cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Further Studies of a Lake Breeze Part ll: Theoretical Study

Abstract The three-dimensional structure and behavior of the lake-land breeze circulation which is induced by Lake Ontario is studied by means of a numerical model. The model is a primitive equation model which incorporates the effects of orography and the temperature prediction of the earth surface. A series of integrations is made in order to examine the effects of the large-scale prevailing flow and orography. These effects, which are found to be important in determining the structure of the lake-induced mesoscale flow pattern, are described in detail. One of the integrations corresponds to a simulation of an actually observed lake-land breeze circulation. Comparison between the simulated and the observed structures shows good agreement.
954 STIMULATION OF CORD AND ADULT NK CELLS

Cord blood NK cells have decreased activity but are normal in number as identified by antibody B73.1. To determine if they could be stimulated normally, we studied lymphokine and mitogen stimulation of 11 cord and 10 adult overnight cultures Binding (%B) and killing(%K) of target cell K562 in a single cell assay were compared with % lysis(%L) in a 51Cr release assay. Cord %B, was less than adult(p<.05) in unstimulated (UN) cultures but was no different from adult with IL-2 or ct or γ interferon(IFN). Adult cells significantly responded only to IL-2 (p<.05). IL-2 increased the %K. of the bound cells but the cord %K was still less than adult (p<.05). IFN had no effect on %K of adult or cord cells or the %B of adult cells. In the 51Cr release assay, IL-2 and IFN increased both cord and adult %L (p<.05). PHA, ConA or PWM stimulation of endogenous IL-2 production also increased %L (p<.05) but cord activity always remained less than adult (p<.01). There was no synergy with IL-2 and γ IFN or α and γ IFN. Since small increases in %B and %K do not explain large increases in %L, lymphokines may stimulate NK activity by increasing cycling which, is not measured in the single cell assay. While cord %B responds to lymphokines, the defective %K remains. Thus, cord NK cells may be unable to cycle effectively because of deficient killing.
The cometary contribution to the oceans of primitive Earth

The total mass incident on the moon during the period of heavy bombardment is estimated on the basis of recent compilations of the lunar impact record, together with a mass-scaling law for crater diameters in the large-body regime. Using only those craters and basins extant, a lower limit is obtained that is independent of cometary flux models as well as of extrapolations of the lunar impact record or assumptions about the cometary mass spectrum. The results obtained indicate that the earth would have acquired an exogenous ocean of water 4.5-3.8 Gyr ago, if cometary mass constituted more than about 10 percent of the impacting population.
The detection of quadruple points in metal salt hydrate systems by electrical conductivity measurements

Abstract The application of electrical conductivity measurements to the detection of liquid water and/or the quadruple point in metal salt hydrate systems is discussed. The apparatus used for the electrical conductivity measurements is described. The application of the technique is discussed for the CuSO 4 ·5H 2 O, BaCl 2 ·2H 2 O, and BaBr 2 ·2H 2 O systems.
The macroinvertebrates and fish of a Colorado stream during a period of fluctuating discharge

SUMMARY. 1. During a 2-year study of the fish and macroinvertebrates of a third-order montane stream, a severe drought in the first year resulted in a temporary cessation of surface flow. Flow was continuous during the second year. 2. Some taxa (e.g. Ophiogomphus severus) exhibited higher density during the drought year, others declined in abundance during low flow (e.g. Baetis spp.), whereas a few (e.g. Tricorythodes minutus) appeared unaffected. Total macroinvertebrate density decreased by 50% during the low flow year compared to the normal flow year. Mayflies were most severely affected, but also exhibited the most dramatic recovery. 3. The collector-gatherer functional feeding group was abundant only during the normal flow year, whereas shredders and predators exhibited increased relative abundance during low flow. 4. Fish populations were severely reduced in the low flow year. However, fishes rapidly invaded the area following resumption of normal flow.
Field Evaluation of Alternative Earthen Final Covers

ABSTRACT Five methods to assess percolation rate from alternative earthen final covers (AEFCs) are described in the context of the precision with which the percolation rate can be estimated: trend analysis, tracer methods, water balance method, Darcy's Law calculations, and lysimetry. Trend evaluation of water content data is the least precise method because it cannot be used alone to assess the percolation rate. The precision of percolation rates estimated using tracer methods depends on the tracer concentration, percolation rate, and the sensitivity of the chemical extraction and analysis methods. Percolation rates determined using the water balance method have a precision of approximately 100 mm/yr in humid climates and 50 mm/yr in semiarid and drier climates, which is too large to demonstrate that an AEFC is meeting typical equivalency criterion (30 mm/yr or less). In most cases, the precision will be much poorer. Percolation rates computed using Darcy's Law with measured profiles of water content and...
Somatic embryogenesis and regeneration from milkweed cell cultures

Abstract Whole plants of two milkweed species (Asclepias syriaca, A. tuberosa) were regenerated from cell cultures via in vitro embryogenesis. This process could provide a means for rapid selection of superior varieties of milkweed for hydrocarbon crop development.
Time‐resolved angiography: Past, present, and future

The introduction of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in 1980 provided a method for real time 2D subtraction imaging. Later, 4D magnetic resonance (MR) angiography emerged beginning with techniques like Keyhole and time-resolved imaging of contrast kinetics (TRICKS) that provided frame rates of one every 5 seconds with limited spatial resolution. Undersampled radial acquisition was subsequently developed. The 3D vastly undersampled isotropic projection (VIPR) technique allowed undersampling factors of 30-40. Its combination with phase contrast displays time-resolved flow dynamics within the cardiac cycle and has enabled the measurement of pressure gradients in small vessels. Meanwhile similar accelerations were achieved using Cartesian acquisition with projection reconstruction (CAPR), a Cartesian acquisition with 2D parallel imaging. Further acceleration is provided by constrained reconstruction techniques such as highly constrained back-projection reconstruction (HYPR) and its derivatives, which permit acceleration factors approaching 1000. Hybrid MRA combines a separate phase contrast, time-of flight, or contrast-enhanced acquisition to constrain the reconstruction of contrast-enhanced time frames providing exceptional spatial and temporal resolution and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). This can be extended to x-ray imaging where a 3D DSA examination can be used to constrain the reconstruction of time-resolved 3D volumes. Each 4D DSA (time-resolved 3D DSA) frame provides spatial resolution and SNR comparable to 3D DSA, thus removing a major limitation of intravenous DSA. Similar techniques have provided the ability to do 4D fluoroscopy.
Positive Behavioral Impact of Reptile-Assisted Support on the Internalizing and Externalizing Behaviors of Female Children with Emotional Disturbance

ABSTRACTThe effects of animal-assisted support were tested with children identified with emotional disturbance. Forty female children, aged 12 years old, participated in one of two treatments: animal-assisted support or control support. All participants had experienced the death of a parent in the preceding year. When offered animals for their support group, the participants chose reptiles. The reptile-assisted support group discussed death and grief along with training in animal care and identifying displays of emotions and grief. The control group discussed death and grief without reference to, or interactions with, reptiles. Primary caregivers completed the Child Behavior Checklist-Parent version (CBCL-P) before and after the 16-week support group sessions. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to examine the effects of reptile-assisted support on internalizing, externalizing, and other behaviors, as measured by the CBCL-P. The findings suggest that the use of reptile-assisted support improved internalizi...
Technology transfer equipment qualification methodology for shelf life determination [nuclear plants]

Discussions with a number of Nuclear Utilities revealed that equipment qualified for 10 to 40 years in the harsh environment of the plant was being assigned shelf lives of only 5 to 10 years in the benign environment of the warehouse, and then the materials were being trashed. One safety-related equipment supplier was assigning a 10-year qualified life, from date of shipment, with no recognition of the difference in the aging rate in the plant vs. that in the warehouse. Many suppliers assign shelf lives based on product warranty considerations rather than actual product degradation. An EPRI program was initiated to evaluate the methods used to assign shelf lives and to adapt the Arrhenius methodology, used in equipment qualification, to assign technically justifiable shelf lives. Temperature is the main factor controlling shelf life; however, atmospheric pressure, humidity, ultraviolet light, ozone and other atmospheric contaminants were also considered. A list of 70 representative materials was addressed in the program. All of these were found to have shelf lives of 14 years to greater than 60 years, except for 19 items. For 18 of these items, there was no data available except for the manufacturer's recommendation. >
Study of Deflected Wake Phenomena by 2D Unsteady Vortex Lattice

Point vortex calculations are compared to experimental results for a 2D pitching and plunging airfoil. The point vortex method is then used to simulate a flat plate in high frequency pitch, plunge, and combined motions. Low frequency motion causes the wake to convect away from the trailing edge parallel to the freestream. Above a certain threshold, high frequency motion causes the wake to deflect relative to the freestream. Combined pitch plunge motion results in deflected wakes for parameter values greater than a certain range for pitch amplitude, plunge amplitude, frequency, and relative phase between pitch and plunge.
Safety of Same Day Discharge in Patients Undergoing Sutureless Thyroidectomy: A Comparison of Local and General Anesthesia

Background: The thyroid gland is one of the most vascular organs in the body and surgical resection mandates meticulous surgical technique and hemostasis. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of the electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing system in permitting ambulatory thyroid surgery under local anesthesia. Methods: From January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2005, 224 consecutive patients underwent thyroid surgery using the LigaSure for hemostasis. Whenever possible, local/regional anesthesia with conscious sedation was utilized during the procedure. A descriptive analysis was performed to evaluate patient characteristics and outcome measures. Results: Eighty-two percent (n = 184) of all unselected patients presenting for thyroid surgery had their procedure performed under local/regional anesthesia with conscious sedation whereas 18% (n = 40) received general anesthesia. When comparing these two groups, the local anesthesia patients were more likely to be female (85% vs. 68%, p ≤ 0.05) a...
Towards visual support for document navigation through multidimensional catalogues

In information systems applications, the “catalogue” concept is mostly used as a connotation for information systems that categorize content by means of document annotation hierarchies. Within user interfaces, catalogue metaphors are in wide spread use. To take advantage of more flexible and efficient catalogue navigation based on multidimensional menu hierarchies a project about an integrated Information Catalogue Environment (ICE) is currently performed at GMD-IPSI. The goal of the ICE project is to provide efficient and flexible catalogue oriented categorization and representation mechanisms for multimedia document types and structures.
The relationship between executive function and verbal memory in Parkinson’s disease

A growing body of evidence suggests that the various cognitive symptoms found in Parkinson's disease (PD) are secondary to executive dysfunction. Studies addressing this possibility for memory impairment specifically have not included measures of working memory nor have they ruled-out potential mediating variables such as overall level of cognitive impairment or depression. The purpose of this study was to include measures of these variables in determining the relationship between multiple aspects of executive function and delayed verbal recall in 32 idiopathic PD patients. Results were consistent with the original hypothesis and further suggest that working memory is a key factor in recall memory and may mediate the relationship between other executive measures and recall in PD.
Sample size requirements for estimating effective dose from computed tomography using solid‐state metal‐oxide‐semiconductor field‐effect transistor dosimetry

Purpose: Effective dose (ED) is a widely used metric for comparing ionizing radiation burden between different imaging modalities, scanners, and scan protocols. In computed tomography (CT), ED can be estimated by performing scans on an anthropomorphic phantom in which metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) solid-state dosimeters have been placed to enable organ dose measurements. Here a statistical framework is established to determine the sample size (number of scans) needed for estimating ED to a desired precision and confidence, for a particular scanner and scan protocol, subject to practical limitations. Methods: The statistical scheme involves solving equations which minimize the sample size required for estimating ED to desired precision and confidence. It is subject to a constrained variation of the estimated ED and solved using the Lagrange multiplier method. The scheme incorporates measurement variation introduced both by MOSFET calibration, and by variation in MOSFET readings between repeated CT scans. Sample size requirements are illustrated on cardiac, chest, and abdomen–pelvis CT scans performed on a 320-row scanner and chest CT performed on a 16-row scanner. Results: Sample sizes for estimating ED vary considerably between scanners and protocols. Sample size increases as the required precision or confidence is higher and also as the anticipated ED is lower. For example, for a helical chest protocol, for 95% confidence and 5% precision for the ED, 30 measurements are required on the 320-row scanner and 11 on the 16-row scanner when the anticipated ED is 4 mSv; these sample sizes are 5 and 2, respectively, when the anticipated ED is 10 mSv. Conclusions: Applying the suggested scheme, it was found that even at modest sample sizes, it is feasible to estimate ED with high precision and a high degree of confidence. As CT technology develops enabling ED to be lowered, more MOSFET measurements are needed to estimate ED with the same precision and confidence.
Necessity of Bilateral Bone Marrow Biopsies for Ancillary Cytogenetic Studies in the Pediatric Population

The need for bilateral pediatric bone marrow biopsies for cytogenetic and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) studies has not been clearly delineated. We retrospectively identified 166 pediatric bilateral bone marrow biopsy specimens obtained from patients with a variety of clinical diagnoses, including solid tumors, lymphoma, leukemia, and other hematologic conditions. The cases included all pediatric bilateral bone marrow biopsies performed at our hospital spanning the years of 1992 to 2008. Agreement of FISH and classical cytogenetic results between the 2 sides was assessed. Of a total of 166 bilateral cases, 2 cases showed disagreement (1.2%), both from patients with solid tumors. One case was a rhabdomyosarcoma, in which FISH only was performed; the second was a neuroblastoma in which FISH and cytogenetics were performed (both FISH and classical cytogenetic results disagreed). The remainder of the cases showed complete agreement between the 2 sides (total 98.8%). We conclude that it is usually not necessary to perform bilateral bone marrow biopsies for FISH and cytogenetics in the pediatric population outside of the setting of solid tumor staging.
An investigation of vowel organization in speakers with severe and profound hearing loss.

Vowel auditory formant distances were obtained from speakers with hearing loss to investigate how perceptual constraints affect the contrastiveness and intelligibility of their spoken vowels. These...
Effects of particle surface roughness on particle interactions in concentrated suspensions

On determine l'importance relative des effets hydrodynamiques et de surface dans les mouvements et les interactions des particules dans des suspensions fortement concentrees
DC electrical conductivity of silicon carbide ceramics and composites for flow channel insert applications

Abstract High purity chemically vapor-deposited silicon carbide (SiC) and 2D continuous SiC fiber, chemically vapor-infiltrated SiC matrix composites with pyrocarbon interphases were examined. Specifically, temperature dependent (RT to 800 °C) electrical conductivity and the influence of neutron irradiation were measured. The influence of neutron irradiation on electrical properties appeared very strong for the SiC of this study, typically resulting in orders lower ambient conductivity and steeper temperature dependency of this conductivity. For the 2D composites, through-thickness (normal to the fiber axis’) electrical conductivity was dominated by bypass conduction via interphase network at relatively low temperatures, whereas conduction through SiC constituents dominated at higher temperatures. Through-thickness electrical conductivity of neutron-irradiated 2D SiC composites with thin PyC interphase, currently envisioned for flow channel insert application, will likely in the order of 10 S/m at the appropriate operating temperature. Mechanisms of electrical conduction in the composites and irradiation-induced modification of electrical conductivity of the composites and their constituents are discussed.
Matching the message to the process: the relative ordering of knowledge, attitudes, and practices in behavior change research.

The authors empirically investigated the relative ordering of knowledge attitudes and practices in behavior change models and its relation to communicating health-related information. Considerable research has been conducted in the area of behavior change to identify and measure the presence of knowledge attitudinal and practice levels for many behaviors. The literature is reviewed. The authors investigation consisted of interviewing 1680 men and women in Lima Cusco Huaraz Puno and Chimbote--5 large Peruvian cities--in 3 urban probability household surveys conducted in August 1994 January 1995 and January 1996. Six possible knowledge attitude and practice permutations are developed with regard to contraception in Peru. People may use contraceptive methods before they become fully knowledgeable about their chosen methods. In so doing these users may become misinformed about contraceptive practice and become dissatisfied contraceptive users who discontinue contraceptive use. Media campaigns designed to inform the public can help produce a more satisfied and sustainable contraceptive user base. The informed choice approach can be the basis for effective communication strategies.
IS406 and IS407, two gene-activating insertion sequences from Pseudomonas cepacia

Abstract We have determined the nucleotide sequences of IS406 (1368 bp) and IS407 (1236 bp), two insertion sequence (IS) elements isolated from Pseudomonas cepacia 249 on the basis of their abilities to activate the expression of the lac genes of Tn951. IS406 and IS407 when inserted into the lac promoter/operator region of Tn951 generated, respectively, duplications of 8 and 4 bp of target DNA. IS406 had 41-bp terminal inverted repeat (IR) sequences with eleven mismatches. IR-L (left) contained a 12-bp motif present at the ends of Tn2501. In other respects, IS406 was distinct from previously described bacterial IS elements listed in the GenBank and EMBL databases. IS407 had 49-bp terminal IRs with 18 mismatches. IR-R (right) contained an outwardly directed σ70-like promoter. IS407 was closely related to IS476 and ISR1 from Xanthomonas and Rhizobium sp., respectively.
Analysis of Emulsion and Hot Asphalt Cement Chip Seal Performance

The study collected both design and performance data on 342 chip seal projects worth nearly $30 million that had been completed in the Texas Department of Transportation's Atlanta District since 1996. One hundred sixty five of these projects were emulsion projects utilizing CRS-2P as the binder and 177 were asphalt cement projects using AC15-5TR binders. The external variables were minimized as Atlanta District had used the same seal coat contractor, Area Office, construction season, asphalt suppliers, and aggregate on all its districts chip seal projects for the past 12 years. The one difference in the aggregate was that the AC15-5TR used a lightweight aggregate that was precoated unlike the emulsion seals' lightweight aggregate that was not precoated. Thus, the comparison of the two binders can be made in a very direct manner, and the results can be viewed as specific to the engineering properties of the binders themselves without the need to qualify the conclusions based on independent parameters that could not be mathematically removed from the data. The study found that the emulsion chip seals performed as well as the hot asphalt cement seals and were the more cost effective of the two alternatives. Emulsion chip seals also furnished a better long-term friction course as measured by the skid number.
metaXCMS: second-order analysis of untargeted metabolomics data.

Mass spectrometry-based untargeted metabolomics often results in the observation of hundreds to thousands of features that are differentially regulated between sample classes. A major challenge in interpreting the data is distinguishing metabolites that are causally associated with the phenotype of interest from those that are unrelated but altered in downstream pathways as an effect. To facilitate this distinction, here we describe new software called metaXCMS for performing second-order (“meta”) analysis of untargeted metabolomics data from multiple sample groups representing different models of the same phenotype. While the original version of XCMS was designed for the direct comparison of two sample groups, metaXCMS enables meta-analysis of an unlimited number of sample classes to facilitate prioritization of the data and increase the probability of identifying metabolites causally related to the phenotype of interest. metaXCMS is used to import XCMS results that are subsequently filtered, realigned, ...
Dominant cold desert plants do not partition warm season precipitation by event size

We conducted experiments to examine the quantitative relationships between rainfall event size and rainwater uptake and use by four common native plant species of the Colorado Plateau, including two perennial grasses, Hilaria jamesii (C(4)) and Oryzopsis hymenoides (C(3)), and two shrubs, Ceratoides lanata (C(3)), and Gutierrezia sarothrae (C(3)). Specifically, we tested the hypothesis that grasses use small rainfall events more efficiently than shrubs and lose this advantage when events are large. Rainfall events between 2 and 20 mm were simulated in spring and summer by applying pulses of deuterium-labeled irrigation water. Afterwards, pulse water fractions in stems and the rates of leaf gas exchange were monitored for 9 days. Cumulative pulse water uptake over this interval (estimated by integrating the product of pulse fraction in stem water and daytime transpiration rate over time) was approximately linearly related to the amount of pulse water added to the ground in all four species. Across species, consistently more pulse water was taken up in summer than in spring. Relative to their leaf areas, the two grass species took up more pulse water than the two shrub species, across all event sizes and in both seasons, thus refuting the initial hypothesis. In spring, pulse water uptake did not significantly increase photosynthetic rates and in summer, pulse water uptake had similar, but relatively small effects on the photosynthetic rates of the three C(3) plants, and a larger effect on the C(4) plant H. jamesii. Based on these data, we introduce an alternative hypothesis for the responses of plant functional types to rainfall events of different sizes, building on cost-benefit considerations for active physiological responses to sudden, unpredictable changes in water availability.
Palaeoclimatology: formation of Precambrian sediment ripples.

Arising from: P. A. Allen & P. F. Hoffman Nature 433, 123–127 (2005); Allen and Hoffman reply . Quantitative estimation of environmental properties using sedimentary structures preserved in rocks is complicated by the fact that some relationships between the fluid flow, sediment transport and bed topography are not unique. Allen and Hoffman1 propose that large, wave-generated sand ripples (orbital ripples) in Precambrian rocks were generated by sustained, extreme winds driven by rapid climate change after termination of the Marinoan glaciation. We show here that these features could equally well have formed under normal storm conditions in tens of metres of water. We therefore contend that the ripples do not provide direct evidence for a climatic transit after the break-up of a snowball-Earth's global ice cover.
Graded period multilayer structures for x-ray optics

Our goal for FY 91 was to develop the capability to deposit multilayer thin film coatings of prescribed period gradient onto planar and figured substrates. To accomplish this goal we have extended our use of deposition flux masking to create laterally graded multilayer coatings. In addition, we have constructed a planetary substrate rotation fixture for deposition of axisymmetric graded thickness multilayer structures on planar and figured optics. Materials combinations for the layered synthetic microstructures (LSM's) we have fabricated by these techniques include: tungsten/carbon, molybdenum/silicon, molybdenum disilicide/silicon and chromium carbide/carbon. Soft X-ray diffraction characterization of the LSM's has verified that we have deposited controlled thickness graded period structures.
Damage identification procedure for seismically isolated bridges

SUMMARY This paper deals with a procedure for the identification of the damage in bridge structures equipped with isolators and/or energy dissipating devices. The procedure is based on the availability of accelerometric records from any simple sensor network installed on existing bridges. The proposed algorithm provides an assessment of the performance degradation of conventional structural components as well as installed isolators and energy dissipators, obtained from changes in modal characteristic of the structural response. A new index localization and severity index is introduced to be used for ordinary structural elements and anti-seismic devices. For the validation of the procedure, the algorithm has been applied to a continuous beam as well as to a bridge structure equipped with Friction Pendulum devices. The proposed procedure shows a high level of accuracy in the damage localization and severity assessment also in a complex scenario of damage. The severity index is also interpreted in terms of physical quantities (e.g. friction coefficient) representative of the specific device performance. For this reason the procedure appears feasible for implementation on real structures with the advantage of providing direct indicators of the early stages of degradation of performance parameters. This information can be used to design inspection and maintenance plans. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SHORT-PERIOD OSCILLATIONS OF THE MAGNETIC COUPLING OF EPITAXIAL GROWN Fe/Mo/Fe SANDWICHES ON Mo(100)

Epitaxial Fe/Mo/Fe sandwiches grown onto a Mo(100) single crystal were characterized in situ by electron diffraction and the magneto-optic Kerr effect. The intervening Mo layer is wedge shaped to facilitate the study of the magnetic coupling between the two (14-monolayer thick) Fe films as a function of Mo thickness. The exchange coupling between the Fe films across Mo was found to exhibit oscillatory behavior between antiferromagnetic (AF) and ferromagnetic coupling with a periodicity of ~3 ML of Mo. The shape of the hysteresis loop of the AF-coupled samples was calculated from a simple model that reproduces most of the experimental features.
The unique impact of out-of-home placement and the mediating effects of child maltreatment and homelessness on early school success

Abstract Increased national attention has underscored the importance of promoting educational well-being for children who have been placed in out-of-home care. The present study, informed by a developmental epidemiology framework, examined the unique impact of out-of-home placement and the mediating effects of child maltreatment and homelessness on the academic achievement and school adjustment of an entire cohort of second grade children in a large urban school district. Data on birth risks, placement history, child maltreatment, and homelessness from birth through second grade were integrated across municipal agencies for over 11,000 second grade students. Multiple Logistic Regression analyses demonstrate that children with a history of out-of-home placement were at increased risk for poor literacy and science achievement controlling for demographics and birth risks. These children also evidenced significantly higher levels of behavior problems and school suspensions than children with no out-of-home placement history. Maltreatment and homelessness were found to have significant mediating effects on the relationship between out-of-home placement and children's educational well-being. Implications for policy and practice were discussed.
Restoring Function in Failing Hearts: The Effects of Beta Blockers

Until recently, clinical management of congestive heart failure was purely palliative. The drugs used in patients with failing hearts--digoxin, vasodilators, and positive inotropic agents--improved contractility, reversed hemodynamic abnormalities, and enhanced functional status, but they failed to confer a survival benefit. Indeed, the use of inotropic agents often resulted in excess mortality--a paradox explained in part by the pharmacological properties of these agents, which increase production of cAMP, the intracellular messenger for the beta-adrenergic system. The short-term pharmacological benefits of these drugs may be offset by deleterious long-term biological effects on the heart muscle itself. The use of beta-blockers in heart failure is counterintuitive, given that their initial pharmacological effect is to reduce heart rate and contractility in a faltering heart, thus producing an effect diametrically opposed to that of inotropic agents. However, it is becoming more clear that beta-blocker therapy in patients with heart failure not only improves left ventricular function, but may actually reverse pathological remodeling in the heart. Accumulating clinical evidence indicates that these beneficial changes are the result of secondary biological changes in the myocardium rather than a response to the pharmacological effects of the drugs themselves. Mounting evidence suggest that these agents may prolong survival in patients with heart failure, and ongoing clinical trials may soon confirm these preliminary findings.
Pharmacological Actions of NGB 2904, a Selective Dopamine D3 Receptor Antagonist, in Animal Models of Drug Addiction

As a continuation of our work with SB-277011A, we have examined the effects of another highly elective dopamine (DA) D3 receptor antagonist, N-(4-[4-{2,3-dichlorophenyl}-1-piperazinyl]butyl)-2-fluorenylcarboxamide (NGB 2904), in animal models of addiction. Our results indicate that by systemic administration, NGB 2904 inhibits intravenous cocaine self-administration maintained under a progressive-ratio (PR) reinforcement schedule, cocaine- or cocaine cue–induced reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behavior, and cocaine- or other addictive drug-enhanced brain stimulation reward (BSR). The action of NGB 2904 on PR cocaine self-administration was long-lasting (1–2 days) after a single injection, supporting its potential use in treatment of cocaine addiction. The effects of NGB 2904 in the BSR paradigm were dose-dependent for both NGB 2904 and cocaine; that is, only lower doses of NGB 2904 were effective, and their putative antiaddiction effect could be overcome by increasing the doses of cocaine or other addictive drugs. A dopamine-dependent mechanism is proposed to explain the effects of NGB 2904 on cocaine's actions in these animal models of drug addiction. The data reviewed in this paper suggest that NGB 2904 or other D3-selective antagonists may have potential in controlling motivation for drug-taking behavior or relapse to drug-seeking behavior, but may have a limited role in antagonizing the acute rewarding effects produced by cocaine or other addictive drugs. In addition, NGB 2904 may also act as a useful tool to study the role of D3 receptors in drug addiction.
Peirce: Underdetermination, Agnosticism, and Related Mistakes

There are two ways that we might respond to the underdetermination of theory by data. One response, which we can call the agnostic response, is to suspend judgment: “Where scientific standards cannot guide us, we should believe nothing”. Another response, which we can call the fideist response, is to believe whatever we would like to believe: “If science cannot speak to the question, then we may believe anything without science ever contradicting us”. C.S. Peirce recognized these options and suggested evading the dilemma. It is a Logical Maxim, he suggests, that there could be no genuine underdetermination. This is no longer a viable option in the wake of developments in modern physics, so we must face the dilemma head on. The agnostic and fideist responses to underdetermination represent fundamentally different epistemic viewpoints. Nevertheless, the choice between them is not an unresolvable struggle between incommensurable worldviews. There are legitimate considerations tugging in each direction. Given...
Prostaglandins and Cyclic Nucleotides in the Chédiak-Higashi Syndrome and Experimental Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Prostaglandins and cyclic nucleotides are important regulators of cell function and immune/inflammatory responses. Chediak-Higashi (CH) syndrome in man is a genetic disorder characterized by pale skin, hair, and eye color, abnormal lysosomes, and recurrent infections. Oculocutaneous pigment dilution and impaired leukocyte function appear to be due to a defect in microtubule assembly. Whereas human peripheral blood polymor-phonuclear (PMN) leukocytes do not form surface caps with concanavalin A (Con A) except after treatment with agents such as colchicine that inhibit microtubule assembly, CH PMN leukocytes exhibit spontaneous cap formation. This capping is inhibited by cyclic GMP (cGMP) and by cholinergic agonists that increase cellular cGMP generation. The extensive assembly of microtubules seen with the electron microscope in normal human PMN leukocytes incubated with Con A does not occur in PMN leukocytes from CH patients. Incubation of CH PMN leukocytes with cGMP or agents that increase cellular cGMP results in a marked increase in microtubule numbers when cells are exposed to Con A. Because ascorbic acid increases human leukocyte cGMP levels in vitro, CH patients have been treated with vitamin C. Early results in approximately 6 CH patients indicate that vitamin C therapy restores leukocyte function and prevents recurrent infections. A disease similar to human systemic lupus erythematosus develops in New Zealand black and white (NZB/W) mice; it is characterized by impaired cell-mediated immunity, enhanced humoral immune responses, circulating antibodies to nuclear antigens, and immune-complex. glomerulonephritis. Treatment of NZB/w mice with prostaglandin E1 prevents glomerular deposition of immunoglobulins and complement, the development of proliferative glomerulonephritis, and prolongs their survival.
Neuroprotection with caspase‐9 inhbition against in vitro and in vivo trauma

Objective: To evaluate the neuroprotective efficacy of the cell-permeable caspase-9 inhibitor, LEHD-CHO, against in vitro and in vivo traumatic neuronal injury. Methods: The neuroprotective potential of LEHD-CHO was assessed in vitro using rat hippocampal slices. CA1 orthodromic and antidromic population spike (PS) amplitude was monitored before and after fluid percussion injury in slices treated with or without LEHD-CHO. Final recovery of PS amplitude was assessed 95 min after trauma. Studies of in vivo neuroprotection with LEHD-CHO utilized a model of controlled cortical impact (CCI). Rats were given either LEHD-CHO (10 nmol icv) or an equal volume of vehicle at 5 min following CCI. Rats were perfused 24 h after CCI and brains were processed for histological examination. Results: LEHD-CHO provided significant protection against loss of CA1 evoked response after fluid percussion. The EC50 for LEHD-CHO protection of CA1 orthodromic and antidromic PS amplitude against trauma was 2.1 μm and 2.3 μm. Protection extended to preservation of LTP after trauma. In vivo treatment with LEHD-CHO significantly decreased the appearance of eosinophilic cells in the CA1 region after CCI from 131 ± 23 cells in vehicle-treated animals to 24 ± 5 in LEHD-CHO treated animals. Extensive labelling with TUNEL staining was seen in vehicle-treated animals, whereas sections from LEHD-CHO treated animals demonstrated little staining. Conclusions: These findings indicate that the caspase 9 inhibitor LHED-CHO provides concentration-dependent protection against in vitro CA1 neuronal injury, which extends to protection against in vivo CA1 injury from CCI. They further suggest that inhibition of caspase 9 may be a useful treatment strategy for traumatic brain injury. Acknowledgement: Supported by VA Research and UCLA BIRC.
Effect of various blood sampling procedures on serum levels of immunoreactive human growth hormone

Abstract Arterial catheterization was followed by increased levels of serum immunoreactive human growth hormone (IRHGH) in 8 of 9 healthy men. The peak level reached ranged from 4.6 to 44.3 ng./ml. (mean 21.2 ng./ml.) and occurred 15 to 55 minutes after the catheterization. In comparison, venous catheterization and repeated venipuncture were followed by increased levels of serum IRHGH in only 2 of 12 subjects. Infusion of norepinephrine and the cold-pressor test were not followed by appreciable changes in serum levels of IRHGH. The mechanism of the response of IRHGH.to arterial catheterization is still not clear.
The Mount Wilson magnetograph

Alterations to the Mount Wilson Observatory solar magnetograph were made during 1981. The present state of the instrument, including the spectrograph, is described. The magnetic and Doppler velocity signals and the setup procedure for the magnetogram observation are discussed. The advantages of the new system are described.
Fluctuations, Uncertainty and Income Inequality in Developing Countries

We analyze income inequality and high frequency movements in economic activity for low and high income developing countries (LIDC and HIDC). The impact of human capital, capital formation, and economic uncertainty on income inequality for LIDC and HIDC are also evaluated. We find strong evidence that business cycle fluctuations serve to exacerbate income inequality in HIDC while they help narrow the gap in LIDC. Importantly, volatility in output widens inequality across the board but to a consistently higher degree in HIDC. Schooling helps reduce income inequality in both country groups, while investment increases income inequality. Lastly, the Kuznets inverted U-curve hypothesis is confirmed for both LIDC and HIDC.
Supported 242 Cm in the marine environment

BOWEN and Livingston1 have reported the presence of 242Cm (half-life 163 d) in two samples of sea water which had been kept in sealed containers for 12 yr since the time of collection. Because the 242Cm originally present in the samples would have decayed completely after this period of storage, they suggested that the 242Cm which they detect is supported by a long-lived precursor, 242mAm; this radionuclide would not itself be detectable in these samples because of its much longer half-life (152 yr). They invited other workers in radiochemistry to search for similar evidence for 242mAm in the environment, and we have done so in some samples collected from the vicinity of the fuel-processing plant at Windscale where controlled discharges of transuranic nuclides to the marine environment are permitted under the provisions of the United Kingdom Radioactive Substances Act, 1960. The radiological implications of these discharges have been discussed by Hetherington et al.2.
Vitellogenesis in diapausing and mutant Drosophila melanogaster: further evidence for the relative roles of ecdysteroids and juvenile hormones

Abstract The juvenile hormones (JHs) have long been believed to be key elements of the regulation of vitellogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster. This essential role for JH was challenged in Richard et al. (Journal of Insect Physiology 44 (1998)) in a novel model of the endocrine control of vitellogenesis. Further evidence supporting this proposed model and for understanding yolk protein (YP) production and uptake in JH-deficient conditions is presented here. Pre-vitellogenic diapause in the Canton-S strain was terminated within 4 days by the injection of 0.1 ng 20-hydroxyecdsyone; the application of 1 μg JH III failed to elicit a response suggesting once more that ecdysteroids may be the more important agent. Nevertheless, this dose of JH III did reverse the delay associated with the onset of reproductive development of the JH-deficient mutant ap56f in a manner consistent with the proposed role for JH of stimulating early YP synthesis by ovarian follicle cells. Similarly, JH III application to ap4 females also stimulated a degree of ovarian development. A high affinity JH III binding factor ( K D =1.5 nM ) in whole body extracts was quantified by equilibrium dialysis. Binding levels were greater in Canton-S females than in ap56f females though in ap56f binding could be stimulated within 18 h of eclosion by the application of 1 μg JH III. Ovaries from ap56f and Canton-S failed to produce any JH-like compounds. These data are discussed in the context of our model for the endocrine control of vitellogenesis in Drosophila.
Event‐Related Potentials During Controlled and Automatic Target Detection

The present study investigated the role of attentional resources in the performance of controlled and automatic detection tasks. The amplitude of the P300 component of the event-related potential has been shown to be a sensitive index of the attentional resources allocated to the perceptual processing of sensory stimuli. We found that P300s elicited in both automatic and controlled detection were large and of comparable amplitude, suggesting the involvement of a limited-capacity mechanism in both tasks. This result is in agreement with previous behavioral studies showing equivalent dual-task trade-offs with both search tasks (Hoffman & Nelson, Note 1). In contrast, P300 latency was considerably reduced in the automatic task, suggesting that the main effect of practice in the detection task is to improve the discriminability of targets and distractors.
Importance of cecum in Clostridium botulinum colonization of mice and relationship of organism to large bowel

Germ-free mice, tested more than two weeks after removing their cecum, were at least 104 times more resistant than controls to intestinal colonization byClostridium botulinum type A or B. Histologic examinations were done with the cecum and colon taken fromC. botulinum-monoassociated mice. Specimens from mice with severe botulism had normal appearance. In specimens from chronically monoassociated mice, the pathogen was in the lumen, but not attached to the intestine. Scanning electron microscopy suggested a possible association of the pathogen with the mucous gel lining.
Legal Distance, Cognitive Distance, and Conflict Resolution in International Business Intellectual Property Disputes

Abstract Due to the rising importance of intellectual property (IP) and increasing incidence of IP violations in today's global economy, this manuscript examines how legal and cognitive distances between MNEs engaged in an international IP dispute affect conflict resolution strategy choice. Even though such conflicts require some form of resolution, to date no consensus has developed with regard to what explains conflict resolution strategy choice in international IP disputes. We integrate IP, conflict management, and institutional theory literatures in testing our hypotheses on a dataset of 243 dyads consisting of 486 MNEs from 28 different countries engaged in international IP disputes. Surprisingly, we find that legal distance is positively associated with the likelihood of using negotiation (as opposed to litigation) as a conflict resolution strategy. However, cognitive distance increases reliance on litigation and at the same time weakens the effect of legal distance. This finding suggests that inherently tacit differences between home country origins may impede reaching a negotiated agreement, even though MNEs are able to bridge more formalized, codifiable, legal differences. Implications and future research directions are discussed.
Common path pessimism removal: an industry perspective

Process parameters, e.g., transistor width, may greatly vary not only across multiple manufacturing lots, but also within the same die from the same manufacturing lot. In addition to process variations different parts of a chip may see different voltages and temperatures. These process-voltage-temperature (PVT) variations are termed as On-Chip Variations (OCV) and can unsystematically affect wire and cell delays. This variability is accounted for by adding OCV de-ratings to path delays during static timing analysis (STA), where the original timing values are split into early (lowerbound) and late (upperbound) quantities. Chip timing is then done against these new delays to ensure safe chip operation. Any unknown or hard-to-model variation effect can also be margined for in these OCV de-ratings. However, this additional pessimism can significantly increase the difficulty to achieve timing closure, thereby elongating the design cycle and time to market. In particular, excess pessimism along clock network creates the most design-cycle churn, as pessimistic clock delays impact nearly all data paths. This session discusses the overview and challenges of common path pessimism removal (CPPR), the method of safely removing excess pessimism from clock paths, from an industry perspective.