cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Wavelength dependence for the photoreactions of DNA-psoralen monoadducts. 1. Photoreversal of monoadducts.

The authors have studied the wavelength dependence for the photoreversal of a monoadducted psoralen derivative, HMT (4'(hydroxymethyl)-4,5',8-trimethylpsoralen), in a single-stranded deoxyoligonucleotide (5'-GAAGCTACGAGC-3'). The psoralen was covalently attached to the thymidine residue in the oligonucleotide as either a furan-side monoadduct, which is formed through the cycloaddition between the 4',5' double bond of the psoralen and the 5,6 double bond of the thymidine, or a pyrone-side monoadduct, which is formed through the cycloaddition between the 3,4 double bond of the psoralen and the 5,6 double bond of the thymidine. As a comparison, they have also investigated the wavelength-dependent photoreversal of the isolated thymidine-HMT monoadducts. All photoreversal action spectra correlate with the extinction spectra of the isolate monoadducts. In the case of the pyrone-side monoadduct, two absorption bands contribute to the photoreversal with a quantum yield of 2 x 10/sup -2/ at wavelengths below 250 nm and 7 x 10/sup -3/ at wavelengths from 287 to 314 nm. The incorporation of the monoadduct into the DNA oligomer had little effect upon the photoreversal rate. For the furan-side monoadduct at least three absorption bands contribute to the photoreversal. The quantum yield varied from 5 x 10/sup -2/ at wavelengths below 250 nm to 7more » x 10/sup -4/ at wavelengths between 295 and 365 nm. In contrast to the case of the pyrone-side monoadduct, the incorporation of the furan-side monoadduct into the DNA oligomer reduced the photoreversal rate constant at wavelengths above 285 nm.« less
A caveat for the application of the critical cost efficiency index in induced budget experiments

Afriat’s (Int Econ Rev 14(2): 460–472, 1973) critical cost efficiency index is often used to measure the extent to which experimental choice data violate the axioms of revealed preference. Under certain conditions, the index yields a value of one—which typically signifies rational choice—when, in fact, the choice violates the axioms. We term this a cost efficient violation (CEV) of the axioms, clarify the conditions under which it arises, and find that CEVs comprise the majority of violations in three of four studies reviewed. We suggest changes in experiment design to eliminate or reduce the likelihood of CEVs.
Epsilon-Ergodicity and the Success of Equilibrium Statistical Mechanics

Why does classical equilibrium statistical mechanics work? Malament and Zabell (1980) noticed that, for ergodic dynamical systems, the unique absolutely continuous invariant probability measure is the microcanonical. Earman and Redei (1996) replied that systems of interest are very probably not ergodic, so that absolutely continuous invariant probability measures very distant from the microcanonical exist. In response I define the generalized properties of epsilon-ergodicity and epsilon-continuity, I review computational evidence indicating that systems of interest are epsilon-ergodic, I adapt Malament and Zabell's defense of absolute continuity to support epsilon-continuity, and I prove that, for epsilon-ergodic systems, every epsilon-continuous invariant probability measure is very close to the microcanonical.
The anatomy of the deltoid insertion.

Hypothesis The deltoid muscle is in continuity with the distal arm fascia and musculature. Materials and methods Ten fresh-frozen upper extremity cadaveric specimens were dissected to determine the insertional anatomy of the deltoid muscle. Measurements were made with micro-calipers and acetate grid sheets. The deltoid tendon and fibrous aponeurosis was in continuity with the lateral intermuscular septum posteriorly and the lateral aspect of the brachialis and deep brachial fascia anteriorly in all ten specimens. This interconnection remained in continuity following complete release of the deltoid insertion. Results The width of the insertion of the anterior head of the deltoid was a mean of 7.3 mm, the middle averaged 4.7 mm, and the posterior averaged 7.8 mm. The mean length of the anterior insertion was 70 mm, the middle was 48.4 mm, and the posterior was 63.4 mm. The mean width of the deltoid tendon and the investing fascia at the superior margin of the insertion was 21.9 mm and at the inferior margin 13.1 mm. Discussion Deltoid muscle integrity is critical to shoulder function. The deltoid insertion, however, is often partially released during surgical approaches for internal fixation of proximal humerus fractures and shoulder arthroplasty. Partial detachment without repair as performed during surgical approaches should not result in complete loss of continuity of the deltoid insertion. Conclusion Knowledge of the distal insertion and interconnections of the deltoid allows for more anatomic repair following extended releases during complex fracture fixation or revision surgery. Level of evidence Basic science study.
Intraoperative evaluation of mitral valve regurgitation and repair by transesophageal echocardiography: Incidence and significance of systolic anterior motion

Abstract Objectives. This study was designed to delineate the utility and results of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography in the evaluation of patients undergoing mural valve repair for mitral regurgitation. Background. Mitral valve reconstruction offers many advantages over prosthetic valve replacement. Intraoperative assessment of valve competence after repair is vital to the effectiveness of this procedure. Methods. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography was performed in 143 patients undergoing mitral valve repair over a period of 23 months, Before and after repair, the functional morphology of the mitral apparatus was defined by twodimensional echocardiography; Doppler color flow imaging was used to clarify the mechanism of mitral regurgitation and to semiquantitate its severity. Results. There was significant improvement in the mean mitral regurgitation grade by composite intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography after valve repair (3.6 ± 0.8 to 0.7 ± 0.7; p Severe systolic anterior motion of the mitral apparatus causing grade 2 to 4 mitral regurgitation was present in 13 patients (9.1%) after cardiopulmonary bypass. In 8 patients (5.6%), systolic anterior motion resolved immediately with correction of hyperdynamic hemodynamic status, resulting in grade ≤ 1 residual mitral regurgitation without further operative intervention. Transthoracic echocardiography before hospital discharge demonstrated grade ≤ 1 residual mitral regurgitation in 86.4% of 132 patients studied. A significant discrepancy (> 1 grade) in residual mitral regurgitation by predischarge transthoracic versus intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography was noted in 17 patients (12.9%). Conclusions. Transesophageal echocardiography is a valuable adjunct in the intraoperative assessment of mitral valve repair.
Developing a Meaningful Digital Self‐Archiving Model: Archival Theory vs. Natural Behavior in the Minds of Carolina Research Project

This paper will review the findings from a research project concluded in 2004, which had the primary goal of learning more about the natural behaviors of people choosing materials for inclusion in a digital archive. Project participants, retiring faculty at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill had a number of tasks to perform. They had to 1) survey and choose the materials to include in the archive; 2) develop a “collection development plan” defining the nature of their materials, their intended audience, and the organizational scheme of their collection; 3) provide materials for digitization; 4) supply metadata for the digitized materials; and 5) write a “finding aid” for their collection. The research team digitized the materials and developed a demonstration repository website for the participants. This paper will focus on the disconnect between traditional archival theory and the users’ natural behavior; and the challenges of developing an archival collection given current digital repository software.
Diversity in membership and leadership positions in a regional vascular society.

Purpose To determine diversity in the membership and analyze representation of private practitioners and ethnic and racial minorities/women in senior leadership roles in a regional vascular society. Methods The program book distributed at the 2008 annual meeting was used to compile information on membership categories, academic status, gender, and ethnic origin of members. Excluded from further analysis were all but active and senior members (n = 386). Officers for President and current President-Elect (P, n=31), Secretary (S, n=10), Treasurer (T, n=11), and Councilor (C, n=33) over a 30-year period were scrutinized for similar information. Members were considered to be "academic" if they worked full time at an academic medical center or as faculty at a teaching hospital with a vascular fellowship and national recognition. Private practice (PP) or academic practice (AP) was determined by personal knowledge, mailing address, e-mail address, and search engines. Ethnic and racial origin was determined by name, personal knowledge, or a web search. Results Of the 386 active and senior members in the society, 86% were white, 13.7% were of various ethnic/racial groups, and 5.7% were women. Sixty-eight percent of members were in PP. Female members were more likely to be in AP compared with male members (68.1% vs 29.6%, P P P P = .07). Conclusions Ethnic and racial minorities and women are under represented in the membership compared with the general population, medical school graduates, and faculty. PPs and non-white male academics are under represented in senior leadership positions. With changing demographics, a predicted shortage of vascular surgeons, the need for role models in leadership positions and a push to culturally competent care, regional and national societies must change course and promote a more diverse membership and representative senior leadership.
Acoustic monitoring of prestressed concrete pipe

Abstract The Bureau of Reclamation has made extensive use of Prestressed Concrete Pipe (PCP) in several of its major water projects. Widespread corrosion and failure of the reinforcing wire on over 6 miles of PCP used for the Central Arizona Project was found in 1990. This pipe had been in service less than 15 years which is significantly shorter than its expected design life. It was apparent that if wires continued to fail, catastrophic rupture of the pipe would result. Repair methods were developed to restore the prestressing forces to a deteriorated pipe section. This would extend its service life; however, locating the deteriorated areas in a buried pipeline was difficult. Numerous technologies were tested inside and outside the pipe in attempts to locate the distressed areas. None of the techniques tested could reliably locate areas of distress, however, one method has shown great promise. The use of hydrophones (underwater microphones) to detect the sound caused by the failure and subsequent slippage of the reinforcing wire has been demonstrated to be quite effective. The development of this technology is described, from initial field testing using a single pair of hydrophones, to the system currently being used for the continuous monitoring of a 2-mile pipeline. This system uses an array of 12 hydrophones and a sophisticated computer system to detect sounds in the pipeline, classify them as either wire-related sounds or extraneous sounds, and, based on the location of the wire-related sounds, map areas of pipe deterioration.
The locus of Mediation and the duration of the anticipation interval in a transfer paradigm

An A-B, B-C, A-C paradigm was used with dominance materials so that the B terms were nouns and the C terms were restricted associations to the nouns. The Example condition, in which a single noun was paired with the A term in the A-B stage, produced more positive transfer than the Mediation condition, which paired a group of nouns with A in the A-B stage. It was concluded that transfer in the Mediation condition in previous experiments, which used the B-C, A-B, A-C paradigm, was partially due to A-C learning during A-B presentation. It was shown that most of the positive transfer to A-C learning was related to pairs for which Ss recalled the correct B term both before and after A-C learning. The anticipation interval was varied for the A-C paired-associate learning but there was no indication of an interaction between anticipation interval and mediation. It was suggested that the lack of differential effect of variation in AI might be due either to mediation of the control items or to a comparison of mediated and control items which had been learned to different degrees.
Abnormal serum pancreatic enzymes, but not pancreatitis, are associated with an increased risk of malignancy in patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms.

Introduction Pancreatitis is associated with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN). This association is in part due to inflammation from pancreatic ductal obstruction. Although the correlation between pancreatitis and the malignant potential of IPMN is unclear, the 2012 International Consensus Guidelines (ICG) consider pancreatitis a “worrisome feature.” We hypothesized that serum pancreatic enzymes, markers of inflammation, are a better predictor of malignancy than pancreatitis in patients with IPMN. Methods Between 1992 and 2012, 364 patients underwent resection for IPMN at a single university hospital. In the past decade, serum amylase and lipase were collected prospectively as an inflammatory marker in 203 patients with IPMN at initial surveillance and “cyst clinic” visits. The latest serum pancreatic enzyme values within 3 months preoperatively were studied. Pancreatitis was defined according to the 2012 revision of the Atlanta Consensus. Results Of the 203 eligible patients, there were 76 with pancreatitis. Pancreatitis was not associated with an increased rate of malignancy (P = .51) or invasiveness (P = .08). Serum pancreatic enzymes categorically outside of normal range (high or low) were also not associated with malignancy or invasiveness. In contrast, as a continuous variable, the higher the serum pancreatic enzymes were, the greater the rate of invasive IPMN. Of the 127 remaining patients without pancreatitis, serum pancreatic enzymes outside of normal range (low and high) were each associated with a greater rate of malignancy (P Conclusion In patients with IPMN without a history of pancreatitis, serum pancreatic enzymes outside of the normal range are associated with a greater risk of malignancy. In patients with a history of pancreatitis, there is a positive correlation between the levels of serum pancreatic enzymes and the presence of invasive IPMN. These data suggest serum pancreatic enzymes may be useful markers in stratification of pancreatic cancer risk in patients with IPMN.
A Technique for Measurement of Insulating Powder Specimens by Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry

This paper reports a technique for the measurement of insulators by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). An insulating specimen buried in a circular hole on a conducting disk was measured by using a standard Cameca IMS-3F ion microscope under the normal working conditions with a negatively charged oxygen primary beam. The technique is simple and allows the drastic increase of secondary ion intensity up to three orders of magnitude compared to a conventional specimen mounting. Reproducibility of secondary ion intensity was satisfactory for quantitative analysis.
Drastic Disturbance of Salt-Affected Soils in a Semi-Arid Cool Desert Shrubland

Disturbing soils in arid regions can mix subsurface materials with surface soils salvaged for reclamation. Pre-disturbance assessment of soils can minimize impacts of disturbance, and better understanding of drastic disturbance in arid soils will improve reclamation success. Reclaimed well pads have undergone stockpiled soil respreading, tillage, and seeding after drilling is complete. Soil texture and chemical properties were analyzed at 0–15 cm depth in saline and sodic soils from eight paired undisturbed and recently reclaimed sites in the Great Divide Basin of Wyoming. Soil organic matter and structural properties were analyzed in additional samples from two of the paired sites (one sodic, one saline-sodic). Paired difference analysis across the eight well pads indicated that disturbed/reclaimed soils had higher electrical conductivity (EC) than undisturbed soils (12.2 and 3.0 dS m−1, respectively) and higher sodium adsorption ratios (SAR) (26.1 and 1.3, respectively). Analysis of variance of soil org...
Pharmaceutical Care Leadership: An Innovative Pharmacy Practice Residency Model

Objective: To describe the establishment of the Pharmaceutical Care Leadership Residency Program (PCLRP), a residency experience that prepares graduates to take responsibility for leading practice change in pharmacy. Setting: University-based residency program focused on delivery of pharmaceutical care in ambulatory care settings. Practice Description and Innovation: Currently, ambulatory care pharmacy practice is in a position analogous to that of institutional-based clinical pharmacy in the 1960s and 1970s in that practice in this arena is not well established and tremendous opportunity for growth exists. Just as early residency programs in the institutional environment specifically emphasized the development of leaders who would advance clinical pharmacy, residencies in the ambulatory setting could now do much to further pharmaceutical care practice. The 24-month PCLRP experience combines elements of a traditional pharmacy practice residency with specific leadership development activities designed to help residents develop the skills required for establishing influence, practice-based leadership, leadership through teaching, and professional advocacy. Main Outcome Measures: Individuals completing this program will possess a complement of skills and experience not often found in new pharmacy practitioners. They will be prepared to pursue a variety of career paths that focus on advancement of pharmaceutical care practice. Results: Program graduates report feeling better prepared and more confident in their ability to accept responsibility for leading practice change. They have also been successful in establishing new pharmaceutical care practices during the residency experience. Conclusion: The success of pharmacy’s professional transformation is dependent on the profession’s ability to help individuals develop the knowledge, skills, and values required to lead this initiative. The residency program meets this challenge by placing a unique emphasis on developing leadership skills as they relate to establishing influence, pharmaceutical care practice development, teaching, and professional advocacy.
Design of a shrouded probe for airborne aerosol sampling in a high velocity airstream

Abstract In this paper, we present our design of a shrouded probe for high velocity airborne aerosol sampling of particles in the size range 0.1–15 μm diameter. We address many of the problems associated with traditional samplers and discuss the use of a shrouded sampling probe, designed with the aid of computational fluid dynamics, to solve these problems. Techniques for solving the equations governing the fluid motion and individual particle motions are discussed, and the aspiration efficiency of the sampler is calculated. We verify our computational procedures by calculating the airflow and aspiration efficiency of the shrouded probe recently used by McFarland et al. (1989, Environ. Sci. Technol. 23, 1487–1492). The final design includes an evaluation of different inlet tip contours and shroud diameters and their effects on the flow characteristics near the probe inlet, as well as the results of placing a second shroud around the probe to further reduce the velocity of the airflow near the probe inlet. We conclude by presenting a calibration curve for our sampler which can be used to reconstruct freestream particle concentrations and size distributions based on measurements with the sampler.
Modeling atmospheric wave aberrations and astronomical instrumentation using the polynomials of Zernike

Abstract A method for modeling ground based astronomical optical systems using the polynomials of Zernike is described with a focus on large baseline optical interferometers. The effect of atmospheric turbulence is modeled by using the temporal power spectrum of each coefficient. If the polynomials are used to represent physical path-length, rather than phase, the modeling of atmospheric aberrations and many parts of the optical system can be done independently of wavelength. This technique does not require the calculation of large phase-screens nor the choice of pixel size and number in advance. Techniques for modeling tip/tilt systems, mirror surface errors, sub-apertures and calculating visibilities and Strehl ratios are also given.
Liquid Chromatography in Pharmaceutical Analysis: Determination of Cough–Cold Mixtures

Abstract Operating conditions are described for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of antihistaminic, antitussive, and analgesic compounds in cough–cold mixtures by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Twenty-one drugs were investigated. Determinations can be made in less than 30 min with an accuracy of 1–5%.
Optimal coherent control methods for explosives detection

We are utilizing control of molecular processes at the quantum level via the best capabilities of recent laser technology and recent discoveries in optimal shaping of laser pulses to significantly enhance the detection of explosives. Optimal dynamic detection of explosives (ODD-Ex) is a methodology whereby laser pulses are optimally shaped to simultaneously enhance the sensitivity and selectivity of any of a wide variety of spectroscopic methods for explosives signatures while reducing the influence of noise and environmental perturbations. We discuss here recent results using the Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm to provide an optimal shaped laser pulse for selective coherent anti-Stokes Raman signal generation of a single component in a mixture.
Molecular structures of supported niobium oxide catalysts under ambient conditions

Abstract The supported niobium oxide catalysts were investigated by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy in order to determine the molecular structure and monolayer coverage of the surface niobium oxide phase on oxide supports (MgO, Al 2 O 3 , TiO 2 , ZrO 2 , and SiO 2 ). The molecular structures of the surface niobium oxide phases present in the supported niobium oxide catalysts under ambient conditions, where adsorbed moisture is present, are controlled by the surface pH of the system. Basic surfaces result in the formation of highly distorted NbO 6 groups and acidic surfaces result in the formation of slightly distorted NbO 6 , NbO 7 and NbO 8 groups. The surface niobium oxide overlayer is stable to high calcination temperatures due to the strong surface niobium oxide-support interaction. The monolayer coverage of supported niobium oxide catalysts is reached at ≈19 wt.% Nb 2 O 5 /Al 2 O 3 , ≈7 wt.% Nb 2 O 5 /TiO 2 , ≈5 wt.% Nb 2 O 5 /ZrO 2 and ≈2 wt.% Nb 2 O 5 /SiO 2 , but not for the Nb 2 O 5 /MgO system due to the incorporation of Nb +5 into the MgO support.
Regulation of scent marking in the female Mongolian gerbil Meriones unguiculatus.

Abstract The role of estrogens and progesterones in the control of scent marking in the female Mongolian gerbil ( Meriones unguiculatus ) has remained unclear. Two experiments were conducted which attempted to assess the ovarian contribution to the regulation of this behavioral pattern. In Experiment 1, ten groups of ovariectomized females were treated with one or a combination of steroid hormones which had been selected on the basis of being known secretory products of the ovaries of other rodent species. Only testosterone propionate or a combination of testosterone propionate and estrogen were effective in stimulating marking. Both androgens and estrogens supported gland growth whereas only estrogens supported uterus growth. In a second experiment, androstenedione, a primary precursor to testosterone and estrogen, was administered to intact and ovariectomized females for a period of four weeks. Each female received a weekly marking test following treatment. Intact females responded with a rapid and significant increase in marking frequency whereas ovariectomized and intact control females continued to mark at control levels. It was concluded that the conversion of androstenedione or related hormones into behaviorally active compounds during period of high marking (e.g., as during late gestation and lactation and lactation) is at least one means by which marking is regulated in the female gerbil.
Oxidation of ω-Oxo Fatty Acids by Cytochrome P450BM-3(CYP102)

Abstract Cytochrome P450 enzymes oxidize aldehydes either to the corresponding acid or, via a decarboxylation mechanism, to an olefin one carbon shorter than the parent substrate. To explore the factors that control partitioning between these two pathways, we have examined the cytochrome P450 BM-3 (CYP102)-catalyzed oxidation of fatty acids with a terminal aldehyde group. P450 BM-3 oxidizes 18-oxooctadecanoic, 16-oxohexadecanoic, 14-oxotetradecanoic, and 12-oxododecanoic acids exclusively to the corresponding α,ω-diacids. The rates of these oxidations decrease in the order C 16 > C 18 ≃ C 14 > C 12 . No kinetic isotope effect is observed nor is the catalytic outcome altered when the aldehyde hydrogen is replaced by a deuterium in 16-oxohexadecanoic acid. The only product observed with 16-oxohexadecanoic acid is the diacid even when a 13,14-double bond or 15-methyl groups, substitutions that should stabilize the proposed radical intermediate generated by decarboxylation, are present. The oxidation of 16-oxohexadecanoic acid is not supported by H 2 O 2 . The results demonstrate that aldehyde oxidation by cytochrome P450 BM-3 is insensitive to changes in substrate structure expected to stabilize the transition state for decarboxylation. Decarboxylation, in contrast to the oxidation of aldehydes to acids, depends on specific substrate–protein interactions and is enzyme-specific.
Differential expression of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunits in fetal and neonatal mouse thymus.

Abstract Studies were initiated to identify nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunits and subtypes expressed in the developing immune system and cell types on which nAChR are expressed. Reported here are reverse transcription-polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCR) studies of nAChR α2–α7 and β2–β4 subunit gene expression using fetal or neonatal regular or scid/scid C57BL/6 mouse thymus. Findings are augmented with studies of murine fetal thymic organ cultures (FOTC) and of human peripheral lymphocytes. Novel partial cDNA sequences were derived for mouse nAChR α2, α3, β3 and β4 subunits, polymorphisms were identified in mouse nAChR α4, α7 and β2 subunits, and recently derived sequences for mouse nAChR α5 and α6 subunits were confirmed. Thymic stromal cells appear to express nAChR α2, α3, α4, α7 and β4 subunits, perhaps in addition to α5 and β2 subunits, in a pattern reminiscent of expression in the developing brain. Immature T cells appear to express α3, α5, α7, β2 and β4 subunits, just as do neural crest-derived cells targeted by cholinergic innervation. Peripheral T cells seem to express an unusual profile of α2, α5 and α7 subunits, perhaps indicating that their nAChR express yet-to-be-identified assembly partners or that T cell nicotinic responsiveness occurs through homomeric nAChR composed of α7 subunits. Our findings are consistent with published work but show a much wider array of nAChR subunit gene expression in mouse thymic stromal and/or lymphoid cells and evidence for developmental regulation of nAChR subunit expression. These studies suggest important roles for nAChR in immune system development and function and in the neuroimmune network.
HAND DERMATITIS: THE PERENNIAL SCOURGE

PREVIEWHand dermatitis strikes nearly everyone at least occasionally, especially with allergic reactions to natural rubber latex becoming increasingly common. Given the difficulties of diagnosis and treatment, protection and prevention are vital. If irritants are not avoided, hand dermatitis may persist for years—even decades—and necessitate a change in the patient's employment, recreational activities, or both.
The effects of payout and probability magnitude on the Allais paradox

The Allais paradox decision bias was first offered as a challenge to the expected utility theory over 60 years ago. Although the Allais paradox is a standard challenge for normative theories of risky choice, its causes are not well understood. The present experiment uses two manipulations of the Allais paradox to investigate the commonly proposed probability-weighting explanation of the paradox. Reducing the magnitude of the outcomes did not affect the size of the Allais paradox, contradicting previous literature and supporting the probability weighting hypothesis. Reducing the probability of the nonzero outcomes to eliminate certainty reduced, but did not eliminate, the Allais paradox, a result inconsistent with probability weighting and other theories of the Allais paradox. The results suggest that the certainty effect alone cannot explain the Allais paradox.
Combination of on-demand sedation, water exchange, cap-assisted colonoscopy and underwater polypectomy - a novel approach of minimally invasive colonoscopy and polypectomy associated with plausible increased value for screening

Objective: In a performance improvement project, the novel approach of combining water exchange, cap-assisted colonoscopy and on demand sedation (minimizing complications of invasive sedation) and underwater polypectomy (obviating sideeffects of invasive sub-mucosal injection) was assessed. Subjects/methods: Veterans undergoing screening and surveillance at VA Greater lA Healthcare System began colonoscopy with the novel approach. Air insufflation was used during withdrawal for inspection, biopsy and polypectomy of small ( 1 cm) polyps. Results: Fifty-five males were offered the option of on demand sedation by the author. Six (3 sedated, 3 unsedated) were excluded due to poor bowel preparation. Of the 49 evaluable Veterans, 15 (31%) declined the option, 34 (69%) accepted. Final cecal intubation was 100% (49/49). Of the 34 who started without medication, 5 (15%) required sedation during colonoscopy, 29 (85%) completed without. Success of unsedated colonoscopy with the novel approach was 97% (28/29) [one changed to air insufflation]. 55% (16/29) of the unsedated patients completed with no pain. Compared with historical on demand sedation cohorts worldwide, the novel approach achieved the highest completion rate without sedation, and without pain. Amongst the unsedated, overall (57%) and proximal (50%) colon adenoma detection rates (A dR)
Analytical winding size optimisation for different conductor shapes using Ampere's law

In this study, an analytical optimisation of the foil, strip, square and solid-round-wire winding inductors conducting sinusoidal current is performed. The Ampere law is used to derive analytical equations for the AC-to-DC winding resistance ratio of different shape inductor windings valid at low and medium frequencies. These equations are used to perform optimisation of windings to obtain the global minimum of the winding AC resistance of the foil and strip wire windings and the local minimum of the winding AC resistance for the square and solid-round-wire windings. Derivations of AC-to-DC winding resistance ratio and winding AC resistance based on Ampere's law for the solid-round-wire windings are compared to Dowell's equation. Results of the predicted winding AC resistance based on Ampere's law for the solid-round-wire windings are validated by experimental results.
Visualizing environmental data at the EPA

Several environmental visualization projects being pursued by the US Environmental Protection Agency are discussed. One group develops models for the transport and deposition of airborne pollutants. Another group evaluates the positions of air quality monitoring sites with respect to the distribution of pollutants. Other researchers collaborate with investigators at NASA Langley and Lawrence Livermore National Labs. to examine global climate change. Still others study water quality and sedimentation in the Great Lakes region, electrical properties of carcinogens, subsurface contamination of waste disposal sites, and the air flow through and around buildings. The visualization requirements, software configurations, and general strategies for the projects are described. >
A Scaling Method for Priorities in Hierarchical Structures

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to investigate a method of scaling ratios using the principal eigenvector of a positive pairwise comparison matrix. Consistency of the matrix data is defined and measured by an expression involving the average of the nonprincipal eigenvalues. We show that λmax = n is a necessary and sufficient condition for consistency. We also show that twice this measure is the variance in judgmental errors. A scale of numbers from 1 to 9 is introduced together with a discussion of how it compares with other scales. To illustrate the theory, it is then applied to some examples for which the answer is known, offering the opportunity for validating the approach. The discussion is then extended to multiple criterion decision making by formally introducing the notion of a hierarchy, investigating some properties of hierarchies, and applying the eigenvalue approach to scaling complex problems structured hierarchically to obtain a unidimensional composite vector for scaling the elements falling in any single level of the hierarchy. A brief discussion is also included regarding how the hierarchy serves as a useful tool for decomposing a large-scale problem, in order to make measurement possible despite the now-classical observation that the mind is limited to 7 ± 2 factors for simultaneous comparison.
Technical performance of colonoscopy in patients sedated with nurse-administered propofol.

OBJECTIVES Nurse-administered propofol has gained attention as a safe and effective means of sedation for patients undergoing endoscopic procedures. However, little is known about the effect of propofol on the technical performance of colonoscopy. METHODS Three separate studies were conducted. In the first study, we reviewed procedure notes from consecutive colonoscopies performed by a single experienced endoscopist at our hospital endoscopy unit on patients sedated with either nurse-administered propofol (n = 162) or midazolam/narcotic (n = 164). In the second study, 100 eligible colonoscopy outpatients were randomized to receive either nurse-administered propofol (n = 50) or midazolam/fentanyl (n = 50). In both studies, the measured parameters included visualization of the cecum, time required to reach the cecum, repositioning of the patient, and the application of abdominal counterpressure. In a third study, we reviewed the rate of cecal intubation and colonic perforation in the first 2357 patients in our unit receiving nurse-administered propofol. RESULTS In the retrospective comparative study, there was no difference in the cecal intubation rate in those receiving propofol (99.4%) compared to those receiving midazolam/narcotic (97%; p= 0.1), and three of five failed cecal intubations in the latter group resulted from obstructing masses. Patients sedated with propofol were repositioned less frequently compared to those receiving midazolam/narcotic (3.7%vs 26.2%) (p < 0.0001). Abdominal pressure was employed in 9.9% of patients sedated with propofol compared to 19.5% (p= 0.01) of those given midazolam/narcotic. The mean time to reach the cecum was lower in the propofol group than in the midazolam/narcotic group (4.6 min vs 6.0 min, p= 0.002). In the prospective randomized study, the endoscopist intubated the cecum in all 100 patients. Patients in the propofol group were repositioned less frequently than those in the midazolam/fentanyl group (2%vs 24%, respectively, p= 0.001). The number of cases requiring abdominal counterpressure was not significantly different between the propofol and midazolam/fentanyl groups (12%vs 24%, respectively, p= 0.1). The mean time to reach the cecum in the propofol group (3.2 min) was similar to that in the midazolam/fentanyl group (3.8 min, p= 0.08). Among the first 2357 patients in our unit undergoing colonoscopy with nurse-administered propofol, the rate of complete colonoscopy was 99.2% and there were no perforations. CONCLUSION Nurse-administered propofol sedation is safe and simplifies the technical performance of colonoscopy compared to midazolam/narcotic sedation.
An asymptotic solution of an initial value problem for a non-linear viscoelastic rod

Abstract Stress wave propagation in a one-dimensional materai, described by the non-linear constitutive law ∂σ ∂t − E ∂e ∂t + k[σ − E'g3 + βe 2 ] = 0 , is analyzed by a two-time variable perturbation method. Secular terms are “cast out” by employing special orthogonality conditions. The resulting expansion reveals a “mode coupling”, due to the non-linearity, and displays the significance of the three parameters present in the constitutive law. Numerical values for the parameters are assumed and the resulting displacements computed.
DIFFICULTIES IN GRAIN REFINING ALUMINUM LITHIUM ALLOYS USING COMMERCIAL Al-Ti AND Al-Ti-Bor MASTER ALLOYS

High strength aluminum alloys, especially those containing zirconium, are historically difficult to grain refine. Early efforts by Alcoa indicated that the addition of lithium to these alloys increases difficulty with grain refinement. Although grain refining of alloys 2090 and 2091 was possible, consistent results were not obtained. Statistically-designed experiments were used to quickly identify critical parameters in both the casting and grain refining operations. Responses from variables including alloy composition, amount and type of grain refining addition, melt temperature and cooling rate were quantified prior to establishing control limits. Production ingot cast by Alcoa are now consistently grain refined. Future work will simultaneously investigate the impact of important process variables on the fundamental mechanisms of grain refining and establish appropriate targets and ranges for these variables.
Enhancing participation and education in CS through guided research projects in underserved communities

While the needs and applications for computing technology have been growing, the enrollment and interest in Computer Science (CS) at the university level has not been growing in proportion. Moreover, the increasing prevalence of globalization requires a new set of skills for future technology leaders. These skills include the ability to work well in multidisciplinary and globally distributed teams, cross cultural boundaries with ease, create innovative solutions for problems that arise in unfamiliar settings, and think outside the box to solve a variety of problems while building effectively upon related work in the literature. These changes are also reflected in the growing interest among youth in global issues and how we can make a difference in underserved communities. This paper reports on our experience in designing and deploying an innovative internship that addresses these issues and seeks to enhance participation and education in CS through guided research projects in underserved communities.
Numerical simulations of the Rayleigh-Taylor instability

Two Lagrangian-Eulerian vortex methods to simulate the motion of an interface between inviscid fluids of different densities are presented. The representation of the interface as a vortex sheet eliminates numerical diffusion, and by coupling the tracked interface with z stationary grid (using the well-known vortex-in-ceil method) the high cost associated with traditional vortex m&hods is reduced. These methods are applied to the Rayleigh-Taylor instability. For finite density ratios the appearance of rolled up vortices and a possibie singularity formation has limited simulations in the past. By providing proper regularization our methods ovcrcomc some of these difficulties. (T I’M Acndcmic Press. Inc. 1. INTROD~JCTION One of the classic examples of hydrodynamic instability is the mixing of two fluids that takes place if a heavy fluid initially lies above a lighter one in a gravitational field. The first to investigate this problem was Lord Rayleigh [43], who late in the last century considered the linear stability problem for inviscid fluids with various stratification profiles, including sharply stratified fluids. In the early fifties 6.1. Taylor [Sl] renewed interest in this problem by pointing out that it is formally identical to the problem of an interface accelerated toward the heavy fluid. This observation made controlled laboratory experiments possible, and at Taylor’s suggestion D. J. Lewis [29] performed several such experiments, confirming Taylor’s and Rayleigh’s theoretical predictions for the linear stage and shedding some light on the large amplitude evolution. Several investigators have since repeated Lewis’ experiments using devices ranging from rubber bands (Emmons, Chang, and Watson [IX]) to rocket motors (Read [742]) to produce rhe desired acceleration. The stability analysis of Rayleigh and Taylor has been extended to take into account other physical effects such as surface tension and viscosity (Bellman and Pennington [S], Chandrasekhar [ 13]), compressibility (Mitchner and Landshoff [36]), and weakly nonlinear amplitudes (e.g., Emmons cl al. [ 18]i. Although these analytical investigations have revealed several interesting properties, most have not addressed the large amplitude behavior of a single bubble, or the interactions of these bubbles at large amplitudes. For a single bubble of negligible density penetrating the heavy fluid the asymptotic shape at large amplitudes has keen
Complexation of Acetaminophen with Methyl Xanthines

The interaction, in aqueous solution, of acetaminophen with caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine was investigated. Caffeine and theophylline form isolatable crystalline 1:1 complexes with acetaminophen, while theobromine apparently does not complex with acetaminophen. The caffeine-acetaminophen complex was found to exist in three forms, differing only in the degree of solvation. The solubility and dissolution rates of some of the caffeine-acetaminophen and theophylline-acetaminophen complexes were determined.
Charge conservation and representations of non-single-diffractive multiplicity distributions.

Charged hadronic multiplicity distributions for non-single-diffractive processes are represented with an emphasis on charge conservation. The representations include negative binomials (even only) with and without subtraction, parametric charge pairing with and without subtraction, modified GAMMAdistribution, and convolution of charged coherent states between a highly chaotic component and a highly coherent component. Values of the resultant chi/sup 2//N/sub DF/ suggest that the often used representation of the negative binomial (even only) is by no means unique. Many other representations are also statistically acceptable, all of which are natural candidates for the proper consideration of the exact charge conservation. Collectively, the acceptable representations are used to estimate the potential systematic error of extrapolating non-single-diffractive distribution to the TeV region.
Single-dose pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of alprazolam in elderly and young subjects

The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the benzodiazepine anxiolytic alprazolam (1 mg orally) were compared between young and elderly healthy volunteers. Eight young subjects (mean age 29.8 years) and eight elderly volunteers (mean age 68.4 years) received oral placebo and alprazolam (1.0 mg) in a randomized, double-blind, single-dose crossover study. In the elderly subjects, plasma concentrations were higher, although not significantly so, than in young volunteers 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 hours after dosage. Apparent elimination half-life, time of maximum concentration, maximum concentration, volume of distribution, and apparent clearance were similar for the two groups. In both groups, alprazolam treatment (versus placebo) produced significant changes in typical benzodiazepine agonist effects, such as increased sedation and fatigue, reduced excitement, increased feelings of spaciness, and perception of thinking slowed. For some measures, the alprazolam-placebo difference was greater in young than in elderly subjects. In both groups, alprazolam significantly impaired performance on the digit-symbol substitution test (DSST). EEG studies indicated significant increases in relative beta amplitude (13-30 Hz range) after alprazolam compared to placebo. Percent DSST decrement and percent EEG change were highly correlated with plasma alprazolam concentrations for both groups. There were modest increases in alprazolam plasma concentration in the elderly compared to the younger group shortly after drug administration, but there was no evidence of increased sensitivity to the pharmacodynamic effects of alprazolam in the elderly.
Targeting opioid receptor heterodimers: Strategies for screening and drug development

G-protein-coupled receptors are a major target for the development of new marketable drugs. A growing number of studies have shown that these receptors could bind to their ligands, signal, and be internalized as dimers. Most of the evidence comes from in vitro studies, but recent studies using animal models support an important role for dimerization in vivo and in human pathologies. It is therefore becoming highly relevant to include dimerization in screening campaigns: the increased complexity reached by the ability to target 2 receptors should lead to the identification of more specific hits that could be developed into drugs with fewer side effects. In this review, we have summarized results from a series of studies characterizing the properties of G-protein-coupled receptor dimers using both in vitro and in vivo systems. Since opioid receptors exist as dimers and heterodimerization modulates their pharmacology, we have used them as a model system to develop strategies for the identification of compounds that will specifically bind and activate opioid receptor heterodimers: such compounds could represent the next generation of pain relievers with decreased side effects, including reduced drug abuse liability.
Functional organization of the superior vestibular nucleus of the squirrel monkey.

Abstract The response to angular acceleration of units in the superior vestibular nucleus (SVN) of barbiturate-anesthetized, cerebellectomized squirrel monkeys was used to study the distribution of semicircular-canal inputs to the nucleus. Some so-called intact animals had 6 active semicircular canals. In other animals, the 3 canals of one side were rendered nonresponsive by plugging. In plugged animals, superior, posterior, and horizontal-canal units were encountered on both the plugged and unplugged sides, showing that all 6 canals influence the nucleus. Most units responded bilaterally to labyrinthine polarization; 92.5% of units in intact animals responded to angular acceleration, and this incidence was not decreased in plugged animals. These results suggest that most units in the superior nucleus receive bilateral canal inputs. Convergence of influences arising in orthogonally related canals was detected in less than 10% of units, so the bilateral ampullary influences must arise in parallel canals. Most SVN canal units on the plugged and unplugged sides gave type I responses, indicating that the contralateral canal influence is carried by a crossed inhibitory pathway. Most units influenced by the ipsilateral superior canal were located in the lateral half of the SVN. Posterior-canal units were in the medial half. There was no clear localization of the relatively few horizontal-canal units which were encountered.