cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estuarine trace metal distributions in Galveston Bay: importance of colloidal forms in the speciation of the dissolved phase

Abstract Cross-flow ultrafiltration studies were carried out in the Trinity river estuary of Galveston Bay in July, 1993, May, 1994 and July 1995 to study the phase speciation for a number of metals (e.g., Cd, Cu, Co, Fe, Ni, Pb, Zn) in estuarine waters. Both conservative and non-conservative estuarine mixing profiles were observed for all trace metals investigated. All metals showed significant colloidal (≥1 kDa) fractions (45±9% for Cd, 55±4% for Cu, 19±6% for Co, 36±6% for Ni, 64±9% for Pb, 91±5% for Zn, and 79±11% for Fe). Colloidal metal concentrations (except, at times, Fe and Pb) correlated significantly with colloidal organic carbon concentrations (≥1 kDa), suggesting that colloidal metals resulted from metal–organic complexation. Iron was preferentially associated with high molecular weight (≥10 kDa) colloids, while Cu, Ni and Pb were associated mostly with low molecular weight (1 kDa–10 kDa) colloidal material. Molecular weight and size distribution studies of organic carbon and trace metals showed two competing processes: (1) coagulation and colloidal pumping, and (2) production of lower molecular weight species, possibly mediated through photochemical or microbiological reactions. Values of partition coefficients between colloids and true solution (Kc) were considerably higher than those between particles and true solution (Kp) for all trace metals except Fe, indicating a high complexation capacity and binding intensity of colloidal macro-molecular organic matter.
Loop algorithms for quantum simulations of fermion models on lattices.

Two cluster algorithms, based on constructing and flipping loops, are presented for world-line quantum Monte Carlo simulations of fermions and are tested on the one-dimensional repulsive Hubbard model. We call these algorithms the loop-flip and loop-exchange algorithms. For these two algorithms and the standard world-line algorithm, we calculated the autocorrelation times for various physical quantities and found that the ordinary world-line algorithm, which uses only local moves, suffers from very long correlation times that makes not only the estimate of the error difficult but also the estimate of the average values themselves difficult. These difficulties are especially severe in the low-temperature, large-[ital U] regime. In contrast, we find that new algorithms, when used alone or in combinations with themselves and the standard algorithm, can have significantly smaller autocorrelation times, in some cases being smaller by three orders of magnitude. The new algorithms, which use nonlocal moves, are discussed from the point of view of a general prescription for developing cluster algorithms. The loop-flip algorithm is also shown to be ergodic and to belong to the grand canonical ensemble. Extensions to other models and higher dimensions are briefly discussed.
Research toward an engineering discipline for software

Software engineering should aspire to be a true engineering discipline. We have made good progress in some areas, but a number of aspects of practical engineering are under-represented in our research portfolio. We have been slow to move beyond well-delimited systems developed by professional programmers to systems integrated from multiple public sources that evolve in the hands of their users. We have focused on formal reasoning and systematic testing to the detriment of qualitative and incremental reasoning supporting cost-effective, rather than perfect solutions. We have been slow to codify our results into unified theories and practical reference material. To establish a true engineering discipline for software, we need to broaden our view of what constitutes a "software system" and we need to develop techniques that help to provide cost-effective quality despite associated uncertainties.
Metal-on-metal lubrication in artificial human joints

Abstract The lubrication properties of Vitallium sliding on Vitallium (a cobalt-chrome alloy), with respect to artificial human joints, were studied. Friction and wear depended upon the lubricant provided, synovial fluid itself providing the best lubrication. Many different samples of synovial fluid gave the same friction, despite their wide range of biochemical constituents. γ-Globulin, a high molecular weight protein, was shown to be the most important constituent for lubrication. The relevance of the findings in relation to the friction and wear in artificial hip and knee joints is discussed.
Alterations of prostate biomarker expression and testosterone utilization in human LNCaP prostatic carcinoma cells by garlic-derived S-allylmercaptocysteine.

BACKGROUND This study determined the effects of S-allylmercaptocysteine (SAMC), a phytoconstituent from garlic, on the expression of androgen-responsive biomarkers, prostate specific antigen (PSA), and prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA), in human prostatic carcinoma cells (LNCaP). METHODS Secretion of PSA was determined as well as the activity of PSMA measured as a function of its ability to hydrolyze poly-γ-glutamated folate and N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG). Folate hydrolase capacity was also determined in SAMC-treated cells grown in charcoal stripped fetal calf serum (CS-FCS). In addition, testosterone disappearance was measured from culture media of SAMC-treated LNCaP and PC-3 cells as well as from cell free lysates. RESULTS PSA secretions were significantly decreased compared to control values at 1 day (8.4 ± 2.6 vs. 18.9 ± 1.7, P < 0.01), 4 days (18.9 ± 5.3 vs. 73.8 ± 4.4, P < 0.001), and 6 days (35.6 ± 2.1 vs. 96.5 ± 17.9 ng/105 cells, P < 0.01; mean ± SD). By contrast, PSMA activity measured as either folate hydrolase or NAAG dipeptidase (NAALADase) activity increased in cells treated with SAMC. PSMA-folate hydrolase activity in SAMC-treated cells grown in CS-FCS increased beyond that observed in cells grown in CS-FCS alone. Pre-exposure of LNCaP cells to SAMC resulted in enhanced rate of testosterone disappearance from culture media at 6 hr (P < 0.01) and at 48 hr (P < 0.001) compared to media from cells not previously exposed to SAMC. Results similar to these were also observed in androgen-independent PC-3 cells treated with SAMC. In lysates of SAMC-treated LNCaP cells, the rate of testosterone catabolism was twice that from phosphate buffered saline (PBS)-treated cells. SAMC-treated LNCaP cells grown in media supplemented with testosterone temporarily exhibited enhanced growth over a 2 day period but cell numbers declined later to levels similar to those of SAMC treatment. CONCLUSIONS These results show that SAMC exhibits differential effects on recognized biomarkers for LNCaP cells similar to those produced by androgen deprivation and strongly suggests that this effect may be mediated, in part, by diminishing the trophic effects of testosterone, likely by converting it to metabolites less reactive toward androgen receptors. Prostate 45:304–314, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Study of ice cloud properties using infrared spectral data

To quantify the radiative forcing of ice clouds, we need to fully understand the optical and microphysical properties of these clouds. This paper reports on some preliminary results associated with the optical properties of ice crystals within ice clouds and the effect of ice crystal habit on the retrieval of ice cloud properties from use of the infrared spectrum. Furthermore, various cloud parameters retrieved from the atmospheric infrared sounder (AIRS) data are also reported.
Polyubiquitination of the neurotrophin receptor p75 directs neuronal cell survival

Specific binding of nerve growth factor (NGF) to p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75(NTR)) leads to p75(NTR) polyubiquitination and its subsequent interaction with TRAF6 resulting in neuronal cell survival. However, when the binding of NGF to p75(NTR) was blocked with p75 antiserum, p75(NTR) polyubiquitination and neuronal cell survival were impaired. Results showed that tyrosine phosphorylation of p75(NTR) increased the polyubiquitination of p75(NTR) and contributed to the observed apparent neuroprotective effects. Similar to p75(NTR) polyubiquitination, interaction of TRAF6 with p75(NTR) was NGF/tyrosine phosphorylation dependent suggesting that TRAF6 might function as an E3 ubiquitin ligase. In sum, the results show that specific binding of NGF to p75(NTR) mediates neuronal cell survival.
Biosynthesis of peptides in the atrial gland of Aplysia californica

1. The atrial gland of the marine molluscAplysia californica is a secretory organ in the wall of the large hermaphroditic duct of the reproductive tract. The gland contains at least three peptides capable of inducing behavioral egg laying when injected into another animal. The goals of the present study were to investigate the biosynthesis and biochemical properties of these atrial gland peptides. 2. When the atrial gland is incubated for 2 h in a medium containing a mixture of3H-amino acids, radiolabel is incorporated into a low molecular weight peptide peak (>10,000 Dalton) and a broad asymmetrical protein peak (16,000–40,000 Dalton). Egg-laying activity is recovered only from the low molecular weight peptide peak. 3. Sephadex G-50 gel filtration of radiolabelled atrial gland extracts reveals two major low molecular weight peaks: the first (peak D) is strongly labelled and has a small but variable optical density profile; the second (peak E) is weakly labelled but has a large optical density peak. Egg-laying activity is concentrated in peak D but small amounts are also present in peak E. 4. Isoelectric focusing of the material in peak D reveals three major products: a basic (pI 9.6) peak containing 31% of the incorporated label, a neutral (pI 6.6) peak containing 19% of the label and an acidic (pI 4.9) peak containing 18% of the radiolabel. A minor peak (pI 7.6) is also occasionally observed. The pI 9.6 peak, which probably contains more than one peptide, induces egg laying when injected into intact animals. 5. These experiments demonstrate that the atrial gland rapidly synthesizes both a heterogeneous group of high molecular weight proteins and a complex mixture of low molecular weight peptides. Protein biosynthesis in the atrial gland is, therefore, more complex than has previously been suggested.
High resolution studies of crystalline damage induced by lapping and single-point diamond machining of Si(100)

Si(100) wafers were prepared by both diamond turning and standard lapping and polishing techniques. For single-point diamond machining, characterization of subsurface damage resulting from ductile-regime machining identified a plastic-yield zone consisting of slip planes and dislocation networks extending 1 to 3 μm deep despite surface root-mean-square roughness values as low as 5 nm. For conventional lapping and polishing using alumina grit, a transition from brittle to ductile yield was observed for grit sizes less than 300 nm. Subsurface damage depth correlated to surface roughness in a more straightforward manner than for the diamond point machining. Completely damage-free material removal was obtained only when a chemical component to the polishing was present.
Cellular Array-based Delay-insensitive Asynchronous Circuits Design and Test for Nanocomputing Systems

This paper presents the design, layout, and testability analysis of delay-insensitive circuits on cellular arrays for nanocomputing system design. In delay-insensitive circuits the delay on a signal path does not affect the correctness of circuit behavior. The combination of delay-insensitive circuit style and cellular arrays is a useful step to implement nanocomputing systems. In the approach proposed in this paper the circuit expressions corresponding to a design are first converted into Reed---Muller forms and then implemented using delay-insensitive Reed---Muller cells. The design and layout of the Reed---Muller cell using primitives has been described in detail. The effects of stuck-at faults in both delay-insensitive primitives and gates have been analyzed. Since circuits implemented in Reed---Muller forms constructed by the Reed---Muller cells can be easily tested offline, the proposed approach for delay-insensitive circuit design improves a circuit's testability. Potential physical implementation of cellular arrays and its area overhead are also discussed.
First order speciation of As using flow injection hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry with in-situ trapping of the arsine in a graphite furnace

Abstract A simple method is described to distinguish between As species that react with sodium tetrahydroborate (III) to form AsH 3 and the naturally occurring As species that are unreactive. Results for this rudimentary or “first order” speciation scheme are reported for biological tissue, aquatic plant material, urine and natural water samples. Biological tissue and aquatic plant samples were briefly solubilized in a mixture of 50% nitric acid, no sample preparation was required for the urine or natural water samples. Organoarsenic species which do not react with sodium borohydride under acidic conditions such as arsenobetaine, arsenocholine and tetramethylarsenic, are converted to As(V) by on-line photo-oxidation or microwave heating in a mixture of 0.5 M NaOH and 0.05 M K 2 S 2 O 8 . The sample is subsequently acidified, reduced with sodium borohydride and the generated arsine is trapped in a heated graphite furnace prior to atomization. The superior detection limit (0.14 ng) of the trapping technique permits the dilution of most types of samples, minimizing or eliminating interference effects. Without photolysis or microwave heating a combined result for As(III), As(V), monomethylarsonic acid (MMA) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) is obtained. Results are reported for the first order speciation of As in a suite of certified reference materials (CRMs) including National Research Council (NRC) biological tissues and natural water samples, Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) aquatic plant materials and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) SRM 267ON urine sample. The determination of a non-hydride forming As fraction in untreated urine and natural water certified reference materials (CRMs) has revealed a species of As previously undetected in NRC seawater CRMs.
The self‐concept and social adaptation of hyperactive children in adolescence

This study examined the social adaptation of hyperactive children in adolescence. Incorporating standardized measures, hyperactives as adolescents (a group who had a history of medication for hyperactivity and a group, who did not) and a matched peer control group were compared on measures of self‐concept and social adaptation. The results indicate that hyperactive children in adolescence continue to experience problems such as impulsivity and distractibility and describe themselves as more defensive, less confident, and more socially immature than do their peers. Differences are noted between adolescents who were medicated for hyperactivity and those who were not. Implications of these findings are discussed.
The Correlation Between Intracavernosal Pressure and Cavernosal Blood Oxygenation

ABSTRACT Introduction Given that regular nocturnal erections are physiological, it has been suggested that erections are pivotal to the maintenance of erectile tissue health. It has been postulated that a critical element to erectile tissue protection is cavernosal oxygenation. It is accepted that the corpora cavernosa are oxygenated fully during a rigid erection. However, it remains unknown what degree of penile rigidity is required to achieve cavernosal oxygenation at the arterial level. Aim This analysis was undertaken to define the correlation between intracavernosal pressure (ICP) and cavernosal oxygen partial pressure (pO 2 ). Main Outcome Measures Cavernosal pO 2 at various ICPs. Methods The study population was comprised of patients undergoing dynamic infusion cavernosometry (DIC) in the evaluation of erectile dysfunction or prior to penile reconstructive surgery. DIC was conducted with a standard vasoactive agent redosing schedule. One milliliter of corporal blood was aspirated at various ICPs into a heparinized syringe for later pO 2 analysis. Blood was placed on ice immediately and transported to the laboratory upon completion of the DIC. Results Twenty-one blood samples were analyzed from 13 patients. Mean patient age was 43 ± 18 years. Blood specimens were collected at an ICP range of 6–90 mm Hg. Mean ± SD pO 2 was 39 ± 11 mm Hg at ICP 45 mm Hg. Conclusions Significant increases in cavernosal oxygenation occur in the earliest stages of erection at relatively low ICP. These findings suggest that partial erections may be sufficient to oxygenate erectile tissue and protect it from prolonged hypoxia-induced damage. Tal R, Mueller A, and Mulhall JP. The correlation between intracavernosal pressure and cavernosal blood oxygenation. J Sex Med 2009;6:2722–2727.
Nosocomial respiratory infections

Abstract Nosocomial respiratory infections, including influenza, parainfluenza, adenovirus disease, respiratory syncytial virus, psittacosis, tuberculosis, bacterial pneumonia, and fungal disease, have been widely reported in the medical literature. To estimate the relative risk of acquiring them and to determine their characteristics, data from 117 U. S. hospitals participating in the National Nosocomial Infections Study of the Center for Disease Control were analyzed for the calendar years 1970–1973. These data showed the following: (1) The over-all nosocomial infection rate for discharged patients was approximately 5%, and the over-all nosocomial respiratory infection rate was approximately 0.6%, or 17% of total nosocomial infections. (2) The majority of respiratory infections were in patients on surgical services. (3) A total of 27,409 organisms were isolated from patients with these respiratory infections, with gram-negative organisms accounting for two to three times more disease than gram-positive organisms. (4) The seasonal variation in disease was minor, with greatest incidence occurring in late winter and lowest in midsummer. Recommendations for controlling these infections effectively begin with the establishment of an ongoing surveillance program to define the problem. Then, direct control measures should be applied to assist the host in developing or maintaining resistance to infection, to control reservoirs of infection, and to interrupt the routes of transmission.
Proliferative extensor tenosynovitis of the wrist in the absence of rheumatoid arthritis.

Purpose Proliferative tenosynovitis in the fourth extensor compartment is common in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. It may also occur in the absence of rheumatoid arthritis; the purpose of this study is to describe this clinical condition in a series of patients, to report the results of surgical intervention, and to compare histological findings to those typically seen in rheumatoid tenosynovitis. Methods This study presents a retrospective case series of 11 patients who do not have rheumatoid arthritis, who had proliferative tenosynovitis of the fourth extensor compartment treated surgically. Relevant features of the clinical presentation, physical examination, radiographic findings, and results of attempts at conservative treatment are described. Surgical pathology specimens were reviewed by a single pathologist to define common histological features and to compare the histology to that which is classically seen in rheumatoid tenosynovitis. Results All patients presented with a painful wrist mass over the fourth extensor compartment. Characteristic in physical examination was severe limitation of active wrist extension with the fingers extended, with improvement when the fingers were flexed into a fist. After tenosynovectomy, wrist extension and grip strength improved. Examination of the surgical pathology specimens revealed a spectrum of pathological findings generally consistent with traumatic tenosynovitis, but a few specimens had rheumatoid-like features. Conclusions A review of this case series of patients with tenosynovitis but without rheumatoid arthritis demonstrates a distinct clinical condition of exuberant proliferative extensor tenosynovitis blocking proximal tendon excursion, thereby causing pain and limited active wrist extension, as well as a less distinct histological condition with a constellation of findings generally resembling traumatic tenosynovitis. In this group of patients, surgical tenosynovectomy generally yields excellent results. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.
Detection and fingerprinting of pathogens : Mid-IR biosensor using amorphous chalcogenide films

Abstract Multilayered Ge-based chalcogenide waveguides were fabricated on Si substrates by thermal evaporation. Channel waveguides were written in the core layer by inducing photoinduced changes in the refractive index by exposure to bandgap light. Very thin (∼20 nm) Au islands were deposited on the top of the core layer for biological functionalization. FT-IR spectroscopy confirmed that the coating of the films with gold did not have a significant effect on the propagation and penetration of IR evanescent waves through the film. Self assembled monolayers (SAM) were formed on the gold islands via thiol chemistry for biological attachment. Antibody (human IgG, anti-E. coli O157:H7, and anti-Salmonella) complexes were formed on the Au islands via the SAMs. The films functionalized with anti-E. coli O157:H7 and anti-Salmonella antibodies were used to detect E. coli O157:H7 and S. enteriditis through label-free IR fingerprinting. Highly selective detection of bacterial targets was achieved at both the species (E. coli vs. S. enteriditis) and strain level (E. coli O157:H7 vs. E. coli K12). This mid infrared approach demonstrates the use of chalcogenides for biosensor.
A Snapshot of Early Acceptance of the CONSER Standard Record in Local Catalogs

In an effort to enhance the usefulness of serial bibliographic records, while also increasing the cost-effectiveness of record creation and maintenance, CONSER adopted new cataloging guidelines in 2007. Commonly referred to as the “CONSER Standard Record,” the new cataloging standard was developed to support the user tasks of finding, identifying, selecting, and obtaining resources. This study looks at initial acceptance of the new standard by catalogers by measuring the types of edits made to these records in the copy cataloging process. Results indicate that libraries accept most of the changes made to the mandatory elements in the CONSER Standard Record, as compared to former full-level cataloging standards, and do not suggest the need for significant revision of the standard.
Electron Mobility in AgCl

Transit-time measurements of electron mobility in AgCl have been extended to very low temperatures. Results are presented for an air-grown Bridgman crystal and for a Kyropoulos crystal of high purity. A maximum mobility of about 250 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$/volt-sec at 80\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K was found for the former and a maximum of 480 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$/volt-sec at 55\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K for the latter. It appears that imperfections strongly influence the mobility at low temperatures. At intermediate temperatures the data are in best agreement with the theory of interaction with optical modes of vibration of the lattice from which it is found that ${\ensuremath{\mu}}_{0}=30({e}^{\frac{280}{\ensuremath{\tau}}}\ensuremath{-}1)$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$/volt-sec. This corresponds to a polaron effective mass of $\frac{{m}^{*}}{{m}_{e}}=0.28$ where ${m}_{e}$ is the free electron mass.
Factors impacting volumetric white matter changes following whole brain radiation therapy

Whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) is one of the most effective modalities for treatment of brain metastases. With increasing cancer control there is growing concern regarding the long-term effects of treatment. These effects are seen as white matter change (WMC) on brain MRI. Severity of WMC is implicated in cognitive and functional decline in many patient groups. Our objective was to identify clinical factors associated with greater accumulation of WMC following WBRT. Through retrospective review of serial MRIs obtained from 30 patients surviving greater than 1 year after WBRT, treated at a single institution between 2002 and 2007, we calculated volumetric WMC over time using segmentation software. Changes related to tumor, secondary effects, surgery or radiosurgery were excluded. Factors that influenced the rate of WMC accumulation were identified through multivariate analysis. Following WBRT, patients accumulated WMC at an average rate of 0.07% of total brain volume per month. In multivariate analyses, greater rates of accumulation were independently associated with older age (β = 0.004, p < .0001), poor levels of glycemic control (β = 0.048, p < .0001) and hypertension diagnosis (β = 0.084, p < .0001). Long-term survivors of cancer allow assessment of late effects of treatment modalities. Radiation injury appears to be related to a steady rate of white matter damage over time, as indicated by progressive accumulation of WMC. Our results suggest that rate of WMC accumulation is enhanced by parameters such as hyperglycemia and hypertension. This has significant clinical impact by clearly identifying hyperglycemia, steroid-induced hyperglycemia, and other vascular risk factors as targets for intervention to decrease WMC in patients receiving WBRT.
Creating a measure of portion control self-efficacy.

Abstract Objective Over the last few decades, food portion sizes have steadily increased by as much as 700% (Young & Nestle, 2002). Food portions are often much larger than dietary guidelines recommend, leaving individuals to manage their food consumption on their own and making it necessary to understand individual factors impacting food consumption. In the current paper, we focus on self-efficacy for portion control. Method Specifically, across three studies, we developed and validated a new measure of portion control self-efficacy (PCSE). Result The PCSE measure yielded good fit statistics and had acceptable test–retest reliability using two cross-sectional surveys (Studies 1(a) and 1(b)). Results from Study 2 demonstrated construct and predictive validity of the PCSE using the Food Amount Rating Scale (FARS; Dohm, & Striegel-Moore, 2002). Study 3 offered additional support for reliability and validity with a sample of overweight and obese adults currently trying to lose weight. Conclusions Overall, findings indicate that the new PCSE measure is reliable and valid. Individuals often make inaccurate food portion estimates (Slawson & Eck, 1997; Yuhas, Bolland, & Bolland, 1989) which can lead to overeating and weight-gain. Thus, the discussion centers on the need to incorporate PCSE in future research and intervention work targeting weight loss, health, and food consumption.
Olecranon fractures: factors influencing re-operation

Purpose We evaluated factors influencing re-operation in tension band and plating of isolated olecranon fractures.
CFD Assessment of Fin Manufacturing Defect to Set Fin Cant Angle and Achieve Nominal Roll Rate

Flight data from Aegis Readiness Assessment Vehicle B (ARAV-B) target test flights show roll rate trends deviating from predictions whereby the roll rate is less than expected at low Mach and, most importantly, the roll rate is greater than predicted at terminal hypersonic Mach conditions leading to reduced altitude and downrange performance. A detailed measurement of the ARAV-B fins shows an unintended camber of up to 0.05 inch in many of the fins. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) predictions of various surface defects revealed sensitivity due to particular defects. For the most sensitive case, CFD results show agreement with test data trends whereby fin normal force decreases at subsonic conditions and fin normal force increases up to 30% at hypersonic conditions. A sample set of full-scale fins was measured in detail to develop an “as-built” computer-aided design (CAD) file and showed that the camber occurred in the same direction on all sampled fins. Consequently, the defects worked together to amplify roll rate. The CAD files were subsequently used to create accurate surface meshes for a CFD analysis which showed that the fin camber is the root cause of the ARAV-B roll-up issue. As a result, the cambered fin CFD predictions were used to create a model to provide a reduction angle to correct the fin cant to achieve nominal spin rates.
Effects of isoprostane on tubuloglomerular feedback: roles of TP receptors, NOS, and salt intake

A thromboxane prostanoid receptor (TP-R) agonist U-46,619 enhances tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF). Glomerular expression of TP-R and enhancement of TGF by U-46,619 increase with salt intake. We in...
Implementation of a software model of the human glottis on a TMS32010 DSP to drive an artificial larnyx

A glottal waveform generator has been constructed as part of a new approach for an artificial larynx prosthesis. In 1980, a palatal prosthesis device was developed at Thomas Jefferson Hospital to restore voice for laryngectomees. The present study, based on this approach, addresses this problem of generating the glottal pulses in real time to drive a small speaker that is placed on a dental plate inside the oral cavity. The glottal waveform will be generated and controlled with a hand-held electronic device and transmitted to a receiver on the dental plate. Ishizaka and Flanagan's 1972 two-mass model of the vocal cords has been used for the glottal pulse generation and was implemented on a TMS32010 DSP-chip-based PC-board. >
Prophylaxis against deep-vein thrombosis following trauma: a prospective, randomized comparison of mechanical and pharmacologic prophylaxis.

Background: Deep-vein thrombosis following skeletal trauma is an important yet poorly studied issue. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of two different strategies for prophylaxis against deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolus following blunt skeletal trauma. Methods: Two hundred and twenty-four inpatients were enrolled in a prospective, randomized study investigating venous thromboembolic disease following trauma. Two hundred patients completed the study, which compared two different regimens of prophylaxis. The patients in Group A received enoxaparin (30 mg, administered subcutaneously twice a day) starting twenty-four to forty-eight hours after blunt trauma. The patients in Group B were managed with pulsatile foot pumps at the time of admission combined with enoxaparin on a delayed basis. All patients were screened with magnetic resonance venography and ultrasonography before discharge. Results: There were ninety-seven patients in Group A and 103 patients in Group B. Twenty-two patients (including thirteen in Group A and nine in Group B) had development of deep-vein thrombosis, with two (both in Group A) also having development of pulmonary embolism. The prevalence of deep-vein thrombosis was 11% for the whole series, 13.4% for Group A, and 8.7% for Group B; the difference between Groups A and B was not significant. There were eleven large or occlusive clots (prevalence, 11.3%) in Group A, compared with only three (prevalence, 2.9%) in Group B (p = 0.025). The prevalence of pulmonary embolism was 2.1% in Group A and 0% in Group B. Wound complications occurred in twenty-one patients in Group A, compared with twenty patients in Group B. Patients who had development of deep-vein thrombosis during the inpatient portion of the study required a mean of 7.4 units of blood during hospitalization, compared with 3.9 units of blood for those who did not (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our results indicate that early mechanical prophylaxis with foot pumps and the addition of enoxaparin on a delayed basis is a very successful strategy for prophylaxis against venous thromboembolic disease following serious musculoskeletal injury. The prevalence of large or occlusive deep-vein thromboses among patients who had been managed with this protocol was significantly less than that among patients who had been managed with enoxaparin alone. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Peri-infarct ischemia determined by cardiovascular magnetic resonance evaluation of myocardial viability and stress perfusion predicts future cardiovascular events in patients with severe ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Background: We assessed whether cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) of peri-infarct ischemia provides prognostic information in severe ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) patients referred for revascularization. Methods: Twenty-one patients with severe ICM were recruited prospectively for combined stress adenosine perfusion, late gadolinium enhancement, and rest perfusion studies. The patients were followed for in-hospital and post-discharge cardiovascular events. Results: During 12± 9.8 months follow-up, 67% of the patients with peri-infarct ischemia and 13% of the patients without peri-infarct ischemia had cardiovascular events (p = 0.03). Conclusion. In severe ICM patients, the presence of peri-infarct ischemia was associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular events.
Rhodopsin maturation antagonized by dominant rhodopsin mutants

ninaE D1 , a dominant allele of the major Drosophila rhodopsin gene, expresses a rhodopsin that is predominantly recovered in a 80-kD complex that likely represents rhodopsin dimers. By driving either ninaE D1 or ninaE + expression from a heat-shock promoter, we show that the 80-kD rhodopsin complex forms immediately after gene activation. In wild type, but not ninaE D1 , rhodopsin monomeric forms are detected at later times. The generation of monomeric forms of wild-type rhodopsin is suppressed in vitamin A-deprived flies or in flies heterozygous for the dominant rhodopsin mutation. We also show that ninaE D1 expression does not affect the maturation of another Drosophila visual pigment, Rh3. These results are consistent with the view that the ninaE D1 rhodopsin antagonizes an early posttranslation process that is specific for maturation of the ninaE -encoded rhodopsin.
Electrochemical Determination of Phenolic Acids at a Zn/Al Layered Double Hydroxide Film Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode

A stable sensor for the determination of gallic acid (GA) and caffeic acid (CA) was fabricated by electrodeposition of Zn-Al-NO3 layered double hydroxide film on a glassy carbon electrode (LDHf/GCE). A sensitive electrochemical method was achieved for the determination of GA and CA in a phosphate buffer solution (pH 3). The differential pulse voltammetry response of the LDHf/GCE to GA has a linear concentration range from 4 µM to 600 µM with a correlation coefficient of 0.9985 and the calculated detection limit of 1.6 µM at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. The differential pulse voltammetry response of the LDHf/GCE to CA has a linear concentration range from 7 µM to 180 µM with a correlation coefficient of 0.9969 and the calculated detection limit of 2.6 µM at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. The constructed sensor was applied to the determination of GA in commercial green tea samples.
AUTONOMOUS PROLIFERATION OF NEURAL PRECURSORS IN THE TADPOLE RETINA REVEALED AFTER PARTIAL REMOVAL OF THE EMBRYONIC EYEBUD

Abstract The cellular mechanisms that regulate cell division in the developing vertebrate nervous system are essentially unknown. Using the frog retina as a model system, we tested the hypothesis that proliferation is regulated by feedback signals that encode the total number of cells in the population. To alter the number of cells in the retina, we surgically removed approximately half of the embryonic eyebud. In a previous study, cell counts made immediately after partial ablation showed that the number of proliferating, undifferentiated cells was reduced to 70% of the number in the contralateral control eye, while the number of postmitotic, differentiated cells was reduced to 47%. In this study, we sought to determine whether these reduced cell numbers affected proliferation, which was assessed by counting the total number of cells present at various times after surgery. The partially ablated retinas consistently had fewer cells than the contralateral retinas. Analyses of the cell numbers suggested that there was little or no change in mitotic rate in the partially ablated retinas and that the decreased production of both differentiated and undifferentiated cells was due almost entirely to the reduction in the number of dividing cells. There is thus no evidence that retinal stem cells up-regulate their production of new cells in response to a reduction of either the stem cells themselves or of their descendants. This lack of response to population size indicates that, in contrast to many non-neural stem cell systems, proliferation of neural stem cells is not regulated by a feedback mechanism but instead is largely autonomous.
When Truth Is Personally Inconvenient, Attitudes Change The Impact of Extreme Weather on Implicit Support for Green Politicians and Explicit Climate-Change Beliefs

A naturalistic investigation of New Jersey residents, both before and after they experienced Hurricanes Irene and Sandy, examined support for politicians committed or opposed to policies designed to combat climate change. At Time 1, before both hurricanes, participants showed negative implicit attitudes toward a green politician, but at Time 2, after the hurricanes, participants drawn from the same cohort showed a reversed automatic preference. Moreover, those who were significantly affected by Hurricane Sandy were especially likely to implicitly prefer the green politician, and implicit attitudes were the best predictor of voting after the storms, whereas explicit climate-change beliefs was the best predictor before the storms. In concert, the results suggest that direct experience with extreme weather can increase pro-environmentalism, and further support conceptualizing affective experiences as a source of implicit attitudes.
Optimization of finned-tube condensers using an intelligent system *

The refrigerant circuitry influences a heat exchanger's attainable capacity. Typically, a design engineer specifies a circuitry and validates it using a simulation model or laboratory test. The circuitry optimization process can be improved by using intelligent search techniques. This paper presents experiments with a novel intelligent optimization module, ISHED (Intelligent System for Heat Exchanger Design), applied to maximize capacity through circuitry design of finned-tube condensers. The module operates in a semi-Darwinian mode and seeks refrigerant circuitry designs that maximize the condenser capacity for specified operating conditions and condenser slab design constraints. Examples of optimization runs for six different refrigerants are included. ISHED demonstrated the ability to generate circuitry architectures with capacities equal to or superior to those prepared manually, particularly for cases involving non-uniform air distribution.
Cystoid Macular Degeneration in Experimental Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion

Macular edema and collateral vessels were examined clinically and histopathologically up to 48 months after branch retinal vein occlusion in six eyes of five cynomolgus monkeys. In all six, central macular swelling and fluorescein leakage from the retinal vasculature were confined to the acute stage. However, histopathologically, at the chronic stage, only two maculas were completely recovered and unremarkable, whereas the other four showed variable degrees of cystoid degeneration and photoreceptor cell loss. In the two recovered maculas, six to eight normal-sized capillaries separated the fovea from the nearest cluster of capillary collaterals. In three maculas with cystic degeneration, collaterals incorporated the circumfoveal capillaries. In the fourth macula with cystic degeneration, collaterals were separated from the center by two normal-sized capillaries but were also associated with large areas of capillary nonperfusion partially due to occlusion of the macular arteriole.
Validity of the AM-PAC “6-Clicks” Inpatient Daily Activity and Basic Mobility Short Forms

Background Standardized assessment of patients' activity limitations in acute care settings can provide valuable information. Existing measures have not been widely implemented. Objectives The aim of this study was to provide evidence for validity of scores on Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) “6-Clicks” measures of basic mobility and daily activity in acute care. Design A retrospective measurement study was conducted. Methods The study used a database from one health system containing “6-Clicks” scores from first and last physical therapist and occupational therapist visits for 84,446 patients. Validity was analyzed by examining differences in “6-Clicks” scores across categories of patient characteristics; the ability of “6-Clicks” scores to predict patients' having more than one therapy visit; correlation of “6-Clicks” scores with Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores; and internal responsiveness over the episode of care. Internal consistency reliability also was determined. Results The “6-Clicks” scores differed across patients' age, preadmission living situation, and number of therapy visits. The areas under receiver operating characteristic curves derived using “6-Clicks” scores at the first visit to predict patients receiving more than one visit were 0.703 and 0.652 using basic mobility and daily activity scores, respectively. The “6-Clicks” scores at the final visit were correlated with scores on subscales of the FIM completed on admission to inpatient rehabilitation facilities ( r =.65 and .69). Standardized response means were 1.06 and 0.95 and minimal detectable changes with 90% confidence level (MDC90) were 4.72 and 5.49 for basic mobility and daily activity scores, respectively. Internal consistency reliability of basic mobility and daily activity scores was .96 and .91, respectively. Limitations Using clinical databases for research purposes has limitations, including missing data, misclassifications, and selection bias. Rater reliability is not known. Conclusions This study provides evidence for the validity of “6-Clicks” scores for assessing patients' activity limitations in acute care settings.
Perception of motion affects language processing

Recently developed accounts of language comprehension propose that sentences are understood by constructing a perceptual simulation of the events being described. These simulations involve the re-activation of patterns of brain activation that were formed during the comprehender's interaction with the world. In two experiments we explored the specificity of the processing mechanisms required to construct simulations during language comprehension. Participants listened to (and made judgments on) sentences that described motion in a particular direction (e.g. "The car approached you"). They simultaneously viewed dynamic black-and-white stimuli that produced the perception of movement in the same direction as the action specified in the sentence (i.e. towards you) or in the opposite direction as the action specified in the sentence (i.e. away from you). Responses were faster to sentences presented concurrently with a visual stimulus depicting motion in the opposite direction as the action described in the sentence. This suggests that the processing mechanisms recruited to construct simulations during language comprehension are also used during visual perception, and that these mechanisms can be quite specific.
Could rising BUN predict the future development of infected pancreatic necrosis

Background: Infected (peri)pancreatic necrosis (IPN) in acute pancreatitis (AP) is associated with organ failure (OF) and high mortality. There are no established early markers of primary IPN. This study aimed to assess the association of simple parameters with primary IPN in AP. Methods: We retrospectively studied 281 patients with AP admitted to Mayo Clinic hospitals and identified those with microbiologically confirmed infections in (peri)pancreatic necrosis and collections. We defined primary IPN as infection of (peri)pancreatic necrotic tissue that developed before interventions. We recorded admission hematocrit, BMI, BUN, serum creatinine, SIRS score and development of persistent organ failure within 48 h of admission; and performed serial SIRS and BUN calculations for at least 48 h. We used univariate and multivariable analysis to assess associations and expressed results as odds ratio (OR)[95% CI]. Results: 27(9.6%) patients developed IPN, of which 21(77.7%) had primary IPN. 38.1% had Gram positive, 9.5% Gram negative and 52.3% mixed bacterial infections. Five (23.8%) of the patients with IPN had fungal infection. On univariate analysis, SIRS >= 2 at admission, rise in BUN by 5 mg/dL within 48 h of admission, persistence of SIRS for 48 h and development of persistent OF within 48 h of disease had significant association with development of primary IPN with OR (95% CI) of 4.12 (1.53-11.15), 10.25(3.95-26.61), 1.19 (1.69-10.39) and 7.62 (2.58-21.25) [2-tailed p = 0.004, <0.0001, 0.002 and <0.0001] respectively. On multivariable analysis, only rise in BUN by 5 mg/dL within 48 h of admission was associated with primary IPN (p = 0.007).
The cognitive neuropsychology of sex hormones in men and women

In this study, we examined sex differences in performance on a variety of cognitive tasks. Performance was correlated with estradiol and testosterone levels in both men and women in order to examine whether hormone levels are related to performance on tasks that do and do not show sex differences. Men showed an advantage in performance on tests of spatial cognition (block design and card rotation) as well as a dart throwing task that requires both motor skills and spatial cognition. Sex differences were not found for measures of verbal and nonverbal memory, verbal fluency, or fine motor performance. Hormone levels were related to performance on tasks that showed sex differences as well as those that did not. Estradiol, but not testosterone, was related to block design in women but not men. Women with higher estradiol levels showed better performance than women with lower estradiol levels. No relations between card rotation and hormone levels were found. Performance on the two spatial cognitive measures we...
ACE inhibitors for patients with vascular disease without left ventricular dysfunction: May they rest in PEACE?

Angiotensin-converting–enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are effective in reducing mortality and morbidity from cardiovascular events among patients who have chronic heart failure due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction and in those who have acute myocardial infarction with or without left ventricular systolic dysfunction. ACE inhibitors are also effective in reducing mortality and morbidity from cardiovascular events in high-risk patients with diabetes mellitus as well as those with renal dysfunction. In addition, ACE inhibitors are effective antihypertensive agents, although current data suggest that they are not more effective in reducing mortality and morbidity from cardiovascular events than other classes of antihypertensive agents with . . .
Understanding the NIMBY and LULU Phenomena: Reassessing Our Knowledge Base and Informing Future Research

A substantial amount of research relative to the not in my backyard (NIMBY) and locally unwanted land use (LULU) phenomena has been conducted during the past two decades. The article begins by illustrating the complex nature of these phenomena, noting variation in the types of facilities considered LULUs, the range of participants who exhibit NIMBY responses, and the varied manner in which these phenomena have been described. The focus of the article then moves to the influence of perceptions relative to NIMBY and methods available to respond to NIMBY concerns. The article summarizes research in these areas with the purpose of reminding us of what we know about NIMBY and LULU phenomena and what continues to challenge planning practitioners. The literature review points to research opportunities and the need to integrate the findings of previously distinct areas of inquiry to inform planning practice.