cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PCR analysis of insertion site specificity, transcription, and structural uniformity of the Lepidopteran transposable element IFP2 in the TN-368 cell genome

The IFP2 element is a unique Lepidopteran transposon that has been associated with spontaneous Baculovirus mutants isolated following passage of the virus in the TN-368 cell line. Independent genomic representatives of IFP2 from TN-368 cells show little sequence divergence, suggesting that IFP2 was recently introduced into this genome and is highly stable. IFP2 is inserted within AT-rich regions of the TN-368 genome and targets TTAA sites. The specificity for TTAA target sites during transposition is not limited to the movement of IFP2 during an active Baculovirus infection, but is a property of its movement in uninfected cells as well. The exact origin of IFP2 remains obscure since it is found in two independently established Trichoplusia ni cell lines but not in three others, and we have not yet identified any IFP2 sequences in either field collected larvae or laboratory colonies.
Color vision and visual sensitivity in the California ground squirrel (Citellus beecheyi).

Abstract Behavioral measurements of visual sensitivity and color vision were made on a common species of North American ground squirrel ( Citellus beecheyi ) whose retina contains only cone receptors. Several features of visual capacity were assessed: spectral sensitivity (including measures that could reveal the occurrence of a Purkinje shift), tests for the presence of a spectral neutral point, and tests for points of chromaticity confusion. The results indicate that: (a) the spectral sensitivity function peaks at 520 nm in this species and varies somewhat in shape under different conditions of adaptation; (b) no Purkinje shift can be seen; (c) each animal has a distinct neutral point in the region of 505 nm (d) the copunctal point for the California ground squirrel ( C. beecheyi ) is similar to the copunctal point reported for human protanopes. The results were found to agree closely with results obtained previously from two other species of ground squirrels.
The t1 absorption and phosphorescence spectra of α-phase and γ-phase p-dichlorobenzene crystals

Abstract The T 1 absorption and emission spectra of the recently discovered α-phase of p -dichlorobenzene are presented and analyzed. New high resolution spectra of the α-phase are also reported and the analysis of the T 1 absorption spectrum is revised in light of results for the γ-phase. The frequency of the b 2g mode, involving out-of-plane chlorine motions, is found to drop by 210 cm −1 upon excitation and, as a result, it is active as a progression-forming mode in both the absorption and emission spectra. Its activity, relative :othe a g modes, is quite different in the two phases of p -dichlorobenzene and is not the same in the absorption and emission spectra. The high resolution phosphorescence spectrum of the α-phase shows detailed fine structure due to both multiple site emission and to splittings of some of the ground state vibrational levels.
Alpha Induced Upsets in Josephson Tunnel Junctions

The bias current dependence of the alpha induced upset rate has been investigated for a number of Nb-amorphous Si-Nb Josephson junctions. An upset occurs when an alpha particle is able to normalize a sufficiently large part of a junction's area so that after the current has redistributed, the critical current density is exceeded in the remainder of the junction. A one-parameter model has been developed, and it has been found to give reasonably good fits to the bias dependence of the upset rate for a number of devices. The model takes into account the angle of incidence of the alpha particles and the rate at which the particles deposit energy in the device. The one "free parameter" is the constant of proportionality between the area of the normalized region and the rate of energy loss experienced by the alpha particle. When calculating the upset rate, it is necessary to count those alpha particles which pass near enough to the junction to normalize a sufficiently large portion of the junction' s area as well as those which pass directly through the junction's physical area.
Histopathologic characteristics of therapy-associated cutaneous neoplasms with vemurafenib, a selective BRAF kinase inhibitor, used in the treatment of melanoma.

Background Activating mutations in BRAF have been observed in up to 60% of melanomas, indicating a pivotal role for kinase deregulation in tumor progression. Vemurafenib is a specific inhibitor of BRAF for treatment of melanomas with activating BRAF V600E mutations and has been a major advancement in melanoma treatment. Treatment with vemurafenib, and to a lesser extent, sorafenib, a relatively non-specific inhibitor of BRAF, has been associated with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Methods Clinical and microscopic characteristics of cutaneous neoplasms were evaluated following vemurafenib administration. Results Twenty-four of 47 (51%) patients receiving vemurafenib at our institution developed 146 total cutaneous neoplasms, with 75% developing multiple lesions. The median number of lesions in affected patients was three. Body distribution included head/neck (29%), chest/back (21%), upper (23%) and lower extremities (27%). Lesions were biopsied and pathologically showed multiple types of epidermal tumors including, but not limited to, verrucous keratoses with/without partial thickness dysplasia, actinic keratoses and well-differentiated and invasive SCCs with/without keratoacanthomatous features. Conclusions We describe the histopathologic findings of skin lesions potentially associated with vemurafenib. Additional investigation is necessary to further elucidate cutaneous neoplasms associated with vemurafenib; however, frequent dermatologic evaluation is warranted in all patients receiving BRAF inhibitors.
Studies in radiation‐induced polymerization of vinyl monomers at high dose rates. II. Methyl methacrylate

The radiation-induced polymerization of methyl methacrylate was investigated with radiation sources of cobalt-60 and accelerated electrons at dose rates up to 3 Mrads/sec. Extrapolation of previous rates of polymerization at dose rates of 0.01-200 rads/ sec coincided with the present results, the rates being approximately proportioral to the square root of the dose rate throughout the entire set of dose rates measured. The molecular weights seemed to be independent of dose rate at the highest dose rates investigated. A combination of high polymer with a much higher molecular weight thsn expected was formed, together with a substant ial portion of low molecular weight polymer. The reason for this behavior is not clear at this time. The G(M-) calculated from the molecular weights and fraction of polymer and resin was 6.0, which approaches that reported in previous investigations at low dose rates. There was no significant effect of air on the polymerization kinetics of methyl methacrylate at above 1 Mrad/sec. Nitrogen also did not influence the measured rates. Conversions to polymer were not substantially reduced by the presence of inhibitor at above 1.26 x 10/sup 5/ rads/sec. Water did not influence the rates of polymerization, except at the highest temperature (50more » deg C) investigated. A large posteffect was observed in sealed degassed ampoules after 25% conversion to polymer. Only 3.4% additional polymer was formed in 24 hr after irradiation in the presence of air. The activation energy for the electron beam polymerization of methyl methacrylate was about 7.0 kcal/ mole. This value, considering the complications in technique such as beam heating, did not differ from literature data enough to suggest any mechanistic difference in the polymerization at high dose rates. (auth)« less
Population Properties of Self-Avoiding Polymer Chain Models of Chromosomes in a Confined Space of Nucleus

Global architecture of cell nucleus and the spatial organization of chromatin play important roles in gene expression and nuclear function. Single-cell imaging and chromosome conformation capture-based techniques provide information on chromosome conformations and their spatial organizations. Here we propose a polymer model to study the higher order chromatin organization in the nucleus. This model is based on generating self-avoiding chains with appropriate diameters of chromatin fiber in a confined space where the excluded volume effect is taken into consideration. using a sequential importance sampling technique, we are able to generate 10,000 independent conformations explicitly and study their statistical properties, such as spatial distance vs. genomic length relationship and loop forming probability. This model can capture many scaling properties of chromatin folding reported experimentally and can also explain many biological properties of chromatin fibers.
On the Determination of β-Aryl Ether Units in Wood Lignin by an Ozonation Method

The determination of lignin structures by ozonation is rather unique and unlike other analytical techniques is based largely on the formation of side-chain oxidation products. Also, it can readily reveal the proportion of the two stereoisomers of β-aryl ether structures from the yields of erythronic (E) and threonic (T) acids. We have observed that the relative yields of these two acids vary significantly depending on how they are determined. For example, the E/T ratio of these two tetronic acids from the ozonation of spruce wood lignin in situ varies from 1.10 to 1.57 based on their analysis as the free acid and lactone derivatives, respectively. Thus, the work-up procedure of the reaction products is very important to the ozonation technique.
Hydraulic fracturing in situ stress measurements to 2.1 km depth at Cajon Pass, California

Stress measurements to 2.1 km reveal stress changes with depth that cannot be explained by an elastic response to uniform crustal strain. The data at about 1 km depth suggest that the stress is limited by the frictional strength of rock and is perturbed at greater depths by faults which intersect the borehole. The stress data indicate that there is little or no right-lateral shear stress acting on planes parallel to the San Andreas fault.
High protein diets are associated with increased bacterial translocation in septic guinea pigs

During sepsis, body protein stores are decreased due to an increase in protein catabolism. The utilization of nutritional support with high-protein diets has been used as a solution to the problem of sepsis-induced protein loss. Work from our laboratory, however, has shown that diets low in protein (5% of total calories) improve survival in septic animals as compared to high protein (20%) diets. The present study investigated the relationship between low-protein diets and improved survival by determining whether septic animals receiving high-protein diets have increased bacterial translocation. Sepsis was induced in guinea pigs by the implantation of an osmotic minipump into the peritoneal cavity containing an equal mixture of Escherichia coli (10(8)) and Staphylococcus aureus (10(8)) or saline. On Day 3 postlaparotomy, the animals were randomized to one of four groups. The groups consisted of septic and nonseptic animals that received a diet with 5 or 20% of total calories as protein. Following 4 days of diet all animals received an instillation of 14C labeled E. coli (10(10)). Four hours later the animals were sacrificed and blood, mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen, lungs, and liver were removed for determination of radionuclide counts. Results indicated that the septic animals that received the high protein diet had more bacterial translocation, as indexed by higher radionuclide counts in the MLN, liver, lung and blood. These findings suggest that a low protein, enterally fed diet may improve survival in septic patients by decreasing the incidence of bacterial translocation.
The Cumulative Impact of Cloud Droplet Nucleating Aerosols on Orographic Snowfall in Colorado

Abstract Hygroscopic pollution aerosols have the potential to alter winter orographic snowfall totals and spatial distributions by modification of high-elevation supercooled orographic clouds and the riming process. The authors investigate the cumulative effect of varying the concentrations of hygroscopic aerosols during January–February for four recent winter snowfall seasons over the high terrain of Colorado. Version 6.0 of the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (RAMS) is used to determine the particular mountain ranges and seasonal conditions that are most susceptible. Multiple winter seasonal simulations are run at both 3- and 1-km horizontal grid spacing with varying aerosol vertical profiles. Model-predicted snowfall accumulation trends are compared with automated snow water equivalent observations at high-elevation sites. An increase in aerosol concentration leads to reduced riming of cloud water by ice particles within supercooled, liquid orographic clouds, thus leading to lighter rimed hydromet...
Analysis of the Planning of Neighborhood Communication Space in the Livable Community

Neighborhood communication space is the basic and indispensable place of information exchange and emotional communication for the residents. Good neighborhood communication space can enhance the sense of identity and intimacy among the residents which is significant to create a livable community. This paper hopes to make some useful explorations of the planning of livable community by analyzing the neighborhood communication space in the modern livable community.
Evidence of robust coupling of atrioventricular mechanical function of the right side of the heart: insights from M-mode analysis of annular motion.

Background Extensive data exist regarding annular descent and ventricular function. We have already demonstrated significant differences in amplitude and timing of events between maximal mitral (MAPSE) and tricuspid (TAPSE) annular plane systolic excursion as well as described quantitative temporal differences in annular ascent (AA) between the right and left sides of the heart. However, whether any relationship exists between annular ascent and descent components remains uninvestigated. Methods Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), right ventricular fractional area change (RVFAC), MAPSE, TAPSE, MV, and TV AA as well as pulsed tissue Doppler of the lateral MV and TV annuli were recorded from 53 patients. Results In this population (age 55 +/- 17 years) mean LVEF was 55 +/- 19%, mean RVFAC was 47 +/- 20%, mean MAPSE was 2.11 +/- 0.72 cm, mean TAPSE was 1.48 +/- 0.44 cm, mean MV AA was 0.52 +/- 0.17 cm, TV AA was 0.96 +/- 0.47, MV A-wave 0.10 +/- 0.04 cm/s, and TV A-wave was 0.13 +/- 0.05 cm/s. A more robust correlation was seen between TV AA and RVFAC than between MV AA and LVEF and also between TV AA and pulsed TDI TV A-wave velocity than between MV AA and pulsed TDI MV A-wave. Conclusion Our data reveal that mechanical systolic functions of the atria and the ventricles are more closely coupled on the right than on the left side of the heart. Whether this is a result of anatomic linking or chamber geometry will require further study.
FMRI group analysis combining effect estimates and their variances

Conventional functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI) group analysis makes two key assumptions that are not always justified. First, the data from each subject is condensed into a single number per voxel, under the assumption that within-subject variance for the effect of interest is the same across all subjects or is negligible relative to the cross-subject variance. Second, it is assumed that all data values are drawn from the same Gaussian distribution with no outliers. We propose an approach that does not make such strong assumptions, and present a computationally efficient frequentist approach to FMRI group analysis, which we term mixed-effects multilevel analysis (MEMA), that incorporates both the variability across subjects and the precision estimate of each effect of interest from individual subject analyses. On average, the more accurate tests result in higher statistical power, especially when conventional variance assumptions do not hold, or in the presence of outliers. In addition, various heterogeneity measures are available with MEMA that may assist the investigator in further improving the modeling. Our method allows group effect t-tests and comparisons among conditions and among groups. In addition, it has the capability to incorporate subject-specific covariates such as age, IQ, or behavioral data. Simulations were performed to illustrate power comparisons and the capability of controlling type I errors among various significance testing methods, and the results indicated that the testing statistic we adopted struck a good balance between power gain and type I error control. Our approach is instantiated in an open-source, freely distributed program that may be used on any dataset stored in the universal neuroimaging file transfer (NIfTI) format. To date, the main impediment for more accurate testing that incorporates both within- and cross-subject variability has been the high computational cost. Our efficient implementation makes this approach practical. We recommend its use in lieu of the less accurate approach in the conventional group analysis.
Enhanced Dynamic Holography in Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Devices

We describe dynamic holographic coupling in a hybridized photorefractive device. Ferroelectric nanoparticles incorporated in hybrids, resulted in improved coupling efficiency. Nanoparticles fabrication and characterization will be discussed, including techniques to separate strong and weak dipoles.
Wavelet image processing: assessment of spatial and spectral resolution of Landsat images

Wavelet image processing of Landsat images has been successfully used for surveillance of deforestation and crop detection. However, boundaries between classes or differentiation between similar crops remain difficult problems. High spatial resolution has ben successfully achieved by a number of diverse approaches. High spectral resolution, especially between homogeneous area, should similarly be achievable. Spatial resolution at boundaries and spectral resolution between homogeneous regions remain ongoing challenges and will be specifically addressed in this paper.
Effects of oral electrolyte supplementation on endurance horses competing in 80 km rides.

Summary Reasons for performing study: There is no evidence that use of oral electrolyte pastes enhances performance in competing endurance horses. Objective: To ascertain whether oral administration of a high dose (HD) of sodium chloride (NaCl) and potassium chloride (KCl) to endurance horses would differentially increase water intake, attenuate bodyweight (bwt) loss and improve performance when compared to a low dose (LD). Methods: A randomised, blinded, crossover study was conducted on 8 horses participating in two 80 km rides (same course, 28 days apart). Thirty minutes before and at 40 km of the first ride 4, horses received orally 0.2 g NaCl/kg bwt and 0.07 g KCl/kg bwt. The other 4 received 0.07 g NaCl/kg bwt and 0.02 g KCl/kg bwt. Horses received the alternate treatment in the second ride. Data were analysed with 2-way ANOVA for repeated measures (P<0.05). Results: Estimated water intake was significantly greater with HD both at the 40 km mark and as total water intake; however, differences in bwt loss and speed between HD and LD were not found. Treatment significantly affected serum Na+, Cl−, HCO3, pH and water intake, but not serum K+ or bwt. Serum Na+ and Cl− were significantly higher at 80 km when horses received HD, but no differences were found in early recovery. Venous HCO3 and pH were significantly lower throughout the ride and in early recovery when horses received HD. Conclusions and potential relevance: Other than enhancing water intake, supplementing endurance horses with high doses of NaCl and KCl did not provide any detectable competitive advantage in 80 km rides. Further, the elevated serum electrolyte concentrations induced with HD might not be appropriate for endurance horses.
Electromagnetic localization and photonics

We show that characteristics of localized waves in nonabsorbing media, such as narrow resonances, giant transmission fluctuations, strong spatial correlation, and extreme sensitivity to variations in the dielectric function of the medium, may make possible a new class of compact filters, transducers, and switches. Precursors of these effects are observed in microwave propagation through random mixtures of metallic and dielectric spheres.
Enhancing Older Adult Eyewitness Memory with the Cognitive Interview

Thirty older (m age=71.73 years) and 20 young adults (m age=21.60 years) viewed a videotape of a simulated crime and were then interviewed with either a Cognitive Interview (CI) or a standard police interview (SI). The older participants were interviewed with either an SI, CI, or CI that was modified for older people (CI–M). No differences were found between the CI and CI–M. The CI elicited more information than the SI, without a reduction in accuracy rate. Moreover, the advantage of the CI over the SI was greater for the older than for the young participants. There were no overall age-related differences. Results are discussed in terms of performance of older witnesses and implications for understanding how the CI functions.
Q-Tip: Empirical Evaluation of Hand Hygiene Compliance:

The online version of this article can be found at:€DOI: 10.1177/1062860612464733American Journal of Medical Quality 2013 28: 81 originally published online 15 November 2012Venkateswaran, Consuelo Arellano and Lukasz M. MazurAkshay Venkitasubramanian, Jamie Yannayon, Bomin Kim, Devin Donahue, George A. Koromia, Niyati Doshi, Aravind
VAN DER WAALS INTERACTION OF FINITE METALLIC SYSTEMS : A STUDY OF CLUSTER-ATOM SCATTERING

Absolute integral cross sections for elastic collisions of neutral sodium clusters ${\mathrm{Na}}_{\mathit{n}}$ (n=2--20) with sodium atoms have been measured and the van der Waals interaction constants determined. The center-of-mass cross sections are very large (up to thousands of square angstroms), reflecting high cluster polarizabilities. It is found that the dispersion theory based on measured response parameters of alkali-metal clusters tends to overestimate the interaction strength.
Central roles of NLRs and inflammasomes in viral infection

The immune response to viral infections is determined by a complex interplay between the pathogen and the host. Innate immune cells express a set of cytosolic sensors to detect viral infection. Recognition by these sensors induces the production of type I interferons and the assembly of inflammasome complexes that activate caspase-1, leading to production of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18. Here, I discuss recent progress in our understanding of the central roles of NOD-like receptors (NLRs) and inflammasomes in the immune response during viral infections. This information will improve our understanding of host defence mechanisms against viruses and provide new avenues for interfering in the pathogenesis of infectious diseases.
Case of Infantile Onset Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 5

Dominant spinocerebellar ataxias are a rare clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative disorders. They are characterized by progressive cerebellar ataxia resulting in unsteady gait, clumsiness, dysarthria, and swallowing difficulty. The onset of symptoms is usually in the third or fourth decade of life; however, more subtle clinical manifestations can start in early childhood. Spinocerebellar ataxia type 5, a dominant spinocerebellar ataxia associated with mutations involving β-III spectrin (SPTBN2), has been described in 3 families. It typically consists of a slowly progressive spinocerebellar ataxia with onset in the third decade. The authors present the first case of infantile-onset spinocerebellar ataxia associated with a novel SPTBN2 mutation (transition C>T at nucleotide position 1438), the proband having a much more severe phenotype with global developmental delay, hypotonia, tremor, nystagmus, and facial myokymia.
On the development of a passive-damping system for wind-excited oscillations of long-span bridges

Abstract A novel approach to modeling the wind-excited oscillations of long-span bridges is described. The method uses a discrete-vortex, time-accurate aerodynamic model of the bridge and attached wings and integrates all the equations of motion numerically, interactively, and simultaneously in the time domain. It is shown that model accurately simulates the flutter of a bridge alone. Then the governing equations for the bridge and wing are derived. Currently, results are being calculated.
Mathematical Difficulties in Statistics

79 and 120 students in classes in Psychological Statistics were tested in 1976 and 1991, respectively, with a mathematical readiness test devised by Brown in 1933. A general decline in mathematical ability as measured by the test was found, especially with items involving mathematical reasoning and algebra. Over-all mean scores dropped significantly from 18.8 to 16.6.
Ab-initio modeling of an iron laser-induced plasma: Comparison between theoretical and experimental atomic emission spectra

Abstract We report on efforts to model the Fe emission spectrum generated from laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) measurements on samples of pure iron oxide (Fe 2 O 3 ). Our modeling efforts consist of several components. We begin with ab-initio atomic structure calculations performed by solving the Hartree–Fock equations for the neutral and singly ionized stages of Fe. Our energy levels are then adjusted to their experimentally known values. The atomic transition probabilities and atomic collision quantities are also computed in an ab-initio manner. We perform LTE or non-LTE calculations that generate level populations and, subsequently, an emission spectrum for the iron plasma for a range of electron temperatures and electron densities. Such calculations are then compared to the experimental spectrum. We regard our work as a preliminary modeling effort that ultimately strives towards the modeling of emission spectra from even more complex samples where less atomic data are available.
Right atrial thrombus formation associated with central venous catheters utilization in hemodialysis patients

To report five patients on hemodialysis via an indwelling central venous catheter who developed a thrombus located exclusively on the right atrial wall opposing the emptying site of the superior vena cava and to determine the possible cause of this location. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed in four of the patients as work-up for suspected endocarditis or pulmonary embolism and in one patient for syncope evaluation. The right atrial clots were confirmed in all the patients by transesophageal echocardiography. General intensive care unit of a university hospital, tertiary referral center. Five patients with end-stage chronic renal failure on hemodialysis via subclavian or internal jugular vein catheter. Three of these patients underwent surgical thrombectomy, and two others were medically treated. The clots were 2–4 cm in length and three of them were infected. Two of the three surgically treated patients and one of the two medically treated patients died. All the patients had the catheter tip in the right atrium, in two of them the bent catheter rubbed the atrial endocardium, and in all the cases the clot was located on the atrial free wall facing the superior vena cava emptying. We postulate that the mechanism of thrombus formation at this location is related to friction of the catheter on the atrial endocardium, and therefore positioning the distal segment of the central venous catheters in the right atrium should be avoided.
Vibrational spectra of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene and its isotopically substituted analogues

Abstract Infrared spectra of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene and four of its isotopic analogues ( 2 H and 15 N) have been recorded in the solid state. MNDO-based calculations have been used to predict the fundamental vibrational frequencies of each compound in addition to toluene and nitrobenzene. A good fit between observed and calculated frequencies was obtained.
Suppression of lymphocyte responses by monocytoid cells does not require cell-cell contact.

Abstract High numbers of mononuclear leukocytes (MNL) in one compartment of a diffusion chamber profoundly suppressed lymphocyte responses in the other compartment. Suppression was expressed by decreased incorporation of labeled thymidine, uridine, and leucine and lowered blastogenesis in T-lymphoproliferative cultures as well as reduced Ig synthesis. The inhibitory effect, which was reversible, was experienced predominantly during the later stages of the culture period. Suppression of both autologous and allogeneic effector cells was associated with a radioresistant, moderately adherent non-T-cell subpopulation that did not require activation. Cell contact was not required suggesting that suppression was related to release of a mediator. This mediator was of low molecular weight and was remarkably labile. Only a portion of this modulation could be ascribed to prostaglandins and none to products of the lipoxygenase pathway, hydrogen peroxide, or the accumulation of thymidine.
Device Modeling for Understanding AlGaN/GaN HEMT Gate-Lag

Using a simple simulation framework, it is shown that a passivation dielectric that minimizes surface leakage and creates a high density of shallow traps at the surface is vital to minimize the formation of the virtual gate and eliminate AlGaN/GaN HEMT gate-lag. Under large negative gate voltage, this is also expected to create higher fields and current crowding at the gate edge, promoting an increase in total gate leakage. While the AlGaN barrier properties are also found to impact gate-lag, the use of a passivation dielectric that minimizes surface leakage can overpower it's influence and suppress current collapse. Access region shrinking and the use of a longer gate are also found to improve gate-lag.
EQUILIBRIUM THEORY OF THE KAOLINITE-WATER SYSTEM AT LOW MOISTURE CONTENTS, WITH SOME REMARKS CONCERNING ADSORPTION HYSTERESIS

A microscopic theory of the kaolinite-water system is presented, based upon the assumption that the clay-water interaction may be envisioned as partly hydration of the exchangeable cations and partly adsorption by the oxygen and hydroxyl surfaces. The theory treats exchangeable cation hydration quantum-mechanically as an ion-dipole phenomenon and considers water adsorption by the mineral surface as a problem in hydrogen bonding. A statistical mechanical model incorporating the quantum-theoretical results is then invoked to find the contribution of each component interaction to the initial portion of the adsorption isotherm for homoionic kaolinite. Good agreement between the theoretical calculations and available experimental data is achieved for water vapor adsorption by Li-, Na-, K-, and Mg-kaolinite, without the use of ad hoc empirical parameters. The concordance, in turn, is used to suggest that the basis for adsorption hysteresis in kaolinite-water vapor systems is the irreversible transition: mineral surface water → cation hydration water.
Comparative intrinsic and extrinsic compliance characteristics of S, J, and W ileoanal pouches.

Although compliance of the ileoanal reservoir pouch has been shown to affect function, previous compliance studies may have been influenced by the compliance of the small bowel proximal to the pouch and by supporting pelvic structures. The following study was designed to isolate the pouch and to compare intrinsic and extrinsic factors influencing pouch compliance. Thirty-three mongrel dogs underwent rectal mucosectomy and protocolectomy with S-pouch (S) in nine, stapled J-pouch (SJ) in nine, handsewn J-pouch (HJ) in nine and handsewn W-pouch (SW) in six. At 2 weeks, each dog underwent laparotomy, the small bowel 2 cm proximal to the pouch was clamped, andin vivo pouch compliance was measured using anal balloon occlusion and continuous saline infusion manometry. The pouch was then removed andex vivo measurements were repeated. Mean compliance slopes between 0 and 40 cm H2O were compared by ANOVA and pairedt-ests.In vivo andex vivo compliance in ml/cm H2O was 3.1±1.2 and 3.8±1.6 (P=0.25) for the S-pouch, 3.1±0.6 and 5.2±1.7 (P<0.01) for the SJ-pouch, 2.3±0.5 and 4.8±0.7 (P<0.001) for the HJ-pouch, 3.6±0.6 and 6.0±0.7 (P<0.001) for the W-pouch. Pearson's correlation coefficient forin vivo andex vivo measurements of the S, SJ, HJ, and W pouches were r2=0.066, 0.001, 0.039, and 0.379, respectively. It is concluded that: 1) Isolated pouch compliance can be accurately measured in experimental animals with proximal and distal occlusion and inflow manometry. 2)In vivo compliance is significantly less in the HJ compared with S, SJ, and W pouches. 3) Differences betweenin vivo andex vivo compliance of SJ, HJ, and SW pouches are significant. 4)In vivo andex vivo compliance determinations correlate poorly. 5) Extrinsic factors contribute significantly to pouch compliance.
The Technological Argument of the Stagnation Thesis

I. Why the marginal efficiency of capital tends to be low in "mature" economies, according to the stagnation doctrine: less room for extensive growth, 638; institutional rigidities, 639; technological and organizational factors, 640.—II. "Deepening" vs. "widening" of capital during the 'twenties, 642. — Grounds for holding that innovations during the nineteenth century led to a considerable "deepening" of capital, 646. — Further criticism of the technological argument, 648. — Conclusions, 651.
Transfer of hepatitis B virus by contaminated reusable needle electrodes after electrodesiccation in simulated use.

Reusable needle electrodes have been standard for electrodesiccation procedures commonly done by dermatologists. This study investigates the risk of transmission of hepatitis B virus by such electrodes during simulated use with electrodesiccation. Sterile needle electrodes were inoculated with either purified hepatitis B surface antigen (HB S Ag+) concentrate or serum positive for both HB S Ag and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) polymerase activity (a measure of infectious and replicating hepatitis B virus), followed by simulated use for electrodesiccation at various settings and rinsing of the tip with negative serum. The rinse serum was then assayed for HB S Ag, DNA polymerase activity, and the presence of viral particles by electron microscopy. HB S Ag could be transferred through the electrodesiccation procedure at all settings used. Although DNA polymerase activity was negative in the rinse serum, electron microscopy demonstrated transfer of HB S Ag forms and complete virus. These results suggest a potential risk of spread of hepatitis B virus by reusable needle electrodes for electrodesiccation.
Comparison of daily urine, sweat, and skin swabs among cocaine users

This study (1) compares urine, skin swabs, and PharmChek sweat patches for monitoring drug use; (2) measures possible environmental contamination in recent cocaine (COC) users; and (3) evaluates various immunoassays (IA) for screening COC in diverse matrices. Unique aspects include daily urine monitoring of 10 participants for 4 weeks, multiple monitoring methods, analysis for all specimens by IA and gas chromatography (GC)/mass spectrometry (MS), and the potential for continued illicit drug use by participants. Urine served as the "gold standard" specimen for determining drug use. Only cocaine and related substances were detected. Trace amounts of drugs were found on the skin (<50 ng per swab) of urine-negative participants' hands or forehead. In contrast, larger quantities of COC were found on the skin of individuals with BE-positive urines or individuals living with drug users (up to 20 microg per swab). Patch COC amounts among the three regular users (250-9000, 0-240, 160-22,000 ng per patch) exceeded BE (50-950, none, 30-2200 ng per patch). Pre-swabs, valuable for interpreting the source or time frame of positive patch results, contained substantial COC (38-1160, 0-152, 34-762 ng per swab) prior to patch application; therefore, patch results may represent current use, prior use, contamination, or a combination. In three individuals with no indication of cocaine use, false positives (defined as sweat patch positive when urine specimens were <300ng BE/ml) occurred at a 7% rate. Proposed cut-off concentrations of 75 ng cocaine per patch and 300 ng BE/ml urine curtail the incidence of false positives in this limited population. Three immunoassays were compared to screen specimens for cocaine: a modified, manual Microgenics CEDIA; a Cozart ELISA; and an OraSure ELISA. CEDIA's limit of detection (LOD) was 81ng/ml, compared with LODs of 4 ng/ml for the Cozart ELISA and 1.5 ng/ml for the OraSure ELISA. Cozart correlated with OraSure results for COC concentrations <2000 ng per swab (n=117), r(2)=0.79.
Sub‐daily sea ice motion and deformation from RADARSAT observations

We find a persistent level of oscillatory sea ice motion and deformation, superimposed on the large-scale wind-driven field, in May 2002 (spring) and February 2003 (mid-winter), in the high Arctic over a region centered at approx.(85degreeN, 135degreeW). At this latitude, the RADARSAT wide-swath SAR coverage provides 4??equential observations every day, for ice motion retrieval, with a sampling interval at the orbital period of approx. 101 minutes.
Protein Adsorption on the Surface of a Thin-Film Polymer Integrated Optical Waveguide

Protein adsorption (fluorescein labeled gamma globulin, FITC-IgG) on the surface of poly(styrene) thin-film optical waveguides was fluorescently detected. The time course of adsorption, the FITC-IgG fluorescence spectra, and the surface concentration estimates are presented. The results demonstrate the potential use of polymer optical waveguides as integrated optic evanescent sensors.
Impact of polarity control and related defects on the electrical properties of GaN grown by MOVPE

By controlling the LT-AlN nucleation layer, we have demonstrated growth of Ga- and N-polar GaN thin films with identical growth rates on c-plane sapphire via MOVPE. The Ga-polar films were highly resistive, while N-polar films exhibited n-type conductivity. Under certain nucleation layer processing conditions, the GaN films were mixed-polar. Using specular X-ray reflectivity to calculate the density depth profile of the nucleation layers, we identified one mechanism during the processing evolution of the nucleation layer that could give rise to inversion domains within the film, giving raise to mixed-polar GaN films. (© 2007 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Public perceptions of food safety

Abstract A public opinion survey of adult Texans assessed public knowledge of and concern over food safety issues related to undercooked hamburger. Only about half the respondents had concerns about undercooked hamburger. A majority could identify one foodborne pathogen, but were far less aware of other hazards associated with undercooked meat. Less than half the respondents made an effort to obtain food safety information. The mass media, especially printed forms, served as the chief source of food safety information likely source of information. Awareness of food hazards and knowledge of food hazards were higher among females and persons with more education and income. Ethnic differences across these variables indicate that aspects of food safety issues are more germaine to some groups than others, but otherwise no clear patterns of differences emerge by ethnicity.
Effects of heat treatment on the superconducting properties of Bi2Sr2CaCu2Ox fibers produced by the laser-heated pedestal growth method

Abstract The effect of a post-growth heat treatment procedure on Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O x fibers produced at different growth rates by the laser-heated pedestal growth method has been investigated. Microstructural studies reveal that the non-superconducting metastable phases formed at high growth rates are converted via a solid state reaction into the superconducting phase. Magnetometer and transport studies show superconducting transitions in fast-grown, heat-treated fibers which originally were non-superconducting in their as-grown condition. Some enhancement in properties is also seen in slower-grown fibers compared to their as-grown condition.
Studies of cell separation: a comparison of the osmotic response of human lymphocytes and granulocyte-monocyte progenitor cells

Abstract The feasibility of using hypo- or hypertonic stress to selectively destroy lymphocytes while sparing stem cells was investigated. Lymphocytes were isolated from peripheral blood and exposed to Hanks' balanced salt solutions ranging in concentration from 66 to 2700 mOsm. The Boylevan't Hoff plot of cell volume versus reciprocal osmolality was linear. Following osmotic stress, viabilities of the lymphocytes and the granulocyte-monocyte progenitor cells (CFUc) were determined. Lymphocyte viability was assessed by tritiated thymidine incorporation following mitogen stimulation. CFUc viability was measured with the soft agar colony assay. Both types of cells were found to possess high osmotic tolerances compared to other blood cells. While progenitor cells in general appeared to survive anisotonic exposure somewhat better than lymphocytes, significant statistical differences were not established for most situations. The highest degree of CFUc enrichment was twofold, but there was a concomitant 50% drop in CFUc survival. These results suggest that osmotic stress is not a useful procedure for the separation of peripheral blood lymphocytes and stem cells.
Global health and moral values

Soon after assuming office on July 21 2003 the new Director-General of WHO Lee Jong-wook announced plans to launch several global health initiatives: reenergising primary health care to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) launching the ambitious 3 by 5 initiative to expand access to antiretroviral drug treatment to 3 million HIV-positive people by 200512 and accelerating country-based action through strengthening human resources. A similar pattern of new global initiatives characterised the opening phase of the previous WHO administration led by Gro Harlem Brundtland launching programmes such as Roll Back Malaria Stop TB tobacco control polio eradication and partnerships such as GAVI (Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization).3 Ethics and moral values are invariably invoked to mobilise support for these global initiatives. Earlier on in May 2003 Lee used the terms social justice and security in his address to the World Health Assembly. On assuming office he underscored that “global health work must be guided by an ethical vision”. Recently he wrote: “Both technical excellence and political commitment have no value...unless they have an ethically sound purpose.” (excerpt)
TCT-575 Short- and long-term outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with lipid core plaque as detected by intracoronary near-infrared spectroscopy.

We examined the association of lipid core plaque (LCP) as detected by coronary near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) with short- and long-term outcomes after coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Between 2009 and 2012 coronary NIRS was performed in 185 coronary arteries in
Modeling historical tuberculosis epidemics among Canadian First Nations: effects of malnutrition and genetic variation

Late 19th century epidemics of tuberculosis (TB) in Western Canadian First Nations resulted in peak TB mortality rates more than six times the highest rates recorded in Europe. Using a mathematical modeling approach and historical TB mortality time series, we investigate potential causes of high TB mortality and rapid epidemic decline in First Nations from 1885 to 1940. We explore two potential causes of dramatic epidemic dynamics observed in this setting: first, we explore effects of famine prior to 1900 on both TB and population dynamics. Malnutrition is recognized as an individual-level risk factor for TB progression and mortality; its population-level effects on TB epidemics have not been explored previously. Second, we explore effects of heterogeneity in susceptibility to TB in two ways: modeling heterogeneity in susceptibility to infection, and heterogeneity in risk of developing disease once infected. Our results indicate that models lacking famine-related changes in TB parameters or heterogeneity result in an implausibly poor fit to both the TB mortality time series and census data; the inclusion of these features allows for the characteristic decline and rise in population observed in First Nations during this time period and confers improved fits to TB mortality data.
Mapping of floodplain inundation with multi-frequency polarimetric SAR: Use of a tree-based model

The ability of synthetic aperture radar to detect flooding beneath a plant canopy has been demonstrated for a wide variety of herbaceous and woody vegetation types by Hess et al. (1990). The potential exists to conduct accurate regional surveys of seasonal flooding events, independent of cloud cover, for input to hydrological and biogeochemical models. On a smaller scale, accurate wetlands delineation would be of great value to managers of forest, wildlife, and fisheries resources. In order to realize the potential for operational mapping of inundation, robust classification methods are needed which do nor require repeated optimization by scene or date. The accuracy of traditional parametric classifiers (e.g., maximum likelihood) is likely to be compromised by scene to-scene variability in absolute sensor calibration, dielectric constant of soil and vegetation, phenological state of vegetation, and vegetation community structure. Knowledge-based expert systems offer an alternative approach using classification rules derived from a spectral knowledge base (Wharton 1989). The authors illustrate how tree-based models can be used to construct classification rules from a microwave spectral database and to select optimal sets of sensor parameters for mapping of inundation in the floodplain and estuary of the Altamaha River, Georgia. >