cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multiphoton, Multielectron Transfer Photochemistry in a Soluble Polymer

The effects of laser irradiance and quencher concentration on photochemical electron transfer in a RuII-bpy derivatized, polystyrene polymer have been studied. The polymer was a 1:1 copolymer of styrene:p-chloromethylstyrene with, on the average, ∼30 repeat units in which each of the chloro groups was replaced by a [RuII(bpy)2(4-CH2O-4‘-CH3bpy)]2+ chromophore by nucleophilic substitution. The abbreviation for the resulting polymer salt is [co-PS-CH2OCH2-(RuII30)](PF6)60. Upon visible excitation by laser flash photolysis at high irradiances, multiphoton excitation in the presence of high concentrations of the reductive quencher phenothiazine leads to individual polymeric strands that are reduced, on the average, by up to seven electrons to give PS-CH2OCH2-(Ru2+23Ru+7)]53+.
Concomitant conus medullaris ependymoma and filum terminale lipoma: case report.

Objective Ependymomas of the conus medullaris-cauda equina-filum terminale region are typically solitary lesions. In this report, we describe the clinical presentation, radiographic findings, operative details, and pathological features of a patient with a conus medullaris ependymoma and a filum terminale lipoma. Clinical presentation A 40-year-old woman presented with increasing low back pain and bowel and bladder dysfunction. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a partially cystic enhancing lesion at the conus medullaris and a T1-weighted hyperintense mass within the filum terminale. Intervention An L2-L3 laminotomy/laminoplasty was performed for gross total resection of the mass. Histopathological examination demonstrated a conus medullaris ependymoma and filum terminale lipoma. The patient experienced complete resolution of her preoperative symptoms. Conclusion Spinal cord ependymomas are almost exclusively single lesions and their coexistence with other pathological entities is rare. In this report, we describe a patient with a concomitant conus medullaris ependymoma and filum terminale lipoma.
Temporal pattern of skeletal muscle changes in lambs fed cimaterol.

The objectives of this study were to compare the efficacy of 3-week vs 6-week dietary administration of the β-adrenergic agonist cimaterol on skeletal muscle growth, and to measure the changes in muscle nucleic acid and protein concentration and content to provide evidence regarding the mechanism(s) by which cimaterol stimulates muscle hypertrophy in growing ruminants. Two groups of 12 Dorset or Dorset-Finn cross ram lambs weighing 36 kg or 33 kg were assigned to treatment intervals of 3 or 6 weeks, respectively. Lambs within each weight group were randomly assigned to receive 0 or 10 ppm cimaterol in a complete mixed diet fed ad libitum. Initial live weights and treatment periods were chosen to achieve similar slaughter weights. Cimaterol increased the mass of three hind leg muscles 30% and 25% on average (both P .05) in lambs fed cimaterol for 6 weeks. Total DNA content of the semitendinosus was unchanged at either treatment interval. These results translated into 109% (P<.001) and 52% (P<.05) greater RNA/DNA ratios in the semitendinosus muscle of lambs fed cimaterol for 3 and 6 weeks, respectively. Because semitendinosus DNA content was unchanged and protein/RNA ratios were either reduced or not changed in the muscles of lambs fed cimaterol, it is concluded that cimaterol induces rapid skeletal muscle hypertrophy through marked increase in transcription or RNA stability, without concomitant increase in satellite cell proliferation. Furthermore, the effects of cimaterol were apparently fully expressed by 3 weeks of administration. This mode of skeletal muscle hypertrophy is quite different from that observed with somatotropin-induced acceleration of skeletal muscle growth.
The carbohydrate composition of human myeloma IgA

Abstract The composition and distribution of carbohydrates in the polypeptide chains of seven human IgA myeloma proteins were studied. It was found that 89–96 per cent of the carbohydrate was associated with the heavy (H) chains. Six of the immunoglobulins had similar carbohydrate compositions. Their H chains contained 0.3–0.6 residues of fucose, 4–5 of mannose, 5–6 of galactose, 4–5 of glucosamine, 2 of galactosamine, and 3–4 of sialic acid. One immunoglobulin lacked galactosamine, but had a higher carbohydrate content, and the relative proportions of the various monosaccharides present were different from those observed in the six immunoglobulins that contained this amino sugar. H chains of this IgA contained 3 residues of fucose, 13 of mannose, 3 of galactose, 12 of glucosamine and 1 of sialic acid. The preparations of light (L) chain contained small quantities of the same monosaccharides found in H chain with two exceptions; galactosamine was missing from all the L chain preparations and fucose was not found in two of them. The L chain preparations from dimeric immunoglobulins contained J chains, which were shown to contribute more than 50 per cent of the carbohydrates present in one of these preparations.
Plaster of Paris-Reinforced Nanocomposites of Poly (2-hydroxyethyl Methacrylate-Co-acrylamide) as Alternative Orthopedic Material

The present study is an attempt to develop a ceramic/polymer composite made by grafting 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and acrylamide (Am) onto polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) using free radical polymerization method and impregnating plaster of paris (PP) into the grafted polymer matrix. The prepared composites were characterized by Fourier transform spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction studies, Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Scanning Electron Microscopy. The composites also showed adequately good compressive strength and modulus. The water sorption behavior and porosity were found to be dependent on the chemical composition of the matrix. The in vitro blood compatibility of the nanocomposite was also determined.
Gamma-Ray Detection with Pbo Glass Converters in Mwpc: Electron Conversion Efficiency and Time Resolution

The development of glass tube converters for efficient gamma-ray detection in multi-wire proportional chambers (MWPC) has led to an investigation of the improvement of conductivity on glass surfaces and to an investigation of gas mixtures which will improve on the electron conversion efficiency and electron transit time within the tubes. Efforts to establish uniform electric field lines within small diameter tubes has resulted in an improved H2 reducing treatment. For a 2cm thick converter made of glass tubing (0.9 mmID;1·10 mmOD) the electron conversion efficiency ? was measured to be 9.0% and 10.4% at 511 keV, using Ar mixtures containing 10% CF4 and 30% isobutane, respectively. The effects of gas mixtures on ? and on ?, the mean transit time on conversion electrons within the converter, and the projection of these results to the performance of a modified MWPC positron camera are presented.
Hypoxia-mediated release of peptide growth factors from neonatal pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells † 1453

Hypoxia leads to neonatal pulmonary hypertension and vascular remodeling. We evaluated the hypoxia-induced release of basic Fibroblast Growth Factor(bFGF), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)(Vascular Permeability Factor) and Endothelin-1(ET-1) from neonatal piglet pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (SMC). Conditioned media (CM) from confluent hypoxic (1% O2) and normoxic (20% O2) SMC was analyzed for bFGF and ET-1 by ELISA, and for VEGF by Western blotting. The effect of the conditioned media on SMC proliferation in vitro was also measured. Our results indicate: 1) CM from hypoxic SMC increases proliferation of normoxic SMC, and this mitogenic effect is abolished by antibody to bFGF, but not to VEGF; 2) Hypoxia increases bFGF in CM despite equivalent amounts of bFGF in cell lysate; 3)Hypoxia increases VEGF release; 4) No release of ET-1 with hypoxia. These findings suggest that bFGF and VEGF may be involved in the smooth muscle proliferation (via bFGF), and the intimal proliferation and interstitial edema(VEGF) seen in the hypoxic pulmonary vasculature.Figure
Space Requirements of Turkey Breeder Hens

Abstract THERE is a dearth of information about the space requirements for turkey breeder hens under intensive conditions. Since turkeys have natural protection against cold weather there has been no pressing need to crowd breeder hens into enclosed areas for conservation of body heat. However, because of the cost-price squeeze and man's incessant ambition to receive more and more for each invested dollar, it is necessary to efficiently utilize all building space. Most recommendations for reproductive performance have been based on judgment rather than information from controlled experiments. Baker (1933) states that turkeys like the feeling of open-ness. Shelters should be large enough to allow 10 sq. ft. per bird. Feltwell (1953) suggests 4 sq. ft. per hen confined at night with 20 to 30 sq. yds. of pasture per bird. Turkey breeders confined to solid-floored houses should be allowed 9 to 12 sq. ft. of floor space. Marsden and Martin . . .
End-user software visualizations for fault localization

End-user programming has become the most common form of programming today. However, despite this growth, there has been little investigation into bringing the benefits of software visualization to end-user programmers. Evidence from the spreadsheet paradigm, probably the most widely used end-user environment, reveals that end users' programs often contain faults. We would like to integrate software visualization into these end-user environments to help end users deal with the reliability issues in their programs. Towards this end, we have devised several fault localization visualization techniques for spreadsheets. This paper describes these techniques and reports the results of a formative study---using tests created by end users---to investigate how these fault localization techniques compare. Our results reveal some strengths and weaknesses of each technique, and provide insights into the cost-effectiveness of each technique for the interactive world of end-user spreadsheet development.
Dynamics of the edge excitations in the FQH effects

Fractional quantum Hall effects (FQHE) discovered by Tsui, Stormer and Gossard open a new era in theory of strongly correlated system. In the first time the authors have to completely abandon the theories based on the single-body picture and use an intrinsic many-body theory proposed by Laughlin and others to describe the FQHE. Due to the repulsive interaction, the strongly correlated FQH liquid is an incompressible state despite the first Landau level is only partially filled. All the bulk excitations in the FQH states have finite energy gaps. The FQH states and insulators are similar in the sense that both states have finite energy gap and short ranged electron propagators. Because of this similarity, it is puzzling that the FQH systems apparently have very different transport properties than ordinary insulators. Halperin first point out that the integral quantum Hall (IQH) states contain gapless edge excitations. Although the electronic states in the bulk are localized, the electronic states at the edge of the sample are extended. Therefore the nontrivial transport properties of the IQH states come from the gapless edge excitations. Such an edge transport picture has been supported by many experiments. One also found that the edge excitations in themore » IQH states are described by a chiral 1D Fermi liquid theory. Here, the authors review the dynamical theory of the edge excitations in the FQH effects.« less
Compiler optimization to improve data locality for processor multithreading

Over the last decade processor speed has increased dramatically, whereas the speed of the memory subsystem improved at a modest rate. Due to the increase in the cache miss latency (in terms of the processor cycle), processors stall on cache misses for a significant portion of its execution time. Multithreaded processors has been proposed in the literature to reduce the processor stall time due to cache misses. Although multithreading improves processor utilization, it may also increase cache miss rates, because in a multithreaded processor multiple threads share the same cache, which effectively reduces the cache size available to each individual thread. Increased processor utilization and the increase in the cache miss rate demands higher memory bandwidth. A novel compiler optimization method has been presented in this paper that improves data locality for each of the threads and enhances data sharing among the threads. The method is based on loop transformation theory and optimizes both spatial and temporal data locality. The created threads exhibit high level of intra-thread and inter-thread data locality which effectively reduces both the data cache miss rates and the total execution time of numerically intensive computation running on a multithreaded processor.
Iron Carbonyl Promoted Conversion of an Aziridine and an Amine Oxide to a 1,2-Diamine

The conversion of an aziridine to a 1,2-diamine using an iron carbonyl complex and an amine oxide is studied. We have found that when the aziridine is substituted by only alkyl groups, it is the less substituted carbon−nitrogen bond that is broken, whereas, when the aziridine is substituted by a phenyl group at either the nitrogen or the carbon, it is the more substituted carbon−nitrogen bond that is broken. With a 2,3-disubstituted aziridine, the reaction proceeds with net retention of stereochemistry. Because the nitrogen in the amine oxide is trisubstituted and the same nitrogen in the product is disubstituted, various amine oxides have been tried to determine the preference for which group will be removed. We have shown that the intermediate iron complex will react with an iminium salt to give the exact same product as is obtained from the corresponding amine oxide.
Junction Temperature Measurement of IGBTs Using Short-Circuit Current as a Temperature-Sensitive Electrical Parameter for Converter Prototype Evaluation

This paper proposes a method to measure the junction temperatures of insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) during the converter operation for prototype evaluation. The IGBT short-circuit current is employed as the temperature-sensitive electrical parameter (TSEP). The calibration experiments show that the short-circuit current has an adequate temperature sensitivity of 0.35 ${\rm A}/^{\circ}\hbox{C} $ . The parameter also has good selectivity and linearity, which makes it suitable to be used as a TSEP. Test circuit and hardware design are proposed for the IGBT junction temperature measurement in various power electronics dc–dc and ac–dc converter applications. By connecting a temperature measurement unit to the converter and giving a short-circuit pulse during the converter operation, the short-circuit current is measured, and the IGBT junction temperature can be derived from the calibration curve. The proposed temperature measurement method is a valuable tool for prototype evaluation and avoids the unnecessary safety margin regarding device operating temperatures, which is significant particularly for high-temperature/high-density converter applications.
A 3 KW square wave inverter using power transistors

In order to eliminate the dead time of an audio frequency square wave inductively pumped argon laser, a 1 µs rise time square wave inverter capable of switching 150 volts and 18 amperes has been built. This 3 kW unit can be operated at an adjustable fundamental frequency from 2.5 to 25 kHz.
Mediator’s Assessment of Safety Issues and Concerns (MASIC): Reliability and Validity of a New Intimate Partner Violence Screen

We investigated reliability and validity of the Mediator's Assessment of Safety Issues and Concerns (MASIC), a screening interview for intimate partner violence and abuse (IPV/A) in family mediation settings. Clients at three family mediation clinics in the United States and Australia (N = 391) provided reports of the other parent's IPV/A. Internal consistency of the total screen was excellent. A confirmatory factor analysis provided evidence that the MASIC assesses seven types of IPV/A: psychological abuse, coercive controlling behaviors, threats of severe violence, physical violence, severe physical violence, sexual violence, and stalking. Sex differences on differing types of violence victimization were generally consistent with previous research. Higher levels of victimization predicted self-reported consequences of abuse (e.g., fear, injuries). More abusive parties, as identified by their partners on the MASIC, had more Protective Orders and No Contact Orders and criminal convictions and crimes potentially related to IPV/A. Results provide initial evidence of the reliability and validity of the MASIC but more research is needed.
Toward an understanding of thrift store donors

An increasing number of service organizations are developing thrift stores (or, second hand stores, charity shops) to raise resources to support their mission-directed activities. Such stores seek donated merchandize…sell it …and use the proceeds to support their service efforts. The purpose of the study is to examine the processes by which thrift store donors: (a) determine that donation of pre-owned merchandize is desirable, (b) get information about competing donation outlets, and (c) select which organization(s) are appropriate for their particular merchandize donation. A web survey was administered to assess these processes. The results will allow organizations to critically evaluate their existing thrift store practices against donor preferences in the interest of continuous improvement. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamic Response of High-Rise Buildings to Stochastic Wind Loads

Abstract This paper presents results of a recent study addressing issues concerning the dynamic response of high-rise buildings. Utilizing a high-frequency base-balance, the alongwind, acrosswind and torsional components of aerodynamic loads and their statistical correlations for a wide range of generic building shapes of different aspect ratios in two approach flow conditions are quantified. A random-vibration-based procedure for estimating response of high-rise buildings is outlined. A checking procedure for building serviceability is presented for enabling designers to assess the building serviceability performance. The methodology presented here will enable designers in the preliminary design stages to assess the serviceability of buildings, the need for a detailed wind tunnel test and to evaluate the merit of design modifications that may include a choice of an auxiliary damping system.
Interleukin 1β Increases the Cytosolic Free Sodium Concentration in Isolated Rat Islets of Langerhans

Interleukin 1 (IL-1) exerts both stimulatory and inhibitory (cytotoxic) effects on insulin-producing beta cells in isolated pancreatic islets. Since alteration in ion fluxes is crucial for endocrine cell activation and is a denominator of cell death, and since IL-1 was recently shown to increase the total sodium content in a murine pre-B-lymphocyte cell line, we investigated the effect of recombinant human IL-1 beta (rhIL-1 beta) on the cytosolic free sodium concentration (fNa+i) in rat islets. Furthermore, long-term rhIL-1 beta effects on islet cell function were studied during exposure of islets to amiloride, a blocker of the plasma membrane Na+/H+ exchange. One hour of islet exposure to 60 U/ml of rhIL-1 beta caused a threefold increase in fNa+i in islet cells, and this effect was abolished by depletion of extracellular sodium. Blockade of Na+/H+ exchange with amiloride abolished the inhibitory effect of rhIL-1 beta on insulin release. In conclusion, rhIL-1 beta was found to increase sodium influx in pancreatic islet cells. This might underlie the widespread effects of rhIL-1 beta on beta-cell function and morphology, possibly related to IL-1-mediated toxic free radical formation.
Conceptual learning in an expert system for histopathologic diagnosis

ABSTRACTAutonomous learning modules in a diagnostic expert system serve to reveal distributional properties of thediagnostic clue values. This leads to more exhaustive utilization of the collected information. It also results inmatching the design granularity for the diagnostic discrimination to the true structure of the diagnostic data.Additional conceptual entities augment the knowledge base. I . INTRODUCTIONThe machine vision system for diagnostic interpretation of histopathologic sections, under development atthe Optical Sciences Center and in the Department of Pathology at the University of Arizona, rests on threeexpert system modules: a diagnostic expert system (DES) which deals with histopathologic concepts anddiagnostic clues; an interpretive expert system (IES) which relates these concepts to histometric features; anda scene segmentation expert system (SES) which extracts the diagnostic information from the imagery.' Thishierarchy of three communicating expert systems employs two different knowledge representation schemes.The DES2 is a table-driven system; it is being trained by adjusting the confidence factors relating diagnostic
Nonnegative solutions of a nonlinear recurrence

Abstract Orthonormal polynomials with weight ¦τ¦ ϱ exp (−τ 4 ) have leading coefficients with recurrence properties which motivate the more general equations ξ m ( ξ m − 1 + ξ m + ξ m + 1 ) = γ m 2 , m = 1, 2,…, where ξ o is a fixed nonnegative value and γ 1 , γ 2 ,… are positive constants. For this broader problem, the existence of a nonnegative solution is proved and criteria are found for its uniqueness. Then, for the motivating problem, an asymptotic expansion of its unique nonnegative solution is obtained and a fast computational algorithm, with error estimates, is given.
Of Maggie, mothers, monsters, and Madonnas: Diving deep in the mill on the floss

(1992). Of Maggie, mothers, monsters, and Madonnas: Diving deep in the mill on the floss. Women's Studies: Vol. 20, Is Multiculturalism Enough?, pp. 303-319.
Detection of a novel cell cycle-regulated kinase activity that associates with the amino terminus of the retinoblastoma protein in G2/M phases.

Abstract Recent genetic and functional evidence suggests that the amino terminus of the retinoblastoma (Rb) protein plays an important role in Rb-mediated growth suppression. To explore the mechanism(s) by which this portion of Rb may regulate cell growth, we have sought to characterize cellular proteins that associate with the Rb amino terminus using an in vitro protein-binding assay. Here we report that at least one such protein is a cell cycle-regulated Rb/histone H1 kinase (RbK) whose enzymatic and/or Rb association activity is most prevalent in G2/M phases of cells. In contrast to previously characterized cyclin-dependent and Rb-associated kinases, such as cdk1 (cdc2) and cdk2, G2/M RbK 1) is not depleted by incubation with p13-beads, 2) is not detected with antisera against several Rb-associated cyclins-cdks, and 3) associates with Rb via the Rb amino terminus, a region that is dispensable for interaction with other Rb-associated kinases. RbK is clearly distinct from previously characterized mitotic cdks since cyclin A-cdc2, cyclin A-cdk2, cyclin B-cdc2, and cyclin B-cdk2 did not associate with the Rb amino terminus. Coprecipitation experiments with Rb antisera confirmed the association of Rb with a RbK-like kinase in metaphase-arrested cells in vivo. Interestingly, G2/M RbK did not appreciably associate with an analogous portion of p107, a Rb-related protein. Taken together, these data indicate that the Rb amino terminus specifically associates with a novel cell cycle-regulated kinase in late cell cycle stages.
Dual recognition of the human telomeric G-quadruplex by a neomycin–anthraquinone conjugate

The authors report the recognition of a G-quadruplex formed by four repeat human telomeric DNA with aminosugar intercalator conjugates. The recognition of the G-quadruplex through dual binding mode ligands significantly increased the affinity of ligands for the G-quadruplex. One such example is a neomycin–anthraquinone conjugate (2) which exhibited nanomolar affinity for the quadruplex, and the affinity of (2) is nearly 1000 fold higher for the human telomeric G-quadruplex DNA than its constituent units, neomycin and anthraquinone.
Binding and Measuring Natural Rubber Latex Proteins on Glove Powder

Abstract Cornstarch used as a donning powder on natural rubber latex (NRL) gloves adsorbs NRL proteins. During glove use, powder‐carried proteins can be aerosolized and can cause allergic reactions in NRL sensitized individuals. The amount of NRL proteins bound to glove powder and its relative relationship to the total amount of proteins on the glove has not been studied, due to the difficulty in measuring proteins on powder. Using the ELISA inhibition assay for NRL proteins [Standard test method for the immunological measurement of antigenic protein in natural rubber and its products. In: The Annual Book of ASTM Standards; ASTM: West Conshohocken, PA, 2000; ASTM D 64‐0] we have investigated possible protocol modifications in order to include measurement of proteins bound to glove powder, as well as the water‐extractable glove proteins. Possible interference of the starch itself was evaluated by adding clean cornstarch to the assay. No significant interference was observed with powder concentrations below...
Asymptotic properties of the tail distribution and Hill’s estimator for shot noise sequence

Asymptotic properties of a shot noise sequence, {X j = ∑ i ≤ j h(τ j − τ i )A i }, are considered, where the marginal distribution of the A i ’s is regularly varying at infinity with negative index − α. The tail distribution of the X j ’s is studied with regard to higher order tail area expansions, validity of the Von Mises condition and the inheritability of the second order regular variation property. The Hill’s estimator for the tail index is shown to be asymptotically normally distributed provided the impulse response function h satisfies a mild integrability condition and the distribution of the X j ’s satisfies some regularity conditions.
An investigation of corrosion on integrated circuits via pressure-temperature-humidity-bias stressing

Pressure-temperature-humidity-bias (PTHB) is a consistent, repeatable stress capable of reducing qualification and evaluation cycle time through acceleration of moisture- and bias-induced failure mechanisms. Moreover, PTHB is more capable of finding susceptibility to corrosion than either THB or autoclave stressing, as illustrated by the historical monitor and precondition stressing results. Therefore, PTHB was implemented as the primary humidity stress in environmental stressing for device qualification and evaluation and for the monitor program. Specifically, bond-pad corrosion of a memory device was investigated. The mold compound was found to be inferior with respect to prevention of corrosion failures. All memory devices which were previously assembled with this mold compound have been converted to other mold compounds with lower extractable chloride content. >
Ultrastructural analysis of cytochrome oxidase in chick epiphyseal growth plate cartilage

Histochemical detection of cytochrome oxidase activity in chicken growth plate revealed both positively and negatively stained mitochondria in chondrocytes of all zones, i.e., proliferative, pre-hypertrophic, hypertrophic, and calcifying zones. The proportion of positive to negative cells was lowest in the proliferative zone. As cytodifferentiation progressed, more positively stained cells were present. In positive cells all mitochondria were usually stained, and in negative cells all mitochondria were unstained. A few cells appeared to be in transition and contained both types of mitochondria. The results indicate that chondrocytes utilizing both aerobic and anaerobic metabolism are present in growth plate cartilage and that oxidative metabolism is favored in the more mature cells. The relationship of oxidative metabolism to calcification is discussed.
Improving social work in intensive care unit palliative care: results of a quality improvement intervention.

Abstract Objective: The intensive care unit (ICU) is a focal point for decision making in end-of-life care. Social workers are involved in providing this care for patients and families. Our goal was to examine the social worker component of an intervention to improve interdisciplinary palliative care in the ICU. Methods: The study took place at a 350-bed hospital with 65 ICU beds. We surveyed family members and social workers caring for patients who died in the ICU or within 30 hours of transfer from ICU. Clustered regression was used to assess the effect of the intervention on three outcomes: (1) families' satisfaction with social work, (2) social workers' reported palliative and supportive activities, and (3) social workers' satisfaction with meeting family needs. Results: Of 590 eligible patients, 275 families completed surveys (response rate, 47%). Thirty-five social workers received 353 questionnaires concerning 353 unique patients and completed 283 (response rate, 80%). Social workers reported signi...
Characteristics of energy transfer in disc and fibre laser

Characteristics of energy transfer of two laser systems, fibre and disc lasers, are studied in this paper. Laser induced plasma is characterised by estimating the electron temperature and the electron density in both laser systems. Based on the electron temperature and electron density, the coefficients of inverse Bremsstrahlung absorption are estimated to investigate the energy absorption by the plasma in both systems. The electron temperature is evaluated from the observed Fe I emission lines using Boltzmann plot, whereas the electron number density is determined from the broadened line of Fe I 381·58 nm. The penetration characteristics in both systems are examined to study the role of the attenuated beam by the plasma absorption. Based on the observed features, the performance of the disc and fibre lasers, in terms of energy transfer, are comparable. However, in high power densities, the disc laser has slightly deeper penetration.
Computed tomography in peptic ulcer: A preliminary report

Abstract We present preliminary observations of the CT appearance of peptic ulcer following intravenous iodinated contrast material without the use of oral contrast agents. Initial findings in a case of duodenal ulcer and in jejunal ulcer, while not conclusive, prompted the thorough study of a well documented case of gastric ulcer. The margins of this benign ulcer were clearly seen on enhanced computed tomography. These cases are reported here.
Cost-effectiveness of continuous glucose monitoring and intensive insulin therapy for type 1 diabetes

Our objective was to determine the cost-effectiveness of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) technology with intensive insulin therapy compared to self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) in adults with type 1 diabetes in the United States. A Markov cohort analysis was used to model the long-term disease progression of 12 different diabetes disease states, using a cycle length of 1 year with a 33-year time horizon. The analysis uses a societal perspective to model a population with a 20-year history of diabetes with mean age of 40. Costs are expressed in $US 2007, effectiveness in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Parameter estimates and their ranges were derived from the literature. Utility estimates were drawn from the EQ-5D catalogue. Probabilities were derived from the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT), the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS), and the Wisconsin Epidemiologic Study of Diabetic Retinopathy. Costs and QALYs were discounted at 3% per year. Univariate and Multivariate probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted using 10,000 Monte Carlo simulations. Compared to SMBG, use of CGM with intensive insulin treatment resulted in an expected improvement in effectiveness of 0.52 QALYs, and an expected increase in cost of $23,552, resulting in an ICER of approximately $45,033/QALY. For a willingness-to-pay (WTP) of $100,000/QALY, CGM with intensive insulin therapy was cost-effective in 70% of the Monte Carlo simulations. CGM with intensive insulin therapy appears to be cost-effective relative to SMBG and other societal health interventions.
To Bin or Not To Bin: Decorrelating the Cosmic Equation of State

Abstract The physics behind the acceleration of the cosmic expansion can be elucidated through comparison of the predictions of dark energy equations of state to observational data. In seeking to optimize this, we investigate the advantages and disadvantages of using principal component analysis, uncorrelated bandpowers and the equation of state within redshift bins. We demonstrate that no one technique is a panacea, with tension between clear physical interpretation from localization and from decorrelated errors, as well as model dependence and form dependence. Specific lessons include the critical role of proper treatment of the high redshift expansion history and the lack of a unique, well-defined signal to noise or figure of merit.
Late Infections in Patients with Prostheses for Total Replacement of Joints: Implications for the Dental Practitioner

As more persons have prostheses that totally replace joints, dental practitioners should be aware of the complications, such as late bacterial infection of hematogenous origin, that can occur possibly as a result of dental treatment.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Activates Innate Immunity through Toll-Like Receptor 2

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of infection that is associated with a range of respiratory illnesses, from common cold-like symptoms to serious lower respiratory tract illnesses such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis. RSV is the single most important cause of serious lower respiratory tract illness in children <1 year of age. Host innate and acquired immune responses activated following RSV infection have been suspected to contribute to RSV disease. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) activate innate and acquired immunity and are candidates for playing key roles in the host immune response to RSV. Leukocytes express TLRs, including TLR2, TLR6, TLR3, TLR4, and TLR7, that can interact with RSV and promote immune responses following infection. Using knockout mice, we have demonstrated that TLR2 and TLR6 signaling in leukocytes can activate innate immunity against RSV by promoting tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, CCL2 (monocyte chemoattractant protein 1), and CCL5 (RANTES). As previously noted, TLR4 also contributes to cytokine activation (L. M. Haynes, D. D. Moore, E. A. Kurt-Jones, R. W. Finberg, L. J. Anderson, and R. A. Tripp, J. Virol. 75:10730-10737, 2001, and E. A. Kurt-Jones, L. Popova, L. Kwinn, L. M. Haynes, L. P. Jones, R. A. Tripp, E. E. Walsh, M. W. Freeman, D. T. Golenbock, L. J. Anderson, and R. W. Finberg, Nat. Immunol. 1:398-401, 2000). Furthermore, we demonstrated that signals generated following TLR2 and TLR6 activation were important for controlling viral replication in vivo. Additionally, TLR2 interactions with RSV promoted neutrophil migration and dendritic cell activation within the lung. Collectively, these studies indicate that TLR2 is involved in RSV recognition and subsequent innate immune activation.
Treatment of Giardiasis Literature Review and Recommendations

Giardia lamblia has emerged as the most common intestinal parasite in the United States. This article presents a brief review of the clinically important aspects of giardiasis and evaluates the currently used therapeutic agents. Three drugs have been advocated for the treatment of giardiasis; furazolidone (Furoxone), metronidazole (Flagyl), and quinacrine (Atabrine). None of them, however, is ideal. Metronidazole and quinacrine are more effective than furazolidone, but furazolidone has the advantage of a liquid formulation that makes administration to children easier. Quinacrine is much less expensive than the other two agents but has a somewhat higher rate of side effects and a bitter taste. There is concern about the carcinogenic potential of furazolidone and metronidazole, but this has not been evaluated for quinacrine. In the balance, we conclude that quinacrine is probably the preferable drug to use in the pediatric age group because of proven effectiveness and lower cost.
The use of light scattering and ion chamber responses for the detection of fires in diesel contaminated atmospheres

Abstract Experiments were conducted to determine the optical scattering properties of diesel particulate matter (DPM) and various combustion aerosols from both flaming and smoldering combustion sources at discrete angles of 15° and 30° in the forward direction and at a light source wavelength of 635 nm using a simple light scattering module. In addition to the scattering data, simultaneous measurements were made of the total aerosol mass concentration; light extinction at an average wavelength of 546 nm; and the response of a common bipolar ion chamber typical of residential smoke detectors modified to allow the aerosols to flow through the chamber. The results of these experiments indicate, for DPM and combustion aerosols, the intensities per unit mass concentration depend not only upon whether the aerosol is DPM or combustion aerosol but also upon the type of combustion aerosol. The results also indicate that the ion chamber responses are greatest for DPM, followed by the response to flaming combustion aerosols (FCA) and lowest for smoldering combustion aerosols (SCA). For light scattering, the greatest intensities are found for SCA, followed by the intensities from FCA, and lowest for DPM. This report describes the experiments, their results, and the use of these results to develop design criteria for early warning fire sensors capable of the rapid and reliable detection of fires in atmospheres that may or may not be contaminated by the products produced from diesel engines.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of ondansetron and prochlorperazine for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the cost-effectiveness of 2 antiemetic agents, ondansetron and prochlorperazine, for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients undergoing total hip replacement or total knee replacement procedures. METHODS: The cost-effectiveness analysis model was applied to data derived from a previous clinical study conducted in 1995 and 1996. This study involved 78 adult patients (62.8% female and 37.2% male) undergoing total hip replacement or total knee replacement procedures. Patients were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind manner to receive either ondansetron 4 mg intravenously (n=37) or prochlorperazine 10 mg intramuscularly (n=41) immediately upon completion of surgery and were monitored for occurrences of PONV during the subsequent 48 hours. In our analysis, we measured the cost-effectiveness ratio (C/E ratio), defined as the cost per successfully treated patient, for each antiemetic agent using the clinical data obtained from the previous study. RESULTS: T...
Highlight and Personal Annotation for Fast and Efficient Access to Web Page Content

Seeking information from the Web often involves a search followed by careful inspection of the resultant Web pages. The inspection involves extensive reading and weeding out of undesired Web pages. During this phase, due to the absence of a tracking tool, users often tend to lose track of the pages they already visited and read, necessitating numerous time-consuming and painful re-reads. Globe, a Web browser designed and developed in this research, can aid this process by providing methods to highlight all desired information in Web pages, add personal user annotations to Web pages, and store these pages with all their metadata locally for future retrieval. These methodologies combined together facilitate quick and easy tracking of desired Web page content, thus eliminating need for repetitive reads.
Reversal Errors in Strong, Average, and Weak Letter Namers

Four hundred nine first graders were asked to name the letters of the lowercase alphabet presented in fixed, nonalphabetical order. In going from the weak to the average to the strong groups of letter namers, the proportion of correct responses for each letter increased. However, an examination of their errors showed that the more competent the group was in letter naming, the higher the proportion of reversal errors in wrong responses (p < .001). It was concluded that letter reversal errors are not necessarily indicators of a basic perceptual or cognitive deficit.
Loop scheduling for heterogeneity

In this paper we study the problem of scheduling parallel loops at compile-time for a heterogeneous network of machines. We consider heterogeneity in three aspects of parallel programming: program, processor and network. A heterogeneous program has parallel loops with different amount of work in each iteration; heterogeneous processors have different speeds; and a heterogeneous network has different cost of communication between processors. We propose a simple yet comprehensive model for use in compiling for a network of processors, and develop compiler algorithms for generating optimal and sub-optimal schedules of loops for load balancing, communication optimizations and network contention. Experiments show that a significant improvement of performance is achieved using our techniques.
A Comparison of Pressure-Induced Structural Transformations in CdSe, InP, and Si Nanocrystals

Pressure-induced phase transitions in CdSe, InP and Si nanocrystals of 2 to 50 nm in diameter were studied with high pressure X-ray diffraction and optical absorption measurements. All samples were found to transform via a single nucleation event. In addition, all samples transformed at an elevated pressure with a large hysteresis compared to that of the bulk. These phenomena are explained by an overall change in shape of the crystallite after it goes through the phase transition. Evidence for this shape change is shown in the elevation of the phase transition pressure in all samples and in the high pressure shape of the Si nanocrystals. These experiments present an opportunity to investigate first order solid-solid phase transitions on a nanometer scale.
Teaching the Academic Language and Concepts of Language Arts to Secondary Long-Term English Learners

While the majority of English language learners are found in elementary schools, an alarming number of these students are entering secondary schools. Many of these secondary students are long-term English learners (LTELs), students who have been in U.S. schools for seven years or longer. Long-term English learners struggle with academic success, and educators need to find ways to support them. In this qualitative study, the effects of teaching academic vocabulary and concepts to 10 th grade Hispanic LTELs in a language arts class at a large, South Texas high school were explored. The researcher observed students as they were involved in five different pedagogical structures, interviewed the students to determine their perception of how those structures supported their learning, and reviewed student work done while involved in those structures. The most successful practices for these students included teacher modeling and grouping with positive interdependence. Findings revealed that although some pedagogical structures were somewhat effective in helping LTELs with the acquisition of the academic vocabulary and concepts of English language arts, these students still need a great amount of scaffolding and monitoring combined with additional time to be consistently successful.
Galbraith on Economics as a System of Professional Belief

John Kenneth Galbraith is neither an historian of economic thought nor a sociologist of science.1 Nonetheless, his writings contain both substantive analysis and brief comments on the nature and development of economics as a system of belief, particularly a system of professional belief. The objective of this article is to bring together and systematize Galbraith’s ideas on that subject.
Voices of Small Businesses: Discussion and Policy Implications

“Small businesses” are often lauded as the backbone of the American economy. Politicians from both sides of the aisle proclaim their commitment to fostering small business in the United States and its importance. However, as is so often the case in policy debates, individual voices can be lost in high-level discussions over tax breaks and business aid programs. In the spirit of investigating the thoughts of actual business owners, we decided to examine a recent survey from Thumbtack.com, with the intent of lending some perspective and context to the debate over how best to aid small and new businesses in the United States. When Thumbtack conducted a large-scale survey of small business owners and service providers in late 2011 and early 2012, it included this open-ended question: “Please let us know any experiences or thoughts you have regarding the ease of doing business in your state.” Of the 6,730 respondents to the Thumbtack survey, 36.6 percent provided feedback to the open-ended question. This report qualitatively analyzes these business owners’ unfettered thoughts on issues they felt important and explores several themes that arose. The findings provide important insights for state policymakers when considering how to make their states appealing to and supportive of small business owners.The trends apparent from the responses do not necessarily echo the narrative often told about the problems business owners face in the United States. Even in these times of difficult political and fiscal issues, states can take concrete steps to support business owners and improve business friendliness.
Trains, brains, and sprains: railway spine and the origins of psychoneuroses.

Les etudes sur l'hysterie marquerent le debut de la psychanalyse qui contribua a comprendre les effets d'experiences traumatisantes qui provoquent des troubles neurologiques
Slipping Through the Cracks: Is Mental Illness Appropriately Identified Among Latino Offenders?

Among U.S. offenders, both ethnic minorities and persons with mental illness are overrepresented. In communities, ethnic minorities are less likely than European Americans to receive mental health ...
Compassion Fatigue and Burnout in Nursing: Enhancing Professional Quality of Life, by Vidette Todaro-Franceschi

Although all health professionals are under intense stress, nursing, with its core value of providing patient-centered compassionate care, leaves nurses particularly vulnerable to compassion fatigu...
Effect of Releases of Sterile Horn Flies into a Native Population of Horn Flies

When low numbers of Haematobia irritans (L.) irradiated with 137Cs were released into a native population in Brazos County, TX, they had no effect despite preliminary treatments with insecticide. However, larger releases caused a downward trend in reproduction and resulted in ca. 90% control during the latter part of the study.
Prerestorative bleaching: effect on microleakage of Class V cavities.

The effect of bleaching extracted teeth on the microleakage of subsequently placed Class V composite resin restorations was evaluated. Ten extracted premolars were stored in water at 37 degrees C to serve as controls. Ten premolars were exposed to a carbamide peroxide gel for three 2-hour periods per day for 9 days. These specimens were stored in water at 37 degrees C except during treatment periods. Class V cavity preparations were then placed at the cementoenamel junction of the facial and lingual surfaces of all teeth. Half of the teeth of each group were restored with Scotchbond 2/Silux Plus and half were restored with Prisma Universal Bond 3/AP.H. After 24 hours of storage in 37 degrees C water, the teeth were thermally stressed for 100 cycles. Microleakage was assessed by dye penetration. The results demonstrated that prerestorative bleaching did not affect the marginal seal of subsequently placed restorations.