cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The heat resistance of salmonellae in egg albumen

Synopsis The heat resistance of Salmonella typhimurium and Salmonella senftenberg 775W was determined in albumen from fresh and stored eggs at temperatures ranging from 55.5 to 58.9° C. It was found that for both organisms the heat resistance in albumen from stored eggs was approximately half that of those in albumen obtained from fresh eggs. This difference appeared to be due to the difference in pH value between the fresh albumen (pH value approximately 8) and stored albumen (pH value approximately 9). The resistance of S. senftenberg 775W was much greater than that of S. typhimurium. In albumen (pH 9.1) the D value at 57.8° C. was 126–144 sec. for S. senftenberg, compared with 7.5 sec. for S. typhimurium.
Surgical management of acute esophageal necrosis.

I read with great interest the article by Drs. M.H. Wu and H.Y. Wu [1] on acute esophageal necrosis (AEN). The authors described two patients with AEN and emphasized the role of esophagectomy in the treatment of this rare syndrome. While I welcome reports of new cases of ‘‘black esophagus’’ that stir scientific discussion about the condition, I disagree with the proposed, rather aggressive, surgical approach to manage AEN. In my original paper, I introduced a staging system that describes the progression of AEN based on the endoscopic and pathologic findings [2]. It should be noted that black esophagus is a striking medical condition that may present with acute gastrointestinal hemorrhage in patients with hemodynamic compromise, debilitated health, sepsis, multiorgan failure, acute gastric outlet obstruction and diabetic ketoacidosis. The mainstay of treatment of AEN is supportive medical therapy with acid suppression, nil-per-os restriction, red blood cell transfusion, and importantly, correction of the underlying medical condition that has led to the development of the AEN. The overall mortality rate in patients with black esophagus is high at 31 %, but the mortality specific to the esophageal disease is only 6 %. To date, surgical resection has been reserved only for cases of esophageal perforation, an event typically caused by external compression by a ruptured thoracic aorta, gastric volvulus or severe thromboembolic disease [3]. It may also be considered in situations with rapid clinical decompensation in the absence of any other explanation. I absolutely disagree with the authors that esophagectomy is indicated for a wide group of stage 1 AEN cases. I further disagree that surgical intervention is necessary for stages 2 and 3 of AEN to prevent the development of esophageal strictures. A subgroup of patients with diabetes mellitus has a low chance of developing stricture or stenotic complications, and all patients generally do well with endoscopic balloon dilatation [2]. In conclusion, the surgical management of AEN should be performed only in select cases of perforation/mediastinitis. The passage of a nasogastric tube, and especially a Sengstaken–Blakemore tube, in AEN patients should be prohibited, as the friability of the esophagus will lead to tragic perforation and death, as was seen in the second patient. In their description of their two cases of AEN, the authors failed to explain the need for rapid surgical treatment of patients with black esophagus, without first attempting conventional medical management.
Insulin binding and activation of glycogen synthase in fibroblasts from Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetic patients.

125I-Insulin binding and insulin stimulation of glycogen synthase were examined in fibroblasts cultured from nine Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetic patients with age of onset of <42 years. In all cases specific insulin binding was qualitatively and quantitatively normal. Total 125I-insulin binding was elevated in cells from three patients with early onset diabetes (two with onset before age 1 year) due to an increase in ‘non-specific’ binding. When the ability of insulin to stimulate the conversion of the glucose-6-phosphate dependent to the glucose-6-phosphate independent form of glycogen synthase was measured, all cell lines responded, albeit to differing degrees. In general, the response of cells from diabetic donors was more variable than that of control fibroblasts. A slightly lower level of cellular glycogen was evident in the cells of the diabetic patients, and this was mirrored in slightly higher levels of the independent form of the enzyme. The average maximal level of the independent form of the enzyme also was higher in the diabetic patients' cells. Fibroblasts from one of the patients with very early onset diabetes had glycogen synthase levels that were markedly lower than in any other cell line examined. In summary, fibroblasts cultured from Type 1 diabetic patients do not show major defects in either insulin binding or action. A suggestion of subtle differences in the cells from the diabetic patients, particularly those with very early onset, is evident, however. Whether these are secondary to some primary genetic defect or represent some selection during culture remains to be determined.
On the variational systems of some nonlinear difference-differential equations

and 2jh(t) = -tLZj&.(t) + pXj(t T) X&.(t), (3) i,j, k = I, 2 ,...) 12, where n is any integer greater than 1,~ is any nonnegative time lag, and fi > 0. The second system differs from the first only in that (3) ia replaced by *jk(t) = -t&j&) + &(t T) X&),j f k (3’) and (**I F+(t) = 0, (3”) j, k = 1, 2 ,... , n. Nonetheless, the qualitative behavior of (*) and (**) differ dramatically as t + co. (*) and (**) can be interpreted as cross-correlated flows over directed probabilistic networks G(*) and G(**), respectively [I]. Both G(*) and G(**) have 12 vertices V = {ZQ : i = 1, 2,..., n> and n2 directed edges E = {ejk : j, k = 1, 2 ,..., n}. In G(*), each edge ej, is assigned the weight q(ej,) = l/n. By contrast, in G(**) each edge ejl, leading from a given vertex vj to a distinct vetiex vk: , k f j,
249 FAILURE OF EARLY INFANT STIMULATION IN IMPROVING THE PROGNOSIS OF SEVERELY ASPHYXIATED NEONATES

The results of early stimulation in the treatment of severely asphyxiated neonates was evaluated. Eight patients with fetal distress (8/8) and perinatal asphyxia (8/8) who required resuscitation in the delivery room (8/8) with thick meconium in the trachea (7/8) and 1-min Apgar scores of <4 (7/8) were assessed at 8 mos-2 yrs of age. These patients had prolonged and difficult-to-control seizure activity (8/8) and required multiple anticonvulsant therapies (8/8) and respirator support (7/8) during the neonatal period. All received early sensory motor stimulation (i.e., aural, visual, tactile, oromotor, positioning, etc.) from a neurodevelopmental therapist within the first 13 mos of life for a minimum of 2 hrs/wk and the parents were instructed to give ongoing daily therapy. Despite early infant stimulation all infants (8/8) showed persistent psychomotor delay. Abnormal initial CTT's occurred in 4/8; abnormal followup CTT's in 6/6; abnormal EEG's in 7/8. Severely asphyxiated infants who receive early stimulation do not achieve normal development despite comprehensive intervention.
Genetic and Cytogenetic Intersex Anomalies: Can They Help Us to Understand Gender Differences in Deviant Behavior?

Across time and national boundaries males have been shown to be far more sociolegally deviant than females. Sociological criminology's faith in environmentalism has thwarted its efforts to provide theoretically meaningful explanations of this phenomenon. Biocriminality begins with the assumption that the neurohormonal differences between men and women have a lot to tell us about behavioral differences between the sexes as they apply to crime and deviance. This article examines the relatively scarce literature on psychosocial behavioral patterns of various genetic and cytogenetic anomalies (psudeohermaphrodites) arrayed on a continuum from the most "feminine" to the most "masculine." Behavioral pathologies of all kinds follow the general pattern: Turner's syndrome = androgen insensitivity syndrome normal female congenital adrenal hyperplasia females normal male Klinefelter's syndrome XYY syndrome. As in other scientific fields, severe departures from the norm may go a long way in helping us to define what ...
Diffusion of soluble factors through degradable polymer nerve guides: Controlling manufacturing parameters.

Abstract Nerve guides are cylindrical conduits of either biologically based or synthetic materials that are used to bridge nerve defects. While it is well known that a critical aspect of nerve regeneration is the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the surviving nerve tissue, several guide parameters that determine the permeability of nerve guides to nutrients are often overlooked. We have reproducibly manufactured poly(caprolactone) (PCL) nerve guides of tailored porosity percentage, wall thickness and pore diameter through a dip-coating/salt-leaching technique. In this study, these three parameters were varied to measure the response of glucose and lysozyme diffusion through the guide wall. In addition, nerve guide permeability following protein fouling studies was examined. Based on the results from this study, it was determined that at high porosity percentages (80%), decreasing the pore diameter (10–38 μm) was a measurable method of decreasing the lysozyme permeability of PCL nerve guides while not creating a loss of glucose permeability. PCL fouling studies were used to fine-tune the desirable nerve guide wall thickness. Results indicated that nerve guides 0.6 mm thick decreased the loss of lysozyme to almost 10% without significantly diminishing glucose (nutrient) permeability. These results will be utilized to optimize nerve guide parameters for future in vivo applications.
Incidence of Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Causing Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Objective/Hypothesis: To identify the incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) causing chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and identify whether antibiotic use and previous endoscopic sinus surgeries (ESS) contribute to its development. Study Design: A retrospective case control analysis, with the control group randomly selected and matched for age and sex. Methods: All patients undergoing an endonasal culture in a tertiary otolaryngology center between April 2001 and March 2003 for mucopurulent rhinosinusitis were identified. A chart review was undertaken to identify those patients with a positive MRSA culture result. An age- and sex-matched control group was randomly chosen, and an interview was conducted to identify antibiotic use and previous ESS. A statistical analysis on these two variables was carried out using a t test and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Results: Two hundred eighty cultures were identified in 188 patients, and of these, 264 cultures in 173 patients met the inclusion criteria. There were 141 positive cultures and 13 positive MRSA cultures. The overall incidence of MRSA in this population was 9.22%. The mean number of antibiotic courses in the MRSA and the control groups was 33.2 and 26.7, respectively, which was not statistically significant (P = .43). The 95% confidence interval (CI) for this mean difference of 6.5 is −9.8 to 22.8. The mean number of ESS in the MRSA and control groups was 2.0 and 1.9, respectively, which was not statistically significant (P = .93). The 95% CI for this mean difference of 0.06 is −1.3 to 1.4. Conclusions: We identified a 9.22% incidence of MRSA-causing CRS. The frequency of antibiotic use and previous ESS were found not to be statistically significant causes of MRSA sinusitis. However, the 95% CI for antibiotic usage is skewed to the right, indicating a possible role for its contribution to the emergence of MRSA-causing CRS.
Coexisting two-phase flow in correlated two-dimensional percolation

The simultaneous percolation of two immiscible (noncrossing) phases in correlated two-dimensional percolation has a monotonically decreasing probability for increasing scale, leading to vanishing probability for infinite systems. However, an increasing probability for noncrossing coexistence with increasing observation size occurs for strongly correlated percolation models. When the correlations obey a tunable long-range power law that decays with distance as ${L}^{\ensuremath{-}a},$ an abrupt transition between coexistence and noncoexistence is observed when the criterion $a\ensuremath{\nu}\ensuremath{-}dl0$ is satisfied.
Primary peritonitis in children

Summary 1. Eleven cases of primary peritonitis occurring in children between the ages of two years and ten years of age are reported. 2. All of the cases occurred in females (seven pneumococcic and four streptococcic). 3. Abdominal puncture was performed in three cases. 4. Operation was performed in nine cases. 5. The general mortality was 75 per cent. Two patients with pneumococcus peritonitis were operated upon and recovered, and one patient with streptococcus peritonitis recovered without operation. 6. The questions as to the portal of entry and as to the most favorable time for operation still remain unanswered.
The effects of early p-chlorophenylalanine administration and postweaning housing conditions on serotonin and behavior in rats

Abstract Rats were administered 100 mg/kg of p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) or saline daily from birth until 18 days of age. At weaning (28 days), half of each group was assigned to either an enriched or isolated environmental condition until approximately 80 days of age. A significant drug by environment interaction was found in the analysis of serotonin (5-HT) whole brain levels, which was not related to open field activity, but was related to a shock-induced active avoidance task. Conditions which decreased 5-HT levels also increased the number of active avoidance responses. The importance of rearing conditions between early drug manipulation and adult testing is discussed.
Influence of Zwitterions on Thermomechanical Properties and Morphology of Acrylic Copolymers: Implications for Electroactive Applications

n-Butyl acrylate-based zwitterionomers and ionomers containing 3-[[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl](dimethyl)ammonio]-1-propanesulfonate (SBMA) and 2-[butyl(dimethyl)amino]ethyl methacrylate methanesulfonate (BDMAEMA MS), respectively, were synthesized using conventional free radical polymerization. Size-exclusion chromatography confirmed the molecular weights of the copolymers exceeded the critical molecular weight between entanglements (Me) for poly(n-butyl acrylate). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed that zwitterionomers promoted more well-defined microphase separation than cationic analogues. Dynamic mechanical analyses (DMA) of the copolymers showed a rubbery plateau region due to physical cross-links between charges for zwitterionomers only. Since SBMA and BDMAEMA MS have very similar chemical structures, we attributed improved microphase separation and superior elastomeric performance of the zwitterionomers to stronger ...
A novel method for analyzing images of live nerve cells

Analysis of images from live-cell experiments is a central activity to studying the effects of stimulation on neuronal behavior. Image analysis techniques currently used to study these effects rely for the most part on the salience of the neuronal structures within the image. In both fluorescent and electron microscopy, neuronal structures are enhanced and therefore easy to distinguish in an image. Unlike images obtained via fluorescent or electron microscopy, however, images produced via transmission microscopy (e.g., bright field, phase contrast, DIC) are significantly more difficult to analyze because there is little contrast between the object-of-interest and the image background. This difficulty is amplified when a time-dependent sequence of images are to be analyzed, because of the corresponding large data sets. To address this problem, we introduce a novel approach to the analysis of images of live cells captured via transmission microscopy that takes advantage of commercially available software and the Fourier transform. Specifically, our approach utilizes several morphological functions in MATLAB to enhance the contrast of the cells with respect to the background, which is followed by 2-D Fourier analysis to generate a spectrum from which the orientation and alignment of cells and their processes can be measured. We show that this method can be used to simplify the interpretation of complex structure in images of live neurons obtained via transmission microscopy and consequently, discover trends in neurite development following different types of stimulation. This approach provides a consistent and reliable tool for analyzing changes in cell structure that occurs during live-cell experiments.
Determination of Catalyst Unique Parameters for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction in a PEMFC

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) kinetics of a high-surface-area carbon-supported platinum catalyst (Pt/C) were measured in an operating proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). The ORR kinetics of Pt/C can be described over a wide range of temperature, pressure, and current density using four catalyst-specific parameters: transfer coefficient, exchange current density, reaction order with respect to oxygen partial pressure, and activation energy. These parameters were extracted using a combined kinetic and thermodynamic model, either referenced to the reversible cell potential (i.e., using exchange current density as activity parameter) or referenced to a constant ohmic-resistance-corrected (i.e., iR-free) cell voltage. The latter has the advantage of using an activity parameter (activity at 0.9 V iR-free cell voltage) which can be measured explicitly without extrapolation, in contrast to the exchange current density required in the former model. It was found that much of the variation in the published values for these catalyst-specific kinetic parameters derives from applying the same parameter name (e.g., activation energy) without specifying which of its many possible definitions is being used. The obviously significant numerical differences both for "oxygen reaction order" and for "activation energy" due to different definitions (often tacitly assumed and rarely explicitly stated in the literature) are illustrated by the kinetic ORR parameters which we determined for Pt/C: (i) at zero overpotential, where reaction order and activation energy are ∼0.5 and 67 kJ/mol, respectively, and (ii) at 0.9 V iR-free cell voltage, where reaction order and activation energy are ∼0.75 and 10 kJ/mol, respectively.
The LPG1 gene family of Leishmania major

In Leishmania major, the core of the abundant surface lipophosphoglycan (LPG) is structurally related to that of the smaller glycosylinositolphospholipids (GIPLs) in containing galactosylfuranose (Gal f ) residues in a Galf (1, 3)Man motif. However, deletion of the putative Galf -transferase (Galf T) LPG1 affected Galf incorporation in LPG but not GIPLs. We hypothesized that the presumptive GIPL Galf -transferases could be homologous to LPG1, and identified three related genes in the L. major genome. These were termed LPG1L, LPG1R, and LPG1G, the latter of which was found in three identical copies located at the telomeres of chromosomes 5, 19, and 32 based on Leishmania genome project data. Neither LPG1 nor its homologues LPG1L and LPG1R were involved in the biosynthesis of GIPLs, as an lpg1 − /lpg1l − /lpg1r − triple knockout (the first such in Leishmania) grew normally and made wild-type levels of Galf -containing GIPLs. In contrast, overexpression of these three led to elevated galactose incorporation in glycoproteins. Gal f -containing glycoproteins had not been described in Leishmania but occur at high levels in other closely related trypanosomatids including Trypanosoma cruzi, Crithidia, Leptomonas, andEndotrypanum, andLPG1L and LPG1R homologs were detected in these species. These data suggest that the glyco-synthetic capabilities of Leishmaniaand perhaps other trypanosomatids may be larger than previously thought, with some activities being ‘cryptic’ in different lineages and potentially serving as reservoirs for glycoconjugate variation during evolution. Future tests will address whether the LPG1G family encodes the hypothesized GIPL-specific Gal f T. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Visual and auditory modality and suffix effects in young and elderly adults.

Abstract Research has shown that elderly as compared with young adults show relative deficits both in processing visually as compared with auditorily presented stimuli and in tasks having attentional components. In this study, visual and auditory presentation was compared in young and elderly adults using the suffix paradigm in which the control condition involves immediate serial recall and the experimental condition, a suffix, a not-to-be-remembered final item. The standard finding in this paradigm is called the modality effect, superior auditory as compared with visual performance in the control condition which is localized at the end of the sequence. Generally, auditory suffixes following auditory sequences reduce the modality efect while visual suffixes following visual sequences do not. The results showed generally standard modality and suffix effects for both age groups. Relatively inferior performance was present in the elderly in the visual as compared with the auditory control conditions suggest...
A health assessment of older Americans: Some multidimensional measures

This study examined the relationships among self-reported health practices and self-reported health status variables for 126 older adults drawn from a population of senior center participants, homebound elderly, and nursing home residents. Canonical correlation was used to determine significant relationships among linear combinations of the health variable set and the health practices-demographic data variable set. One significant canonical variate indicated that older adults who were more satisfied socially, free of or low in depression, had fewer or no physical disabilities, an internal locus of control, higher self-esteem, and fewer or no symptoms of aging, also tended to report engaging in current and lifelong exercise, sleeping 7 or 8 hr per day, having a higher educational attainment, and being in the younger age group of elderly. Current health practices of older adults were related to important health status variables. This finding contradicts some earlier investigations and suggests that older adults are indeed appropriate targets for health education and health promotion activities.
Radiotelemetric Monitoring of Hypothalamic Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Pulse Generator Activity Throughout the Menstrual Cycle of the Rhesus Monkey

Continuous monitoring of the electrophysiological manifestations of GnRH pulse generator activity was achieved by radiotelemetry throughout the menstrual cycles of unrestrained rhesus monkeys. The characteristic increases in hypothalamic multiunit activity (MUA volleys) associated with each LH pulse measured in the peripheral circulation were of lower frequency during the luteal phase than in the follicular phase of the cycle. Multiunit activity volley frequency increased as functional luteolysis progressed and achieved maxima of approximately one volley per hour within the first few days of the follicular phase. Unexpectedly, a dramatic decline in pulse generator frequency was observed coincidentally with the initiation of the preovulatory LH surge. Evidence is presented to support the conclusion that this deceleration of pulse generator activity is the consequence of the preovulatory rise in plasma estrogen concentration. As reported in women, a significant reduction in GnRH pulse generator frequency was observed at night during the follicular phase, but not during the luteal phase, of the menstrual cycle.
SU‐FF‐T‐82: Angular Distribution of Photon Energy Spectra Emitted by Low‐Energy Interstitial Brachytherapy Sources

Purpose: The cylindrical geometry associated with the current low‐energy interstitial brachytherapy sources is known to produce lesser dose near the ends of each source that are 1) highly dependent on source construction and 2) potentially harmful to a successful brachytherapy treatment. The aim of this work was to establish an experimental technique for quantitative determination of the angular variation of photon energy spectra emitted by the low‐energy sources. Method and Materials: A high‐purity Germanium detector designed for low‐energy photon spectrometry was used to measure the energy spectra emitted by brachytherapy sources. A remote‐controlled source holder was constructed to hold the source at a desired source‐to‐detector distance with minimum disturbance to the emitted photons and to precisely rotate the source around a radial axis in the source's bisector. Two 103 Pd source models, one constructed with traditional titanium encapsulation and the other with a novel polymer encapsulation were used to test the experimental setup and to study the dependence of angular spectra distribution on source construction. Results: Larger than 40% reduction in photon fluence was observed near the ends of both source models relative to the fluence emitted along the radial direction in their bisectors. The use of polymer encapsulation resulted in minimal encapsulation‐induced spectral hardening to the photons emitted by bare 103 Pd . It also resulted in improved spatial isotropy of the emitted photon fluence as compared to the titanium encapsulation. Additional variations in angular fluence distribution that were linked to specific source construction features were also observed. Conclusions: The angular distribution of photon energy spectra emitted by low‐energy brachytherapy sources can be measured with high accuracy (better than 4%) using a high‐resolution photon spectrometer. This complete spectral information is needed for accurate determination of dose distribution around each source and for optimizing the source design to reduce fluence anisotropy.
Predicting Changes in Depressive Symptoms from Pregnancy to Postpartum: The Role of Brooding Rumination and Negative Inferential Styles

The current study examined the role of cognitive factors in the development and maintenance of depressive symptoms from pregnancy into the postpartum period. One hundred and one women were assessed for levels of rumination (brooding and reflection), negative inferential styles, and depressive symptoms in their third trimester of pregnancy and depressive symptom levels again at 4 and 8 weeks postpartum. We found that, although none of the three cognitive variables predicted women’s initial depressive reactions following childbirth (from pregnancy to 1 month postpartum), brooding rumination and negative inferential styles predicted longer-term depressive symptom changes (from pregnancy to 2 months postpartum). However, the predictive validity of women’s negative inferential styles was limited to women already exhibiting relatively high depressive symptom levels during pregnancy, suggesting that it was more strongly related to the maintenance of depressive symptoms into the postpartum period rather than increases in depressive symptoms following childbirth. Modifying cognitive risk factors, therefore, may be an important focus of intervention for depression during pregnancy.
Kinetics of drug absorption in goldfish.

A two-compartment reversible model describing the occurrence of pharmacologic effect in goldfish as a function of drug concentration in the bathing solution was examined. The derived expressions were applied to 4-aminoantipyrine-induced overturn. The rate constants of absorption and exsorption for this drug were 4.0 × 10−4 hr.−1 and 7.8 × 10−3 hr.−1, respectively. The theoretical drug concentration in the fish body necessary for overturn was 19.5 mg. %, which agrees with the experimental results. The mathematical relationships and experimental data demonstrate that a critical concentration is necessary in the fish body before a pharmacologic response will occur. At low drug concentration in the bathing solution, the reciprocal time-drug concentration plots will be hyperbolic rather than linear. The results of this study suggest that 4-aminoantipyrine-induced overturn in the goldfish is absorption rate limited.
Inhibition of housefly microsomal epoxidase by the eye pigment, xanthommatin☆

Abstract The material present in housefly heads which is known to inhibit the microsomal oxidase system in vitro has been identified as xanthommatin, an ommochrome pigment of the housefly. This inhibits the activity of housefly microsomal epoxidase at concentrations as low as 5 × 10 −7 M . It acts by competing with the system for electrons, probably at the cytochrome c reductase site. BSA, which is sometimes used to counteract such inhibitors, has no effect on xanthommatin.
Predictors of image quality of coronary computed tomography in the acute care setting of patients with chest pain

Objective We aimed to determine predictors of image quality in consecutive patients who underwent coronary computed tomography (CT) for the evaluation of acute chest pain.
Base-mediated reactions of ortho- and para-perfluoroalkylanilines

Abstract The title chemistry involves regioselectively a benzylic position of the perfluoroalkyl group and provides an easy access to substituted quinolines and methanes.
Structure Studies of Poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride-co-acrylamide) Gels/Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Complex

Cationic poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMACl)-polyacrylamide polyelectrolyte copolymer gels have been synthesized by free radical copolymerization with various degrees of cross-linking over a range of charge densities. The polyelectrolyte gels and an oppositely charged surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), associate to form complexes even when the SDS concentration in the external solution which is in equilibrium with the polyelectrolyte gel is below the critical micelle concentration (cmc). Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) have been used to study the structure of the polyelectrolyte gels and the gel/surfactant complex, respectively. SANS results of PDADMACl gels with various degrees of cross-linking suggest that the static concentration fluctuations induced by the cross-links are about 2 orders of magnitude larger than the dynamic solution concentration fluctuations. SAXS results on the spatial arrangements of the PDADMACl−SDS complex suggest ...
Quality of diet related to food insecurity and food stamps use among older people

We explore the association between quality of diet and food security status among older persons. Cross-sectional survey of large national samples, from the National Health & Nutrition Examination Surveys (1988-1994 & 2001-2002), in the United States. A total of 5,039 and 2,040 men and women aged 60 and older, respectively. The dependent variable was the healthy eating index (HEI; 2000 and 2005) as a measure of diet quality. The independent variable of interest was food security status and was categorized as food secure, food insecurity receiving food stamps and food insecurity not receiving food stamps. In multivariate analyses, food insecure individuals not receiving food stamps had lower total HEI-2000 scores compared to food secure individuals (b=-3.91, SE=1.81, P=0.0310). Factors independently associated with high HEI (2000 or 2005) scores were female gender, being married, highly educated or wealthy, with very good/ excellent perceived health, or without functional limitations. Food secure individuals had better quality of diet than food insecure individuals. Among food insecure individuals, receiving food stamps was not associated with diet quality. Food insecure families with older individuals may need new methods of dissemination of food and nutrition programs – methods that yield positive and promising changes in the health status of this special population group.
Model-assisted development of a laminography inspection system

Traditional computed tomography (CT) is an effective method of determining the internal structure of an object through non-destructive means; however, inspection of certain objects, such as those with planar geometrics or with limited access, requires an alternate approach. An alternative is laminography and has been the focus of a number of researchers in the past decade for both medical and industrial inspections. Many research efforts rely on geometrically-simple analytical models, such as the Shepp-Logan phantom, for the development of their algorithms. Recent work at the Center for Non-Destructive Evaluation makes extensive use of a forward model, XRSIM, to study artifacts arising from the reconstruction method, the effects of complex geometries and known issues such as high density features on the laminography reconstruction process. The use of a model provides full knowledge of all aspects of the geometry and provides a means to quantitatively evaluate the impact of methods designed to reduce artif...
Variations on a Theme: More Uses of Odds Ratios to Interpret Log-Linear Parameters

This article presents an expository discussion of the use of odds, odds ratios, and functions of odds ratios as an aid to the interpretation of log-linear parameters. While there have been some previous presentations on the use of odds ratios, this method has never been fully and systematically developed for complex situations, nor have the potential problems of interpretation using odds ratios been discussed. The presentation in this article more fully elaborates the possible modes of drawing contrasts with odds ratios using any of the three common parameterizations of a log-linear model (ANOVA-like, regression-like, and logit). The sampling distribution and the calculation of standard errors for odds ratios are also discussed as are some cautions on the interpretation of odds ratios. A data analysis of unemployment using polytomous variables illustrates the application and interpretation of the odds-ratio approach.
Why use CFD for explosion studies

This article provides an overview showing the value of CFD for the study of explosions. Although computational fluid dynamics finds a great deal of use in solving very complex problems, its value is not limited to complex problems. Many relatively simple problems can be solved quickly and economically with the use of CFD. The intent of this article is to show industry the possibilities that exist for improving safety when the physics of explosions are better understood. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2008
Small-Molecule Release from poly(D,L-Lactide)/Poly(D,L-Lactide-co-Glycolide) Composite Microparticles

Addition of biodegradable polymer shells surrounding polymeric, drug-loaded microparticles offers the opportunity to control drug release rates. A novel fabrication method was used to produce microparticles with precise control of particle diameter and the thickness of the polymer shell. The effect of shell thickness on release of a model drug, piroxicam, has been clearly shown for 2- to 15-microm thick shells of poly(D,L-lactide) (PDLL) surrounding a poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) core and compared to pure PLG microspheres loaded with piroxicam. Furthermore, the core-shell microparticles are compared to microspheres containing blended polymers in the same mass ratios to demonstrate the importance of the core-shell morphology. Combining PDLL(PLG) microcapsules of different shell thicknesses allows nearly constant release rates to be attained for a period of 6 weeks.
Building Better: GSA's National 3D-4D-BIM Program

Leaders in harnessing this innovative digital tool for architectural design and facilities management, Peggy Ho and Charles Matta review how the US General Services Administration developed BIM guidance to measure and validate the allocation of space, share building information with designers and contractors, evaluate energy-efficiency and sustainability strategies, and test alternative schemes for interior circulation.
Chemical Characterization of Petroleum from a Seep on Slope of Northern Gulf of Mexico: ABSTRACT

During an extensive coring and geophysical survey of the outer slope of the northwest Gulf of Mexico, a 4-m (13-ft) core recovered from 538 m (1,765 ft) water depth had visible petroleum deposits. The petroleum was extracted and chemically and isotopically characterized. The percent of petroleum soluble in benzene ranged from 4.0 near the surface to 4.5 at 100 cm (39 in.) to 0.1 at 410 cm (161 in.). API gravities ranged between 10.7 and 17.6. GC analysis of the silica gel fractions showed that both the saturated and aromatic hydrocarbon components are highly biodegraded, with the degree of degradation increasing upward in the core. The ^dgr13C values for the whole oil and the fractions were between -26.2 and -26.7^pmil on the PDB scale and showed very little va iation among compound classes. Carbonate nodules contained in the oil-rich core had carbon isotopic compositions depleted in 13C, indicating oxidized organic matter is the source of the inorganic carbon. The core is located in an area with large-scale normal faulting which also shows evidence of gas migration. Based on this and the distribution of oil in the core, it is supposed that the oil has migrated upward. End_of_Article - Last_Page 421------------
Use of a sensitive enzyme immunoassay for human thyrotropin in the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism

A sensitive, simultaneous sandwich enzyme immunoassay for TSH was evaluated especially for its ability to distinguish hyperthyroid patients from the euthyroid population. A total of 140 patient samples was analzyed by this assay as well as with a two-step sandwich radioimmunoassay. The diagnostic sensitivity of the thyrotropin assay was 92.5% and the specificity was 88%. False negatives by thyrotropin assay included two patients with Graves' disease who were being treated with propranolol at the time of testing and one patient who was considered hyperthyroid while receiving synthroid. Twelve patients with elevated free thyroxine index levels were considered euthyroid and 50% of these had thyrotropin values that were undetectable; most were elderly patients with nonthyroidal illnesses. Although the thyrotropin enzyme immunoassay had good sensitivity and precision for the detection of hyperthyroidism, our data suggest the limitation of a single thyrotropin determination in establishing the euthyroid state, especially in elderly patients with associated nonthyroidal illnesses and hyperthyroxinemia.
Urban American Indian Adolescent Girls: Framing Sexual Risk Behavior

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore factors that influence urban adolescent American Indian (AI) girls’ sexual risk behavior. Design: A qualitative study was conducted with grounded theory methodology to reveal factors and processes that influence sexual risk behavior. Method: Talking circles, individual interviews, and event history calendars were used with 20 urban AI 15- to 19-year-old girls to explore influences on sexual risk behavior. Results: The generated theory—framing sexual risk behavior—describes social and structural factors and processes that influenced the girls’ sexual risk behavior. The theory extends Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model by identifying microsystem, mesosystem, and macrosystem influences on sexual risk behavior. Discussion: Urban AI girls reported similar social and structural influences on sexual risk behavior as urban adolescents from other racial and ethnic groups. However, differences were noted in the family structure, cultural heritage, and unique history ...
Coexistence of jaguar (Panthera onca) and puma (Puma concolor) in a mosaic landscape in the Venezuelan llanos

Jaguar Panthera onca and puma Puma concolor are sympatric throughout the jaguar's distribution. Although several studies have focused on the interactions between these two predators, the ecological and behavioural factors that promote their coexistence remain unclear. The goal of this study was to identify those factors that facilitate the coexistence of these cats in a mosaic landscape in the Venezuelan llanos. The study was conducted from January 1996 until November 1998. Five jaguars and six pumas were captured and radio-collared. A high degree of spatial overlap was observed between jaguars and pumas, which may be related to the abundance and distribution of prey species. At a fine scale, there was little overlap of puma locations with jaguar locations. Both species were more active at night than during daytime, but seasonal differences were detected in the activity levels of these predators. Major segregation was found in food habits. Jaguars selected for large prey and pumas for medium-sized prey. Jaguars selected for capybara Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris and collared peccary Tayassu tajacu and consumed caiman Caiman crocodilus and white-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus less than expected. Pumas selected just for collared peccary and also killed caiman less than expected. It is suggested that the abundance of medium-sized prey is an ecological factor that is facilitating the coexistence of jaguar and puma in the study area. Habitat heterogeneity may be another influential factor leading to the coexistence. Seasonal differences in activity levels probably reflect differences in the size and species of prey taken by these cats.
Applications of mathematical learning models to student performance on general chemistry: Microcomputer drill and practice programs

Four drill and practice programs in general chemistry (Butler & Hough, 1982) were altered to keep records of response, scores, and response times as students used the programs. Mathematical learning models were applied to the resulting score and time data. When data for groups of students using the same programs were analyzed using the polynomial fit model of Kerlinger and Pedhazur (1973), significant results were found and in most cases the linear fit provided the only significant explanation for the variance in the data. The performance of individual students on selected programs was also analyzed using a linear model, a simple exponential saturation model, and a more complex model which incorporated ability and motivation factors into the exponential saturation model (Aldridge, 1983). Most of the students improved their performance linearly with time and none exhibited patterns characteristic of the Aldridge model. In some cases, the simple exponential saturation model provided an explanation of the data as probable as that of the linear model. The implications of the findings for science teaching are discussed.
Speech interfaces for equitable access to information technology

Speech recognition has often been suggested as a key to universal information access, as the speech modality is a “natural” way to interact, does not require literacy, and relies on existing telephony infrastructure. However, success stories of speech interfaces in developing regions are few and far between. The challenges of literacy, dialectal variation, and the prohibitive expense of creating the necessary linguistic resources are intractable using traditional techniques. We present our findings evaluating a low-cost, scalable speech-driven application designed and deployed in a community center in rural Tamil Nadu, India, to disseminate agricultural information to village farmers.
The Post-Mortem Oxygen Requirements of Bovine Tissue a

SUMMARY The activity of succinic dehydrogenase of post-rigor bovine tissue was determined at various temperatures and pH values. The oxygen uptake thus measured yielded typical curves. In the first 15 hr the uniform gas uptake can be accounted for by oxygenation of myoglobin, solution of oxygen and nitrogen, and enzymatic oxygen uptake. After 15 hr the oxygen uptake is due to enzymatic reaction. The enzymatic uptake of oxygen is about 0.7 μL/hr/g of wet tissue. The evolution of carbon dioxide was about 1.1 μL/hr/g of wet tissue. Tissue sample taken from deep in the musculature, however, showed a larger carbon dioxide evolution in the first 4 hr of exposure (before equilbrium is established) to au air atmosphere.
Three New Distichous-bracted Species of Calathea (Marantaceae) from Panama

Abstract. Three species of Calathea G. Mey. with distichous bracts, assigned to Calathea sect. Calathea (Marantaceae), are described as new from Panama: C. carlae H. Kenn., C. chiriquensis H. Kenn., and C. fredgandersii H. Kenn. All three are found in montane wet or cloud forest habitats at middle to higher elevations, 800–1400 m. Calathea carlae also occurs in Costa Rica, while the other two are endemic to Panama. Calathea carlae differs from related species by the leaf length:width ratios of 1.7–2.13:1, cream-colored bracts, claviculate bracteoles, yellow corollas, and yellow or pink-purple staminodes. Calathea chiriquensis is distinguished by the light green bracts, leaf length:width ratios of 1.3–1.56:1, absence of bracteoles, flowers borne singly rather than in pairs, and yellow flowers. Calathea fredgandersii is distinguished by the subround leaf, leaf length:width ratios of 1.15–1.55:1, a purple band along the leaf margin, a deep purple leaf sheath, verruculose petioles, white bracts, membranous b...
Model for Dopant and Impurity Segregation During Vapor Phase Growth.

We propose a new kinetic model for surface segregation during vapor phase growth that takes into account multiple mechanisms for segregation, including mechanisms for inter-layer exchange and surface diffusion. The resulting behavior of the segregation length shows temperature and velocity dependence, both of which have been observed in experiments. We compare our analytic model to experimental measurements for segregation of Phosphorus in Si(001), and we find an excellent agreement using realistic energies and pre-exponential factors for kinetic rate constants.
Manifestations of interpersonal trust in online interaction A cross-cultural study comparing the differential utilization of seller ratings by eBay participants in Canada, France, and Germany

As the internet continues to expand globally, the understanding of the micro-level connections between culture and online interaction is vital from a scientific perspective. This article explores the effects of societal values of interpersonal trust on online interactions. Using data from the World Values Survey and Inglehart’s (1997) scores on interpersonal trust, the study compares the effect of seller feedback ratings on online auction participation in three economically similar but culturally distinct countries, Canada, France, and Germany. The results indicate a significant interaction between culture, interpersonal trust levels, and seller ratings on bidder participants. Cultures that exhibit high levels of interpersonal trust tend to participate in online auctions irrespective of the sellers’ feedback ratings. However, in low trust cultures, seller ratings have a significant effect on bidders. The extent of the effect seems to depend on the degree of trust and the variation in seller ratings.
Computational study of the Effects of Ice Accretions on the Flowfields in the M2129 S-Duct inlets

Typical rime and glaze ice accretion shape on the lip of the M2129 S-duct inlets are computationally simulated and their effects on the inlet duct performance are investigated by steady-state RANS solutions. Glaze ice accretion produces serious degradation of the inlet duct performance, while the effect of rime ice shape is negligible. Significant changes in flowfield property distributions inside the inlet ducts are observed for glaze ice accretion due to its obstructive shape to the inflow. Compared to the clean inlet, the secondary flow region at the engine face of the duct inlet is increased by 600 percent for the glaze iced inlet. Total pressure recoveries at the engine face for the rime and glaze ice case are 98.8 and 95.8 percent, respectively. Also, glaze ice causes 26 percent reduction in the mass flow rate at the inlet duct throat. Nomenclature th D = Throat diameter (m) LWC = Liquid water contents ( ) 3 g/m MVD = Mean volume diameter ( m μ ) th M = Throat Mach number (~) M∞ = Freestream Mach number (~) S p = Static pressure (Pa) t p = Total pressure (Pa) t p ∞ = Freestream total pressure (Pa)