cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Equilibrium and Rationality: Game Theory Revised by Decision Rules

This book represents a major contribution to game theory. It offers this conception of equilibrium in games: strategic equilibrium. This conception arises from a study of expected utility decision principles, which must be revised to take account of the evidence a choice provides concerning its outcome. The argument for these principles distinguishes reasons for action from incentives, and draws on contemporary analyses of counterfactual conditionals. The book also includes a procedure for identifying strategic equilibria in ideal normal-form games. In synthesizing decision theory and game theory in a powerful way this book will be of particular interest to all philosophers concerned with decision theory and game theory as well as economists and other social scientists.
Supraorbital artery as an alternative site for oscillometric blood pressure measurement

Objective. Noninvasive blood pressure measured from the superficial temporal artery bas been shown to correlate well with pressure in the brachial artery. The supraorbital artery may be an even better site for monitoring blood pressure on the forehead because it originates from the internal carotid artery, and it is easier to locate anatomically. This study compares mean pressure measured oscillometrically over the supraorbital artery and at the upper arm.Methods. Oscillometric signals from the supraorbital artery were recorded in 20 surgical patients under general anesthesia using a 2.5- × 1-cm bladder attached to the forehead with a self-adhesive pad. Blood pressure was measured simultaneously from the arm using a Dinamap 1846 blood pressure monitor, and the resulting data compared with the supraorbital artery measurements.Results. The mean difference between 219 pairs of blood pressure measurements, from the forehead and the arm, was 3.8 mm Hg. The standard deviation of the differences was 7.4 mm Hg. The linear regression equation for the data wasy = 0.98x + 3.25, with a standard error of estimate of 7.31 mm Hg. The correlation coefficient between the two measurements was 0.82.Conclusions. The results show that mean blood pressures measured oscillometrically from the supraorbital and brachial arteries agree and correlate well with each other. The supraorbital artery should be a good alternative site for blood pressure measurement.
Glucotoxic conditions induce endoplasmic reticulum stress to cause caspase 3 mediated lamin B degradation in pancreatic β-cells: Protection by nifedipine

Abstract Nuclear lamins form the lamina on the interior of the nuclear envelope, and are involved in the regulation of various cellular processes, including DNA replication and chromatin organization. Despite this evidence, little is known about potential alterations in nuclear metabolism, specifically lamin structure and integrity in isolated β-cells subjected to stress conditions, including chronic exposure to hyperglycemia (i.e., glucotoxicity). Herein, we investigated effects of glucotoxic conditions on the catalytic activation of caspase 3 and the associated degradation of one of its substrate proteins, namely lamin-B. We report that incubation of insulin-secreting INS-1 832/13 cells, normal rat islets or human islets under glucotoxic conditions (20 mM; 12–48 h) results in the degradation of native lamin B leading to accumulation of the degraded products in non-relevant cellular compartments, including cytosol. Moreover, the effects of high glucose on caspase 3 activation and lamin B degradation were mimicked by thapsigargin, a known inducer of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress). Nifedipine, a known blocker of calcium channel activation, inhibited high glucose-induced caspase 3 activation and lamin B degradation in these cells. 4-Phenyl butyric acid, a known inhibitor of ER stress, markedly attenuated glucose-induced CHOP expression (ER stress marker), caspase 3 activation and lamin B degradation. We conclude that glucotoxic conditions promote caspase 3 activation and lamin B degradation, which may, in part, be due to increased ER stress under these conditions. We also provide further evidence to support beneficial effects of calcium channel blockers against metabolic dysfunction of the islet β-cell induced by hyperglycemic conditions.
Structural Determination of Lipid-bound ApoA-I Using Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer

Based on the x-ray crystal structure of lipid-free Delta43 apoA-I, two monomers of apoA-I were suggested to bind to a phospholipid bilayer in an antiparallel paired dimer, or "belt orientation." This hypothesis challenges the currently held model in which each of the two apoA-I monomers fold as antiparallel alpha-helices or "picket fence orientation." When apoA-I is bound to a phospholipid disc, the first model predicts that the glutamine at position 132 on one apoA-I molecule lies within 16 A of glutamine 132 in the second monomer, whereas, the second model predicts glutamines at position 132 to be 104 A apart. To distinguish between these models, glutamine at position 132 was mutated to cysteine in wild-type apoA-I to produce Q132C apoA-I, which were labeled with thiol-reactive fluorescent probes. Q132C apoA-I was labeled with either fluorescein (donor probe) or tetramethylrhodamine (acceptor probe) and then used to make recombinant phospholipid discs (recombinant high density lipoprotein (rHDL)). The rHDL containing donor- and acceptor-labeled Q132C apoA-I were of similar size, composition, and lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase reactivity when compared to rHDL-containing human plasma apoA-I. Analysis of donor probe fluorescence showed highly efficient quenching in rHDL containing one donor- and one acceptor-labeled Q132C apoA-I. rHDL containing only acceptor probe-labeled Q132C apoA-I showed rhodamine self-quenching. Both of these observations demonstrate that position 132 in two lipid-bound apoA-I monomers were in close proximity, supporting the "belt conformation" hypothesis for apoA-I on rHDL.
Some aspects of theory and experiment in the ethane–methyl radical system†

A critical examination has been made of some aspects of the thermal decomposition of ethane and the reverse recombination reaction. The experimental Arrhenius A-factors for ethane are, in general, smaller than those which are calculated from thermodynamic quantities together with the observed rate constants for methyl recombination. Theoretical calculations also illustrate a discrepancy between the experimental work on recombination and decomposition. The experimental shapes of k/kα falloff curves and the pressure region of falloff are compared with the predictions of RRKM theory for various models.
Study of reproducibility of spin trapping results in the use of C-phenyl-N-tert-butyl nitrone (PBN) for trichloromethyl radical detection in CCl4 metabolism by rat liver microsomal dispersions. Biological spin trapping I.

Abstract The well-known metabolism of CCl 4 to trichloromethyl radicals in rat liver microsomal dispersions has been reinvestigated with the goal to determine the repeatability and reproducibility of the EPR signal intensity of the EPR spectrum of the CCl 3 adduct of PBN. It was found that at least eight repeat experiments were needed under identical conditions to obtain an average value with an error of ±10%. When the effect of changing the concentrations of CCl 4 , PBN or NADPH-generating system was investigated, the plots of EPR signal intensity vs. the variable selected showed initial smooth increases in signal strength with respect to an increase in concentrations of CCl 4 , PBN or NADPH-generating system. However, considerable scatter was found after the initial slope and only general trends could be recognized. It is concluded that with CCl 4 , no increase in EPR signal is found after 10 mM concentration. For PBN, the optimum concentration is about 30 mM. The signal strength seems to increase with increased amounts of NADPH generating system although with diminishing slope.
Autosomal recessive spastic paraplegia: evidence for demyelination

Neurological evaluation of a family living in rural Louisiana showed that six living members have spasticity, hyperactive stretch reflexes, and pathological reflexes. Ten deceased family members had been similarly affected. All affected persons were offspring of consanguineous marriages, and sex distribution was equal, indicating that the inheritance was autosomal recessive. Although undetected clinically, conduction abnormalities suggestive of demyelination in the visual pathways were revealed by special tests.
A new species of Chamaecrista moench (Caesalpiniaceae) from interior Bahia, Brazil

Chamaecrista arboae, a species of sect.Absus ser.Absoideae newly discovered on Chapada Diamantina in interior Bahia, Brazil, is described, figured, and discussed.
Multigenerational effects of maternal undernutrition

Intrauterine exposure to reduced nutrient availability can have major effects in determining susceptibility to chronic disease later in life. Martinez et al. (2014) demonstrate multigenerational effects of poor maternal nutrition and evidence of germline transmission through alterations in DNA methylation.
Metabolism of3H-dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate by subjects with steroid sulphatase deficiency

Patients with steroid sulphatase deficiency develop ichthyosis with accumulation of cholesterol sulphate in plasma and in the stratum corneum. The present study was undertaken to determine whether desulphation of the C19 steroid DHEAS is also impaired. The mean plasma concentrations of DHEA and androstenedione were significantly lower for patients than for controls (p<0.02 and 0.001) while the mean concentration of DHEAS was higher (p<0.002). Following intravenous administration of3H-DHEAS, one patient failed to desulphate3H-DHEAS as evidenced by an absence of urinary3H-glucuronides. A second produced normal amounts of urinary3H-glucuronides (indicative of desulphation capacity) in a baseline study but did not desulphate3H-DHEAS following ampicillin treatment to alter gut microflora. A third patient had consistent sulphatase activity with and without ampicillin.
Recent Advances in Testing for Latent TB

After more than a century of relying on skin testing for the diagnosis of latent TB infection, clinicians now have access to blood-based diagnostics in the form of interferon γ release assays (IGRAs). These tests are generally associated with higher sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of latent TB infection. This article reviews the indications for testing and treatment of latent TB infection in the overall context of a TB control program and describes how IGRAs might be used in specific clinical settings and populations, including people having close contact with an active case of TB, the foreign born, and health-care workers.
2-Aroylbenzoyl Serine Proteases: Photoreversible Inhibition or Photoaffinity Labeling?

Phenyl esters of 2-benzoylbenzoates were determined to be inhibitors of the serine protease enzymes chymotrypsin and thrombin. Thus, p-guanidinophenyl 2-benzoylbenzoate (1b) inhibited thrombin while the corresponding p-nitrophenyl ester (1a) inhibited chymotrypsin activity. Other p-nitrophenyl esters were prepared that display activity as chymotrypsin inhibitors, three having methoxy group substitution on the benzoyl ring: 2-methoxy (2a), 2,5-dimethoxy (3a), and 2,4,5-trimethoxybenzoyl (4). After incubation with 1b, an acyl thrombin was isolated that showed no lytic activity but which slowly regained activity in pH 7.4 buffer. Irradiation of this acyl enzyme with 366 nm light led to an enzyme that showed no gain of lytic activity over time. Incubation of chymotrypsin with 1a−3a and 4 led to acyl enzymes which showed no activity but which regained activity slowly. Irradiation of these inactive acyl enzymes with 366 nm light led to a rapid increase in enzyme activity. The formation of acylchymotrypsins tha...
Experimental pancreatitis is mediated by low-affinity cholecystokinin receptors that inhibit digestive enzyme secretion

Rats infused with a supramaximally stimulating dose of the cholecystokinin (CCK) analog caerulein develop acute edematous pancreatitis. Using CCK-JMV-180, a recently developed CCK analog that acts as an agonist at high-affinity CCK receptors but antagonizes the effect of CCK at low-affinity receptors, we have determined that caerulein induces pancreatitis by interacting with low-affinity CCK receptors. Those low-affinity receptors mediate CCK-induced inhibition of digestive enzyme secretion from the pancreas. Our observations, therefore, suggest that this form of experimental pancreatitis results from the inhibition of pancreatic digestive enzyme secretion.
Some like it hot, some like it cold: the heat shock response is found in New Zealand but not Antarctic notothenioid fishes

Previous research on Antarctic notothenioids has demonstrated that cells of cold-adapted Antarctic notothenioids lack a common cellular defense mechanism called the heat shock response (HSR), the induction of a family of heat shock proteins (Hsps) in response to elevated temperatures. The goal of this study was to address how widespread the loss of the HSR is within the Notothenioidei suborder and, specifically, to ask whether cold temperate non-Antarctic notothenioids possess the HSR. In general, Antarctic fish have provided an important opportunity for physiologists to examine responses to selection in the environment and to ask whether traits of the notothenioids represent cold adaptation, or whether the traits are related to history and are characteristics of the notothenioid lineage. Using in vivo metabolic labeling, results indicate that one of the two New Zealand notothenioids possess an HSR. The thornfish, Bovichtus variegatus Richardson, 1846, expressed heat shock proteins (Hsp) in response to heat stress, whereas the black cod, Notothenia angustata Hutton, 1875, did not display robust stress-inducible Hsp synthesis at the protein-level. However, further analysis using Northern blotting clearly demonstrated that mRNA for a common Hsp gene, hsp70, was present in cells of both New Zealand species following exposure to elevated temperatures. Overall, combined evidence on the HSR in notothenioid fishes from temperate New Zealand waters indicate that the loss of the HSR in Antarctic notothenioid fishes occurred after the separation of Bovichtidae from the other Antarctic notothenioid families, and that the HSR was most likely lost during evolution at cold and constant environmental temperatures.
Ligand-Controlled Asymmetric Induction at a Transition Metal-Bonded α-Carbon in Ester and Amide Enolates. Diastereoselective Formation of Oxapalladacycles Applied to the Synthesis of a Chiral Nonracemic 2H-1-Benzopyran

Stable benzannelated oxapalladacycles [−(P−P)Pd-1-C6H4-2-OCHY−] possessing chiral nonracemic bidentate phosphine ligands, (P−P) = (4S,5S)-(+)-O-isopropylidene-2,3-dihydroxy-1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)butane ((S,S)-DIOP) or (2S,4S)-(−)-2,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)pentane ((S,S)-BDPP), and a palladium-bonded stereogenic carbon representing an α-carbon in ester (Y = COOEt) or amide (Y = CONEt2) enolates, have been synthesized in diastereomeric excess 46−80% exploiting asymmetric induction from the chiral ligands. The stereoselective event involved an intramolecular displacement of the iodide in complexes (P−P)IPd-1-C6H4-2-OCH2Y by an in situ generated lithium or potassium ester or amide enolate. Only one enantiomer of each ligand was used, and the absolute sense of stereoinduction could be controlled by the choice of the base (t-BuOK or LDA) to afford both diastereomers of each palladacycle in a diastereomerically enriched form. Treatment of the palladacycles with an excess of t-BuOK allowed for further enrichm...
Links between floral morphology and floral visitors along an elevational gradient in a Penstemon hybrid zone

Hybrid zones can form when two species of plants hybridize along an environmental gradient. Changes in floral morphology across such a gradient and the degree of reproductive isolation can be influenced by pollinator behavior, but little is known about pollinator visitation to hybridizing species that receive visits from a diverse array of animals. I studied floral morphology, nectar rewards and pollinator visitation for Penstemon newberryi, P. davidsonii and their hybrids along an elevational gradient in the Sierra Nevada of California. Sixty-two floral visitor species were observed visiting plants, making this system highly generalized compared to previous studies of visitation in hybrid zones. Morphological measurements were used to construct a plant hybrid index and examine the correlation with elevation and with floral visitors. Using observations of floral visitors along the gradient, I performed an ordination to determine whether the pollinator community changed along with plant morphology. Plants varied in a clinal pattern along the elevational gradient. The visitor community varied incrementally with altitude, although visitors to Penstemon davidsonii were separated from those to P. newberryi and hybrids along the main ordination axis. Hummingbirds were only found at low and middle elevations, and small halictid bees were relatively more abundant at high elevations. Although there is some potential for ecological isolation in the pollinator community, 11 common pollinator species visited both parent species and could be contributing to hybrid formation.
Vibrational spectrum of water at the liquid/vapor interface.

The infrared spectrum of water molecules at the liquid/vapor interface of pure water and the liquid/vapor interface of a water-methanol mixture is calculated using molecular dynamics. A comparison with the IR spectrum calculated for bulk water shows a significant population of free OH bonds, in qualitative agreement with a recent experiment by Du et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 70 2313 1993. It is also demonstrated that the free OH IR signal is quenched by a moderate increase in the concentration of methanol in bulk water, which has been recently observed by Du et al. Science 264 826 1994.
Molecular segregation and nucleation of poly(ethylene oxide) crystallized from the melt. I. Calorimetric study

Thermal analysis is used to elucidate the fusion of fractions of poly(ethylene oxide) of from 3500 to 5000000 molecular weight. In addition, the equilibrium and nonequilibrium phase diagrams of binary mixtures of these fractions have been studied. Complete segregation from high-molecular-weight polymer is possible up to at leat 20000 molecular weight. This segregation is not governed by the melting/crystallization equilibrium, but rather by molecular nucleation. Over a broader crystallization temperature range three regions can be identified. At low crystallization temperature, solid solutions result, at higher temperature one finds an intermediate type of crystallization, and ultimately one reaches complete, eutectic segregation. This work will be followed by analysis of the kinetics of crystallization.
Program Logic Based Software Plagiarism Detection

Software plagiarism, an act of illegally copying others' code, has become a serious concern for honest software companies and the open source community. In this paper, we propose LoPD, a program logic based approach to software plagiarism detection. Instead of directly comparing the similarity between two programs, LoPD searches for any dissimilarity between two programs by finding an input that will cause these two programs to behave differently, either with different output states or with semantically different execution paths. As long as we can find one dissimilarity, the programs are semantically different, but if we cannot find any dissimilarity, it is likely a plagiarism case. We leverage symbolic execution and weakest precondition reasoning to capture the semantics of execution paths and to find path dissimilarities. LoPD is more resilient to current automatic obfuscation techniques, compared to the existing detection mechanisms. In addition, since LoPD is a formal program semantics-based method, it can provide a guarantee of resilience against many known obfuscation attacks. Our evaluation results indicate that LoPD is both effective and efficient in detecting software plagiarism.
Software informed consent: Docete emptorem, not caveat emptor

Should software be sold “as is”, totally guaranteed, or something else? This paper suggests that “informed consent”, used extensively in medical ethics, is an appropriate way to envision the buyer/developer relationship when software is sold. We review why the technical difficulties preclude delivering perfect software, but allow statistical predictions about reliability. Then we borrow principles refined by medical ethics and apply them to computer professionals.
Fractographic investigation of fretting fatigue cracks in Ti–6Al–4V

Abstract Failure analysis with specific emphasis on fractography was implemented for this project with the intent of detecting crack features associated with the contact mechanics phenomena known as fretting and fretting fatigue. The primary objective of the research was to analyze and characterize the fracture surfaces associated with Ti–6Al–4V specimens obtained from laboratory controlled fretting fatigue experiments in order to provide evidence regarding the physical nature of fretting and fretting fatigue cracks. The specimens for this research came from fretting fatigue experiments that used dog-bone specimens and contact pads. Each fracture surface was analyzed with optical and scanning electron microscopes with the goal of locating and recording the fretting cracks. Crack profile data were collected and comparison data of heat tint markings and fractography were generated. The results indicate that the fretting cracks are physically small and shallow in depth when compared to the contact region, but with the combination of an external load, will propagate as a fatigue crack. Fretting cracks are localized around the contacting interface perimeter and propagate into the material on elliptic fronts which are dictated by the stress gradient, geometry, and material properties. The fracture appearance of fretting cracks can be described as somewhat smooth and featureless, and in the presence of a contrasting fracture surface like fatigue fracture becomes easily identifiable. The analysis and descriptions discussed are intended to provide physical characteristics of fretting cracks and highlight methods of locating them.
SU‐C‐217A‐03: Position Sensitivity of Calculated Dose‐Length‐Product‐To‐Effective‐ Dose Conversion Factors in Computed Tomography Examination

Purpose: To quantify the sensitivity of Dose Length Product to Effective Dose conversion factors (k‐factors) to scan length and position. Methods: To convert the recorded Dose Length Product (DLP) to an estimate of Effective Dose (E), a set of conversion factors, known as k‐factors, are used. These published k‐factors were developed for a limited set of standard protocols with fixed scan lengths, and most are based on stylized models of the human body. Using realistic models of male and female (RPI‐AM and RPI‐AF) and a validated model of the CT source, Monte Carlo simulations are preformed to calculate the dose to each organ on a slice‐by‐slice basis. For each slice, the organ doses are converted into ‘local’ k‐factors. Over a full scan length, the effective doses from the individual slices and the DLPs are summed, so the k‐factor for the scan is equivalent to the average of the local k‐factors in the scan range. Results: Simulations of 1‐cm thick CT slices were performed over the entire range of the torso for the RPI‐AM and RPI‐AF phantoms. The local k‐factors calculated range from a minimum of 0.0128 in the upper shoulder region (above most of the radio‐sensitive organs of the chest), to a maximum of 0.0369 in the region around the female gonads. The calculated k‐factor for a standard chest scan was 0.0289, which compares favorably to published values. However, the k‐factor decreases as the scan range is expanded. Consequently, a chest scan that is only 10 cm longer would have a k‐factor 18% lower when compared to the standard protocol. Conclusion: By improving the understanding of the sensitivity of k‐factors to scan length and position, more accurate estimates of effective dose from CT examination can be provided without sacrificing the efficiency and simplicity that k‐factors provide. This project was funded by National Institutes of Health (National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering R42EB010404).
Stable adaptive control using fuzzy systems and neural networks

Stable direct and indirect adaptive controllers are presented, which use Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy systems, conventional fuzzy systems, or a class of neural networks to provide asymptotic tracking of a reference signal for a class of continuous-time nonlinear plants with poorly understood dynamics. The indirect adaptive scheme allows for the inclusion of a priori knowledge about the plant dynamics in terms of exact mathematical equations or linguistics while the direct adaptive scheme allows for the incorporation of such a priori knowledge in specifying the controller. We prove that with or without such knowledge both adaptive schemes can "learn" how to control the plant, provide for bounded internal signals, and achieve asymptotically stable tracking of a reference input. In addition, for the direct adaptive scheme a technique is presented in which linguistic knowledge of the inverse dynamics of the plant may be used to accelerate adaptation. The performance of the indirect and direct adaptive schemes is demonstrated through the longitudinal control of an automobile within an automated lane.
Evidence for environmental effects on early-type galaxy X-ray halos

Possible causes for the large dispersion in the X-ray luminosities (Lx) of early-type galaxies are discussed. It is shown that early-type galaxies with relatively low values of Lx for a given optical luminosity L(B) have about 50 percent more neighbors than galaxies with relatively high Lx, suggesting that low-Lx galaxies tend to be in denser environments. It is concluded that the large dispersion in X-ray luminosity, for a given L(B) might be caused either by ram-pressure stripping of the gaseous halos or by mergers.
Growth and behaviour of bovine articular chondrocytes on nanoengineered surfaces: Part I

Surface modification, using biomaterials to mimic in vivo cell microenvironment, plays an important role in tissue engineering. Current work studies the growth and behaviour of primary bovine articular chondrocytes on layer-by-layer self-assembled nanofilms of 11 different biomaterials, including polyelectrolytes and proteins [poly(styrene sulphonate) (PSS), fibronectin, poly-L-lysine (PLL), poly-D-lysine (PDL), laminin, bovine serum albumin (BSA), chondroitin sulphate (CS), poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI), poly(dimethyldiallylammonium chloride) (PDDA), collagen and poly(ethylene glycol) amine (PEG-NH2)]. Mono-, bi-, and tri-layer nanofilm architectures were deposited on 24-, 96-well plate polystyrene surfaces. Surface roughness of nanofilms was determined using atomic force microscopy. Chondrocytes cultured on nanofilms were analysed using microscopy, live-dead viability assay, and MTT proliferation assay. Statistical analyses of chondrocyte viability and metabolic activity results on mono-, bi-, and tri-layer nanofilm architectures indicate the significant influence of cell seeding density and number of nanofilm layers on the viability and metabolic activity of chondrocytes.
Structural stability in two‐dimensional model flows: Lagrangian and Eulerian turbulence

A two‐dimensional approximation of the Navier–Stokes equations illustrates a specific instance of transition from Lagrangian to Eulerian turbulence. As the Reynolds number (Re) increases, the system describing the dynamics of the velocity field undergoes a transition from steady state to a limit cycle. At this point the flow displays chaotic advection—i.e., manifolds intersect transversely and Poincare maps show the typical chaotic structure—but the velocity field itself is time‐periodic and the power spectrum presents a fundamental frequency and its harmonics. As Re increases still further, the limit cycle bifurcates into a strange attractor producing a broadband power spectrum. The model suggests that Lagrangian turbulence (complex particle trajectories) might serve as a springboard for Eulerian turbulence (complex signal at a fixed point) and indicates a possible link between a kinematical view of flows and mixing and other viewpoints of turbulence based on strange attractors. The ideas can be generali...
Effects of screening by consultants on recommended elective surgical procedures.

Abstract To assess the need for elective operations recommended to a group of union members, 1356 self-selected patients were re-examined by board-certified specialists. Approximately 24 per cent o...
M(T) scaling in dilepton spectrum as a signature for quark - gluon plasma

In general, the spectrum of lepton pairs produced in nuclear reactions depends on both invariant mass and momentum. But under a few reasonable assumptions on the time evolution of the system, we show that once the quark-gluon plasma is created in ultrarelativistic heavy ion collisions, the observed dilepton spectrum between the [phi] and [ital J]/[psi] peak becomes dependent essentially only on its transverse mass [ital M][sub [ital T]] and thus shows [ital M][sub [ital T]] scaling. This scaling will not be observed if the quark-gluon plasma is not created in collisions.
Cathodic delaminations of poly(phenyl ether ether ketone) (PEEK) coatings overlaid on zinc phosphate‐deposited steels

The melt-crystallized poly(phenyl) ether ether ketone (PEEK) polymer was overlaid on crystalline zinc phosphate (Zn [center dot] Ph) conversion coating-deposited and nondeposited cold-rolled steels at 400 C in air or in N[sub 2] environments. The ability of these coatings systems to protect the steel against corrosion was evaluated from the rate of cathodic delamination of the coating layer from the steel. Because the cathodic reaction, H[sub 2]O + 1/20[sub 2] + 2e[sup [minus]] = 20H[sup [minus]], at the corrosion side of a defect in the coating layer creates a high pH environment at the interfacial boundary between the coating and steel, the magnitude of susceptibility of the interfacial intermediate layers to the alkali-induced degradation played a key role in suppressing cathodic failure. The lowest level was observed in the N[sub 2]-induced PEEK/Zn [center dot] Ph/steel joint systems, thereby decreasing the rate of delamination. By contrast, oxidized PEEK induced by air in same joint systems was susceptible to the alkali-catalyzed hydrolysis. This phenomenon significantly promoted the alkali dissolution of Zn [center dot] Ph crystals, reflecting a high rate of delamination. Nevertheless, the introduction of Zn [center dot] Ph as interfacial tailoring material into the intermediate layers markedly acted in reducing themore » cathodic delamination of PEEK/steel joint systems.« less
Effects of time-interval judgment training on real-time measurement of stuttering

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a previously developed interval-based training program could improve judges' stuttering event judgments. Two groups of judges made real-time stuttering event judgments (computer-mouse button presses) in 3 to 6 trials before the response-contingent judgment training program and in another 3 to 6 trials after training, for recordings of 9 adults who stuttered. Their judgments were analyzed in terms of number of stuttering events, duration of stuttering, and 5-s intervals of speech that could be categorized as judged (or not judged) to contain stuttering. Results showed (a) changes in the amount of stuttering identified by the judges; (b) improved correspondence between the judges' identifications of stuttering events and interval-based standards previously developed from judgments made by experienced, authoritative judges; (c) improved correspondence between interval-based analyses of the judges' stuttering judgments and the previously developed standards; (d) improved intrajudge agreement; (e) improved interjudge agreement; and (f) convergence between the 2 judge groups, for samples and speakers used during training tasks and also for other speakers. Some implications of these findings for developing standardized procedures for the real-time measurement of stuttering are discussed.
Reissert compound studies. XXVII. The reaction of the anion with 4‐piperidones

The anion of the isoquinoline Reissert compound has been found to react with 4-piperidones to give esters of tertiary alcohols.
On the coarsening of precipitates located on grain boundaries and dislocations

Abstract The Lifschitz-Slyozov-Wagner theory of particle coarsening is applied to the case in which all the precipitates lie on grain boundaries. Earlier studies of the grain boundary precipitate coarsening problem have assumed that all mass transfer is limited to the grain boundary region and have shown that in the long time limit the average particle size increases with time as t 1 4 . The present investigation considers diffusion of solute to occur both through the bulk material and along the grain boundary. Employing an asymptotic analysis due to Marqusee and Ross, one can show that the time dependent average particle size varies as t 1 3 and the coarsening rate constant depends on both the bulk and grain boundary diffusivities. The case of coarsening of precipitates lying on dislocations is also discussed and again cubic growth kinetics are found.
Democratic competence, before converse and after

Abstract The topic of the democratic public's limited competence has preoccupied students of democracy for centuries. Anecdotal concerns about the problem reached their peak of sophistication in the writings of Walter Lippmann and Joseph Schumpeter. Not until Philip E. Converse's “The Nature of Belief Systems in Mass Publics” did statistical research overwhelmingly confirm the worst fears of such democratic skeptics. Subsequent work has tended to confirm Converse's picture of a tiny stratum of well‐informed ideological elites whose passionate political debates find little echo, or even awareness, in the mass public. While a great deal of attention has been devoted to “saving” democratic legitimacy from such findings, the Converse‐inspired work of John Zaller (1992) shows how fruitful Converse's basic ideas can be not only in analyzing real‐world political events, but in pulling together and stimulating new lines of research into what moves the “creative synthesizers” of belief systems; into the factors th...
Gold carbene complexes as intermediates in the α-addition of amines to isocyanides

Abstract The reaction of amines and isocyanides with tetrachloroaurate(III) yields carbene complexes of the type Au {C(NHR)NR′R″} 2 + . Under thermal decomposition or treatment with added ligands (cyanide ion or methyl isocyanide) the carbene ligands are liberated to yield formamidines.
Systems biology approach to identify markers of differentiation in bladder cancer

Current clinical judgment in bladder cancer (BC) relies primarily on pathological stage and grade. We investigated whether a molecular classification of tumor cell differentiation, based on a developmental biology approach, can provide additional prognostic information. Exploiting large preexisting gene-expression databases, we developed a biologically supervised computational model to predict markers that correspond with BC differentiation. To provide mechanistic insight, we assessed relative tumorigenicity and differentiation potential via xenotransplantation. We then correlated the prognostic utility of the identified markers to outcomes within gene expression and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue datasets. Our data indicate that BC can be subclassified into three subtypes, on the basis of their differentiation states: basal, intermediate, and differentiated, where only the most primitive tumor cell subpopulation within each subtype is capable of generating xenograft tumors and recapitulating downstream populations. We found that keratin 14 (KRT14) marks the most primitive differentiation state that precedes KRT5 and KRT20 expression. Furthermore, KRT14 expression is consistently associated with worse prognosis in both univariate and multivariate analyses. We identify here three distinct BC subtypes on the basis of their differentiation states, each harboring a unique tumor-initiating population.
Patent ductus arteriosus ligation in premature infants: who really benefits, and at what cost?

Abstract Purpose Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation in premature infants has been shown to have low surgical morbidity and mortality. Ligation goals include prompt improvement in cardiorespiratory failure, with rapid wean from mechanical ventilation; less risk of prolonged mechanical ventilation and subsequent chronic lung disease (CLD); and survival to discharge. This study was designed to examine true morbidity after ligation and elucidate which preoperative factors might predict favorable outcomes. Methods Institutional review board–approved retrospective review of 197 infants less than 38 weeks of gestational age (GA), undergoing PDA ligation via thoracotomy between January 1, 1992, and January 1, 2004. Chronic lung disease defined as need for supplemental oxygen at 36 weeks corrected GA. Student t and χ 2 tests were used. Results Mean GA was 27 weeks (range, 23-35 weeks), birth weight was 957 g (range, 440-3170 g); infants underwent ligation at 16 days of life (range, 1-132 days). Duration of surgery was 50.5 minutes (range,13-150 minutes). Mean postoperative times were 27 days to extubation, 60 days to wean from supplemental oxygen, and 84 days to discharge. Early extubation (within 10 days of ligation) occurred in only 54 patients (30%). Only 44 (22%) survived to discharge without CLD. Forty patients (20%) died, with respiratory failure the most common cause (70%). In general, early extubation, survival without CLD and survival to discharge were associated with greater GA and birth weight, higher Apgar scores, greater age and weight at surgery, no preoperative intraventricular hemorrhage, lack of ventilator dependence, and lower ventilator settings ( P P > .05). Conclusions Most premature infants currently undergoing PDA ligation at our institution do not experience the anticipated rapid improvements in cardiorespiratory status and go on to develop CLD. Few preoperative variables (including radiographic and echocardiographic assessments) definitively predict outcomes.
Parent-of-origin effects on voluntary exercise levels and body composition in mice

Despite the health-related benefits of exercise, many people do not engage in enough activity to realize the rewards, and little is known regarding the genetic or environmental components that acco...
Convolution model for automated localization of brain activity in fMRI images

In this article, we present an efficient technique for automated detection of neural activity from time-varying three-dimensional fMRI images. We develop a hemodynamic response model based on the impulse response function and the stimuli onset pattern that results in a linear combination of incomplete gamma functions. In order to improve the detection, we employ a spatial filtering approach based on a convolution model that improves the signal-to-noise ratio by suitably adapting to the local activity patterns. Then we develop a correlation model of the convolution signals and propose a method to detect the active regions based on the maximum correlation values. It eventually results in a nonlinear optimization problem with correlation maximization as the objective and bounds on impulse response parameters as the constraints. We propose an efficient method for the solution. We then implemented and tested it on real set of images. Experimental results show the effectiveness of our method for localization of brain activity in fMRI images.
Management Protocol for Abacavir-Related Hypersensitivity Reaction

OBJECTIVE:To develop an abacavir hypersensitivity reaction management protocol for the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.DATA SYNTHESIS:Conference abstracts, published literature, and manufacturer-provided materials were reviewed to define the syndrome and manifestations and to recommend steps to take when a patient develops abacavir-related reactions.RESULTS:Initial education, formalized contact and response mechanism, and intervention levels were incorporated into a protocol for clinicians.CONCLUSIONS:Abacavir, a newly approved agent for the treatment of HIV, has been associated with a fatal hypersensitivity reaction. Our protocol provides a mechanism to minimize progression of abacavir hypersensitivity reaction by providing a formalized management procedure
Determining a carbohydrate profile for Hansenula polymorpha

The determination of the levels of carbohydrates in the yeast Hansenula polymorpha required the development of new analytical procedures. Existing fractionation and analytical methods were adapted to deal with the problems involved with the lysis of whole cells. Using these new procedures, the complete carbohydrate profiles of H. polymorpha and selected mutant strains were determined and shown to correlate favourably with previously published results.
Effect of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior on Serum Prostate-Specific Antigen Concentrations: Results From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2003-2006

Abstract Objective To examine the association between accelerometer-derived sedentary and physical activity and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in a nationally representative sample of men in the United States. Participants and Methods Data from the 2003-2004 and 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey cycles were used in the present study, with data from 1672 adult male participants used in the analyses. The manuscript was prepared between July 7, 2012, and September 26, 2012. Sedentary and physical activity was objectively measured using an accelerometer. Covariates included various demographic, dietary, biological, and immunologic variables including age, height, weight, body mass index, race/ethnicity, marital status, education, and poverty-income ratio; dietary fiber, fat, protein, and carbohydrate intake and total energy intake; vitamin C and vitamin E; alcohol intake; medication use; concentrations of cotinine, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; blood pressure (elevated or not elevated); diabetes; C-reactive protein; and white blood cell count and number of basophils and eosinophils. Results Only after controlling for all covariates, for every 1-hour increase in sedentary behavior, participants were 16% more likely to have an elevated PSA concentration (odds ratio, 1.16 [95% CI, 1.06-1.27]; P =.001). For every 1-hour increase in light physical activity, participants were 18% less likely to have an elevated PSA concentration (odds ratio, 0.82 [95% CI, 0.68-1.00]; P =.05). Conclusion Individuals who engage in more sedentary behavior and lower levels of light physical activity have higher PSA concentrations. Future studies are needed to better identify the potential underlying mechanisms delineating the association between sedentary and physical activity and PSA concentration.
Liquidus diagram for the silver orthophosphate-silver metaphosphate system

Abstract The Ag3PO4AgPO3 system was studied by DTA. The only compound observed within the system was Ag4P2O7, melting congruently at 643°C. Ag3PO4 and AgPO3 melt at 1012° and 488°C, respectively. Eutectics appear at 43·3 and 79·3 mole % AgPO3, at 600° and 430°C, respectively. Transitions were observed at 495° for Ag3PO4 and 374° for Ag4P2O7.
Sustained inflammasome activity in macrophages impairs wound healing in type 2 diabetic humans and mice.

The hypothesis of this study was that sustained activity of the Nod-like receptor protein (NLRP)-3 inflammasome in wounds of diabetic humans and mice contributes to the persistent inflammatory response and impaired healing characteristic of these wounds. Macrophages (Mp) isolated from wounds on diabetic humans and db/db mice exhibited sustained inflammasome activity associated with low level of expression of endogenous inflammasome inhibitors. Soluble factors in the biochemical milieu of these wounds are sufficient to activate the inflammasome, as wound-conditioned medium activates caspase-1 and induces release of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 in cultured Mp via a reactive oxygen species–mediated pathway. Importantly, inhibiting inflammasome activity in wounds of db/db mice using topical application of pharmacological inhibitors improved healing of these wounds, induced a switch from proinflammatory to healing-associated Mp phenotypes, and increased levels of prohealing growth factors. Furthermore, data generated from bone marrow–transfer experiments from NLRP-3 or caspase-1 knockout to db/db mice indicated that blocking inflammasome activity in bone marrow cells is sufficient to improve healing. Our findings indicate that sustained inflammasome activity in wound Mp contributes to impaired early healing responses of diabetic wounds and that the inflammasome may represent a new therapeutic target for improving healing in diabetic individuals.
Spectrophotometric Characteristics and Assay of Biological Stains

I. The chemical and spectrophotometric methods adopted in the Stain Commission laboratories for the certification of stains are described. Spectrophotometric examination is by the Beckman spectrophotometer in which the color density at the absorption maximum is determined as well as a ratio of color densities designed to detect abnormal symmetry of the absorption curve. A somewhat modified titanous chloride assay is described; eerie sulfate is used to determine the normality of the unstable titanous chloride, and the oxidant solution, which is stable, is standardized against Bureau of Standards arsenious oxide. The general approach used for re-study of the stains by these methods and the criteria necessary for adoption of the spectrophotometric method of assay are described.II. This report gives the details of the spectrophotometric examination and assay of the individual stains in the thiazin group, namely methylene blue, thionin, methylene violet, toluidine blue O, and azures A, B, and C. The spectropho...
INNOVATIVE ATTITUDES, VALUES, AND INTENTIONS IN ORGANIZATIONS [1]

In this paper we explore the relationships between some of the various concepts and scales that have been used to characterize innovative attitudes and behaviours. A sample (N = 123) of undergraduate and graduate business students with full-time jobs or the equivalent provided questionnaire data to test two initial hypotheses. It was found that four attitude-value scales which have been used to measure change values, innovation orientation, readiness for change, and innovativenesss, are intercorrelated significantly when no distinction is made between the respondents’intentions to be innovative and respondents’actual innovative behaviour. Innovative and change attitudes, as measured by these same four scales, do consistently predict multiple innovative intentions and behaviours but not, as expected, single behaviours or single intentions. The single best predictor in a multiple regression of the combined multiple innovative intention-behaviour measure was found to be a creative scale (R2= 0.43, p < 0.01). The innovative behaviour scale was tentatively called attitude toward being innovative. A factor analysis of this scale revealed dimensions related to innovative behaviour in organizations: the innovator, the preserver of the status quo, and the unchallenged, dissatisfied person. Two other hypotheses were also tested. The first was that the perceived organization risk-taking climate would moderate the relationship between these attitude measures. This hypothesis was not supported by the overall results. However, moderate support was found for the hypothesis that the more formal authority a person has in an organization, the greater the consistency between change attitudes and innovative behaviours as measured by self-report methods.