cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of high phosphate radioactive tank waste and simulant development.

A sample of high-level radioactive tank waste was characterized to provide a basis for developing a waste simulant. The simulant is required for pilot-scale testing of pretreatment processes in a nonradiological facility. The waste material examined was derived from the bismuth phosphate process, which was the first industrial process implemented to separate plutonium from irradiated nuclear fuel. The bismuth phosphate process sludge is a complex mixture rich in bismuth, iron, sodium, phosphorus, silicon, and uranium. The form of phosphorus in this particular tank waste material is of specific importance because that is the primary component (other than water-soluble sodium salts) that must be removed from the high-level waste solids by pretreatment. This work shows unequivocally that the phosphorus in this waste material is not present as bismuth phosphate. Rather, the phosphorus appears to be incorporated mostly into an amorphous iron(III) phosphate phase. The bismuth in the sludge solids is best descri...
On inhomogeneous scattering models of Titan's atmosphere

Podolak and Danielson (1977) discussed the homogeneous model of Titan's atmosphere with the dust and gas uniformly mixed. They were able to reproduce the equivalent widths of the CH4 bands at 4680 and 5430 A but failed to agree with the observations in the near infrared. The present paper develops an inhomogeneous model which has the dust and gas essentially separated; this model agrees fairly well with the near-IR data of Younkin (1974) but does not agree with the data of Lutz et al. (1976) for the 4860-A band and it must be adjusted to match their data for the 5430-A band.
SocialCircuits: the art of using mobile phones for modeling personal interactions

We describe SocialCircuits, a platform capable of measuring the face-to-face and phone-based communication network of a real-world community. This platform uses commodity mobile phones to measure social ties between individuals, and uses long and short term surveys to measure the shifts in individual habits, opinions, health, and friendships influenced by those ties.We also describe the flagship experiment using this platform, a year-long study of an entire university undergraduate dormitory. Lastly, we discuss some of the key challenges we met in building and deploying the platform, including mobile phone hardware and software selection, privacy considerations, community selection and recruitment, and techniques for minimizing data loss.
Tectonic forcing of shelf‐ramp depositional architecture, Laguna Madre‐Tuxpan Shelf, western Gulf of Mexico

[1] Analysis of seismic reflection data reveals the existence of a major listric fault that accommodates most of the Neogene extension of the Laguna Madre-Tuxpan shelf of the western Gulf of Mexico. The variation of related growth strata, the profile of the modern shelf-slope transition, the linear gradient of shelf extension (as well as basin accommodation) along the trace of the fault support a hypothesis that sediment loading along the northern part of the fault drives fault motion and influences sediment distribution along the southern end of the fault. In particular, where kinematic accommodation appears to outpace sediment supply, sedimentation is maximized along a shelf-ramp system and not the shelf-slope transition.
The Gothic Cathedral: An Immersive Information Visualization Space

During the Middle Ages Gothic cathedrals were immersive information spaces which supported religious education and practice. Stained glass windows were essential to their function, in which Biblical narratives had been translated by skilled medieval artists into visual forms. This paper analyzes this visual phenomenon from the perspective of spatial information systems and the medieval art of memory.
Identification of an aldose reductase inhibitor site by affinity labeling

Animal studies indicate that aldose reductase inhibitors represent a pharmacological method for inhibiting the onset of diabetic complications that is independent of blood sugar control. This has spurred the development of aldose reductase inhibitors (ARIs). To facilitate the rational development of more potent and direct ARIs, more specific knowledge of the structural and pharmacophoric requirements of the site at which ARIs interact are required. Co-crystallization of human placental aldose reductase with the inhibitor zopolrestat has been reported to result in a complex where the inhibitor is almost completely sequestered in the hydrophobic pocket which forms the substrate site. Zopolrestat's observed location, which makes the active site pocket inaccessible to solvent or further productive binding of substrate, is not supported by published inhibitor structure-activity relationships (SAR) studies or kinetic results which indicate that aldose reductase inhibitors such as zopolrestat are either non-competitive or uncompetitive inhibitors. Using a 5-iodoacetamido analog of alrestatin as an affinity labeled aldose reductase inhibitor, an inhibitor binding site on aldose reductase has been located. This inhibitor binding site contains a number of pharmacophoric elements previously proposed for the inhibitor site. Its location and composition is consistent with reported kinetic data, SAR observations, stereochemical requirements, and quantum chemical calculations.
Dimeric M315 is transported into mouse and rat milk in a degraded form.

The controversial issue of serum to milk transport of IgA in rodents was addressed in experiments that evaluated the molecular integrity and antigen-binding ability of the dimeric IgA (dIgA) recovered in the stomachs of rat and mouse pups suckling dams which had been administered homogeneous, dimeric M315 intravenously (i.V.). Four rat and three mice dams were i.v. administered affinity-purified, 125I-dIgA anti-DNP (M315) of which > 83% could bind DNP after iodination, and of which > 82% could be captured by solid phase anti-M315. Dams were given the labelled dIgA either 1-day or 8-days postpartum. Twenty-three hours after i.v. administration, the radioactivity of each pup, its stomach contents and an aliquot of serum were analyzed for total radioactivity, anti-DNP activity and for the molecular integrity of the recovered I-125. Data showed that 11–43% of 125I-activity given to the dam could be recovered from the stomach contents and sera of the pups after this time. Immunoassay revealed that < 2% of the recovered radioactivity could bind DNP, i.e. a loss of 98% of functional antibody. It was calculated from ultracentrifugational analyses that < 0.7% of the 125I-dIgA had been transported intact to the suckling neonates. Analyses of stomach milk and neonatal sera by sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation revealed that almost all recovered radioactivity was in the form of low mol. wt fragments. Data fail to support the concept of an active mechanism for the transport of intact IgA from serum to milk in rodents during early or mid-lactation.
Educational technology: An international perspective

Geographic boundaries no longer have the same meaning as they once did, because of access to increasingly interactive and integrated telecommunications and accompanying lower costs. David Hawkridge (1996), in summarizing educational technology trends in higher education, urges us to globalize our views of educational technology. This globalization encompasses the "astonishing development of electronic telecommunications" (p. 9) through the Internet and interactive conferencing, and the rapid evolution of electronic forms of multimedia teaching and learning. In a similar vein, Don Ely, Professor Emeritus of Syracuse University, brings the international arena into perspective in the International Review section of this special issue. His article concentrates on ways and means of working in international settings in the field of educational technology, thereby enhancing liberation and increasing international understanding.
Prosthetic Joint Infection Due to Rapidly Growing Mycobacteria: Report of 8 Cases and Review of the Literature

Background Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) due to rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) is only occasionally encountered in clinical practice. Therefore, the optimal clinical management for this condition is unknown. Methods The medical records of patients who had PJI due to RGM during 1969-2006 were reviewed to summarize its clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcome. Results Eight patients developed 9 episodes of PJI (7 episodes involving the knee and 1 each involving the hip or elbow) due to RGM at a median of 312 weeks (range, 1-170 weeks) after prosthesis implantation. Patients presented with joint pain (7 patients), joint swelling (7 patients), and fever (3 patients), accompanied by an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (median, 70.5 mm/h) and C-reactive protein level (median, 6 mg/dL). Mycobacterium chelonae (n=3), Mycobacterium abscessus (n=2), Mycobacterium fortuitum (n=3), and Mycobacterium smegmatis (n=1) were isolated from the 9 infected joints. Seven of 9 prostheses were resected, whereas 2 were retained after surgical debridement. Six of 8 patients received > or = 1 active antimicrobial agent for at least 6 months. During a median follow-up period of 33 weeks (range, 2.6-326 weeks) after surgical intervention, no clinical or microbiological relapses were observed. Reimplantation was performed successfully for 2 of 6 patients who underwent resection arthroplasty. The 2 patients with retained prosthesis continued to receive prolonged courses of suppressive antimicrobial therapy. Conclusions RGM is a rare cause of PJI that should be suspected in patients with negative results of routine bacterial cultures. The combination of resection arthroplasty and antimicrobial therapy is the preferred approach. However, in cases involving retained prosthetic components, RGM infection may be suppressed with lifelong courses of effective antibiotic therapy.
ECG Screening Is Not Warranted for the Recreational Athlete

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) in a young athlete is a devastating event. There has thus been strong interest in screening athletes for disorders associated with a high risk of SCD before athletic participation. The attraction of adding a resting 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) to the screening process
Asymmetric gene conversion at inserted segments on yeast mitochondrial DNA.

Different molecular weight forms of the protein product of the yeast mitochondrial gene var1 are shown to arise by a process of asymmetric gene conversion. These different forms can be accounted for by two DNA segments, ∼36 and 57 base pairs long, present in one allelic form of the var1 structural gene, which can be inserted independently and at different frequencies into other var1 alleles.
Unusual initial state interactions and Kinoshita diagram identities in perturbative QCD

Abstract Unlike in QED, algebraic identities for individual single-cut Kinoshita diagrams with all soft gluons are generally violated by initial state spectator interactions in light-cone time-ordered perturbation theory. At g 4 order, identities insuring IR cancellation for the real graphs considered by Bodwin, Brodsky and Lepage for ππ → μ + μ − +X when all gluons are soft can be obtained by summing over several of the corresponding single-cut diagrams. Although this fails for the two-loop virtual's diagrams considered by BBL, summing over a larger class of possible two-loop virtual spectator interactions having two Glauber singularities does restore IR finiteness when both gluons are soft. For individual single-cut Kinoshita diagrams with an arbitrary number ladder exchanges, algebraic identities for the ( C F ) n /2 contribution from the initial state are derived.
Developing a Cross-Cultural Model of Grief: The State of the Field

The article explores the state of the field in developing a cross-cultural model of grief. Dialogues within several disciplines bear on the question, but those dialogues are very separated from eac...
Flow cytometric analysis of rodent epididymal spermatozoal chromatin condensation and loss of free sulfhydryl groups.

Flow cytometric measurements were made on acridine orange (AO) and 7-diethylamino-3-(4′-maleimidylphenyl)-4-methylcoumarin (CPM)-stained epididymal- and vas deferens-derived spermatozoal nuclei to follow the course of chromatin condensation and oxidation of free sulfhydryl groups, respectively, during passage through mouse and rat posttesticular reproductive tracts. Alterations of mouse and rat spermatozoal chromatin during transition from a testicular elongated spermatids to epididymal caput spermatozoc resulted in a threefold loss of DNA stainability with AO. Passage of spermatozoa from the caput to corpus epididymis was accompanied by an approximate 15% loss of DNA stainability, which was maintained at that level throughout passage into the vas deferens. AO stainability of epididymal spermatozoal nuclei was generally independent of –SH group stainability. CPM stanability of rat spermatozoal nuclei free –SH groups was 83%, 18%, and 11% of caput spermatozoal values for corpus, cauda epididymis, and vas deferens, respectively. Comparable values for mice were 69%, 20%, and 18%. CPM stainability was relatively homogeneous for these mouse and rat reproductive tract regions, except mouse corpus epididymis spermatozoal nuclei stained very heterogeneously. Rat spermatozoa detained by ligature up to 7 days in the caput, corpus, and cauda epididymi had CPM staining values equal to or below those of normal vas spermatozoa, indicating that disulfide (S-S) bonding is intrinsic to the spermatozoa and is independent of the epididymal environment. These data suggest that chromatin condensation and loss of spermatozoal DNA stainability during passage from the testis to the vas deferens are independent of S-S bonding. Furthermore, the results are in agreement with previous findings suggesting that autoxidation of SH groups occurs independently of movement through the epididymis.
Intersample Discretization of Control Inputs for Flexible Systems with Quantized Cellular Actuation

Piezoelectrically driven cellular actuators are a technology inspired by biological muscles. Like muscle tissue, several serial and parallel combinations act in concert to achieve the desired motion. In order to simplify the drive electronics and mitigate the effect of hysteresis in piezoelectric materials, it is desired to restrict each input to simple on-off commands. This quantizes the actuation greatly. The cellular actuators also have a number of lightly damped flexible modes, which may be higher than the Nyquist frequency of the discrete–time controller. These may still cause long settling times. We propose a method to convert a continuously variable control input from a controller whose design does not consider quantization and flexible effects to a quantized signal that can be implemented by the actuator which also reduces oscillation in known lightly damped modes.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Tort Liability for the Central United States Earthquake Hazard

Although the probability of a major earthquake is lower in the central United States than in California, the expected loss from a large earthquake may be higher because of extensive transportation infrastructure and inadequate preparations for what is perceived to be a low-frequency event. In many cases, low-cost precautions, such as gas shutoff valves, can reduce expected losses, and potential tort liability may facilitate implementation of seismic retrofit techniques. This paper discusses the seismicity of the central United States, possible tort liability, and available retrofit techniques to reduce liability.
Lyapunov exponents from observed time series.

We examine the question of accurately determining Lyapunov exponents for a time series. We find that it is advantageous to use local mappings with higher-order Taylor series, rather than linear maps as done earlier. We demonstrate this procedure for the Ikeda map and the Lorenz system. We present methods for identifying spurious exponents by analyzing data-set singularities and by determining the Lyapunov direction vectors. The behavior of spurious exponents in the presence of noise is also investigated, and found to be different from that of the true exponents.
Effective shape contour extraction, and multiresolution representation and matching methods

In this paper we are going to present end to end algorithms that address curvature extraction, shape representation and shape similarity retrieval. Our novel shape contour tracing algorithm can trace open, ill-defined and closed shapes and return an ordered set of background points adjacent to the shape"s contour. Our shape descriptor builds a multi-resolution equal segmentation polygonal based shape representation that uses the center of the shape as a reference point and is invariant to scale, rotation and translation, and efficient in terms of time and space. The shape descriptor captures three contour primitives including distance and slope at regular intervals around the center. The dual stage novel shape matching algorithm works in two stages. The first is data driven and uses a shape signature metric to factor out dissimilar shapes while the second stage linearly scans the remaining shapes and measures the similarity using elasticity with a distance and a user-friendly fuzzy measure. We have applied our algorithms on the MPEG-7 shape core experiment and achieved the best result reported based on the number of queries. Our algorithms achieved 83.23% for the similarity test of part B where the optimized CSS shape descriptor came second at 81.12%.© (2005) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Influence behaviors and managerial effectiveness in lateral relations.

This article reports on a study of the influence practices and effectiveness of 207 middle-level staff and program management personnel in nonmanagerial positions in a high-tech government agency in the United States. Multiple regression results were used to identify specific influence behaviors practiced in lateral relations with peers that directly affected supervisors' perceptions of effectiveness. As hypothesized, managerial self-awareness (operationalized as congruence in self-peer ratings) was found to contribute significantly to relationship management aspects of individual effectiveness. Implications of these results for team-based work in organizations as well as OD and HRD initiatives are discussed.
Optimal Position for the Artifical Patella During Resurfacing to Decrease Stress and Avoid Pre-Prosthetic Patellar Fracture

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is known to be an excellent solution to patients experiencing considerable pain at the joint and difficulty flexing and extending their knee. Unfortunately, after surgery, cases of peri-prosthetic patellar fracture are possible. The prevalence of this fracture ranges from 0.11% to 21.4% for the over 400,000 TKAs that are conducted in the United States every year and therefore, patellar fracture can become a serious concern. The factors that lead to this are several and many researchers are still investigating this problem. This research shows that the position of the surgically inserted artificial patella, also referred to as the patellar button, influences occurrence of patellar fractures and attempts to derive the ideal position for the button to reduce the risk of patellar fracture.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Novel method for real-time monitoring of ATP release reveals multiple phases of autocrine purinergic signalling during immune cell activation

Aims The activation of immune cells must be tightly regulated to allow an effective immune defense while limiting collateral damage to host tissues. Cellular ATP release and autocrine stimulation of purinergic receptors are recognized as critical regulators of immune cell activation. However, the study of purinergic signaling has been hampered by the short half-life of the released ATP and its breakdown products as well as the lack of real-time imaging methods to study spatiotemporal dynamics of ATP release.
Proteolysis of ProPTHrP(1-141) by "prohormone thiol protease" at multibasic residues generates PTHrP-related peptides: implications for PTHrP peptide production in lung cancer cells.

The parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) precursor requires proteolytic processing to generate PTHrP-related peptide products that possess regulatory functions in the control of PTH-like (parathyroid-like) actions and cell growth, calcium transport, and osteoclast activity. Biologically active peptide domains within the PTHrP precursor are typically flanked at their NH2- and COOH-termini by basic residue cleavage sites consisting of multibasic, dibasic, and monobasic residues. These basic residues are predicted to serve as proteolytic cleavage sites for converting the PTHrP precursor into active peptide products. The coexpression of the prohormone processing enzyme PTP ("prohormone thiol protease") in PTHrP-containing lung cancer cells, and the lack of PTP in cell lines that contain little PTHrP, implicate PTP as a candidate processing enzyme for proPTHrP. Therefore, in this study, PTP cleavage of recombinant proPTHrP(1-141) precursor was evaluated by MALDI mass spectrometry to identify peptide products and cleavage sites. PTP cleaved the PTHrP precursor at the predicted basic residue cleavage sites to generate biologically active PTHrP-related peptides that correspond to the NH2-terminal domain (residues 1-37) that possesses PTH-like and growth regulatory activities, the mid-region domain (residues 38-93) that regulates calcium transport, and the COOH-terminal domain (residues 102-141) that modulates osteoclast activity. Lack of cleavage at other types of amino acids demonstrated the specificity of PTP processing at basic residue cleavage sites. Overall, these results demonstrate the ability of PTP to cleave the PTHrP precursor at multibasic, dibasic, and monobasic residue cleavage sites to generate active PTHrP-related peptides. The presence of PTP immunoreactivity in PTHrP-containing lung cancer cells suggests PTP as a candidate processing enzyme for the PTHrP precursor.
Combined internal drainage of subretinal fluid and choroidal detachment

We describe a surgical technique to perform the intraocular drainage of choroidal hemorrhage with a flute needle. This procedure is performed at the time of the internal subretinal fluid drainage for a traumatic retinal detachment.
The 96Zr(p, 2n)95Nb isomeric ratio at 400 MeV

Abstract The isomeric ratio resulting from the 96Zr(p, 2n)95Nb reaction with 400 MeV proton has been re-examined. A corrected ratio for the population of the 9 2 + to 1 2 − states of 95Nb is 3.2±0.8. This ratio is compared to a set of statistical calculations and the spin on the excited 96Nb intermediate is estimated to be about 3.5 h units. The estimated change in spin due to the (p, n) event is in close agreement with the calculated spin-change resulting from a similar (p, p') event which was the first part of a (p, pn) reaction.
The effects of soman on human isolated uterine arteries

1. The effects of soman on the resting contractile tension of human uterine arteries, and on contractions of these arteries to vasoactive agents were investigated. 2. Soman did not alter the resting tension of helically-cut strips of human uterine arteries. 3. Soman did not alter concentration-response curves of the strips to noradrenaline, serotonin, potassium chloride or histamine. 4. Soman increased contractile tension of human uterine artery strips to subsequently added 1 microM noradrenaline. 5. It is possible that this enhancement may be involved in decreased regional blood flow following soman administration.
Prediction of Solubility in Nonideal Multicomponent Systems Using the UNIFAC Group Contribution Model

There is a need to identify suitable blends of solvents to dissolve drugs. Empirical approaches, such as trial-and-error and response surface, require several solubility measurements. In this study the UNIFAC method was used to predict solubility in highly nonideal multicomponent systems in which only the solute enthalpy of fusion and melting point must by measured. UNIFAC combines a group contribution approach with the UNIQUAC model for activity coefficients. Parameters characterizing interactions among constituent groups of a molecule have been previously determined from binary vapor pressure data. These tabulated group parameters are used to predict activity coefficients for newly synthesized compounds. These coefficients, together with the ideal solubility, permit a prediction of solubility. The solubility of 4-hexylresorcinol in ethyl acetate, ethyl myristate, and hexane mixtures was both measured and calculated using UNIFAC. The predicted solubilities were within 10% of the experimental solubilities for all but 3 of 21 mixtures. Since the method accounted for positive and negative deviations from ideality in a hydrogen-bonding system of molecules having different sizes, it shows great potential for use in pharmacy.
MULTIPHONON ORBIT-LATTICE RELAXATION OF EXCITED STATES OF RARE-EARTH IONS IN CRYSTALS.

Multiphonon orbit-lattice relaxation of excited states of rare earth ions in crystals, measuring fluorescence lifetimes, quantum efficiencies and transition rates
Point charge model analysis of the quadrupole splitting in normal spinels

The point charge model analysis was used to gain a clear understanding of the primary contributions to the quadrupole splitting (Δ) in the normal spinels ZnFe2O4 and CdFe2O4. The large difference in Δ between zinc and cadmium ferrite is not able to be explained using a monopole/dipole model based solely on their varying lattice constants and oxygen parameters. It is suggested that a modification of the effective charges within each crystal and/or a subtle twisting of the oxygen sub-lattice is required to accurately predict Δ in these spinels.
Diabetes and dietary copper alter 67Cu metabolism and oxidant defense in the rat

Perturbations in copper (Cu) metabolism are a characteristic of diabetes, for example, elevated plasma Cu and compromised oxidant defense related to diabetes-induced effects on Cu-containing enzymes. Herein, the redistribution of Cu in selected tissues is described in response to diabetic and nondiabetic states in rats that were fed diets adequate in (12 mg Cu/kg of diet) or deficient in (no added Cu) Cu. Diabetes was induced by intravenous administration of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg body weight). After 5 weeks, rats were gavaged with (67)Cu (0.74 MBq per rat) using the Cu-deficient diet as a vehicle (suspended 1:3 in water) and killed at various time points. The use of (67)Cu allowed for the assessment of short-term Cu distribution and its comparison to the steady-state Cu distribution, as determined by direct Cu analysis. In contrast to control rats, the adaptive mechanisms for Cu homeostasis in diabetic rats were impaired. In general, measures of Cu retention were reduced in diabetic rats compared to corresponding values for control rats. Moreover, diabetic rats had low copper, zinc superoxide dismutase activity that was reduced even further when diabetic rats were fed with low-Cu diets. However, liver and kidney metallothionein and plasma ceruloplasmin levels were elevated in diabetic rats compared to control rats. Such diabetes-related metabolic alterations were taken as measures of increased oxidative stress and inflammation, which may have implications in the progression of diabetes-related pathologies.
Reconstruction of a massive thoracic defect: The use of anatomic rib-spanning plates

Summary Background Larger thoracic defects require stable yet flexible reconstruction to prevent flail chest and debilitating respiratory impairment. We present the use of locking rib-spanning plates as a chest salvage procedure. Methods A 30-year-old male presented with a massive desmoid tumor in the posterolateral aspect of the chest wall. The mass measured 22 by 14 by 6 cm and involved the posterior third through seventh ribs. The patient underwent wide excision and reconstruction in layers with a porcine dermal substitute for the pleura, locking rib-spanning plates for structural support, and coverage with ipsilateral latissimus dorsi. Results The patient tolerated the procedure without complication. He was extubated on postoperative day zero and has had an uneventful course. Conclusion Chest wall reconstruction with rib-spanning plates is an alternative method of reconstruction for large chest wall defects. This method limits the foreign body burden while providing rigid structural support. This technique also makes chest wall reconstruction possible in situations that might previously have been treated with pneumonectomy.
Maternal hypertension after a low-birth-weight delivery differs by race/ethnicity: evidence from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2006.

Studies have suggested an increase in maternal morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular diseases in women with a prior low-birth-weight (LBW, <2,500 grams) delivery. This study evaluated blood pressure and hypertension in women who reported a prior preterm or small-for-gestational-age (SGA) LBW delivery in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2006 (n = 6,307). This study also aimed to explore if race/ethnicity, menopause status, and years since last pregnancy modified the above associations. A total of 3,239 white, 1,350 black, and 1,718 Hispanics were assessed. Linear regression models were used to evaluate blood pressure by birth characteristics (preterm-LBW, SGA-LBW, and birthweight ≥2,500). Logistic regression models estimated the odds ratios (OR) of hypertension among women who reported a preterm-LBW or SGA-LBW delivery compared with women who reported an infant with birthweight ≥2,500 at delivery. Overall, there was a positive association between a preterm-LBW delivery and hypertension (adjusted OR = 1.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02–1.90). Prior SGA-LBW also increased the odds of hypertension, but the estimate did not reach statistical significance (adjusted OR = 1.21, 95% CI 0.76–1.92). Race/ethnicity modified the above associations. Only black women had increased risk of hypertension following SGA-LBW delivery (adjusted OR = 2.09, 95% CI 1.12–3.90). Black women were at marginally increased risk of hypertension after delivery of a preterm-LBW (adjusted OR = 1.49, 95% CI 0.93–2.38). Whites and Hispanics had increased, but not statistically significant, risk of hypertension after a preterm-LBW (whites: adjusted OR = 1.39, 95% CI 0.92–2.10; Hispanics: adjusted OR = 1.22, 95% CI 0.62–2.38). Stratified analysis indicated that the associations were stronger among women who were premenopausal and whose last pregnancy were more recent. The current study suggests that in a representative United States population, women with a history of preterm- or SGA-LBW deliveries have increased odds of hypertension and this risk appears to be higher for black women and younger women.
Intestinal Glucose Transport in Suckling Rats Fed Artificial Milk with and without Added Epidermal Growth Factor

ABSTRACT: Edpidermal growth factor (EGF), a potent mitogen present in milk, is postulated to play an important physiologic role in the ontogeny of the intestine. An artificial rat milk, free of EGF, was developed and fed to newborn rats in an effort to evaluate the physiologic role of EGF on intestinal glucose transport. Comparisons were made between mother-fed (group 1) and artificially fed pups (group 2). Group 1 was divided into two subgroups to receive either the EGF vehicle (group 1-A) or twice daily subcutaneous injections (0.1 μg/g body weight/day) of EGF (group 1-B). Group 2 was divided into four subgroups: formula without EGF (group 2-A), formula with 62 ng/ml of EGF (group 2-B), formula with 200 ng/ml EGF (group 2-C), and formula without EGF but added anti-EGF IgG (40 ng/ml) plus subcutaneous injections of 1 μg anti-EGF twice daily (group 2-D). Treatment regimens were initiated on day 3 and assays performed on day 11 of life. Glucose transport was measured using gut “sheet” preparations in all but group 2-C, which utilized brush border membrane preparations. Group 1-B showed a significant (p < 0.03) increase in gut length (47.5 ±1.2 versus 42 ± 0.9 cm) and an increase (p < 0.03) in both Vmax(10.2 ± 0.5 versus 7.2 ± 0.3 nM/mg tissue) and Km (2.74 ± 0.49 versus 1.20 ± 0.19 mM) compared to group 1-A. All pups in group 2 showed a significant (p < 0.03) increase in intestinal length compared to group 1-A, but no difference was seen between group 1-B and all subsets of group 2. Glucose uptake was similarly affected with the exception that only the Vmax was significantly increased by tube feeding. The suggested increase in glucose carriers resulting from EGF was further supported by the finding that only the large oral or systemic dose of EGF (groups 1-B and 2-C) caused a significant (p < 0.01) increase in the 1-minute accumulation (“overshoot”) of glucose in the brush border membrane. Whereas pharmacologic doses of EGF caused premature development of intestinal glucose transport and increased gut length, artificial feeding alone caused a similar increase in intestinal length and Vmax for glucose transport.
New Instruments and the Meaning of Quantum Mechanics

Historians tracing the development of research into the foundations of quantum mechanics have yet to factor in the role of new scientific instrumentation. Yet physicists repeatedly stress its importance when they write about recent work. This paper looks at two experiments done in the 1980s to illuminate Niels Bohr9s concept of complementarity. It lays out the novel instruments that were used and examines the motives of the theorists who proposed the experiments and the experimentalists who carried them out. Understanding their attitudes is one step towards exploring the part that "real" experiments played in reconfiguring foundations research.
An overall reliability and security assessment architecture for electric power communication network in Smart Grid

With the implementation of the Smart Grid, communication network and power systems will be more closely associated. Therefore the reliability and security of systems and information in the IT and communications infrastructures has a great impact on the power system reliability. And it is necessary to perform research on the assessment methodology of the reliability and security of the power communication network. In this paper, a systematical reliability and security assessment process for the electric power communication network is demonstrated. A three-level assessment hierarchical architecture is proposed. According to the proposed three-level hierarchical architecture, an application system is developed to assess the reliability and security.
On a wing and a prayer [DARPA and MEMS]

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is offering funding for interdisciplinary research in the area of hybrid insect MEMS (microelectromechanical systems). DARPA aims to have MEMS intimately integrated into insects during their early stages of metamorphoses. In principle, this should lead to a more reliable bio-electromechanical interface to the insect, as compared with the earlier DARPA-funded attempts to glue the electronic module to an adult insect. DARPA's final demonstration goal is the delivery of an insect within five meters of a specific target located a hundred meters away using electronic remote control and/or GPS
Correlates of racial label use among Americans of African descent: Colored, Negro, Black, and African American

Abstract This article investigates the influence of sociodemographic factors on the choice of racial labels among adult Black Americans. Through three surveys we analyzed the preference for Colored, Negro, Black, Afro-American, or African American: the 1971 and 1992 Detroit Area Studies and the 1979–1980 National Survey of Black Americans. No label was universally accepted nor was any determinant consistently significant. Age was the best predictor of label preference, and though less so, so too were social class, region, and gender.
Dual-fiber optic capillary probe for fluorescence detection using molecularly imprinted polymers

12 An optical fiber probe designed for use with molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) is detailed and evaluated with respect to fluorescence sensitivity enhancements. MIPs are polymeric materials that are selective towards a molecule included in the mixture during the formation of the polymer. MIPs allow the selective analysis of a single analyte contained in a complex mixture through the interactions of the analyte with analyte-specific cavities formed within the polymer matrix. The optical design involves a dual optical fiber probe coupled to a transparent capillary for enhanced fluorescence excitation and emission collection. The inner capillary surface is coated with the MIP to select the analyte of choice while the capillary serves to enhance the fluorescence signal obtained. The selectivity and sensitivity of the MIP probe toward anthracene in water is discussed.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Survival of Bacillus pumilus SAFR-032 in simulated Mars atmosphere in real space conditions

To prevent forward contamination and maintain the scientific integrity of future life detection missions, it is important to characterize and attempt to eliminate terrestrial microorganisms associated with exploratory spacecraft and landing vehicles. Among the organisms isolated from spacecraft-associated habitats, spores of Bacillus pumilus SAFR-032 exhibited unusually high resistance to decontamination techniques such as UVradiation and peroxide treatment. Subsequently, Bacillus pumilus SAFR-032 was flown to the International Space Station (ISS) and exposed to a variety of space conditions using the European Technology Exposure Platform and Experiment Facility (EuTEF). After 18 months exposure in the EuTEF facility under dark space conditions, SAFR-032 spores showed 10 to 40% survivability, whereas a survival rate of 85 to 100% was observed when these spores were kept aboard the ISS under dark simulated-Mars atmospheric conditions. In contrast, when UV (>110nm) was exerted on SAFR-032 spores for the same time period and conditions using the EuTEF, a ~7-log reduction in viability was noticed. However, the UV exposure still did not inactivate all the spores as 19 CFUs were later isolated via cultivation. A parallel experiment was conducted on Earth with identical samples but under simulated conditions. Spores exposed to ground simulations showed less of a reduction in viability when compared with the "real space" exposed spores (~3-log reduction in viability for Mars UV, and ~4-log reduction in viability for Space UV). The data generated is important to assess the probability and mechanisms of microbial survival, microbial contaminants of risk for forward contamination, in situ life detection, and to safeguard the integrity of sample return missions.
Activating PTPN11 mutants promote hematopoietic progenitor cell-cycle progression and survival

Objective Mutations in PTPN11 , which encodes the protein tyrosine phosphatase Shp2, are commonly found in juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML). We hypothesized that PTPN11 mutations promote cell-cycle progression and confer enhanced survival to hematopoietic progenitors. Materials and Methods Murine bone marrow low-density mononuclear cells were transduced with pMIEG3, pMIEG3-WT Shp2, pMIEG3-Shp2D61Y, or pMIEG3-Shp2E76K followed by cell-cycle and survival functional analysis as well as biochemical analysis for key cell-cycle and programmed cell-death regulatory proteins. Results A higher proportion of hematopoietic progenitors bearing the gain-of-function Shp2 mutants were residing in the S or G 2 phase of the cell cycle in response to low doses of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor compared to cells transduced with empty vector (MIEG3) or with WT Shp2. Likewise, Shp2D61Y- or Shp2E76K-expressing hematopoietic cells demonstrated reduced apoptosis based on Annexin-V staining and produced increased progenitor colonies after 48 hours in minimal media compared to cells transduced with empty vector or WT Shp2. To differentiate enhanced survival vs hyperproliferation, cells were stained with PKH26 to distinguish undivided cells from divided progeny. Shp2D61Y- or Shp2E76K-expressing PKH26 + cells similarly demonstrated reduced apoptosis. Upon biochemical analysis, expression of Akt- and Erk-responsive cell-cycle and programmed cell-death regulatory proteins were altered, including increased levels of cyclin D1, Bcl2, and BclX L and reduced levels of p27, p21, and Bim. Conclusion Collectively, these data demonstrate that gain-of-function Shp2 mutants promote hematopoietic progenitor cell-cycle progression and survival and imply that agents targeting the cell cycle or promoting apoptosis may have therapeutic potential in JMML.
BLOCK-based PCR markers to find gene family members in human and comparative genome analysis

Degenerate primer pairs that include consensus sequences of evolutionary conserved portions of protein families (BLOCKs or ancient conserved regions) can be used to screen by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for cognate cDNAs and YACs through much of phylogeny. Nine such primer pairs were developed, and five with sites on human chromosomes 7 or X were shown to identify YACs from chromosome-specific locations, including a candidate for a new zinc finger gene in Xq28. When linked to contig-based genomic maps, such BLOCK-based PCR assays may provide a route to recover the members and study the development of families containing up to 40% of genes, in genomes as diverse as humans, nematodes, and yeast.
Marquesan monumental architecture: Blurred boundaries in the distinction between religious and residential sites

Structurally similar but functionally different religious and residential monumental architecture sites pose a central problem in archaeologically-based investigations of Marquesan chiefdoms. This paper examines the problem by identifying and discussing cultural and environmental traits useful for distinguishing among Marquesan religious and residential sites. The problem is further explored through a case study from Vaitahu Valley on Tahuata in the southern Marquesas. The case study site, Mataie'e, embodies certain distinguishing characteristics of religious sites within a unique layout that defies attempts at simple classification. A single radiocarbon date from limited excavations dates construction of the site to either shortly before the arrival of Captain Cook in 1775 or more likely to the early to mid-nineteenth century historic era.
Massive hemorrhage and infarction complicating focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver.

Background Spontaneous infarction or hemorrhage of focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) has rarely been reported in the literature. Case outline A 43-year-old woman presented with upper abdominal pain and anemia. CT scan showed an enormous perihepatic hematoma. Trisegmentectomy successfully dealt with the problem. Conclusion Although conservative management of FNH is often adopted, this case illustrates that these lesions can undergo massive bleeding.
The past is always present: Creative methods for capturing the life story

Since human behavior is so complex, efforts to change it require that therapists and patients draw upon as many sources of information as possible. Effective treatment necessarily involves taking a comprehensive account of patients' histories and their continually evolving life story so that dynamic connections between the past and present can be understood and thereby be reinforced or unlinked. This article discusses the salience of personal history and demonstrates its impact and benefit in therapy. It offers three creative methods with illustrative examples for unfolding and examining the life story.
Understanding molecular recognition by G protein βγ subunits on the path to pharmacological targeting.

Heterotrimeric G proteins, composed of Gα and Gβγ subunits, transduce extracellular signals via G-protein-coupled receptors to modulate many important intracellular responses. The Gβγ subunits hold a central position in this signaling system and have been implicated in multiple aspects of physiology and the pathophysiology of disease. The Gβ subunit belongs to a large family of WD40 repeat proteins with a circular β-bladed propeller structure. This structure allows Gβγ to interact with a broad range of proteins to play diverse roles. How Gβγ interacts with and regulates such a wide variety of partners yet maintains specificity is an interesting problem in protein-protein molecular recognition in signal transduction, where signal transfer by proteins is often driven by modular conserved recognition motifs. Evidence has accumulated that one mechanism for Gβγ multitarget recognition is through an intrinsically flexible protein surface or “hot spot” that accommodates multiple modes of binding. Because each target has a unique recognition mode for Gβγ subunits, it suggests that these interactions could be selectively manipulated with small molecules, which could have significant therapeutic potential.
Particle surface engineering effect on the mechanical, optical and photoluminescent properties of ZnO/vinyl-ester resin nanocomposites

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles functionalized with a bi-functional coupling agent methacryloxypropyl-trimethoxysilane (MPS) were used to fabricate a vinyl-ester resin polymeric nanocomposite, which shows an improved interfacial interaction between the particle and matrix. As a result, in comparison to the unmodified particle-filled nanocomposites, the functionalized particle-filled composites possessed higher resistance to thermal degradation, and demonstrated improved UV shielding and enhanced photoluminescent properties. The more uniform particle dispersion, passivation of the particle surface with MPS and increased oxygen vacancies were justified to contribute to the increased thermal stability and the enhanced photoluminescent properties. Significant tensile strength improvement was closely related to the observed uniform particle distribution and the intimate interfacial interaction through the strong chemical bonding.
Harvesting circuits for miniaturized photovoltaic cells

Miniaturized systems like wireless microsensors suffer from short operational lifetimes because they lack space to store the energy that wireless transmission, signal conditioning, and monitoring require to operate across time. Harvesting ambient energy circumvents this limitation because the environment is a virtually boundless reservoir of energy. Of available sources, solar light produces the highest power density, and although artificial lighting is not as rich, thermal and magnetic sources produce even lower power densities and mechanical and chemical transducers are difficult to integrate. The problem is microscale photovoltaic (PV) cells only produce 1 and 100 µW/mm2 for artificial and solar lighting, so the act of conditioning and transferring power can dissipate most, if not all, of the power available. The focus of this paper is to introduce and discuss the design challenges associated with harvesting circuits when harnessing, conditioning, and transferring power from tiny PV cells that only generate 1 – 100 µW.