cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Blind analysis of CT image noise using residual denoised images

CT protocol design and quality control would benefit from automated tools to estimate the quality of generated CT images. These tools could be used to identify erroneous CT acquisitions or refine protocols to achieve certain signal to noise characteristics. This paper investigates blind estimation methods to determine global signal strength and noise levels in chest CT images. Methods: We propose novel performance metrics corresponding to the accuracy of noise and signal estimation. We implement and evaluate the noise estimation performance of six spatial- and frequency-based methods, derived from conventional image filtering algorithms. Algorithms were tested on patient data sets from whole-body repeat CT acquisitions performed with a higher and lower dose technique over the same scan region. Results: The proposed performance metrics can evaluate the relative tradeoff of filter parameters and noise estimation performance. The proposed automated methods tend to underestimate CT image noise at low-flux levels. Initial application of methodology suggests that anisotropic diffusion and Wavelet-transform based filters provide optimal estimates of noise. Furthermore, methodology does not provide accurate estimates of absolute noise levels, but can provide estimates of relative change and/or trends in noise levels.
First- and Second-Trimester Reference Intervals for Thyroid Function Testing in a US Population.

Objectives Thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy is associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes to mother and child. Trimester-specific reference intervals for thyroid function tests are not routinely provided by clinical laboratories. In this study, we present first- and second-trimester-specific reference intervals in a US population for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), total thyroxine (T4), and total triiodothyronine (T3) measured on Roche analyzers. Methods We used patient samples from first- and second-trimester prenatal screening. Samples were limited to singleton pregnancies and negative screening results for thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies. Analytes (TSH, FT4, T4, and T3) were measured on a Roche Modular e170 then verified on a Roche cobas e801. Results The reference intervals established on the e170 and verified on the e801 for the first trimester were 0.16 to 2.82 mIU/L for TSH, 12.0 to 18.5 pmol/L for FT4, 62.8 to 177.9 nmol/L for T4, and 1.5 to 3.4 nmol/L for T3. The reference intervals for the second trimester were 0.40 to 3.62 mIU/L for TSH, 10.2 to 16.6 pmol/L for FT4, 66.6 to 176.0 nmol/L for T4, and 1.56 to 3.6 nmol/L for T3. Conclusions This is the first report of trimester-specific reference intervals for thyroid function tests on Roche analyzers in the United States, and it is consistent with worldwide reports.
Discrete composition control of two-dimensional morphologic all-inorganic metal halide perovskite nanocrystals

Abstract Metal halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) exhibit impressive optical and electronic properties, making them an important class of functional materials with promising applications in solar cells, light emitting diodes (LEDs), photodetectors, and photocatalysts. In addition to the widely studied 0-dimensional (0D) metal halide perovskite NCs, such as nanocubes, low dimensional perovskites, such as 2D all-inorganic perovskite (AIP) NCs, subsist with directionally relevant quantum confinement. These anisotropic NCs have the propensity to exhibit interesting optoelectronic properties that are exceedingly difficult to introduce into 0D systems, yet as of late are largely unexplored. In this review, we discuss the recent synthetic progress of 2D all-inorganic metal halide perovskite NCs with ABX3 structure. Specifically, we highlight the discrete composition control of the cations (A and B sites) and anions (X site) by dopant incorporation and alloying in 2D metal halide perovskite NCs. We will also discuss more complex perovskite crystal structures, such as Ruddlesden–Popper double perovskites, and compare these materials to 0D perovskite systems. Ultimately, our work culminates in the future interests and perspectives of this field with a focus on the wide applicability of 2D systems and the large variance in structure capable with discrete compositional tuning.
Mass balance, accumulation dynamics and high-altitude warfare: the Siachen Glacier as a battlefield

Since 1984 the Indian and Pakistani armies have been locked in the world’s highest war on Siachen Glacier in the Karakoram Himalaya. This remote location is the world’s only nuclear trijunction as ...
Infective endocarditis of the aortic valve in a neonate

Abstract Neonatal infective endocarditis (IE) is rare but carries a high risk of morbidity and mortality. The mainstay of treatment is antimicrobial therapy; however, treatment failure sometimes necessitates alternative management and is dictated by many factors, including the location of the lesion and its effect on cardiac function. While the tricuspid, pulmonary, and mitral valves have all been sites of IE vegetations in neonates, the aortic valve has never been reported. We describe the first reported case and the multiple complications and sequelae stemming from this unique situation.
Combined Experimental and Computational Failure and Fatigue Analysis of a Socket Drive Adapter

Hand tooling represents a sizable cost in many industries, which is often exacerbated by premature tool failures. Prevention of these failures is a cost-saving strategy that can be applied to industrial as well as personal projects. The present study employs an integrated theoretical, experimental, and computational approach to investigate the failure of a socket drive adapter of unknown material after being subjected to unknown torsional loading. The failure surface was first compared against a torsion-tested chromium-vanadium adapter using scanning electron microscopy, and it was determined that a torsional overstress caused ductile shearing around the periphery of the adapter, until the smaller cross-sectional area allowed a smaller, non-torsional load to induce a final tensile failure. Results obtained from optical emission spectroscopy and Rockwell hardness test indicated that the failed adapter was likely made from AISI 1025 or a similar grade mild steel, which had been extensively cold worked and/or heat treated during the production process to improve its strength. Finite element analysis was then used to confirm the validity of theoretical calculations for maximum stress at the failure location. The approximate failure load was finally estimated via a strength-hardness correlation, with a conservative estimate for allowable torque of as little as 10.6 N m. The method presented in this paper shows that the load applied on hand tools in everyday use can be too high and can cause failure. The quality of the hand tools plays a key role in determining the amount of load that the hand tools can withstand.
Strategies for post-synthetic functionalization of mesoporous carbon nanomaterial surfaces

Abstract Most widely used carbon-based materials feature a bulk framework tolerant of extreme pH and temperature conditions while maintaining physical robustness, electrical conductivity, and biological relevance due to its inherent nontoxicity. At the nanoscale, the study of porous carbons has been of interest because of the enhanced accessible surface area relative to nonporous analogues. The evolution of synthetic techniques has developed structural allotropes with tunable internal pore diameter averages spanning from sub-nanometer to micron-plus sizes. Within the mesopore range, surface chemical phenomena abide by a kinetic-limited ruleset (ignoring the effects of bulk diffusion, as they do not pertain to this size regime). Further, mesopores provide sufficient volume and surface area for hosting guest species, including metal nanoparticles (MNP), polymers, small organics, and enzymes. These two unique features of mesoporous carbon (MC) drive interest in surface modifications to create new physicochemical functionality to these systems and their hosted species. As a result, the evolution of surface modification techniques has been scattered to disparate niches across the literature. This review compiles the array of elegant methods by which these carbon systems are topically engineered.
Direct and indirect effects of obesity on progression of carotid arterial injury in youth.

OBJECTIVE Increased carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) is associated with cardiovascular (CV) events in adults and with elevated CV risk factors in youth. The aim of this study was to determine whether obesity has an direct or indirect association with cIMT. METHODS Structural equation modeling was used to elucidate pathways for obesity to change cIMT. Complete data were collected twice on 294 participants (mean age 17.5 years, 16% with type 2 diabetes). Latent baseline and follow-up cIMT, BMI, and CV risk factors were analyzed with SAS 9.4. Model fit was assessed. RESULTS There were increases in BMI, mean arterial pressure (MAP), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, C-reactive protein, and glucose and a decrease in insulin and glycosylated hemoglobin over 5 years (all p < 0.05). Only bulb (0.031 mm) and internal (0.027 mm) cIMT increased (all p < 0.001). Significant direct effects on cIMT change were baseline MAP (β 0.23), BMI z score (β 0.16), change in glucose (β 0.37), and age (β 0.37; all p < 0.05). Change in MAP showed a trend (β 0.14, p = 0.10). BMI also had a significant indirect effect (β 0.17), whereas non-HDL demonstrated no significant effect. CONCLUSIONS Baseline adiposity drives increasing blood pressure and glucose in high-risk youth leading to accelerated accumulation of carotid arterial injury. Prevention of acquisition of obesity in youth is critical in slowing development of CV disease.
Patient Preference Predictors and Paternalism in Military Medicine

Patient preference predictors (PPPs) take us from known demographic descriptors to unknown facts about patients’ preferences over treatment options. However, the use of PPPs to make treatment decisions on behalf of incapacitated patients faces an apparent normative problem: their use in certain contexts appears to involve treating patients paternalistically. In this paper, I consider whether PPPs can find a home in the context of military medicine. On the assumptions that military organizations sometimes permissibly treat their members paternalistically, I identify the specific circumstances in which PPPs can play a role in making treatment decisions on behalf of patients. I show that these circumstances are not only the natural home of PPPs, PPPs – or something very much like them – are precisely the sort of device required for it to be permissible to (say) paternalistically override a patient’s expressed preferences.
Letter to the Editor: Editor’s Spotlight/Take 5: Most American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ Online Patient Education Material Exceeds Average Patient Reading Level

W e were pleased to read your recent ‘‘Editor’s Spotlight’’ [1] in CORR. Thank you for highlighting the important roles that education and communication play in treating patients. As you show, better patient education can lead to better clinical outcomes. The problem is often the gap between what a patient hears in an office visit and what he or she ultimately understands. OrthoInfo, a patient information website from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, aims to bridge that gap. The goal of OrthoInfo is to balance content with readability. We aim to be concise, interesting and informative. New and updated articles have more illustrations to enhance the presentation. Many popular articles have been translated into Spanish to reach a broader segment of the population. By providing in-depth information, we can help a patient decide what questions to ask when visiting a doctor and also supplement the information he or she receives during that visit. By necessity, that means we have to present topics in greater detail. We are concerned about readability. As you point out, OrthoInfo readability scores have come down in the past few years. However, bringing them down much lower would require leaving out important material. Otherwise, articles at a sixth-grade level would be much longer and less attractive to many readers scrolling down a page. Flesch-Kincaid is a computer formula, nothing more. When you are writing about ‘‘pigmented villonodular synovitis,’’ ‘‘adolescent idiopathic scoliosis,’’ and ‘‘autologous chondrocyte implantation’’ it is difficult to reach a lower grade level based on that formula. One way we can clearly communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner is by utilizing our multimedia tools. The OrthoInfo (RE: Daniels AH, Leopold SS. Editor’s Spotlight/Take 5: Most American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ online patient education material exceeds average patient reading level. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2015;473:1177-1180). The authors certify that they, or any member of their immediate families, have no commercial associations (eg, consultancies, stock ownership, equity interest, patent/ licensing arrangements, etc) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article. All ICMJE Conflict of Interest Forms for authors and Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research editors and board members are on file with the publication and can be viewed on request. The opinions expressed are those of the writers, and do not reflect the opinion or policy of CORR or The Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons. S. J. Fischer MD OrthoInfo, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Rosemont, IL, USA
A Coordinated, Multiple Wheeled Mobile Robot System for AHS Maintenance and Construction

This paper describes a system of multiple wheeled mobile robots that are coordinated to accomplish complex tasks related to maintenance and construction in an Automated Highway System (AHS). The robots are tethered to a support vehicle for accurate relative positioning power, and other necessary supplies. The mechanical and control architectures are described. Developments on a user interface are discussed and a sample system architecture for a specific AHS task is described.
STUDIES OF SULFUR COMPOUNDS ADSORBED ON SMOKE PARTICLES AND OTHER SOLIDS BY PHOTOELECTRON SPECTROSCOPY

Photoelectron spectroscopy as a means of air pollution monitoring and as a tool for smoke pollution research has been studied. Field samples of fly ash from a power plant and smoke particles from a home furnace have been analyzed. It is shown that the oxidation states of sulfur in compounds adsorbed on these solids can be determined. The use of photoelectron spectroscopy for studying the effects of combustion variables and downwind conditions on the oxidation state of sulfur on fly ash and smoke particles is discussed. The composition of the solid on whtch SO2 is adsorbed was found to be an important variable in the rate at which oxidation to sulfate occurs.
Site-Directed Combination Chemotherapy

In the treatment of human neoplasia, major biological problems present obstacles which make the cure of human cancer difficult. These problems center around the heterogeneous nature of a tumor cell population and the invasive and metastatic potential of this tumor cell population (1–3). The major forms of cancer treatment involve the modalities of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. In many cases, combinations of these treatment-forms are used sequentially in an attempt to deal with the problems of metastasis and heterogeneity of tumor cells. Results of current research suggest that biotherapy (use of immune regulators, differentiation inducers, etc.) may also provide an additional mode of treatment.
Treatment of Suicide Obsessions in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder with Comorbid Major Depressive Disorder

Although suicidal thoughts are often associated with depression, individuals may experience suicidal obsessions, a type of suicidal thought, within obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). We present the case of “Paul” (pseudonym), a Cuban-American high school teacher in his mid-40s, who struggled with treatment-resistant OCD. Paul sought treatment due to obsessive thoughts concerning committing suicide and fears about the effect it would have on his family. To treat Paul, we used Foa et al.’s (Exposure and response (ritual) prevention for obsessive-compulsive disorder, 2nd ed, Oxford University Press, New York, 2012) protocol on exposure and ritual/response prevention (ERP), an evidence-based treatment for OCD. Paul habituated to the exposure exercises but maintained a depressed mood and avoided sharing emotions. To complicate treatment, there were several moderately significant stressors at home, which exacerbated his inclination to think negatively. To combat his depression, functional analytic psychotherapy (FAP) was utilized to augment Paul’s interpersonal skills, increase his receptiveness to his emotions, and increase his social support. Paul experienced reductions in his OCD severity and his depressive symptoms throughout the course of his treatment.
Claudin-4 immunohistochemistry is highly effective in distinguishing adenocarcinoma from malignant mesothelioma in effusion cytology.

Background Adenocarcinoma can be challenging to distinguish from malignant mesothelioma in effusions, and this distinction often requires ancillary studies and clinical correlation. Immunohistochemistry for claudin-4, a tight-junction-associated protein, has recently been shown to distinguish adenocarcinoma from malignant mesothelioma, mostly in surgical specimens. Our aim was to validate and assess the immunoreactivity profile of claudin-4 in a large series of malignant effusions. Methods We evaluated 159 malignant effusions (84 adenocarcinomas and 75 malignant mesotheliomas). Claudin-4 immunohistochemistry was performed on cell-block paraffin sections and scored for staining intensity, staining pattern (cytoplasmic versus membranous), and percentage of positive tumor cells. Appropriate positive and negative controls were used throughout. Results All cases of mesothelioma were negative for claudin-4 (0 of 64). Eighty-three of 84 cases of adenocarcinoma were positive (99%); 1 case of serous carcinoma was negative. Most adenocarcinomas showed strong and diffuse membranous staining (71 of 84; 84%); 12 cases (14%) showed membranous staining of moderate intensity. The overall sensitivity for adenocarcinoma was 99% (83 of 84). Conclusions Claudin-4 immunohistochemistry effectively distinguishes adenocarcinoma from malignant mesothelioma with high sensitivity and specificity in the evaluation of malignant effusions.
Magnetic moment and anisotropy in FenCom clusters

Electronic structure calculations of FenCom (n+m=5 and 13) are used to examine the effects of alloying on the magnetic moment and magnetic anisotropies. Our density-functional studies show that many mixed clusters have moments comparable to or higher than the pure clusters. The mixed clusters, however, have very low anisotropies and could be ideal as soft magnetic materials. It is shown that shape, composition, and compositional ordering must be considered for optimization of anisotropy energies.
The vitamin D-binding protein, α-fetoprotein, albumin multigene family: detection of transcripts in multiple tissues

The serum vitamin D-binding protein (DBP), a member of a multigene family that includes α-fetoprotein (αFP) and albumin (ALB), is expressed at high levels in the adult liver. Although several studies have demonstrated the presence of DBP on the cell surface of immunocytes and cytotrophoblasts, evidence of extra-hepatic DBP synthesis remains inconclusive. Using Northern blot analysis of RNA from multiple rat tissues, the DBP transcripts were present in the expected high levels in the adult liver. In addition, DBP mRNA was found in the adult kidney, testis, abdominal fat, and 18-day fetal yolk sac. The concentrations of DBP mRNA in these tissues is 100-1000-fold less than in the liver. Polymerase chain reaction amplification (PCR) of DBP, αFP, and ALB cDNAs, reverse transcribed from a wide variety of rat tissue RNA samples, was performed to examine their respective tissue-specific patterns of gene transcripts. The tissues in which DBP gene transcripts were noted by Northern analysis were paralleled at 20 cycles of PCR with liver ≫ kidney, yolk sac, testis, and abdominal fat. Similarly at 20 cycles, αFP-amplified fragments were detected in the yolk sac ≫ brain, testes, uterus, liver, and placenta; and ALB-amplified fragments in liver ≫ testis, uterus, placenta, and yolk sac. Unexpectedly, at 32 cycles of PCR, DBP, αFP, and ALB mRNAs could be detected at very low levels in all tissues examined. To examine the nature of the DBP mRNA from these nonhepatic sources, a Sprague-Dawley kidney cDNA library was screened, and a single cDNA recombinant was identified. This clone contained a full length DBP cDNA with 14 nucleotide and 3 predicted amino acid differences from the Fischer liver DBP cDNA reported previously. We conclude that the kidney and liver DBP mRNAs are transcription products of the same DBP locus and that DBP, αFP, and ALB genes display different spectra of tissue distribution. The unexpected finding that all three spliced RNA transcripts could be detected in at least trace quantities in all tissues studied suggests a leaky level of transcription by this multigene family or their transcription at low levels by an unidentified stromal cell common to all organs studied.
Privacy In The Smart Grid: An Information Flow Analysis

Author(s): Mulligan, Deirdre K.; Wang, Longhao; Burstein, Aaron J. | Abstract: Project Final Report prepared for CIEE and California Energy Commission
Near-field motions from a propagating strike-slip fault in an elastic half-space

Abstract Near-field displacement, velocity and acceleration ground motion are computed for a buried finite strike-slip fault using generalized multipolar ray theory to study the effects of rupture velocity, rise time of particle displacement, direction of rupture relative to observing station and the presence of the free surface. Computed displacement seismograms demonstrate that the rise time and rupture velocity can be traded off to produce similar wave shapes emphasizing the difficulty of separating the effects of rise time and rupture velocity. On the other hand, synthetic accelerograms exhibit much character as the rise time becomes a small part of the rupture duration, and individual contributions to the acceleration signals such as the P - and S -wave stopping phase can be seen. Near-field synthetic accelerograms hold promise for the study of fault rupture parameters. For the strike-slip model studied, allowance for the presence of a free surface by doubling of the amplitude of infinite space signals seems to be approximately correct even in the case of computed vertical component accelerograms. However, this result is not generally true for the residual static displacements. The known result of the appearance of Rayleigh waves at horizontal distances greater than five times the source depth is confirmed for dislocation sources.
Single integral representations for nonlinear viscoelastic solids

Abstract The finite linear viscoelastic solid and single integral representation with nonlinear dependence on history are investigated in uni-axial stress. Both integral kernels in the stress formulation are determined by single-step constant strain tests, and both kernels in the strain formulation are determined by single-step constant stress tests. Single integral stress and strain formulations are not equivalent. The stress histories required to maintain constant strain-rate for both models are determined from the Volterra integral equations given by the strain formulations once their kernels are determined by constant stress tests. However, known constant strain-rate response does not determine the kernels. Examples are presented to show that variation of the kernel within a given qualitative shape can lead to different shapes of constant strain-rate response, so that both constant stress and constant strain-rate tests may be necessary to deduce the optimum single integral approximation, in preference to multi-step stress tests. It is shown that the apparently simpler finite linear viscoelastic model requires a far lengthier numerical algorithm to solve the Volterra equation, and leads to non-unique and physically unacceptable response, in comparison with the more flexible nonlinear history dependence which yields unique acceptable responses.
The civil service college of the united kingdom: Training for the “fast stream”

A description and analysis o f the training program offered by the Civil Service College in England to all Recruits in the Administration Trainee Scheme, most of whom subsequently rise to positions of prominence in the British civil service, The objectives, modular approach to training, and learning methods of the program are discussed and comparisons are made to corresponding national programs such as that of the National School of Administration (Ecole National d' Administration or ENA) in France. Among the conclusions of the author, who spent time in London and Sunnindale studying the program in 1984, are: the training is characterized by flexibility in the sense that modules may be taken by the individual recruit over a period of up to six years depending on the exigencies of the service: the program offers many innovative features even though, in terms of content, with the exception of modules that can be skipped by recruits having sufficient knowledge of the subject, it is the same for all; in the t...
Vehicles and Nonlinear Suspensions

An independent suspension for conventional vehicles has been modeled as a nonlinear vibration absorber with a nonlinear third-order ordinary differential equation. In order to obtain conditions that guarantee existence of periodic solutions and stable responses, the Schauder’s fixed-point theorem has been implemented to prove a third-order solution existence theorem for general third-order differential equations. A numerical method has been developed for rapid convergence, and applied for a sample model. The correctness of sufficient conditions and solution algorithm has been shown with appropriate figures.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Tension and Compression Stability and Second-Order Analyses of Three-Dimensional Multicolumn Systems: Effects of Shear Deformations

The stability and second-order analyses of three-dimensional 3D multicolumn systems including the effects of shear defor- mations along the span of each column are presented in a condensed manner. This formulation is an extension to an algorithm presented recently by the writer in 2002 and 2003 by which the critical load of each column, the total critical load, and the second-order response of a 3D multicolumn system with semirigid connections can be determined directly. The proposed solution includes not only the combined effects of flexural deformations and shear distortions along the columns in their two principal transverse axes, but also the effect of the shear forces along each member induced by the applied end axial force as the columns deform and deflect as suggested by Haringx in 1947 and explained by Timoshenko and Gere in 1961 in their two principal transverse axes. The extended characteristic transcendental equations corresponding to multicolumn systems with sidesway and twist uninhibited, partially inhibited, and totally inhibited that are derived and discussed in this publication find great applications in the stability and second-order analyses of 3D multicolumn systems made of materials with relatively low shear stiffness such as orthotropic composite materials fiber reinforced plastic and multilayer elastomeric bearings used for seismic isolation of buildings. The phenomenon of buckling under axial tension in members with relatively low shear stiffness observed by Kelly in 2003 in multilayer elastomeric bearings, and recently discussed by the writer in 2005 is captured by the proposed method. Tension buckling must not be ignored in the stability analysis of multicolumn systems made of columns in which the shear stiffness GAs is of the same order of magnitude as 2 EI/h 2 .
Counteroffers and Efficiency in Labor Markets with Asymmetric Information

This article considers the effect of offer matching on labor market outcomes when the current employer has better information about his worker’s productivity than potential employers. Previous research found that when current employers have better information than potential employers, the latter use job assignment to infer an employed worker’s qualifications. As a result, assignment of workers to jobs is inefficient. I find that when current employers can match outside offers, the equilibrium outcome may be efficient. I analyze the effect of the asymmetric information on investment in human capital made by employers and workers, and find these investment levels to be first best.
Monte Carlo simulations of the quantum XXZ model in two dimensions

The XXZ spin Hamitonian H = - (SixSjx + SiySjy + ?SizSjz) is simulated for quantum spins. The XY model (? = 0) has a Kosterlitz- Thouless Phase transition TKT = 0.45 ? 0.05, slightly above which the specific heat has a finite peak. The vortex density has a non-zero value in the low-temperature limit, probably due to quantum fluctuations. The critical temperature holds up at least to ? = -0.8. The Ising transition temperature TIsing is measured for Ising-like antiferromagnets ? < -1 and is found to drop off to zero in a manner consistent with the reciprocal-logarithmic behavior Tc ?-1/log|-?-1|, as proposed for the classical model.
The Effects of the Methylating Agent 1,2‐Bis(methylsulfonyl)‐1‐methylhydrazine on Morphology, DNA Content and Mitochondrial Function of Trypanosoma brucei Subspecies

Repeated exposure of trypanosomes in vitro or in vivo to low concentrations of the methylating agent 1,2-bis(methylsulfonyl)-1-methylhydrazine induces a series of moderately synchronous morphological and biochemical changes. Cell division halts and the long-slender bloodstream forms transform to short-stumpy forms via larger intermediate-stage cells which contain approximately double the normal G2 content of DNA. In common with naturally occurring short-stumpy trypanosomes, drug-induced short-stumpy forms do not infect rodents and when transferred to Cunningham's medium, transform to and replicate as procyclics. Furthermore, these short-stumpy forms exhibit alpha-ketoglutarate supported motility and oxygen consumption, acquire the ability to reduce nitroblue tetrazolium (NADH diaphorase positivity) and appear to be in the G1 or G0 stage of the cell cycle based upon DNA content.
Operant drinking of alcohol on a rate-contingent ratio schedule of reinforcement.

Abstract Seven rats were trained to drink 10 per cent ethanol from a drinkometer in order to obtain a condensed milk reinforcement. Reinforcements were programmed on a Rate Contingent Ration schedule in which only responses (licks) occuring at a predetermined rate counted towards the required ratio of 64. All rats drank ethanol for milk reinforcement during 45 daily, hour-long sessions, despite the fact that no animal was food deprived. When 10 per cent ethanol was substituted for milk reinforcement, all rats continued to drink alcohol for alcohol for 10 days. However, six of the animals showed a significant decrease in the mean number of reinforcements earned per day. Milk reinforcements were made available for a subsequent period of 10 days, but only one of the seven animals earned as many reinforcements per day as during the initial training period. Alcohol was available in the home cage during each of these three conditions. During the final phase of the experiment, alcohol was removed from the home cage and in the operant conditioning sessions, alcohol was once again substituted for milk reinforcements. Although each animal persisted in drinking some alcohol for alcohol for a period of 20 days, the mean number of alcohol ‘reinforcements’ earned each day was not significantly different from the number earned when alcohol was also available in the home cage. These data indicate that despite prolonged exposure to alcohol, rats did not develop tolerance or dependence upon alcohol. Since tolerance and dependency are the major pharmacological criteria for defining addiction, we conclude that the drinking patterns observed in this experiment are best described as preference drinking.
History of major depressive disorder and diabetes outcomes in diet- and tablet-treated post-menopausal women: a case control study

Aims Little is known about the long-term associations between remitted major depressive disorder (MDD) and clinical diabetes outcomes. This study investigated associations between a remote history of fully remitted MDD and (i) glycaemic control, (ii) diabetes symptoms, and (iii) physical and emotional functioning in post-menopausal women with Type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Methods Forty-four post-menopausal women with diet- or tablet-treated T2DM participated. Twenty-three had never experienced depression and 21 had a history of MDD. All participants had been free of MDD and antidepressant treatment for ≥ 1 year. Results Compared with their never-depressed counterparts, women with a history of MDD had significantly higher HbA1c (7.0 vs. 6.5%), more diabetes symptoms, and worse emotional functioning, after controlling for confounding variables. Differences in HbA1c and diabetes symptoms were not accounted for by the higher current subclinical depressive symptoms observed in the previously depressed group. Differences in emotional functioning were accounted for by current subclinical depressive symptoms. Conclusions Most health-care providers overlook fully remitted depression. However, previously depressed patients, who outnumber currently depressed patients, may still have poorer glycaemic control than never-depressed patients.
Comment on the evolution of claw-like nails in callitrichids (marmosets/tamarins)

A recently proposed scenario for the evolution of a unified complex of exudativory, vertical clinging, and claw-like nails in callitrichids is examined. Consideration of behaviors and morphologies exhibited by Callimico goeldii leads to a decoupling of this "complex," with the early occurrence of claws and vertical clinging in the callitrichid lineage and only later, in some descendents, the development of exudativory and possible related behaviors.
GEOCHEMICAL METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING ALKALI-SILICA-REACTION GEL

A geochemical method for staining various products of the alkali-silica reaction is presented. The method is based on both the composition of alkali-silica-reaction (ASR) gel and one of its properties (the ability to exchange cations with a fluid). Specifically, one stain (sodium cobalt-initrite) reacts with exchangeable potassium in the gel to form a bright-yellow precipitate on the gel surface. The other class of stains (a variety of rhodamine compounds) reacts with calcium-rich portions of the gel (and, for some compounds, with other calcium-rich components of the concrete) to form a pink-stained gel. The significance of the pink staining is twofold. First, it can provide a high contrast to the yellow-stained gels, making them easier to observe. Second, some rhodamine compounds react predominantly with Ca-rich ASR gels. Some aspects of staining by rhodamine remain the subject of continued study and may be useful for a more detailed understanding of ASR progression and other deterioration mechanisms. Ho...
Vapor-liquid equilibrium in nitrogen + 1-methylnaphthalene mixtures at elevated temperatures and pressures

Abstract Lin, H.M., Kim, H. and Chao, K.C., 1983. Vapour-liquid equilibrium in nitrogen + 1-methylnaphthalene mixtures at elevated temperatures and pressures. Fluid Phase Equilibria, 10: 73–76. Compositions of saturated vapor and liquid phases at equilibrium were experimentally determined for nitrogen + 1-methylnaphthalene mixtures at four temperatures from 462 to 703 K over a pressure range of 2–25 MPa.
Metal affinity displacement chromatography of proteins

Abstract Immobilized metal ion affinity chromatographic (IMAC) systems were employed in the displacement mode for the simultaneous concentration and purification of proteins. This work demonstrates that proteins can be employed as efficient displacers of other proteins under appropriate conditions in IMAC systems and that the displacement behavior is due to the specific interactions of the proteins with the immobilized Cu2+ support. The adsorption isotherms of a variety of proteins were measured and the effect of crossing adsorption isotherms on the displacement chromatographic process was investigated. Tailing observed with certain proteins in metal affinity displacement chromatography was significantly improved by the appropriate use of imidazole as a mobile phase modifier. This hybrid bioseparation technique combines the unique selectivity of IMAC with the high throughput and purity obtained in displacement chromatography.
Distributed computation for direct position determination emitter location

Classical geolocation based on time-difference-of-arrival (TDOA) and frequency-difference-of-arrival (FDOA) uses a two-stage estimation approach. The single-stage approach direct position determination (DPD) has been proposed to improve accuracy. However, unlike the classical two-stage method, the proposed DPD method does all processing at a single node. That is not desirable when computational capabilities are limited and makes the approach nonrobust to loss of the central sensor. We develop and assess several DPD variants that address these issues.
A Spectroelectrochemical Method for Differentiation of Steric and Electronic Effects in Hemoglobins and Myoglobins

Spectroelectrochemical techniques are described which enable us to compare anion effects on redox curves of structurally distinct hemoglobins with oxygenation curves obtained under equivalent conditions. Nernst plots for tetrameric vertebrate Hbs show evidence of cooperativity, with the T state conformation more resistant to oxidation than the R state. Anions shift the conformation toward the T state and decrease the ease of oxidation, with variations in anion sensitivity similar to those observed in oxygen equilibria. Oxygen binding, unlike electron exchange, is known to be subject to steric constraints that vary considerably in natural and engineered hemoglobins that have differences in the distal residues of the heme pocket. Since oxidation curves are not subject to steric hindrance, anion-induced differences between the oxidation and oxygenation curves can be indicative of anion-induced alterations in the stereochemistry of the heme pocket that alters the ease of ligand entry or exit. Addition of inositol hexaphosphate to solutions of Hb A in 0.2 M nitrate generates such differences: the ease of electron abstraction from deoxy (T state) Hb A is unaffected, while, as previously reported, the oxygenation of deoxy (T state) Hb A is greatly hindered. The difference between inositol hexaphosphate effects on initial stages of oxidation and oxygenation indicates that the explanation for "multiple T states" in oxygen binding lies in the ability of the polyanion to greatly increase steric hindrance to ligand entry, without appreciable changes in the electronic features of the heme environment.
Parallel algorithms for coupled-cluster methods

Abstract Coupled-cluster (CC) methods are now widely used in quantum chemistry to calculate the electron correlation energy and many other properties of atoms and molecules. In this paper we outline the basics of the theory, discuss some computational aspects, and review work that has been done toward developing and implementing algorithms for CC methods on parallel computers.
Early-season applications of sulfur fertilizers increase potato yield and reduce tuber defects.

Sulfur recommendations are based on avoiding deficiency. Since S may have additional effects, the objective was to determine whether S fertilizers increase yield and reduce tuber defects Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivar Atlantic was treated with wettable sulfur (WS), ammonium sulfate (AS), and ammonium thiosulfate (TS) at 0, 28, 56, 84, and 112 kg S ha - 1 applied at planting [in-furrow (IF)], 11 d later [pre-emergence (PE)], 11 d after emergence [postemergence (PT)], and at tuber initiation (TI). Separate trials were conducted for each fertilizer and application. Ammonium nitrate and urea were added to AS and TS to equalize N. Yield of U.S. "A" potato was increased 11 to 34% by fertilizers at S rates greater than 56 kg ha - 1 at IF, PT, and by AS and WS at TL These fertilizers applied IF and at TI reduced the incidence of common scab (Streptomyces scabies) on tubers. When applied PT, AS and TS reduced common scab; WS did not. The incidence of black scurf (Rhizoctonia solani) on tubers was reduced when AS and TS were applied PT but not when applied IF and at TI. Pre-emergence application had no effect. Other tuber characteristics, e.g., specific gravity and vascular discoloration, were unaffected. Plant growth was inhibited by TS applied after emergence but recovered. Yield was increased by S at 56 kg ha - 1 applied IF, PT, and at TI except for TS applied at TI. Common scab and black scurf were reduced depending on application timing and fertilizer.
Changes in respiratory control and cytochromes in liver mitochondria during hibernation

Abstract Liver mitochondria from the ground squirrel, Citellus lateralis, were compared during states of hibernation and non-hibernation. During hibernation a decreased total amount of mitochondrial cytochrome was noted. In addition changes in the relative amounts of cytochromes b and c and a pronounced decrease in cytochrome a–a3 was shown by difference spectra. The rate of oxygen uptake with succinate and ADP was less in the hibernator. However, addition of the uncoupler, salicylanilide XIII, stimulated oxygen consumption of the hibernator to a rate greater than that observed in the non-hibernating animal indicating that oxygen uptake was not limited by the cytochrome concentration. It is postulated that the sluggish rate of oxygen uptake under phosphorylating conditions by liver mitochondria of the hibernator may be caused by a change in the penetration of ADP and/or Pi, or an alternation in some parameter of the mechanism of coupled phosphorylation.
Driven to Distraction: How Electronic Media Are Affecting the Brain and the Implications for Human Resource Development in the Future

The ProblemAn uncertain economy with a highly mobile workforce compels employers to rely heavily on HRD research for empirically based selection criteria and proven predictors of job performance. O...
EEG Changes during Awake Carotid Endarterectomy

To determine the reason for differing shunt rates based on electroencephalographic (EEG) and neurologic changes during general and regional anesthetic, respectively, we compared simultaneous EEG tracings and neurologic status in 135 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) under cervical block over a 30-month period. The decision to shunt in these patients was made on the basis of neurologic changes only irrespective of EEG findings. This group was then compared to the 288 patients undergoing CEA under general anesthetic with EEG monitoring over the same period. EEG changes occurred in 7.4% of awake patients and 15.3% of asleep patients (p < 0.03). The rates of ipsilateral hemispheric changes were similar, but no awake patient manifested global EEG changes with clamping while 3.5% of patients under general anesthesia did (p < 0.04). Global, but not hemispheric, changes were correlated with systolic blood pressure variability during clamping. This implies that global EEG changes in anesthetized patients may be the result of the anesthetic technique itself, and that cervical block may in fact be cerebroprotective.
Modified Lactic Acid Bacteria Detect and Inhibit Multiresistant Enterococci

We designed Lactococcus lactis to detect Enterococcus faecalis. Upon detection, L. lactis produce and secrete antienterococcal peptides. The peptides inhibit enterococcal growth and reduce viability of enterococci in the vicinity of L. lactis. The enterococcal sex pheromone cCF10 serves as the signal for detection. Expression vectors derived from pCF10, a cCF10-responsive E. faecalis sex-pheromone conjugative plasmid, were engineered in L. lactis for the detection system. Recombinant host strains were engineered to express genes for three bacteriocins, enterocin A, hiracin JM79 and enterocin P, each with potent antimicrobial activity against E. faecalis. Sensitive detection and specific inhibition occur both in agar and liquid media. The engineered L. lactis also inhibited growth of multidrug-resistant E. faecium strains, when induced by cCF10. The presented vectors and strains can be components of a toolbox for the development of alternative antibiotic technologies targeting enterococci at the site of infection.
PROCEDURE FOR ESTIMATING THE HEATS OF FORMATION OF AROMATIC COMPOUNDS. PART II. CHLORINATED PHENOLS, BIPHENYLS, DIPHENYL ETHERS AND DIBENZOFURANS

A previously developed group contribution method is used to estimate the gas phase enthalpies (heats) of formation of chlorinated phenols, diphenyl ethers and dibenzofurans. A slight extension of the method is used to estimate the gas phase enthalpies (heats) of formation of chlorinated biphenyls. In general, it is noted that the enthalpy of formation tends to be lower with increased degree of chlorination and with increased oxygen content in the molecules. Variations among isomers are attributable to nearest neighbor effects when using the method described herein. Limitations of the method are briefly discussed.
I segment lengths and thin filament periods in skeletal muscle fibers of the Rhesus monkey and the human.

The I segment length has been measured and the number of thin filament periods per I segment has been counted in electron micrographs of Rhesus monkey and human leg muscle fibers. The number of I segment periods in the monkey fiber (60) and in the human fiber (66) multiplied by axial periodicity (385 A) in thin filaments of living fibers (Huxley and BROWN, '67) plus 1,000 A allowed for Z line width in living fibers, provided a formula for calculation of I segment lengths in living fibers. The calculated I segment lengths are 2.41 μ for the monkey and 2.64 μ for the human fiber. The ratio of calculated I segment length over an assumed constant thick filament length (1.6 μ) among vertebrates is in close agreement with the ratio of measured I segment length over measured thick filament length in micrographs of frog, rat, monkey and human leg muscle fibers. The calculated I segment length in the frog (1.95 μ) is compared with that of the human (2.64 μ) to show the relation of I segment length to the length-developed tension diagram and to the series elastic components of the skeletal muscle fiber.