cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distribution of pyrimidine “clusters” between the complementary DNA strands of certain Bacillus bacteriophages

Abstract A “natural” bias in the buoyant density of the complementary DNA strands of several Bacillus phages can be enhanced by the presence of guanine-rich ribopolymers, which interact almost exclusively with the naturally “heavy” strand. Poly U interacts with both strands, bat favors the “light” strand. Poly C, at reduced pH, interacts with the light strand. These results indicate a high accumulation of pyrimidine-rich clusters on the heavy DNA strand, which was previously shown to serve as a preferential template for in vivo and in vitro RNA synthesis. The observed interactions appear to depend on the formation of ribopolymer aggregates, which attach to clusters of complementary bases on the denatured DNA. It is estimated that there is, on the average, one cytosine-rich cluster per 0.3 to 3 × 106 daltons of native phage DNA. The natural density difference between the DNA strands can be abolished by formaldehyde, suggesting that at least part of this bias is the result of an intrastrand secondary structure, which is predominantly associated with the light strand.
State-of-the-Art Techniques for Detecting Transient Errors in Electrical Circuits

A historical overview and the latest most promising techniques that allow the detection of a single transient error in a circuit, is presented. The following are presented: transient or soft errors; detecting transient errors with coding techniques: parity, Berger and Bose-Lin, Hamming encoding, error encoding in random logic; redundancy in time and space; error detection with logic synthesis; and logic implications.It is concluded that transient errors are a problem that are bound to get worse as new smaller technologies arise, and it is up to the designer to choose the most effective protective method for his needs.
Thermal Conductivity of Graphene Layers Encased in Oxide

Experimental knowledge of the heat flow along graphene layers encased by oxide is essential for future graphene-based nanoelectronics, interconnects, and thermal management structures. We used a “heat spreader method” to study the heat dissipation performance of encased graphene. Fitting the experimental data with a three-dimensional finite-element method (FEM) allows the in-plane thermal conductivity of the graphene layers to be extracted. The method is validated on samples with metal films of known thermal conductivity, as determined from electrical resistance measurements and the Wiedemann-Franz law.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Myelomeningocele in fetal rats induced by retinoic acid: Characterization by magnetic resonance imaging and histopathological analysis

Abstract Introduction: Fetal surgical intervention for myelomeningocele (MMC) is currently being clinically evaluated. Animal models for assessment of the early developmental biology and pathophysiology of this lesion are needed. The goal of this study was to develop and characterize a rat model of MMC. Methods: Time-dated Sprague-Dawley rats were gavage fed graded doses of retinoic acid (RA) dissolved in olive oil at E10 (maternal n = 81, fetal n = 563). Control animals received olive oil alone (maternal n = 28, fetal n = 317). Fetuses were analyzed by detailed histopathology and MRI. Results: Overall, isolated MMC was seen in 59.5% (335/563) of RA-exposed fetuses and no controls. Efficiency was dependent on RA dose and number of fetuses/dam with 45 mg/kg ( 12 fetuses) achieving a maximal efficiency of 92% and 100% respectively. Histopathology confirmed the entire spectrum of severity observed in human MMC ranging from exposure of the cord with intact neural elements to complete cord destruction. MRI of the brain of MMC fetuses confirmed structural changes similar to humans with Arnold Chiari malformation, including downward displacement of the cerebellum to just above the foramen magnum and compression of the developing medulla into a small posterior fossa. Conclusions: We conclude that the RA induced rat model of MMC is developmentally and anatomically analogous to human MMC. This relatively efficient and cost-effective model of MMC should facilitate investigation of the developmental biology and pathophysiology of MMC, and may be useful for the evaluation of further strategies for prenatal treatment.
Theory of the spiral core in excitable media

Abstract A rigorous asymptotic spiral solution to an excitable reaction diffusion system is found by separating space into two scaling regions: an “outer region”, having the same spatial scaling as the overall spiral structure, which exhibits a singularity at the spiral tip; and a “core” region around the spiral tip, where space is scaled so as to resolve the tip singularity. The stability of the spiral structure is investigated for both the outer region, which is found to possess no intrinsic instability, and the core region which is found to be unstable. Both the zero and small diffusion systems are found to exhibit qualitatively similar behaviour. The implication of these results for both experiment and simulation, in particular within the context of the observed “meandering” instability, are addressed.
Numerical Modeling and Experimental Measurements of Pulsed Ion Beam Surface Treatment

Pulsed ion beam treatment of materials provides an attractive alternative to pulsed laser processing for near surface modification of semiconductors, metals and polymers. The transfer of energy to the sample occurs by electronic and nuclear stopping over depths extending to several microns depending on ion species and voltage. A numerical code for modeling the melt and solidification behavior of materials under ion beam processing has been developed. The code and parameter extraction procedures were validated experimentally by comparing simulations with experimental measurements of the melt duration in silicon. The sensitivity of the melt behavior to variations in the beam properties was also investigated. The quiescent nature of the melt was confirmed by measurements of the diffusion of arsenic in the melt. These results demonstrate that simulations of the ion beam treatment can quantitatively match experimental results with no adjustable parameters.
Development of a two-dimensional protein-peptide separation protocol for comprehensive proteome measurements.

Abstract We have developed an effective two-dimensional fractionation protocol of complex proteome mixtures that extends the ability to conduct more comprehensive proteome measurements. A sample containing intact proteins extracted from Saccharomyces cerevisiae was fractionated by liquid phase isoelectric focusing, followed by tryptic digestion and solid-phase extraction (SPE) clean-up and reversed-phase liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS–MS) of the resultant peptides. The clean-up step is designed to desalt the fractions and rid them of urea and ampholytes prior to analysis by LC–MS–MS. Fifty milligrams of protein were separated into 20 fractions by liquid-phase isoelectric focusing, spanning a pH range of 3–10. The effectiveness of the removal of ampholytes was monitored by capillary zone electrophoresis and LC–MS–MS. The ability to analyze all of the 20 fractions without any noticeable decrease in the separation efficiency demonstrates the overall effectiveness of the SPE clean-up step. The results show that the separation strategy is effective for high throughput characterization of proteins from complex proteomic mixtures.
Scalable inference for hybrid Bayesian networks with full density estimations

The simplest hybrid Bayesian network is Conditional Linear Gaussian (CLG). It is a hybrid model for which exact inference can be performed by the Junction Tree (JT) algorithm. However, the traditional JT only provides the exact first two moments for hidden continuous variables1. In general, the complexity of exact inference algorithms is exponential in the size of the largest clique of the strongly triangulated graph that is usually the one including all of discrete parent nodes for a connected continuous component in the model. Furthermore, for the general nonlinear non-Gaussian hybrid model, it is well-known that no exact inference is possible. This paper introduces a new inference approach by unifying message passing between different types of variables. This algorithm is able to provide an exact solution for polytree CLG, and approximate solution by loopy propagation for general hybrid models. To overcome the exponential complexity, we use Gaussian mixture reduction methods to approximate the original density and make the algorithm scalable. This new algorithm provides not only the first two moments, but full density estimates. Empirically, approximation errors due to reduced Gaussian mixtures and loopy propagation are relatively small, especially for nodes that are far away from the discrete parent nodes. Numerical experiments show encouraging results.
Castelnuovo–Mumford regularity by approximation

Abstract The Castelnuovo–Mumford regularity of a module gives a rough measure of its complexity. We bound the regularity of a module given a system of approximating modules whose regularities are known. Such approximations can arise naturally for modules constructed by inductive combinatorial means. We apply these methods to bound the regularity of ideals constructed as combinations of linear ideals and the module of derivations of a hyperplane arrangement as well as to give degree bounds for invariants of finite groups.
Delayed hypersensitivity in Graves' disease.

ABSTRACT This clinical study evaluated the delayed hypersensitivity response in 11 Graves' disease and 56 control patients by intradermal skin testing, application of dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) and assessment of the ability of the inflammatory response by challenge with a cutaneous irritant, croton oil. All Graves' disease patients reacted to at least one intradermal skin test (SK/SD, mumps, Trichophyton, Candida, PPD) with 5 mm or more of induration, 73% reacted to at least one intradermal test with 10 mm or more of induration, and two patients reacted with 10 mm or more induration to 3 of 5 tests administered. All Graves' disease patients exhibited a positive response to croton oil and all exhibited a 2+ or greater response to DNCB sensitization. There was no significant difference (p < 0.01) in reactivity between the control group and Graves' disease patients. Although this study indicates that there is no apparent alteration in delayed hypersensitivity in Graves' disease patients, this does not contr...
Signalment, clinical presentation, concurrent diseases, and diagnostic findings in 28 dogs with dynamic pharyngeal collapse (2008-2013).

Background Most information about pharyngeal collapse in dogs is anecdotal and extrapolated from human medicine. A single case report describing dynamic pharyngeal collapse in a cat has been published, but there is no literature describing this disease process in dogs. Objective To describe the signalment, clinical presentation, concurrent disease processes, and imaging findings of a population of client-owned dogs with pharyngeal collapse. Animals Twenty-eight client-owned dogs with pharyngeal collapse. Methods Radiology reports of dogs for which fluoroscopy of the respiratory system was performed were reviewed retrospectively. Patients with a fluoroscopic diagnosis of pharyngeal collapse were included in the study population. Data regarding clinical signs, diagnostic, and pathologic findings were evaluated. Results Twenty-eight dogs met the inclusion criteria. The median age of affected patients was 6.6 years, whereas median body condition score was 7/9. The most common clinical signs were coughing (n = 20) and stertor (n = 5). In 27 of 28 cases, a concurrent or previously diagnosed cardiopulmonary disorder was detected. The most common concurrent disease processes were mainstem bronchi collapse (n = 18), tracheal collapse (n = 17), and brachycephalic airway syndrome (n = 8). Fluoroscopy identified complete pharyngeal collapse in 20 of 28 dogs. Conclusions Pharyngeal collapse is a complex disease process that likely is secondary to long-term negative pressure gradients and anatomic and functional abnormalities. Based on the findings of this study, pharyngeal fluoroscopy may be useful diagnostic test in patients with suspected tracheal and mainstem bronchial collapse to identify concurrent pharyngeal collapse.
Hypomyelinated mutant mice IV: Peripheral myelin injpmsd

Summary This study compares peripheral myelination in a specific subdivision of the sciatic nerve of jp msd and unaffected littermate mice. No significant differences are found in numbers of myelinated and unmyelinated axons, diameters of axons, thickness of myelin sheaths relative to axon diameter, extent of unmyelinated axon segregation by Schwann cell processes, or in the ultrastructure of myelin and Schwann cells. By contrast, jp msd mutant mice show severe CNS hypomyelination. This evidence, that the jp msd mutation affects only oligodendrocytes, distinguishes mutations at this locus from others producing CNS hypomyelination in which PNS myelin is also affected.
Tactual performance test trials: psychometric properties of the blocks-per-minute scores.

Internal consistency reliabilities were calculated for the Tactual Performance Test blocks-per-minute scores for the Preferred Hand (n=298), Nonpreferred Hand (n=302), and Both Hands (n=314) trials, and Total Time. Reliabilities are reported for the total sample and three groups of normal, alcoholic, and undiagnosed patients sent for assessment. The reliabilities ranged from .6102 to .9232. Only three of the discriminate indexes were poor.
A Simple Technique for Improving the Pull-in Capability of Phase-Lock Loops

This paper presents a simple technique for improving the pull-in capability of phase-lock loops. This technique, called derived rate rejection or DRR, differs from those which use an external AFC loop in simplicity of implementation and design rationale, although the end result is the same. If, as is usually the case, a coherent detector accompanies the phase-lock loop, the implementation of the DRR technique requires only the addition of a switch. The switching logic results from a superficial consideration of the nonlinear equation for the phase-lock loop and its solution in the phase plane. The switch does not affect the normal behavior of the loop after lock has been attained. Results of computer studies show the improvement realizable for the following configurations: 1) Proportional-plus-integral control. 2) Proportional-plus-imperfect integral control. For an initial frequency error of five times the linearized phase lock-loop natural frequency, the improvement in pull-in time is a factor of two. For an initial frequency error of ten times the phase-lock loop natural frequency, the improvement in pull-in time is a factor of ten.
Is the Soviet Union subsidizing Eastern Europe

Abstract Marrese and Vanous (1983) have produced data which suggests that intra-CMEA pricing has implied a USSR subsidy to the CMEA Six of $87 billion between 1960 and 1980. The paper discusses the transfer-theoretic interpretation of these numbers which is implicitly suggested by the authors, but shows that another explanation is possible using customs union theory. It is possible that starting from an initially suboptimal situation the Soviet Union gains in spite of poor terms of trade, while the Six lose.
Axon guidance: Crossing the midline

Neurons that connect the two sides of the nervous system project their axons across the midline. New studies provide evidence for a conserved gatekeeping mechanism that controls this midline crossing.
New levels observed in188Os from the decay of188Re

The level structure of188Os has been investigated following the decay of 17h188Re. The energies and relative intensities of 41 gamma rays were determined using large volume high resolution Ge(Li) detectors. The decay was observed to populate the 0+ states at 1478 and 1704 keV which were recently observed in (p, t) reaction studies. Additional states at 1414 and 1843 keV were also observed in the decay.
Serum-free cultivation of bovine stromal fibroblasts

The purpose of the present study was to conduct a comparative evaluation of the effect of several serum-free culture conditions on adhesion, population doubling, cryopreservation and PDGF-induced effects on cell proliferation of bovine stromal fibroblasts (BSF). Additionally, these effects were compared to serum-containing cultures. Methods: Only second-passage BSF were used. Cells were cultured using four different culture media (WM/F12, WM/F12 + FCS 1 %, LR-1, DMEM). After 24 h, plating efficiency was determined using a cell-counter system. Subsequently, the cells were seeded at a density of 100 cells/mm2 and cultured for 10 days using the different culture media. Cell number was determined at day 2, 4, 7 and 10 after seeding. Furthermore, the effect of 50 ng/ml PDGF-BB on the proliferation of BSF was tested for these conditions. Cell vitality was determined after cryopreservation of two weeks for each culture medium. Results: The plating efficiency of BSF ranged from 50.2 to 55.5 % for the serum-free culture media in contrast to serum-containing conditions, where plating efficiency was 94.8 %. With WM/F12 + FCS 1 %, a population doubling of 1.27 was observed after an incubation period of 10 days. In contrast, cultivation under serum-free conditions caused neither significant cell proliferation nor cell loss. The stimulation of cell proliferation with PDGF-BB was shown to be 28 % (LR1), 40 % (WM/F12 + FCS 1 %), 76 % (WM/F12) and 95 % (DMEM) compared to the control. While cell vitality after cryopreservation was found to be 62.7 % using WM/F12 + FCS 1 %, cell vitality using serum-free media was 12.6–22.8 %. Conclusions: The results of the present study demonstrate that with respect to optimal cell adhesion and cell vitality after cryopreservation, serum-containing media should be used. BSF cultured under the serum-free conditions used in the present study can be maintained quiescent and vital for at least 10 days. Therefore, these serum-free media are useful for cell-culture studies (e. g., determination of proliferation and cytotoxicity).
Adolescent perception of adolescent change in personality and intelligence.

Summary Subjective (perceived) and objective (concurrent) age differences were compared in two intelligence and three personality dimensions throughout adolescence. Objective age differences were investigated by observing 144 adolescent males and females (13–14 years, N = 48; 15–16 years, N = 48; 17–18 years, N = 48) under conventional self-description instructions. An additional 144 male and female 17- to 18-year-olds were randomly assigned to two instructional sets indicating either retrospected personal change or perceived peer change with three target ages (13–14, 15–16, and 17–18 years). Correlational analyses showed the internal and the cross-structure of the five behavior dimensions to be invariant across the three instructional sets. Analyses of variance were conducted separately for the intelligence and personality domains. Surprisingly, a posteriori analyses of significant instruction by behavioral dimension and instruction by target age effects indicated that no systematic age differences were ...
Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography and Trilinear Partial Least Squares for the Quantitative Analysis of Aromatic and Naphthene Content in Naphtha

Quantitative analysis of naphtha samples is demonstrated using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC × GC) and chemometrics. This work is aimed at providing a GC system for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of complex process streams for process monitoring and control. The high-speed GC × GC analysis of naphtha is accomplished through short GC columns, high carrier gas velocities, and partial chromatographic peak resolution followed by multivariate quantitative analysis. Six min GC × GC separations are analyzed with trilinear partial least squares (tri-PLS) to predict the aromatic and naphthene (cycloalkanes) content of naphtha samples. The 6-min GC × GC separation time is over 16 times faster than a single-GC-column standard method in which a single-column separation resolves the aromatic and naphthene compounds in naphtha and predicts the aromatic and naphthene percent concentrations through addition of the resolved signals. Acceptable quantitative precision is provided by GC × GC...
Nutritional Value of Alfalfa Leaf Protein Concentrate (Pro-Xan) for Broilers

Abstract Four alfalfa leaf protein concentrates (Pro-Xan) were evaluated in two metabolizable energy (M.E.) trials and one broiler chick feeding trial. Extensive nutrient composition data for the Pro-Xans are presented. The protein content and nitrogen corrected M.E. values, determined for the Pro-Xans, on a dry matter basis, ranged from 51 to 68% and 2577 to 3182 kcal./kg., respectively. One of the Pro-Xans, prepared under commercial conditions, contained 62.8% protein and 2876 kcal. M.E. per kg. For the broiler chick feeding trial, this Pro-Xan was included at levels of 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0% in chick diets of three different M.E. levels. At each dietary M.E. level, the experimental diets were maintained isocaloric and isonitrogenous. Analysis of variance showed there was no significant effect (P=.05) of Pro-Xan dietary level on chick weight gain or feed efficiency.
Interfacial mixing of nickel vanadium multilayers induced by cold rolling

Abstract During the cold rolling of multilayers of Ni and V with an average composition Ni 70 V 30 , Ni 30 V 70 and Ni 57 V 43, deformation induces phase transformation and an interfacial mixing. After repeated cold rolling at room temperature, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) results demonstrate that between pure Ni and V layers a metastable fcc solid solution phase forms in Ni 70 V 30 , a metastable bcc solid solution phase forms in Ni 30 V 70 and metastable fcc and bcc solid solution phases form in Ni 57 V 43 with suppression of nucleation of intermetallic phases. At an intermediate stage of the reaction when both pure Ni and V still remain, a smoothly varying composition profile was determined from the electron energy loss spectrum (EELS) across the multilayers. The composition dependent effective interdiffusion coefficient that was calculated based on the obtained profile was found to increase monotonically from 1.2 × 10 −15 cm 2 /s to 1.6 × 10 −13 cm 2 /s with increase of Ni mole fraction. Compared to the stored energy due to dislocation and interfaces, the excess chemical free energy from the interfacial mixing is the largest portion of total stored energy from deformation, which represents a form of mechanochemical transduction.
Secretory event in intestinal grafts during preservation ischemia.

Abstract Background. Ischemia triggers secretion of proteins from the intestine, including type II secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2). This “secretory event” was studied in intestinal grafts during the first few hours of preservation by measuring total protein, sPLA2, and other enzymes in the UW preservation solution over time. The effect of PX-13, a PLA2 inhibitor, was also studied. Materials and methods. Twenty-five centimeter intestinal grafts were harvested from Lewis rats, flushed, and preserved in UW solution ± PX-13 at 4°C. UW samples from 0 to 48 h (n = 5 each) were analyzed for total protein, sPLA2, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), N-acetylglucosamine (NAGA), and lysozyme. Nonpreserved grafts were homogenized in PBS as tissue controls. Standard biochemical methods were used for all assays. Results. Total protein increased rapidly by 5 min, continued to rise more slowly until 30 min, and then stabilized. The most significant increase in sPLA2 activity occurred between 90 and 180 min. NAGA increased most markedly between 30 and 180 min, while LDH increased in the first 30 min, although the level of both enzymes was negligible compared to tissue enzyme. Lysozyme levels were minimal at all times. PX-13 decreased sPLA2 activity markedly at all time points. Conclusion. Total protein levels increased before sPLA2, suggesting that sPLA2 may be secreted in response to other proteins or enzymes released even earlier during preservation (e.g., cytokines). These elevations do not appear to be caused by cell death. Phospholipase A2 secretion may be blocked, and this may greatly improve the outcome of intestinal preservation.
THE NEGLECTED AND SMALL FIRM EFFECTS

This paper addresses the empirical question of whether the differential attention which companies receive affects the capital asset pricing process. The degree of attention was measured by research concentration rankings based on the number of analysts regularly following the firm's securities. The results suggest: (i) that there is a “neglected firm effect” in terms of superior performance for less researched companies and (ii) that the neglected firm effect persists over and above the small firm effect; namely, the excess returns are not fully attributable to size. The ex-post capital asset pricing model is unable to account for the differences in return across security research ranking. Several possible explanations for the results are considered but not tested.
Evacuation Transportation Planning Under Uncertainty: A Robust Optimization Approach

This paper considers evacuation via surface transportation networks in an uncertain environment. We focus on demand uncertainty which can lead to significant infeasibility cost during evacuation, where loss of life or property may appear. We develop a robust linear programming model based on a robust optimization approach where hard constraints are guaranteed within an appropriate uncertainty set. The robust counterpart solutions have been shown tractable. We show that the robustness in evacuation is important and a robust solution outperforms a nominal deterministic solution in both quality and feasibility.
Entering the Clubhouse: Case Studies of Young Programmers Joining the Online Scratch Communities

Previous efforts in end-user development have focused on facilitating the mechanics of learning programming, leaving aside social and cultural factors equally important in getting youth engaged in programming. As part of a 4-month long ethnographic study, we followed two 12-year-old participants as they learned the programming software Scratch and its associated file-sharing site, scratch.mit.edu, in an after-school club and class. In our discussion, we focus on the role that agency, membership, and status played in their joining and participating in local and online communities of programmers.
The adsorption and reaction of 1,2-propanediol on Ag(110) under oxygen lean conditions

The adsorption and reaction of 1,2-propanediol CH3CH(OH)CH2OH(g) on clean and oxygen-activated Ag(110) has been studied using temperature-programmed reaction spectroscopy (TPRS), isotopic labelling experiments, and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). On the clean surface the diol adsorbs reversibly, desorbing with an activation energy of approximately 16 kcal mol−1 at 265 K from a monolayer state and at 215 K from a multilayer state. Vibrational spectra at both 1,2-propanediol coverages are in good agreement with those for liquid 1,2-propanediol. On oxygen-activated Ag(110) 1,2-propanediol reacts with O(a) by 215 K to form adsorbed 1,2-propanedioxy OCH(CH3)CH2O(a) and water. 1,2-propanedioxy is stable up to 285 K, at which temperature C-H bond scission begins. A mixture of acetol CH3C(O)CH2OH and, most probably, lactaldehyde CH3CH(OH)CHO evolves between 285–380 K, with the maximum rate of formation occurring at 340 K. 1,2-propanediol, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and water evolve at 350 K. Results of isotopic labelling experiments indicate that pre-adsorbed 18O(a) atoms are incorporated only into the carbon dioxide and water products. These data suggest that oxygen atoms remain adsorbed to temperatures above 300 K at which they oxidize adsorbed 1,2-propanedioxy. Pyruvaldehyde CH3C(O)CHO and one or more mq 74 products, tentatively identified as a mixture of acetol and lactaldehyde, evolve at 390 K. Additional carbon dioxide is produced at 410–450 K and 550 K, and residual carbon due to incomplete combustion of 1,2-propanedioxy remains adsorbed after the surface is heated to 700 K. The evolution of a mixture of acetol and lactaldehyde, rather than only the more stable product, acetol, is attributed to the small difference in CH bond strengths of the CH bonds at carbon-1 (primary CH) and carbon-2 (secondary CH) coupled with the possible effect of steric hindrance due to the methyl substituent at carbon-2. The reaction of 1,2-propanediol with O(a) to yield 1,2-propanedioxy and the subsequent decomposition of this intermediate with heating emphasizes that OH bond activation and CH bond scission are general mechanisms for the partial oxidation of diols on Ag(110).
Electrodeposition on a well-defined surface: Silver on Pt(111)(√7×√7)R19.1°−I

Abstract An exploration is reported of the structures formed by electrodeposition of silver on well-defined Pt(111) surfaces in various amounts up to a few monolayers. Prior to electrodeposition, the Pt(111) surface was treated with I2 vapor to form a Pt(111)(√7×√7)R19.1°−I superlattice which effectively protected the Pt and Ag surfaces from attack by the aqueous HClO4 electrolyte and residual gases. Silver electrodeposited in three widely separated underpotential deposition stages, forming distinct lattice structures having (3×3) or (√3×√3)R30° LEED patterns at all coverages studied. Formation of ordered Ag layers has therefore been demonstrated. Measurements of Auger electron spectroscopic current for Pt, Ag and I revealed that the silver was located underneath the iodine atomic layer, which remained attached during multiple cycles of electrodeposition and dissolution of silver from iodine-free solutions.
Application Of Fractal Texture Analysis To Segmentation Of Dental Radiographs

Abstract This work discusses the development of an image segmentation algorithm that utilizes fractional Brownian motion as a fractal texture model. Additionally a second feature, the correlation coefficient of the regression analysis associated with the fractal dimension computation, is also used to assess which regions of the radiograph are well described by the fractional Brownian motion model and hence, are more likely to be bone. The resulting three dimension feature space consisting of the local fractal dimension, radiograph intensities and regression analysis correlation coefficient waspartitioned to identify each pixel of the radiographs as being either bone, teeth, or a boundary between these entities. The results obtained in this study indicate the potential utility of a textural based algorithm for segmentation of dental radiographs. 1.0 IntroductionThe detection and monitoring of certain periodontal diseases, which are typically manifested via bone loss that occurs over a period of months
Theory of “Non-Stationary” states in many-electron atoms

Abstract In this paper, a useful classification of atomic states into “stationary” and “non-stationary” states with further subdivisions with respect to the rate of de-excitation is provided. The stationary states are defined to be the well-known states observed by photon emission which have formed the basis for the conceptual development of Quantum Mechanics. The non-stationary states are defined to be those observed via electron emission and here I outline their proporties. I present a general approach which allows one to deal with them both conceptually and computationally. Certain similarities and differences from stationary states are pointed out. Inner-hole or doubly excited states, observed in various types experiments, are treated from a conceptually single point of view, as decaying states. The relevant important quantities are derived and interpreted in a mathematically and physically meaningful way. Accurate total energies are calculated by employing a variational minimum principlee which permits one to incorporate systematically the important correlation effects without the danger of a “variational collapse”. This method requires projection onto known, zeroth order functions and it thus overcomes the difficulties of the well-known P, Q methods which require projection onto exact wave functions. N-body calculations on three-electron atoms yield the He− 2s22p2p0 and 2s2p22D resonances, previously observed experimentally, at about 57.3 eV and 58.4 eV, as well as new resonances in Li I at about 141.7 eV (2s22p 2P0), 144.9 eV (2s2p22D) and 62.0 eV (1s2p22D), in B III at about 204.7 eV (1s2p22D) and in C IV at 306.7 eV (1s2p22D). These states, which are just samples of states treatable by this approach, may in principle cause observable structures, e.g., in photon-absorption, in particle-atom scattering or in beam-foil experiments.
Sigmoid irrigation tube for the management of chronic evacuation disorders

Background/Purpose: Antegrade colonic irrigation, in which the right colon is accessed via appendicostomy or cecostomy, now is an important adjunct in the management of children with chronic evacuation disorders. However, in most children, the major area of dysfunction is the left rather than the right colon. The authors developed a simple, percutaneous endoscopic, laparoscopically controlled sigmoid irrigation tube placement and evaluated the results in 4 children. Methods: A rigid sigmoidoscope is advanced into the upper sigmoid and the loop brought in contact with the abdominal wall under laparoscopic control. A small skin incision is made and a needle pushed across the abdominal and sigmoid walls into the lumen of the sigmoidoscope. A guide wire is advanced through the needle into the scope and retrieved. After the scope is removed, a PEG-type catheter is attached to the guide wire and pulled back, securing the sigmoid loop to the abdominal wall. The tube is subsequently converted to a skin-level device by simply adding an external port valve. Results: All 4 patients achieved prompt evacuation in the sitting position. Conclusions: Sigmoid tube for antegrade irrigation is an appealing alternative to conventional cecal access. The procedure is simple and may offer physiologic advantages.
Using Turbidity to Determine Total Suspended Solids in Storm-Water Runoff from Green Roofs

AbstractGreen roofs are a technology used to control the quantity of the storm-water runoff and reduce energy consumption. Questions remain about their effect on water quality. Total suspended solids and turbidity are of the main parameters for water quality. This study investigated whether turbidity could produce a satisfactory estimation for total suspended solids (TSS) in the storm-water runoff from green roofs. Measuring turbidity is much faster than measuring TSS; a log-linear model showed strong positive correlation between TSS and turbidity (R2=0.9374) with a regression equation of [ln (TSS)=0.979 ln (Turb.)+0.574]. This equation shows that turbidity is a suitable monitoring parameter for TSS when TSS sampling and testing are impractical or not feasible.
Parameters Critical to the Morphology of Fluidization Craters

The anomalously high number of craters with diameter less than 2.8 km, the igneous nature of rocks from the Apollo landing sites, and the possibility of outgassing magmas in the lunar crust, suggest that fluidization may be a viable mechanism for producing many of the smaller lunar craters, Fluidization craters were formed in the laboratory by blowing gas through various thicknesses of particulate material. Gas pressure, ‘regolith’ thickness, and the duration of gas streaming were controlled over practical experimental limits and compared with the resultant crater morphology. Low to moderate fluidization pressures on ‘coarsely’ crushed limestone (Mo = 0.40, So = =0.50) with low cohesion (o - 43°) produced bowl shaped, basin shaped, and flat bottomed craters. Bowl shaped craters change into basin shaped and/or flat bottomed craters with long durations of gas streaming. Cone, funnel, and flat-funnel shaped craters are indicative of high fluidization pressures. Craters formed in ‘finely’ crushed limestone (Mo - 1.55, So - 0.85) that is electrostatically charged by the streaming gas, are flat bottomed. Terraced craters develop from slumping during and after the discontinuation of gas flow. Central mounds inn terraced craters result from slumping into a confined space. In particulate material, fluidization craters have high circularity and axial symmetry, similar to those produced by impact. The use of an impact model and crater morphology (‘normal’, ‘flat bottomed’, and ‘concentric’) for estimating lunar regolith depth is questioned because similar craters can be produced by fluidizationn processes in a thicker regolith.
Neuropsychological Processes in Adult Aphasia: Rationale for Treatment

SummaryThis paper discusses adult aphasia as a disorder resulting from separate or combined dysfunctions of several neuropsychological processes. It is argued that the characteristics of verbal expression generally indicate the manner in which these processes are dysfunctioning. Such a rationale indicates that diagnosis and treatment should be based on identifying these neuropsychological processes and designing clinical activities which facilitate more efficient functioning rather than attempting to “re-teach” Deciiic lineuistic Datterns.
Organische Phosphorverbindungen XXVIII. Die α‐Aminoalkylierung von elementarem weissem Phosphor. Eine einfache Methode zur Darstellung von tertiären Phosphinoxiden, Phosphinsäuren und Phosphonsäuren [1]

White phosphorus reacts with N-hydroxymethyl-dialkylamines to give mainly three products, i.e., tris(dialkylaminomethyl) phosphine oxides, bis(dialkylamino-methyl) phosphinic acids, and dialkylaminomethyl phosphonic acids, according to the equation: The yield of the various products depends mainly upon the ratio of the reactants, the pH, and the solvents used.
Activation of the control reporter plasmids pRL-TK and pRL-SV40 by multiple GATA transcription factors can lead to aberrant normalization of transfection efficiency

Members of the GATA transcription factor family have been used in many transfection studies to investigate their roles in the regulation of gene expression. To correct for variations in transfection efficiency, the Renilla luciferase encoding plasmids pRL-TK and pRL-SV40 are commonly used as normalization controls. We report here that plasmids expressing GATA-4 or GATA-6 transcription factor increased Renilla luciferase gene expression by 2 to 8 fold when co-transfected with pRL-TK or pRL-SV40. This alteration of the control reporter gene activity was shown to cause erroneous normalization of transfection efficiency and thus misinterpretation of results in a transactivation assay. To circumvent the problem, we generated two mutant control plasmids from which putative GATA response elements were deleted. These deletions rendered pRL-SV40 unresponsive to GATA transcription factor stimulation and reduced the response of pRL-TK. A database search also indicates that consensus GATA binding sequences are present in other commercially available Renilla luciferase encoding plasmids; therefore, the latter can potentially be transactivated by GATA transcription factors. Taken together, these findings highlight the importance of the selection of an appropriate control reporter plasmid for the normalization of transfection efficiency.
A new software routine that automates the fitting of protein X-ray crystallographic electron-density maps

The classical approach to building the amino-acid residues into the initial electron-density map requires days to weeks of a skilled investigator's time. Automating this procedure should not only save time, but has the potential to provide a more accurate starting model for input to refinement programs. The new software routine MAID builds the protein structure into the electron-density map in a series of sequential steps. The first step is the fitting of the secondary α-helix and β-sheet structures. These `fits' are then used to determine the local amino-acid sequence assignment. These assigned fits are then extended through the loop regions and fused with the neighboring sheet or helix. The program was tested on the unaveraged 2.5 A selenomethionine multiple-wavelength anomalous dispersion (SMAD) electron-density map that was originally used to solve the structure of the 291-residue protein human heart short-chain l-3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (SHAD). Inputting just the map density and the amino-acid sequence, MAID fitted 80% of the residues with an r.m.s.d. error of 0.43 A for the main-chain atoms and 1.0 A for all atoms without any user intervention. When tested on a higher quality 1.9 A SMAD map, MAID correctly fitted 100% (418) of the residues. A major advantage of the MAID fitting procedure is that it maintains ideal bond lengths and angles and constrains φ/ψ angles to the appropriate Ramachandran regions. Recycling the output of this new routine through a partial structure-refinement program may have the potential to completely automate the fitting of electron-density maps.
Optimization of skeletal configuration: studies of scoliosis correction biomechanics

A scheme for optimizing configurations in models of skeletal structures is presented. Use of the scheme is illustrated through determination of biomechanically optimal correction of a right-thoracic scoliosis by passive brace and active muscle forces. The locations and magnitudes of the passive brace forces, and the trunk muscle groups and their corresponding contraction intensity magnitudes that would optimally correct the geometric deformities of the spine were determined. The results suggest that, from a biomechanical viewpoint, both brace and muscle forces are capable of substantial correction of a model thoracic scoliosis. However, comparison of model results with long-term clinical results suggests that even under optimal conditions it is unlikely that scoliosis can be fully corrected by passive brace forces or active muscle contractions.
A Prerotational, Simulation-Based Workshop Improves the Safety of Central Venous Catheter Insertion: Results of a Successful Internal Medicine House Staff Training Program

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a simulation-based workshop with ultrasonography instruction in reducing mechanical complications associated with central venous catheter (CVC) insertion. Methods A single-center prospective cohort study was conducted in the medical ICU and respiratory step-down unit of an urban teaching hospital. Fifty-six medical house staff members were trained prior to their rotations over a 6-month period. The data on mechanical complication rates after the implementation of the workshop were compared with previous experience when no structured educational program existed. Results There were 334 procedures in the preeducation period compared to 402 procedures in the posteducation period. The overall complication rate, including placement failure, in the preeducation and posteducation period was 32.9% and 22.9%, respectively ( P P = .02), and arterial punctures decreased from 4.2% to 1.5% ( P = .03). Ultrasonography usage increased from 3.0% to 61.4% ( P P = .02); however, this trend was not observed in the posteducation period. Catheter site and ultrasonography usage significantly affected the overall complication rate in both periods, and ultrasound-guided femoral CVC was the safest procedure in the posteducation period. Conclusions Implementation of a prerotational workshop significantly improved the safety of CVC insertion, especially for CVCs placed by inexperienced operators. We suggest that simulation-based training with ultrasonography instruction should be conducted if house staff members are responsible for CVC placement.
Improved fidelity of thermostable ligases for detection of microsatellite repeat sequences using nucleoside analogs

Microsatellite repeats consisting of dinucleotide sequences are ubiquitous in the human genome and have proven useful for linkage analysis, positional cloning and forensic identification purposes. In this study, the potential of utilizing the ligase detection reaction for the analysis of such microsatellite repeat sequences was investigated. Initially, the fidelity of thermostable DNA ligases was measured for model dinucleotide repeat sequences. Subsequently, the effect of modified oligonucleotides on ligation fidelity for dinucleotide repeats was determined using the nucleoside analogs nitroimidazole, inosine, 7-deazaguanosine and 2-pyrimidinone, as well as natural base mismatches. The measured error rates for a standard dinucleotide template indicated that the nitroimidazole nucleoside analogs could be used to increase the fidelity of ligation when compared to unmodified primers. Furthermore, use of formamide in the ligation buffer also increased ligation fidelity for dinucleotide repeat sequences. Using ligation-based assays to detect polymorphic alleles of microsatellite repeats in the human genome opens the possibility of using array-based typing of these loci for human identification, loss-ofheterozygosity studies and linkage analysis.
Targeting Integrin and Integrin Signaling in Treating Thrombosis

The critical roles of integrins in thrombosis have enabled the successful development and clinical use of the first generation of integrin antagonists as represented by abciximab (Reopro), eptifibatide (Integrilin), and tirofiban (Aggrastat). These integrin αIIbβ3 antagonists are not only potent antithrombotics but also have significant side effects. In particular, their induction of ligand-induced integrin conformational changes is associated with thrombocytopenia. Increased bleeding risk prevents integrin antagonists from being used at higher doses and in patients at risk for bleeding. To address the ligand-induced conformational changes caused by current integrin antagonists, compounds that minimally induce conformational changes in integrin αIIbβ3 have been developed. Recent studies on the mechanisms of integrin signaling suggest that selectively targeting integrin outside-in signaling mechanisms allows for potent inhibition of thrombosis, while maintaining hemostasis in animal models.
Non-traditional applications of data mining

Machine learning offers algorithms for extraction of knowledge in an understandable form based on historical data. It is viewed as a key tool in development of autonomous systems. This chapter shows that learning algorithms can be used for novel problem solving in engineering design and manufacturing. Decomposition is a key problem in the latter two application areas. A data mining approach is used for matrix decomposition for the case with unknown and known decisions associated with each object in the matrix. Of particular interest to control of manufacturing processes is the case when decisions, e.g., product quality, are ill-defined. Data mining is a viable tool for solving problems with ill-defined outcomes.
Alpha thalassemia major—new mutations, intrauterine management, and outcomes

Alpha thalassemia disorders are a group of hereditary anemias caused by absent or decreased production of the alpha chain of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin Bart’s hydrops fetalis is usually a fatal in-utero disease caused by absence of the alpha genes. However, the molecular and genotypic expression of hemoglobin Bart’s varies and increasing numbers of births are being reported. Population screening and prenatal diagnosis of at-risk couples is essential but often not performed. Most affected pregnancies are often undetected, resulting in severe fetal and maternal complications. Noninvasive monitoring by Doppler ultrasonagraphy with intrauterine transfusion therapy has changed the prognosis for this disorder. These advances in intrauterine and postnatal therapy have resulted in ethical dilemmas for the family and the provider.
Improved measurements of seawater dielectric constant at L-band

This paper describes new measurements made in 2011–2012 of the dielectric constant of seawater at 1.413 GHz using a resonant cavity technique. These measurements are more accurate than previous measurements made in 2008. The paper discusses the improved experimental methods used for the 2011–12 measurements. The new measurement data is also be compared with Klein-Swift (KS) model function and Meissner-Wentz(MW) model function.