cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The laser-induced fluorescence spectra of jet-cooled arylmethyl radicals

Abstract Laser-induced fluorescence excitation and resolved emission spectra have been observed from the arylmethyl radicals, triphenylmethyl, diphenylmethyl, diphenylchloromethyl, and diphenylethyl. The free-jet-cooled radicals exhibit spectra with rich but well resolved vibrational structure, some of which is likely attributable to hindered twisting of the phenyl rings. Precise frequencies for the origins of the electronic transitions as well as fluorescence lifetimes for these radicals are reported.
AFM force measurements between gold and silver surfaces treated in ethyl xanthate solutions: Effect of applied potentials

Abstract Many investigators measured surface forces between hydrophobic macroscopic surfaces using atomic force microscope (AFM). Some investigators observed long-range attractions and attributed them to the presence of hydrophobic forces, while others suggested that they are artifacts of the nano-bubbles and cavities associated with the hydrophobic surfaces. Still others suggested that the long-range attractions are due to the electrostatic interactions between charged patches present on opposing surfaces and hence are unrelated to surface hydrophobicity. In the present work, we have measured long-range attractions between gold- (or silver-) coated surfaces hydrophobized in potassium ethyl xanthate (KEX) solutions at pH 9.2 under controlled potential conditions. The results of our AFM force measurements are consistent with those of the contact angle and voltammetry experiments, indicating that the long-range attractions are hydrophobic forces.
Resonant neutrino oscillations and the neutrino signature of supernovae

Abstract We examine the effects of resonant neutrino oscillations, proposed as a solution to the solar neutrino puzzle, on the neutrino signature of a Type II supernova. We find that, for parameters corresponding to an adiabatic conversion of most of the 8B neutrino flux, the supernova neutrino signal in a water-Cerenkov detector is altered in the following way: (1) The isotropic-to-directional event ratio increases; (2) The short time scale neutronization burst signal decreases by a factor 7, perhaps rendering it unobservable. Detection of these changes would allow one to distinguish between neutrino oscillations and solar model alterations as solutions to the solar neutrino problem. We also note that mixing of the higher energy νμ and νr's to νe's will enhance detection of the thermally produced ν-flux.
The cascade mechanism to explain ozone toxicity: The role of lipid ozonation products

Ozone is so reactive that it can be predicted to be entirely consumed as it passes through the first layer of tissue it contacts at the lung/air interface. This layer includes the lung lining fluid (tracheobronchial surface fluid and alveolar and small airway lining fluid) and, where the lung lining fluid is thin or absent, the membranes of the epithelial cells that line the airways. Therefore, the biochemical changes that follow the inhalation of ozone must be relayed into deeper tissue strat by a cascade of ozonation products. Lipid ozonation products (LOP) are suggested to be the most likely species to act as signal transduction molecules. This is because unsaturated fatty acids are present in the lipids in both the lung lining fluid and in pulmonary cell bilayers, and ozone reacts with unsaturated fatty acids to produce ozone-specific products. Further, lipid ozonation products are finite in number, have structures that are predictable from the Criegee ozonation mechanism, and are small, diffusible, stable (or metastable) molecules. Preliminary data show that individual LOP cause the activation of specific lipases, which trigger the release of endogenous mediators of inflammation.
Ultrasonic attenuation study of erbium in a magnetic field

Abstract The ultrasonic attenuation coefficient of longitudinal waves propagating along the c -axis of a single crystal of erbium was measured over a temperature range which covers the transition temperature from the paramagnetic to the sinusiodal phase T ‖ = 83.8 K and the transition temperature from the sinusoidal to elliptical phase T ⊥ = 53.9 K . These measurements were performed as a function of temperature in the presence of constant magnetic fields and at constant temperatures as a function of applied magnetic fields. A magnetic field parallel to the c -axis shifted T ‖ to lower temperatures and reduced the peak attenuation. A broad new maximum emerged on the high temperature side of the field-shifted T ‖ . Application of H perpendicular to the c -axis produced little change in either T ‖ or T ⊥ . A model introduced by Tachiki and Mackawa is used to discuss the results.
The effect of in vitro and in vivo ethanol administration on [35S]t-butylbicyclophosphorothionate binding in C57 mice.

Abstract Previous studies have shown that ethanol may produce some of its effects by facilitation of GABAergic transmission. One of the potential sites of drug action at the GABA receptor complex is the picrotoxin site, which can be studied with [35S]t-butylbicyclophosphorothionate (TBPS). Ethanol inhibited the binding of [35S]TBPS to C57 mice brain regions in vitro. This inhibition appears to be noncompetitive since ethanol decreased the Bmax and not the KD value of [35S]TBPS. C57 mice were chronically treated with ethanol in liquid diet to determine if the sensitivity of TBPS binding is altered following chronic treatment or during withdrawal. Chronic treatment with ethanol and during withdrawal did not alter the KD or Bmax values of [35S]TBS binding in C57 mice brain regions. It is suggested that the sensitivity of picrotoxin site on the oligomeric GABA receptor complex is not altered during ethanol tolerance or withdrawal. The effects of ethanol on GABA system may be mediated by its interaction with the coupling mechanism(s) or a direct effect on the chloride channels.
Age differences in noise and variability of isometric force production.

This study examined whether age-related improvements observed in the motor performance of children result from a reduction of noise in the output of the sensori-motor system. Children ages 6, 8, and 10 years and young adults (N = 48, 12 per group) performed continuous, constant isometric force contractions with the index finger at four different force levels with and without visual feedback. The results revealed that: (a) performance improved with increases in age, (b) the force output signal exhibited increased irregularity and a more broadband frequency profile with increases in age under conditions with feedback, and (c) there were no age differences in the irregularity of the force signal and smaller age differences in the frequency profiles under conditions without feedback. It is proposed that the age-related enhancements in performance throughout childhood are primarily due to a more appropriate mapping of the organization of the sensori-motor system to the task constraints rather than to reduction of system noise.
Observation of the conductivity coherence peak in superconducting Pb

Abstract We have measured both the surface resistance R S and surface reactance X S at millimeter wave frequencies in Pb. By combining R S and X S we evaluate the temperature dependence of both components of the complex conductivity σ = σ 1 + iσ 2 . We find a coherence peak below the superconducting transition T C suggested by the BCS theory but not evaluated experimentally before.
Multilocus sequence typing for interpreting blood isolates of Staphylococcus epidermidis

Staphylococcus epidermidis is an important cause of nosocomial infection and bacteremia. It is also a common contaminant of blood cultures and, as a result, there is frequently uncertainty as to its diagnostic significance when recovered in the clinical laboratory. One molecular strategy that might be of value in clarifying the interpretation of S. epidermidis identified in blood culture is multilocus sequence typing. Here, we examined 100 isolates of this species (50 blood isolates representing true bacteremia, 25 likely contaminant isolates, and 25 skin isolates) and the ability of sequence typing to differentiate them. Three machine learning algorithms (classification regression tree, support vector machine, and nearest neighbor) were employed. Genetic variability was substantial between isolates, with 44 sequence types found in 100 isolates. Sequence types 2 and 5 were most commonly identified. However, among the classification algorithms we employed, none were effective, with CART and SVM both yielding only 73% diagnostic accuracy and nearest neighbor analysis yielding only 53% accuracy. Our data mirror previous studies examining the presence or absence of pathogenic genes in that the overlap between truly significant organisms and contaminants appears to prevent the use of MLST in the clarification of blood cultures recovering S. epidermidis.
Directed Assembly of One-Dimensional Nanostructures into Functional Networks

One-dimensional nanostructures, such as nanowires and nanotubes, represent the smallest dimension for efficient transport of electrons and excitons and thus are ideal building blocks for hierarchical assembly of functional nanoscale electronic and photonic structures. We report an approach for the hierarchical assembly of one-dimensional nanostructures into well-defined functional networks. We show that nanowires can be assembled into parallel arrays with control of the average separation and, by combining fluidic alignment with surface-patterning techniques, that it is also possible to control periodicity. In addition, complex crossed nanowire arrays can be prepared with layer-by-layer assembly with different flow directions for sequential steps. Transport studies show that the crossed nanowire arrays form electrically conducting networks, with individually addressable device function at each cross point.
The Metastasis Efficiency Modifier Ribosomal RNA Processing 1 Homolog B (RRP1B) Is a Chromatin-associated Factor

There is accumulating evidence for a role of germ line variation in breast cancer metastasis. We have recently identified a novel metastasis susceptibility gene, Rrp1b (ribosomal RNA processing 1 homolog B). Overexpression of Rrp1b in a mouse mammary tumor cell line induces a gene expression signature that predicts survival in breast cancer. Here we extend the analysis of RRP1B function by demonstrating that the Rrp1b activation gene expression signature accurately predicted the outcome in three of four publicly available breast carcinoma gene expression data sets. In addition, we provide insights into the mechanism of RRP1B. Tandem affinity purification demonstrated that RRP1B physically interacts with many nucleosome binding factors, including histone H1X, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1, TRIM28 (tripartite motif-containing 28), and CSDA (cold shock domain protein A). Co-immunofluorescence and co-immunoprecipitation confirmed these interactions and also interactions with heterochromatin protein-1α and acetyl-histone H4 lysine 5. Finally, we investigated the effects of ectopic expression of an RRP1B allelic variant previously associated with improved survival in breast cancer. Gene expression analyses demonstrate that, compared with ectopic expression of wild type RRP1B in HeLa cells, the variant RRP1B differentially modulates various transcription factors controlled by TRIM28 and CSDA. These data suggest that RRP1B, a tumor progression and metastasis susceptibility candidate gene, is potentially a dynamic modulator of transcription and chromatin structure.
Abundance and Harvest of Trout in Sagehen Creek, California

Abstract Between 1952 and 1961 standing crops of brook (Salvelinus fontinalis), rainbow (Salmo gairdneri), and brown (Salmo trutta) trout were determined in August for a 5.7 mile section of Sagehen Creek in east-central California. In 1953 a creel census was initiated which continued through 1961. The purpose of the study was to determine if a moderately productive wild trout stream could support a substantial angler harvest over an extended period without augmentation with hatchery-reared trout. The 10-year average standing crop of all trout was 1,578 (37 pounds) per acre. Standing crops declined somewhat during the study period, largely due to habitat deterioration rather than to fishing. Floods and abandonment of beaver impoundments were the primary adverse influences on trout habitat. Catch did not decline significantly over the period. Fishermen annually removed 23–47% (average, 33%) of all trout over 99 mm in length, but recruitment replaced the loss. Although the natural fishery has proven to be vi...
The Inverse Problem of Refraction Travel Times, Part I:Types of Geophysical Nonuniqueness Through Minimization

In a set of two papers we study the inverse problem of refraction travel times. The purpose of this work is to use the study as a basis for development of more sophisticated methods for finding more reliable solutions to the inverse problem of refraction travel times, which is known to be nonunique. The first paper, “Types of Geophysical Nonuniqueness through Minimization,” emphasizes the existence of different forms of nonuniqueness in the realm of inverse geophysical problems. Each type of nonuniqueness requires a different type and amount of a priori information to acquire a reliable solution. Based on such coupling, a nonuniqueness classification is designed. Therefore, since most inverse geophysical problems are nonunique, each inverse problem must be studied to define what type of nonuniqueness it belongs to and thus determine what type of a priori information is necessary to find a realistic solution. The second paper, “Quantifying Refraction Nonuniqueness Using a Three-layer Model,” serves as an example of such an approach. However, its main purpose is to provide a better understanding of the inverse refraction problem by studying the type of nonuniqueness it possesses. An approach for obtaining a realistic solution to the inverse refraction problem is planned to be offered in a third paper that is in preparation. The main goal of this paper is to redefine the existing generalized notion of nonuniqueness and a priori information by offering a classified, discriminate structure. Nonuniqueness is often encountered when trying to solve inverse problems. However, possible nonuniqueness diversity is typically neglected and nonuniqueness is regarded as a whole, as an unpleasant “black box” and is approached in the same manner by applying smoothing constraints, damping constraints with respect to the solution increment and, rarely, damping constraints with respect to some sparse reference information about the true parameters. In practice, when solving geophysical problems different types of nonuniqueness exist, and thus there are different ways to solve the problems. Nonuniqueness is usually regarded as due to data error, assuming the true geology is acceptably approximated by simple mathematical models. Compounding the nonlinear problems, geophysical applications routinely exhibit exact-data nonuniqueness even for models with very few parameters adding to the nonuniqueness due to data error. While nonuniqueness variations have been defined earlier, they have not been linked to specific use of a priori information necessary to resolve each case. Four types of nonuniqueness, typical for minimization problems are defined with the corresponding methods for inclusion of a priori information to find a realistic solution without resorting to a non-discriminative approach. The above-developed stand-alone classification is expected to be helpful when solving any geophysical inverse problems.
Advocacy and empowerment: dichotomous or synchronous concepts?

An examination of the concept of advocacy in the nursing literature reflects diverse and sometimes conflicting usage.It may denote a set of behaviors not associated with any specific ethical basis, an approach grounded in a justice ethics, or a philosophical basis for nursing. Although some conceptualizations of advocacy are incongruent with empowerment, others that reflect an existential, relational ethics are indeed synchronous with empowerment. Furthermore, the centrality of mutuality and the nurse-patient relationship to both advocacy and a unitary-transformative approach to caring is consistent with the conditions under which empowerment can occur.
Premixed laminar C1–C2 stagnation flames: Experiments and simulations with detailed thermochemistry models

A generally accepted mechanism for the combustion of C_1 and C_2 hydrocarbons is still elusive. This paper discusses a technique that can further validate and constrain such mechanisms, towards the development of a comprehensive model for small hydrocarbon combustion. The approach relies on detailed measurements of strained premixed flames in a jet-wall stagnation flow. This geometry yields a flow with boundary conditions that can be reliably specified, facilitating simulation and detailed comparisons with experiment. The diagnostics are optimized for accuracy, minimal flame disturbance, and rapid simultaneous recording of velocity and CH radical profiles. Flame simulations rely on a one-dimensional hydrodynamic model, a multi-component transport formulation, and several detailed chemistry models. Direct comparisons between experiment and simulation allow for an assessment of the various models employed. Experimental data for methane, ethane, and ethylene flames are compared to numerical simulations using several thermochemistry models. GRI-Mech 3.0, a C_3 model by Davis et al. (DLW99), and two versions of the San Diego mechanism are utilized. While GRI-Mech 3.0 and the DLW99 models accurately predict experiment in some cases, the 2005/03/10 revision of the San Diego mechanism is found to give the best overall agreement with experiment for methane, ethane, and ethylene flames.
RDX flame structure

Nonintrusive diagnostics were used to measure temperature and species profiles during neat RDX deflagration at 1 atm. UV-visible absorption was measured to obtain absolute concentration profiles of NO, NO 2 , CN, NH, H 2 CO, and OH. Temperature and species concentrations were obtained by spectral fitting. Planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) of these same species was also measured to obtain two-dimensional (2D) profiles in the flame with excellent spatial resolution. The flame structure is characterized by a “dark zone” close to the surface and a visible flame sheet above the dark zone. For CO 2 laser-assisted deflagration, the narrow flame sheet NH profile peaks 2.3 mm above the surface at a value of 100 ppm. The CN profile is slightly wider and peaks at 2.5 mm at a value of 660 ppm. The OH profile peaks outside the CN/NH flame sheet with a mole fraction of 0.055. The dark zone species studied here were NO 2 and NO. The NO 2 peaks very close to the surface at about 0.17 mole fraction and decays rapidly to 0 at 1.5 mm. Close to the surface, the NO mole fraction is about 0.2 and falls sharply to 0.05 at 2.5 mm as NO is consumed in the CN/NH flame sheet. No formaldehyde was detected. Rotational temperature profiles were measured from OH PLIF and NO absorption spectra. The NO gas temperature near the surface is in good agreement with prior thermocouple measurements. The NO gas temperature near the surface is in good agreement with prior thermocouple measurements. The temperature rises sharply to about 1500 K at 0.3 mm and then turns over to a much more gradual slope in the dark zone. At about 2 mm, it becomes steeper again and finally levels out to 2600 K at 3.0 mm, at the top edge of the CN flame sheet.
A multiple-scattering model analysis of zinc oxide pigment for spacecraft thermal control coatings

Abstract Space assets inhabit a harsh thermal environment in which the high intensity of direct solar radiation can potentially raise temperatures to harmful levels. Thermal management is obtained through the use of radiators coated with thermal control coatings (TCCs) that diffusely reflect the sun’s high energy visible (VIS) and near infrared (NIR) radiation, while emitting infrared (IR) energy as a method of radiatively cooling. The current state-of-the-art TCC system utilizes a potassium silicate binder and zinc oxide (ZnO) pigment to maintain solar reflectance over a long exposure time. We are investigating improvements to TCCs that will have greater initial performance and significantly better end-of-life properties. We have utilized modeling techniques based upon Mie scattering to determine the theoretical scattering efficiency limits of the currently used materials. An optimized TCC would attain maximum diffuse solar reflectance at a lower film thickness and reduce the pigment volume concentration (PVC) required. These factors would contribute to a reduction in overall weight and possibly extend the durability of the system to longer time scales. Our results of modeling ZnO pigment embedded in a matrix similar to that of potassium silicate under solar irradiance conditions indicate that a narrow particle size distribution centered at 0.35 μm would provide the highest overall scattering coefficients, ranging from 0.75 μm−1 at 1000 nm to 5.0 μm−1 at 380 nm wavelengths. These results indicated that a significant improvement, 2–10 times dependent upon wavelength, in the scattering efficiency of ZnO-based TCCs can be realized by utilizing an optimized particle size distribution rather than the currently used size distribution.
A remark on the hull of a multi-dimensional limit-periodic potential

We discuss the hull of a multi-dimensional limit-periodic potential and show that such a hull is an inverse limit of product cyclic groups. We present the result in an explicit way, which will be useful for a future study of multi-dimensional limit-periodic Schrodinger operators.
Effect of intrauterine fetal programming on response to postnatal shaker stress in endothelial nitric oxide knockout mouse model.

Objective To determine whether the intrauterine environment affects the postnatal vascular response to stress in a model of fetal programming induced by endothelial nitric oxide synthase deficiency. Study Design Homozygous nitric oxide synthase knockout and wild-type controls were crossbred to obtain maternally and paternally derived heterozygous offspring. At 14 weeks of age, in vivo blood pressure measurements by telemetry, and in vitro carotid arteries vascular reactivity studies were performed in male offspring after subjecting them to shaker stress. Results Maternally derived heterozygous offspring, compared with paternally derived heterozygous offspring, had significantly higher systolic blood pressure, mean arterial blood pressure, and pulse pressure before, as well as after introduction of the shaker stress. The difference in the latter between maternally and paternally derived heterozygous offspring was accentuated after stress. Maternally derived heterozygous offspring also had significantly higher contractile responses to phenylephrine when compared with paternally derived heterozygous offspring, and this was abolished after incubation with L-NAME. Conclusion The adverse uterine environment affects the postnatal vascular response to stress.
Declining inequality in schooling in Brazil and its effects on inequality in earnings

Abstract Household survey data demonstrate that Brazilian males born between 1925 and 1963 experienced steady increases in mean schooling and significant declines in schooling inequality. The variance in years of schooling increased for cohorts born up until 1950, with steady declines for more recent cohorts. Decomposition of a standard human capital earnings equation indicates that trends in schooling tended to reduce earnings inequality from 1976 to 1985, due to reductions in both the variance of schooling and in returns to schooling. These improvements were more than offset, however, by increases in other sources of inequality. Although the net increase in earnings inequality from 1976 to 1985 is disturbing, the reduction in schooling inequality represents a fundamental improvement in the determinants of earnings inequality in Brazil that will have beneficial effects for decades.
An application of the U.S. Bureau of the Census socioeconomic index to a large, diversified patient population

Abstract The population of the Collaborative Study (PRB population) is described and categorized socioeconomically using the technique recently developed by the Bureau of the Census. This combines scores for education, occupation and family income to derive a composite numerical index. Each family is assigned two sets of scores, one derived empirically from the cumulative percentage distribution of these variables in the PRB population and the other from the corresponding scoring system of the Bureau of the Census. The total PRB population and that of the individual institutions are compared socioeconomically with the U.S. population. The various regional differences are discussed. The socioeconomic index devised by the Bureau of the Census is considered an excellent objective and simple descriptive instrument with universal application. Its potentialities as a predictive instrument are discussed.
Bone marrow-derived microglia contribute to the neuroinflammatory response and express iNOS in the MPTP mouse model of Parkinson's disease

1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) intoxication in mice results in dopamine neuron degeneration that is alleviated by prevention of microglia cell activation and blockade of iNOS production. However, the role of peripherally derived microglia in this response has not been well characterized. In the present study, we investigated the time course of infiltration and phenotypic differentiation of bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs) following MPTP treatment in mice, using green fluorescent protein (GFP) bone marrow chimeras. BMDCs were found in the meninges, choroid plexus, blood vessels, and brain parenchyma in both saline and MPTP-treated mice. MPTP stimulated a transient, two-fold increase in the rate of BMDC infiltration into the brain, concomitant with the onset of microglia activation. The majority of BMDCs were microglial in phenotype, as assessed by morphology and expression of the pan-hematopoietic marker CD45 and the microglia marker CD11b. We did not observe BMDCs that expressed neuronal or astroglial markers. Over 90% of bone marrow-derived microglia expressed the inducible form of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), suggesting that peripherally derived microglia may play a deleterious role in MPTP-induced degeneration.
Growth hormone mediates the growth of T-lymphoblast cell lines via locally generated insulin-like growth factor-I.

It has become evident that locally produced insulin-like growth factors-I and -II (IGF-I and IGF-II) play an important role in the mediation of GH action upon tissues. To explore this concept with respect to immunocompetent cells, we analyzed IGF production and clonogenic responsiveness of immortalized human T-cell lines established from seven normal controls and four Laron dwarfs. While the normal T-cell lines showed significant augmentation of basal colony formation in response to both IGF-I and GH, little increase in clonogenesis in response to GH was seen with the Laron T-cell lines. Assay of basal and GH-stimulated conditioned media demonstrated low, but measurable, levels of IGF-I and IGF-II from both normaland Laron T-cells. Under serum-free incubation conditions, GH stimulation of normal T-cell lines failed to generate significant increases in mean IGF-I or IGF-II concentrations. Only a marginal increase in the mean IGF-I concentration and no increase in the mean IGF-II concentration in conditione...
Convenient Synthesis of bis-Bipyridines and bis-Terpyridines Bridged by Phenyl and Biphenyl Tethers

Abstract A simple three step preparation of phenyl bridged bis-2,2′-bipyridine and bis-2,2′:6′,2”-terpyridine from readily available reagents is described. The compounds have the potential to serve as rigid bridging ligands for the preparation of redox and photoactive supramolecular complexes of transition metals.
An advanced tool of the CNR IMAA EO facilities: Overview of the TASI-600 hyperspectral thermal spectrometer

The paper shows the TASI-600 thermal hyperspectral sensor acquired by the Italian National Research Council — Institute of Methodologies for Environmental Analysis (CNR-IMAA) and describes some of the checks carried out during the commissioning phase. Furthermore, the first data acquired during the test-flight on hot spots of the volcanic island of Ischia (Central Italy) are shown. TASI-600 sensor has 32 spectral bands in the 8.0–11.5 mm spectral range, with a swath of 300 pixels and an IFOV of 1.2 mRad. The paper gives an overview of the principal TASI-600 characteristics, the CNR IMAA performance requirements and an overview of the technical innovation. Some of the outcomes of the tests performed in our laboratory in the Final Acceptance Test were focused to verify the linearity of the sensor up to higher temperatures (i.e. up to 500 K). Preliminary analysis of the in-flight and lab functional tests demonstrated that TASI-600 meets CNR IMAA requirements and as regard the radiometric accuracy it results higher than the requested.
Eventually H-Related Sets and Systems of Equations over Finite Semigroups and Rings

Abstract I prove that given a finite semigroup or finite associative ring S and a system Σ of equations of the form ax = b or xa = b , where a , b ∈ S , x is an unknown, it is algorithmically impossible to decide whether or not Σ is solvable over S , that is, whether or not there exists a bigger semigroup or ring (resp. finite semigroup, finite ring) T > S such that Σ has a solution in T . The proof employs the unsolvability of the uniform word problem in the case of groups (Novikov) and in the class of finite groups (Slobodskoii) and the so-called split systems.
An Inexpensive and Effective Device for Diagnosis of Sickle Cell Disease

The life-span of the 300,000 African newborns with sickle cell disease is typically less than 5 years, and the World Health Organization estimates that “70% of SCD deaths in Africa are preventable with simple, cost-effective interventions such as early identification of SCD patients by newborn screening and the subsequent provision of comprehensive care.” In contrast, early and regular care has extended the life-span to around 40 years for the 100,000 total number with SCD in the United States. Present techniques for diagnosing sickle cell disease require resources not necessarily readily available in susceptible areas of the world or fail to give correct response under certain conditions. To address these issues we have developed a capillary-based device to determine the presence of sickle blood. The device, assembled from off-the-shelf components at very low cost, performs the test based on the known rigidity of deoxygenated sickle cells. In the device, a packed bed of glass beads is trapped between two narrow glass capillaries. Capillary action will draw whole blood into the device, but deoxygenated sickle blood, as it occludes the inter-bead spaces, rises into the capillary more slowly than oxygenated sickle blood, which forms the local control for the test. The performance of the device will be described, as well as its potential future use in assessment of the clinical status of patient who have sickle cell disease.
Fatigue and pain: relationships with physical performance and patient beliefs after stroke.

AbstractBackground: Fatigue and pain are common after stroke, potentially impacting stroke recovery. Objective: This study examines the frequency and impact of fatigue and pain in people with chronic stroke. Method: Seventy-seven people with chronic stroke completed a one-time assessment consisting of a battery of self-report and performance tools to describe and quantify mobility issues post stroke. We assessed the proportion of individuals with fatigue and pain and the relationship between fatigue and pain and other variables including gait (10-meter walk and 6-minute walk test), balance (Berg Balance Scale), activity and participation (ICF Measure of Participation and Activities), chronic disease self-efficacy (Chronic Disease Self-Efficacy Scale), and balance self-efficacy (Activity-Specific Balance Confidence Scale). Additionally, subgroup comparisons were made between participants with and without coexisting fatigue and pain. Results: Fatigue and pain were reported by 66% and 45% of study participan...
The ductus arteriosus rarely requires treatment in infants > 1000 grams.

We sought to determine the rate of spontaneous closure of the ductus arteriosus (DA) in very-low-birth-weight infants. This prospective observational study included 65 infants whose birth weight (BW) 1000 g, 31% for BW 1000 g did not require intervention, and the DA closed spontaneously prior to discharge in 94%. In a logistic regression model, only BW > 1000 g and male gender were significantly associated with spontaneous closure by 1 week of life. The median time to spontaneous closure differed significantly between infants in the two BW strata: 7 days for > 1000 g versus 56 days for 1000 g BW is rarely indicated. In infants <or= 1000 g BW, deferring treatment decisions until at least 1 week of life may avoid unnecessary treatment exposure.
Mirtazapine overdose: A case report

Abstract A case report involving mirtazapine ingestion (total of 360 mg) is discussed. Major toxic effects noted were drowsiness and sinus tachycardia with near complete revolvement within twenty-four hours. It appears that the course of mirtazapine overdose is relatively benign compared to the tricyclic antidepressant agents and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
Mitochondrial adaptations to obesity-related oxidant stress.

It is not known why viable hepatocytes in fatty livers are vulnerable to necrosis, but associated mitochondrial alterations suggest that reactive oxygen species (ROS) production may be increased. Although the mechanisms for ROS-mediated lethality are not well understood, increased mitochondrial ROS generation often precedes cell death, and hence, might promote hepatocyte necrosis. The aim of this study is to determine if liver mitochondria from obese mice with fatty hepatocytes actually produce increased ROS. Secondary objectives are to identify potential mechanisms for ROS increases and to evaluate whether ROS increase uncoupling protein (UCP)-2, a mitochondrial protein that promotes ATP depletion and necrosis. Compared to mitochondria from normal livers, fatty liver mitochondria have a 50% reduction in cytochrome c content and produce superoxide anion at a greater rate. They also contain 25% more GSH and demonstrate 70% greater manganese superoxide dismutase activity and a 35% reduction in glutathione peroxidase activity. Mitochondrial generation of H(2)O(2) is increased by 200% and the activities of enzymes that detoxify H(2)O(2) in other cellular compartments are abnormal. Cytosolic glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities are 42 and 153% of control values, respectively. These changes in the production and detoxification of mitochondrial ROS are associated with a 300% increase in the mitochondrial content of UCP-2, although the content of beta-1 ATP synthase, a constitutive mitochondrial membrane protein, is unaffected. Supporting the possibility that mitochondrial ROS induce UCP-2 in fatty hepatocytes, a mitochondrial redox cycling agent that increases mitochondrial ROS production upregulates UCP-2 mRNAs in primary cultures of normal rat hepatocytes by 300%. Thus, ROS production is increased in fatty liver mitochondria. This may result from chronic apoptotic stress and provoke adaptations, including increases in UCP-2, that potentiate necrosis.
The effect of surface–solute interactions on the transport of solutes through porous materials

We have investigated the effect of differences in surface charge, valency of ion, solute concentration, solution flux and physical structure on the leaching and uptake of individual ions from simple solutions flowing through porous materials. We studied the miscible displacement of solutions of four salts (KBr, K 2 SO 4 , CaBr 2 and CaSO 4 ) having different cation: anion ratios separately through three inert materials (ballotini, pumice and ceramic) and two sizes of a reactive material (sepiolite) over several ranges of concentration (c) and at many pore-water velocities (v) under steady vertical saturated flow. Breakthrough curves of individual effluent ions (K + , Br-, Ca 2+ and SO 4 2- ) were analysed by CXTFIT 2.0 to optimize transport parameters (retardation factor, R; dispersion coefficient, K) assuming that transport was governed by the convective-dispersion equation. In the inert materials, R did not differ significantly from 1 irrespective of c. In sepiolite, R was I for cations, and became more extreme as c decreased. R varied with the valency of the anions, as predicted by diffuse double layer theory, and with that of the cations by a simple charge balance. Freundlich isotherms, reconstructed from R values, described the sorption of the cations and exclusion of the anions. For the inert materials, K did not depend on the ion or c and increased monotonically with v. For sepiolite, K also increased with v and with small but non-significant differences between ions and concentrations. The K(v) functions were consistent with Passioura's theory of dispersion in aggregated media, and the transport was reversible as R and K values did not depend on whether the media were being leached or resalinized. The effective dispersion coefficient of an ion is K * = K/R so, although K(v) appears to be unaffected by ion or concentration of solute in sepiolite, K * (v) will be affected. Thus, the controlling factor of these surface-solute interactions is R.
Progress in high-level exploratory vision

We have been exploring the hypothesis that vision is an explanatory process, in which causal and functional reasoning about potential motion plays an intimate role in mediating the activity of low-level visual processes. In particular, we have explored two of the consequences of this view for the construction of purposeful vision systems: Causal and design knowledge can be used to (1) drive focus of attention, and (2) choose between ambiguous image interpretations. An important result of visual understanding is an explanation of the scene's causal structure: How action is originated, constrained, and prevented, and what will happen in the immediate future. In everyday visual experience, most action takes the form of motion, and most causal analysis takes the form of dynamical analysis. This is even true of static scenes, where much of a scene's interest lies in how possible motions are arrested. This paper describes our progress in developing domain theories and visual processes for the understanding of various kinds of structured scenes, including structures built out of children's constructive toys and simple mechanical devices.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Phylogenetic systematics of the day geckos, genus, Rhoptropus (Reptilia: Gekkonidae), of south‐western Africa

The genus Rhoptropus consists of six species of diurnal, chiefly rupicolous, geckos that are endemic to the arid and semi-arid zones of Namibia and southern Angola. Sixteen skeletal and scalation characters and six allozyme characters analysed cladistically yield a single most parsimonious pattern of relationships: ((R. afer, R. bradfieldi) (R. taeniostictus (R. boultoni (R. barnardi, R. biporosus)))). Support for the placement of R. taeniostictus is tenuous because of missing allozyme data, but the remainder of the topology, especially the basal dichotomy, is well supported. Morphological and allozyme data are congruent and a phenetic analysis of genetic distances among the taxa is consistent with the phylogeny. The diversification of the genus probably took place in the Mid- to Late Tertiary and both basal and distal cladogenic events may be related to the evolution of the Namib Desert and movement of the Namib sands. Rates of evolution among the lineages of Rhoptropus appear to be unequal and R. afer, a species largely restricted to horizontal sheet rock habitats, has accumulated a large number of autapomorphic traits.
Using annotated video as an information retrieval interface

The ability to deliver appropriate information to learners at the most appropriate time is an essential component of good instruction. In the best learning environments, this information is received in the context of the performance of the skills that are being acquired. This paper explores a technological approach to situated information retrieval by linking materials to segments of a video recording a skill performance. An interface is described where users navigate through a video performance and are presented with information relevant to the current video location. An approach to algorithmically generating interfaces of this type is then presented. The system takes as input annotations that describe a video recording of a performance, translates these annotations into subject terms used to catalog information resources, and then retrieves materials from online database servers using the Z39.50 information retrieval protocol. As an example application, the system was used to generate online teacher professional development materials by linking annotated video of classroom teaching with resources cataloged in the ERIC database.
Blunt traumatic rupture of the heart, pericardium, and supradiaphragmatic inferior vena cava: case report.

Before 1955 blunt traumatic ruptures of the heart and pericardium were reported almost exclusively in autopsy reports. Since then, because of improved prehospital care and early triage, it has been demonstrated that injuries resulting in rupture of the heart and pericardium are no longer always fatal. We present a case of a patient who arrived at the hospital with increasing abdominal girth and a tender abdomen who on exploration was found to have a tear of the pericardium and atrial appendage compounded by a supradiaphragmatic tear of the inferior vena cava. Language: en
Specific inhibition of myelination by lead in vitro; comparison with arsenic, thallium, and mercury.

Abstract Lead induces peripheral nerve segmental demyelination in rats. Arsenic and thallium produce a peripheral neuropathy characterized by axonal degeneration in humans. Mercury and thallium appear to damage both the peripheral and the central nervous system. It is not known whether this difference in effect is due to different molecular forms of the elements, to differential access to various compartments of the nervous system, or to intrinsically different properties of the elements. Using an in vitro model system of dorsal root ganglion neurons and morphometry of neurite outgrowth and myelination, we demonstrated that mercury and arsenic produce 50% inhibition of neurite outgrowth at 3.9 and 9.6 × 10 −6 M , respectively, whereas the same degree of inhibition is produced by 1.3 × 10 −4 M thallium and 3.3 × 10 −4 M lead. Lead also produces complete inhibition of myelination at 1 × 10 −6 M , suggesting that a primary effect on myelination is present in this model system as well as in the intact rodent.
Asymptotic optimal inference for a class of nonlinear time series models

Abstract The local asymptotic normality (LAN) of the log-likelihood ratio for a class of Markovian nonlinear time series models is established using the approach of quadratic mean differentiability. The error process in the models considered is not necessarily Gaussian. As a consequence of the LAN property, asymptotically optimal estimators of the model parameters are derived. Also, asymptotically efficient tests for linearity are constructed. Several examples are discussed as special cases.
Ouabain lethality as a measure of biliary function in developing mice and rats and effect of polybrominated biphenyls.

Abstract Ouabain is excreted by the liver into the bile in rats and mice. Furthermore, newborn rats are immature in their ability to excrete ouabain and are particularly susceptible to ouabain toxicity. The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not newborn mice are also sensitive to ouabain toxicity, whether or not ouabain toxicity is a suitable index of biliary function, and whether or not perinatal exposure to polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) results in altered hepatic function in rats and mice. Ouabain toxicity was assessed by determining 24-hr LD50 values and the hepatic excretion of ouabain was determined by measuring radioactivity in plasma, liver, and intestine following a single injection of [ 3 H]ouabain in mice and rats of various ages. The LD50 of ouabain in 10-day-old mice was 1.85 mg/kg (ip) and increased with age until the animals were 18 days of age when LD50 values were the same as values obtained from adults (16.50 mg/kg). In addition, following ip injection of [ 3 H]ouabain, plasma concentrations of ouabain were higher in young mice relative to adults. Treatment with PBBs through the mother's diet did not affect ouabain LD50 values in 15-day-old mice but did result in a significant increase in liver weight and enhanced disappearance of ouabain from the plasma in these animals. In developing rats exposed to PBBs, a similar enhancement of liver weight and hepatic transport of ouabain was observed; however, in rats, enhanced ouabain transport correlated with protection against ouabain toxicity. These results suggest that ouabain lethality is not a good index of biliary function in developing mice. However, ouabain toxicity can be used to estimate hepatic function in rats. In this regard, perinatal exposure to PBBs resulted in a significant drug (ouabain) interaction.
Atomic Force Microscopy Helps to Develop Methods for Physical Detection of Cancerous Cells

Humans are still far from defeating cancer. Early detection of cancer will decrease fatality from this disease. Traditional methods of identification of cancerous cells are mainly based on regular techniques used in biology, such as visual identification of maligant changes, cell growth analysis, specific ligand-receptor labeling, or genetic tests. After many years of research, these methods are still either insufficiently accurate or require a lengthy complicated analysis. It has been recently shown that the atomic force microscopy (AFM) method can be useful in the search for alternative methods for a reliable detection of cancer cells. Here we describe the atomic force microscopy (AFM) study of malignant and normal cells cultured from human cervix. Studying adhesion of AFM probes to both of these types of cells, we found that the adhesion can be statistically different. This finding allows us to propose two novel methods for detection cancer cells by using fluorescent silica beads. The methods show high sensitivity to detect cancer in-vitro. Nevertheless, more statistical data will be needed to determine the actual accuracy of the methods.