cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Method for Comparative Analysis of Ribonucleic Acids Using Isotope Labeling and Mass Spectrometry

Here, we describe a method for the comparative analysis of ribonucleic acids (RNAs). This method allows sequence or modification information from a previously uncharacterized RNA to be obtained by direct comparison with a reference RNA, whose sequence or modification information is known. This simple and rapid method is enabled by the differential labeling of two RNA samples. One sample, the reference RNA, is labeled with (16)O during enzymatic digestion. The second sample, the candidate or unknown RNA, is labeled with (18)O. By combining the two digests, digestion products that share the same sequence or post-transcriptional modification(s) between the reference and candidate will appear as doublets separated by 2 Da. Sequence or modification differences between the two will generate singlets that can be further characterized to identify how the candidate sequence differs from the reference. We illustrate the application of this approach for sequencing individual RNAs and demonstrate how this method can be used to identify sequence-specific differences in RNA modification. This comparative analysis of RNA digests (CARD) approach is scalable to multiple candidate RNAs using one or multiple reference RNAs and is compatible with existing methods for quantitative analysis of RNAs.
Water-in-trichloroethylene emulsions stabilized by uniform carbon microspheres.

Uniform hard carbon spheres (HCS), synthesized by the hydrothermal decomposition of sucrose followed by pyrolysis, are effective at stabilizing water-in-trichloroethylene (TCE) emulsions. The irreversible adsorption of carbon particles at the TCE–water interface resulting in the formation of a monolayer around the water droplet in the emulsion phase is identified as the key reason for emulsion stability. Cryogenic scanning electron microscopy was used to image the assembly of carbon particles clearly at the TCE–water interface and the formation of bilayers in regions of droplet–droplet contact. The results of this study have potential implications to the subsurface injection of carbon submicrometer particles containing zero-valent iron nanoparticles to treat pools of chlorinated hydrocarbons that are sequestered in fractured bedrock.
Chylomicron Margination, Lipolysis, and Vitamin A Uptake in the Lactating Rat Mammary Gland: Implications for Milk Retinoid Content

We have reported previously that the concentration of vitamin A (VA) in the milk of lactating rats varies with dietary VA intake, even when plasma retinol concentration is unaffected. In the current study, we investigated the role of lipolysis in the uptake of chylomicron (CM) VA into mammary tissue of lactating rats and estimated the proportion of CM-VA that is associated with the mammary gland during CM clearance. Chylomicrons containing [(3)H]VA, mainly as retinyl esters, were prepared in donor rats and administered intravenously to lactating recipient rats. Chylomicron VA rapidly disappeared from plasma and appeared in mammary tissue (maximum within 2-3 mins), followed by a decline. Concomitantly, uptake by liver increased continuously, reaching a plateau within 20-30 mins. Active lipolysis in mammary tissue was necessary for rapid VA uptake, as significantly less CM-VA was recovered in mammary tissue of postlactating rats than of lactating rats, after heparin treatment in lactating rats, or after injection of preformed CM remnants in lactating rats. [(3)H]Vitamin A uptake by mammary tissue increased linearly with CM-VA dose over a 150-fold dose range (R(2) = 0.972, P = 0.0001), suggesting a high capacity for uptake and apparent first-order assimilation of CM-VA during CM remnant formation in situ. Model-based compartmental analysis using WinSAAM predicted that approximately 42% of CM-VA marginated, that is, were temporarily removed, from plasma to the mammary glands during lipolysis and that a total of 3.8% of CM-VA was transferred to mammary tissue. The model-predicted t(1/2) for CM remnants was 3.04 mins. The metabolism of CM-VA in the lactating mammary gland, in proportion to VA absorption and CM-VA contents, may explain how milk VA concentration varies even when plasma retinol levels are unchanged. The mechanism of CM margination and mammary gland uptake described here for VA may be similar for other lipophilic substances.
Grain Boundary Modelling and Correlation with Critical Current Densities in High-Tc Superconductors

Geometrical modelling of grain boundaries in 123-YBaCuO and 2223-TlBaCaCuO systems is carried out for several misorientat-ions. The a-b and the a-c type coincidence boundaries are analyzed to determine the fraction of Cu-O planes that are continuous and the excess charge present at the boundary voids. The interg-rain critical current density is determined as a function of the misorientation and the width of the boundary. The tunneling of superconductor pairs through the regions of distortions, giving rise to depression of the order parameter at the boundaries,is used to determine the critical current density in the weak coupling limit.
A plasma photonic crystal bandgap device

A fully tunable plasma photonic crystal is used to control the propagation of free space electromagnetic waves in the S to X bands of the microwave spectrum. An array of discharge plasma tubes forms a simple square crystal structure with the individual plasma dielectric constant tuned through variation in the plasma density. We show, through simulations and experiments, that transverse electric mode bandgaps exist, arising from the positive and negative dielectric constant regimes of the plasma, and that the respective bandgap frequencies can be shifted through changing the dielectric constant by varying discharge current density.
An Optimal Charging/Discharging Strategy for Electric Vehicle Battery Swapping Stations Based on Linear Optimization

The charging and discharging activities of electric vehicles(EV)can exert significant effects on the safety and economy of power system operation.This paper first compares and analyzes three most common EV battery charging modes. Then,based on the time-of-use(TOU)pricing mechanism,the operation and arbitration modes of electric vehicle battery swapping stations(EVBSS)are analyzed,and the benefit function of the EVBSS is proposed.Then,based on definite simplified on assumptions,taking the maximum operating income of EVBSS as the objective function,a linear programming model for EVBSS optimal charge/discharge strategy is established and solved.Finally,it is verified at two different energy pricings.Case study shows that the optimization model proposed is simple and effective.The work of this paper can help EVBSS operators gain maximum economic benefits and give evidence for grid management departments on EVBSS management and dispatching.
Tecumseh, The Shawnee Prophet, and American History: A Reassessment

High upon a granite pedestal overlooking "the Yard" at the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis stands a bronze statue of an Indian warrior. Midshipmen passing in and out of Bancroft Hall traditionally salute the statue before taking examinations in the hope that the renowned warrior's medicine will assist them during their tests. Most midshipmen, if asked whom the statue represents, will reply that it is a replica of Tecumseh, the famous war chief of the Shawnees. In reality, however, the statue was never intended to be Tecumseh. It represents Tamenend, a chief among the Delawares.' The midshipmen's incorrect identification of the bronze figure is not surprising, for Americans have long regarded Tecumseh as one of their foremost Indian heroes. He is one of the few militant Indian leaders who was almost universally praised by his white contemporaries. During the War of 1812 both British and American officers spoke highly of the Shawnee, and since his death his image has grown accordingly. Eulogized by historians, Tecumseh has achieved an almost legendary status. His biographers have presented an Indian of superhuman qualities; and Alvin M. Josephy, in his volume The Patriot Chiefs, entitles his chapter on the Shawnee as "Tecumseh: The Greatest Indian."'2
Racial and ethnic differences in ADHD and LD in young school-age children: parental reports in the National Health Interview Survey.

Objectives.Racial and ethnic disparities have been documented for many physical health outcomes in children. Less is known, however, about disparities in behavioral and learning disorders in children. This study uses data from a national health survey to examine racial and ethnic differences in identified attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and learning disability (LD).Methods.The 1997–2001 National Health Interview Surveys obtained information from parents about the health and sociodemographic characteristics of children. Using these data, prevalence rates of identified ADHD and/or LD were estimated for Hispanic, African American, and white children 6–11 years of age. Racial and ethnic differences in health conditions, income, and insurance coverage were examined as possible explanations for disparities in parental reports of ADHD and LD, as well as the use of any prescription medication among children with ADHD.Results.Hispanic and African American children, compared to white children, had p...
Health Literacy in Adolescents With Sickle Cell Disease.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate health literacy in a cohort of 75 adolescents with sickle cell disease (SCD). Design and Methods This cross-sectional, descriptive correlational study included assessment of demographic measures and appraisal of data resulting from completion of the REALM-Teen and Newest Vital Sign (NVS) instruments by 75 Black, non-Hispanic adolescents with SCD. Convenience sampling was utilized. Inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of one of the four primary genotypes of SCD and age 10–19 years. Results Thirty-seven males and 38 females were recruited for the study. Their mean age was 14.7 years (SD = 2.2; range 8.1). Their grade level ranged from 4 to 12 (mean 8.7; SD = 2.2). Scores on the REALM-Teen ranged from 12 to 66 (mean 53.7; SD = 12.8). Scores on the NVS ranged from 0 to 6 (mean 2.37; SD = 1.33). These health literacy scores were lower using both the REALM-Teen and the NVS instruments when compared to scores in all healthy adolescents and adults. Current grade level and health literacy scores showed a moderately high positive correlation ( r = 0.52, p r = 0.49, p r = 0.37, p Conclusions Health literacy in adolescents with SCD is suboptimal. Future research should include identifying facilitators and barriers to health literacy levels in a larger cohort of adolescents with SCD. Practice Implications Health literacy is a potential facilitator of successful health outcomes for all adolescents. This study lays a solid foundation for future adolescent health literacy initiatives.
Impact of Pre-Matriculation Instruction on Student Acculturation and First-Year Academic Performance in Medical School

The Texas A&M University Health Science Center College of Medicine recently implemented a pre-matriculation program (MedCamp) for a targeted group of first-year students. This pilot study was conducted to correlate the MedCamp experience with academic performance in the first-year biomedical science disciplines in gross anatomy, histology, physiology, biochemistry, and genetics. The academic performance of students who participated in MedCamp was compared with that of students who did not participate in MedCamp. The components of this 4-week MedCamp included activities geared toward preparing students for the rigor of the medical curriculum, social and professional expectations as medical students, and insight into areas for improvement. Twenty-four students participated in MedCamp. Students ranged in age from 21 to 51, with 10 females and 14 males that represented many ethnic groups, and had an average MCAT score of 29.17 and overall BCPM (biology, chemistry, physics, and math) GPA of 3.61. Quantitative analyses of overall performance in the first three basic science foundation blocks indicated that the MedCamp participants did not show a significant difference in performance when compared with their peers (two tailed t tests, α = 0.05). Qualitative results were positive from the participants, highlighting expectations, acculturation, mentorship, and professionalism.
Interactions with Search Systems

Information seeking is a fundamental human activity. In the modern world, it is frequently conducted through interactions with search systems. The retrieval and comprehension of information returned by these systems is a key part of decision making and action in a broad range of settings. Advances in data availability coupled with new interaction paradigms, and mobile and cloud computing capabilities, have created a broad range of new opportunities for information access and use. In this comprehensive book for professionals, researchers, and students involved in search system design and evaluation, search expert Ryen White discusses how search systems can capitalize on new capabilities and how next-generation systems must support higher order search activities such as task completion, learning, and decision making. He outlines the implications of these changes for the evolution of search evaluation, as well as challenges that extend beyond search systems in areas such as privacy and societal benefit.
Chapter 4 – Absorption of Aluminum from Antiperspirants and Vaccine Adjuvants

This review discusses the exposure to aluminum from antiperspirants and vaccine adjuvants and whether that exposure is likely to be a significant factor in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Information is given about the bioavailability, metabolism, and retention of aluminum from these sources and from other common sources of aluminum. Emphasis has been placed on research utilizing the radioisotope aluminum-26. From this information, general estimates are presented which compare the body’s exposure to aluminum and the aluminum load in the brain from antiperspirants and vaccine adjuvants to that originating from dietary sources of aluminum.
Location Choice of Asian Immigrants in the United States: Do Neighbor Effects Matter?

Spatial consideration has been neglected in the migration literature. This paper fills the gap by evaluating location choices of Asian immigrants in the United States in a spatial framework. New Asian immigrants from China, India, Japan, South Korea and the Philippines are examined using the American Community Survey (ACS) 1-year Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) data for the years spanning 2006 to 2011. Current activity in the United States and national origin are used to divide the immigrants into sub-groups for analysis. Neighbor states’ characteristics and spatial dependence (studied in spatial econometrics) are considered. No spatial dependence is detected, except for the Philippine immigrant group. Many immigrants consider not only a state’s characteristics but also its neighbor states’ characteristics. For some immigrant groups, neighbor states exert strong competing effects, while for other groups, neighbor states’ characteristics have complementary effects. In either case, to encourage or discourage certain immigration, state governments will need to consider not only their own conditions but also those of neighbor states, so that they can design and implement the most appropriate immigration policies.
Training Psychiatry Residents in Psychotherapy: The Role of Manualized Treatments

Evidence-based treatment and manualized psychotherapy have a recent but rich history. As interest and research have progressed, defining the role of treatment manuals in resident training and clinical practice has become more important. Although there is not a universal definition of treatment manual, most clinicians and researchers agree that treatment manuals are an essential piece of evidence-based therapy, and that despite several limitations, they offer advantages in training residents in psychotherapy. Requirements for resident training in psychotherapy have changed over the years, and treatment manuals offer a simple and straightforward way to meet training requirements. In a search limited to only depression, two treatment manuals emerged with the support of research regarding both clinical practice and resident training. In looking toward the future, it will be important for clinicians to remain updated on further advances in evidence based manualized treatment as a tool for training residents in psychotherapy, including recent developments in online and smartphone based treatments.
Formation of gas and wax-like products in oil impregnated paper systems under dielectric stress

The voltage endurance of liquid impregnated paper insulation is important in both test and service for high voltage equipment such as transformers, capacitors, and cable. It has been recognized for a long time that if electrical discharges occur, they may limit the life. Especially with cable, corona studies have been carried out for many years using both dielectric loss measurements (i. e., Schering Bridge) and several types of amplified band pass techniques for more direct measurement of corona pulses.
Toward a Holistic Theoretical Model of Momentum for Community College Student Success

In this chapter, I advance a new theoretical model of momentum for community college student success. I first offer a comprehensive review and critique of the academic momentum literature within the context of research on community college student outcomes, describing both conceptual perspectives and empirical studies in this vein, reviewing their strengths and limitations, and assessing their contributions to the knowledge base on community college student success. Based on this review, I argue that the notion of momentum from Newton’s classical mechanics holds great theoretical promise for further advancing the research on this important topic, but two key dimensions of momentum are missing from the current literature: teaching and learning within the community college classroom, as well as students’ motivational attributes and beliefs. The chapter culminates in a new holistic theoretical model of momentum for community college student success. By deeply situating students’ momentum within their course-taking trajectories and their experiences within courses, and by framing the cultivation of students’ attitudes and beliefs as a core part of building momentum, the new model accounts for a fuller and richer meaning of momentum and can be used to better inform research, policy, and practice aimed at fostering community college student success.
Structure-activity relationship studies of 1,7-diheteroarylhepta-1,4,6-trien-3-ones with two different terminal rings in prostate epithelial cell models

To systematically investigate the structure-activity relationships of 1,7-diheteroarylhepta-1,4,6-trien-3-ones in three human prostate cancer cell models and one human prostate non-neoplastic epithelial cell model, thirty five 1,7-diarylhepta-1,4,6-trien-3-ones with different terminal heteroaromatic rings have been designed for evaluation of their anti-proliferative potency in vitro. These target compounds have been successfully synthesized through two sequential Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons reactions starting from the appropriate aldehydes and tetraethyl (2-oxopropane-1,3-diyl)bis(phosphonate). Their anti-proliferative potency against PC-3, DU-145 and LNCaP human prostate cancer cell lines can be significantly enhanced by the manipulation of the terminal heteroaromatic rings, further demonstrating the utility of 1,7-diarylhepta-1,4,6-trien-3-one as a potential scaffold for the development of anti-prostate cancer agents. The optimal analog 40 is 82-, 67-, and 39-fold more potent than curcumin toward the three prostate cancer cell lines, respectively. The experimental data also reveal that the trienones with two different terminal aromatic rings possess greater potency toward three prostate cancer cell lines, but also have greater capability of suppressing the proliferation of PWR-1E benign human prostate epithelial cells, as compared to the corresponding counterparts with two identical terminal rings and curcumin. The terminal aromatic rings also affect the cell apoptosis perturbation.
Investigating willingness to save energy and communication about energy use in the American workplace with the attitude-behavior-context model

Abstract Drawing on the attitude-behavior-context model, this study examined how attitudinal factors (energy saving belief and belief about the link between comfort and productivity) and contextual factors (group norms and organizational support) were associated with 1) employees’ willingness to save energy in the workplace at some cost of comfort and 2) the perceived ease of communicating to co-workers about saving energy. Using qualitative and quantitative methods, we found that employees with a strong energy saving belief were willing to sacrifice some comfort to save energy. Likewise, employees who did not believe that comfort and productivity were negatively related expressed greater willingness to save energy, especially when they perceived organizational support. Meanwhile, positive group norms were related to perceived ease of communicating for employees with a strong energy saving belief. This study demonstrates the need to consider both attitudinal and contextual factors, including their interactions, when examining energy-saving behaviors and their communicational antecedents in the workplace.
Pulling Back the Curtain: Issues in Conducting an Intervention Study with Transition-Aged Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Families.

The transition from high school to adulthood is difficult for youth with autism spectrum disorder and their families. Recognizing these challenges, there is a small but emerging body of literature testing interventions to improve the transition process. But there are many challenges in performing intervention research that have yet to be fully addressed. We discuss issues that should be considered when conducting interventions with individuals with autism spectrum disorder to improve the transition to adulthood, drawing from our study of a parent training to facilitate access to adult services during the transition years. Issues covered include (1) timing (when is an intervention most effective?), (2) mode of delivery (what is the best way to present information?), (3) outcomes (how can intervention outcomes be accurately measured?), (4) target population (who is the intervention designed to help?), and (5) level of intervention (who should the intervention target?). Our answers, though preliminary, show the need to be flexible, to adopt a trial-and-error stance, and to listen to the needs-both explicit and implicit-of youth with autism spectrum disorder and their parents as they navigate the difficult transition from adolescence to adulthood.
Self-Construal, Social Support, and Loneliness in Japan

We examine the effects of self-construal and social support in friendships on loneliness using data from a random sample of residents in Tokyo, Japan. We find that the relationship between interdependent and independent self-construal is not orthogonal, as found by studies in the West, but moderately positive. Net of independence, interdependence significantly and positively predicts perceived social support, but not vice versa. By comparison, neither interdependence nor independence completely absorbs the protective effect of the other on loneliness. Our full models including other variables (e.g. gender, age, and extraversion personality) show that interdependence matters more in explaining perceived social support and loneliness. Moreover, perceived social support partially mediates the negative effect of interdependence on loneliness. We discuss implications of these and other related findings for future research on self-construal and subjective wellbeing across societies.
Analyzing Volatile Anesthetic Consumption by Auditing Fresh Gas Flow: An Observational Study at an Academic Hospital

Background In a climate of cost containment, it is critical to analyze and optimize all perioperative variable costs. Fresh gas flow is one important variable that determines utilization of inhalational agents and can be tightly controlled by the anesthesia provider. Manufacturers of inhalational agents have recommendations for minimum gas flow for their respective agents. Any gas flow above these recommendations is considered misuse and leads to unnecessary expense. The purpose of this study was to characterize and quantify the excess use of inhalational agents by analyzing fresh gas flow rates for long duration cases. Methods Over a span of three months, operating room records were analyzed for all procedures lasting greater than 4 hours. End tidal inhalation agent percentage for Sevoflurane and Isoflurane and fresh gas flows were analyzed. 303 unique patients with at least 4 hours of anesthesia time were included. Analysis excluded the first and last 30 minutes of all anesthetics to account for need for higher gas flows during induction/emergence of anesthesia. 152 patients received sevoflurane alone. 33 patients received isoflurane alone. 107 patients received both isoflurane and sevoflurane and were included in sevoflurane group given the higher gas flow needs of sevoflurane. 11 patients received neither agent and were excluded from analysis. We proceed with n = 292 unique patients. (259 in Sevo, 33 in iso) We used the two-sided one sample t-test setting 2 ml/min as the null for sevo and 1 ml/min as the null for iso; we ran analysis using a nonparametric test that didn't require the fresh gas flow to be normally distributed - the two-sided one-sample Wilcoxon rank-sum test: p value = < 0.0001. Results The results of our study revealed a sevoflurane (n = 259) mean fresh gas flow (L/min) 2.55 (95% CI, 2.45-2.66) - significantly different from null of 2 ml/min (p < 0.0001). Isoflurane (n = 33) mean fresh gas flows (L/min) 2.33 (95% CI, 2.00-2.66) - significantly different from null of 1 l/min (p < 0.0001). Conclusion Manufacturer recommendation for sevoflurane is to maintain gas flows 1-2 l/min and Isoflurane at above 1 l/min. Given these recommendations, the anesthesia providers delivered fresh gas flows at least 28% higher than necessary for sevoflurane and at least 130% greater than necessary for isoflurane anesthetics that lasted greater than 4 hours. This is an area where cost reduction can be readily achieved. Future plans to realize a reduction in inhalational agent utilization include education of the benefits of fresh gas flow and instituting a low fresh gas flow policy.
Red cell antigens and antibody

Abstract Blood group antigens are organized into systems, collections, low incidence antigens, and high incidence antigens. There are 328 antigen specificities, 284 of which belong to one of the 30 blood group systems. A blood group system is defined as one or more antigens controlled at a single gene locus or closely linked homologous genes. The remainder of the chapter will focus on the major clinically significant blood group systems.
A Numerical Investigation of the Pinning Phenomenon in Quasi-Periodic Frenkel Kontrova Model Under an External Force

We perform a numerical study on Frenkel–Kontrova (FK) models in quasi-periodic media subject to a constant external force. The quasi-periodic FK models appear in several physical problems such as deposition, spin waves in 1-D, planar dislocations in 3-D either in a quasi-crystal or on a cleaved surface with irrational slopes of a periodic crystal. The phenomenon that we study is pinning. When there is no force, the very homogeneous equilibria are abundant, but when there is a constant force, the uniformly distributed equilibrium states just slide away and the physically relevant equilibria are configurations with frequencies (inverse of densities in some interpretation) that are resonant with the frequencies of the medium. We use a dynamical interpretation of the equilibrium equation and perform a systematic Monte-Carlo exploration of the equilibria. We study the geometry and quantitative properties of the equilibria after the application of a constant external force. This leads to several quantitative regularities on the abundance and geometric properties of the pinned states in the models we consider. This complements recent qualitative studies.
2017 Bessemer lecture: progress in steel product research to advance the industry and society*

Steel development has been ongoing for generations and has enabled steel to play an important role in modern society. We might consider that metallurgists are often unsung heroes of this progress w...
Reconstruction of the Human Persona in 3D from Voice, and its Reverse

It seems magical that we are at a point in time where it is possible to discuss the subject of accurate, in-vacuo generation of a three dimensional image of the human form from the voice signal alone. From the discussion in this book so far, it should be evident that both direct and indirect relationships exist between voice and the human form. For example, voice can be indirectly related to bone structure. It can also at the same time be directly related to the person’s height, weight, age, gender and many other factors. These relationships can be transformed into predictive mechanisms. From predictions of the body dimensions and the weight, the person’s body mass index may be deduced; from predictions of the skull type, and the length of the vocal tract, the person’s likely skeletal proportions can be deduced.
Publication and evaluation challenges in games & interactive media

Faculty in the fields of games and interactive media face significant challenges in publishing and documenting their scholarly work for evaluation in the tenure and promotion process. These challenges include selecting appropriate publication venues and assigning authorship for works spanning multiple disciplines; archiving and accurately citing collaborative digital projects; and redefining "peer review," impact, and dissemination in the context of creative digital works. In this paper I describe many of these challenges, and suggest several potential solutions.
Wading Through the Predators: Electronic Resources to Identify Unscrupulous Publishers

Loosely defined, predatory publishing is the practice of unscrupulous publishers who exploit writers and use aggressive and dubious practices for financial gain. Libraries are starting to employ me...
Exercise training upregulates Nrf2 protein in the rostral ventrolateral medulla of mice with heart failure.

This study provide evidence for an important role for exercise training in the modulation of antioxidant enzyme production in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) in the heart failure state. We...
Myocardial Deformation as a Predictor of Right Ventricular Pacing Induced Cardiomyopathy in the Pediatric Population

Introduction Right ventricular pacing is associated with pacemaker induced cardiomyopathy and lesser degrees of pacing-induced LV dysfunction (PIVD) manifested by a reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Our objective was to determine whether apical 4 chamber strain (A4C) by echocardiography can identify patients at risk of PIVD before LVEF declines. Methods and results A retrospective chart review of patients (0-21 years) who had a pacemaker with a ventricular lead placed between 2011 and 2017 was performed. Patients were divided into group A (LVEF 10% decline in LVEF within 12 months of pacemaker placement) and group B. Data have collected before and 1 and 12 months postpacemaker implantation. There were 30 patients in the group A and 60 in group B. At 1 and 12 months postpacemaker implantation, the LVEF was significantly lower while the A4C and QRS duration on electrocardiogram were significantly higher in the group A. While the LVEF and A4C became markedly abnormal in group A as early as 1 month, the A4C did not seem to demonstrate such marked abnormalities in group B. However, a sub-analysis of patients in the group A with preserved LVEF at 1 month demonstrated significant worsening in their A4C at that time. Conclusion Myocardial deformation imaging may be a clinically useful tool for the prediction of a decline in LV systolic function following pacemaker implantation. Abnormalities in A4C seem to appear before LVEF decline and as soon as 1-month postpacemaker implantation.
Response to Geoffrey Neuss on how to teach the 4s and 3d orbital conundrum

In the accompanying article in this issue Neuss challenges the explanation that was first suggested by Schwarz for how to teach the relative occupation and ionization of atomic orbitals in the atoms of metals in the first transition series. The present article is a response to Neuss’ critique which includes a detailed examination of his claim that there is no conclusive evidence for the view that the scandium and other first transition metal atoms lose 4s electrons in preference to those located in 3d orbitals.
Oligoclonal CD8+ cells in the kidney mediate experimental hypertension (1074.5)

We have shown that T cells are involved in the genesis of hypertension, but the subset(s) involved have not been defined. T cell activation involves clonal expansion of cells with unique T cell rec...
Non-darcy flow behavior mean high-flux injection wells in porous and fractured formations

This paper presents a study of non-Darcy fluid flow through porous and fractured rock, which may occur near wells during high-flux injection of waste fluids into underground formations. Both numerical and analytical models are used in this study. General non-Darcy flow is described using the Forchheimer equation, implemented in a three-dimensional, multiphase flow reservoir simulator. The non-Darcy flow through a fractured reservoir is handled using a general dual continuum approach, covering commonly used conceptual models, such as double porosity, dual permeability, explicit fracture, etc. Under single-phase flow conditions, an approximate analytical solution, as an extension of the Warren-Root solution, is discussed. The objectives of this study are (1) to obtain insights into the effect of non-Darcy flow on transient pressure behavior through porous and fractured reservoirs and (2) to provide type curves for well test analyses of non-Darcy flow wells. The type curves generated include various types of drawdown, injection, and buildup tests with non-Darcy flow occurring in porous and fractured reservoirs. In addition, non-Darcy flow into partially penetrating wells is also considered. The transient-pressure type curves for flow in fractured reservoirs are based on the double-porosity model. Type curves provided in this work for non-Darcy flow in porous andmore » fractured reservoirs will find their applications in well test interpretation using a type-curve matching technique.« less
Learning fault diagnosis heuristics from device descriptions

This chapter describes a technique for the construction of the knowledge base of a diagnostic expert system. Diagnosis heuristics (i.e., efficient rules that encode empirical associations between atypical device behavior and device failures) are learned from information implicit in device models. This approach is desirable since less effort is required to obtain information about device functionality and connectivity to define device models than to encode and debug diagnosis heuristics provided by a domain expert. This approach to learning integrates failure-driven learning and explanation-based learning.
Heuristics and biases in diagnostic reasoning: II. Congruence, information, and certainty☆

Six experiments were carried out to examine possible heuristics and biases in the evaluation of yes-or-no questions for the purpose of hypothesis testing. In some experiments, the prior probability of the hypotheses and the conditional probabilities of the answers given each hypothesis were elicited from the subjects; in other experiments, they were provided. We found the following biases (systematic departures from a normative model), and interviews and justifications suggested that each was the result of a corresponding heuristic: Congruence bias. Subjects overvalued questions that have a high probability of a positive result given the most likely hypothesis. This bias was apparently reduced when alternative hypotheses or probabilities of negative results are explicitly stated. Information bias. Subjects evaluated questions as worth asking even when there is no answer that can change the hypothesis that will be accepted as a basis for action. Certainty bias. Subjects overvalued questions that have the potential to establish, or rule out, one or more hypotheses with 100% probability. These heuristics are explained in terms of the idea that people fail to consider certain arguments against the use of questions that seem initially worth asking, specifically, that a question may not distinguish likely hypotheses or that no answer can change the hypothesis accepted as a basis for action.
RCM‐E simulation of substorm growth phase arc associated with large‐scale adiabatic convection

[1] Substorm auroral breakup often occurs on a longitudinally elongated arc at the end of a growth phase. We present an idealized high-resolution simulation with the Rice Convection Model-Equilibrium (RCM-E) to investigate how large-scale adiabatic convection under equilibrium conditions can give rise to an auroral arc. We find that a thin arc that maps to the magnetic transition region at r ~ 8 RE emerges in the late growth phase. The simulation implies that the arc in the premidnight sector is associated with a sheet of additional region 1 sense field-aligned current (FAC) just poleward of the main region 2 FAC, while the arc in the postmidnight sector is associated with the poleward portion of the main upward region 2 FAC. Explanations for the location and the thickness of the arc are proposed, based on the simulation.
Elimination of the Fast Transient in Superior Cervical Ganglion Neurons with Expression of KV4.2W362F: Molecular Dissection ofIA

Electrophysiological and molecular studies have revealed considerable heterogeneity in voltage-gated K + currents and in the subunits that underlie these channels in mammalian neurons. At present, however, the relationship between native K + currents and cloned subunits is poorly understood. In the experiments here, a molecular genetic approach was exploited to define the molecular correlate of the fast transient outward K + current, I Af , in sympathetic neurons and to explore the functional role of I Af in shaping action potential waveforms and controlling repetitive firing patterns. Using the biolistic gene gun, cDNAs encoding a dominant negative mutant Kv4.2 α-subunit (Kv4.2W362F) and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) were introduced into rat sympathetic neurons in vitro . Whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings obtained from EGFP-positive cells revealed that I Af is selectively eliminated in cells expressing Kv4.2W362F, demonstrating that Kv4 α-subunits underlie I Af in sympathetic neurons. In addition, I Af density is increased significantly in cells overexpressing wild-type Kv4.2. In cells expressing Kv4.2W362F, input resistances are increased and (current) thresholds for action potential generation are decreased, demonstrating that I Af plays a pivotal role in regulating excitability. Expression of Kv4.2W362F and elimination of I Af also alters the distribution of repetitive firing patterns observed in response to a prolonged injection of depolarizing current. The wild-type superior cervical ganglion is composed of phasic, adapting, and tonic firing neurons. Elimination of I Af increases the percentage of adapting cells by shifting phasic cells to the adapting firing pattern, and increased I Af density reduces the number of adapting cells.
Metamorphic fluids in the deep crust: evidence from the Adirondacks

Unusual mineral assemblages of tremolitic hornblende + diopside+enstatite+quartz have been examined to estimate the temperature (T) and water fugacity ( ) at the time of the granulite fades metamorphism in the Adirondacks. The pyroxenes are closely represented by the system CaO–MgO–SiO2 allowing application of experimental data1 with only small corrections for reduced values of activities. Tremolite equilibria2 buffered log = 3.0±0.1, equivalent to 0.9 kbar of water pressure ( ) at 7 kbar, 710 °C. Nearby marbles contain wollastonite+calcite+quartz and buffered = 1.1 kbar, consistent with ⩽5.9 kbar. Inferred local gradients in fluid compositions suggest that deep crustal fluid conditions are complex and heterogeneous indicating that fluid movements, whether of mantle3 or deep crustal origin, are channelized rather than pervasive. Thus some granulite facies rocks were wholly or partly closed systems with respect to externally derived fluids permitting localized buffering of fluid compositions. Recognition of restricted fluid-mixing limits theories that call for massive amounts of pervasive fluid flow to facilitate melting, cause metasomatism, or to stabilize granulite facies mineralogy.
α-MSH and MIF-I effects on serotonin levels and accumulation in various rat brain areas

Levels as well as accumulation of serotonin (5-HT) were measured in various brain regions of the rat after administration of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) and Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2 (MIF-I). The method used in determining the serotonin measured both 5-OH-tryptamine (5-HT) and 5-methoxytryptamine (5-MT). No statistically significant changes in levels or accumulation of serotonin after pargyline injection were found when unoperated control rats were treated with either MSH or MIF-I. Similar treatment of hypophysectomized rats indicated that both peptides significantly (p less than 0.05) lowered serotonin accumulation only in the area of the frontal cortex; a similar but smaller, not statistically significant, decrease was seen in the hypothalamus and hippocampus of the hypophysectomized rat. Since only hypophysectomized rats were affected, no correlation between the behavioral effects of these peptides (which has been found to occur in both unoperated and hypophysectomized rats) and the biochemical changes could be made.
Corrosion and Wear Resistance of Electroplating Trivalent Chromium-Carbon Coating

A decorative and high hardness chromium-carbon coating, electrodeposited with a trivalent chromium sulfate electrolyte, could improve the environment pollutions and toxicity of hexavalent chromium system. The trivalent chromium-carbon coatings can be deposited onto substrates directly without any buffer layer. The lifetime of various mechanical parts can be improved due to their high hardness and excellent corrosion resistance. The effect of different concentration of main salt on the composition, hardness, corrosion resistance, coefficient of friction and wear resistance of the coatings were investigated. The SEM observation of surface morphology showed that the appropriate concentration of main salt can diminish the defects caused by internal stress under excessive content, As increasing the concentration of main salt from 0.05M to 0.2M, the Icorr of the coatings would be raised from 1.04×10-6 A/cm2 to 1.26×10-5 A/cm2. XRD results showed that the structure of the coatings prepared by at 0.1 M main salt with a heat treatment at 400 °C for 1 h had Cr7C3 and Cr23C6 phases appeared as well as the hardness of that enhanced up to 1350 Hv than 880 Hv of the as-deposited coatings. Wear test results showed that the coatings prepared by at 0.1 M main salt via a heat treatment of 400 °C had the better wear resistance.
Extending generalized quadrangles

Abstract Extended generalized quadrangles (EGQ) are the geometries associated with the Buekenhout diagram , where is the diagram for generalized quadrangles. In this paper we survey the two cases where an (EGQ) is either a 2-design or a locally polar space of polar rank 2.
Pulsed laser deposition of hydroxyapatite thin films on Ti–6Al–4V: Effect of heat treatment on structure and properties

Abstract Hydroxyapatite (HA) is an attractive biomaterial that has been widely used as a coating for dental and orthopedic metal implants. In this work, HA coatings were deposited on Ti–6Al–4V substrates by laser ablation of HA targets with a KrF excimer laser. Deposition was performed at ambient temperature under different working pressures that varied from 10 −4 to 10 −1 torr of oxygen. The as-deposited films were amorphous. They were annealed at 290–310 °C in ambient air in order to restore the crystalline structure of HA. The coatings morphology, composition and structure were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques. Mechanical and adhesive properties were examined using nanoindentation and scratch tests, respectively. The stability of the HA coatings was tested under simulated physiological conditions. This study reveals that the combination of pulsed laser deposition and post-deposition annealing at 300 °C have the potential to produce pure, adherent, crystalline HA coatings, which show no dissolution in a simulated body fluid.
Ingestion of tall larkspur by cattle : Separating effects of flavor from postingestive consequences.

Tall larkspur (Delphinium spp.) is a palatable but toxic poisonous plant in the western United States. The toxins in tall larkspur are diterpenoid alkaloids. We examined the influences of food flavor and postingestive consequences on consumption of a 33% larkspur pellet during 30-min feeding periods for five days using esophageally fistulated cattle that were sham-fed larkspur pellets. Consumption by the sham-fed group was compared to a control group fed alfalfa pellets, and a larkspur group fed only larkspur pellets. Sham-fed cattle did not decrease (P > 0.1) feed consumption compared to controls, indicating no significant difference in food flavor. The larkspur group decreased (P < 0.05) feed consumption by 41% relative to controls and by 31% relative to sham-fed animals (P = 0.08). This reduction in feed consumption indicates the adverse postingestive consequences of tall larkspur ingestion, as the larkspur group apparently developed a conditioned taste aversion to the larkspur pellet. Even though these animals were averted to the pellets, they showed none of the classical signs of intoxication from ingestion of tall larkspur.
Sexual Abuse of Individuals with Disabilities: Prevention Strategies for Clinical Practice

Sexual abuse of individuals with disabilities occurs in alarming proportions, although the prevalence and incidence of such abuse is difficult to determine. Although all states maintain statistics on child sexual abuse, the rate of victimization for individuals with disabilities is not specific. This paper reviews several studies conducted on sexual abuse of individuals with disabilities with a focus on clinical prevention strategies. Recommendations for future directions in prevention and research are provided.
DIRECT EXTERIOR ORIENTATION OF AIRBORNE IMAGERY WITH GPS/INS SYSTEM: PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS.

Integrating the Global Positioning System (GPS) with an Inertial Navigation System (INS) allows for direct image georeferencing, offering a possibility of relaxing the demand for aerial triangulation (AT) in airborne surveying/mapping. The performance of the prototype of the Airborne Integrated Mapping System (AIMS™), based on GPS/INS/CCD (charge-coupled device) integration, developed by The Ohio State University Center for Mapping, is investigated in this paper. A brief description of the essential features of the integrated system and its practical implementation is presented. The performance of AIMS™ is primarily assessed based on the photogrammetric processing of 1:6,000 large-scale aerial imagery considered as a truth reference. An accuracy analysis and discussion of the impact of direct orientation and the multi-sensor system calibration on the photogrammetric data extraction process are also addressed.