cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Desmoplastic fibroblastoma: a report of seven cases

Seven cases of desmoplastic fibroblastoma, a distinctive fibrous soft-tissue tumor, are presented. The patients, four men and three women, ranged in age from 25 to 83 years (median 57 years). The tumors were located in the neck (two cases), the upper arm, the forearm, the shoulder, the lateral thigh
Comparison of in vivo and in vitro methods for assessing effects of allyl alcohol on the liver

Allyl alcohol was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) to female Fischer 344 rats at doses of 0, 3, 10 and 30 mg/kg daily for 7 days. Plasma sorbitol dehydrogenase was minimally elevated. No dose-related changes were observed in hexobarbital oxidation, aniline hydroxylation, or ethylmorphine demethylation. Aldrin epoxidation was slightly elevated. Naphthol glucuronidation and glutathione-S-transferase activity with 1,2-dichloro-4-nitrobenzene were increased. Results from in vivo studies on the metabolism of lindane were in close agreement with the in vitro measurements suggesting that daily treatment for one week with allyl alcohol at doses of 3, 10 and 30 mg/kg has no significant effect on phase I pathways, has a selective effect on phase II pathways and, under the conditions of this experiment, has minimal hepatotoxic effects in these rats.
Photooxidation of aqueous trichloroethylene using a buoyant photocatalyst with reaction progress monitored via micro-headspace GC/MS

Abstract Although photooxidation has previously been shown to be successful in removing organic contaminants from water, methods combining the rapid photooxidation of the desired contaminant with easy catalyst manipulation and removal are few and far between. In the absence of an easy means of catalyst removal, the photooxidation process becomes more costly and time consuming, and photocatalysis cannot be employed as an in situ method for the remediation of aqueous organic contaminants. In this study, the photocatalyst was added to an aqueous trichloroethylene (TCE) solution in the form of TiO2-coated buoyant microspheres. The solution, placed in a flow-cell photoreactor along with the buoyant catalyst, was irradiated with a UV-filtered Xenon light source. Limited sample sizes necessitated the development of a low-cost headspace GC/MS analysis method, utilizing a standard direct-injection autosampler. This analytical technique aptly monitored reaction progress and indicated that aqueous TCE concentration decreases by nearly 90% in the first hour of irradiation. Subsequent solvent extraction GC/MS analysis indicated that the TCE is initially sorbed by the photocatalyst spheres, but as irradiation continued, TCE is removed from the catalyst spheres surfaces. During the course of irradiation, the expected TCE mineralization product hydrochloric acid appeared, as indicated by a decrease in pH and ion chromatography analysis. The microsphere-born catalyst was easily removed from the treated solution by filtration. Thus, it is possible that a method for effective, low-cost in situ photooxidation of aqueous organic contaminants will be realized in the near future.
Considerations in the Design of Future Retail Point of Service (POS) Terminal Systems

Research studies were conducted in three types of retail stores: supermarkets, discount stores, and department stores. The purpose of these studies was to determine how cashiers and associates spend their time servicing customers, the inter-relationships between physical and cognitive workloads, and how these affect system performance. A detailed task analysis of the cashier's activities comparing performances in these stores was completed. Commonalties and differences in task performances were identified and measured. Task performances were grouped into one of three types: physical, POS, and management. The results showed that physical tasks were performed 39% of the total hour in a supermarket, 57% in the discount store, and 25% in the department store. Physical tasks are those most often identified in ergonomic research. Management tasks were more frequent in the department store; these tasks captured redundant information, i.e. tender approval identification that was already available in system files....
A Nanoscale Optical Biosensor: Real-Time Immunoassay in Physiological Buffer Enabled by Improved Nanoparticle Adhesion

The shift in the extinction maximum, λmax, of the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) spectrum of triangular Ag nanoparticles (∼90 nm wide and 50 nm high) is used to probe the interaction between a surface-confined antigen, biotin (B), and a solution-phase antibody, anti-biotin (AB). Exposure of biotin-functionalized Ag nanotriangles to 7 × 10-7 M < [AB] < 7 × 10-6 M caused a ∼38 nm red-shift in the LSPR λmax. The experimental normalized response of the LSPR λmax shift, (ΔR/ΔRmax), versus [AB] was measured over the concentration range 7 × 10-10 M < [AB] < 7 × 10-6 M. Comparison of the experimental data with the theoretical normalized response for a 1:1 binding model yielded values for the saturation response, ΔRmax = 38.0 nm, the surface-confined thermodynamic binding constant, Ka,surf = 4.5 × 107 M-1, and the limit of detection (LOD) < 7 × 10-10 M. The experimental saturation response was interpreted in terms of a closest-packed structural model for the surface B−AB complex in which the long axis ...
Reaction of CW agents simulants on surfaces in the presence of O3, UV AND O3 + UV

Abstract Simulants for the CW agents HD, GB and VX, deposited as thin films on stainless steel surfaces, were exposed to UV (254 and 185 nm), O3 (0–2 wt% in air) and O3 + UV at 0 and 100% relative humidity. The extents of the simulants decomposition were determined. The simulant for HD was found to be most reactive and its half life under easily achievable experimented conditions was estimated at ⋍7 seconds.
Protein–Protein Interactions Between σ70 Region 4 of RNA Polymerase and Escherichia coli SoxS, a Transcription Activator That Functions by the Prerecruitment Mechanism: Evidence for “Off-DNA” and “On-DNA” Interactions

According to the prerecruitment hypothesis, Escherichia coli SoxS activates the transcription of the genes of the SoxRS regulon by forming binary complexes with RNA polymerase (RNAP) that scan the chromosome for class I and class II SoxS-dependent promoters. We showed previously that the alpha subunit's C-terminal domain plays a role in activating both classes of promoter by making protein-protein contacts with SoxS; some of these contacts are made in solution in the absence of promoter DNA, a critical prediction of the prerecruitment hypothesis. Here, we identified seven single-alanine substitutions of the region 4 of sigma(70) (sigma(70) R4) of RNAP that reduce SoxS activation of class II promoters. With genetic epistasis tests between these sigma(70) R4 mutants and positive control mutants of SoxS, we identified 10 pairs of amino acids that interact with each other in E. coli. Using the yeast two-hybrid system and affinity immobilization assays, we showed that SoxS and sigma(70) R4 can interact in solution (i.e., "off-DNA"). The interaction requires amino acids of the class I/II (but not the class II) positive control surface of SoxS, and five amino acids of sigma(70) R4 that reduce activation in E. coli also reduce the SoxS-sigma(70) R4 interaction in yeast. One of the epistatic interactions that occur in E. coli also occurs in the yeast two-hybrid system (i.e., off-DNA). Importantly, we infer that the five epistatic interactions occurring in E. coli that require an amino acid of the class II surface occur "on-DNA" at class II promoters. Finding that SoxS contacts sigma(70) R4 both off-DNA and on-DNA is consistent with the prerecruitment hypothesis. Moreover, SoxS is now the first example of an E. coli transcriptional activator that uses a single positive control surface to make specific protein-protein contacts with two different subunits of RNAP.
Information needed to support hazard identification and risk assessment of toxic substances.

Abstract Today pharmacokinetic data are not routinely required for food safety evaluation. The new Red Book, the Center's outline of animal testing protocols, does suggest some pharmacokinetic studies, but their use is still limited. Primarily this is because of our current reliance on animal studies only and the use of safety factors (SFs) to bridge the human to animal response. But the situation is changing and the role of pharmacokinetics and physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling will probably increase for several reasons. (1) The increasing role of quantitative risk assessment and regulations acknowledging and permitting some level of risk. This places a demand of greater quantitation of risk and emphasizes the need for better measurement of effective dose. We made need to consider more carefully the possible nonlinear pharmacokinetic effects in high-to-low dose extrapolation. (2) The increasing need to understand more about a chemical's mechanism of action prior to a major corporate commitment. The increasing cost of mistakes in judgment regarding a chemical's prospects in the commercial and regulatory arena are demanding a better and deeper understanding of possible toxic effects. (3) The increasing desire to expand the use of a successful additive beyond the spectrum of the uses covered in the original approval. This usually means the request for a higher ADI. This must be based on more refined toxicity testing and better estimate of effective dose in order to permit the reduction of the SF.(4) The advent of novel foods for which conventional toxicological methods are inappropriate. For example, noncaloric fat substitutes that may comprise a large portion of the daily diet cannot adequately be tested in conventional animal studies. The doses cannot be exaggerated enough to permit a large enough SF. These substances may well require human clinical investigations similar to those used for drugs.
Energy Separation in a Jet Flow

Fluids in motion can separate into regions of higher and lower energy (temperature); this is called energy separation. The present study concerns the mechanism of energy separation in a free, circular, air jet, including the effects of acoustic excitation.
CESIUM REMOVAL FROM HIGH-pH, HIGH-SALT WASTEWATER USING CRYSTALLINE SILICOTITANATE SORBENT

ABSTRACT Treatment and disposal options for Department of Energy (DOE) underground storage tank waste at Hanford, Savannah River, Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL), and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) are limited by high gamma radiation fields that are produced by high concentrations of cesium in the waste. Treatment methods are needed to remove the cesium from the liquid waste and thus concentrate the cesium into high-activity, remote-handled waste forms. The treated liquids could then be processed and disposed of by more cost-effective means with less radiation exposure to workers. A full-scale demonstration of one cesium removal technology has been conducted at ORNL. This demonstration utilizes a modular, mobile ion-exchange system and existing facilities for the off-gas system, secondary containment, and utilities. The ion-exchange material, crystalline silicotitanate (CST), was chosen on the basis of its effectiveness in laboratory tests. The CST, which was develope...
Long-term follow-up of Barrett's high-grade dysplasia

OBJECTIVE: The management of Barrett’s high-grade dysplasia (HGD) remains controversial. The aims of this study were to evaluate prospectively the outcome of unifocal HGD (uHGD) in patients with Barrett’s esophagus, and to determine demographic and endoscopic features predictive of progression to multifocal HGD (mHGD) and/or adenocarcinoma. METHODS: Consecutive Barrett’s patients in whom uHGD was found at initial endoscopy or during surveillance underwent intensification of medical treatment and repeat endoscopy. The study endpoint was progression to mHGD or adenocarcinoma or HGD in conjunction with a dysplasia-associated lesion or mass (DALM). HGD diagnosis was confirmed by a second, blinded pathologist. RESULTS: A total of 15 Barrett’s patients with uHGD met inclusion criteria and have been prospectively followed for a mean ± SD of 36.8 ± 23.2 months. All were white and male, with a mean age ± SD of 61.4 ± 14.9 yr. Barrett’s length varied from 1 to 13 cm (mean, ± SD, 6.8 ± 4 cm). Overall, eight (53.3%) uHGD progressed: four of 15 (26.7%) to frank cancer between 17 and 35 months of follow-up, two of 15 (13.3%) to mHGD with DALM in conjunction with one or more foci of possible intramucosal cancer after 12–91 months of follow-up, one of 15 (6.7%) to mHGD with a focus of possible intramucosal cancer after 14 months, and one of 15 (6.7%) to mHGD after 29 months. Seven of 15 (46.7%) uHGD have regressed, five to no dysplasia and two to LGD, over the course of follow-up ranging from 24 to 73 months (mean ± SD, 43.3 ± 19.9). All three patients with short-segment Barrett’s esophagus with uHGD regressed. Fisher’s exact test revealed that Barrett’s length ≥3 cm and presence of hiatal hernia approached significance (p < 0.08) in predicting uHGD progression to mHGD/DALM/cancer. However, use of the log-rank test to account for differences in length of follow-up show no significance for hiatal hernia or Barrett’s length. CONCLUSIONS: Barrett’s uHGD has a high risk for progressing to mHGD or cancer. Justification of an observational approach to uHGD should be discouraged. Markers of uHGD progression, as well as regression, are needed.
Safety, efficacy and duration of therapeutic effect of tazarotene used in the treatment of plaque psoriasis.

Summary Topical therapies are first-line treatment for mild/limited stable plaque psoriasis. Disadvantages of currently available therapies include lack of short-term efficacy and long-term maintenance, adverse effects, and cosmetic problems. Tazarotene is a new topical retinoid which has proven to be efficacious in the treatment of mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis. Results from a large, multicentre, pivotal study show that a once-daily application is as effective as a first-line monotherapy. providing rapid resolution of signs and symptoms and sustained therapeutic effects in some patients. Tazarotene gel is cosmetically acceptable, and is minimally absorbed systemically, with adverse events limited to local irritation.
The interaction of flammability and toxicity in an aerosol product

Abstract In 1978, changes in federal laws forbid the use of freons® propellants in aerosol spray cans. For many products, such as deodorants and household liquids, there were non-aerosol alternatives such as roll-on applicators and pump sprays. Manufacturers of products used in the penetrant system of non-destructive testing did not have this option because one of the products, a developer, requires the fine spray of an aerosol in order to function efficiently. Faced with this, penetrant material manufacturers split into two groups, one of which adopted carbon dioxide propellants and the other of which adopted hydrocarbon propellants. Since hydrocarbon propellants are flammable and carbon dioxide is not, some users formed opinions about the relative safety of the two systems, and refused to use the hydrocarbon-propelled product. This paper discusses several safety aspects of the two systems, and concludes that flammability problems are less than toxicity problems, but that neither warrants other than normal precautions.
The O52 network by molecular design: CECD tetrablock terpolymers

Varying the length of poly(dimethylsiloxane) in poly(cyclohexylethylene-b-ethylene-b-cyclohexylethylene-b-dimethylsiloxane) (CECD) block terpolymers between 0 and 20% produces the sequence of ordered phases: cylindrical-to-network-to-cylindrical. Small-angle X-ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy demonstrate Pnna space group symmetry and a unique network morphology stabilized by the asymmetric molecular architecture and block interactions. These results establish a new design principle for the generation of triply periodic and multiply continuous nanostructured soft materials.
Reconstructing terrain maps from dense range data

This paper describes a method for combining multiple, dense range maps to create surface reconstructions of height functions. Height functions are relevant for application domains such as terrain modeling, where one 3D coordinate is function of the other two. Dense range maps are produced by either a range measuring device combined with a scanning mechanism or a triangulation scheme, such as active or passive stereo. The proposed method follows from a statistical formulation that is described in a previous work, but which is adapted for the problem at hand. For this application, optimal surface estimates are formulated as the solution to a second-order, nonlinear, partial differential equation (pde) on an image, and thus this work is related to the family of pde-based image processing algorithms in the literature.
Effects of an inspiratory impedance threshold device on blood pressure and short term survival in spontaneously breathing hypovolemic pigs.

Summary Background: The inspiratory impedance threshold device (ITD) has been shown to improve hemodynamic variables and survival outcomes during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in animals and humans. We hypothesized that use of an ITD, with a resistance of −10 cm H2O, will improve hemodynamics and short-term survival rates during hypovolemic hypotension in spontaneously breathing pigs. Methods: Female farm pigs (∼26 kg) were intubated and anesthetized with propofol with the dose adjusted to permit spontaneous respirations. They were bled to 50% of calculated blood volume through an arterial catheter and then prospectively randomized to either treatment with an ITD or observation alone. Arterial and intratracheal pressures as well as arterial blood gases were measured. After 90 min the ITD was removed, normal saline was administered to all surviving animals, the anesthetic was discontinued, and animals were allowed to recover. Statistical analysis was performed with one-way repeated ANOVA and survival rates were calculated with Kaplan—Meier analysis. Results: Treatment with the ITD resulted in lower intratracheal inspiratory pressure in the treatment group (−11 ± 0.4 mmHg versus −4 ± 0.7 mmHg, respectively, P < 0.005). Mean arterial pressure after 30 min of treatment with the ITD was higher in the treatment group (61.1 ± 5.5 mmHg versus 37.4 ± 2.1 mmHg, respectively, P < 0.005). All pigs in the control group died within 65 min of
Majority Rule versus Supermajority Rules: Their Effects on Narrow and Broad Taxes

Buchanan and Tullock argue that larger supermajority rules reduce tyranny of the majority but should have no effect on the passage of mutually advantageous policies. The authors test this argument by separately analyzing the effect of supermajority requirements on taxes that are targeted toward narrow groups (more redistributive) and taxes targeted toward a broader base (less redistributive), in a panel of fifty states from 1970 to 2008. Regression analysis reveals an inverse relationship between narrow taxes and the size of the majority rule requirement and no relationship between broad taxes and the size of the majority requirement—consistent with the claim of Buchanan and Tullock. The authors also find that Democratic controlled governments have significantly higher tax rates on narrow taxes than Republican controlled governments. The reverse is found for broad taxes, but the result is not as strong.
The primary determinants of radiation use during fixation of proximal femur fractures

Abstract Objectives To establish the primary determinants of operative radiation use during fixation of proximal femur fractures. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Level I trauma centre. Cohort 205 patients treated surgically for subtrochanteric and intertrochanteric femoral fractures. Main outcome measures Fluoroscopy time, dose-area-product (DAP). Results Longer fluoroscopy time was correlated with higher body mass index (p = 0.04), subtrochanteric fracture (p Conclusion The strongest determinants of radiation use during surgical fixation of intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric femur fractures were location of fracture, patient body position, patient body mass index, and the use of cephalomedullary devices. Surgeon style, presumably as it relates to teaching efforts, seems to strongly influence radiation use.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Sexually Acquired Proctitis and Proctocolitis: An Update

Sexually transmitted gastrointestinal syndromes include proctitis, proctocolitis, and enteritis. These syndromes can be caused by one or multiple pathogens. Routes of sexual transmission and acquisition include unprotected anal intercourse and oral-fecal contact. Evaluation should include appropriate diagnostic procedures such as anoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, stool examination, and culture. When laboratory diagnostic capabilities are sufficient, treatment should be based on specific diagnosis. Empirical therapy for acute proctitis in persons who have recently practiced receptive anal intercourse should be chosen to treat Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis infections. In individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), other infections that are not usually sexually acquired may occur, and recurrent herpes simplex virus infections are common. The approach to gastrointestinal syndromes among HIV-infected patients, therefore, can be more comprehensive and will not be discussed in this article.
Distribution phenomena of charged defects and neutral electron traps in process-induced radiation-damaged IGFETs with gate insulators grown at 1000 degrees C and 800 degrees C

Gate oxide defects, in the form of trapped charges and neutral electron traps, were measured before and after irradiation using optically assisted electron injection. Following irradiation and injection, the measured voltage shifts ( Delta V/sub T/) indicate that radiation-induced extrinsic defects are localized near, but not exactly at the Si-SiO/sub 2/ interface. Delta V/sub T/ is found to be linear with respect to the gate oxide thickness when the top electrode resides above the defect region, and quadratic with respect to the thickness when the top electrode encroaches on the defect region. For very thin gate oxides, Delta V/sub T/ approaches zero. Application of a defect distribution model based on this behavior reveals that the gate oxidation temperature does not influence the distribution of radiation-induced defects, but does influence their concentration; with the 800 degrees C oxides always containing more defects than the 1000 degrees C oxides. A gate oxide thickness regime of less than 5-6 nm in which radiation-induced threshold voltage shifts approach zero is identified. >
Fatigue failure model with peridynamic theory

This study presents a methodology to predict the fatigue failure of materials due to cyclic loading within the realm of peridynamic theory. This approach incorporates material failure intrinsically without the need for external crack growth criteria and post-processing. Failure occurs when and where it is energetically favorable. Fatigue life prediction is a natural extension of crack initiation and growth while allowing material degradation. The present approach focuses on the crack growth phase of fatigue life rather than initiation. During the crack growth phase, material degrades, and fatigue process is viewed as a quasi-static series of discrete crack growth steps. Crack growth process is controlled by the critical value of material stretch and that cyclic loading causes degradation in the critical stretch. When the critical amount of stretch is reached, stable crack growth occurs.
Built-in current testing-feasibility study

A testing methodology which applies built-in current sensors to detect abnormal currents in the power buses of functional blocks of CMOS ICs is proposed, that significantly improves the quality of VLSI circuit testing. A summary of simulation results and design experiments is presented to demonstrate the feasibility and to illustrate the applicability of the approach. The results suggest that built-in current testing could be a very powerful tool for overcoming basic bottlenecks in VLSI testing, providing very inexpensive testing, high-quality built-in testing, or on-chip concurrent reliability testing for high-quality fault-tolerant systems. >
Video indexing using speech recognition techniques in audio channel -preliminary system design

Multimedia document archiving is an important and interesting issue with the current growth of multimedia documents. Among the different types of archiving, audio/video indexing plays a crucial role. For audio indexing techniques, most current audio indexing systems use a combination of speech recognition and information retrieval. A large vocabulary continuous speech recognition (LVCSR) system is used to produce time aligned transcripts of the given collection of speech. Information retrieval techniques are then employed on these recognized transcripts to identify locations in the text that are relevant to the search request. In this paper, we introduce the technology details of an audio indexing system for a specific application of the National Library of Medicine.
Evidence for the simultaneous uptake and release of certain estrogens by the splanchnic area in the dog.

Splanchnic extractions of total radioactivity, unconjugated radioactive estrogens, radioactive estrone glucosiduronate, and radioactive estradiol-β17 glucosiduronate(s) were determined in clogs following the infusion of [3H]estrone glucosiduronate and of [3H]estrone. Splanchnic extractions of radioactive estradiol-17α-3-glucosiduronate were determined after [3H]estrone glucosiduronate infusion. The mean splanchnic extractions of total radioactivity after [3H]estrone glucosiduronate and [3H]estrone infusions were positive and similar (42.2 ± 2.4% (SE) and 34.9 ± 2.4% (SE), respectively). The mean splanchnic extraction of unconjugated radioactive estrogens after [3H]estrone glucosiduronate infusion (39.3 ± 2.6%) was significantly less than that after [3H]estrone infusion (86.4 ± 2.3%). The difference was best explained by different rates of formation of unconjugated from conjugated estrogens, suggesting, in turn, that simultaneous uptake and formation of unconjugated estrogens occur in the splanchnic area. ...
Clinical case seminar: lymphocytic hypophysitis: clinicopathological findings.

This report describes the clinicopathological features of 16 patients with lymphocytic hypophysitis and compares the results with the published literature. There were 2 males and 14 females in this series. In 10 of the 14 females (71%), the presentation was associated with pregnancy. Nine patients (56%) presented with symptoms of an expanding pituitary sellar mass, 10 (63%) had anterior pituitary hypofunction, 3 had diabetes insipidus (19%). Progressive undiagnosed hypopituitarism led to the demise of 3 patients (19%). Hyperprolactinemia was encountered in 6 patients (38%), and elevated growth hormone levels (GH) resulted in IGF-1 excess in one patient. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed features of a pituitary mass mimicking an adenoma in 10 cases (83%). Four patients (25%) had associated autoimmune thyroiditis. Morphologic examination of the pituitary and immunohistochemistry showed a polyclonal lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate as well as occasional neutrophils, eosinophil...
The dopamine transporter: immunochemical characterization and localization in brain

Antibodies specific for the dopamine transporter (DAT) was developed and characterized by immunoblot analysis, immunoprecipitation, and immunocytochemistry, and used for immunolocalization of transporter protein in rat brain at the light microscopic level. Antibodies targeting the N-terminus, the second extracellular loop, and the C-terminus were generated from fusion proteins containing amino acid sequences from these respective regions. Immunoblot analysis demonstrated that N-terminus and loop antibodies were specific for expressed cloned DAT, recognized transporter protein in rat and human striatal membranes, and were sensitive to preabsorption with excess homologous fusion protein. Immunoprecipitation studies demonstrated that anti-DAT antisera recognized solubilized, radiolabeled DAT protein in a concentration-dependent manner. DAT immunocytochemistry with these antibodies were also sensitive to preabsorption with fusion protein and to lesions of dopaminergic mesostriatal and mesocorticolimbic pathways. Regional distribution of DAT coincided with established dopaminergic innervation of several regions, including ventral mesencephalon, medial forebrain bundle, and dorsal and ventral striatum. However, certain mismatches between immunocytochemical distributions of DAT and tyrosine hydroxylase were apparent, indicating that dopaminergic systems are heterogeneous and may use independent mechanisms for the regulation of dopamine levels in brain. The generation of specific DAT antibodies will permit further characterization of the cellular and subcellular localization of DAT protein, and of dopaminergic circuits in neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Machine Vision Analysis of Antibrowning Potency for Oxalic Acid: A Comparative Investigation on Banana and Apple

: Relative antibrowning potency of oxalic acid on banana and apple slices was investigated using a machine vision system. Degree of browning on fresh-cut surfaces was evaluated visually and quantitatively by observing changes of CIE L* values and evaluating temporal changes in color spectra based on experimental variables, oxalic acid concentration, and storage time. Browning inhibition was most prominent on banana and apple slices treated with oxalic acid solutions at concentrations of 60 and 5 mM, respectively. Oxalic acid was a more potent antibrowning agent compared with other structurally related acids. Average residual oxalic acid levels in the tissues for an effective antibrowning activity were measured.
Unserved, Unseen, and Unheard:Integrating Programs for HIV-Infected and HIV-Affected Older Adults

This article explores the parallel structures and service delivery systems of the Older Americans' Act and the Ryan White CARE Act, argues that social workers should have a working knowledge of both pieces of public policy, and suggests integration or coordination of aging and HIV services. Two vignettes illuminate the issues and implications for HIV and aging network social workers. The authors argue that HIV social workers should know more about services for older people and that gerontological social workers should know more about HIV services so that HIV-infected and HIV-affected older people do not remain unserved, unseen, and unheard.
Dense medium plasma-plasma-enhanced decontamination of water of aromatic compounds

Artificially contaminated water with aromatic compounds, including benzene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes, was exposed to dense medium plasma ~DMP! environments in the presence of oxygen. This original plasma technique allows the volume exposure of liquid media to nascent plasma species under atmospheric pressure conditions. Analytical data resulting from gas chromatographic/mass spectroscopic evaluations of contaminated and plasma-exposed water, indicated that prior to any optimization the DMP technology can reduce contamination levels of 600-1,000 ppm to ppb values in treatment times as low as 1 min. It is suggested that hydroperoxide molecules generated as a result of the interaction of plasma-activated oxygen and water molecules, might play an essential role through the interaction of nascent OH free radicals with the contaminant molecules in the decontamination process. The reaction products ~hydrocarbons and oxidized derivatives! have a significantly lower concentration relative to the starting contaminants ~at least two to three orders of magnitude lower concentrations!. This original plasma technology opens up new highways for efficient decontamination of water both under batch-type and continuous-flow system modes.
From Transformational Leadership to Leadership Trans‐Formations: A Critical Dialogic Perspective

Noting overlaps between leadership and transformation processes, I outline a critical digital perspective that shifts focus from transformational leadership behaviors to how leadership “trans-formations” occur. Specifically, this article avers that naming particular identities, processes, and concepts by leaders and change participants enacts transformation. These three domains are “co-named” by leaders and participants in ongoing communicative sequences of acting/re-acting, attuned to the discursive flows and material conditions/actants shaping various contexts. I illustrate this framework via the U.S.-based climate change nonprofit 350.org and its founder Bill McKibben, focusing on how leaders or participants acquire and mobilize voice, organize in different forms, and how “new” forms intersect with traditional institutions. Implications for leadership, dialogue, and practical accomplishments of transformation are discussed.
Angle-resolved low-coherence interferometry: an optical biopsy technique for clinical detection of dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus.

Angle-resolved low-coherence interferometry (a/LCI) is an optical biopsy technique that measures scattered light from tissue to determine nuclear size with submicron-level accuracy. The a/LCI probe can be deployed through the accessory channel of a standard endoscope and provides feedback to physicians to guide physical biopsies. The technique has been validated in animal and ex vivo human studies, and has been used to detect dysplasia in Barrett’s esophagus patients in vivo. In a recent clinical study of 46 Barrett’s esophagus patients, a/LCI was able to detect dysplasia with 100% sensitivity and 84% specificity. This report reviews the technique and discusses its potential clinical utility.
"Justification of effort" in rats: effects of physical and discriminative effort on reward value.

The justification of effort is the tendency for humans to justify the amount of work they have put into an achievement by increasing the perceived value of that achievement after the effort has been expended. A positive effect of effort on reward value has also been reported for pigeons and starlings. The present study examined the effects of different amounts of required physical and discriminative effort on primary reward value in rats. On each day of training, rats underwent one high-ef fort training session and one low.-effort training session in an operant chamber to earn either a grape-flavored reward pellet or a bacon-flavored reward pellet. Half of the rats exerted high effort to earn the grape pellets and low effort to earn the bacon pellets, with the arrangement reversed for the other half. On each test trial, each rat had the opportunity to consume 3 pellets of each flavor at the choice point in a T-maze. Analysis indicated no significant difference between the frequency of high-effort flavor choices and low-effort flavor choices. A positive effect of effort on reward value was not demonstrated in this experiment.
A new ZVT DC-to-DC full bridge converter

This paper presents a new zero-voltage transition (ZVT), high frequency transformer isolated, fixed frequency dc-to-dc bridge converter topology with pulse width modulation (PWM). This converter is based on a PWM scheme suitable for single-stage operation of ac-to-dc converter. The auxiliary circuit of this topology is placed out of the main power path and, therefore, has small power rating. This converter is suitable for high power applications. Operating modes of this converter are identified and analyzed. Based on these analyses design example of a 50 kHz, 1 kW dc-to-dc converter is presented. Results obtained from PSPICE simulation are presented to verify the advantages claimed for this converter.
Match filter bound analysis used to evaluate range increase provided by an adaptive antenna array

An analytical approach is developed for evaluating the expected range increase and variations in coverage range, while using an M-element adaptive antenna array at the base station (BS). The analysis is based on the match filter bound an the bit error rate probability for a frequency non-selective Rayleigh fading channel. Results for a ten element uniform linear array (ULA) indicate the expected range increase over a BS with only a single antenna can be nearly doubled. A 1.6 to 1.7 increase is also likely with a five-element array.
Polymers for intracellular delivery of nucleic acids

Effective delivery of nucleic acids requires overcoming cellular barriers that would otherwise hinder transport of payload from the extracellular space to the cytoplasm or nucleus of a target cell, and preventing the degradation of the payload. As with many drug-delivery systems, toxicity is an important issue. Rational design of polymers for this purpose, assisted by high-throughput synthesis and screening methods, has had an enormous impact on the field.
On a theorem of S. Bernstein

S. Bernstein (see(l), pp. 198–204) has proved that ifis an entire function of genus zero, then the seriesis convergent. By considering the most unfavourable case, when all the (βn) are positive real numbers, and writingwhich is convergent by hypothesis, he proved that.
Application of Risk Assessment Principles in Environmental Epidemiology

The application of methods of chronic disease epidemiology in environmental health studies needs a critical reevaluation. Quantitative risk assessment (QRA) of the health risk associated with environmental exposure is a rapidly developing methodologic approach to providing risk estimates used for regulatory purposes. Basic principles underlying QRA include the following: (1) disease predating exposure cannot be attributed to exposure; (2) exposure incurred after a health event is irrelevant; (3) current exposure levels are usually a poor indicator of past exposure; (4) the duration of exposure is as important as its level in assessing risk; (5) a dose is preferred over exposure level; (6) exposure to multiple chemicals via multiple routes is the rule rather than the exception; (7) quality assurance procedures need to be extended to the interview and to other data-gathering elements of the study; (8) statistically significant associations between risk factor and disease are likely to be spurious if they are unsupported by a dose-response effect and biological plausibility. Problems encountered when these QRA principles are applied in an epidemiologic study and the effect of these principles on the study outcome are discussed in the context of an epidemiologic study of the potential risk from exposure to volatile organic chemicals in drinking water.
The Mammalian Peripheral Nervous System in Old Age

Age-related regressive changes are known to occur in nerves of animals and man. Some are accepted as the consequence of relentless mechanical damage at sites of local nerve entrapment, other changes are interpreted to result from atherosclerotic ischemia of nerves, while others are assumed to correspond to primary decay due to biological aging per se. Such changes involve both somatic and autonomic neurons, and transcend at the level of the neuronal cyton, the axon, the Schwann cell, and the motor and sensory nerve endings.
The Lifelong Learning of Science

The lifelong learning of science is actually becoming harder and harder to avoid. We can expect that there will be fewer and fewer adults who are truly uninterested in science and technology. What will happen is that people will periodically be interested and periodically uninterested. The rising impact of science and technology on lifelong learning, with the constant flow of information through the media, Internet and 24 hour news cycle, will make some interest in science some of time unavoidable for most people. Thus, the question is not whether adults will learn science throughout life, but what they will learn. What people learn will be complicated by that fact that science is not always completely objective and unproblematic; and that the public will follow its own instincts with respect to who they trust and on what topics. The real challenge for the lifelong learning of science is learning to be a savvy consumer of scientific information and alleged scientific claims in a world awash in all sorts of information and information sources.
Fifty Shades of Deterrence?: The 'Grey Area' of Dissuasion for Those Assisting Offshore Tax Evaders

For individual taxpayers engaged in offshore tax evasion, the U.S. government has issued a clarion call of deterrence best summarized in the song made famous by Martha and the Vandellas: “Nowhere to run to; nowhere to hide.” Yet, the jury is still out — literally — for most bankers, attorneys, and advisors charged with assisting U.S. offshore tax evaders. It appears too early to tell if the same warning is as applicable to the bankers, attorneys, and financial/tax advisors charged with facilitating offshore tax evasion. This creates a potential “grey area” of deterrence for many who enable offshore tax evasion.
Single Asperity Chemical Mechanical Wear Studied by Atomic Force Microscopy

Nanometer scale wear caused by a single asperity of silicon nitride was examined by measuring the wear caused by atomic force microscope tips translated against sodium trisilicate glass, soda-lime glass, or fused silica in aqueous solutions. As a function of contact force, FN, and scan duration, t , the wear to both tip and substrate scales approximately as (FN t ) 0.5 . Substrate wear was independent of temperature from 5°C to 60°C, whereas tip wear showed a temperature dependence on soda-lime glass corresponding to an activation energy of 60 kJ/mol on soda-lime glass.
Gap Equations for the Two-Band Superconductors in the Presence of Nonmagnetic Impurities in the Case g s , g d , g sd ≠ 0

The effects of nonmagnetic impurities on the two-band model as proposed by Suhl, Matthias, and Walker for superconducting states of the transition metals are formally extended to the general case ${g}_{s}$, ${g}_{d}$, ${g}_{\mathrm{sd}}\ensuremath{\ne}0$. Use is made of Dyson's equation to obtain the 4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}4 matrix; the order-parameter (gap-energy) equations are formally obtained for the general case. In going to the interband phonon-coupling limit ${g}_{s}={g}_{d}=0$, or to the intraband limit ${g}_{\mathrm{sd}}=0$, the results obtained reduce to those found by Chow. The effect of the impurity scattering on the critical temperature for the two-band superconductor in the general case is discussed.
Origins of the Regioselectivity in the Lutetium Triflate Catalyzed Ketalization of Acetone with Glycerol: A DFT Study

We describe DFT computations that address the regioselective preference toward the five-membered ring product 1,3-dioxolane (solketal) over the six-membered-ring product (1,3-dioxane) during Lu(OTf)3-catalyzed ketalization of acetone with glycerol. When ketalization occurs via the internal (secondary) −OH group of glycerol, only solketal production should be possible due to the symmetry of the intermediates. Ketalization via the terminal −OH group of glycerol is predicted to occur in a different manner than the conventionally proposed ketalization mechanism. A constrained hemiketal intermediate is invoked to explain the selectivity for solketal formation.
Abstract A86: Interaction of nitrate and folate on the risk of breast cancer among postmenopausal women

Background: Ingested nitrate can form N-nitroso compounds endogenously, which may lead to DNA adducts and activating mutations in oncogenes. However, previous studies have reported null or inverse associations between dietary nitrate intake and cancer risk, while nitrate intake from drinking water has shown null or positive associations with cancer risk. These associations may be confounded by protective effects of dietary folate, which provides methyl groups for nucleotide synthesis, and thus plays a vital role in the DNA repair system. In a small case-control study, an increased risk of breast cancer was observed among individuals with high dietary nitrate relative to folate intake. We therefore evaluated interaction of total folate with nitrate intake from diet and drinking water on breast cancer risk in the Iowa Women9s Health Study (IWHS). Methods: The IWHS is a prospective cohort study of cancer among 41,836 women in Iowa, initiated in 1986. Dietary intake was assessed at study baseline using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Nitrate intake from foods and total folate intake from foods and dietary supplements were computed using consumption frequencies collected by the FFQ. Nitrate intake from drinking water was assessed using a historical analytical database on Iowa municipal water supplies in 15,151 women using municipal water supply. We evaluated the interaction of nitrate and total folate intake with breast cancer risk using Cox proportional hazard regression modeling, adjusting for potential confounders (age, body mass index, waist-hip-ratio, education, smoking, family history of breast cancer, age at menopause, age at first live birth, estrogen use, total energy intake, and intake of vitamin C and E and flavonoids). Results: After baseline exclusions (history of cancer at baseline, previous mastectomy or partial breast resection, implausible energy intake, or ≥30 missing responses on the FFQ), there were 34,388 postmenopausal women in the analytic cohort. Through 2008, 2,875 incident breast cancer cases were identified. Nitrate intake from diet or drinking water was not associated with breast cancer risk. After stratification by total folate intake, high dietary nitrate intake (>106.1 mg/day) was associated with a marginally decreased risk of breast cancer compared to those with low nitrate intake (≤106.1 mg/day) (HR=0.90, 95% confidence interval=0.81–1.00) only among women with folate intake Conclusions: Our findings do not support the previously reported increased risk of breast cancer risk among individuals with high dietary nitrate and low folate intake. The inverse association between nitrate intake and breast cancer risk observed among women with low folate intake in the present study may be attributed to residual confounding due to high correlation among intakes of nitrate, folate and antioxidants. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2011;4(10 Suppl):A86.
Beobachtungen an Holzstrahlen im Druckholz

Die Kenntnisse uber die Anzahl und Struktur der Holzstrahlen im Druckholz sind noch gering und oft widersprechend. Nach einer Untersuchung der chemischen Zusammensetzung der Holzstrahlzellen in Normalholz und Druckholz wird die Struktur der Strahlen in beiden Geweben miteinander verglichen. Strahlen und Strahlzellen waren im Normal- und Druckholz vonAbies balsamea, Larix laricina, Picea rubens, Pseudolsuga menzeisii undTsuga canadensis gleich haufig, inPinus resinosa aber zahlreicher und groser. Feinstruktur und Ligninverteilung der Strahlparenchymzellen und Strahltracheiden inLarix laricina undTaxodium distichum waren in Normal- und Druckholz gleich. Die Sekundarwand war deutlich lamelliert, eine Abschluslamelle haufig vorhanden. Der Hauptanteil des Lignins lag in der Sekundarwand gleichformig verteilt vor. Es wird angenommen, das die grose Zahl und der Umfang der Holzstrahlen, die gelegentlich im Druckholz beobachtet wurden, durch das rasche Radialwachstum dieses Holzes bedingt sind.
Akhiezer damping in nanostructures

Dissipation in a nanomechanical resonator under the application of a nearly uniform strain field is investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. Under the application of a uniform strain field and in the frequency range studied, we expect Akhiezer damping to be the dominant loss mechanism. The scaling of energy dissipation rate with frequency for the bulk case and a finite-sized nanostructure are studied and the results are explained by Akhiezer damping. The size effect on the dissipation rate is also investigated. The results show a significant role of the surface on the dissipation rate. An increase in the $Q$ factor with a decrease in thickness of the structure is observed for a certain range. Below some critical thickness, the trend reverses, indicating multiple roles of the surface contributing to the dissipation process.