cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anthropomorphic phantoms for assessment of strain imaging methods involving saline-infused sonohysterography.

Abstract Two anthropomorphic uterine phantoms were developed that allow assessment and comparison of strain imaging systems adapted for use with saline-infused sonohysterography (SIS). Tissue-mimicking (TM) materials consist of dispersions of safflower oil in gelatin. TM fibroids are stiffer than the TM myometrium/cervix, and TM polyps are softer. The first uterine phantom has 3-mm-diameter TM fibroids distributed randomly in TM myometrium. The second uterine phantom has a 5-mm and 8-mm spherical TM fibroid, in addition to a 5-mm spherical and a 12.5-mm-long (medicine capsule–shaped) TM endometrial polyp protruding into the endometrial cavity; also, a 10-mm spherical TM fibroid projects from the serosal surface. Strain images using the first phantom show the stiffer 3-mm TM fibroids in the myometrium. Results from the second uterine phantom show that, as expected, parts of inclusions projecting into the uterine cavity will appear very stiff, whether they are stiff or soft. Results from both phantoms show that although there is a five-fold difference in the Young's moduli values, there is not a significant difference in the strain in the transition from the TM myometrium to the TM fat. These phantoms allow for realistic comparison and evolution of SIS strain imaging techniques and can aid clinical personnel to develop skills for SIS strain imaging. (E-mail: mahobson@gmail.com )
Kamalaśīla on the Nature of Phenomenal Content ( ākāra ) in Cognition: A Close Reading of TSP ad TS 3626 and Related Passages

Traditional as well as contemporary interpreters of Indian Yogācāra divide that tradition into a variety of doxographical camps depending on whether awareness is understood tobe endowed with phenomenal content (ākāra) and, if so, whether that content is understood to be real or true. Kamalaśīla’s extensive commentary on his teacher Śāntarakṣita’s Tattvasaṃgraha contains passages that throw into question certain doxographical equivalencies, especially the equivalencies sometimes proposed betweenthe doctrine that awareness is endowed with phenomenal content (sākāravāda) and the doctrine that such content is true or real (satyākāravāda) and between the doctrine that awareness is devoid of phenomenal content (nirākāravāda) and the doctrine that such content is false or unreal (alīkākāravāda). Further, in accord with his broadly rhetorical approach to the application of reason, Kamalaśīla is seen in this commentary to endorse a range of seemingly contradictory positions vis-a-vis ākāra. This article argues that this situation can be explained by way of reference to Kamalaśīla’s larger philosophical and soteriological program as a Mādhyamika thinker, a program not made explicit in the text yet nonetheless present in nascent form. That is, while various theories of awareness as endowed or not endowed with phenomenal content are useful in different rhetorical contexts as well as at different stages of philosophical analysis, at the end of the day such distinctions are moot since neither awareness nor its content is upheld as ultimately real. Instead, soteriologically efficacious phenomenal content is said to be like a “true dream” (satyasvapna), an illusion that satisfies only for as long as it remains unanalyzed.
Association of Air Pollution with Increased Incidence of Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias Recorded by Implanted Cardioverter Defibrillators

Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated a consistent link between sudden cardiac deaths and particulate air pollution. We used implanted cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) records of ventricular tachyarrhythmias to assess the role of air pollution as a trigger of these potentially life-threatening events. The study cohort consisted of 203 cardiac patients with ICD devices in the Boston metropolitan area who were followed for an average of 3.1 years between 1995 and 2002. Fine particle mass and gaseous air pollution plus temperature and relative humidity were measured on almost all days, and black carbon, sulfate, and particle number on a subset of days. Date, time, and intracardiac electrograms of ICD-detected arrhythmias were downloaded at the patients' regular follow-up visits (about every 3 months). Ventricular tachyarrhythmias were identified by electrophysiologist review. Risk of ventricular arrhythmias associated with air pollution was estimated with logistic regression, adjusting for season, temperature, relative humidity, day of the week, patient, and a recent prior arrhythmia. We found increased risks of ventricular arrhythmias associated with 2-day mean exposure for all air pollutants considered, although these associations were not statistically significant. We found statistically significant associations between air pollution and ventricular arrhythmias for episodes within 3 days of a previous arrhythmia. The associations of ventricular tachyarrhythmias with fine particle mass, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and black carbon suggest a link with motor vehicle pollutants. The associations with sulfate suggest a link with stationary fossil fuel combustion sources.
Effect of Estrogen on Bladder Nociception in Rats

Purpose: We assessed the effect of ovariectomy and estrogen replacement on nociceptive responses to bladder distention in a rat model.Materials and Methods: Female Sprague-Dawley rats (Harlan™) underwent ovariectomy or sham surgery. Visceromotor responses (abdominal contractions) to bladder distention were determined 3 to 4 weeks later under isoflurane anesthesia. In rat subsets estrogen was chronically replaced with a subcutaneous estrogen pellet vs a placebo pellet or acutely replaced by subcutaneous injection 24 hours before testing. Effects of estrogen withdrawal were examined in another group of rats by implanting a pellet and explanting the pellet 24 hours before testing. Uterine weight was measured to assess the estrogen dose.Results: Visceromotor responses to bladder distention were significantly less vigorous in ovariectomized rats vs controls. Acute estrogen replacement increased visceromotor responses in these rats but chronic estrogen replacement did not. Sudden chronic estrogen withdrawal res...
Comparison of outcomes of weekend versus weekday admissions for atrial fibrillation.

Previous studies have identified a “weekend effect” in terms of a poor outcome for patients hospitalized with various acute medical conditions. The aim of our study was to investigate whether weekend admissions for atrial fibrillation (AF) result in worse outcomes than those admitted on weekdays. In the Nationwide Inpatient Sample 2008 database, we identified a total of 86,497 discharges with a primary discharge diagnosis of AF. The use of a cardioversion procedure for AF on weekends was lower than that on a weekday (7.9% vs 16.2%; p
On the Interaction of β-Amylase with Substrate and Inhibitors, with Comments on Koshland's Induced-Fit Hypothesis

1 The inhibition of β-amylase by cyclodextrins has been studied; cyclomaltohexaose is a considerably more powerful inhibitor than cyclomaltoheptaose. 2 The inhibition of β-amylase by these dextrins is substantially reduced in the presence of dimethylsulfoxide; this has been related to the change in conformation which takes place in the cyclodextrins in dimethylsulfoxide solution. 3 Circular dichroism measurements indicate the lack of a conformational change in β-amylase on interaction with cyclomaltohexaose. 4 It has been concluded that an induced-fit mechanism is not involved in β-amylase action. 5 Evidence in support of the involvement of sugar ring distortion during β-amylase catalysis, such as takes place in lysozyme-catalyzed hydrolysis, is presented.
Islam: The Elephant in Fanon's The Wretched of the Earth

The motto ‘look out for yourself,’ the atheist's method of salvation, is in this context forbidden.1 1 Frantz Fanon, The Wretched of the Earth (New York: Grove Press, 1963), p. 47. All subsequent ...
Implications of an internal dynamo for the thermal history of Mercury

Constraints placed on the thermal evolution of Mercury by the dynamo model of the planet's magnetic field are investigated. It is assumed that Mercury is a differentiated planet possessing an iron-nickel core with a radius approximately three-fourths of the planetary radius, that the mantle is made of silicates with thermal and rheological properties similar to those of earth's upper mantle, and that differentiation was a global process which resulted in the removal of radioactive heat sources from the core and the upward segregation of heat sources in the mantle. These assumptions are found to lead to the conclusion that the existence of a molten core requires the retention of a minimum concentration of heat sources throughout the mantle, the value being comparable to the mantle-wide average concentration for earth. Thus, it is suggested that the differentiation of Mercury could not have resulted in the complete removal of heat sources from the mantle into a crust near the planet's surface.
ATP-MgCl2 restores the depressed hepatocellular function and hepatic blood flow following hemorrhage and resuscitation.

Abstract Although ATP-MgCl2 produces a myriad of beneficial effects following organ ischemia and simple hemorrhagic shock in animal models which involved heparinization and/or blood resuscitation, it is not known whether ATP-MgCl2 has any salutary effect on the depressed active hepatocellular function (AHF) and hepatic microvascular blood flow (HMBF) in a nonheparinized model of trauma and severe hemorrhage in the absence of blood resuscitation. To determine this, rats underwent a midline laparotomy (i.e., trauma induced) and were bled to and maintained at a mean arterial pressure of 40 mm Hg until 40% of the maximum shed blood volume was returned in the form of Ringer's lactate (RL). The animals were then resuscitated with four times the volume of shed blood with RL. ATP-MgCl2, 50 μmoles/kg body weight (BW) each or an equivalent volume of normal saline, was infused intravenously for 95 min during and following crystalloid resuscitation. At 1.5 and 4 hr after resuscitation, AHF (Vmax, maximal velocity of indocyanine green clearance; Km, efficiency of the active transport process) was determined without blood sampling by using an in vivo indocyanine green clearance technique. HMBF was measured with laser Doppler flowmetry. Results indicate that Vmax, Km, and HMBF decreased significantly at 1.5–4 hr after hemorrhage and resuscitation. ATP-MgCl2 infusion restored the depressed Vmax, Km, and HMBF and prevented the occurrence of hepatic edema. The restoration of AHF with ATP-MgCl2 treatment may be due to its direct salutary effect on the active indocyanine green transport process and/or due to improvement in hepatic microcirculation. Thus, ATP-MgCl2 appears to be a promising adjunct to the treatment of hepatocellular dysfunction following trauma and severe hemorrhagic shock even in the absence of blood resuscitation.
Incentive properties of sucrose and saccharin under different deprivation conditions

Abstract In Expt 1 it was found that hungry rats developed a 100% preference for 8% sucrose over water in a maze-choice situation, whereas thirsty rats developed no preference. When deprivation conditions for the two groups were reversed the pattern of preference relations also reversed. In a 2nd experiment nondeprived rats developed a preference for either 8% sucrose or 0.2% saccharin over water while thirsty S s did not develop a preference for either of these over water. The results are discussed in terms of incentive theory.
Experimental Evaluation of the Penalty Associated With Micro-Blowing for Reducing Skin Friction

A micro-blowing technique (MBT) experiment was conducted in the Advanced Nozzle and Engine Components Test Facility at the NASA Lewis Research Center. The objectives of the test were to evaluate the pressure-drag penalty associated with the MBT and to provide additional information about the porous plates used for micro-blowing. The results showed that 1 of 12 plates tested could reduce the total drag (skin-friction drag plus pressure drag) below a solid flat plate value. The results of this experiment and prior data showed that a total drag reduction below a solid flat plate value was possible. More tests are needed to find an optimal MBT skin and to find a technique to reduce pressure drag.
A use-case approach to the validation of social modeling and simulation

The modeling and simulation (M&S) community is faced with the task of informing public policy decision makers, from both the defense community and from the civilian sector, of the impact of their decisions on the beliefs, values and interests (BVIs) of the populations in their areas of influence. The M&S techniques used for these types of analyses by necessity challenge the traditional boundaries and methods regarding validation efforts. Given that the analysis of populations is largely intractable via reductionist methodologies, we posit that insight must be garnered through experiment and iteration using simulated societies. Further, the designs of these simulation experiments must be based on the information needs of the community. We discuss the concept of developing social simulations by use case, the validation of data sources for model development, validation techniques guided by usefulness, and a case study approach to validation of social simulations.
Ionization Energy of tert-Butyl-d9 Alcohol and the Appearance Energy of Protonated Acetone: A Nonequilibrium Dissociation

In the present photoionization study of tert-butyl alcohol, the parent ion of the deuterated isotopomer [(CD3)3COH] was observed and an ionization energy (IE) of 9.82 ± 0.02 eV was derived from a s...
Grassroots Innovation for Urban Sustainability: Comparing the Diffusion Pathways of Three Ecovillage Projects

Grassroots innovation literature proposes that ‘intermediately’ situated community-based projects—those which are neither too radical, nor too embedded in the mainstream—play an important cross-contextual bridging role in processes of innovation for sustainable development. This paper explores this intermediacy claim by comparing how three established ecovillage projects engage outsiders and diffuse their lessons learned. Employing comparative case-study methodology, I find that while all three projects successfully replicate alternative practices outside their boundaries—for example through education, outreach, and on-site activities—one project has partnered with municipal planners to translate ‘ecovillage concepts’ into a new zoning category that will facilitate similar development by mainstream actors. The argument is made that the landscape for grassroots innovation is uneven, and that niche-to-regime translation occurs through projects that position themselves as part of two action domains at once.
An extended Kalman filter to estimate human gait parameters and walking distance

In this work, we present a novel method to estimate joint angles and distance traveled by a human while walking. We model the human leg as a two-link revolute robot. Inertial measurement sensors placed on the thigh and shin provide the required measurement inputs. The model and inputs are then used to estimate the desired state parameters associated with forward motion using an extended Kalman filter (EKF). Experimental results with subjects walking in a straight line show that distance walked can be measured with accuracy comparable to a state of the art motion tracking systems. The EKF had an average RMSE of 7 cm over the trials with an average accuracy of greater than 97% for linear displacement.
Environmental Risk Factors for Acquisition of Mycobacterium avium Complex in Persons with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

A case-control study was done to determine risk factors for Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) disease in persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with < 50 CD4+ cells/mm3. In univariate analysis, cases (n = 83) had lower CD4+ cell counts than controls (n = 177) (median, 10 vs. 17/mm3; P < .001) and were more likely to have consumed hard cheese (odds ratio [OR], 5.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.61-18.4) but were less likely to have taken daily showers (OR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.33-0.94). In multivariate analysis, CD4+ cell count < 25/mm3 (OR, 3.58; 95% CI, 1.71-7.49) and consumption of hard cheese (OR, 5.63; 95% CI, 1.58-20.1) remained associated with disease, while daily showering (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.28-0.88) remained protective. Increased risk for MAC disease in persons with HIV infection and low CD4+ cell counts is not associated with exposure to water or a variety of other environmental sources but may be associated with consumption of hard cheese.
Intravascular microstructures in trabecular bone tissues of Tyrannosaurus rex

Abstract Histological analyses of trabecular tissue from the limb bones of a Tyrannosaurus rex revealed the presence of small (average 25 μm) round microstructures in the vascular channels of the bone. These bony tissues otherwise evidenced minimal diagenetic change, and no secondary mineral deposition was observed in the vessel channels. While we have published analyses of the bony tissues of this specimen, we have not published data obtained on these small intravascular microstructures. Several characteristics link these microstructures to endogenous biological components, although their origin is not confirmed, and several hypotheses are considered. A discussion of the meaning of the term ‘organic preservation’ and a suggestion of criteria that should be met to be described as such is included.
On the Rotated Stress Tensor and the Material Version of the Doyle-Ericksen Formula

Doyle & Ericksen [1956, p. 77] observed that the Cauchy stress tensor σ can be derived by varying the internal free energy ψ with respect to the Rie- mannian metric g on the ambient space: σ=2ϱ ∂ψ/∂g. Their formula has gone virtually unnoticed in the literature of continuum mechanics. In this paper we shall establish the material version of this formula: \( \sum { = 2\varrho \partial \bar{\Psi }} /\partial G \) for the rotated stress tensor Σ, and shall address some of the reasons why these formulae are of fundamental significance. Making use of these formulae one can derive elasticity tensors and establish rate forms of the hyperelastic constitutive equations for the Cauchy stress tensor and the rotated stress tensor, as discussed in Sections 4 and 5. The role of the rotated stress tensor in the formulation of continuum theories has been noted by Green & Naghdi [1965]. Generalizations of hypoelasticity based on the use of the rotated stress tensor have been considered by Green & McInnis [1967].
Development of noncryogenic cooled carbon nanotube-based infrared focal plane array with integrated readout circuitry

Infrared (IR) detectors are enormously important for various applications including medical diagnosis, night vision etc. The current bottleneck of high-sensitive IR detectors is the requirement of cryogenic cooling to reduce the noise. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) exhibit low dark current which allows CNTs to work without cooling. This paper presents the development of noncryogenic cooled IR focal plane array (FPA) using CNTs. The FPA consists of an array of CNTbased IR detectors which are sensitive to IR signal at room temperature. The CNT-based detectors can be made by our nanomanufacturing process. And the sensitivity of the detectors at a special wavelength can be achieved by selecting and controlling the bandgap of CNTs during the process. Besides, a readout circuitry has been integrated with the FPA to retrieve signals from the detectors for high throughput applications.
Autocrine interleukin-6/interleukin-6 receptor stimulation in non-small-cell lung cancer.

Autocrine growth factor stimulation resulting in growth self-sufficiency is a hallmark of cancer. Classically, non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells have autocrine epidermal growth factor stimulation through coexpression of receptors and ligands. In addition to epidermal growth factor receptor and other growth factor ligand–receptor autocrine loops, increasing evidence suggests important roles for cytokines in mediating intracellular signaling events important in cell growth and survival. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) has been shown to activate pathways important in tumorigenesis including Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription, phosphotidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling. Using immunohistochemistry, we demonstrate that NSCLC specimens have tumor expression of IL-6 and IL-6 receptor components gp80 and gp130. These results suggest that IL-6 autocrine signaling might contribute to downstream signaling events in NSCLC and further support the concept of multiple autocrine pathways contributing to the pathogenesis of NSCLC.
Potentiation of chlorambucil activity by phenylbutazone

Summary Phenylbutazone increased the cytotoxicity of chlorambucil to L1210 and P388 leukemia cells in vitro by displacing alkylating agent bound to serum of the tissue culture medium. Administration of phenylbutazone with chlorambucil to mice bearing the P388 tumor lowers the dose of chlorambucil required to achieve maximum increase in life span, but also lowers the dose required for host toxicity. No therapeutic advantage is obtained by the combination.
Climate sensitivity due to increased CO2: experiments with a coupled atmosphere and ocean general circulation model

A version of the National Center for Atmospheric Research community climate model — a global, spectral (R15) general circulation model — is coupled to a coarse-grid (5° latitude-] longitude, four-layer) ocean general circulation model to study the response of the climate system to increases of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). Three simulations are run: one with an instantaneous doubling of atmospheric CO2 (from 330 to 660 ppm), another with the CO2 concentration starting at 330 ppm and increasing linearly at a rate of 1% per year, and a third with CO2 held constant at 330 pm. Results at the end of 30 years of simulation indicate a globally averaged surface air temperature increase of 1.6° C for the instantaneous doubling case and 0.7°C for the transient forcing case. Inherent characteristics of the coarse-grid ocean model flow sea-surface temperatures (SSTs) in the tropics and higher-than-observed SSTs and reduced sea-ice extent at higher latitudes] produce lower sensitivity in this model after 30 years than in earlier simulations with the same atmosphere coupled to a 50-m, slab-ocean mixed layer. Within the limitations of the simulated meridional overturning, the thermohaline circulation weakens in the coupled model with doubled CO2 as the high-latitude ocean-surface layer warms and freshens and westerly wind stress is decreased. In the transient forcing case with slowly increasing CO2 (30% increase after 30 years), the zonal mean warming of the ocean is most evident in the surface layer near 30°–50° S. Geographical plots of surface air temperature change in the transient case show patterns of regional climate anomalies that differ from those in the instantaneous CO2 doubling case, particularly in the North Atlantic and northern European regions. This suggests that differences in CO2 forcing in the climate system are important in CO2 response in regard to time-dependent climate anomaly regimes. This confirms earlier studies with simple climate models that instantaneous CO2 doubling simulations may not be analogous in all respects to simulations with slowly increasing CO2.
An assessment of manager/subordinate perceptions of performance appraisal effectiveness

This study postulates that performance appraisal will be effective to the extent that managers and subordinates have a shared perception of its purpose and function and the degree to which it meets the needs of both groups. A two part research project was conducted to: 1) identify manager/subordinate perceptions of the purposes served by the formal performance appraisal process; 2) determine the extent to which these purposes are being satisfied in organizational practice; and 3) assess if managers and subordinates have a shared perception of the effectiveness of the appraisal process. The sample for the study included 36 managers and 143 subordinates from a division of a large Midwest service organization. The results were mixed with regard to the appraisal system effectively accomplishing its diverse goals. However, in general, there was support for the notion that both managers and subordinates find the appraisal process to be a worthwhile organizational practice. Approximately 70% of the respondents indicated that they would participate in the appraisal program whether they were required to do so or not.
Observing arctic coastal hydrography using the REMUS AUV

The region offshore of Barrow, Alaska, between the coast and the eastern flank of Barrow Canyon is an important location along the pathway of Pacific Water flowing from the Bearing Strait to the Arctic Basin. In winter, the region is ice covered and hydrographic observations are difficult to obtain using conventional techniques. The length scales and water depths in this region are well suited to the capabilities of small, propeller driven autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). A series of activities were undertaken in preparation for use of an AUV to measure hydrographic conditions beneath the ice in winter: A pilot study using an AUV to measure temperature, salinity and currents offshore of Point Barrow was carried out over a period of two weeks in the summer of 2005, navigation trials were conducted to document the dead-reckoning performance of the AUV, and a field survey was conducted in March 2008 to assess surface ice conditions and subsurface acoustic ranging performance.
KAR3, a kinesin-related gene required for yeast nuclear fusion

The KAR3 gene is essential for yeast nuclear fusion during mating, and its expression is strongly induced by alpha factor. The predicted KAR3 protein sequence contains two globular domains separated by an alpha-helical coiled coil. The carboxy-terminal domain is homologous to the amino-terminal mechanochemical domain of Drosophila kinesin heavy chain. Mutation of the putative ATP binding site produces a dominant "poison" of nuclear fusion. The mutant protein shows enhanced microtubule association in vivo, as predicted for a kinesin-like protein in a state of rigor binding. Localization of hybrid proteins to cytoplasmic microtubules in shmoos indicates that the amino-terminal domain also contains determinants for microtubule association. Thus, KAR3 is a member of a larger family of kinesin-like proteins characterized by the presence of the mechanochemical domain tethered to different protein binding domains. The phenotypes of kar3 mutants suggest that the protein mediates microtubule sliding during nuclear fusion and possibly mitosis.
The discovery process: what mothers see and do in gaining awareness of the sexual abuse of their children.

Objective The aim of this study was to explore how mothers discovered that their children had been sexually abused. The exploration included learning from whom or in what ways mothers learned about the abuse, whether there were prior suspicions, if actions were taken to determine likelihood of abuse, and the barriers to recognizing abuse.
Two High-Speed Dimensional Measuring Systems

Two high-speed, dimensional measurement systems have been developed. Both have several advantages over conventional measurement systems. Both have been designed around the use of line gratings. The first system measures and controls the flatness of opaque objects to a resolution of 100 microinches. The method is fast, non-contacting, self-calibrating, can be used in a limited access area, and can be applied to moving surfaces. The second system is used to measure and control the width of continuous opaque objects such as tapes. The method is noncontacting, minimizing frictional wear. One thousand measurements per second, at a resolution of 100 microinches, can be made.
Sonication-assisted Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of soybean immature cotyledons: optimization of transient expression.

Sonication-assisted Agrobacterium-mediated transformation (SAAT) tremendously improves the efficiency of Agrobacterium infection by introducing large numbers of microwounds into the target plant tissue. Using immature cotyledons of soybean as explants, we evaluated the effects of the following parameters on transient β-glucuronidase (GUS) activity: cultivars, binary vectors, optical density of Agrobacterium during infection, duration of sonication treatment, co-culture conditions, length of explant preculture and addition of acetosyringone during co-culture. The extent of tissue disruption caused by sonication was also determined. The highest GUS expression was obtained when immature cotyledons were sonicated for 2 s in the presence of Agrobacterium (0.11 OD600nm) followed by co-cultivation with the abaxial side of the explant in contact with the culture medium for 3 days at 27°C. The addition of acetosyringone to the co-culture medium enhanced transient expression. No differences were observed when different cultivars or binary vectors were used. Cotyledons sonicated for 2 s had moderate tissue disruption, while the longer treatments resulted in more extensive damage.
Regulation of estrogen receptor beta mRNA in the brain: opposite effects of 17β-estradiol and the phytoestrogen, coumestrol

Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) are differentially distributed in the brain and likely mediate different estrogen-dependent processes. ERβ is abundant in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, medial preoptic nucleus, paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus and the amygdala of the rat. In the paraventricular nucleus, which is devoid of ERα, ERβ is colocalized with the neuropeptides, oxytocin and vasopressin, suggesting a potential functional role for ERβ in the regulation of these peptides. We examined the regulation of ERβ mRNA expression in the rat brain by 17β-estradiol and the phytoestrogen, coumestrol. 17β-Estradiol treatment decreased ERβ mRNA in situ hybridization signal by 44.5% in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN), but had no effect in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BnST) or the medial preoptic nucleus (MPA). In contrast, dietary exposure to coumestrol increased ERβ mRNA signal by 47.5% in the PVN but had no effect in the BnST or the MPA. These data demonstrate that like ERα, ERβ is down regulated by estrogen in a region specific manner in the rat brain. Furthermore, exposure to coumestrol may modulate ERβ-dependent processes by acting as an anti-estrogen at ERβ. This data contradicts results from cell transfection assays which suggest an estrogenic activity of coumestrol on ERβ, indicating that the mode of action may be tissue specific, or that metabolism of dietary coumestrol may alter its effects. Because the highest concentrations of phytoestrogens are found in legumes, vegetables and grains, they are most prevalent in vegetarian and traditional Asian diets. Understanding the neuroendocrine effects of phytoestrogens is particularly important now that they are being marketed as a natural alternative to estrogen replacement therapy and sold in highly concentrated pills and powders.
Conditional interval estimation of the extreme-value scale parameter following rejection of a pre-test

A conditional confidence interval for the scale parameter of the extrernevalue distribution following a preliminary test is investigated. The conditional confidence interval (CCI) may be shorter than the unconditional confidence interval (UCI) in contrast to the findings for the mean of a normal distribution by Meeks and D'Agostino (1983). The conditional coverage probability of the UCI is obtained by computing the coverage probability under the conditional probability density function. It is shown that the conditional coverage probability of the UCI is not uniformly greater than or less than the nominal level. The UCI is appropriate only when one does not perform any pre-test. However, if a pre-test is performed before the constructicin of a confidence interval, then the appropriate confidence interval is the CCI because the pre-test affects subsequent inference procedures.
The suprarenal glands of a prosimian primate, the lesser bushbaby (Galago senegalensis).

The gross relationships and light microscopic anatomy of the suprarenal gland of a prosimian primate, Galago senegalensis, is described. The left gland is located medial to the pole of the left kidney in a fascial compartment of its own. The right suprarenal is located medial to the pole of the right kidney in intimate apposition to the liver and inferior vena cava. The capsule of the right gland blends with the capsule of the right lobe of the liver and is also contiguous with the adventitia of the inferior vena cava. The histologic appearance of the gland is similar to that of other primate genera. The zona glomerulosa is poorly developed; the zona fasciculata is composed of cell cords and is relatively well developed and the zona reticularis shows no unusual characteristics. The organization of the lipid content of the various cortical zones show a considerably different pattern than previously reported. The zona glomerulosa contains numerous large lipid droplets. In contrast to the bi-laminar pattern of lipid deposition seen in other primates, the Galago shows three distinct layers of lipid droplets in the zona fasciculata. The zona reticularis has a moderate population of lipid droplets essentially similar to that reported in most other forms. The medulla, except for a sparse number of centrally displaced zona reticularis cells, is completely devoid of lipid deposits. The junction of the zona reticularis and medulla is distinct, although a connective tissue capsule is not present.
Dynamics in water-in-oil microemulsions

Studies of the dynamic processes occurring in microemulsions provide information about the nature, structure and stability of these organized assemblies, and facilitate their utilization. The use of established techniques and some novel experimental techniques has aided the investigations of the penetration of probe molecules into reverse micelles, the transient fusion of microemulsion droplets, the electric-field- and laser-induced distortion of droplet shape, and (above threshold values of the perturbation field) linear droplet-chain formation, phase separation and percolation.
SCORE 1+: enhancing a unique mid-infrared spectrograph

SCORE is a cross-dispersed echelle spectrograph, built as a prototype for the Short-High module of SIRTF's IRS instrument. It operates over the 7.5-15 micrometers N-band atmospheric window, and has ben used on Palomar's Hale telescope several times since November, 1996. Since the initial run, a number of improvements have ben undertaken or are in the process being undertaken which enhance SCORE's performance and simplify its operation. One such addition, now completed, is a second detector array which serves as a slit-viewer with 12 inch diameter field of view around the slit. This viewer allows easy acquisition and guidance for sources with dim or absent optical counterparts, and accurately registers the position of the slit on the source with the recorded spectrum. Software written in the IDL environment optimizes the extraction of spectra form SCORE's mid-IR crossed-echelle data. The echelle, while providing the advantage of increased pixel utilization, introduces several difficulties, including curved orders, order cross- talk, and differentially slanted lines. These and other instrumental artifacts must be removed to achieve the highest spectral signal-to-noise. The pixel efficiency will be further increased by the use of a grism predisperser. The grism will provide approximately even spacing between orders of the echelle, in contrast with the decreasing spacing towards shorter wavelength orders generated by the current grating. SCORE is already one of the most powerful short- slit spectrographs operating in this wavelength band, and, with the implementation of these improvements, will deliver even greater capability.
Key Elements in Couples Therapy With Veterans With Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

If a client dealing with combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) presents for psychotherapy, should you consider including his or her partner in treatment? How could couples therapy be beneficial? What framework do you have to conceptualize the relational issues and potential treatment? Although clinicians have long been encouraged to include families in the treatment of combat-related PTSD, few specific couple-family therapies exist, and outcome research is scarce. Because of the adverse effects of PTSD on relationships, couples therapy can be a powerful adjunct treatment; however, few receive this service. A new framework for conceptualizing couples therapy organizes treatment around the 3 PTSD symptom clusters (reexperiencing, avoidance, and arousal). Relationship consequences of each symptom cluster are summarized, followed by useful treatment interventions and a case study.
Conversion of n-butane on H-mordenite catalysts

Conversion of n-butane on various mordenite catalysts have been studied at temperatures ranging within 150–500°C. The isomerization activity of the catalysts is shown to depend on the temperature, mordenite composition and its molar ratio of SiO2/Al2O3.
A range of malar and masseteric hypoplasia exists in Treacher Collins syndrome.

syndrome; Zygoma; Masseter; Volume; Asymmetry; Three-dimensional imaging Summary Background: Treacher Collins syndrome (TCS) is a facial dysostosis, the hallmark being bilateral malar hypoplasia. The purpose of this study is to morphologically classify the TCS malar deformity and to volumetrically characterise both the TCS zygoma and masseter muscle, including for lefteright symmetry, compared to controls. We hypothesise that the TCS zygoma will be smaller than controls and zygomatic deficiency will portend masseteric hypoplasia. Methods: Demographic and computed tomography (CT) data were recorded. The CT scans were converted into three-dimensional facial renderings, and the zygomatic morphology was grossly evaluated. A classification was reported based on malar structure and presence/ absence of normal zygomaticomaxillary complex articulations. The zygoma and masseter muscles were then digitally isolated using 3-D planning software (Materialise, Leuven, Belgium). Volumes and sidedness ratios were calculated and compared using two-sided t-tests. Results: 58 sides were identified (24 TCS: 34 controls), mean age of 60.0 months and normally distributed. The phenotypic dysmorphology was graded as mild, moderate or severe (I, II and III, respectively). TCS malar and masseteric volumes were significantly smaller than controls (p < 0.0001 in both cases). The TCS zygomatic sideeside symmetry ratio was 0.66 � 0.28, compared to 0.97 � 0.02 for controls (p Z 0.002). The TCS masseteric sideeside ratio was 0.74 � 0.20, compared to 0.92 � 0.09 for controls (p Z 0.001). Conclusions: A range of zygomatic hypoplasia exists in TCS (mildesevere). The decrease in malar volume occurs in concert with masseteric hypoplasia, and the left and right sides are not equally affected.
Network integration of ecological extremal principles: exergy, emergy, power, ascendency, and indirect effects

Abstract Self organization in ecosystems has been postulated to be directed by a number of seemingly unrelated goal functions or extremal principles. These include exergy , the useful work content of energy, which measures distance from thermodynamic ground; emergy , which increases in proportion to the number of steps energy has taken away from its point of input to a system; power , which is work per unit time, and can be measured as the total energy flow in an ecosystem; ascendency , which combines a mutual information measure of the distribution of flows in a system network with the total flow; and indirect effects , which concern relationships at a distance in energy networks. S.E. Jorgensen recently obtained high correlations between exergy, emergy, ascendency, and the ratio of indirect to direct effects, in a set of ecosystem models. These results suggest that these optimality criteria may be formally related. This paper shows, for systems at macroscopic steady states, that they are. Exergy, emergy, power, ascendency, and indirect effects all have common origins in the path structure and associated microscopic dynamics of energy and matter flows and storages in ecosystem networks. Thus, these organizational measures, originally derived from different perspectives on ecosystems, are in fact related through a common basis.
High Heat Sink Jet Fuels. 3. On the Mechanisms of Action of Model Refined Chemical Oil/Light Cycle Oil (RCO/LCO)-Derived Stabilizers for JP-8

JP-900 is a generic name representing a future jet fuel that will be required to handle the anticipated thermal stress of ∼900 °F (482 °C) for several hours. In the previous paper in this journal, we showed that the addition, to a JP-8 fuel, of model compounds structurally similar to those potentially derived from the hydrotreatment of refined chemical oil/light cycle oil (RCO/LCO) blends enhances both the thermal oxidative and pyrolytic stability in a flow rig under approximate JP-900 conditions. In this paper, we report model studies designed to clarify the mechanisms by which the model stabilizers (tetralin, α-tetralol, and α-tetralone) function at 250 and 425 °C.
The gold-silicon phase diagram

The temperature and composition of the eutectic reaction in the gold-silicon system have been redetermined. The eutectic temperature was determined by equilibrating specimens containing 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 at. % silicon at temperatures above and below the eutectic and then quenching them into iced brine. Each one was then examined metallographi-cally, and the phases in it were determined using X-ray diffractometry. The eutectic temperature was found to be 363 ±2° C. The eutectic composition was determined by equilibrating specimens on either side of the eutectic above the liquidus line, permitting them to solidify at various rates, and then examining them metallographically and by X-ray diffraction. The eutectic composition was found to be 19.0 ±0.5 at. % silicon. The liquidus line for composition up to 12 at. % silicon was redetermined by equilibrating specimens containing 2, 6, 10 and 12 at. % silicon above and below the liquidus line and then quenching them into iced brine.
Interactions between CPR and defibrillation waveforms: effect on resumption of a perfusing rhythm after defibrillation.

Background: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) improves survival from cardiac arrest. The interactions between CPR and the new biphasic (BiP) defibrillation waveforms have not been defined. Our purpose was to compare the effect of CPR versus no CPR during BiP and damped sinusoidal (DS) shocks on the termination of ventricular fibrillation (VF) and the resumption of a perfusing rhythm. Methods: We studied 20 pigs; VF was induced electrically and allowed to persist for 6 min. During VF episodes each pig received (in random order): (a) 6 min of full CPR (continuous ventilation and closed chest mechanical compression (Thumper, Michigan Instruments)) followed by DS defibrillation at 100 J; (b) no CPR, DS defibrillation; (c) 6 min of full CPR and BiP defibrillation at 100 J; and (d) no CPR, BiP defibrillation. Results: BiP shocks with CPR terminated VF in 83% of attempts versus 45% without CPR (15/18 and 5/11 respectively, P<0.05). DS shocks with CPR were successful in terminating VF in 53% of attempts; DS shocks without CPR were successful in 44% (8/15 and 7/16, respectively, P=NS). No animal achieved a perfusing rhythm after shocks of either waveform if CPR did not precede the shocks during the 6-min VF period, whereas if CPR was administered during VF 46% (11/24) of the combined BiP/DS shocks restored a perfusing rhythm (P<0.01). Conclusion: In this experimental long duration VF model, CPR was essential for a perfusing rhythm after termination of VF by shocks with either waveform. CPR facilitated the termination of VF and resumption of a perfusing rhythm after biphasic waveform defibrillation but not after damped sinusoidal waveform defibrillation.
Charging and the Properties of Alloys

In contrast to pure metals, the electron states in alloys exhibit a charging effect, i.e., a different electronic charge is deposited on each constituent in the alloy for a given state. The criterion for perturbation theory to be valid for an alloy is that the charging effect be small, i.e., the amplitude of an electron state be about the same on each constituent. It is not sufficient that the alloy be dilute. In fact if perturbation theory applies for a dilute alloy, it applies for any concentration. The charging effect is expected to be small, and thus perturbation theory to be valid, when the difference in the valence of the two constitutents is a small fraction of the smaller valence. The charging effect causes the energy of a given electron state in a binary alloy to deviate from a linear interpolation between the values of the pure metals. Such a linear interpolation is what one expects if the band structure is determined only by the average potential. Perturbation theory predicts that the specific heat of a binary solid-solution alloy deviates from a linear interpolation as $K\ensuremath{\alpha}(1\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\alpha})$, where $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ is the fractional amount of one of the constituents and $K$ depends, among other things, on the variation of the potential from the average and on the amount of short-range order in the alloy. Optical measurements at frequencies high compared with the relaxation time of the electrons measure the band structure determined by the average potential only. Experiments have shown that the properties of the Ag-Au alloy system near the Fermi surface can be treated by perturbation theory, and on this basis all of the experimental measurements of this alloy system can be understood, including recent specific-heat measurements. The $d$-band of the Ag-Au alloy system exhibits large charging effects and cannot be treated by perturbation theory.
Antimicrobial resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae: implications for patients with community-acquired pneumonia.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is the leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia. During the past decade, the prevalence of penicillin resistance in S pneumoniae has increased dramatically, with resistance rates approaching 45% in some areas of the United States. Streptococcus pneumoniae has also acquired resistance to other commonly used antimicrobials, including cephalosporins, macrolides, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. While vancomycin and the newer quinolones are currently highly active against most strains of S pneumoniae, reduced susceptibilities to these agents have been identified in some strains. Prior use of antimicrobial agents is the major risk factor for colonization and infection with antibiotic-resistant strains. p-Lactam antibiotics remain the treatment of choice for infections caused by susceptible S pneumoniae. The optimum therapy for penicillin-resistant strains remains unclear. Appropriate empirical therapy for patients with community-acquired pneumonia depends in part on the community-specific resistance patterns of S pneumoniae to various antibiotics. In this article, we provide an overview of the development of S pneumoniae resistance to commonly used antibiotics and discuss the implications of the development of resistance on treatment decisions.