cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adsorption of water vapor on active carbons: Estimation of pore width

Abstract The successive adsorption and desorption paths of water vapor on active carbons at 30°C have been measured and it was suggested that the micropore structures of active carbons are more closely reflected in the desorption branch than in the adsorption one. Based on these results, the empirical equations for the estimation of the average pore width L have been proposed. L (nm) = −α( n des n 0.95 ) + β [1] and L (nm) = γ log ( ΔS S ) + δ, [2] where ndes is the adsorption amount of water vapor at the beginning point of the linear range of plots in the steep fall of the desorption branch and n0.95 is that at P P 0 - 0.95. ΔS (= Sdes − Sads) is the magnitude of the hysteresis loop and S is that of the adsorption branch (Sads) or the desorption one (Sdes) in the range of 0 ≦ P P 0 ≦ 0.95 , respectively, α, β, γ, and δ are the constants (>0).
Sustained complete molecular response after imatinib discontinuation in a patient with chronic myeloid leukemia not previously exposed to interferon alpha

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a clonal myeloproliferative disorder with a characteristic hallmark, the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome, a balanced translocation t(9;22)(q34;q11.2). The translocati...
An integrated impact assessment and weighting methodology : Evaluation of the environmental consequences of computer display technology substitution

Computer display technology is currently in a state of transition, as the traditional technology of cathode ray tubes is being replaced by liquid crystal display flat-panel technology. Technology substitution and process innovation require the evaluation of the trade-offs among environmental impact, cost, and engineering performance attributes. General impact assessment methodologies, decision analysis and management tools, and optimization methods commonly used in engineering cannot efficiently address the issues needed for such evaluation. The conventional Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) process often generates results that can be subject to multiple interpretations, although the advantages of the LCA concept and framework obtain wide recognition. In the present work, the LCA concept is integrated with Quality Function Deployment (QFD), a popular industrial quality management tool, which is used as the framework for the development of our integrated model. The problem of weighting is addressed by using pairwise comparison of stakeholder preferences. Thus, this paper presents a new integrated analytical approach, Integrated Industrial Ecology Function Deployment (I2-EFD), to assess the environmental behavior of alternative technologies in correlation with their performance and economic characteristics. Computer display technology is used as the case study to further develop our methodology through the modification and integration of various quality management tools (e.g., process mapping, prioritization matrix) and statistical methods (e.g., multi-attribute analysis, cluster analysis). Life cycle thinking provides the foundation for our methodology, as we utilize a published LCA report, which stopped at the characterization step, as our starting point. Further, we evaluate the validity and feasibility of our methodology by considering uncertainty and conducting sensitivity analysis.
“Awareness” in Chronic Schizophrenics: III. Incidental versus Directed Learning

Summary.-25 schizophrenics and 25 normals did not perform differently on intentional learning when incidental learning was controlled in a covariance analysis. The psychological deficit of the hospitalized patients was interpreted in terms of their set. A long-standing gap in research on schizophrenia has been the absence of an adequate explanation for the phenomenon of psychological deficit. After an extensive review of the literature, Buss and Lang ( 1965) came to the conclusion that the most fruitful explanation of deficit in schizophrenia is to be found in the interference hypothesis. The interference hypothesis assumes that ". . . when a schizophrenic is faced wich a task, he cannot attend properly or in a sustained fashion, maincain a set, or change che set quickly when necessary. His ongoing response tendencies suffer interference from irrelevant, external cues and from 'internal stimuli' which consisc of devianc thoughts and associations." Thus, these interfering stimuli lead to an attencion deficit which in turn accounts for psychological deficit. Few studies have attempted to deal wich this attention-set problem of schizophrenics. Rodnick and Shakow (1940) and more recently Rosenthal, Lawlor, Zahn, and Shakow ( 1960) hypothesized that mental set or preparation for response as reflected in reaction times would successfully discriminate levels of disorganizacion within a group of schizophrenics. In the study by Rosenthal, et al. (1960) the authors reported that the set index from the reaction time procedure correlated .89 with mental health ratings. Another method of investigating the inability of schizophrenics to initiate and maintain a response set has been to observe the performance of schizophrenics in an incidental learning situation. In such a situation S must initiate his own set or his own readiness to respond in a predetermined manner. The performance measure in an incidental learning situation could be considered as a measure of an individual's current attencion level or as a measure of his ability to initiate a response set. Since the interference hypothesis stresses che schizophrenic's inability to do this, a significant decrement in schizophrenic performance on such a task would lend support to one aspecc of this hypothesis. Greenberg ( 1954) hypothesized that the characteristic withdrawal patterns of schizophrenic patients can be more accurately reflected by the use of undirected learning tasks. The mechod used to test this hypothesis was to compare a group of normals with a group of schizophrenics on three experimental 'Now at the Charleston Menral Health Center, Charleston, South Carolina.
Numerical study of transition control by periodic suction blowing

The applicability of active control of transition by periodic suction-blowing is investigated via direct numerical simulations of the Navier-Stokes equations. The time-evolution of finite-amplitude disturbances in plane channel flow is compared in detail with and without control. The analysis indicates that, for relatively small three dimensional amplitudes, a two dimensional control effectively reduces disturbance growth rates even for linearly unstable Reynolds numbers. After the flow goes through secondary instability, three dimensional control seems necessary to stabilize the flow. An investigation of the temperature field suggests that passive temperature contamination is operative to reflect the flow dynamics during transition.
General protocol for microcell-mediated chromosome transfer

We have developed a general technique for making micronucleated cells to use in microcell-mediated chromosome transfer. Growing cells are blocked in mitosis with colcemid, placed in a hypotonic solution for 10 min, and returned to culture medium for 24 h. This treatment promotes the formation of micronuclei within lymphoblast or fibroblast cells. The microcells are generated by cytochalasin B treatment on a Percoll density gradient centrifuged at 43,500g. The resulting mixture of microcells, whole cells, and karyoplasts is filtered through 3-micron pores to obtain a pure microcell preparation. The microcells are fused to recipient whole cells using phytohemagglutinin-P and polyethylene glycol. Advantages of this technique are: donor cells need not be attached to a substrate; and cell lines which form micronuclei in low frequency can still be used efficiently as microcell donors.
Effects of Task-Specific and Impairment-Based Training Compared With Usual Care on Functional Walking Ability After Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation: LEAPS Trial

Background. After inpatient stroke rehabilitation, many people still cannot participate in community activities because of limited walking ability. Objective. To compare the effectiveness of 2 conc...
Optimal cerebral monitoring during carotid endarterectomy: neurologic response under local anesthesia.

Abstract A prospective series of carotid endarterectomies were performed with patients given local anesthesia in an attempt to determine the efficacy of intraoperative EEG monitoring and/or stump pressure measurements in predicting the need for carotid shunting. Carotid artery stump pressure was measured and EEG changes noted; however, neither low stump pressure nor EEG changes influenced the decision for shunt insertion. A shunt was only used if a neurologic deficit developed during carotid clamping. A total of 134 carotid endarterectomies were done in 121 patients. Sixty-six patients were men and 55 were women with ages ranging from 41 to 88 years. Indications included transient ischemic attacks in 57 (43%), prior stroke in 25 (19%), vertebrobasilar symptoms in nine (6%), and asymptomatic patients with high-grade stenosis, 43 (32%). Thirteen patients (9.7%) developed neurologic deficits following carotid clamping and had shunts inserted. All deficits cleared following shunt insertion. Nine of the 13 had EEG changes, but in four, EEGs were unchanged despite the occurrence of clear-cut neurologic changes. Stump pressure in the 13 patients ranged from 14 to 78 mm Hg. Ten were greater than 24 mm Hg and three were more than 50 mm Hg. In 121 operations no neurologic deficits occurred during carotid clamping and no shunts were inserted. In 13 of these operations, significant EEG changes were noted. Stump pressures in these 13 with EEG changes ranged from 15 to 120 mm Hg. In seven, stump pressure was greater than 50 mm Hg. There were no deaths in the series. Two (1.5%) temporary and one (0.7%) permanent postoperative deficits occurred. One of the temporary and the one permanent deficit occurred in patients with intraoperative EEG changes and neurologic deficits requiring shunting. Results of the study suggest that neither EEG monitoring nor stump pressure measurement identify all patients who require intraoperative shunts. The development of a neurologic deficit with carotid clamping in the conscious patient appears to be a more reliable indicator for shunt placement. (J VASC SURG 1985;2:775-7.)
Molecular design for improved photovoltaic efficiency: band gap and absorption coefficient engineering

Removing the adjacent thiophene groups around the acceptor core in low band gap polymers significantly enhances solar cell efficiency through increasing the optical absorption and raising the ionization potential of the polymer.
A scientist's responsibility in the legislative process

Like past AGU Congressional Fellows, I look back on my year on the Hill as rewarding and challenging. It gave me an opportunity to contribute to the legislative process and time to reflect on my role as a scientist. As a staff scientist at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), I worked on programmatic research funded by the federal government (e.g., nuclear waste disposal) and knew of the impact of congressional decisions on the direction of my research. What I did not know was how Congress came to make these decisions and who provided the technical input. Congress has taken on the role of technical manager, particularly with legislation that deals with the environment (e.g., Superfund, the Clean Water Act). This has been partly in response to the frustrations of dealing with technical problems that resist easy solutions and partly in response to the growing public interest in the impact of technology on their communities. As with any good manager, the result is legislation that is specific in its demand for scientific research and requires adherence to schedules and reporting requirements.
Thinking Outside the Box: Psychological Needs of Art Students Compared With Traditional Students

Very little information exists regarding the mental health needs of student artists. This study compared psychological symptoms and diagnoses of college students in 3 conservatories (n = 607) with those of college students in traditional colleges and universities (n = 87,105). The study found no difference in psychological symptoms except for increased stress among art students. The study also found that art students in these conservatories were more likely to make use of counseling services than students at traditional schools.
Effect of vitamin B-6 status of the lactating rat on taurine biosynthesis and availability to the suckling pup

Abstract Pregnant rats were fed either a vitamin B-6 adequate (20 mg/kg diet) or deficient diet throughout gestation and 10 days postpartum. After this time period, all dams were gavaged [ 35 S] cysteine and [ 3 H] taurine and pups were allowed to nurse. Milk and tissues of the dams and pups were collected 24 and 48 hours after gavage. Dams fed the diet depleted of vitamin B-6 were deficient of the vitamin as assessed by plasma pyridoxal 5′-phosphate concentration. There was no difference between the two dietary groups in the level of [ 3 H] taurine in the heart or liver of the lactating dam, however, there was a significant reduction in the 35 S/ 3 H taurine ratio in the liver of the dams fed the deficient diet. No dietary difference was observed in the level of [ 3 H] taurine in the pup's stomach contents or 35 S/ 3 H taurine in the dam's milk. No difference was observed in the level of [ 3 H] taurine present in the heart, liver or brain of the pups fed the two diets, although, there was a significant reduction in the isotopic ratio in liver of pups fed the deficient diet. Based on these observations, a vitamin B-6 deficiency of the lactating dam resulted in reduced biosynthesis of taurine in the dam and pup without influencing the availability of endogenous or exogenous taurine in milk.
Reply to Merrow et al. regarding additional imaging features of intramuscular capillary-type hemangioma and the importance of ultrasound

Sir, We thank Merrow and colleagues [1] for their valuable comments on our recent article “Intramuscular capillary-type hemangioma: radiologic-pathologic correlation” [2]. The authors describe additional imaging findings in two patients with histologically confirmed intramuscular capillary-type hemangioma (ICTH). They demonstrated, primarily by ultrasonography, the involvement of almost the entire length of the muscle and preservation of the muscle architecture. Indeed, we had identified fairly comparable features in 4 out of the 11 patients with sonographic studies. Nevertheless, architectural preservation of the muscle was relative, with disruption of the surrounding muscular architecture in areas of fatty infiltration. In our cohort, involvement of almost the entirety of the muscles was only noted in two patients. In fact, the lesion was resected in 5 of these 11 children due to the localized nature of the tumor. Given the rarity of this entity, it is possible that the imaging features described byMerrow et al [1]. are suggestive of ICTH and we concur with the authors that further studies are needed to characterize this rare tumor.
The service industry research imperative

There is a service industry research imperative or necessity. This paper argues that this imperative is multidimensional, with micro- or firm-level research needs, macro- or regional research needs, and opportunities for examination of clusters of service industries. These research imperatives are illustrated in this paper, with suggestions of high priority topics for research by service industry scholars.
Calibration of the Malvern particle sizer

A relatively simple technique has been developed to calibrate particle- and droplet-sizing instruments manufactured by Malvern and other similar Fraunhofer diffraction particle-sizing instruments. Measurements of standard reticles using an instrument calibrated in this manner demonstrate the effectiveness of the procedure. In addition, guidelines are presented to avoid errors due to vignetting of the scattered light signal.
Sustaining Resilient Families for Children in Primary Grades

(2007). Sustaining Resilient Families for Children in Primary Grades. Childhood Education: Vol. 84, No. 1, pp. 2-7.
Locally‐generated acetaldehyde contributes to the effects of ethanol on neurosteroids and long‐term potentiation in the hippocampus

Aim As severe alcohol intoxication impairs memory function, a high concentration of ethanol (60 mmol L−1) acutely inhibits long-term potentiation (LTP), a cellular model of learning and memory, in rat hippocampal slices. Neurosteroids are involved in this LTP inhibition. We recently reported that the inhibitory effects of 60 mmol L−1 ethanol are blocked by 4-methylpyrazole (4MP), an inhibitor of alcohol dehydrogenase, suggesting that acetaldehyde locally generated within the hippocampus participates in LTP inhibition. We investigated whether acetaldehyde generated by ethanol metabolism contributes to neurosteroidogenesis and LTP inhibition. Results Like 60 mmol L−1 ethanol, we found that exogenous acetaldehyde enhanced neurosteroid immunostaining in CA1 pyramidal neurons, and that augmented neurosteroid immunostaining by high ethanol alone was blocked by 4MP, but not by inhibitors of other ethanol metabolism pathways. The inhibitory effects of 60 mmol L−1 ethanol on LTP were mimicked by a lower concentration of ethanol (20 mmol L−1) plus acetaldehyde (60 μmol L−1), although neither agent alone was effective at these concentrations, suggesting that 60 mmol L−1 ethanol inhibits LTP through multiple actions, one of which involves acetaldehyde and the other of which requires just 20 mmol L−1 ethanol. The effects of ethanol and acetaldehyde on neurosteroid staining and LTP were overcome by inhibition of neurosteroid synthesis and by blockade of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDAR). Conclusion These observations show that acetaldehyde generated by local ethanol metabolism within the hippocampus serves as a signal for neurosteroid synthesis in pyramidal neurons, and participates in the synaptic dysfunction associated with severe alcohol intoxication.
Estradiol suppression and recovery during leuprolide acetate treatment in women as determined weekly by an ultrasensitive recombinant cell bioassay.

We studied the time frame of suppression and recovery of estradiol after injection with leuprolide acetate utilizing an ultrasensitive recombinant cell bioassay for estradiol in eight normal premenopausal women. Previous studies have shown suppression of gonadotropins and estradiol at 4 weeks after the depot injection, but no studies have shown the weekly time course of estradiol suppression or recovery. Four women received one 3.75 mg i.m. injection of leuprolide acetate and four received two 3.75 mg doses of leuprolide acetate 4 weeks apart. Estradiol, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were measured weekly for 8 to 12 weeks. Estradiol was significantly suppressed to 26.6 +/- 19.3% of baseline values by week 3 after the initial dose of leuprolide acetate and suppressed to 2.7 +/- 3.1% of baseline values by week 4 (p < 0.01 versus baseline). The actual values were less than 14.7 pmol/l (4 pg/ml) in all women by week 4. Estradiol remained suppressed for 8 weeks after one dose of leuprolide acetate and remained suppressed for 6 weeks after a second dose administered 4 weeks later. LH and FSH followed a similar pattern, but only remained suppressed for 7 weeks after one dose of leuprolide acetate and for 6 weeks after two doses. Estradiol levels at baseline were significantly correlated with body mass index (BMI). We also studied one postmenopausal woman. Her baseline estradiol levels were 10.3 pmol/l (2.8 pg/ml) and were suppressed to 3.9 pmol/l (1.1 pg/ml) by 2 weeks after leuprolide acetate. In conclusion, estradiol was suppressed to postmenopausal levels by the end of the first month of treatment with leuprolide acetate, as determined by an ultrasensitive bioassay. Higher doses would need to be tested to determine whether greater suppression can be achieved. The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis begins to recover 7 weeks after one dose and 6 weeks after a second dose of leuprolide acetate. This confirms the adequacy of 4-week dosing to maintain estradiol and gonadotropin suppression in adult women treated with leuprolide acetate, but raises the question whether less frequent dosing may be possible in some situations, or whether higher doses may be needed in some situations for an even greater degree of estradiol suppression.
α-tocopheryl succinate protects hepatocytes from chemical-induced toxicity under physiological calcium conditions

Abstract Rat and canine hepatocyte suspensions were exposed to toxic concentrations of ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) and ionophore A-23187 in the presence and absence of extracellular calcium (Ca2+) and α-tocopheryl succinate (α-TS). The exogenous administration of α-TS (25 μM) completely protected hepatocytes from chemically-induced toxicity when exposed to ‘physiological’ free extracellular calcium concentrations (0.8–1.5 mM). Under these protective conditions the cellular accumulation of both α-TS (2.8 nmol/106 cells) and α-T (0.91 nmol/106 cells) were observed. Hepatocytes exposed to unesterified α-tocopherol (α-T, 25 μM) or α-tocopheryl acetate (α-TA, 25 μM), however, were not protected from the toxic effect of chemicals even though these treatments resulted in the marked accumulation of cellular α-T (2.65 nmol/106 cells) and α-TA (2.3 nmol/106 cells), respectively. Our findings suggest that the supplementation of endogenous stores of α-T or α-TA does not promote protection against chemical toxicity and that α-TS cytoprotection results not from the accumulation of α-T but rather from the cellular presence of the intact α-TS molecule. Thus α-TS appears to possess cytoprotective properties that differ from other vitamin E congeners.
Oscillator strengths of the Schumann-Runge bands of isotopic oxygen molecules

Abstract Oscillator strengths of the Schumann-Runge bands of the isotopic molecules 16O2 (v′ = 0–17, v′ = 0–2), 16O18O (v′ = 0–16, v′ = 0–2), and 18O2 (v′ = 0–18, v′ = 0–2) have been calculated. The dependence of the band oscillator strength on the reduced mass and the vibrational level is discussed. The variation of the rotational oscillator strength with the rotational quantum number is explored. The calculated values agree with experimental data.
Rheumatoid arthritis: stress affects rheumatoid arthritis, but via what mechanisms?

The mind and body are thought to interact in a manner that influences health, but modelling the right aspects of each so as to best inform treatment is a tricky proposition. A new study discusses how stress can affect rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
Conditioning coal gas with refrigerated methanol in a system of packed columns

Experience with the operation of a pilot-scale unit is used to outline potential difficulties in the operation of acid gas removal systems on gases produced from coal. The pilot plant has been used to condition gases produced from subbituminous coal, devolatilized char, peat and lignite. The solvent used in the acid gas removal system has been refrigerated methyl alcohol. Data from this study document accumulation of hydrocarbons, sulfur and nitrogen compounds, and mercury in the circulating solvent.
Tinted windows: The presence of the UV absorbing compounds called mycosporine-like amino acids embedded in the frustules of marine diatoms

Abstract Diatom frustule-bound organic compounds presumably play an important role in biomineralization and constitute an important pool of organic matter preserved in diatom frustule-rich sediments. In this study, detailed analysis of diatom frustule-bound organic matter in opal-rich Southern Ocean plankton and sediments revealed for the first time the presence of low molecular weight, UV light absorbing compounds called mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs). Chemically cleaned diatom frustule-derived biosilica was dissolved in HF, releasing bound or entrapped organic compounds that were subsequently characterized using liquid chromatography with UV–Vis and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC/PDA/ESI-MS). Palythine ([M+H]+ = 245), porphyra-334 ([M+H]+ = 347) and shinorine ([M+H]+ = 333) were the most abundant MAAs detected in HF digests of plankton and sediment. Traces of asterina ([M+H]+ = 289), palythinol ([M+H]+ = 303) and palythinic acid ([M+H]+ = 329) were also detected. MAAs in cleaned HF digested frustules were up to two orders of magnitude more abundant than methanol extractable MAAs. MAAs are substituted with acid hydrolysable amino acid residues. Our results suggest that MAAs, and not proteins, could be responsible for the high proportion of the amino acids glycine and threonine found in hydrolysates of HF digested diatom-rich environmental samples. Total MAAs accounted for 3–27% of the carbon and 2–18% of total nitrogen in the frustules undergoing various chemical cleaning treatments. This is the first report of MAAs in close association with a mineral phase and we hypothesize that the mineral matrix could stabilize these compounds, thereby enhancing photoprotection against the harmful effects of UV light. The presence of frustule-bound MAAs in sediment cores further suggests the possibility that they could be used in compound-specific isotope analysis of diatom-bound organic matter and as indicators of past solar irradiance.
STATISTICAL EVALUATION OF INTERSTATE 4 TRAFFIC PREDICTION SYSTEM

Short-term traffic prediction systems have received considerable attention in the past few years as a means to support advanced traveler information and traffic management systems. Predictive information allows transportation system users to make better trip decisions at the pretrip planning stage and en route. A comprehensive statistical analysis of the traffic prediction system performance implemented on the 40-mi corridor of Interstate 4 in Orlando, Florida, is presented. The system was evaluated under a wide range of traffic conditions and various model parameters. The prediction performance in terms of prediction errors was examined with both link-based and path-based approaches.
Increased cannabinoids concentrations found in specimens from fatal aviation accidents between 1997 and 2006

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) reported a 1.5-fold increase in the delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content of street cannabis seizures from 1997 to 2001 versus 2002 to 2006. This study was conducted to compare the changes, over those years, in blood and urine cannabinoid concentrations with the potency of THC reported in the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids were screened using radioimmunoassay (RIA) for blood and fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) for urine and confirmed using GC/MS. A total of 95 individuals were found to be using cannabis from a total number of 2769 (3.4%) individuals tested over the period 1997 through 2006. Other impairing drugs were found in 38% of the cannabinoids-positive individuals. The mean concentration of THC in blood for 1997-2001 was 2.7 ng/mL; for 2002-2006, it was 7.2 ng/mL, a 2.7-fold increase in the mean THC concentration of specimens from aviation fatalities, compared to a 1.5-fold increase in cannabis potency reported by the NIDA and ONDCP. The mean age for cannabis users was 40 years (range 18-72) for aviation fatalities. For all blood and urine specimens testing negative for cannabinoids from aviation fatalities, the mean age of the individuals was 50 years (range 14-92). More than half of the fatalities tested were 50 years or older, whereas, 80% of the positive cannabis users were under 50. As indicated by these findings, members of the transportation industry, government regulators, and the general public should be made aware of the increased potential for impairment from the use of high-potency cannabis currently available and being used.
Tumor proliferative index is higher in mice undergoing laparotomy vs. CO2 pneumoperitoneum.

PURPOSE: Our laboratory has previously shown that tumors are more easily established and grow larger after laparotomyvs. laparoscopy. The purpose of this study was to better characterize these differences in tumor growth by assessing tumor cell proliferationvia the proliferating cell nuclear antigen assay, which has been shown to be a reliable marker of cellular proliferation. METHODS: Female C3H/He mice (N=40) were inoculated intradermally in the dorsal skin with 106 cultured mouse mammary carcinoma cells <1 hour before interventions. Anesthesia control mice underwent no procedure. Laparotomy group mice had a midline incision from xiphoid to pubis that was closed after 20 minutes. Insufflation group mice underwent CO2 pneumoperitoneum (4–6 mmHg) for 20 minutes. On postoperative Day 6, tumors were excised from one-third of the mice in each group, and from the remaining mice on postoperative Day 12. Sections were made and stained immunohistochemically for proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and the proliferative index of each tumor was determined by taking the average of proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive cells in five high-power fields (×450), counted in a blinded fashion with the aid of an optical grid. RESULTS: On postoperative Day 6, the mean proliferative index for the laparotomy group was significantly higher than those for both the insufflation (P<0.04) and the control (P<0.001) groups. Of note, the proliferative index of the insufflation group was significantly higher than that of the control (P<0.01) group. Similarly, on postoperative Day 12, the mean proliferative index for the laparotomy group was significantly higher than for both the insufflation (P<0.05) and the control (P<0.005)groups. The proliferative index in the insufflation group was also significantly higher than that of the control (P<0.04) group. CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated that there is a significantly higher rate of tumor cell proliferation with the mouse mammary carcinoma cell tumor line after laparotomy than after pneumoperitoneum or anesthesia alone at two postoperative times. Additionally, insufflation alone increases postoperative tumor cell proliferation but to a lesser extent than laparotomy. The mechanism underlying these findings is unclear.
Granular solid formulation commodity mixture uniformity revealed via InSb focal plane array chemical imaging

Abstract In the formula feed industry, sufficient mixing is essential to produce uniformity in blended mixtures of solid ground maize or sorghum with protein supplement and other components. Excess mixing is a waste of energy and time, adding cost to the process. We use near-IR imaging to assess adequate mixing as an alternative to inorganic tracers with density and flow characteristics that differ from other commodities and do not reflect the distribution of components. Chemically dependant image contrast was used to reveal the result of mixing with a self-tracer (protein supplement) and an edible alternative protein supplement possessing a combination of spectral features not found in any other commodities. Four samples taken from a pilot scale two cycle double ribbon mixer were imaged with three replicates each. Heterogeneity revealed in the first two sample sets obtained after a few cycles gave way to excellent homogeneity in the final segment after operation of 25 cycles. This was done for ground maize/soybean meal, with the latter used as a self-tracer. The process was repeated with added blood meal, to use its distinct spectral features as an organic tracer. In each case, the tracer spectrum was characterized using a multivariate signature. Each image pixel was identified, and the concentration was detected by pixel counting.
Free radical-mediated electron transfer in organometallic complexes: homolysis and alkyl group crossover reactions for alkyliron(II) porphyrins

Abstract Alkyliron(III) porphyrin iron-carbon bond homolysis at ambient temperature yields a putative steady-state concentration of alkyl radicals. Homolytic decomposition by radical coupling and other reactions becomes auto-limiting due to competitive capture of subsequently formed alkyl radicals by the iron(II) porphyrin product. This reaction sequence is supported by radical-transfer crossover reactions in which the alkyl ligand of an alkyliron(III) porphyrin is transferred to another iron(II) porphyrin of different structure.
Linking Extracurricular Programming to Academic Achievement: Who Benefits and Why?.

This article analyzes data from the National Educational Longitudinal Study of 1988 to test the effect of participation in extracurricular activities on high school achievement. It also explores potential mediating mechanisms that link such participation to academic success. The results show that participation in some activities improves achievement, while participation in others diminishes achievement. Participation in interscholastic sports promotes students' development and social ties among students, parents, and schools, and these benefits explain the positive effect of participation on achievement
1,1‐Dimethyl‐1‐silacyclohexa‐2,4‐dien‐tricarbonyleisen Vorläufige Mitteilung

1,1-Dimethyl-2,3,4,5-tetraphenyl-1-silacyclohexa-2,4-diene is isomerized by iron pentacarbonyl to 1,1-dimethyl-2,3,4,5-tetraphenyl-1-silacyclohexa-2,5-diene. However, iron pentacarbonyl with 1,1-dimethyl-1-sila-cyclohexa-2,4-diene yields 1,1-dimethyl-1-silacyclohexa-2,4-diene-tricarbonyl-iron.
Cognitive Evaluation of Self-Report Questions for Surveillance of Periodontitis

This paper describes the cognitive testing of eight self-report questions as part of a broader effort to evaluate and validate the use of these questions in estimating the prevalence of periodontitis in the United States population. This study examined how United States respondents understood and processed the proposed questions in English and Spanish, as well as identifying and correcting for possible response errors. The set of eight questions was selected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Periodontal Disease Surveillance Workgroup for further testing after analytical assessments and field testing of an array of potential questions. Evaluation of these eight oral health questions was based on 40 in-depth, semi-structured cognitive interviews in English and Spanish. Results of this cognitive test study are presented. The recommendations from this cognitive testing evaluation served as the basis to improve the original questions in English and Spanish to be more inclusive and consistent and improve the estimation of periodontal disease in the United States population.
Mechanical and physical properties of post-creep, pitch-based carbon filaments

New fabrication techniques have been developed for uniaxial creep specimens of pitch-based carbon filaments, with a matrix-free, test section. Pitch-based carbon filaments were found to plastically deform up to 73% elongation without necking. Mechanical properties and physical properties were changed significantly.
Relationship between child care centers' compliance with physical activity regulations and children's physical activity, New York City, 2010.

Introduction Physical activity may protect against overweight and obesity among preschoolers, and the policies and characteristics of group child care centers influence the physical activity levels of children who attend them. We examined whether children in New York City group child care centers that are compliant with the city’s regulations on child physical activity engage in more activity than children in centers who do not comply.
Scintillating-fiber imaging detector for 14-MeV neutrons

We have created a detector to image the neutrons emitted by imploded inertial-confinement fusion targets. The 14-MeV neutrons, which are produced by deuterium-tritium fusion events in the target, pass through an aperture to create an image on the detector. The neutron radiation is converted to blue light (430 nm) with a 20-cm-square array of plastic scintillating fibers. Each fiber is 10-cm long with a 1-mm-square cross section; approximately 35-thousand fibers make up the array. The resulting blue-light image is reduced and amplified by a sequence of fiber-optic tapers and image intensifiers, then acquired by a CCD camera. The fiber-optic readout system was tested optically for overall throughput and resolution. We plan to characterize the scintillator array using an ion-beam neutron source as well as DT-fusion neutrons emitted by inertial confinement targets. Characterization experiments will measure the light-production efficiency, spatial resolution, and neutron scattering within the detector. Several neutron images of laser-fusion targets have been obtained with the detector. We describe the detector and our characterization methods, present characterization results, and give examples of the neutron images.
Does Job Stability Mediate the Relationship Between Intimate Partner Violence and Mental Health Among Low‐Income Women?

Intimate partner violence (IPV) has detrimental consequences for women's mental health. To effectively intervene, it is essential to understand the process through which IPV influences women's mental health. The current study used data from 5 waves of the Women's Employment Study, a prospective study of single mothers receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), to empirically investigate the extent to which job stability mediates the relationship between IPV and adverse mental health outcomes. The findings indicate that IPV significantly negatively affects women's job stability and mental health. Further, job stability is at least partly responsible for the damaging mental health consequences of abuse, and the effects can last up to 3 years after the IPV ends. This study demonstrates the need for interventions that effectively address barriers to employment as a means of enhancing the mental health of low-income women with abusive partners.
Adrenal steroids suppress granule cell death in the developing dentate gyrus through an NMDA receptor-dependent mechanism

Treatment with the NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 prevented the adrenal steroid-induced suppression of cell death, determined by both morphological identification of pyknotic cells and TUNEL staining, in the dentate gyrus in rat pups. This finding suggests that adrenal steroids naturally promote granule cell survival via NMDA receptor activation.
Fingerprinting human chromosomes by polymerase chain reaction-mediated DNA amplification

We describe here a method for DNA fingerprinting of human chromosomes by Alu-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of DNA from monochromosomal hybrids, following digestion with restriction endonucleases. DNA digestion with restriction enzymes prior to PCR amplification reduces the total number of amplified fragments. The number and pattern of bands of PCR products observed in an electrophoretic medium are chromosome specific and provide a "fingerprint signature" for individual human chromosomes. Using this approach, we have produced fingerprints for human chromosomes 2, 5, 7, 9, and 12. The applicability of this approach to chromosome identification was assessed by comparing the fingerprints obtained for two different hybrids containing chromosome 7. DNA fragments specific for the long and the short arms of human chromosome 12 have also been identified. In addition, Alu-PCR-generated DNA fragments, specific for different chromosomes, were used to probe Southern blots of a hybrid cell panel to identify human chromosomes present in hybrid cell lines. The chromosomal specificity of these probes permits the identification of intact as well as rearranged chromosomes composed of segments arising from more than one chromosome.
Neutron total and scattering cross sections of niobium in the continuum region

Neutron total and elastic and inelastic scattering cross sections of niobium are measured in the incident energy interval 0.25 to 0.5 MeV. Total neutron cross sections are determined to a few percent accuracy throughout the energy interval. Differential elastic and inelastic neutron scattering cross sections are measured at ≈ 20 scattering angles distributed between 20 and 160 degrees and at incident neutron energy intervals of 0.1 MeV from 1.8 to 4.0 MeV. The cross sections for the inelastic neutron excitation of 11 states withQ- values of → 2520 keV are quantitatively measured and the excitation of an additional 8 states qualitatively observed. Calculations based upon a selected optical potential give a good description of total neutron cross sections to 20.0 MeV and of elastic scattering cross sections extending from low energies where compound-nucleus processes are prominent to high energies where “shape” scattering predominates. Inelastic neutron scattering cross sections are calculated from the optical potential and statistical theory and comparison with the corresponding experimental values suggests the spins and parities of the low-energy excited states.
Asphaltene rejection via supercritical fluid extraction

Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) of bitumen was carried out in a continuous extractor using propane as the solvent at several temperatures and pressures. The asphaltene contents of the residual fractions in the extractor were compared to the asphaltene content of the original bitumen. Asphaltenes were defined as pentane insolubles in this study. It was found that the absolute asphaltene content of the residual fractions exceeded the asphaltene content of the original bitumen. Even when the asphaltene content was prorated by the weight percent of the residual material, it was found to be higher than the original asphaltene content. The data established that the types of compounds separating as asphaltenes changed as the nature of the mixture was altered by SFE. The data also indicated that it may be inappropriate to perform asphaltene material balances to assess the amount of precipitate. The original asphaltene content of a bitumen that is undergoing compositional changes in a sequence of operations may not be an accurate measure of the precipitating tendency of the bitumen in production and processing operations. The asphaltene content of the residual material varied depending on the extraction conditions and was as much as 3--5 times the original asphaltene content. Themore » asphaltene content of the residual material was a maximum at the most efficient extraction condition which was in the vicinity of the critical temperature of propane. The H/C atomic ratio of the residual fractions was lower compared to the original bitumen, indicating that the ratio of polar to nonpolar compounds may also be important from precipitation considerations. Saturate and aromatic compounds were preferentially extracted and the ratio of asphaltenes to resins increased in the residual fractions relative to the original bitumen.« less
PHOTOGENERATION AND THERMOGENERATION OF CARBONYL YLIDES: 1,3-DIPOLAR CYCLOADDITIONS OF 2,3-DIARYLOXIRANES TO DIPOLAROPHILES*

A series of symmetrically substituted 2,3-diaryloxiranes 1 - 4 (Fig. 1) has been studied as photoprecursors for carbonyl ylides [l - 31. The stereochemistry of the adducts obtained on the interception of these 4rzn transient system with a variety of dipolarophiles provides information on the mode(s) of electrocyclic opening of the oxiranes to carbonyl ylides as well as on the mechanism of the 4n + 2 cycloaddition processes. While lb undergoes photoinduced ring opening, for example, in the expected disrotatory process, the ~rurzs counterpart, as well as 3a and 3b, behaves anomalously. The stereochemistry of the dipolarophiles in general is preserved in the cycloadducts; this is consistent with a concerted addition process. However, solvent effects, steric hindrance and possibly secondary orbital overlap factors may all play a role in determining the product distribution. The dipolar species generated photochemically from tram- and &s-2,3bis(2-naphthyl) oxiranes (3a and 3b), unlike those highest occupied molecular orbital ylides derived from the isomeric stilbene oxides, were found to add to electron-rich as well as to electron-deficient alkenes. The cycloaddition reactions of 3 were identified as ground state processes which entail the initial formation of a triplet excited state intermediate. The isomeric bis(2-naphthyl) oxiranes 3 and stilbene oxides 4 also undergo thermally induced cycloadditions. Thermal additions involving such simple unsubstituted oxiranes represent reactions heretofore unreported. In these conversions, only the frans oxiranes behave in a manner consistent with the principles of orbital topology, and we conclude that thermal equilibration of the ylides must precede cycloaddition. A comparison of the adduct ratios obtained by electron transfer sensitization with dicyanonaphthdene (DCN) using oxiranes 1 and 4 as substrates with the adduct ratios obtained on direct irradiation and thermolysis was conducted [4]. It is evident from such comparisons that regardless of the manner in which G-c bond cleavage is induced a common intermediate, presumably a ground state ylide, is produced before the ensuing interception. It is noteworthy that oxiranes 5 and 6 bearing electron-deficient substituents such as cyano and carbomethyoxy groups on the three-membered ring undergo direct and energy-transfer-induced photoisomerization. In contrast these substrates proved to be unreactive toward electron transfer photoisomerization using
A molecular perspective on Late Quaternary climate and vegetation change in the Lake Tanganyika basin, East Africa

Abstract Characterizing the nature of past hydrological change and its interactions with vegetation is fundamental to acquiring a better understanding of continental tropical climate dynamics. Here, we outline major shifts in the climate and ecosystem of tropical East Africa for the past 60,000 years (60 ka) by examining molecular records of hydrology, vegetation, and temperature from a sediment sequence from Lake Tanganyika. We demonstrate, via comparison with pollen spectra, that stable carbon isotopes measured on higher plant leaf waxes ( δ 13 C wax ) are a reliable proxy for vegetation change. In addition we argue that the D/H ratio of higher plant leaf waxes ( δ D wax ) is a robust and independent indicator of past changes in aridity, and is not affected by regional vegetation change directly. Our paired, compound-specific isotope data show that shifts in vegetation lead major changes in hydrology in the Tanganyika basin at several major climate transitions during the past 60,000 years, suggesting that vegetation in the Tanganyika basin is not as sensitive to aridity as previous studies have suggested and that variations in carbon dioxide, temperature, and internal ecosystem dynamics are equally, if not more, important. We hypothesize that regional vegetation change may exert a positive feedback on regional hydrology, thus partially accounting for the abrupt threshold behavior evident in our paleohydrological data. Furthermore, we find that past changes in Tanganyika basin climate and ecology are closely linked to concentrations of atmospheric trace gases, highlighting the paramount influence of global climatic shifts upon regional tropical climate over glacial/interglacial timescales.
Thermal breakdown delay time in silicon p-n junctions

The geometric effects on the applied power dependence of the delay time preceding thermal breakdown in p-n junctions are predicted in terms of a linear heat-flow model and temperature-dependent reverse current. Measurements of the delay time on silicon planar p-n junctions of various areas are compared to the predictions and found to be in reasonable accord.