cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The left thoracotomy approach for reoperative cardiac surgery: considerations for the surgeon and anesthesiologist.

w l E a p a p w d w c i d p w u o p c w i d o d f t fl w c o l f w t T d AGROWING NUMBER of patients are presenting for reoperative cardiac surgery after prior coronary artery byass graft (CABG) surgery.1 One common reason is the need or repeat coronary revascularization because of the progresion of native coronary artery disease or from failure of previus saphenous vein grafts (SVGs). Other indications include ortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis (AS) and mitral alve repair for ischemic mitral regurgitation.1,2 A repeat sterotomy traditionally has been the surgical approach of choice n these patients. However, this becomes more challenging hen a patent left internal mammary artery (LIMA) graft rosses the midline. In this context, sternal re-entry carries a rohibitive risk of injury to the graft, which often is associated ith a fatal outcome. This can be obviated in reoperative mitral alve surgery for which a right thoracotomy approach is a ell-known alternative.1 However, this becomes unfeasible hen concomitant revascularization of the posterolateral wall lso is required. Instead, the left thoracotomy offers considerble utility. Although there are limited case reports and small eries regarding its use in reoperative cardiac surgery,3-9 it emains a versatile approach for a variety of interventions. erein the authors describe 3 scenarios that show its applicaion in both coronary revascularization and valve surgery and ighlight particular features that are germane to each proceure.
Advanced computational methods for spatial information extraction

Abstract A variety of mathematical approaches for spatial information extraction using digitized aerial photography and satellite imagery have been developed and implemented on serial computers. However, because of data volume and scale, the computational demands of spatial analysis procedures frequently exceed the capacity of available serial processing technologies. One way of addressing this problem is through parallel processing in which the power of multiple computing units can be used on a single problem. In this study we investigate the utility of parallel processing for spatial feature extraction. Our testing in the situation of texture feature extraction using a cooccurrence matrix indicates that dramatic reductions in execution time are possible—an image that required about 34 min to process using one processor was solved in under 2 min using nineteen processors. The availability of additional processors could result in smaller execution times. This speedup potential is a critical element in future studies focusing on more complex spatial analysis procedures.
Inactivation of sortase A mediated by metal ATCUN complexes

Catalytic metallopeptides that target the membrane-associated sortase A transpeptidase have been developed and evaluated as irreversible inactivators of SrtA∆N59 (sortase A, lacking the initial membrane-binding domain). The copper-binding GGH tripeptide ATCUN motif was linked to amidated forms of the cell wall sorting signal, LPET and LPETG, as sortase-targeting moieties. The resulting metallopeptides were used to determine half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC₅₀) and rate constants for time-dependent sortase A inactivation. Michaelis-Menten behavior was observed for the catalytic metallopeptides, and k(cat), K(M) and k(cat)/K(M) parameters were obtained as 0.080 ± 0.002 min⁻¹, 23 ± 2 μM and 0.0035 ± 0.0003 μM⁻¹ min⁻¹, respectively. Concentration-dependent inhibition of SrtA∆N59 by the metallopeptides revealed IC₅₀ values ranging from 570 to 700 µM, while Cu-GGH, which lacked a targeting motif, had no measurable IC₅₀ value (>2,000 µM). Time-dependent inactivation of SrtA revealed a range of catalytic activities, with Cu-GGHGLPETG-NH2 demonstrating the fastest rate of inactivation in the presence of ascorbate and hydrogen peroxide coreactants. The active site of the enzyme comprises residues Cys-184, Arg-197 and His-120. LC-MS/MS analysis of the reaction products demonstrated modification of Cys-184 to cysteine sulfonic acid (+48 amu). Results obtained from a DTNB assay support oxidation of the Cys-184 residue. LC-MS/MS also suggested oxidation of the Arg-197 containing peptide. 2D NMR analysis was performed to assess the possible oxidation of His-120, however, none was observed. These compounds possess the potential for irreversible inactivation of SrtA through oxidative modification of essential residues required for substrate binding.
Analysis of Thermal Plasma-Assisted Waste-to-Energy Processes

Thermal plasma torches convert electricity to high-temperature thermal energy by applying a high voltage across a flowing gas stream. Plasma torches are used extensively for producing metallic and ceramic coatings and also for vitrifying hazardous materials, such as asbestos-contaminated wastes. In the last decade, several thermal plasma processes have been proposed for treating municipal solid wastes (MSW). This research is based on a critical analysis of previous work by the Earth Engineering Center and on published reports and examines the possibilities for the proposed thermal plasma (TP) processes to be recover energy from MSW as an alternative to the conventional waste-to-energy (WTE) by grate combustion. In particular, this study will investigate two prominent thermal plasma technologies that are presently under development: The Alter NRG “Westinghouse” process in the U.S. and the Europlasma process in France. The environmental impacts and the technical economic aspects of plasma-assisted WTE processes will be compared to the traditional process of MSW combustion on a moving grate.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
A Hybrid BE-GS Method for Modeling Regional Wave Propagation

— We present a hybrid boundary-element (BE) and generalized screen propagator (GSP) method for the 2-D SH problem to model the combined effects of arbitrarily irregular topography, large-scale crustal variation, and the associated small-scale heterogeneities on regional wave propagation. We develop a boundary connection technique to couple the wave fields calculated by the BE method with those of the GSP method. Its validity is tested by numerical experiments. For a long crustal waveguide, the relatively short sections with severe surface topography can be modeled by the time-consuming BE method to high frequencies, and the exterior field in the relatively weak heterogeneous media of large volume can be calculated by the GSP method. For the waveguide with severe topography, the BE method can be used section by section via the boundary connection technique to model the combined effects of rough topography and large-scale structural variation on Lg wave propagation at extended regional distances.¶Numerical comparisons with independent methods showed that the hybrid method is relatively accurate for Lg simulation. We apply the hybrid method to Lg wave propagation in two real crustal waveguides in the Tibet region; one with Lg blockage and another without blockage. We found that the most characteristic effect from the irregular topography is the strong scattering by the topographic structures. The scattering by local irregular topographies leads to anomalous near-receive effects and tends to remove energy from the guided waves, which causes decay of amplitude and waveform distortion. It can be expected that rough surface topography and random heterogeneities with scale length close to the dominant wavelength will be very efficient in attenuating regional waves. The dramatic lateral variation of the topography-Moho large-scale structure combined with the small-scale rough topography and random heterogeneities could be the cause of Lg anomalous attenuation and blockage observed in this region. More quantitative assessment of the topographic effects must be conducted in the future.
Influence of nanostructure size on the luminescence behavior of silicon nanoparticle thin films

We demonstrate the effect of particle size and quantum confinement on the luminescence properties of nanoscale silicon thin films. Thin films of agglomerated silicon nanoparticles are synthesized using pulsed laser ablation supersonic expansion. Following deposition, standard semiconductor processing techniques are employed to reduce the nanoparticle size. Films are oxidized both in air and chemically to reduce the silicon core dimensions, resulting in a shift of the luminescence emission peak to shorter wavelengths. Removal of the oxide using hydrofluoric acid (HF) results in further blueshifting of the luminescence, as does subsequent reoxidation in air and using nitric acid. The luminescence properties of samples are also studied as a function of excitation intensity. For room temperature excitation with a pulsed 355 nm source, a saturation of the photoluminescence intensity at high excitation intensity is observed, along with a blueshift of the peak PL wavelength. This behavior is found to persist at reduced temperature. A saturation of PL intensity, but no blueshift, is observed for high excitation intensity using a cw 488 nm source at room temperature. At reduced temperatures, no saturation of emission intensity occurs for high intensity 488 nm cw excitation. Both the irreversible shifting of the peak PL wavelength with size reducing treatments and the PL behavior at high excitation intensities indicate that quantum confinement determines the luminescence wavelength.
Exertional chest pain.

a b m H T m T a v r r. Morris Rivera: Today’s case is that of a 50-year-old an who presented to the emergency department (ED) ith a complaint of chest pain. He was running the oston marathon when at the 10-mile mark he began to evelop discomfort in his chest and shoulders with acompanying dyspnea. His symptoms improved with oderation of exertion, allowing him to finish the race ver a considerably longer period of time than in previus attempts. After crossing the finish line he presented o the first aid booth, where he was given oxygen and valuated by emergency medical services (EMS). hortly after his arrival there the patient reported resoution of his symptoms. The EMS providers noted a middle-aged man who ppeared diaphoretic and in moderate respiratory disress, with a systolic blood pressure of 70 mm Hg and an lectrocardiogram (EKG) notable for ST segment elevaions in leads V1–V5. He was given aspirin and transorted to the ED. At the time of arrival in the ED, the patient reported o further chest pain, which he had characterized as a ightness, limited in duration to the latter half of the arathon. The patient reported excellent baseline exerise tolerance, running approximately 10 miles every ther day. Past medical history was significant for hyertension and hypothyroidism, for which he took lisinpril and levothyroxine. The patient recalled being told y his primary care physician of having an “abnormal” KG.
Innovation on Trial: Punitive Damages Versus New Products

Innovation, scientific discovery transformed into valuable products, is a powerful asset for the United States in today's global economy, but it is being put on trial by the U.S. product liability system. Strict liability and huge jury awards, bloated by the uncontrolled imposition of punitive damages, have led to a proliferation of lawsuits, which in turn has created immense legal uncertainty for innovators who want to create new products. Because a high level of legal uncertainty and scientific innovation cannot coexist, new, safe products may be kept off the market and the scope of research and development restricted. Punitive damages constitute the driving force behind this problem, and both judges and legislators should aim at bringing them under control with legal reforms.
Mid-Infrared Images of the Circumstellar Dust around α Scorpii

We present the first mid-infrared images of the circumstellar dust distribution around the supergiant star Alpha Scorpii.
Dis/empowering political subjects: The production of “failed” elected women representatives in India

Synopsis In 1993, India entered a new era of participatory democracy and development through legislation of a local governance structure that facilitated the presence of women and men from marginalized communities through electoral quotas. While more than 1 million women entered local levels of governance, major questions around their participation, empowerment and potential to impact development remain. Given a global capitalist crisis, what does it mean for women to take political positions in institutions that are “flawed” from years of bad decisions? How does a “systemic failure” of development get inscribed on bodies of women representatives who become “failed” agents of development?
Qualitative correlation of the mouse neurotoxin and enzyme-linked immunoassay for determining Clostridium botulinum types A and B toxins

The efficacy of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for botulinal toxin using polyclonal antibodies was evaluated in relation to the standard mouse assay. Qualitative tests for toxin in a meat system inoculated with Clostridium botulinum and pure cultures of various aerobic and anaerobic bacteria showed that both the mouse neurotoxin and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays detected toxin in the samples. However the ratios of mouse:ELISA activity of culture supernatant toxins of C. botulinum showed wide disparity among strains of types A and B. Trypsin treatment resulted in a slight loss of ELISA activity but the mouse response increased.
Effective quotas, relative party magnitude, and the success of female candidates: Peruvian municipal elections in comparative perspective

The extraordinary success of gender quotas in the 1998 Peruvian municipal elections defies conventional wisdom in electoral studies. This article evaluates several institutional variables that are ...
A Research Methodology for Studying Complex Service Systems

Abstract This article describes a research methodology for studying problems of analysis, and control in complex service systems. The proposed methodology is based upon the total systems point of view in the sense that the physical and decision-making aspects of the service system are considered and are related to environmental factors. An example is included to illustrate the methodology as a way to approaching real problems. While field studies may be expected to present challenges because of the identification, modeling, and data requirements which will arise in actual situations, the methodological plan presented here focuses attention on these requirements as an integral part of systems analysis.
Biological Agents in Infectious Diseases

This article examines the use of classical as well as novel immunological agents to augment the immune system. Strategies to prevent infectious disease using vaccines to prime the immune system are discussed. A prospective overview of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) vaccine development provides insights into the possible agents that may be developed in the near future. The rationale for the use of intravenous immunoglobulin and colony stimulating factors in selected clinical situations is also discussed.
Parallel synthesis of chiral pentaamines and pyrrolidine containing bis-heterocyclic libraries. Multiple scaffolds with multiple building blocks: A double diversity for the identification of new antitubercular compounds

Combinatorial chemistry offers a unique opportunity for the synthesis and screening of large numbers of compounds and significantly enhances the prospect of finding new drugs. Collaborative efforts with the Tuberculosis Antimicrobial Acquisition & Coordinating Facility (TAACF), have led to the identification of submicromolar novel antitubercular hits. Chiral pentaamines and bis-heterocyclic compounds with 90–100% inhibition against Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain H37Rv were identified. Some of the identified compounds are more active than the existing drug ethambutol.
Some activation cross sections for 14.7 MeV neutrons

Abstract Some activation cross sections of B, O, F, Al, P and Cu for 14.7 MeV neutrons have been compared using both beta- and gamma-ray detection techniques, and the absolute values computed with the aid of the Cu63 and Cu65 (n, 2n)-reaction cross-section values. The Al27 (n, p) cross section is shown not to vary significantly as a function of neutron energy near 14 MeV. The importance of an order-of-magnitude check of cross-section values with gamma detection, whenever possible, is pointed out. Some details of cross-section determination techniques are demonstrated and discussed.
The Making and Breaking of Language Ideology: Language Ideologies in Spanish Departments

In their study of language ideology, Valdes, Gonzalez, Lopez Garcia, and Marquez (2003) found evidence of a pervasive monolingualist ideology or “discourse of monolingualism” in college-level Spanish departments. This discourse, which mirrors national language ideologies in the United States, is premised on notions of nationalism, linguistic purity, and the inherent superiority of monolingualism over bilingualism. This article builds on Valdes et al. by expanding its domain of inquiry to the secondary level of instruction. It is found that these notions are not widely or deeply present in high school Spanish departments.
Nesiritide use for critically ill children awaiting cardiac transplantation.

Background: This study aimed to explore the effects of nesiritide in children awaiting cardiac transplantation. Methods: At the discretion of the attending physician, nesiritide was added to standard therapy for seven children (median age, 11 months) and continued until clinical improvement or transplantation. Blood pressure and urine output data were compared with data from the day before nesiritide institution. Safety parameters were assessed throughout the study. Results: Urine output increased from 2.6 to 3.6 ml/kg/h (p = 0.04). No significant blood pressure changes or adverse effects related to nesiritide were noted. Conclusion: Nesiritide may be safe and effective for children with severe heart failure.
Recent Advancements in Prognostic Factors of Epithelial Ovarian Carcinoma

Ovarian cancer remains the most common cause of gynecologic cancer-related death among women in developed countries. Nevertheless, subgroups of ovarian cancer patients experience relatively longer survival. Efforts to identify prognostic factors that characterize such patients are ongoing, with investigational areas including tumor characteristics, surgical management, inheritance patterns, immunologic factors, and genomic patterns. This review discusses various demographic, clinical, and molecular factors implicating longevity and ovarian cancer survival. Continued efforts at identifying these prognosticators may result in invaluable adjuncts to the treatment of ovarian cancer, with the ultimate goal of advancing patient care.
Measurement of Nitric Oxide Levels in the Red Cell VALIDATION OF TRI-IODIDE-BASED CHEMILUMINESCENCE WITH ACID-SULFANILAMIDE PRETREATMENT

The tri-iodide-based chemiluminescence assay is the most widely used methodology for the detection of S-nitrosothiols (RSNOs) in biological samples. Because of the low RSNO levels detected in a number of biological compartments using this assay, criticism has been raised that this method underestimates the true values in biological samples. This claim is based on the beliefs that (i) acidified sulfanilamide pretreatment, required to remove nitrite, leads to RSNO degradation and (ii) that there is auto-capture of released NO by heme in the reaction vessel. Because our laboratories have used this assay extensively without ever encountering evidence that corroborated these claims, we sought to experimentally address these issues using several independent techniques. We find that RSNOs of glutathione, cysteine, albumin, and hemoglobin are stable in acidified sulfanilamide as determined by the tri-iodide method, copper/cysteine assay, Griess-Saville assay and spectrophotometric analysis. Quantitatively there was no difference in S-nitroso-hemoglobin (SNOHb) or S-nitroso-albumin (SNOAlb) using the tri-iodide method and a recently described modified assay using a ferricyanide-enhanced reaction mix at biologically relevant NO:heme ratios. Levels of SNOHb detected in human blood ranged from 20-100 nM with no arterial-venous gradient. We further find that 90% of the total NO-related signal in blood is caused by erythrocytic nitrite, which may partly be bound to hemoglobin. We conclude that all claims made thus far that the tri-iodide assay underestimates RSNO levels are unsubstantiated and that this assay remains the "gold standard" for sensitive and specific measurement of RSNOs in biological matrices.
Human platelet adenylate cyclase: persistent binding of guanine nucleotide is central to the regulation of both hormone-stimulated and basal activities.

Abstract Prostaglandin E1 stimulation of human platelet adenylate cyclase, in purified plasma membranes, occurs without the addition of exogenous GTP. Possible contamination of the adenylate cyclase assay mixture by GTP either from nonspecifically bound nucleotide in the plasma membrane or from the substrate ATP was ruled out as follows: (a) variation of the membrane concentration, repeated washing, inclusion of EDTA, GDPβS, or GMP in the wash step, or UDP in the assay, are all without effect, and (b) analysis of the substrate by high-performance liquid chromatography revealed no contaminating GTP. Other prostaglandins (I2, E2, D2) also activate cyclase without the addition of GTP. In sharp contrast, stimulation of adenylate cyclase in the human neutrophil plasma membrane by prostaglandin E1 shows an obligatory requirement for GTP, under identical assay conditions. GDPβS pretreatment amplifies the fold cyclase stimulation by GTP in the presence and absence of prostaglandin E1, by lowering the basal activity. This alteration occurs without lowering the GTP-independent prostaglandin E1 activation, and is specific for inhibitory guanine nucleotides (GDPβS, GMP, GDP) in the pretreatment. Extensive washing with buffer or incubation with other nucleotides, epinephrine, or prostaglandin E1 prior to the assay, is without effect. GTPγS treatment of the membrane induces a high-activity state and abolishes the GDPβS effect on basal activity as well as prostaglandin E1 activation of cyclase. The results suggest distinct patterns of prostaglandin stimulation in platelet and neutrophil cyclase systems, and further imply that guanine nucleotide, prebound to specific sites within the GTP-regulatory proteins, may modify the kinetic characteristics of platelet adenylate cyclase.
The enzymatic hydrolysis of the phosphate ester bond in some thionucleotides.

We prepared the 5′- and 3′-O-phosphorothiotate esters of the antitumor agent O2:2′-anhydro-1-β-d-arabinosylcytosine. We also included in this study esters of 2′-thio-2′-deoxycytidine, namely, 2′-S-dCyd-2′ : 3′-P, 2′-S-dCyd-2′-P, and 2′-S-dCyd-3′-P, along with natural nucleotides. These compounds were subjected to the action of Escherichia coli alkaline phosphatase, potato acid phosphatase, and bovine pancreatic ribonuclease A. The data were analyzed by Lineweaver-Burk plots obtain Km and KI values. Only 2′-S-dCyd-2′-P was a substrate for alkaline phosphatese; the anhydro-araCyt phosphorothioates were good competitive inhibitors, while 2′-S-dCyD-3′-P did not associate with the enzyme. Acid phosphatase hydrolyzed all four monoesters investigated, including the S-phosohorothioate. The cyclic phosphorothioate, 2′-S-dCyd-2′ : 3′-P was neither hydrolyzed by, nor associated with, ribonuclease A. ORD spectroscopy was also used in an attempt to relate the structural features of analogs to the peculiarity of their hydrolysis.
Measurement advances for micro-refractive fabrication

Micro-refractive lenses are an important example of components and subsystems that are being used increasingly in optical sensors, communications, data storage, and other diverse applications. These lenses have a continuous relief surface such that details of their dimensional shape, refractive index, and homogeneity all influence performance. Measurement capabilities for micro-refractives fall short of current and future needs and are complicated by the need to fabricate non-spherical refractive surfaces. To control the fabrication process, the target measurement uncertainties are approximately 3 parts in 10 -4 for radius and on the nanometer scale for figure measurements. Carrying out metrology at this level is very challenging and especially so for micro-scale components. Micro-interferometry is the most promising tool and can be used to measure radius of curvature, focal length, dimensional surface errors, and transmitted wavefront. Common practice is to calibrate with a single high quality artifact for measurements of a range of different radii, and we see that this is only approximately valid. Figure measurement calibration, for example, will be improved if the radius of the calibration artifact closely matches the radii of the test lenses, but acquiring such a range of artifacts is not practical. We have demonstrated the application of a self-calibration procedure for figure measurement and transmitted wavefront measurement calibration, called the random ball test. Radius measurements on the micro-scale are also challenging. Our research focuses on measurement advances for refractive components and new data analysis strategies to optimize the impact of measurement results.
Performance analysis of locking policies with limited wait depth

The performance of a transaction processing system with the standard two-phase locking (2PL) concurrency control (CC) method (with the general waiting policy upon a lock conflict) may be degraded significantly due to transaction blocking in a high lock contention environment. In the limit this effect leads to the thrashing phenomenon, i.e., the majority of the transactions in the system become blocked. Limiting the wait depth of blocked transactions is an effective method to increase the number of active transactions in the system and to prevent thrashing, but this is at the cost of additional processing due to transaction restarts. The no-waiting (or immediate restart) policy limits the wait-depth to zero, while cautious waiting and the running priority policies use different methods to limit the wait depth to one. A variant of the wait depth limited (WDL) policy [8] also limits the wait depth to one, while attempting to minimize the wasted processing incurred by transaction aborts. A unified methodology to analyze the performance of the 2PL CC method with limited wait depth policies in a system with multiple transaction classes is described in this paper. The analysis is based on Markov chains representing the execution steps of each transaction in isolation, but as affected by hardware resource and data contention with other transactions in the system. Since the transition rates of the Markov chain are not known a priori, an iterative solution method is developed, which is then applied to the running priority and WDL policies. Simulation is used for validating the accuracy of the approximate analytic solutions. Of interest are the conservation laws governing the rate at which locks are transferred among transactions, which can be used to verify the correctness of the analysis.
Challenging issues in pediatric oncology

Improvements in protocol-driven clinical trials and supportive care for children and adolescents with cancer have reduced mortality rates by more than 50% over the past three decades. Overall, the 5-year survival rate for patients with pediatric cancer has increased to approximately 80%. Recognition of the biological heterogeneity within specific subtypes of cancer, the discovery of genetic lesions that drive malignant transformation and cancer progression, and improved understanding of the basis of drug resistance will undoubtedly catalyze further advances in risk-directed treatments and the development of targeted therapies, boosting the cure rates further. Emerging new treatments include novel formulations of existing chemotherapeutic agents, monoclonal antibodies against cancer-associated antigens, and molecular therapies that target genetic lesions and their associated signaling pathways. Recent findings that link pharmacogenomic variations with drug exposure, adverse effects, and efficacy should accelerate efforts to develop personalized therapy for individual patients. Finally, palliative care should be included as an essential part of cancer management to prevent and relieve the suffering and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families.
Magnitude and vote seeking

Abstract In one of the most frequently cited articles published in Electoral Studies, Carey and Shugart [Cary, J.M., Shugart, M.S. 1995. Incentives to cultivate a personal vote: a rank ordering of electoral formulas. Electoral Studies 14(4), 417–439] hypothesized that the number of copartisans faced relative to seats available had a differential effect on the incentive to cultivate a personal vote depending on whether electoral rules allowed for intra-party competition. Across a wide array of electoral systems, we show that the number of candidates fielded per party varies within districts and that the variation is not systematically related to the total number of seats available. Thus, the widespread use of magnitude as a proxy for “copartisan crowdedness” is systematically inaccurate. We argue that the observed number of copartisans faced makes clear that a ratio to capture vote seeking incentives needs a party-in-a-district denominator to accompany the party-in-a-district numerator. That denominator is the expected number of seats to be won by each party in question.
Prospective evaluation of fecal calprotectin as a screening biomarker for colorectal neoplasia.

Abstract Objectives Stool testing is a well established method of screening for colorectal neoplasia. Emerging data suggest that novel biomarkers may offer performance advantages over fecal occult blood. In this large, prospective study, we assessed fecal calprotectin (a leukocyte-derived protein) as a screening biomarker for colorectal neoplasia. Fecal calprotectin was directly compared to fecal hemoglobin (Hb) and colonoscopy as the existing criterion standards for stool screening and structural evaluation, respectively. Methods Subjects included colonoscopy patients with a personal history of colorectal neoplasia, family history of colorectal cancer, or iron deficiency anemia. Stool specimens were collected before purgation, processed appropriately, and quantitatively analyzed for calprotectin (Nycomed Pharma, Oslo, Norway) and for Hb (Mayo Medical Laboratories, Rochester, MN) by masked technicians. Colonoscopies were performed by experienced endoscopists without prior knowledge of the fecal assay results. Results Among 412 subjects, 97 (24%) subjects had one or more colorectal neoplasms (including three with adenocarcinomas). Fecal calprotectin levels did not differ significantly between subjects with versus subjects without colorectal neoplasms (p = 0.33). Neither tumor number (p = 0.85) nor tumor size (p = 0.86) significantly influenced the observed fecal calprotectin concentrations. Estimates of the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of fecal calprotectin for any colorectal neoplasms were 37%, 63%, 23%, and 76%, respectively. Comparable performance estimates for fecal Hb were 3%, 97%, 27%, and 77%, respectively. Conclusions In this cohort of colonoscopy patients at above average risk, fecal calprotectin was a poor screening biomarker for colorectal neoplasia. Further investigation of tumor-derived, rather than blood-based, biomarkers may be a more rewarding approach to stool screening for colorectal neoplasia.
Temperature-driven association of chondroitin-6-sulfate studied by quasi-elastic laser light scattering

Abstract Characterization of chondroitin-6-sulfate by quasi-elastic laser light scattering in dilute solution is reported. In aqueous solutions at 25°C, in the presence of NaCl, GdmCl, and CaCl 2 at ionic strengths in the range 1 to 5, the diffusing macromolecular species are found to have hydrodynamic radii which do not vary with salt molarity, salt type, or polymer concentration within the 5% accuracy of the experiments. The mucopolysaccharides form aggregates in 3 M NaCl as the temperature is raised. Two distinct patterns of self-association are observed: a gradual dimerization of the primary species occurs as the temperature rises from 25 to 40°C; these dimers are stable to 64°C when a second, rapid aggregation produces large agglomerates. Each process is reversible over a period of several hours. Hydrophobic interactions and/or salt bridges may be responsible for this self-association behavior. The primary molecular species at 25°C appears to be best described by a wormlike coil, indicative of the presence of conformational order.
BTeV: Lepton, hadron and photon identification

Abstract The BTeV detector contains three particle ID devices: a RICH detector, an Electromagnetic Calorimeter and a Muon Detector. These are used to distinguish among the five types of charged tracks ( e , μ , π , K , p ), to reconstruct single photons, and to reconstruct mesons such as π 0 and η (′) which decay into photons. This article will outline the design of these devices, with particular attention to recent developments, and will present some benchmark numbers for the expected performance of these devices.
Real-time Inverse Kinematics of redundant manipulator using a hybrid (analytical and numerical) method

Inverse Kinematics (IK) of redundant manipulators has been an active research problem in the field of robotics for a long time. Many solutions exist, though the focus here is to solve the problem of inverse kinematics (both position and orientation) in real-time for a 7 DOF redundant manipulator with spherical wrist. In other words, a computationally efficient way. The approach taken here attempts to decouple the redundant manipulator at the wrist, thus solving for the first four angles satisfying the wrist position and the last three angles satisfying the End Effector (EE) position and orientation. A hybrid approach of using analytical and numerical methods is undertaken to improve the computational efficiency, and the performance is compared with pure numerical methods. Various paths are generated using this method and tested for performance in terms of accuracy and speed. Finally, simulations on a Motoman IA20 redundant manipulator are shown to display satisfactory performance.
MOLECULAR SIEVES AS DRYING AGENTS FOR THE MONOMER IN THE RADIATION-INDUCED IONIC POLYMERIZATION OF LIQUID VINYL MONOMERS.

The factors which influence the drying of liquid vinyl monomers with molecular sieves are discussed. It is found that the best results are obtained by drying the monomer for at least 12 hr at −15°C on molecular sieves that received no pretreatment at elevated temperatures. Although the prepolymerization that takes place on the molecular sieves during the drying can be quite extensive, the excellent reproducibility that can be achieved by using this method makes it a promising drying technique.
Deuterium isotope effect in the activation of nitrosomorpholine into a bacterial mutagen.

Abstract After activation by rat liver homogenate, nitrosomorpholine was shown to be five times more mutagenic than nitrosomorpholine-3,3,5,5-d 4 for Salmonella typhimurium TA1535. This difference in mutagenic activity is consistent with a primary kinetic isotope effect.
Structural health monitoring of pipelines rehabilitated with lining technology

Damage detection of pipeline systems is a tedious and time consuming job due to digging requirement, accessibility, interference with other facilities, and being extremely wide spread in metropolitans. Therefore, a real-time and automated monitoring system can pervasively reduce labor work, time, and expenditures. This paper presents the results of an experimental study aimed at monitoring the performance of full scale pipe lining systems, subjected to static and dynamic (seismic) loading, using Acoustic Emission (AE) technique and Guided Ultrasonic Waves (GUWs). Particularly, two damage mechanisms are investigated: 1) delamination between pipeline and liner as the early indicator of damage, and 2) onset of nonlinearity and incipient failure of the liner as critical damage state.
Post-Depositional Behavior of Cu in a Metal-Mining Polishing Pond (East Lake, Canada)

The post-depositional behavior of Cu in a gold-mining polishing pond (East Lake, Canada) was assessed after mine closure by examination of porewater chemistry and mineralogy. The near-surface (upper 1.5 cm) sediments are enriched in Cu, with values ranging from 0.4 to 2 wt %. Mineralogical examination revealed that the bulk of the Cu inventory is present as authigenic copper sulfides. Optical microscopy, energy-dispersion spectra, and X-ray data indicate that the main Cu sulfide is covellite (CuS). The formation of authigenic Cu−S phases is supported by the porewater data, which demonstrate that the sediments are serving as a sink for dissolved Cu below sub-bottom depths of 1−2 cm. The zone of Cu removal is consistent with the occurrence of detectable sulfide and the consumption of sulfate. The sediments can be viewed as a passive bioreactor that permanently removes Cu as insoluble copper sulfides. This process is not unlike that which occurs in other forms of bioremediation, such as wetlands and permeabl...
Bleeding from deficiency of plasma thromboplastin antecedent (PTA) coagulation factor; report of a case.

Abstract A case has been reported of the rare hemorrhagic disease known as plasma thromboplastin antecedent (PTA) deficiency. Deficiency of this important plasma factor results in a hemophilia-like state.
Fluid infiltration during contact metamorphism of interbedded marble and calc‐silicate hornfels, Twin Lakes area, central Sierra Nevada, California

In the Twin Lakes area, central Sierra Nevada, California, most contact metamorphosed marbles contain calcite + dolomite + forsterite ± diopside ± phlogopite ± tremolite, and most calc-silicate hornfelses contain calcite + diopside + wollastonite + quartz ± anorthite ± K-feldspar ± grossular ± titanite. Mineral-fluid equilibria involving calcite + dolomite + tremolite + diopside + forsterite in two marble samples and wollastonite + anorthite + quartz + grossular in three hornfels samples record P± 3 kbar and T± 630° C. Various isobaric univariant assemblages record CO2-H2O fluid compositions of χCO2= 0.61–0.74 in the marbles and χCO2= 0.11 in the hornfelses. Assuming a siliceous dolomitic limestone protolith consisting of dolomite + quartz ° Calcite ± K-feldspar ± muscovite ± rutile, all plausible prograde reaction pathways were deduced for marble and hornfels on isobaric T-XCO2 diagrams in the model system K2O-CaO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2-H2O-CO2. Progress of the prograde reactions was estimated from measured modes and mass-balance calculations. Time-integrated fluxes of reactive fluid which infiltrated samples were computed for a temperature gradient of 150 °C/km along the fluid flow path, calculated fluid compositions, and estimated reaction progress using the mass-continuity equation. Marbles and hornfelses record values in the range 0.1–3.6 × 104 cm3/cm2 and 4.8–12.9 × 104 cm3/cm2, respectively. For an estimated duration of metamorphism of 105 years, average in situ metamorphic rock permeabilities, calculated from Darcy's Law, are 0.1–8 × 10−6 D in the marbles and 10–27 × 10−6 D in the hornfelses. Reactive metamorphic fluids flowed up-temperature, and were preferentially channellized in hornfelses relative to the marbles. These results appear to give a general characterization of hydrothermal activity during contact metamorphism of small pendants and screens (dimensions ± 1 km or less) associated with emplacement of the Sierra Nevada batholith.
Seasonal variation in carcass composition of American Wigeon wintering in the Southern High Plains

Studies of the dynamics of carcass components are critical to understanding survival and reproduction in waterfowl. Here, we examined the influence of sex, age, and season on the carcass composition of American Wigeon (Anas americana) in the Southern High Plains (SHP) of Texas during the migration and wintering periods. Wigeon (N = 621) were collected from late fall through early spring, and carcass components (lipid, protein, and mineral) were estimated for each bird. Overall, carcass mass and lipids increased from autumn to early or midwinter and declined thereafter. However, over-winter changes in carcass reserves differed among sex and age groups. Wigeon of different sex and age groups maintained lipid and protein reserves to different degrees and used those reserves through the winter at different rates. The lack of premigratory fattening suggests that wigeon in the SHP must obtain most of the resources necessary for reproduction en route to breeding grounds, and highlights the importance of suitable stopover locations on their migratory routes. Changes in mean structural size of wigeon sampled during the nonbreeding season, in conjunction with genetic data, suggest that the wintering population in the SHP was composed of birds from several breeding populations. Our research will aid migratory bird biologists in determining how wigeon that differ in sex and age meet their over-winter resource needs, and in evaluating the responses of wigeon to habitat conservation and management efforts.
Efficacy of flunarizine in the prophylaxis of cyclical vomiting syndrome and abdominal migraine

Cyclical vomiting syndrome (CVS), and abdominal migraine (AM) are relatively unusual periodic syndromes, generally believed to be migraine equivalents, and are characterized by recurrent and severe paroxysmal episodes of vomiting and/or abdominal pain lasting hours to days, separated by weeks to months of no symptoms. Flunarizine is a calcium channel-blocking agent that has been used successfully as a prophylactic agent in the prevention of both childhood and adult-onset migraine syndromes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of flunarizine as a prophylactic/preventive agent in the treatment of CVS and AM. Eight children with CVS and 10 children with AM were included in the study. The mean dose of flunarizine was 5 mg/day in children with CVS, and 7.5 mg/day in children with AM. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 24 months (mean 13 months). There was a 57% reduction in frequency and 44% reduction in duration of attacks of CVS, and a 61% reduction in frequency and 51% reduction in duration of attacks of AM. Sixty-four percent of patients with CVS and AM had history of episodic recurrent headaches with 60% reduction in frequency of attacks on treatment. Flunarizine showed to be equally efficacious than previously tried therapies in the prophylaxis of a small cohort of patients with CVS and AM.
Multicovering Bounds from Linear Inequalities (Extended Abstract)

Abstract The multicovering radii of a code are natural generalizations of the covering radius in which the goal is to cover all m-tuples of vectors for some m as cheaply as possible. In this paper we use the method of linear inequalities to obtain new lower bounds on the sizes of codes achieving given multicovering radii. These bounds arise from linear inequalities involving the weight distributions of the code.
Electro-Explosive Device Pulse Reflection Checkout Technique

The pulse reflection test method permits a more comprehensive electrical check of an EBW ordnance device than can be obtained by the ac and dc continuity check methods currently in use throughout the industry. Pulse reflection testing is a specialized application of time domain reflectometry. Laboratory tests performed on a triple-scale EBW Test Model showed that waveforms produced by imposing various test conditions are definite and repeatable, and that these waveforms can be interpreted so as to determine whether an EBW device is electrically operable or defective.
Interconnections between the dorsal column nucleus and the cerebellum in a reptile

Interconnections between the dorsal column nucleus and the cerebellum were examined in one group of reptiles, Caiman crocodilus. After anterograde tracer injections into the dorsal column nucleus, efferents terminated nearly exclusively in the white matter and ventral portion of the granule cell layer of the ipsilateral cerebellum. Subsequent to deposition of a retrograde tracer into the cerebellum, neurons in the central and ventral half of the dorsal column nucleus were labeled. When compared with the origin of midbrain and spinal cord projecting cells in Caiman, cerebellar projecting neurons arose from a more rostral location in the dorsal column nucleus than did neurons that terminated in either of these two other targets. The results of the present and previous experiments suggest that the dorsal column nucleus in this reptilian group is organized into sectors based on efferent target in a fashion similar to what has been described in certain mammals. Furthermore, the presence of this circuit in crocodilians and turtles suggests that his pathway from the dorsal column nucleus to the cerebellum arose early in amniote evolution.
Reconstructed high-resolution scatterometer data: a comparison with AVHRR vegetation index images for regional-scale monitoring of tropical rain forests

There is considerable interest in utilizing microwave and visible spectrum imagery for the assessment of tropical rain forests. Because rain forest spans large sub-continental areas, medium resolution (1 - 16 km) imagery will play an important role in providing a global perspective of any forest removal or change. Since 1978, AVHRR imagery from NOAA polar orbiters has provided coverage of tropical regions at this desirable resolution, but much of the imagery is plagued with heavy cloud cover typical of equatorial regions. In contrast, no historical source of active microwave imagery at native 1 - 16 km resolution exists for all the global rain forest regions. In this paper, the authors compare the utility of Seasat scatterometer (SASS) ku-band microwave data to early-date AVHRR vegetation index products for discrimination of tropical vegetation formations. When considered separately, both the AVHRR imagery and the SASS imagery could be used to distinguish between broad categories of equatorial land cover, but the AVHRR imagery was slightly superior. When combined, the two data sets provided discrimination capability superior than could be obtained by using either set alone.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.