−1·Pa−1 × 10−14, respectively), which are less than half the value for high-density polyethylene and about a decade greater than the value for polyethylene terephthalate. O2P values for BW and MW were about 6−9× greater than those of CnW and CrW. WVP of CnW was 0.18 g·m−1·sec−1·Pa−1 × 10−12, which is about one-half the value for CrW and MW and about one-third the value for BW. The WVP of CnW was somewhat less than that of polypropylene and somewhat greater than that of high-density polyethylene. Differences in permeabilities among the wax films are attributed mainly to differences in chemical composition and crystal type as determined by X-ray diffraction.
Radiation balance over a salt marsh

Linear relationships have been found between daytime incoming radiation and both net radiation and reflected radiation over a Spartina alterniflora salt marsh at North Inlet, S.C., during the summer. On the average, using total daytime values, net radiation was 70 ± 9% and reflected radiation was 9 ± 1% of incoming radiation.
Effect of Genotype, Fertilization, and Season on Free Amino Acids in Leaves of Salad Greens Grown in High Tunnels

Abstract The free amino acid composition of salad greens is likely to be affected by the wide variation in light and temperature when grown in high tunnels, as well as by method of fertilization. To test this hypothesis, seven species of salad greens were grown in unheated high tunnels in spring and fall. They were fertilized using organic or conventional fertilization; in plots with perlite fertilized with a complete soluble fertilizer; or with leaf compost fertilized with cotton-seed meal. The concentration of free amino acids in leaf samples was analyzed using liquid chromatography and fluorescence to detect phthaldialdehyde derivatives. The sum of free amino acids varied from 40–150 umol g−1 dry weight due to harvest date, and from 70–160 umol g−1 due to species. Most of the effects of harvest date were seasonal, and could be predicted by a second-order function of day of the year. Concentrations were high in early spring and late fall, under cool temperatures. Lettuce and mibuna had the fewest amino ...
TV Tracker Fits Gate To Target And Reads V-Angle

TV trackers began evolving from RADAR track-while-scan systems in the late 50's. One of the first was built by Norden, a "boresight Error Measuring Device" for ADTC in 1960. The width and height of its rectangular gate were each adjustable. Detection bias was also manually set. It was reported to track when the target was large enough or strong enough, but its tracking integrators suffered from drift. The operator had to continuously adjust the detection bias. If the contrast of the target changed polarity, the operator had to throw a polarity switch. In 1963, Southern Research Institute delivered to MICOM a TV tracker with a gate that discriminated against background by fitting itself to the contrast contour of the target. After three generations of improvements, the SRI Adaptive Gate Tracker was selected as the baseline concept for the Maverick missile guidance unit. We are now four designs later and still no single tracker incorporates all of the functions known to be desirable in a TV tracker. A general review of Automatic TV Trackers was presented by F. J. Thomas and C. A. Winsor in 1976(1). The present paper discusses problems of pictorial tracking and an approach to their solution.
Blogging as a Tool: Innovative Approaches to Information Access

Purpose – To describe new features and functionality of blogging and share a range of applications in the library environment.Design/methodology/approach – Demonstrates the range of applications and suggests that this is a new information medium that is likely to have a keen presence for a long while as more users engage in the related activities and depend on Blogs and RSS for their sources of information.Findings – Implementations in ways librarians never expected are now becoming common and the role of blogging and the challenges associated with tracking content on blogs remains of great interest. The wide spectrum of information sources and functionality of blogs proves to be ever‐changing.Originality/value – Provides library community new ideas in how to implement blogs that will serve users in creative, positive and meaningful ways.
Quantitative Modeling of Vacuum-Enhanced Human Heat Transfer

The ability to easily manipulate body temperature would impact a number of fields. While perfusion with externally cooled or warmed blood is effective due to the thermoregulatory power of the circulatory system and its diffuse microcirculation, this process is particularly invasive. Noninvasive techniques to date mostly utilize body surface applications that rely on relatively inferior conduction heat transfer.© 2009 ASME
Model for interactive data base reference string

A particularly simple Markov chain model for a reference string is described. The model, which is only slightly more complicated than the independent reference model, generates strings that have a locality property and that have a specified probability distribution of references over pages. Expressions are obtained for expected working-set size and expected working-set miss ratio. The model is used in an examination of the effect of grouping pages into blocks and in a discussion of the problem of evaluating the effect of changes in the size of the data base. Predictions of the model are shown to agree closely with observations of a string of data base references generated by an interactive data base system having a large number of concurrent users.
Energy-Efficient Target Coverage in Heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Networks

This paper considers a heterogeneous wireless sensor network that consists of several resource-rich supernodes used for data relaying and a large number of energy constrained wireless sensor nodes. Sensor nodes are deployed randomly to monitor a number of targets. Since targets are redundantly covered by more sensors, we organize the sensors in set covers that are activated successively to conserve energy. In this paper we introduce the Heterogeneous Connected Set Covers (HCSC) problem that has the objective to find a maximum number of set covers such that each set cover monitors all targets and each active sensor is connected to at least one supernode. A sensor can participate in multiple set covers, but the total energy spent in all sets is constrained by the battery capacity. In this paper we show that HCSC is NP-complete and we propose two algorithms for solving this problem, an Integer Programming approach and a distributed and localized protocol. Simulation results are presented to evaluate these solutions.
Independent Evaluation of the California Tobacco Control Program: Relationships Between Program Exposure and Outcomes, 1996–1998

Objectives. This study sought to determine the effects of the California Tobacco Control Program on tobacco-related attitudes and behaviors. Methods. In 1996 and 1998, a telephone survey was conducted among adults in randomly selected households in 18 California counties. Tenth-grade youths in 84 randomly selected high schools completed a written survey. In analyses conducted at the county level, differences in outcomes were regressed on an index of program exposure. Results. Among adults, program exposure was associated with decreased smoking prevalence rates, increased no-smoking policies in homes, and decreased violations of workplace no-smoking policies. Among youths, there was no effect of program exposure on outcomes. Conclusions. These results suggest that the California Tobacco Control Program may have reduced adult smoking prevalence rates and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. (Am J Public Health. 2002;92:975‐983)
An Analysis of HTML and CSS Syntax Errors in a Web Development Course

Many people are first exposed to code through web development, yet little is known about the barriers beginners face in these formative experiences. In this article, we describe a study of undergraduate students enrolled in an introductory web development course taken by both computing majors and general education students. Using data collected during the initial weeks of the course, we investigate the nature of the syntax errors they make when learning HTML and CSS, and how they resolve them. This is accomplished through the deployment of openHTML, a lightweight web-based code editor that logs user activity. Our analysis reveals that nearly all students made syntax errors that remained unresolved in their assessments, and that these errors continued weeks into the course. Approximately 20p of these errors related to the relatively complex system of rules that dictates when it is valid for HTML elements to be nested in one another. On the other hand, 35p of errors related to the relatively simple tag syntax determining how HTML elements are nested. We also find that validation played a key role in resolving errors: While the majority of unresolved errors were present in untested code, nearly all of the errors that were detected through validation were eventually corrected. We conclude with a discussion of our findings and their implications for computing education.
Development and implementation of a performance improvement project in adult intensive care units: overview of the Improving Medicine Through Pathway Assessment of Critical Therapy in Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia (IMPACT-HAP) study

In 2005 the American Thoracic Society and Infectious Diseases Society of America (ATS/IDSA) published guidelines for managing hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), and healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP). Although recommendations were evidence based, collective guidelines had not been validated in clinical practice and did not provide specific tools for local implementation. We initiated a performance improvement project designated Improving Medicine Through Pathway Assessment of Critical Therapy in Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia (IMPACT-HAP) at four academic centers in the United States. Our objectives were to develop and implement the project, and to assess compliance with quality indicators in adults admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) with HAP, VAP, or HCAP. The project was conducted in three phases over 18 consecutive months beginning 1 February 2006: 1) a three-month planning period for literature review to create the consensus pathway for managing nosocomial pneumonia in these ICUs, a data collection form, quality performance indicators, and internet-based repository; 2) a six-month implementation period for customizing ATS/IDSA guidelines into center-specific guidelines via educational forums; and 3) a nine-month post-implementation period for continuing education and data collection. Data from the first two phases were combined (pre-implementation period) and compared with data from the post-implementation period. We developed a consensus pathway based on ATS/IDSA guidelines and customized it at the local level to accommodate formulary and microbiologic considerations. We implemented multimodal educational activities to teach ICU staff about the guidelines and continued education throughout post-implementation. We registered 432 patients (pre- vs post-implementation, 274 vs 158). Diagnostic criteria for nosocomial pneumonia were more likely to be met during post-implementation (247/257 (96.1%) vs 150/151 (99.3%); P = 0.06). Similarly, empiric antibiotics were more likely to be compliant with ATS/IDSA guidelines during post-implementation (79/257 (30.7%) vs 66/151 (43.7%); P = 0.01), an effect that was sustained over quarterly intervals (P = 0.0008). Between-period differences in compliance with obtaining cultures and use of de-escalation were not statistically significant. Developing a multi-center performance improvement project to operationalize ATS/IDSA guidelines for HAP, VAP, and HCAP is feasible with local consensus pathway directives for implementation and with quality indicators for monitoring compliance with guidelines.
The Effects of Sulfate on the Physical and Chemical Properties of Actively Treated Acid Mine Drainage Floc

It is important to consider floc properties when designing acid mine drainage treatment (AMD) systems. Relatively few studies have evaluated the effects of neutralizing base, neutralization pH, and sulfate in solution on floc properties in active treatment systems. We used NaOH and NH4OH as neutralizing bases, 0:1, 2.5:1, and 5:1 SO4:Fe molar ratios, and neutralization pH of 7, 8, and 9 in laboratory studies. Neutralizing cation, sulfate content, and neutralization pH had significant effects on floc mass and volume, but SO4:Fe ratio was the most important parameter. Settled floc volumes were slightly larger in the sodium system. Floc mass and volume both decreased with increasing pH. Floc generated in the presence of sulfate required significantly more time to reach a total suspended solids discharge limit of 70 mg L−1, had slower initial settling rates, and smaller settled volumes than floc generated without sulfate. The systems we studied were less complicated than actual AMD, but understanding the effects of sulfate, neutralizing cation, and neutralization pH on floc properties may help to design more efficient treatment systems. Choosing the appropriate treatment chemical and designing adquate pond sizes will ultimately increase treatment efficiency and improve stream water quality.
Identification of a chemotactic, MCP-1-like protein from Mycobacterium avium.

In the immunocompetent host, Mycobacterium avium is responsible for chronic localized pulmonary disease, which is characterized by the presence of increased numbers of activated T cells and macrophages in the lungs. M. avium organisms as well as sonic extracts of M. avium were found to act as chemoattractants for THP-1 cells as well as monocytes, monocyte-derived macrophages and alveolar macrophages obtained from normal human donors in an in vitro chemotaxis assay, where a significantly higher number of cells were found in wells containing M. avium compared to control wells. Proteolytic treatment of M. avium sonicate resulted in significant loss (50%) of chemotactic activity. Monoclonal antibodies against recombinant human monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) were found to cross-react with a 34-kDa protein of M. avium sonicate on Western blot and inhibit M. avium sonicate-mediated chemotaxis of THP-1 cells (47%). These data suggest the presence of an ‘MCP-1 like’ molecule on M. avium. Recruitment of host immune regulatory cells to the site of infection by pathogens may be involved in generating a local immune response or may be a bacterial strategy for survival within the host by recruiting the cells that they infect, i.e. macrophages.
3D joystick for robotic arm control by individuals with high level spinal cord injuries

An innovative 3D joystick was developed to enable quadriplegics due to spinal cord injuries (SCIs) to more independently and efficiently operate a robotic arm as an assistive device. The 3D joystick was compared to two different manual input modalities, a keyboard control and a traditional joystick, in performing experimental robotic arm tasks by both subjects without disabilities and those with upper extremity mobility impairments. Fitts's Law targeting and practical pouring tests were conducted to compare the performance and accuracy of the proposed 3D joystick. The Fitts's law measurements showed that the 3D joystick had the best index of performance (IP), though it required an equivalent number of operations and errors as the standard robotic arm joystick. The pouring task demonstrated that the 3D joystick took significantly less task completion time and was more accurate than keyboard control. The 3D joystick also showed a decreased learning curve to the other modalities.
Cardiographic Observations on a Fin-Back Whale

The beaching of a 40-ton fia-back whale on a Provincetown shore provided a fortuitous opportunity for taking the first cardiograms of the largest mammal. A representative 15-lead cardiogram is shown. This does not differ materially from other large mammals, except that the time scale of events is extremely prolonged. Abnormal foci of ventricular beats and compensatory pauses are illustrated.
Cognitive mediation of rape's mental health impact: Constructive replication of a cross-sectional model in longitudinal data

The constructive replication of a prespecified, cognitively mediated model of rape's impact on psychosocial health is reported using longitudinal data (see Koss, Figueredo, & Prince, 2002, for a su...