cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinical radiographic evaluation of sealed carious and sound tooth surfaces.

A radiographic assessment of surface caries at baseline and at 1- and 2-year intervals is presented, and the relationships between the type of sealant, intactness of sealant, depth of initial caries penetration, and type of tooth are evaluated. The results of a 2-year radiographic assessment of 113 carious posterior teeth that were sealed with one of two sealants are presented. Little or no difference was found in radiographic ratings of caries by type of sealant. Sealant loss between annual recall visits had little or no detectable effect on radiographic ratings of caries during the study. Radiographs suggested that caries may regress in sealed teeth with early caries. The results support the safety of sealing incipient caries in pits and fissures to increase the potential uses of sealants.
Adsorption of a hydrophobic bacterium onto hematite: Implications in the froth flotation of the mineral

The present study reports on the relationship between adsorption ofMycobacterium phlei onto hematite and flotation of the mineral. From light and scanning electron microscopy, contact angle and electrophoretic mobility observations it was found thatM. phlei is more negatively charged than hematite, that it readily accumulates onto the mineral and that it functions as a flotation collector for the mineral with optimum flotation taking place at about pH 2.5.
Functional Properties of Replication Fork Assemblies Established by the Bacteriophage λ O and P Replication Proteins

Abstract We have used a set of bacteriophage λ andEscherichia coli replication proteins to establish rolling circle DNA replication in vitro to permit characterization of the functional properties of λ replication forks. We demonstrate that the λ replication fork assembly synthesizes leading strand DNA chains at a physiological rate of 650–750 nucleotides/s at 30 °C. This rate is identical to the fork movement rate we obtained using a minimal protein system, composed solely of E. coli DnaB helicase and DNA polymerase III holoenzyme. Our data are consistent with the conclusion that these two key bacterial replication proteins constitute the basic functional unit of a λ replication fork. A comparison of rolling circle DNA replication in the minimal and λ replication systems indicated that DNA synthesis proceeded for more extensive periods in the λ system and produced longer DNA chains, which averaged nearly 200 kilobases in length. The higher potency of the λ replication system is believed to result from its capacity to mediate efficient reloading of DnaB helicase onto rolling circle replication products, thereby permitting reinitiation of DNA chain elongation following spontaneous termination events. E. coli single-stranded DNA-binding protein and primase individually stimulated rolling circle DNA replication, but they apparently act indirectly by blocking accumulation of inhibitory free single-stranded DNA product. Finally, in the course of this work, we discovered thatE. coli DNA polymerase III holoenzyme is itself capable of carrying out significant strand displacement DNA synthesis at about 50 nucleotides/s when it is supplemented with E. colisingle-stranded DNA-binding protein.
Dibutyryl cGMP: Inhibitor of the effect of cholecystokinin and gastrin on the guinea pig gallbladder invitro

Abstract N2, O2-di-butyryl guanosine 3′:5′ monophosphate (Bt2 cGMP), a known competitive and selective inhibitor of the effect of cholecystokinin on the pancreatic acinar cells in vitro was tested for its effect on the guinea pig gallbladder in vitro . Bt2 cGMP inhibited competitively the contractile effect of cholecystokinin octapeptide, and also inhibited the contraction induced by sulfated gastrin-17. Bt2 cGMP failed to inhibit the contraction induced by bombesin, acetylcholine or histamine. The 8-bromo derivative of cGMP and the dibutyryl derivative of cAMP did not affect contraction stimulated by cholecystokinin octapeptide. Since it is specific for gastrincholecystokinin peptides, and not restricted to the pancreas, Bt2 cGMP could be used to recognize the action of these peptides.
Structural properties of mandibular bone following application of a bone plate

Abstract Purpose: Similarities in strain patterns between long bones and the mandible suggest that plates may induce stress shielding, resulting in deleterious long-term changes. This study is an investigation of the use of bone plates on the mandible in four adult rhesus monkeys. Material and Methods: A stainless steel plate was attached facially along the inferior border of each mandibular corpus. On the left, a thick (2.5-mm) plate was engaged with four screws. On the right, a thin (0.5-mm) plate was attached with one screw. Monkeys were killed a year after plate placement. At the beginning and end of the experiment, bone strain was recorded inferior to each bone plate during evoked maximal incisal clenching. After death, bone was removed from the mandibles around and under the plates and examined. Gross dimensions and density were measured. An ultrasonic technique was used to measure the material properties, including the elastic and shear moduli. Results: Bone strain inferior to the plates was reduced by 34% to 53% after attachment of the thick plates. Little change in strain was found after attachment of the thin plates. However, no significant differences in structural or mechanical measurements, such as density, cortical thickness, elastic and shear moduli, and Poisson's ratios, were detected between the two sides in each monkey. Conclusion: Long-term placement of bone plates, and the resulting stress shielding, were not found to result in structural changes in the mandibular corpus.
Identifying Organizational Identification

Identification with a psychological group or organization (IDPG) is defined as the perception of sharing experiences of a focal group and sharing characteristics of the group's members. IDPG is conceptually distinct from the related concept of organizational commitment. In the present study with 263 employed persons, IDPG was shown to be empirically distinct from organizational commitment. In addition, IDPG was shown to have significantly less overlap than commitment with three related concepts: job satisfaction, organizational satisfaction, and job involvement.
Continuous jugular venous versus nasopharyngeal temperature monitoring during hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass for cardiac surgery.

Abstract Study Objective: To compare jugular venous to nasopharyngeal temperature during hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Design: Prospective observational study. Setting: Tertiary care teaching hospital. Patients: 5 ASA physical status IV patients (40 to 65 years of age) having cardiac surgery with hypothermic CPB. Interventions, Measurements and Main Results: Jugular venous and nasopharyngeal temperatures were recorded throughout the procedure with comparisons made during four time periods: pre-CPB, during CPB, during rewarming, and post-CPB. The patients underwent 85.8 ± 45.8 minutes (mean ± SD) of hypothermic CPB, cooling to 26.3 ± 7.6 °C (nasopharyngeal) followed by rewarming at 0.35 ± 0.1 °C (nasopharyngeal)/min. There was a high degree of precision between the two temperature sites, but marked differences in bias. In particular, temperature bias was more pronounced during rewarming from CPB compared with other time periods ( p Conclusion: Nasopharyngeal temperature underestimates jugular venous temperature during rewarming from hypothermic CPB. As a result, the brain may be exposed to periods of hyperthermia, possibly increasing the risk of neurologic injury associated with CPB.
Using supervised learning to classify clothing brand styles

Machine learning techniques have the potential to alter the highly competitive online fashion retail industry by improving customer service through personalized recommendations. A fashion style classification system can improve the customer search functionality and provide a more personalized experience for the user. Supervised learning techniques with fashion based applications face the problem of developing quantitative measures for describing fashion products which are subjective in nature. To address this issue the authors asked fashion experts to assist in the assembly of a training set of brand-style associations. Quantitative measures were attributed to each brand in the training set by applying natural language processing, text mining, and eBay query results. This data set was used to train a support vector machine which classified the approximately 8000 remaining brands into style categories. The prospective classifier model was assessed based on its positive predictive values which yielded a 56.25% success rate. Given that there are eight different styles to choose from, a baseline for the percentage is only 12.5%. The SVM thus adds significant value to the classification of fashion brands. The final style categorization was integrated as a new filter feature that allows the user to narrow down their searches and access relevant results.
Structure analysis of modified oligodeoxyribonucleotides by negative ion fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry

Negative ion fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry is used to verify the sequence of oligodeoxyribonucleotides containing a single modified nucleotide. Both the position in the sequence and the molecular weight of the modified nucleotide can be determined from the 3′ and 5′-phosphate sequence ions which are prominent in the mass spectrum.
Mechanical response of LMFBR and P1 cladding tubes under transient heating

Abstract Type 316 stainless steel tubing specimens comparable to LMFBR cladding were burst tested with relatively constant internal pressure in the 219–836 psi range and with increasing temperature. Continuous measurements of diameter change, temperature, and pressure were recorded as the samples were heated to temperatures near the melting point at rates from 10–1800°F/sec. The effects of varying initial wall thickness, cold work level, length, and thermal experience were explored. Ductile failures were observed at 10°F/sec, and stable strains at time of failure were greater than those reported by HEDL. At 200°F/sec the initially 20% cold-worked, 15-mil wall tubing produced brittle failures; while initially 40% cold worked, 10-mil wall samples displayed a mixture of ductile and brittle features. At ∼1000°F/sec the behavior of the latter material was prodominately brittle, although stable strains as large as 6% were observed. Failure temperatures were generally above 2000°F. When substantial ductility was displayed, an exponentially increasing stable strain was recorded as temperature and time progressed: from such curves temperatures corresponding to 1% strain were derived. Factors controlling the mechanical response appear to be separable by analysis based on the recorded data and the variety of materials and conditions of the tests.
Tissue type detection by block processing

A new region detection and segmentation method is presented for performing tissue type classification and quantification. The original image data are transformed to the samples of a sample vector. The covariance matrix of this sample vector and its eigenvalues are computed. These eigenvalues are inputed into the information criterion of minimum description length to determine the region numbers. Then a modified K-mean algorithm and Bayesian classifier are utilized to segment image into the regions. This method does not need image model, considers the spatial correlations among the pixels, and is much faster than the model- based approaches.
Tungsten and molybdenum fluorides by metal explosions

High yields of the volatile hexafluorides of tungsten and molybdenum can be obtained by the electrical explosion of these metals into the relatively inert SF6. This constitutes an extremely facile synthesis route for the metal hexafluorides, because the fluorination of the metals by conventional techniques requires the use of elemental fluorine. Carbon tetrafluoride can also be used for the facile synthesis of WF6 by the metal explosion technique, but is less efficacious than SF6. The reaction path of metal explosions into SF6 depends upon reactant stoichiometry, but the yield of metal hexafluoride is essentially independent of this stoichiometry. Explosion of molybdenum into PF5 leads to the formation of molybdenum trifluoride and new fluorides MoFn, in which n ⪕ 1. The relative proportions of MoF3 and lower fluorides that form in these reactions depend strongly upon the imparted electrical energy level. Tungsten is less efficacious than molybdenum in abstracting fluorine from PF5. At comparable energy levels tungsten forms only fluorides of low fluorine content. It is indicated that the fluorides in which n < 1 are mixtures of monofluorides with still lower fluorides. The applicability of these results to other metals is discussed.
Automatic lung lobe segmentation in x-ray CT images by 3D watershed transform using anatomic information from the segmented airway tree

The human lungs are divided into five distinct anatomic compartments called lobes. The physical boundaries between the lobes are called the lobar fissures. Detection of lobar fissure positions in pulmonary X-ray CT images is of increasing interest for the diagnosis of lung disease. We have developed an automatic method for segmentation of all five lung lobes simultaneously using a 3D watershed transform on the distance transform of a previously generated vessel mask, linearly combined with the original data. Due to the anatomically separate airway sub-trees for individual lobes, we can accurately and automatically place seed points for the watershed segmentation based on the airway tree anatomical description, due to the fact that lower generation airway and vascular tree segments are located near each other. This, along with seed point placement using information on the spatial location of the lobes, can give a close approximation to the actual lobar fissures. The accuracy of the lobar borders is assessed by comparing the automatic segmentation to manually traced lobar boundaries. Averaged over all volumes, the RMS distance errors for the left oblique fissure, right oblique fissure and right horizontal fissure are 3.720 mm, 0.713 mm and 1.109 mm respectively.
Decreasing Physical Aggression and Verbal Abuse in a Brain-Injured Nursing Home Resident

Following a traumatic brain injury, patients often suffer a series of psychological and psychiatric sequalae. This study presents the case of Mr. K, a 52-year-old brain-injured nursing home residen...
The Economic System In Contemporary Islamic Thought: Interpretation And Assessment

Since the late 1940s, and especially since the mid-1960s, a wealth of pamphlets, articles, and books have appeared that constitute the corpus of what is now known as “Islamic economics.” This literature, whose exponents call themselves “Islamic economists,” purports to provide the blueprint of an economic system consonant with the original sources of Islam. The central feature of the proposed system is that individuals are guided in their economic decisions by a set of behavior norms, ostensibly derived from the Qur'an and the Sunna. Two other features stand out: zakāt, a tax considered the basis of Islamic fiscal policy, and the prohibition of interest, viewed as the centerpiece of Islamic monetary policy. Virtually all Islamic economists consider this trio—the norms, zakāt, and zero interest—the pillars of the Islamic system.’
Worst-Case Routing Performance Metrics for Sensor Networks

Successful integration of pervasive sensor networks in mission critical applications depends on the ability of these networks to cope with and reasonably perform under the worst-case scenarios. One of the key performance measures is the network's ability to route information from the source node to the intended destination. This paper introduces a general framework with which worst-case routing performance of sensor networks can be evaluated and compared. Ultimately, our method can either be used as a design optimization tool, or a decision making tool to select and price contending sensor network designs
Edward Said: A Legacy of Emancipation and Representation

Edward Said was a towering intellectual and political figure whose untimely death in 2003 deprived the world not only of a unique voice but also of someone whose engagement with the world provided ...
Power and Influence: A Theoretical Bridge

Frequently social theorists conflate power and influence; often subsuming influence under a broad conception ofpower. Two contemporary theories separate them. Elementary theory has investigatedpower, status characteristics and expectations states theory has investigated interpersonal influence, and neither theory has considered the phenomenon of the other. We use the two theories to explain howpowerproduces influence and how influence produces power. We develop a theory that shows how the emotional reactions ofgroup members mediate the influence produced by power. We examine some new data and hypothesize that influence produces power. We trace the consequences when power and influence are opposed within a single relationship. Implications outside the limitations of the laboratory are discussed along with new hypotheses to be tested. Conceptions of power and influence are fundamental to the understanding of society. Consider the ways in which power and influence can occur in a social situation. A successful executive with a legendary work ethic asks a salaried employee to stay late to complete an important proposal. The employee agrees and cancels her plans for the evening. We would say that the executive used her influence to convince the employee to stay. Or, the exchange could have been more direct. The executive might have told the employee that if she stayed late, the executive would recommend her promotion. The executive has offered a reward in exchange for the employee's compliance (and implied a threat if she failed to comply). We would say that the
Sitz Bath: Where Is the Evidence? Scientific Basis of a Common Practice

This study was designed to determine if evidence exists to justify and support the recommendation of sitz bath in the management of anorectal disorders. A Medline search was conducted using the key words “sitz bath” and “hot bath.” Thirty-six articles were found which highlighted the physiology, benefits, risks, complications, and techniques of sitz bath. Most of the studies were published in gynecologic or nursing journals. One randomized study comparing sitz bath to placebo was found. Two articles speculated that sitz bath induces relaxation of the internal sphincter muscle. Cold sitz bath was reported to decrease perineal edema more than warm sitz bath, although patients tended to prefer the latter. Five articles reported complications of sitz bath, including dissemination of herpes, maternal–neonatal Streptococcus outbreak, and skin burns. A review of the literature demonstrated a lack of scientific data to support the use of sitz bath in the treatment of anorectal disorders. Additional randomized and controlled clinical studies are needed to investigate whether this time consuming recommendation is beneficial to patients.
A solvatochromic chelating agent

Abstract 1-Methyl-2-[2-(8-hydroxy-5-quinolyl)vinyl]-8-hydroxyquinolinium chloride has been prepared as an example of a chelating agent for metals that changes colour with solvent polarity. As a chelating agent it has some selectivity, precipitating only the copper II ion in an acidic solution and forming a distinctively coloured product with zinc in neutral solutions. In ammoniacal methanol it gives a red solution with magnesium and several other ions. A number of related solvatochromic compounds have also been prepared.
Depression in the medically ill homebound patient

A large proportion of home health care patients are elderly persons who have serious medical problems. Psychiatric conditions such as depression and adjustment disorders often occur and are confused with dementia. Successful treatment is available, but only if the problem is diagnosed appropriately and promptly. The article guides the professional toward that end.
Organization of the thylakoid membrane from the heterotrophic cyanobacterium, Aphanocapsa 6714

Abstract The polypeptide composition of thylakoid membrane fractions from the heterotrophic cyanobacterium Aphanocapsa 6714 was examined by electrophoretic and immunoblotting procedures. We have identified thylakoid cytochromes f, b6, c-550 by tetramethylbenzidine staining of lithium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels; we also have identified the Rieske Fe-S center protein and subunit 4 of the cytochrome b 6 f complex. We have characterized phycobilisomes and active core preparations of PS I and PS II. PS I is comprised of five polypeptides (62 kDa, 14.5 kDa, 10 kDa, and two proteins of less than 10 kDa), and our PS II preparation is highly enriched for three chlorophyll-binding proteins of 48, 45 and 36 kDa. Furthermore, we have resolved the chlorophyll-binding complexes on non-denaturing gels and have determined the polypeptide composition of each chlorophyll-containing band. Three bands are associated with PS I (I, IIa and IIb) and three bands are PS II components (III′, IIIa and IIIb) as judged by low-temperature fluorescence emission spectra. Band III′ contains a 64 kDa antenna polypeptide, IIIa contains the 48 kDa and 45 kDa polypeptides, and IIIb is comprised solely of a 36 kDa protein. The IIIb apoprotein represents a novel PS II component; its possible role in photochemistry is discussed.
Generalised Interfacing with Microprocessor System Hardware Monitors

In this paper, we will discuss the possibilities, functionalities and limitations of Microprocessor System Hardware Monitors. We will provide a comparison survey of their main functions, depict some weaknesses and give an overview of what possibilities they provide for the end-user. We will also discuss OpenBSD's sysctl Hardware Sensors framework, and describe our recent contributions to the addressing scheme and underpinnings of the framework.
The neglect of data-gathering instruments in behavior therapy practice.

Abstract Although the Willoughby Personality Questionnaire and the Fear Survey Schedule are demonstrably valuable aids to the practice of behavior therapy of neurosis, it is evident that many behavior therapists do not use them. In order to determine the extent of their neglect, we sent a questionnaire to all Clinical Fellows of the Behavior Therapy and Research Society. The 134 replies we received revealed that the Willoughby was routinely used by only 19% and the Fear Survey Schedule by only 42%. This seems to be a manifestation of a widespread but indefensible homogenized view of neuroses. It is a sad reflection on the quality of behavior therapy training programs.
Immune response of athymic nude mice to papovavirus sv40 tumor-associated antigens.

The requirement of T cell functions in the induction of immune response to SV40-specific transplantation rejection antigen and intranuclear tumor antigen was studied using athymic nude mice. The results obtained indicate that virus-immunized athymic nude mice were unable to reject SV40 tumor cell challenge, and sensitized lymphocytes capable of inhibiting tumor growth in vivo could not be demonstrated in the spleens of virus-immunized mice. Athymic nude mice bearing tumor induced by virus-free SV40-transformed BALB/c cells failed to develop antibodies to intranuclear T antigen. Athymic nude mice also failed to respond to viral antigens. Thus it can be concluded that T cell functions are required in the induction of cellular immune response to SV40-specific transplantation rejection antigen and in humoral immune response to SV40-specific T antigen and virion antigen.
Interfacial adhesion of photodefinable polyimide films on passivated silicon

Abstract Photodefinable polyimide films are used as dielectrics in flip chip integrated circuit packages to reduce the stress between silicon passivation layers and mold compound. Due to the disparity of material properties between the polymer and passivated substrates, interfacial delamination is a reliability concern. Understanding the effects of surface layers and film processing on polyimide adhesion is critical for development of more reliable packages. In this paper, we examine the influence of different cure cycles and UV-exposure on the adhesion between a photodefinable polyimide (HD4100 HD Microsystems) and silicon (Si) substrates with three different passivation layers: silicon nitride (SiN x ), silicon oxynitride (SiO x N y ), and the native silicon oxide (SiO 2 ). The tensile strength of the thin film interface is measured by a laser spallation technique. Comparison of interfacial strength associated with cure cycle and UV-exposure indicates increased interfacial strength when films are processed with the exposure step as well as a longer cure cycle. Substrates including an oxygenated passivation layer have improved adhesion over nitride passivation layers. Additionally, the interfacial fracture energy is assessed using a dynamic delamination protocol. The interfacial fracture energy for this commercially available photodefinable polyimide on silicon is on the order of 100 J/m 2 . The high toughness of this interface makes it difficult to use more conventional interfacial fracture testing techniques.
Synapse health resources online

The University of Nebraska Medical Center maintains the Synapse Health Information Network to provide timely clinical and library resource information to health professionals across Nebraska and surrounding regions. The system is in over 115 sites across Nebraska and surrounding regions and maintains over 320 network users.
Current elements in relativistic field theory

Abstract Many previously reported experiments involving electrical circuits have demonstrated effects thought to be beyond the scope of modern relativistic field theory. The troubling effects include unexpected external electromotive forces and internal ponderomotive forces. The existence of such forces challenges long-cherished beliefs in relativistic field theory. The present note proposes a possible resolution for this situation.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae Large DNA Repetitive Elements RepMP1 Show Type Specific Organization among Strains

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is the smallest self-replicating bacterium with a streamlined genome of 0.81 Mb. Complete genome analysis revealed the presence of multiple copies of four large repetitive elements (designated RepMP1, RepMP2/3, RepMP4 and RepMP5) that are implicated in creating sequence variations among individual strains. Recently, we described RepMP1-associated sequence variations between reference strain M129 and clinical isolate S1 that involved three RepMP1-genes (i.e. mpn130, mpn137 and mpn138). Using PCR and sequencing we analyze 28 additional M. pneumoniae strains and demonstrate the existence of S1-like sequence variants in nine strains and M129-like variants in the remaining nineteen strains. We propose a series of recombination steps that facilitates transition from M129- to S1-like sequence variants. Next we examined the remaining RepMP1-genes and observed no other rearrangements related to the repeat element. The only other detected difference was varying numbers of the 21-nucleotide tandem repeats within mpn127, mpn137, mpn501 and mpn524. Furthermore, typing of strains through analysis of large RepMPs localized within the adhesin P1 operon revealed that sequence divergence involving RepMP1-genes mpn130, mpn137 and mpn138 is strictly type-specific. Once more our analysis confirmed existence of two highly conserved groups of M. pneumoniae strains.
Further insights into Halley's method

Abstract Algebraic analysis of Halley transforms reveals the nature of the so-called director nodules that characterise iteration maps.
Biomechanical strain causes maladaptive gene regulation, contributing to Alport glomerular disease

Patients with Alport's syndrome develop a number of pro-inflammatory cytokine and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) abnormalities that contribute to progressive renal failure. Changes in the composition and structure of the glomerular basement membranes likely alter the biomechanics of cell adhesion and signaling in these patients. To test if enhanced strain on the capillary tuft due to these structural changes contributes to altered gene regulation, we subjected cultured podocytes to cyclic biomechanical strain. There was robust induction of interleukin (IL)-6, along with MMP-3, -9, -10, and -14, but not MMP-2 or -12 by increased strain. Neutralizing antibodies against IL-6 attenuated the strain-mediated induction of MMP-3 and -10. Alport mice treated with a general inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (L-NAME) developed significant hypertension and increased IL-6 and MMP-3 and -10 in their glomeruli relative to those of normotensive Alport mice. These hypertensive Alport mice also had elevated proteinuria along with more advanced histological and ultrastructural glomerular basement membrane damage. We suggest that MMP and cytokine dysregulation may constitute a maladaptive response to biomechanical strain in the podocytes of Alport patients, thus contributing to glomerular disease initiation and progression.
Striatal plasticity and medium spiny neuron dendritic remodeling in parkinsonism

Current approaches to Parkinson's Disease (PD) are largely based on our current understanding of the mechanisms that contribute to the death of nigrostriatal dopamine neurons. However, our understanding of the consequences of the loss of dopamine on the striatal target cells of nigrostriatal neurons is much less advanced. In particular, the compensatory changes that occur in striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs) that have lost their normal dopamine input remains poorly understood. The compensatory changes may have either positive or negative effects. Among the alterations that occur in striatal cells of the dopamine-denervated striatum are dystrophic changes in the dendrites of MSNs, with a loss of dendritic length and dendritic spine number. Dendritic spines are the targets of convergent nigrostriatal dopamine and corticostriatal glutamate axons, and integrate these convergent signals to determine the nature of striatal output. The loss of these spines in the dopamine-denervated state may protect the MSN from overt excitotoxic death, but at the price of compromising MSN function. The loss of dendritic spines is thought be responsible for the gradual decrease in levodopa efficacy in late-stage PD, suggesting that therapeutic interventions need to be developed that target key downstream signaling complexes in medium spiny neurons.
Stimultaneous quantitative analysis using dual capillary columns of different polarities

Complex organic mixtures, such as coal liquefaction and oil shale products and by-products, are comprised of hundreds or thousands of individual components. State-of-the-art high resolution gas chromatography does not always provide sufficient resolution to allow accurate quantitation or identification of many compounds of interest. The concept of dual capillary column chromatography combines the different resolving characteristics of two capillary columns coated with different stationary phases into a single chromatographic run. In this approach, both columns are connected to the same injection port. Analysis of complex mixtures in this fashion can confirm the identification and quantitation of components on two columns of different polarity with little increased analysis time, can provide a means of obtaining quantitative data for individual components which are known to coelute on any one column, and can alert one to unknown coelution problems that would be undetected by gas chromatographic analysis on a single capillary column. Simultaneous dual column analysis was applied to three samples, the neutral polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) fraction of a Solvent Refined Coal-II (SRC-II) heavy distillate, the nitrogen-containing polycyclic aromatic compound (N-PAC) fraction of an SRC-II heavy distillate, and the basic fraction from a shale oil process water. Fused silica capillary columns coated with SE-54 and Durawax 3 were used for the analyses of the heavy distillate, while SE-54 an Carbowax 20M capillary columns were used for the analysis of the process water.
The secret of a natural blond

Elucidating the molecular mechanisms responsible for changes in gene expression is important for understanding the evolution of morphological traits. A new study identifies the molecular basis of the association between KITLG and blond hair color, presenting an intriguing example of how a single DNA base-pair change in an upstream regulatory element can cause relatively large and specific downstream changes in phenotype.
WE-D-AUD-05: Clinical Implementation of Portal Dosimetry — Establishing Action Levels

Purpose: To establish clinical action levels and methods to improve agreement between the measured dose and the portal dose prediction (PDP) for IMRT QA using PortalDosimetry.Method and Materials: 1152 treatment fields were evaluated. The maximum gamma (γmax), average gamma (γavg), and percent of the field area with a gamma value greater than 1.0 (γ% > 1) were documented for each treatment field. The mean values for each parameter and associated standard deviations (SD) were tabulated. Several strategies were considered to improve agreement between measured dose and PDP. Results: Clinical action levels were based on the mean parameters for our institution. Clinical Action Levels: 1) The average γmax, γavg, and γ% > 1 for all fields for a given treatment plan must be within 1SD of the mean institutional values, and 2) No more than 25% of the fields for a given treatment plan can have γmax, γavg, or γ% > 1 values in excess of 2SDs from the institutional mean. If the plan fails either of the above conditions, the QA must be repeated after applying one of the below troubleshooting techniques. Effective Trouble Shooting Techniques: 1) Verify linac output. 2) Portal dosimeter can be recalibrated. 3) The plan can be recalculated at a lower dose rate—effective for plans with significant modulation and a small number of monitor units. 4) On rare occasions, a completely new plan is required. Conclusion: These data have been used in our clinic to set clinical tolerance limits for evaluating IMRT QA using PortalDosimetry; They also provide valuable trouble‐shooting tools to improve the results of IMRT QA for individual patients. IMRT fields which are not within the tolerances must be evaluated very carefully to ascertain the nature of the disagreement and whether it is acceptable to treat a patient with those fields.
Ar−F Reductive Elimination from Palladium(II) Revisited†

In contrast with [(o-Tol3P)2Pd2(p-C6H4X)2(μ-F)2] (1; X = NO2; J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2007, 129, 1342), its nonactivated congeners (X = H, Me, and MeO) do not produce 19F NMR-detectable quantities of p-FC6H4X upon thermal decomposition in the presence of Buchwald's ligand t-Bu2P-2-C6H4C6H2(i-Pr)3-2‘,4‘,6‘ (BL). These results do not support the previously asserted “net Ar−F reductive elimination”, given that for X = NO2 some quantities of p-FC6H4X might conceivably be formed from 1 via a variety of other, SNAr-type paths.
Trifluoromethylsulfonyl-Based Salts of BEDT-TTF: Crystal and Electronic Structures and Physical Properties11

Abstract Three 2 : 1 salts of the organic donor molecule bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene (BEDT-TTF or ET) with trifluoromethylsulfonyl-based anions N(SO2CF3)2−, CH(SO2CF3)2− and C(SO2CF3)3− were prepared by electrocrystallization. These salts were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy, electrical resistivity measurements and electronic band structure calculations. (ET)2N(SO2CF3)2 is a two-dimensional (2D) metal, but its ESR spin susceptibility above 150 K shows a weakly semiconducting behavior, presumably because during ESR measurements the sample cooling rate is slow hence allowing the disordered anions to readjust their positions. (ET)2CH (SO2CF3)2 is a 2D metal and undergoes a metal-to-insulator (MI) transition at 110 K due probably to a geometry change of the donor molecule layers. (ET)2C(SO2CF3)3 is a one-dimensional (1D) metal and undergoes an MI between 180 and 240 K, which is expected to be of charge density wave type.
An analyzable annotation language

The Alloy Annotation Language (AAL) is a language (under development) for annotating Java code based on the Alloy modeling language. It offers a syntax similar to the Java Modeling Language (JML), and the same opportunities for generation of run-time assertions. In addition, however, AAL offers the possibility of fully automatic compile-time analysis. Several kinds of analysis are supported, including: checking the code of a method against its specification; checking that the specification of a method in a subclass is compatible with the specification in the superclass; and checking properties relating method calls on different objects, such as that the equals methods of a class (and its overridings) induce an equivalence. Using partial models in place of code, it is also possible to analyze object-oriented designs in the abstract: investigating, for example, a view relationship amongst objects.The paper gives examples of annotations and such analyses. It presents (informally) a systematic translation of annotations into Alloy, a simple first-order logic with relational operators. By doing so, it makes Alloy's automatic analysis, which is based on state-of-the-art SAT solvers, applicable to the analysis of object-oriented programs, and demonstrates the power of a simple logic as the basis for an annotation language.
Announcements of Purely Related and Purely Unrelated Mergers and Shareholder Returns: Reconciling the Relatedness Paradox

Empirical research has not generally supported the hypothesis that announcements of related mergers benefit stockholders more than announcements of unrelated mergers. This study uses a new categorization methodology to identify mergers with and without strategic fits. Purely related and purely unrelated mergers occurring between 1972 and 1990 are identified using a combination of objective and subjective categorization methods. Results support the hypothesis that purely related acquirers benefit more than purely unrelated acquirers. Acquiring firm stockholder returns were also higher if the acquisition was friendly or a tender offer. The results did not suggest that acquired firms' shareholders benefit more in purely related acquisitions than in purely unrelated acquisitions. Acquired firms’ stockholder returns were higher if the transaction was a tender offer.
Efficient Detection of Unpaired DNA Requires a Member of the Rad54-Like Family of Homologous Recombination Proteins

Meiotic silencing by unpaired DNA (MSUD) is a process that detects unpaired regions between homologous chromosomes and silences them for the duration of sexual development. While the phenomenon of MSUD is well recognized, the process that detects unpaired DNA is poorly understood. In this report, we provide two lines of evidence linking unpaired DNA detection to a physical search for DNA homology. First, we have found that a putative SNF2-family protein (SAD-6) is required for efficient MSUD in Neurospora crassa. SAD-6 is closely related to Rad54, a protein known to facilitate key steps in the repair of double-strand breaks by homologous recombination. Second, we have successfully masked unpaired DNA by placing identical transgenes at slightly different locations on homologous chromosomes. This masking falls apart when the distance between the transgenes is increased. We propose a model where unpaired DNA detection during MSUD is achieved through a spatially constrained search for DNA homology. The identity of SAD-6 as a Rad54 paralog suggests that this process may be similar to the searching mechanism used during homologous recombination.
The Effects of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Activation and Attenuation of the TGFβ Pathway in an Orthotopic Model of Colon Cancer

Background Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related mortality, with a majority of deaths resulting from metastases. Few in vivo models allow for the study of the complex process of metastasis. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of epidermal growth factor receptor activation and TGFβ pathway attenuation in FET, a weakly tumorigenic human colon cancer cell line, in an orthotopic model. Methods and Results Using FET, FETα, FETαDNRII, and FETDNRII cells were constructed. Tumors were orthotopically implanted onto the colons of BALB/c nude mice. After 7 wk, the mice were euthanized and organs extracted for examination. All cell lines demonstrated primary invasion. FETα was weakly metastatic compared with FETαDNRII and FETDNRII, which demonstrated metastases to the lung and liver, respectively. Conclusion Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation transforms a nontumorigenic cell line into a tumorigenic but not metastatic one. The tumorigenic line becomes metastatic with the attenuation of TGFβ signaling. Loss of EGFR activation in the TGFβ inhibited line results in a decreased metastatic burden, but importantly, changes the organotropic homing from lung to liver. Thus, these in vivo studies demonstrate that EGFR activation and TGFβ signaling pathways play a role in tumorigenicity and in pattern of metastases.
Evidence from Archival Data on the Relation Between Security Analysts' Forecast Errors and Prior Forecast Revisions*

. This paper examines the association between analysts' forecast errors at the earnings announcement date and the revisions to those forecasts during the preceding year. The study is an initial effort to use archival data from expert decision makers to test behavioral theories that have support in laboratory environments. Consistent with findings of conservatism in laboratory experiments, we find that analysts systematically underweight new information. This finding is most pronounced when the analysts are consistently revising their estimates downward throughout the year. Resume. Les auteurs examinent le lien entre les erreurs previsionnelles des analystes a la date de declaration des benefices et les revisions dont ces previsions ont fait l'objet au cours de l'exercice precedent. Il s'agit la d'une premiere tentative d'utilisation des donnees d'archives des experts en matiere decisionnelle dans le but de tester les theories comportementales qui ont ete demontrees en laboratoire. Conformement aux observations faites en laboratoire en ce qui a trait a la prudence, les auteurs constatent que les analystes accordent systematiquement trop peu de poids a l'information nouvelle/Cette constatation est tres marquee lorsque les analystes revisent continuellement leurs estimations a la baisse au cours de l'annee.
Fundraising and the Elderly: A Content Analysis

Direct marketing, as an avenue for fundraising, provides nonprofit organizations with the ability to fulfill their missions and donors the opportunity to support a worthy cause. There are concerns, however, when sophisticated marketing practices target potentially at-risk consumers. Demographic studies clearly show that the percentage of elderly Americans, aged 65 and over, is rising with a corollary increase in the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. These facts suggest this may be a group whose defining characteristics make them especially vulnerable. This exploratory study identifies and qualifies persuasive tactics used by several linked nonprofit organizations targeting one elderly Alzheimer’s victim over a 14-month period. The carefully designed direct mail solicitations utilize appeals that engender low elaboration likelihood and peripheral route processing. In addition, there is some evidence that even those appeals that might encourage high elaboration likelihood become heuristic cues for individuals with cognitive decrease. Taken together, the incorporation of multiple tactics within each solicitation, an approach referred to here as shotgunning, may have significant implications for future research and practice in communication, ethics, and public policy.
Visualizing Tendon Elasticity in an ex Vivo Partial Tear Model

Supersonic shear imaging (SSI) is evaluated as a means of visualizing changes in regional tendon elasticity caused by partial tears in a porcine model. Thirty digital flexor tendons were cut to 25% (n = 10), 50% (n = 10) and 75% (n = 10) of the tendon thickness along the deep surface. Tendon elasticity was mapped left of, centered on and right of the tear site before and after tearing from 0% to 2% strain. Shear wave speed increased at 1% (p < 0.05) and 2% (p < 0.001) strain for all regions. Deep surface shear wave speed decreased in the 25%, 50% and 75% tears (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001). Computational tendon tear models were also created to investigate regional changes in strain resulting from a tear. In the computational models, strain on the deep surface decreased progressively with increasing tear size. Visualization of tendon shear wave speed was achieved in normal and partially torn tendons, indicating the potential of SSI to add tendon shear wave speed to traditional morphologic assessment of partial tears, which may improve assessment of tendon health.
From new drug discovery to bioprocess operations

There is a wide variety of areas in in biotechnology where engineering skills need to be applied. The goal of biotechnology based companies is to develop both a new product and its manufacturing process as fast as possible. It is in the area of enhancing the rate of new product development where engineering skills are critical. The author outlines a few examples and then focuses in detail on the application of expert system technology to bioprocess operations. Due to the use of color slides which are not easily reproduced, this document does not cover the entire talk that was presented at the 13th Annual International Conference IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. >
A Survey of Master's-Level Psychology Programs: Admissions Criteria and Program Policies

This study summarizes the admission and program characteristics of American master's-level graduate programs housed in psychology departments. Individual programs (N = 253) from 163 colleges and universities provided data, including the use of grade point average, Graduate Record Exam scores, and other tests (Psychology Graduate Record Exam, Miller Analogies Test, Test of English as a Foreign Language) for admission, as well as the importance of recommendation letters, interviews, research experience, practical experience, and personal statements. Additional information obtained included undergraduate course requirements, number of students accepted, admission caps, probationary admission, a strict deadline for admission, and rolling admission. Respondents also reported basic program characteristics, including length of program; use of thesis, comps, or practicum; removal policies; and the percentage of students obtaining licenses and continuing into a doctoral program.