cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The measurement of the orientation rate of crystals in a crystalline polymer by dynamic x-ray diffraction

Abstract : Dynamic birefringence measurements on crystalline polymers such as polyethylene indicate that there is a characteristic time for change in molecular orientation. This time has been ascribed to that required for crystals to change their orientation following the deformation of the polymer. In order to test this proposal a direct measurement of this orientation time by x-ray diffraction during the steady state vibrational strain of the sample was attempted. The measurement was carried out by an 'x-ray stroboscope' principle in which the intensity of the diffracted x-rays was measured during a small part of the vibration period but repeated during successive period.
Matrix management: More than a fad

Abstract Matrix management has received much criticism in the past few years, even being called just another management fad by some. But little empirical evidence has been presented to demonstrate actual usage or satisfaction levels among practitioners. This article defines five different forms of project management, including three variations of matrix management. It then presents the results of a survey using these definitions that was administered to a diverse sample of 115 practitioners. The survey measured the frequency of usage of the five different forms of project management and the effectiveness of projects using these different project structures. The results suggest that matrix management is more than a fad and will probably continue to be a popular form of project management, in spite of its problems.
Startup of the Fragment Mass Analyzer at ATLAS

The Fragment Mass Analyzer (FMA) is currently being brought into operation at the Argonne Tandem Linear Accelerator System (ATLAS). The FMA is a recoil mass spectrometer, 8 m in length, which will be used to separate nuclear reaction products from the primary beam ad disperse them by mass/charge (m/q) at the focal plane. It has a solid angle of 8 msr, an energy acceptance of {plus minus}20% around the central energy, and an m/q acceptance of {plus minus}7% around the central mass. The FMA will allow the study of gamma rays originating from weak fusion-reaction channels by gating the gamma spectra by the desired ion identified at the FMA focal plane. Production and decay of nuclei far from stability will be studied at the FMA focal plane by implanting exotic recoils directly into detectors or by using a fast tape system to transport the recoils to shielded detector systems. With its capability of rotating from {minus}5 to +45 degrees around the target, the FMA will also be used for reaction mechanism studies. Beta-NMR and nuclear moment measurements will be made behind the focal plane. A facility description and a progress report on the commissioning of the FMA are presented. 13more » refs., 9 figs., 1 tab.« less
Sulfuric acid aerosol.

Abstract A brief discussion of the significance of sulfuric acid aerosol is presented together with a review of methods for its sampling, separation and determination.
Decarbonylation of Acetone and Carbonate at a Pincer-Ligated Ru Center

A Ru center ligated by a pincer bis(o-phosphinoaryl)amine (PNP) ligand in (PNP)RuH(H2) is sufficiently electron rich to break C−O and C−C bonds, resulting in the ultimate decarbonylation of hydrocarbonate and acetone, respectively, to give (PNP)RuH(CO). The decarbonylation of acetone is accompanied by hydrogenolysis of the C−C bonds to produce methane.
Regulation of an Escherichia coli/mammalian chimeric carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase

Carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase (CPSase) consists of a 120-kDa synthetase domain (CPS) that makes carbamoyl phosphate from ATP, bicarbonate, and ammonia usually produced by a separate glutaminase domain. CPS is composed of two subdomains, CPS.A and CPS.B. Although CPS.A and CPS.B have specialized functions in intact CPSase, the separately cloned subdomains can catalyze carbamoyl phosphate synthesis. This report describes the construction of a 58-kDa chimeric CPSase composed of Escherichia coli CPS.A catalytic subdomains and the mammalian regulatory subdomain. The catalytic parameters are similar to those of the E. coli enzyme, but the activity is regulated by the mammalian effectors and protein kinase A phosphorylation. The chimera has a single site that binds phosphoribosyl 5'-pyrophosphate (PRPP) with a dissociation constant of 25 microM. The dissociation constant for UTP of 0.23 mM was inferred from its effect on PRPP binding. Thus, the regulatory subdomain is an exchangeable ligand binding module that can control both CPS.A and CPS.B domains, and the pathway for allosteric signal transmission is identical in E. coli and mammalian CPSase. A deletion mutant that truncates the polypeptide within a postulated regulatory sequence is as active as the parent chimera but is insensitive to effectors. PRPP and UTP bind to the mutant, suggesting that the carboxyl half of the subdomain is essential for transmitting the allosteric signal but not for ligand binding.
Continuous EEG Monitoring in the Intensive Care Unit

Continuous EEG (CEEG) monitoring allows uninterrupted assessment of cerebral cortical activity with good spatial resolution and excellent temporal resolution. Thus, this procedure provides a means of constantly assessing brain function in critically ill obtunded and comatose patients. Recent advances in digital EEG acquisition, storage, quantitative analysis, and transmission have made CEEG monitoring in the intensive care unit (ICU) technically feasible and useful. This article summarizes the indications and methodology of CEEG monitoring in the ICU, and discusses the role of some quantitative EEG analysis techniques in near real-time remote observation of CEEG recordings. Clinical examples of CEEG use, including monitoring of status epilepticus, assessment of ongoing therapy for treatment of seizures in critically ill patients, and monitoring for cerebral ischemia, are presented. Areas requiring further development of CEEG monitoring techniques and indications are discussed.
Costs for water supply, treatment, end-use and reclamation

The paper reviews the cost of different water supply and water treatment options around the world. The cost of supplying ground water is found to be proportional to the lift. The relationship between cost and volume of water treated by specific treatment options is assessed. Vehicular transportation of water is found to be very costly compared to wastewater treatment and compared to conventional water treatment and supply. Efforts have been made to differentiate the cost of water with respect to its application in various sectors. The capital cost of infrastructure required to extract, treat, supply, and reclaim water is also studied. Finally, the effects of precipitation, geographic aspects, population, financial, regulatory laws, and social attributes of a specific region are considered as they affect the cost of water. Global use of water in agriculture and the costs of agricultural irrigation are studied. Pressurized irrigation systems are costlier compared to flood or surface irrigation systems.
Mechanical and Barrier Properties of Rice Bran Films

Biodegradable films were prepared from rice bran, and their water vapor and oxygen permeabilities. mechanical properties and solubilities were studied. No differences in apparent water vapor permeability (WVP app ) were observed between rice bran films cast at pH 9.5 (RBfilm 9.5 and those cast at pH 3.0 (RBfilm 3.0). Rice bran films had higher WVP app and oxygen permeability when compared to a polyvinylidene chloride film. RBfilm 3.0 had lower oxygen permeability compared to RBfilm 9.5. Puncture strength, tensile strength, breaking factor, and protein solubility of RBfilm 9.5 were higher than those of RBfilm 3.0. A positive correlation (r = 0.91) was observed between puncture strength and tensile strength of films.
Some aspects of the two beam performance of DCI

The results of beam-beam simulations that model DCI operating as an e{sup +}e{sup -} collider are reported. The simulation techniques, including a new procedure for incorporating synchrotron radiation, are described. Phase advance errors between the interaction points explain the beam-beam limit at the operating point q{sub x} = q{sub y} = 0.725 (q denotes the fractional part of the tune). The effects of radiation damping are also studied near that operating point. Simulation and experiments disagree in a second operating region, q{sub x} = q{sub y} {approx} 0.795, indicating additional physics outside the scope of our model.
A roadmap to understand battery performance in electric and hybrid vehicle operation

Abstract This work attempts to bridge laboratory and real-life battery testing data with a comprehensive analysis to provide a coherent approach for a realistic model to simulate battery performance, including life prediction. From electric vehicle field-testing results, we explain how to handle real-life data through driving cycle analysis to establish a scheme of “building blocks” that can be validated by test results obtained in the laboratory. We also show that a simple battery model can be built upon laboratory test data and validated by real-life duty cycles, therefore deriving a more realistic understanding and prediction of battery performance.
Implications of formal alcohol screening in burn patients.

The purpose of this study was to screen burn patients for alcohol use disorders to identify those at increased risk for repeat injury and adverse effects of alcohol use. We examined associations of at-risk drinking and dependence symptoms as measured by a formal screening tool and blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to guide further screening, treatment, and research. We hypothesized that the majority of drinkers would not have symptoms of alcohol dependence, that the BAC would be inadequate to screen for alcohol disorders, and that at-risk drinkers would be more likely to be unemployed and uninsured than healthy drinkers. Formal screening of English speakers, age 16 to 75, admitted to the burn service for over 24 hours was conducted for a 6-month period, using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. Of the 123 patients eligible for the study, 110 (89.4%) were approached for formal screening, four refused (3.6%), and 13 were missed (10.6%). BAC was obtained in 68 of 110 (61.8%); no patient who reported abstinence had a positive BAC. Of the 106 screened, 34.9% were nondrinkers, 11.3% drank daily or almost daily, and 28.3% binge drank atleast monthly (>4 drinks per occasionfor men,>3 for women). Of the patients who drank, only eight patients reported one or more sign of dependence in the last year (11.6%). For the group as a whole, 20.9% met Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test criteria for at-risk drinking, with an average BAC of 39.8 mg/dl, (range 0-242 mg/dl). Using BACof>/=80 mg/dl, only 6.4% of patients would have been identified as at-risk drinkers. Twenty-three percent of patients had no health insurance, and 36% of whom were at-risk drinkers compared with 17.3% of insured patients (P.05). Among burn patients, formal alcohol screening identified that one in five patients is at risk for further problems from their drinking and that most at-risk drinkers are binge drinkers and do not show signs of dependency. Formal screening identified more at-risk drinkers than BAC. Implications of the screening findings are 1) because most burn patients who drink are binge but not dependent drinkers, alcohol withdrawal should be infrequent, and 2) animal models of alcohol use and burn injury should study acute intoxication and binge exposure. In addition, we would expect burn patients to respond to brief interventions for alcohol use disorders similar to trauma and primary care patients. Language: en
An empirical oviposition model of bollworms (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in cotton representing stochasticity due to migration

Abstract A model of oviposition is developed to be used as input into a stochastic simulation model of bollworm population dynamics to describe oviposition from immigrating females in individual fields. Three years of scouting data from two Texas counties were used to parameterize a time-dependent function describing the probability of finding a given number of eggs per sample of 25 plants. The negative binomial distribution fits the oviposition observations of each year better better than seven other theoretical distributions.
CYTOPLASMIC LOCALISATION OF AUSTRALIA ANTIGEN IN THE LIVER

Abstract Australia (Au) antigen was detected by immunofluorescence in liver specimens from 9 patients with chronic liver disease and circulating Au antigen, and from 22 Au-antigen carriers with histologically normal livers. This antigen was not found in the livers of 23 seronegative patients. Au antigen was located in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes. No nuclear fluorescence specific for Au antigen was detected. The number of fluorescent liver cells and the intensity of fluorescence were much greater in Au-antigen carriers than in patients with liver disease. No γ-globulin or β-1C was found in any the liver specimens. These results agree with the view that Au antigen may be a virus-coat material produced in excess in the cytoplasm of liver cells and suggest that its presence in the liver is unrelated to do cytopathic effects of hepatitis virus B. Most apparently healthy Au-antigen carriers may have a balanced intracellular infection which produces large amounts of Au antigen in cytoplasm of the hepatocytes but few or no infectious viruses.
Protein Equilibration Through Somatic Ring Canals in Drosophila

Although intercellular bridges resulting from incomplete cytokinesis were discovered in somatic Drosophila tissues decades ago, the impact of these structures on intercellular communication and tissue biology is largely unknown. In this work, we demonstrate that the ~250-nanometer-diameter somatic ring canals permit diffusion of cytoplasmic contents between connected cells and across mitotic clone boundaries and enable the equilibration of protein between transcriptionally mosaic follicle cells in the Drosophila ovary. We obtained similar, although more restricted, results in the larval imaginal discs. Our work illustrates the lack of cytoplasmic autonomy in these tissues and suggests a role for somatic ring canals in promoting homogeneous protein expression within the tissue.
THE SYMMETRY OF ADAPTATION IN PREDOMINANTLY ASYMMETRICAL CONTEXTS

Abstract There is symmetry of adaptation when one entity is adapted to a second and the second is adapted to the first. Symbionts are adapted to each other in this way. But there are other pairs that are adapted to each other. Plant species and habitat, phytoplankton and nutrient, predator and prey, ciliate and ingested chloroplasts are adapted to each other. Symbionts can be described as helping each other, and thus ‘helping’ is symmetrical. But ‘dominate’, ‘suppress’, ‘prey’, ‘enslave’, are not symmetrical. Thus species and habitat may be described as one dominating the other, or phytoplankton and nutrient described as one suppressing the other, or predator and prey described as one preying on the other, or ciliate and chloroplast as one enslaving the other. Where ‘x’ is one of these pairs and ‘y’ the other, if x and y help each other or x dominates y or x suppresses y or x preys on y or x enslaves y, then x and y are adapted to each other; and in reverse if x and y are adapted to each other, then surely x and y help each other or x dominates y, etc. The ‘adapted’ part and option (‘or’-connected) part form a logically valid whole when further rearranged. Two crucial aspects of this whole are (1): x and y are imagined, conceived to be the same throughout the optionality part in order to achieve validity but are confirmed by different entities in order to achieve contact with the real, external world; (2): the metalingual words ‘help’, ‘dominate’, ‘suppress’, ‘prey’, ‘enslave’ are involved at a level above the level directly descriptive of the observational data.
Studies on the stability of oxygen radical spin adducts of a new spin trap: 5-methyl-5-phenylpyrroline-1-oxide (MPPO)

Abstract A new spin trap, 5-methyl-5-phenylpyrroline-l-oxide (MPPO), has been evaluated with respect to the intrinsic stabilities of the hydroxyl and superoxide (or hydroperoxyl) radical spin adducts. Hydroxyl or superoxide radicals were generated using various sources in the presence of MPPO, and the hydroxyl or superoxide radical spin adduct of MPPO was detected by EPR spectroscopy. The time course of spontaneous decay of the EPR signal from hydroxyl or superoxide spin adducts followed first-order kinetics and the half-life was dependent on the pH of the medium. At pH 7.4 the half-life times are 76.4 and 5.7 min for the hydroxyl and hydroperoxyl/superoxide spin adducts, respectively. Structural factors which could influence the decay rates are also discussed.
The structures of cellulose

This report presents an overview of studies on the structures of cellulose. After presenting a brief historical perspective, the report reviews diffractometrically based structural models and then describes recent developments based on models that are consistent with both diffractometric and spectroscopic observations. The primary impetus for development of these models was provided by Raman and 13 C NMR (CP–MAS) spectral results that could not be rationalized on the basis of classical structural models, which are constrained by diffractometr ic data alone. The structures derived from integrating the spectral information into the data base, which constrain the models, represent relatively small but very significant departures from those structures derived on the basis of diffractometr y alone. In addition to rationalizing all the structurally sensitive information, the new models provide a basis for complementary use of spectroscopic and diffractometric methods to monitor variations of the states of aggregation of celluloses with source and history. Thus, it is now possible to investigate the effects of different processing variables, which are important in industrial practice, on both secondary and tertiary levels of structure in celluloses. These levels of structure have a major influence on the material properties of commercial celluloses, yet adequate characterization of these levels has been quite elusive.
Regionalization and outcomes of hepato-pancreato-biliary cancer surgery in USA.

Recent publications demonstrate regionalization of complex operations to high-volume centers (HVCs) in the USA. We hypothesize that this pattern applies to hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) cancer resections and improved outcomes. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) data were analyzed from 1995–1999(T1) to 2005–2009(T2) for all HPB oncologic resections. Division of hospitals into high-, mid-, and low-volume centers (HVC, MVC, LVC) was performed. Multivariate regression was utilized to identify predictors of LVC resection. Outcomes were compared in both eras. A total of 45,815 cases met the inclusion criteria (19,250 from T1 and 25,565 from T2). At T1, 32.5 % of resections were performed at HVCs and 34.9 % at LVCs. At T2, 60.8 % were performed at HVCs versus 18.5 % at LVCs. In T1, inpatient mortality at HVCs versus LVCs was 3.3 % versus 8.67 % (p < 0.0001) and 2.7 % versus 6.5 % (p < 0.0001) in T2. LOS and routine discharge were improved in HVCs, but total charges were higher. All outcomes significantly differed between HVCs and LVCs in multivariate analysis, except for LOS and total charges in T2. The most recent NIS data demonstrate better outcomes in HVCs for HPB oncologic resections. These trends reflect alignment with national recommendations to centralize complex cancer surgery, as well as improved outcomes in all centers.
Effect of left ventricular size on mitral E point to ventricular septal separation in assessment of cardiac performance

Abstract Increased mitral valve E point to ventricular septal separation (EPSS) is widely used as an echocardiographic index of depressed left ventricular (LV) ejection traction (EF), yet LV size has not been examined as an independent variable potentially affecting EPSS. Accordingly, we studied the relationship between EPSS and functionally normal or depressed LV with or without increased enddiastolic dimensions (EDD). Twenty normal controls had EPSS 3.2 ± 2.2 mm (mean ± SD), EDD 47 ± 5 mm, EPSSEDD ("normalized" EPSS) 0.07 ± 0.04, and fractional shortening (FS%) 38 ± 6%. Nine patients with pure chronic mitral regurgitation had dilated LV (EDD = 65 ± 7 mm) with normal LV function (FS% 41 ± 5%; angiographic EF 62 ± 9%); eight patients had dilated cardiomyopathy (EDD 69 ± 8 mm) with decreased LV function (FS% 16 ± 7%; angiographic EF 32 ± 8%); and eight patients with amyloid cardiomyopathy had nondilated LV (EDD 42 ± 5 mm) with decreased LV function (FS% 19 ± 6; angiographic EF 35 ± 7%). Mitral E point to ventricular septal separation and EPSSEDD accurately separated individuals with normal and abnormal LV function irrespective of LV size ( χ 2 = 36.7; p
Frequency upconversion of electromagnetic radiation upon transmission into an ionization front

We have demonstrated that an underdense ionization front can significantly upshift the frequency of an impinging electromagnetic wave. Source radiation at 35 GHz was shifted to more than 116 GHz when a relativistically propagating, laser-produced ionization front interacted with microwave radiation that was confined in a resonant cavity. The amount of upshift was proportional to the plasma density in the front, in agreement with theoretical predictions.
Altered folate-binding protein mRNA stability in KB cells grown in folate-deficient medium

Folate-binding protein (FBP), a high-affinity folate receptor, is responsible for cellular accumulation of folate and folate analogs such as methotrexate in human KB (nasopharyngeal carcinoma) cells. Both FBP and FBP mRNA increase 3- to 5-fold when KB cells are grown in folate-deficient (less than 10 nM folate) medium (KB-FD), compared with growth in standard folate-replete medium containing at least 2 microM folate (KB-FR). The possible mechanisms of enhanced FBP gene expression in KB-FD were examined in this study. Southern blot analysis revealed no significant change in the FBP gene organization or copy number in the KB-FD DNA. While hypomethylation of the FBP gene was observed in KB-FD DNA, relative to KB-FR DNA, exposure of KB-FR to the DNA methylation inhibitors did not result in elevated FBP mRNA levels. The transcriptional rate of the FBP gene was the same in KB-FR and KB-FD. RNA half-life studies indicated that the half-life of FBP mRNA in KB-FD was increased approximately 2.5-fold, compared with KB-FR. Thus, the increase in the steady-state levels of FBP mRNA in KB-FD can be attributed partly to increased FBP mRNA stability.
Stimulation of the hemagglutinin response of aged mice by cell-free lymphoid tissue fractions and bacterial endotoxin.

Abstract Hemagglutinin titers to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) have been measured in CF1/S female mice between 5 weeks and 18 months of age. The response was low at 5 weeks, peaked at 3 months and decreased thereafter. At 18 months of age the titers were as low as at 5 weeks. Treatment of the aged mice with cell-free acetone powder fractions of calf thymus and spleen significantly augmented the immune responsiveness to SRBC. A similar increase in antibody titers in aged mice was seen with small amounts (1 ng) of a lipopolysaccharide endotoxin prepared from Salmonella enteriditis, but not with ovalbumin. The results of this study indicate that the depressed hemagglutinin response observed in aged mice is not finite and can be augmented by the administration of various lymphoid tissue fractions or by endotoxin.
Senescent Cells, Tumor Suppression, and Organismal Aging: Good Citizens, Bad Neighbors

Cells from organisms with renewable tissues can permanently withdraw from the cell cycle in response to diverse stress, including dysfunctional telomeres, DNA damage, strong mitogenic signals, and disrupted chromatin. This response, termed cellular senescence, is controlled by the p53 and RB tumor suppressor proteins and constitutes a potent anticancer mechanism. Nonetheless, senescent cells acquire phenotypic changes that may contribute to aging and certain age-related diseases, including late-life cancer. Thus, the senescence response may be antagonistically pleiotropic, promoting early-life survival by curtailing the development of cancer but eventually limiting longevity as dysfunctional senescent cells accumulate.
GABAA Receptor Trafficking-Mediated Plasticity of Inhibitory Synapses

Proper developmental, neural cell-type-specific, and activity-dependent regulation of GABAergic transmission is essential for virtually all aspects of CNS function. The number of GABA A receptors in the postsynaptic membrane directly controls the efficacy of GABAergic synaptic transmission. Thus, regulated trafficking of GABA A receptors is essential for understanding brain function in both health and disease. Here we summarize recent progress in the understanding of mechanisms that allow dynamic adaptation of cell surface expression and postsynaptic accumulation and function of GABA A receptors. This includes activity-dependent and cell-type-specific changes in subunit gene expression, assembly of subunits into receptors, as well as exocytosis, endocytic recycling, diffusion dynamics, and degradation of GABA A receptors. In particular, we focus on the roles of receptor-interacting proteins, scaffold proteins, synaptic adhesion proteins, and enzymes that regulate the trafficking and function of receptors and associated proteins. In addition, we review neuropeptide signaling pathways that affect neural excitability through changes in GABA A R trafficking.
Evolution of the Tropospheric Split Jet over the South Pacific Ocean during the 1986–89 ENSO Cycle

Abstract A case study investigation into the meridional and horizontal circulation over the South Pacific Ocean is presented for the 1986–89 El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle. Using the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) analyses, annual average fields are created for the years before and after the 1987 minimum (warm phase) and 1989 maximum (cold phase) in the Southern Oscillation index. The analyses reveal a shift in the split jet stream over the south Pacific sector(180°–120°W)from a strong subtropical jet (STJ) and weak polar front jet (PFJ) during the warm phase to a weak STJ and strong PFJ during the cold phase. Analysis of the momentum budget reveals how the split jet in the upper troposphere over South Pacific Ocean evolved during the 1986–89 ENSO cycle. During the warm phase, the strong STJ is associated with advection of the mean flow momentum flux from the Australian sector, which is approximately balanced by a large negative ageostrophic term; the PFJ is primaril...
Interaction of Major Field of Study with Kind of Test

In working with a committee preparing a common examination for the several sections of a course such as educational psychology, one frequently hears statements that the exclusive use of either objective or "essay" questions would give an unfair advantage to certain students. Mathematics and science majors are thought to do relatively better on objective items, while English majors might be expected to show superiority on discussion questions. Usually the objectors do not mention other fields explicitly, though they seem to imply that a continuum exists, with mathematics on the objective-test end and English at the essay-test extreme. Of course, other considerations loom large in deciding the form and content of an examination; we shall come to these later. However, let us first consider whether major-field groups interact significantly with kind of test administered. W e shall pose four questions: ( a ) Is the group-by-kind interaction significant when all major fields are considered together? ( b ) Is the interaction significant when mathematics and science majors are contrasted with English majors (this particular comparison having been decided upon in advance of analyzing the scores) ? ( c ) How large are [he significant differences, if any? ( d ) What are the implications for educational measurement?
A rapid screening method for the detection of monospecific antibodies against hemoglobins.

Abstract A simple procedure for the detection of monospecific antibody against C57BL/6 mouse hemoglobin that would not cross-react with DBA/2 mouse hemoglobin is described. The horse antiserum against C57BL/6 mouse hemoglobin is absorbed with DBA/2 mouse hemoglobin. The absorbed serum is then allowed to react with small amounts of DBA/2 hemoglobin-Sepharose and C57BL/6 hemoglobin-Sepharose in separate tubes, followed by reaction with fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated goat anti-horse IgG. A strong fluorescence in the C57BL/6 immunoabsorbent and little or no fluorescence in the DBA/2 immunoabsorbent show the presence of monospecific antibody against C57Bl/6 hemoglobin. The method has general applicability as antibodies against other hemoglobins and proteins can be detected.
Mechanism of spectral changes of a carbocyanine dye with acidic polysaccharides and oligogalacturonides.

Abstract Changes in the visible spectrum of a cationic carboeyanine dye in the presence of α (1–4) linked oligomers of d -galacturonic acid have been found to be dependent on the number of uronic acid residues in the molecule. Polygalacturonic acid caused a shift in the dye spectrum that was linearly proportional to the polymer concentration. Neither mono- nor digalacturonic acid had an effect on the dye spectrum. Tri- and tetragalacturonic acid caused spectral changes which were nonlinear with respect to oligomer concentration while penta- and hexagalacturonic acid showed concentration-dependent properties similar to polygalacturonic acid. The difference spectra with polygalacturonate and other acidic polysaccharides containing one anionic site per monosaccharide residue showed two absorption maxima in the region of 550 nm and 610 nm. All of the oligomers tested (containing 3 through 6 galacturonic acid residues) yielded only a single maxima for each in the region between 650 and 670 nm. This single maxima phenomenon was also observed with acidic polysaccharides having only one anionic site for every two monosaccharide residues (hyaluronic acid and chondroitin).
Homeless Service Delivery in the Context of Continuum of Care

ABSTRACT Emergency shelters, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing are distinct programmatic responses to address the housing and service needs of the homeless population under the Continuum of Care (CoC) model for homeless service delivery. Using organizational-level data collected from a multi-site survey of 300 homeless residential programs in 14 communities, this study examines the extent to which operationalization of these programs is in accordance with the CoC model. Findings suggest consistency with as well as deviation from the CoC model in the operationalization of homeless residential programs. Recommendations are provided for local community service planning and development that can assure effective delivery of services for meeting the needs of homeless people.
Lessons Learned from the Development of a New Hybrid Strategy for the Management of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

Despite improvements in surgical techniques and perioperative management, the overall results of traditional staged palliation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) remain suboptimal. We report the evolution of a hybrid strategy in 34 patients coupling innovative surgical and transcatheter techniques that requires one open-heart procedure to reach a Fontan completion. Experience has led to modifications in technique, timing of procedures, and follow-up. Current initial palliation is by intraoperative, off-pump, placement of bilateral pulmonary artery bands and a PDA stent. Transcatheter creation of an unrestricted atrial septal defect is performed when necessary. Follow-up includes weekly cardiology assessment, including echocardiography with a surveillance catheterization performed at 6 weeks. At 3-6 months a comprehensive stage 2 procedure (elements of traditional stages 1-3) is performed. At 2 years, transcatheter Fontan completion with a covered stent is performed. Initial hybrid stage 1 was from August 2001 to December 2004 and included 29 newborns (1.8-4.2 kg). There were five hospital deaths and three interstage deaths. Procedural and interstage deaths were eliminated in the latter half of the experience. Comprehensive stage 2 included 18 patients. There were four deaths; two patients who died were brought urgently to operation. Transcatheter Fontan completion included 5 patients (not from the initial 29); there were no deaths and all returned home in 24 hours. With this strategy there is one exposure to cardiopulmonary bypass, aortic cross-clamping, and circulatory arrest. There was a significant learning curve, which is highlighted. This initial experience warrants further investigation to determine whether this hybrid strategy will yield better short- and long-term outcomes.
A Developmental Exploration of Friendship Functions in Women

Interpersonal attachments in adulthood were explored through the investigation of the friendship functions in 172 women from 14 through 80. A priori functions were rated by the respondents on a Likert-Scale for their five best friends. Factor analyses revealed three orthogonal factors which characterized friendship for all age groups, “intimacy-assistance,” “status,” and “power.” One way analyses of variance (function by age groups) found no significant age differences between age groups for the function of “intimacy-assistance.” Significant differences for the functions of “status” and “power” were, however, apparent. Women from adolescence through the fifties rated their friends as decreasingly less important for “status” purposes, while women sixty and over rated this function very highly. “Power” decreased with increasing age through the fifties. There was a slight nonsignificant increase in the 60+ age group. These findings are discussed in relation to cognitive changes and developmental issues withi...
Involvement of nucleus accumbens dopamine in the motor activity induced by periodic food presentation: a microdialysis and behavioral study.

Two experiments were undertaken to investigate the role of accumbens dopamine (DA) in food-related motor activities. Although presentation of large amounts of food elicits feeding behavior, periodic food presentation (PFP; e.g. a 45-mg pellet every 45 s) induces considerable locomotion, rearing and other motor activities in food-deprived rats. In the first experiment, in vivo microdialysis methods were used to study DA release and metabolism in the nucleus accumbens of behaving rats exposed to periodic food presentation. Four behavioral conditions were used: high rate of PFP (one pellet per 45 s), low rate of PFP (one pellet per 4 min), massed food presentation and food deprivation control. The rats that received a high rate of PFP showed substantial increases in locomotor activity, and also showed significant increases in extracellular DA and DA metabolites. Rats that received massed presentation of food pellets consumed large quantities of food, but showed no significant increases in locomotor activity or DA release. Although the group that received the high rate of PFP showed the highest motor activity and the largest increase in DA release, there was only a modest correlation (r = 0.34) between motor activity and increased DA release. In the second experiment, the neurotoxic agent 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) was injected into the nucleus accumbens in order to assess the effects of DA depletion of PFP-induced motor activity. DA depletion significantly reduced PFP-induced motor activity in the first week after surgery, but by the second week DA-depleted rats had recovered normal levels of motor activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Pion production at small angles

Abstract π + and π − production cross sections for 800-MeV protons on C and Cu have been measured at laboratory angles of 0°, 3°, 5°, 7°, 10°, 15°, and 20°. Pions were analyzed using the High Resolution Proton Spectrometer (HRS) facility for momenta from 364 to 675 MeV/ c . Particle identification was made utilizing a time-of-flight method. We estimate the total systematic and statistical error to be ±15% for measurements at 0° and 3° and ±10% at other angles. These data have been used to determine the optimum energy and pion production angle for injection into a proposed superconducting accelerator for pions. Protons are the main source of contamination for a π + beam. Proton-to-pion ratios are given for laboratory angles of 5° and larger.
An algorithm for a singly constrained class of quadratic programs subject to upper and lower bounds

This paper gives an O(n) algorithm for a singly constrained convex quadratic program using binary search to solve the Kuhn-Tucker system. Computational results indicate that a randomized version of this algorithm runs in expected linear time and is suitable for practical applications. For the nonconvex case ane-approximate algorithm is proposed which is based on convex and piecewise linear approximations of the objective function.
Trends in the percentage of women who received no prenatal care in the United States, 1980-1992 : Contributions of the demographic and risk effects

Objective To determine if the increase in the percentage of women who received no prenatal care in the United States relative to 1980 (from 1.3% in 1980 to 2.2% in 1989 and 1.7% in 1992) was due to increasing risks of no care in subgroups of women or increasing percentages of births to women at high demographic risk of no care. Methods We analyzed U.S. birth certificates for the period 1980–1992. The annual adjusted odds of no prenatal care relative to 1980 were computed by logistic regression models that included year, maternal characteristics, and interactions of these characteristics with year. We also examined changes in the annual distributions of births by maternal characteristics. Results The risk of no prenatal care in most subgroups increased during the early 1980s, peaked in the late 1980s, and declined thereafter. For example, among black women, the adjusted risk of no care more than doubled from 1980 to 1989. Throughout the 1980s and into the 1990s, the percentage of births to women at high demographic risk of no care increased. This increase in the percentage of births to women at high demographic risk shows no sign of abating. Conclusions During the 1980s, increasing risks in subgroups of women drove the increase in the crude rate of no prenatal care. Despite decreases in the risks of no care in the early 1990s, increasing percentages of births to women with high demographic risk for no care prevented a decrease in the crude rate to the 1980 level.
Inability of growth hormone to prevent the anemia which follows hypophysectomy.

SummaryIn the search for the factor in the anterior pituitary responsible for maintenance of the circulating red cell volume, the effect of growth hormone in maintaining the red cell volume of hypophysectomized rats was investigated. Administration of doses of growth hormone sufficient to maintain a normal rate of growth for 30 days failed to prevent the development of the anemia which characteristically follows hypophysectomy.
What makes epilepsy drug refractory

About 20-40% of patients with epilepsy will be refractory to medical treatment with antiepileptic drugs. It is unclear whether patients are already drug-resistant at the time of their initial presentation, or whether they become so over the course of their illness. Identifying predictors for drug-refractory epilepsy may be important for directing epilepsy patients to an effective nonpharmacological treatment, such as surgery or the vagus nerve stimulator, in a timely manner. In addition, understanding the factors that lead to the drug-refractory state may facilitate the development of new therapies that are effective in the resistant subgroup. This paper identifies various predictors that have been associated with drug-refractory epilepsy, discusses the evidence behind each factor and recommends strategies for clarifying predictors of refractoriness.
Toll-like receptor-2 is essential for the development of palmitate-induced insulin resistance in myotubes.

Fatty acids can activate proinflammatory pathways leading to the development of insulin resistance, but the mechanism is undiscovered. Toll like receptor 2 (TLR2) recognizes lipids, activates proinflammatory pathways, and is genetically associated with inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to examine the role of TLR2 in palmitate-induced insulin resistance in C2C12 myotubes. Treatment with palmitate rapidly induced the association of myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) with the TLR2 receptor, activated the stress-linked kinases p38, JNK, and protein kinase C, induced degradation of IκBα, and increased NF-κB DNA binding. The activation of these pathways by palmitate was sensitive and temporally regulated and occurred within the upper physiologic range of saturated fatty acid concentrations in vivo, suggesting a receptor-mediated event and not simple lipotoxicity. When compared with an equimolar concentration of palmitate, fibroblast-stimulating lipopeptide-1, a known TLR2 ligand, was a slightly more potent activator of signal transduction and interleukin (IL)-6 production. Palmitate inhibited insulin signal transduction in C2C12 cells beginning 1–2 h after exposure and reached a maximum at 12–16 h. An antagonist TLR2 antibody, mAb 2.5, led to a 50–60% decrease in palmitate-induced IL-6 production and partially restored insulin signal transduction, whereas an isotype-matched control antibody had no effect. RNA interference-mediated inhibition of TLR2 and MyD88 expression in C2C12 muscle cells resulted in a near complete inhibition of palmitate-induced insulin resistance and IL-6 production. This study provides strong evidence that TLR2 mediates the initial events of fatty acid-induced insulin resistance in muscle.
Optical Biomarkers Associated with the Invasive Potential of Tumor Cells in Engineered Tissue Models

Intrinsic two-photon excited fluorescence (TPEF) images of epithelial tumor cells embedded in collagen matrices reveal distinct morphologies and organization from the subcellular to the tissue level associated with motility and invasive potential of cells.
InSAR Study of Shoreline Change along the Damietta Promontory, Egypt

Abstract Aly, M.H.; Giardino, J.R.; Klein, A.G., and Zebker, H.A., 2012. InSAR study of shoreline change along the Damietta Promontory, Egypt. Shoreline erosion has been a major problem in the Nile Delta since the full damming of the Nile River in 1970, especially along the two Nile promontories (Rosetta and Damietta). Synthetic aperture radar interferometric (InSAR) data acquired by the European remote-sensing satellites (ERS-1 and ERS-2), spanning 1993–2000, were utilized in this study to (1) identify the erosion/accretion pattern along the Damietta Promontory shoreline, (2) monitor the evolution of the accretionary spit on the E side of the promontory, and (3) investigate the effect of protective structures established in multiple stages since 1991. The tandem coherence of InSAR was found to be a powerful tool for delineating the water/land boundary with very high precision. Four locations along the promontory shoreline experienced substantial erosion, with average rates of −9, −39, −17, and −11 m yr−1...
Adjuvant radiotherapy following radical prostatectomy is more effective and less toxic than salvage radiotherapy for a rising prostate specific antigen.

Despite the trend toward earlier diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the prostate, approximately 25% of men undergoing radical prostatectomy will have pathologic evidence of cancer extending outside of the prostate. These patients are at high risk for subsequent recurrence. Such relapses are almost always manifested initially as a rise in the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA). Currently utilized PSA assays, however, will not detect a recurrence smaller than 10(7) to 10(8) cells, nor does PSA identify the site of recurrence. In contrast, the pathologic findings at the time of surgery can be used to reliably distinguish patients at risk for local recurrence from those more likely to fail distantly. Furthermore, adjuvant pelvic radiotherapy after prostatectomy, given to patients with an undetectable PSA who are at high risk for local recurrence, results in a higher disease free survival and fewer side effects than if radiotherapy is delayed until the PSA begins to rise. Thus, patients at high risk for local failure following radical prostatectomy, but at low risk for distant metastases (i.e., those with positive surgical margins and an undetectable PSA) should be offered immediate adjuvant radiotherapy.
The Influence of Lattice Misfit on the Atomic Structures and Defect Energetics of Face Centered Cubic–Body Centered Cubic Interfaces

Using “tunable” interatomic potentials, the lattice misfits for a fcc–bcc metal system have been varied in atomistic models, while keeping other properties essentially unchanged. The procedure and the fitting results of such tunable interatomic potentials for fcc–bcc systems are presented. Varying lattice misfits were found to significantly alter the atomic structure of fcc–bcc interfaces in Kurdjumov–Sachs crystallographic orientation. Defect formation energies at the interfaces were calculated. For vacancies, in general, high numbers of low energy sites are associated with high dislocation junction densities. For interstitials, the formation energies are all substantially below the bulk value, regardless of lattice misfits. These results are relevant to understanding the sink strength of interfaces with different atomic structures.
A Bis-Capped Cofacial Metallodiporphyrin: Synthesis and Electrochemistry of a Molecule Containing Two Coaxial Metal−Metal Multiple Bonds in Close Proximity

This note reports the synthesis and characterization of a novel porphyrin tetramer, 1, [(OETAP)RuRu(DPA)RuRu(OETAP)], consisting of an anthracene-bridged, cofacial diruthenium diporphyrin, Ru2(DPA), multiply bonded above and below to ruthenium tetraazaporphyrin monomers, Ru(OETAP). The 1H NMR spectrum of 1 is very similar to that of the analogous mixed-porphyrin dimer, [(OETAP)RuRu(OEP)], and the redox behavior of 1 indicates that a mixed valence complex is not readily generated.
In situ ion-beam analysis and modification of sol-gel zirconia thin films

We report the investigation of ion-beam-induced densification of sol-gel zirconia thin films via in situ ion backscattering spectrometry. We have irradiated three regions of a sample with neon, argon, and krypton ions. For each ion species, a series of irradiation and analysis steps were performed using an interconnected 3 MV tandem accelerator. The technique offers the advantages of minimizing the variation of experimental parameters and sequentially monitoring the densification phenomenon with increasing ion dose.