cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fast supercritical fluid chromatography using capillaries packed with nonporous particles

Packed columns containing microparticles provide high column efficiency per unit time and strong retention characteristics compared with open tubular columns, and they are favored for fast separations. Nonporous particles eliminate the contribution of solute mass transfer resistance in the intraparticle void volume characteristic of porous particles, and they should be more suitable for fast separations. In this paper, the evaluation of nonporous silica particles of sizes ranging from 5 to 25 μm in packed capillary columns for fast supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) using neat CO2 is reported. These particles were first deactivated using polymethyl-hydrosiloxanes and then encapsulated with a methylphenylpolysiloxane stationary phase. The retention factors, column efficiencies, column efficiencies per unit time, separation resolution, and separation resolution per unit time for fast SFC were determined for various length capillaries packed with various sizes of polymerencapsulated nonporous particles. It was found that 15 μm nonporous particles provided the highest column efficiency per unit time and resolution per unit time for fast packed capillary SFC. Under certain conditions, separations were completed in less than 1 min. Several thermally labile silylation reagent samples were separated in times less than 5 min.
A large strain theory and its application in the analysis of the cone penetration mechanism

the authors note, this is a very difficult problem to solve, even numerically, since it involves large deformations, moving boundaries and non-linear material behav- iour. The authors have used an axi-symmetric finite element analysis and presented numerical results for the displacement, stress and pore water press- ure fields around the cone tip at failure for penetra- tion under undrained conditions. Failure is defined as the condition where penetration proceeds in- definitely at a constant cone pressure. Results are also given for the relationships between penetra- tion resistance and penetration depth. In the analysis reported in the paper it was assumed that the initial effective stress state in the soil was hydrostatic with a magnitude of
Bounds on heat transport in Bénard-Marangoni convection

For Pearson's model of B\'enard-Marangoni convection, the Nusselt number Nu is proven to be bounded as a function Marangoni number Ma according to $\text{Nu}\ensuremath{\le}0.838\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{\text{Ma}}^{2/7}$ for infinite Prandtl number and according to $\text{Nu}\ensuremath{\lesssim}{\text{Ma}}^{1/2}$ uniformly for finite Prandtl number. The analysis is also used to raise the lower bound for the critical Marangoni number for energy stability of the conduction solution from 56.77 to 58.36 when the Prandtl number is infinite.
Quality of Life and Sexuality: Methodological Aspects

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can impact significantly on a patient’s quality of life (QOL), including sexual functioning. With increased life expectancy, this aspect of the disease is becoming i
Develop a shopping mart web application

The authors' junior/senior CS class at Bridgewater State College implemented a web site similar to the shopping mart found at AMAZON.COM. The application was broken into four assignments which included an email address verifier written in Java, a 5 page GUI front-end to the web site written in Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Java Script and Cascading Style Sheet (CSS), a rudimentary web browser, and a module implementing server-side functionality to update an Access database.
On confidence intervals for the product of three means of three normally distributed populations

In many environmental applications, such as exposure assessment and risk modelling, the desired estimate is a random variable computed as the product of three independently distributed random variables. These variables may not necessarily have the same mean and variance. The method for finding the 100(1 − α)% confidence interval for the mean of the product random variable has been proposed by some practitioners as the product of the 100(1 − α)% confidence interval of the three means. In this paper we show that the distribution of the product of three independent normal variables is not normal. We find the mean and variance of the product distribution. Further, we show that although the mean of the product is equal to the product of the means, the product of the three confidence intervals is not a good approximation of the confidence intervals for the mean of the product variable. The confidence interval of the mean of the product variable may be estimated by computer simulation. An algorithm for estimating the confidence interval for the mean of the product random variable is given. The program implementing this algorithm is given as an appendix.
Human sexual dimorphism, fitness display, and ovulatory cycle effects

Social roles theorists claim that differences between the sexes are of limited consequence. Such misperceptions lead to misunderstanding the important role of sexual selection in explaining phenotypic differences both between species and within humans. Countering these claims, we explain how sexual dimorphism in humans affect expressions of artistic display and patterns of male and female aggression across the ovulatory cycle.
Building from within: pastoral insights into community resources and assets.

Objectives To explore perceptions of community pastors regarding the extent of community resources and assets in a rural, Southern, African American community. Design and Sample Utilizing a qualitative, descriptive design, interviews were conducted with six African American pastors. Measures Interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide based on an assets-oriented approach. Results Pastors discussed various resources and assets, probable within the community that may be considered as support for program development. Key themes included: (1) community strengths, (2) community support, and (3) resources for a healthy lifestyle. The church was identified, throughout the interviews, as a primary source of strength and support for community members. Conclusions In this study of African American pastors, various perceptions of community resources were identified. Findings indicate that a sample, rural, Southern, African American community has a wealth of resources and assets, but additional resources related to health promotion are still necessary to produce optimal results. Specific programs to prevent chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease can provide an effective means for addressing related health disparities. Programs implemented through churches can reach large numbers of individuals in the community and provide an important source of sustainable efforts to improve the health of African Americans.
Hemopoietic differentiation potential of cultured lateral plate mesoderm explanted from Rana pipiens embryos at successive developmental stages.

Abstract Ventral blood island mesoderm and dorsal lateral plate mesoderm were removed from Rana pipiens embryos at successive developmental stages (stages 13–19; 50–118 h) and cultured as individual explants in serum-free medium. After 5–7 days, the cultures were harvested, and differential counts were made of Wright-Giemsa-stained cells. Ventral blood island explants gave rise to cells of the myeloid lineage, suggesting that ventral blood island mesoderm was committed to hemopoiesis at the time of explant. Although erythrocytes were present in the cultures, granulocytes and monocyte/macrophages predominated. This differentiation profile occurred without the addition of any exogenous humoral factors. Monocyte/macrophages and imature precursor cells exhibited recurring inverse fluctuations with respect to one another. In all cases examined, cultures of dorsal lateral plate mesoderm showed marginal hemopoietic cell differentiation, suggesting a requirement for exogenous humoral factors and/or cell-cell interactions. When viewed in the context of previous studies from our laboratory, these results demonstrate that, in the amphibian embryo, there are two sources of hemopoietic stem cells separated both in space and time.
From Tour Guide to Teacher: Deepening Cross-Cultural Competence through International Experience-Based Education

Research suggests that cross-cultural competence can best be developed through face-to-face contact with other cultures. In light of this, many universities seek ways to provide strong, cross-cultu...
Long-term effects of interspecific aggression on growth of the reef-building corals Cyphastrea ocellina (Dana) and Pocillopora damicomis (Linnaeus)

Abstract Experimental manipulations were carried out to determine the short-term and long-term results of interspecific aggression by means of extracoelenteric digestion between two reef-building corals, Cyphastrea ocellina (Dana) and Pocillopora damicornis (Linnaeus). Short-term interactions between these two corals result in tissue damage to P. damicornis by C. ocellina. The long-term results of interactions between these two species are quite different from the short-term results. The short-term winner, C. ocellina, has lower linear growth and lower skeletal weight increase over 11 months when interacting with P. damicornis than when growing alone. The growth of the short-term loser, P. damicornis, is not quantitatively affected by interactions although it does redirect growth away from the zone of interaction. These results suggest that fighting among corals is energetically costly. Although the response of C. ocellina to an interaction with another coral is the use of a specific aggressive mechanism that has a negative effect on its growth, this response allows C. ocellina to survive in the presence of a superior growth competitor. The response of P. damicornis, to redirect growth away from the zone of contact with C. ocellina, does not have a high energetic cost but it is sufficient for escaping an interaction. The high energetic cost of a specific aggressive mechanism may be used to explain how complicated, discriminatory hierarchical interactions can evolve among these relatively simple organisms.
Race talk: the perpetuation of racism through private discourse

Abstract This project examines a rarely-examined form of racism—racist discourse that occurs in ordinary conversations. We explore the ways that race talk helps to legitimate and reinforce the existing racist structure Feagin (2000) : through boundary marking, boundary policing, and boundary maintenance. Previous research on racist discourse primarily uses survey and interview data, as well as texts and speeches (see Bonilla-Silva & Forman, 2000 ; Doane, 1996 ; Steeh & Schuman, 1992 ). All of these forms of data are public talk—ideas knowingly shared with outsiders. Our research looks behind closed doors to see if the “old racism” is dead, or if it has simply become more discreet. We find that ordinary people actively engage in various kinds of “race talk” in private.
BACE1 (β-secretase) knockout mice do not acquire compensatory gene expression changes or develop neural lesions over time

The formation of Alzheimer's Aβ peptide is initiated when the amyloid precursor protein (APP) is cleaved by the enzyme β-secretase (BACE1); inhibition of this cleavage has been proposed as a means of treating Alzheimer's disease. (AD) We have previously shown that young BACE1 knockout mice (BACE1 KO) do not generate Aβ but in other respects appear normal. Here we have extended this analysis to include both gene expression profiling and phenotypic assessment of older BACE1 KO animals to evaluate the impact of chronic Aβ deficiency. We did not detect global compensatory changes in neural gene expression in young BACE1 KO mice. In particular, expression of the β-secretase homolog BACE2 was not upregulated. Furthermore, we found no structural alterations in any organ, including all central and peripheral neural tissues, of BACE1 KO mice up to 14 months of age. Aged BACE1 KO mice engineered to overexpress human APP (BACE1 KO/APPtg) did not develop amyloid plaques. These data provide evidence that neither β-secretase nor Aβ plays a vital role in mouse physiology and that chronic β-secretase inhibition could be a useful approach in treating AD.
Pulse based sensor networking using mechanical waves through metal substrates

This paper presents a novel wireless sensor networking technique using ultrasonic signal as the carrier wave for binary data exchange. Using the properties of lamb wave propagation through metal substrates, the proposed network structure can be used for runtime transport of structural fault information to ultrasound access points. Primary applications of the proposed sensor networking technique will include conveying fault information on an aircraft wing or on a bridge to an ultrasonic access point using ultrasonic wave through the structure itself (i.e. wing or bridge). Once a fault event has been detected, a mechanical pulse is forwarded to the access node using shortest path multi-hop ultrasonic pulse routing. The advantages of mechanical waves over traditional radio transmission using pulses are the following: First, unlike radio frequency, surface acoustic waves are not detectable outside the medium, which increases the inherent security for sensitive environments in respect to tapping. Second, event detection can be represented by the injection of a single mechanical pulse at a specific temporal position, whereas radio messages usually take several bits. The contributions of this paper are: 1) Development of a transceiver for transmitting/receiving ultrasound pulses with a pulse loss rate below 2·10 -5 and false positive rate with an upper bound of 2·10 -4 . 2) A novel one-hop distance estimation based on the properties of lamb wave propagation with an accuracy of above 80%. 3) Implementation of a wireless sensor network using mechanical wave propagation for event detection on a 2024 aluminum alloy commonly used for aircraft skin construction.
Coverage modeling for dependability analysis of fault-tolerant systems

Several different models for predicting coverage in a fault-tolerant system, including models for permanent, intermittent, and transient errors, are discussed. Markov, semi-Markov, nonhomogeneous Markov, and extended stochastic Petri net models for computing coverage are developed. Two types of events that interfere with recovery are examined; and methods for modeling such events, whether they are deterministic or random, are given. The sensitivity of system reliability/availability to the coverage parameter and the sensitivity of the coverage parameter to various error-handling strategies are investigated. It is found that a policy of attempting transient recovery upon detection of an error (as opposed to automatically reconfiguring the affected component out of the system) can actually increase the unreliability of the system. >
Representing Vapor−Liquid Equilibrium for an Aqueous MEA−CO2 System Using the Electrolyte Nonrandom-Two-Liquid Model

Following the work of Austgen et al., the electrolyte nonrandom-two-liquid (NRTL) model was applied in a thermodynamically consistent manner to represent the vapor−liquid equilibrium (VLE) of the aqueous monoethanolamine (MEA)−CO2 system with rigorous chemical equilibrium consideration. Special attention was given to the accurate VLE description of the system at both absorbing and stripping conditions relevant to most aqueous MEA absorption/stripping processes for CO2 removal. The influence from chemical equilibrium constants, Henry's constant, experimental data, and data regression on the representation of the VLE of the system was discussed in detail. The equilibrium constant of the carbamate reversion reaction as well as important interaction parameters of the electrolyte NRTL model were carefully fitted to experimental data. A good agreement between the calculated values and the experimental data was achieved. Moreover, the model with newly fitted parameters was successfully applied to simulate three ...
Differential pass-transistor clocked flipflop

A new differential pass-transistor clocked (DPTC) flipflop for low power application is presented. This design prevents speed degradation and redundant power consumption by cutting the low-impedance path of the struggling slave latch in the conventional pass-transistor clocked flipflop. Simulation results show that it reduces the power-delay product by 30% and the delay mismatch between two differential outputs to < 2%.
WLC38-3: Simple Channel-Change Games for Spectrum Agile Wireless Networks

The proliferation of wireless networks on unlicensed communication bands is leading to coexisting networks, creating interference problems. In this paper, we present simple game-theoretic models of dynamic channel-change decision-making for intelligent, spectrum-agile wireless networks to address interference problems. The channel-change decisions depend on the cost of channel change and the level of interference on the current and new channels. Game-theoretic analysis reflects the choices and motivations of independent, rational, selfish decision makers that do not trust one another. We also compare these decisions to idealized, socially optimal decisions that maximize the expected benefit of the coexisting networks. While game-theoretic decisions are more suited to an untrusted environment, socially optimal decisions give better performance in a trusted environment.
The Bradykinin Type 2 Receptor Is a Target for p53-mediated Transcriptional Activation

The bradykinin type 2 receptor (BK2) is a developmentally regulated G protein-coupled receptor that mediates diverse actions such as vascular reactivity, salt and water excretion, inflammatory responses, and cell growth. However, little is known regarding regulation of the BK2 gene. We report here that the rat BK2 receptor is transcriptionally regulated by the tumor suppressor protein p53. The 5'-flanking region of the rat BK2 gene contains two p53-like binding sites: a sequence at -70 base pairs (P1 site) that is conserved in the murine and human BK2 genes; and a sequence at -707 (P2) that is not. The P1 and P2 motifs bind specifically to p53, as assessed by gel mobility shift assays. Transient transfection into HeLa cells of a CAT reporter construct driven by 1.2-kilobases of the BK2 gene 5'-flanking region demonstrated that the BK2 promoter is dose dependently activated by co-expression of wild-type p53. Co-expression of a dominant negative mutant p53 suppresses the activation of BK2 by wild-type p53. Promoter truncation localized the p53-responsive element to the region between -38 and -94 base pairs encompassing the p53-binding P1 sequence. Furthermore, p53-mediated activation of the BK2 promoter is augmented by the transcriptional co-activators, CBP/p300. Interestingly, removal of the P2 site by truncation or site-directed deletion amplifies p53-mediated activation of the BK2 promoter. These results demonstrate that the rat BK2 promoter is a target for p53-mediated activation and suggest a new physiological role for p53 in the regulation of G protein-coupled receptor gene expression.
A note concerning drop deformation and breakup in biaxial extensional flows at low reynolds numbers

Abstract A numerical study of drop deformation and breakup in biaxial extensional flows at low Reynolds numbers is summarized. The investigation provides useful results that may be compared and contrasted with more extensive studies concerned with drop breakup in uniaxial extensional flows and bubble breakup in biaxial flows at finite Reynolds numbers. Both steady state results and the effect of some simple time-dependent flows are discussed.
STORMSED1.0: hydrodynamics and sediment transport in a 2-D, steady-state, wind- and wave-driven coastal circulation model

STORMSED1.0 is a MATLABTM program that solves the steady-state, linearized, horizontal momentum equations in the along-shelf and cross-shelf directions for a linear shoreline given a constant wind stress and waves of constant amplitude and period. The model provides a quantitative link between storms and sedimentation that may assist geologists interpreting the stratigraphic record. It provides a rapid analytical approach to quantify the sedimentation that results from coastal circulation that may be extended to long time scales and linked to other sedimentation models. In the northern hemisphere, shore-parallel wind, where flow is to the right as the viewer faces the ocean, produces downwelling as the Coriolis force rotates bottom flow from shore-parallel to slightly offshore with increasing water depth. In the shallow and intermediate zones, cross-shelf flow velocities and sediment flux increase offshore and erosion occurs. Seaward, in the deep zone, velocities are constant, wave-effect declines with depth, cross-shelf sediment flux decreases offshore, and deposition results. Shore-parallel winds oriented in the opposite direction produce upwelling and the sedimentation pattern is reversed. The model solves for the current distribution, the sediment concentration profile, the bedload and suspended load, and the sedimentation rate at any node along a continental shelf. The circulation model is based on a wind-driven circulation model derived by Jeffries (1923). Waves are included using Airy wave theory, and the wave–current interaction is quantified using the bottom boundary layer model of Grant and Madsen (1979).
Non-Monotonic Saturation and Pressure Profiles as a Testing Ground for Dynamic Multi-Phase Flow Models

There has been great recent interest in dynamic models of multi-phase flow. This is for two reasons: one, theoretical arguments suggest that the traditional multi-phase flow equations are not complete; two, various experimental measurements are unable to be described by the traditional models. In this talk, we discuss the observation that constant flux infiltrations into sands produce non-monotonic saturation and pressure profiles. We show how this non-monotonic behavior is the strongest evidence of dynamic effects in porous media, as other reported experimental evidence can be the result of varying measuring volumes, and/or media heterogeneities. Thus the extensive data set obtained for these non-monotonic provides the best testing ground for the various proposed dynamic extensions.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
The existence of the 4S polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-protein binding in 14-day-old chick embryo liver.

Cytochrome P-450IA1, the isozyme most closely associated with aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH), is regulated by two high-affinity binding proteins, the 4S polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-binding protein which primarily binds PAHs and the 8S Ah (dioxin) receptor which binds 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and like congeners. The present study was conducted to determine whether the 4S protein existed in 14-day-old chick embryo liver when AHH activity is maximal to determine if they are linked as is the 8S Ah receptor and to confirm the existence of the dioxin receptor by investigating their ligand binding characteristics in the presence and absence of sodium molybdate, an agent that stabilizes steroid hormone receptors and partially stabilizes the dioxin receptor. Competitive ligand binding studies were performed with liver cytosol from livers of male 14-day-old chick embryos using [3H]-benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) or [3H]-TCDD in the presence and absence of a 200-fold excess of B[a]P, benzo[e]pyrene (B[e]P), 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC), and tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDBF). Specific PAH-binding activity was assayed using sucrose gradient analysis. In the absence of molybdate, the 4S PAH-binding protein had high affinity for B[a]P, B[e]P, 3-MC, but very low affinity for TCDBF; the Ah receptor exhibited high affinity for TCDBF. In the presence of sodium molybdate, the Ah receptor was stabilized while the 4S PAH-binding protein was relatively unaffected. These results affirm the existence of two distinct PAH-binding proteins in 14-day-old chick embryo liver cytosol and suggest a linkage of the 4S protein to AHH.
A Meta-Analysis of Global Urban Land Expansion

The conversion of Earth's land surface to urban uses is one of the most irreversible human impacts on the global biosphere. It drives the loss of farmland, affects local climate, fragments habitats, and threatens biodiversity. Here we present a meta-analysis of 326 studies that have used remotely sensed images to map urban land conversion. We report a worldwide observed increase in urban land area of 58,000 km2 from 1970 to 2000. India, China, and Africa have experienced the highest rates of urban land expansion, and the largest change in total urban extent has occurred in North America. Across all regions and for all three decades, urban land expansion rates are higher than or equal to urban population growth rates, suggesting that urban growth is becoming more expansive than compact. Annual growth in GDP per capita drives approximately half of the observed urban land expansion in China but only moderately affects urban expansion in India and Africa, where urban land expansion is driven more by urban population growth. In high income countries, rates of urban land expansion are slower and increasingly related to GDP growth. However, in North America, population growth contributes more to urban expansion than it does in Europe. Much of the observed variation in urban expansion was not captured by either population, GDP, or other variables in the model. This suggests that contemporary urban expansion is related to a variety of factors difficult to observe comprehensively at the global level, including international capital flows, the informal economy, land use policy, and generalized transport costs. Using the results from the global model, we develop forecasts for new urban land cover using SRES Scenarios. Our results show that by 2030, global urban land cover will increase between 430,000 km2 and 12,568,000 km2, with an estimate of 1,527,000 km2 more likely.
Passivity in metals and alloys

Abstract Attempted explanations of passivity in metals and alloys since the early proposals of Faraday in 1836 fall into the categories: (1) metal modification, (2) reaction velocity, (3) oxide film, and (4) adsorption. Historically the subject proved to be unusually complex; general concurrence on any one viewpoint was not achieved despite considerable effort and thought by generations of able investigators. Notwithstanding, progress is being made as the search continues. The present survey emphasizes that two basic mechanisms of passivity prevail depending on the metal and its environment. The first depends on a diffusion barrier stoichiometric oxide or other type of reaction product film; the second depends on reduced reaction kinetics introduced by a surface film of chemisorbed oxygen ranging from less than a monolayer to the dimensions of a thin non-stoichiometric metal oxide of variable hydrogen content. The latter film in part impedes rate of metal ion hydration; it is a source of passivity mostly in the transition metals and their alloys. The film of chemisorbed oxygen is more strongly bonded to the base metal than is a metal oxide. This accounts for an observed better resistance to erosion and cavitation damage of metals passive because of chemisorbed oxygen (e.g. 18-8 stainless steel) compared to metals protected by stoichiometric oxides (e.g. iron, copper, cupro-nickels, lead). Since chemisorbed oxygen can be mechanically activated to form the metal oxide by pronounced impingement, abrasion and rubbing of the metal surface, any factor that resists such activation is beneficial. Alloyed cobalt apparently acts in this way, explaining why Co-base passive alloys are appreciably more resistant to erosion, cavitation damage and fretting corrosion than the Ni- or Fe-base passive alloys.
Ab Initio Study of Cis-Trans Photoisomerization in Stilbene and Ethylene

The photochemistry of stilbene is investigated using ab initio quantum chemistry with complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) and multireference perturbation theory (CASPT2) methods. We characterize photoisomerization pathways from both the cis and trans isomers, including a minimal energy conical intersection. Similarities to photoisomerization in ethylene are found and emphasized. In contrast to traditional one-dimensional models of stilbene photoisomerization, torsion and pyramidalization are required to reach the minimal energy conical intersection which is expected to dominate in quenching to the ground electronic state. This intersection is characterized as an interaction between charge transfer and covalent states. The present results suggest that the qualitative features of the photoisomerization dynamics elucidated for ethylene can also be expected to apply to stilbene, and call for reconsideration and refinement of the photoisomerization mechanism in stilbene.
Rats’ choices between one and two delayed reinforcers

Rats chose between alternatives that differed in the number of reinforcers and in the delay to each reinforcer. A left leverpress led to two reinforcers, each delivered after a fixed delay. A right leverpress led to one reinforcer after an adjusting delay. The adjusting delay was increased or decreased many times in a session, depending on the rat’s choices, in order to estimate an indifference point& #x2014;a delay at which the two alternatives were chosen about equally often. Both the number of reinforcers and their individual delays affected the indifference points. The overall pattern of results was well described by the hyperbolic-decay model, which states that each additional reinforcer delivered by an alternative increases preference for that alternative but that a reinforcer’s effect is inversely related to its delay. Two other possible delay-discounting equations, an exponential equation and a reciprocal equation, did not produce satisfactory predictions for these data. Adding an additional free parameter to the hyperbolic equation as an exponent for delay did not appreciably improve the predictions, suggesting that raising delay to some power other than 1.0 was unnecessary. The results were qualitatively similar to those from a previous experiment with pigeons (Mazur, 1986), but quantitative differences suggested that the rates of delay discounting were several times slower for rats than for pigeons.
Inner Bremsstrahlung in the Electron Capture Process-Ge 71

The spectral distribution of the inner bremsstrahlung of ${\mathrm{Ge}}^{71}$ has been studied at quantum energies as low as 20 kev. It was observed that the radiation intensity at energies less than \ensuremath{\sim}100 kev is much larger than is indicated by currently available theory. The absolute radiative capture probability has been measured. This latter quantity and the spectral shape are in good agreement with theoretical considerations at energies greater than \ensuremath{\sim}100 kev.
The safety of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube placement in patients with existing ventriculoperitoneal shunts.

Background: Because the insertion of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes (PEG) involves disruption of the gastrointestinal tract with potential peritoneal contamination, patients with indwelling ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts could be at increased risk of meningitis, a potentially devastating infection. The safety of PEG placement in the presence of a VP shunt is unclear. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed that included all adult patients with existing VP shunts requiring PEG placement at a single university medical center over an approximate 9-year period from July 1995 to March 2004. Results: Thirty-nine patients who underwent PEG placement 2–564 days after shunt placement were identified. Two patients (5%) subsequently developed meningitis. Cerebrospinal fluid cultures demonstrated Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis. These infections occurred 2 and 15 months after PEG placement, respectively. At the time of PEG placement, 17 patients (44%) were receiving antibiotic...
LQT2 Nonsense Mutations Generate Trafficking Deficient N-Terminally Truncated Channels by the Reinitiation of Translation

Long QT syndrome type 2 (LQT2) is caused by mutations in the human ether-a-go-go related gene (hERG). The reinitiation of translation has recently been reported as a novel pathogenic mechanism of LQT2 by which early PTC mutations generate N-terminally truncated channels with altered gating properties. We have previously shown that hERG transcripts containing the Q81X mutation were translated at the downstream M124 codon following premature termination and generated channels that exhibited increased deactivation kinetics and decreased resurgent outward current during action potential repolarization. We have now identified two additional LQT2 nonsense mutations C39X and C44X that escape nonsense mediated mRNA decay by the reinitiation of translation. Unlike the Q81X channels, which are expressed at the cell surface, C39X and C44X channel proteins are trafficking defective. We show that C39X and C44X channels undergo translation reinitiation at M60 which deletes the hERG N-terminus including the first 34 residues of the Per, Arnt, and Sim (PAS) domain. In contrast to the reinitiation of Q81X channels at M124, in which the PAS domain is nearly completely deleted, reinitiation at M60 disrupts the folding of this highly structured domain, precluding the efficient folding and trafficking of the mutant channels. The RNase protection assay, western blot analysis and electrophysiology were used to characterize the LQT2 mutants at the RNA, protein, and functional level. Our findings indicate that translation reinitiation may give rise to trafficking as well as functional defects of mutant hERG channels associated with LQT2 nonsense mutations.
Atom Transfer Radical Copolymerization of Monomer and Cross-Linker under Highly Dilute Conditions

The influence of dilution on the degree of intra- or intermolecular cross-linking reactions during the copolymerization of a monomer and a divinyl cross-linker via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) technique was studied. To maximize intramolecular cross-linking, highly dilute systems with 0.5−10 vol % of monomer plus cross-linker vs solvent were used. The fraction of branched polymers formed through intermolecular consumption of pendant vinyl groups was calculated for each system through multipeak splitting of the gel permeation chromatography (GPC) curves. Progressive dilution of the reaction media resulted in the formation of products containing less branched polymers. Absolute molecular weights and compactness of the formed polymers determined by GPC with a multiangle laser light scattering (MALLS) detector further confirmed the formation of majority nonbranched polymer structures in more dilute systems, indicating an enhanced level of intramolecular cross-linking reactions in this case.
Restricted expression of viral glycoprotein in cells of persistently infected mice.

For a virus to cause persistent infection in a host, a unique host–virus relationship is required. The virus per se, or variant(s) arising in vivo, must be noncytopathic for the host cell that it infects. Furthermore, the infected cell must escape recognition by the host's immune system, which eliminates virus and virus-infected cells. Several models of persistent infection in vitro demonstrate selective loss of viral gene products normally represented at the cell surface as opposed to viral products found inside the cell1–5. Decreased glycoprotein (gp) expression on the surface of an infected cell correlates directly with the ability of that cell to resist killing by both cytotoxic lymphocytes and cytotoxic antibody and complement1,3,6. The question remains of whether a corresponding selective loss of viral glycoprotein expression occurs in persistently infected cells in vivo. We have used monoclonal antibodies as probes to define the viral glycoprotein and nucleoprotein (NP) molecules expressed in individual cells from several tissues of mice persistently infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). We report here a selective decrease in the expression of viral glycoprotein in single cells, during persistent infection in vivo.
The predictive accuracy of artificial neural networks and multiple regression in the case of skewed data: exploration of some issues

Abstract Business organizations can be viewed as information-processing units making decisions under varying conditions of uncertainty, complexity, and fuzziness in the causal links between performance and various organizational and environmental factors. The development and use of appropriate decision-making tools has, therefore, been an important activity of management researchers and practitioners. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are turning out to be an important addition to an organization's decision-making tool kit. A host of studies has compared the efficacy of ANNs to that of multivariate statistical methods. Our paper contributes to this stream of research by comparing the relative performance of ANN and multiple regression when the data contain skewed variables. We report results for two separate data sets; one related to individual performance and the second to firm performance. The results are used to highlight some salient issues related to the use of ANN and multiple regression models in organizational decision-making.
Nucleation sites for dropwise condensation

Abstract The nucleation of water drops during dropwise condensation was studied on a horizontal surface of copper coated with a monolayer of benzyl mercaptan. Temperature difference driving forces less than 6°C were accurately maintained, because condensation was conducted near room temperature. Photographic evidence showed that drops nucleated at natural cavities on the condenser surface. Some cavities were nucleation sites because they contained trapped, liquid water. In addition, cavities produced by needles and by spark erosion and scratches made on the surface also nucleated drops. Some solid particles on the surface nucleated drops. The relative order of the nucleating abilities of these particles was explained by the net heat of adsorption. A positive net heat of adsorption of the vapor on the solid (a heat release) means the process is spontaneous. Nucleation of drops occurred on particles of 13 materials having positive net heats of adsorption. Particles of 2 materials with negative net heats of adsorption did not nucleate drops. For the insoluble, wettable particles, a size range of active nucleation sites of about 2–30μ was observed. An extension of the Hsu analysis for cavities in nucleate boiling successfully predicted the size range of active sites in dropwise condensation.
One-micron focal spot and the power spectrum of the noise field at the entrance to the UV generation and transport subsystem

We discuss the partitioning of effects on the fundamental focal irradiance distribution from whole beam self-focusing, and PSDs of the optical components in the laser chain. Beamlet and NIF simulation results are discussed.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Friends Like These: Counterinsurgency and the War on Terrorism

U.S. allies that are fighting al-Qaida-linked insurgencies often suffer illegitimate regimes, civil-military tension manifested by fears of a coup, economic backwardness, and discriminatory societies. These problems, coupled with allies' divergent interests, serve to weaken allied military and security forces tactically, operationally, and strategically. The ability of the United States to change its allies' behavior is limited, despite the tremendous difficulties these problems create, because relying on allied forces is a key component of U.S. strategy in the war on terrorism and the U.S. goal of handing off security to Iraqi military forces. To reduce the effects of allies' weaknesses, the United States should try to increase its intelligence on allied security forces and at times act more like a third party to a conflict. In addition, Washington must have realistic expectations of what training and other efforts can accomplish.
Problematic alcohol use and marital distress: An interdependence theory perspective.

This article reviews current literature examining problematic alcohol use and marital distress and introduces a new alcohol and marriage model within the theoretical framework of interdependence theory. Although marriage is generally associated with decreased heavy drinking and alcohol problems, many couples develop and maintain alcohol use disorders during committed relationships and marriage. When one person is affected by an alcohol use disorder, it both affects and is affected by their close relationships, particularly the relationship with their partner or spouse. While the causal connections between problematic drinking and marital distress are complex and only partially understood, available evidence demonstrates that the two problems often exacerbate each other, forming a detrimental cycle. Research using cross-sectional and longitudinal methods reveals covariation between the two as well as support for both causal directions. New models using the Actor–Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) are pre...
A good algorithm for smallest spanning trees with a degree constraint

Given a connected graph with edge costs, we seek a spanning tree having a specified degree at one vertex r, with cost as small as possible. A previous algorithm, using edge exchanges, has run time 0(V2); we improve this to 0(E log log V+V log V). Here V and E are the number of vertices and edges. The algorithm uses edge exchanges ordered efficiently on a reduced graph; it also uses efficient algorithms for minimum spanning trees and priority queues.
Gate oxide thickness effect on hot carrier reliability in 0.35 /spl mu/m NMOS device

The purpose of this paper is to study nMOS hot carrier reliability dependence on gate oxide thickness in 0.35 /spl mu/m devices. It is found that the gate oxide thickness effect in 0.35 /spl mu/m NMOS is primarily due to channel inversion charge difference and not due to smaller mobility degradation in thinner oxide as previously reported for 0.8 /spl mu/m NMOS. >
Role Conflict and the High School Female Athlete

Abstract The primary purpose of this study was to assess perceived and experienced role conflict of high school female athletes in enacting the roles of female and female athlete. Data were collected on 133 high school varsity athletes by the use of a 33-item questionnaire designed to assess perceived and experienced role conflicts of the subjects, their socioeconomic backgrounds, and specific instances of encouragement or discouragement from significant others experienced during their athletic careers. Thirty-two percent of the subjects responded that they perceived little or no problem with role conflict, and 50% had experienced little or no role conflict. Seventeen percent of the subjects responded that they perceived role conflict to be a great or very great problem with 11% experiencing role conflict to the same degree. A chi square analysis of perceived and experienced role conflict computed for the entire group of subjects indicated that the athletes perceived greater role conflict than they had ex...
Diet may be Associated with the Detection of Cariogenic Bacteria in Children with Early Childhood Caries.

Article Title and Bibliographic Information Diet and caries-associated bacteria in severe early childhood caries. Palmer CA, Kent R Jr, Loo CY, Hughes CV, Stutius E, Pradhan N, et al. J Dent Res 2010;89(11):1224-9. Reviewer Anne L. Hague, PhD, MS, RD, LD, RDH, CLT Purpose/Question Can dietary factors that focus on frequency of foods, categorized by putative cariogenicity, be used to differentiate between children with and without severe early childhood caries (S-ECC)? Are dietary factors/habits associated with the detection of caries-associated bacteria? Source of Funding US Public Health Service grants from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Faculty PhD grant from Umeả University, Sweden, and an intern fellowship from Tufts School of Dental Medicine Type of Study Design Prospective case series Level of Evidence Level 3: Other evidence Strength of Recommendation Grade Not applicable
Taking Liberties: Translation and the Development of the Eighteenth-Century Novel

This article offers a survey of translation practices in early novels, focusing on their source in a common European education in rhetoric and paying particular attention to translations of French and English novels written and translated between 1650 and 1800, the period generally recognized as the birth of the novel. The freedoms taken with translations can be traced to certain rhetorical exercises common from the Middle Ages through the 18th century. Yet, during the 18th century, as the novel was emerging, translators evince a particular predilection for amplifying sentiment and forging techniques of realism – the two primary developments of the eighteenth-century novel. Translators and translator-novelists identified that the ‘interest’ of the novel bore directly on the notion of sensibility, and that the translator’s goal was to develop this interest. They therefore foregrounded affectivity as the target of their revisions.
Single-mode-fiber evanescent polarizer/amplitude modulator using liquid crystals.

An in-line polarizer has been demonstrated that uses the birefringent properties of a nematic liquid crystal placed in the evanescent field of a single-mode fiber. A polarization-extinction ratio of 45 dB was measured with an insertion loss of 1.1 dB. Amplitude modulation was also demonstrated by using an external electric field to reorient the liquid-crystal molecules.
Dynamic equilibrium in squirrel monkeys after unilateral and bilateral labyrinthectomy.

The maintenance of dynamic equilibrium in the squirrel monkey, measured by squirrel monkey rail test, was investigated after unilateral, bilateral simultaneous, and bilateral non-simultaneous labyr...
Applying Distributed Learning Theory in Online Business Communication Courses.

Distributed learning theory is valuable for teachers of online business communica tion courses because it 1) highlights complexities of software tools, not only the online course interface, but also tools used to produce Websites, brochures, CDs, and other multi-media elements; 2) provides a way to address online communica tion dynamics, such as online chats and discussions, that students will practice in the workplace; and 3) allows teachers to examine how their previous experiences teaching business communication in more "traditional" classrooms affect teaching online. Highlighting these areas allows business communication teachers to focus on the critical use of technology in online formats that entail relatively new teach ing media. The critical application of technology use can be seen in areas like tool evaluation and use, power and divisions of labor, and community participation.
Associative symmetry versus independent association

The original symmetry hypothesis (OSH), that each individual B-A association is equal in strength to its A-B counterpart, was contrasted with the revised symmetry hypothesis (RSH) which states that the equality of B-A and A-B associations applies only when one averages over items, S s, or both. The OSH and RSH were examined by giving each S both A-B and B-A tests. The RSH was tested by averaging over both S s and items to get A-B and B-A means. The OSH was evaluated by testing three hypotheses about the nature of the regression of B-A recall on A-B. Although there was some question about the rejection of the RSH, the regression analyses were clearly contrary to the OSH. Since instances of B-A superiority cancel out instances of A-B superiority, it was concluded that the averaging used in tests of the RSH results in an underestimation of the actual amount of asymmetry.