cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Endovascular Irradiation on Platelet Recruitment at Sites of Balloon Angioplasty in Pig Coronary Arteries

Background —Endovascular irradiation (EI) inhibits balloon-induced neointima formation in animals and is now in clinical trials for restenosis prevention. However, little is known of the effect of EI on vessel thrombogenicity due to delayed arterial healing. We investigated EI effects on platelet recruitment in pig coronary arteries. Methods and Results —EI was performed using 90Sr/Y at 0 Gray (Gy), 15Gy, or 30Gy at 2 mm after balloon overstretch injury. At 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month, platelet recruitment and thrombus formation were assessed using autologous 111In-oxine-platelet labeling and light and scanning electron microscopy. In balloon-injured nonirradiated vessels, there was complete reendothelialization at 1 month, and platelet recruitment was similar to normal uninjured arteries. In irradiated vessels, scanning electron microscopy showed incomplete reendothelialization at 1 month, and these areas demonstrated attachment of activated platelets. Light microscopy of irradiated coronaries showed adherent partially organized thrombi and incomplete resolution of intramural hemorrhages. There was a significant increase in platelet recruitment at 1 month in arteries receiving EI at 15Gy (5.1±2.8×106, P =0.02) or 30Gy (12.5±9.9×106, P =0.005) compared with nonirradiated controls (2.7±1.5×106); 30Gy was also higher than 15Gy ( P =0.05). Platelet recruitment was also increased for 30Gy compared with control at 1 day. Conclusions —Endovascular irradiation at 15Gy or 30Gy after balloon angioplasty results in incomplete endothelial recovery, impaired resolution of intramural hemorrhage, and a dose-dependent increase in platelet recruitment at 1 month.
The extremal function for 3-linked graphs

A graph is k-linked if for every set of 2k distinct vertices {s"1,...,s"k,t"1,...,t"k} there exist disjoint paths P"1,...,P"k such that the endpoints of P"i are s"i and t"i. We prove every 6-connected graph on n vertices with 5n-14 edges is 3-linked. This is optimal, in that there exist 6-connected graphs on n vertices with 5n-15 edges that are not 3-linked for arbitrarily large values of n.
Fruit set and cytokinin-like activity in the xylem sap of sweet cherry (Prunus avium) as affected by rootstock

Using a trace-enrichment procedure involving solvent partitioning and high pressure liquid chromatography, followed by bioassay, two cytokinin-like substances believed to be zeatin and zeation riboside were detected in the xylem sap of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.). The levels of cytokinin varied between rootstocks with the higher yielding and fruit setting rootstocks producing the highest cytokinin levels. Most of the cytokinin activity occurred in the spring during bloom and early fruit set. A relationship between cytokinin level in the xylem sap and fruit set is proposed.
Determination of endogenous cytokines in chronic wounds.

ObjectiveThis study objectively characterized the microenvironment of indolent, chronic wounds by developing a method by which minute quantities of cytokines could be extracted from chronic wounds and separately identified.Summary Background DataRecombinant DNA technology and the ability to clone co
NMR studies on Na+ transport in Synechococcus PCC 6311.

The freshwater cyanobacterium Synechococcus PCC 6311 is able to adapt to grow after sudden exposure to salt (NaCl) stress. We have investigated the mechanism of Na+ transport in these cells during adaptation to high salinity. Na+ influx under dark aerobic conditions occurred independently of delta pH or delta psi across the cytoplasmic membrane, ATPase activity, and respiratory electron transport. These findings are consistent with the existence of Na+/monovalent anion cotransport or simultaneous Na+/H+ +anion/OH- exchange. Na+ influx was dependent on Cl-, Br-, NO3-, or NO2-. No Na+ uptake occurred after addition of NaI, NaHCO3, or Na2SO4. Na+ extrusion was absolutely dependent on delta pH and on an ATPase activity and/or on respiratory electron transport. This indicates that Na+ extrusion via Na+/H+ exchange is driven by primary H+ pumps in the cytoplasmic membrane. Cells grown for 4 days in 0.5 m NaCl medium, "salt-grown cells," differ from control cells by a lower maximum velocity of Na+ influx and by lower steady-state ratios of [Na+]in/[Na+]out. These results indicate that cells grown in high-salt medium increase their capacity to extrude Na+. During salt adaptation Na+ extrusion driven by respiratory electron transport increased from about 15 to 50%.
Paracompactness and products

Abstract We investigate paracompactness in the product of a paracompact space Y with a paracompact linearly ordered topological space X, where certain controls are placed on the subspace ηX of points without a compact neighborhood. If ηX is dispersed, then Xα × Y is paracompact for all finite ordinals α. If the Lindelof degree of Y is less than the least cardinal number, for each nϵeta;X, of any collection of neighborhoods whose intersection does not contain n in its interior, then X ×Y is paracompact.
Assessing Screening Policies for Childhood Obesity

To address growing concerns over childhood obesity, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recently recommended that children undergo obesity screening beginning at age 6. An Expert Committee recommends starting at age 2. Analysis is needed to assess these recommendations and investigate whether there are better alternatives. We model the age- and sex-specific population-wide distribution of BMI through age 18 using National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY) data. The impact of treatment on BMI is estimated using the targeted systematic review performed to aid the USPSTF. The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes at age 40 are estimated from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID). We fix the screening interval at 2 years, and derive the age- and sex-dependent BMI thresholds that minimize adult disease prevalence, subject to referring a specified percentage of children for treatment yearly. We compare this optimal biennial policy to biennial versions of the USPSTF and Expert Committee recommendations. Compared to the USPSTF recommendation, the optimal policy reduces adult disease prevalence by 3% in relative terms (the absolute reductions are <1%) at the same treatment referral rate, or achieves the same disease prevalence at a 28% reduction in treatment referral rate. If compared to the Expert Committee recommendation, the reductions change to 6 and 40%, respectively. The optimal policy treats mostly 16-year olds and few children under age 14. Our results suggest that adult disease is minimized by focusing childhood obesity screening and treatment on older adolescents.
Psychological profiles of adult children of alcoholics in search of therapy

Abstract Adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs) and adults from dysfunctional families of origin are increasingly recognized as high risk groups for psychiatric disorders. However, there has been little empirical investigation of the psychological characteristics of these populations. This study compares clinical samples of these two groups using the Symptom Checklist-90, (SCL-90), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Irrational Beliefs Test (IBT), as well as DSM-III-R diagnoses and demographic information. The two groups did not differ significantly on the psychological tests and showed similar demographics and diagnoses. Both groups showed levels of psychopathology comparable to other psychiatric populations. It was concluded that clinical samples of ACOAs and adults from dysfunctional families of origin have many problems of clinical proportion. Assessment and treatment of these groups is best done by properly trained professional staff and because of their similar problems and treatment needs th...
Electrostimulation for intractable delayed emptying of intrathoracic stomach after esophagectomy

Purpose The use of the denervated intrathoracic stomach as esophageal substitute can rarely lead to severe delayed gastric emptying. We describe the use of electrostimulation for this condition. Description Gastric electrical stimulation (GES) is used to treat medically refractory gastroparesis and uses a battery powered neurostimulator connected to the gastric antrum with two electrodes. We implant the electrodes through a right thoracotomy and tunnel them to the right subcostal area where the pacemaker is placed. Evaluation Medically refractory gastroparesis developed in 2 male patients, aged 52 and 60 years, who underwent Ivor-Lewis esophagectomies for esophageal adenocarcinoma and were dependant on jejunostomy feedings. These patients initially had endoscopic placement of temporary stimulating electrodes with significant improvement in symptoms and radionucleotide gastric emptying. The patients subsequently underwent implantation of a permanent GES device. Relief of symptoms was persistent with no nausea or vomiting and a decrease of total symptom score (maximum 20) from 12.5 and 16 to 6 and 9, respectively. Conclusions Patients with intractable delayed gastric emptying after esophagogastrectomy may benefit from a GES device implanted through a thoracotomy.
Russian Entrepreneurial Motive Patterns: A Validation of the Miner Sentence Completion Scale in Russia

This study utilises the Miner Sentence Completion Scale Form T, translated into Russian, to compare the entrepreneurial motivation of 120 Russian managers interested in entrepreneurial activity with an American sample found in Miner (1986). This contrast shows very substantial differences between the two groups. After four years a follow-up study was conducted on the Russian sample. Of the 120 managers who originally took the MSCS, 58 men and women were found actually engaged in running their own businesses. Comparing this follow-up sample with a similar one provided by Miner, Smith, & Bracker (1994) shows very little difference between American and Russian active entrepreneurs. Correlations of MSCS Form T with two criteria of entrepreneurial success show similar positive results for both samples. Implications for use of the test by Russian authorities are discussed. On utilise dans cette recherche l’Echelle de Comple`tement de Phrases de Miner (MSCS) forme T, traduite en russe, pour comparer l’esprit d’entreprise de 120 cadres russes tente´s par l’activite´ d’entrepreneur avec celui d’un e´chantillon ame´ricain e´tudie´ par Miner (1986). Cette confrontation met en e´vidence de tre`s nettes diffe´rences entre les deux groupes. L’e´chantillon russe a e´te´ revu quatre ans plus tard. Sur les 120 cadres du de´part, 58 hommes et femmes furent retrouve´s a` leur compte. La comparaison de cet e´chantillon avec un autre comparable pre´sente´ par Miner, Smith, & Bracker (1994) de´tecte tre`s peu de diffe´rences entre les entrepreneurs actifs russes et ame´ricains. Les corre´lations du MSCS forme T avec deux crite`res de succe`s pour l’entrepreneur de´bouchent sur des re´sultats positifs analogues dans les deux e´chantillons. Le proble`me de l’utilisation du test par les autorite´s russes est aborde´.
Concepts in developing in-process calutron controls

Abstract Methods of identifying problems occurring in the various steps of the electromagnetic separation of isotopes at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have been developed. Most variations in isotopic purity can be traced to separator (calutron) performance, with only minor variations in purity introduced by chemical or mass analysis procedures. The contamination approach used to evaluate and interpret routine and experimental results has been programmed for use in computers. The knowledge of calutron behavior gained in this manner has been applied in efforts to improve the separation process and minimize the number of mass assays required. Experimental work toward stabilizing ion beams is described; however, the improved stability appears to be of value only in separating isotopes of the heavy elements. Simple techniques for detecting charge exchange, for studying changes in contaminating ion currents produced by experimental modifications and for evaluating charge recovery processes are described.
Testing for Nonnormality in Farm Net Returns

Cash returns from farming are expected to be nonnormally distributed under a wide range of joint price-yield distributions. Adequate testing for such nonnormality requires use of proper whitening procedures as well as appropriate statistics. With tests and sample sizes commonly employed, a false imputation of normality often will be made. However, positive correlation between skewness and kurtosis reduces the likelihood of associated decision errors. These results are illustrated with data for
Slippery platelet syndromes in subdural hematoma.

This study investigates platelet dysfunction in patients with subdural hematomas (SDH) using platelet function analysis (PFA). PFA using the PFA-100 (Dade International Inc., Miami, FL) was performed at admission using the collagen–epinephrine and collagen–ADP assays in 58 SDH patients. Clinical and radiologic information was collected. Normal PFA results were present in 36 patients (62%; PFA collagen:epinephrine assay (s) 118 ave; PFA collagen:adenosine diphosphate assay (s) ave 75) and abnormal platelet function in 22 patients (38%; PFA collagen:epinephrine assay (s) 231 average; PFA collagen:adenosine diphosphate assay (s) 124 average). Compared to patients with normal PFA results, patients with abnormal PFA results were more likely to have hypertension (22 vs. 55%; P = 0.01), take clopidogrel (3 vs. 32%; P = 0.001), and use anti-platelet medications and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (22 vs. 59%; P = 0.004). Measurements of baseline CT for midline shift, maximum thickness, presence of blood/fluid levels in the hematoma, and presence of additional sites of intracranial bleeding did not reveal significant differences based on PFA testing. Platelet dysfunction improved after platelet transfusions (PFA collagen:epinephrine assay: baseline 270 s, CI 61 s; after transfusion 124 s, CI 50 s, P < 0.001). Platelet dysfunction was found in 38% of SDH patients. This finding adds to our understanding of the pathophysiology of SDH. Since platelet transfusions are indicated for platelet dysfunction accompanied by major bleeding or need for surgery, these results impact peri-operative management.
Two Gas Turbines Power Generation and Other Applications

This short paper, written as part of a symposium, outlines the status of a gas turbine development, briefly describes the two types of power plant resulting from this development to date, and outlines their applications.
Geological, Geophysical, And Thermal Characteristics Of The Salton Sea Geothermal Field, California

Abstract The Salton Sea Geothermal Field is the largest water-dominated geothermal field in the Salton Trough in Southern California. Within the trough, local zones of extension among active right-stepping right-lateral strike-slip faults allow mantle-derived magmas to intrude the sedimentary sequence. The intrusions serve as heat sources to drive hydrothermal systems. We can characterize the field in detail because we have an extensive geological and geophysical data base. The sediments are relatively undeformed and can be divided into three categories as a function of depth: (1) low-permeability cap rock, (2) upper reservoir rocks consisting of sandstones, siltstones, and shales that were subject to minor alterations, and (3) lower reservoir rocks that were extensively altered. Because of the alteration, inter granular porosity and permeability are reduced with depth. Field permeability is enhanced by renewable fractures, i.e., fractures that can be reactivated by faulting or natural hydraulic fracturing subsequent to being sealed by mineral deposition. In the central portion of the field, temperature gradients are high near the surface and lower below 700 m. Surface gradients in this elliptically shaped region are fairly constant and define a thermal cap, which does not necessarily correspond to the lithologic cap. At the margin of the field, a narrow transition region, with a low near-surface gradient and an increasing gradient at greater depths, separates the high temperature resource from areas of normal regional gradient. Geophysical and geochemical evidence suggest that vertical convective motion in the reservoir beneath the thermal cap is confined to small units, and small-scale convection is superimposed on large-scale lateral flow of pore fluid. Interpretation of magnetic, resistivity, and gravity anomalies help to establish the relationship between the inferred heat source, the hydrothermal system, and the observed alteration patterns. A simple hydrothermal model is supported by interpreting the combined geological, geophysical, and thermal data. In the model, heat is transferred from an area of intrusion by lateral spreading of hot water in a reservoir beneath an impermeable cap rock.
Surgical Treatment of Subluxated Lenses in Children

Background: Surgical removal of subluxated lenses has traditionally been discouraged because of concerns about poor surgical results and unacceptably high complication rates. Methods: The authors reviewed the surgical results of 29 eyes in 15 consecutive patients who were operated on for subluxated lenses. Results: Best-corrected visual acuity improved in all 29 eyes and was limited only by amblyopia. There were no significant complications in follow-up ranging from 5 months to 12 years. Conclusion: Modern surgical techniques using vitrectomy instruments allow the vitreous to be handled more effectively and have led to improved results and lower complication rates. Surgery for subluxated lenses can be done effectively and safely when indicated.
Dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate inhibits pancreatic carcinoma cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo

Background. Dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S) is a potent inhibitor of glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase, the rate limiting enzyme of the hexose monophosphate shunt, a biochemical pathway that provides substrate for DNA synthesis in neoplastic tissue. DHEA-S has been shown to inhibit the growth of neoplasms arriving from human skin, lung, colon, and mammary tissue. This study evaluates the effect of DHEA-S on human pancreatic cancer cell lines in vitro and in vivo. Methods. In vitro, the human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell lines MiaPaCa-2, Capan-1, Capan-2, CAV and Panc-1 were treated with concentrations of 1.9 μmol/L to 1000 μmol/L DHEA-S in 1% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) for 5 consecutive days. Cell proliferation was determined by a nonradioactive cell proliferation assay and compared with DMSO treated controls. In vivo testing was performed by inoculating two cell lines, MiaPaCa-2 and Panc-1, into the flank of 40 male nude athymic mice in four study groups. After 1 week of growth, 667 mg/kg DHEA-S in 1% DMSO or 0.2 ml 1% DMSO alone in the control group was administered by daily intraperitoneal injection. Body weight and tumor size was recorded weekly, and tumor weight was measured after 3 weeks of treatment. Results. In vitro cell proliferation was decreased in the five cell lines by 36% to 62% of controls (p < 0.001) at 500 μmol/L DHEA-S. In vivo, after 2 weeks, tumor size was only 76% (p < 0.008) and 67% (p < 0.005) of the controls. After 3 weeks of treatment, tumor size was 73% (p < 0.001) and 53% (p < 0.001) of controls, and tumor weight was decreased by 73% in MiaPaCa-2 (p < 0.001) and 66% in Panc-1 (p < 0.001). Radioimmunoassay measurements of DHEA-S and testosterone from DHEA-S treated mouse plasma showed a significant increase in circulating levels of these hormones. Conclusions. DHEA-S achieves high serum levels after intraperitoneal injection without elevation of serum testosterone levels and produces no significant toxicity. Treatment with DHEA-S results in a significant reduction of proliferation of human pancreatic cancer cells in culture and when grown as subcutaneous tumors in athymic nude mice.
Daily changes in concentration of pancreatic and serum insulin and of blood glucose during 5 days of treatment of rats with growth hormone, ACTH, cortisol, dexamethasone, and tolbutamide alone and in combinations.

Abstract Rats with or without 0.5% tolbutamide in the diet were injected over a 5-day period with growth hormone, ACTH, cortisol, dexamethasone, or various mixtures of these diabetogenic hormones and the daily alterations in blood glucose (BG), serum (SI), and pancreatic insulin (PI) concentrations followed as well as glucosuria. GH (5 mg/day) increased the insulin concentration in the pancreas and serum without affecting blood glucose. ACTH (80 IU/day) decreased PI and increased SI with only a slight increase in BG. Cortisol and dexamethasone decreased PI and increased SI and BG. The severalfold increase in SI with glucocorticoids always preceded the increase in BG by 12–24 hr. Mixtures of GH with the glucocorticoids increased and quickened the rise in BG and SI and the falls in PI, but the rise in SI always preceded the rise in BG by several hours. During multiple hormonal treatment, PI decreased in magnitude usually for 3–4 days but by the fifth day tended to revert toward normal, showing adaptation. In contrast, BG and SI tended to remain elevated and glucosuria persisted. These data suggest that in spite of the high concentrations of diabetogenic agents used compensatory changes were made by the rat with intact pancreas over a period of 5 or more days. This hormonally induced condition of elevated SI and BG but normal PI is characteristic of insulin resistance. Tolbutamide by itself decreased PI without a rise in SI (except for a temporary increase at 4–8 hr after the first injection) and with only a minor decrease in BG. Most of the changes due to the hormones were accentuated in rats with 0.5% tolbutamide in the diet, suggesting that tolbutamide is diabetogenic because it decreases PI.
Distinct lines of chickens express different splenic cytokine profiles in response to Salmonella Enteritidis challenge

Chicken meat and eggs contaminated with Salmonella result in economic losses in the poultry industry and potential human infection. Intestinal parasites have been shown to lead to a reduction in the utilization of nutrients and performance in poultry. This study provides insight into the immune responses used by hens of 3 genetically distinct chicken lines (broiler, Leghorn, and Fayoumi) in the presence and absence of Salmonella Enteritidis infection. Understanding the range of immune responses used by different lines in response to Salmonella Enteritidis may help the poultry industry genetically select birds that are more pathogen resistant. The splenic mRNA levels of several immune-related genes [IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-18, macrophage inflammatory protein 1β, interferon (IFN)-γ, transforming growth factor β1, and regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed, and secreted (RANTES)] were analyzed by quantitative PCR. Line, challenge, and their interaction were considered fixed effects. Line had a significant effect on the mRNA expression of RANTES (P < 0.02) and IFN-γ (P < 0.03). Broilers expressed significantly more splenic RANTES mRNA than Fayoumis, and significantly more splenic IFN-γ mRNA than Leghorns (P < 0.05). There was a significant interaction of genetic line and challenge on IL-18 (P < 0.02) and IL-6 (P < 0.01) mRNA expression. Although there was a significant interaction of genetic line and challenge for IL-18, Tukey's test analysis only showed differences at a suggestive level (P < 0.1). Bacterial challenge had a significant effect on IL-6 mRNA expression only within the Fayoumi line. Challenged Fayoumis expressed significantly less IL-6 mRNA than nonchallenged Fayoumis (P < 0.05). The observed differences in mRNA expression of selected cytokines support the concept that these distinct genetic lines utilize different immune responses at homeostasis and in response to Salmonella Enteritidis infection.
PB-LRU: a self-tuning power aware storage cache replacement algorithm for conserving disk energy

Energy consumption is an important concern at data centers, where storage systems consume a significant fraction of the total energy. A recent study proposed power-aware storage cache management to provide more opportunities for the underlying disk power management scheme to save energy. However, the on-line algorithm proposed in that study requires cumbersome parameter tuning for each workload and is therefore difficult to apply to real systems.This paper presents a new power-aware on-line algorithm called PB-LRU (Partition-Based LRU) that requires little parameter tuning. Our results with both real system and synthetic workloads show that PB-LRU without any parameter tuning provides similar or even better performance and energy savings than the previous power-aware algorithm with the best parameter setting for each workload.
Growth cones and axon trajectories of the earliest descending serotonergic pathway of Xenopus

Development of the earliest descending serotonin-immunoreactive axons in the Xenopus embryo was examined in order to characterize their growth cone morphologies, growth cone and axon contact patterns, axonal trajectories, and other distinctive features. Axons of this pathway first enter the spinal cord at stage 28. Growth cones are small and show a tendency to bear filopodia, rather than lamellipodia. Axons run parallel to the cord axis and are widely dispersed in the lateral marginal zone, with new axons adding dorsally and laterally. Growth cones do not fasciculate along earlier immunoreactive axons. Axons are usually small in diameter (<1 μm) and unmyelinated. They are distributed among unlabeled axons and usually contact glial cell processes. Sectioned growth cones of this pathway are irregular in contour and, with few exceptions, are located in the most peripheral region of the lateral marginal zone, closely contacting glial endfeet or the basal lamina of the neural tube. Our observations show that growth cones of this pathway are distinctive in morphology and behavior, and that its axons are added according to an orderly pattern. Furthermore, the consistent appearance of growth cones apposed to glial endfeet implies that this association is important for their guidance.
Contamination from electrically conductive silicone tubing during aerosol chemical analysis

Electrically conductive silicone tubing is used to minimize losses in sampling lines during the analysis of airborne particle size distributions and number concentrations. We report contamination from this tubing using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) of filter-collected samples as well as by particle mass spectrometry. Comparison of electrically conductive silicone and stainless steel tubing showed elevated siloxanes only for the silicone tubing. The extent of contamination increased with length of tubing to which the sample was exposed, and decreased with increasing relative humidity.
An eye-movement-contingent probe paradigm.

A new eye-movement-contingent probe task is presented in which readers’ eye movements are monitored as they read sentences and respond to a probe word; the timing of the display of the probe word is dependent on fixation of a target word. The present study examined semantic priming effects. The target word was either related (doctor) or unrelated (lawyer) to the probe word (nurse), and the probe appeared 120, 250, 500, or 750msec after the reader first fixated on the target word. When the probe word appeared (in the location of the target word), the rest of the sentence disappeared until the participant named the probe word. Then the sentence reappeared, and the participant continued reading the sentence. Naming times to the probe word were recorded, as was sentence reading time and the eye movement behavior relative to the onset of the probe word. Priming effects were observed, since probe reaction time to related probes was faster than that to unrelated probes. Ways in which this paradigm can be used to study various issues in language processing are discussed.
Documenting the Effect and Cost of Public Health Nursing Field Services

With the current economic trend toward limiting programs, public health nurses must define their services and examine the cost effectiveness of their actions or interventions to maintain fiscal support. Prevention-oriented field nursing service is difficult to measure in relation to outcome and cost due to its qualitative nature and location in bureaucratic systems. The experience of a pilot study involving public health nurse activity in a federal preventive health program for children suggested steps for documentating impact and costs.
A method for measurement of local specific interfacial area

A mathematical relation between local specific interfacial area 1/L S and measurable quantities is derived based on kinematics and geometry alone. The relation indicates that 1/L S can be unambiguously measured provided that the passage of interfaces through fixed locations in the two-phase field can be detected experimentally. A quadruple-sensor electrical resistivity probe technique for measurement of 1/L S is described. Limitations of the technique are briefly discussed
Death of a Salesman: Birth of a Knowledge Broker

Call centres have emerged as an important channel for the sale of infrequently purchased goods and services. The purpose of this paper is to examine the predictors of sales agent performance and their changed role in inbound call centres. Two independent samples were taken from a single inbound call centre, the first taken during a peak sales week, and the second from an off–peak sales week. PLS was used to model the relationship between agent tenure, selling time, administrative time and sales performance metrics. Agent tenure was found to have a limited effect on sales performance. Increased selling time and reduced administrative time increased both sales performance metrics. Both of these findings are contrary to traditional sales and call centre management theory. From these results it is apparent that adaptive selling techniques are required to deal with the reduced information asymmetry in the information age.
Seismic‐volcanic workshop strengthens international cooperation

The convergent boundary between the North American and Pacific plates begins at the Yakutat “corner” and sweeps westward across Alaska and the Aleutian Islands to the Kamchatka “corner.” There it abruptly turns south and continues through the Kurile Islands to Hokkaido and Northern Honshu (Figure 1). This region holds much scientific promise and mystery, and the first International Seismic-Volcanic Workshop on Kamchatkan-Aleutian Subduction Processes, held last summer, directed attention to it. The region contains nearly 20% of the world's active subaerial volcanoes and is one of the world's most seismically active areas. Yet surprisingly it is one of the least monitored and understood areas on Earth.
INHIBITION OF REFLEX VAGAL BRADYCARDIA BY A CENTRAL ACTION OF 5-HYDROXYTRYPTOPHAN

Abstract 1 Vagally mediated reflex bradycardia was elicited in spinal cats with intravenous pressor doses of noradrenaline. Administration of 5-hydroxytryptophan (1.5 and 3 mg total dose) into the fourth cerebral ventricle reduced the reflex bradycardia. 2 Inhibition of central amino acid decarboxylase with R044602 prevented the effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan. After intravenous administration of 5-hydroxytryptophan, vagal reflex bradycardia was not affected. 3 Results suggest that 5-hydroxytryptophan acts in the CNS to inhibit baroreceptor-mediated vagal reflex bradycardia and that action is mediated via conversion to 5-hydroxytryptamine.
Parkin-associated Parkinson’s disease

Mutations in the PARK2 gene coding for parkin cause autosomal recessive juvenile parkinsonism (AR-JP), a familial form of Parkinson's disease (PD). Parkin functions as an E3 ubiquitin ligase, and loss of this ubiquitin ligase activity appears to be the mechanism underlying pathogenesis of AR-JP. Recently, the spectrum of genetic, clinical, and pathological findings on AR-JP has been significantly expanded. Moreover, a considerable number of parkin interactors and/or substrates have been identified and characterized, and animal models of parkin deficiency have been generated. In this review, we provide an overview of the most relevant findings and discuss their implications for the pathogenesis of AR-JP and sporadic PD.
Cyclosporine consensus conference: With emphasis on the treatment of psoriasis ☆ ☆☆ ★

Abstract Cyclosporine has been in worldwide use for 15 years for patients who have undergone transplantation operations and is now being used to control inflammatory reactions in other organs (eg, joints, bowel, and skin). Neoral, a more consistently absorbed form of cyclosporine, has recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of psoriasis. This report outlines the indications, contraindications, dosage recommendations, monitoring requirements, adverse events, drug interactions, interactions with other psoriasis treatments, and suggestions for cyclosporine's use in rotational therapy. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1998;39:464-75.)
ON THE STABILITY OF SURFACES OF STRESSED SOLIDS

A simple linear stability analysis is presented which demonstrates that the nominally flat surface of an elastically stressed body is unstable with respect to the growth of perturbations with wavelengths greater than a critical wavelength. For a solid, constrained in one dimension and subject to a uniform dilatation, this wavelength scales as y/Z/u', where y is the surface energy, E is Young's modulus, and D is the nominal stress associated with the constrained dilatation. The maximally unstable mode depends on the manner of matter transport (surface diffusion and evaporation/condensation are considered). The predicted wavelength of the instability is consistent with observations of thin InGaAs films grown on GaAs.
Analysis and Design of a Transformer-Feedback-Based Wideband Receiver

This paper proposes a multistage transformer-feedback-based design approach for a high fractional-bandwidth (fBW) IF stage in a 60-GHz heterodyne receiver. An in-depth analysis of source-to-gate transformer-feedback amplifiers, including the design of the matching network, is presented. Analytic expressions for the input resistance, quality factor, and noise figure (NF) as a function of the transformer turns-ratio (n ) and magnetic coupling factor (k) are derived. To validate the proposed analysis, a wideband IF amplifier and mixer were designed in a 40-nm CMOS process. From measured results, this device achieves a 16% -3-dB fBW, a peak power gain of 27.6 dB, an NF of 5.3 dB while consuming 28.8 mW from a 0.9-V supply.
Nutritional parameters and short term outcome in arthroplasty.

Objective Advances in surgical techniques and management of arthroplasty patients have contributed to a significant reduction in surgical complication rates. Preoperative nutritional status has a significant impact on surgical outcome. Studies have reported improved outcomes in burn and hip fracture patients receiving nutritional supplementation during their recoveries. Our objective was to assess the effects of preoperative nutritional status on the incidence of complications, resource consumption, and length of stay of patients undergoing hip and knee replacement surgery. Methods One hundred and nineteen patients were evaluated. Standard preoperative laboratory tests were performed on all patients. Medical severity of illness was assessed on all patients using the Charlson Comorbidity Index. Anesthesia and surgical time was recorded. Short term outcome was assessed utilizing hospital charges as a measure of resource consumption, length of stay (LOS), in-hospital consults and the presence and number of complications during hospitalization. Non-parametric Kruskall Wallis and chi-square statistical analyses were performed. A p value Results Mean age was 64.6 years +/-15.62. 52.9% had osteoarthritis (OA), 4.2% had rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 5.9% had osteonecrosis (ON), 9.2% had a hip fracture and 28% had a failed total knee arthroplasty (TKA) or total hip arthroplasty (THA). Mean albumin and total lymphocyte count (TLC) were 38.5 g/L +/-4.78 SD and 1884 cells/microL +/-762 SD, respectively. Patients with albumin levels less than 34 g/L had 32.7% higher charges ($50,108+/-8203 SE vs. $33,720+/-1128 SE, p Conclusions Our data demonstrate that preoperative nutritional status is an excellent predictor of short term outcome. Serum albumin and TLC correlate with resource consumption, length of stay and operative time in patients undergoing joint replacement surgery. These parameters may be improved with nutritional supplementation prior to surgery.
Global Public Leadership in a Technological Era

Good (ethical and effective) global public leadership—by national politicians, intergovernmental and nongovernmental international organizational leaders, multinational corporate leaders, and technoscientists—will make a significant positive difference in our global system’s capacity to solve contemporary and futuristic global problems. High levels of social, economic, political, and ethical vision; expert communication; strategic thinking; and contextual and emotional intelligence by leaders and followers will be needed to interpret global problematic situations and contexts, determine the probable causal mechanisms at work in bringing about global problems, and arrive at global, national, and local solutions. We live in dangerous times. For our globalizing—disseminating and converging—technologies present problems and system-destroying possibilities that challenge the common goods of all humanity, other species, and the biosphere. In these uncertain and complex times, the need for effective and ethical ...
Determination of Equilibrium Constants for Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization

Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) equilibrium constants (KATRP) were determined using modified Fischer's equations for the persistent radical effect. The original Fischer's equations could be used only for low conversion of CuI to X−CuII and consequently for relatively low values of KATRP. At higher conversion to X−CuII (>10%) and for larger values of KATRP (>10-7), modified equations that take into account the changes in catalyst and initiator concentrations should be used. The validity of new equations was confirmed by detailed kinetic simulations. UV−vis spectrometric and GC measurements were used to follow the evolution of X−CuII species and the initiator concentration, respectively, and to successfully determine values of KATRP for several catalysts and alkyl halides. The effect of structure on reactivities of ATRP components is presented.
Computer experiments for the analysis of extreme-value phenomena

The analysis of extreme values occupies an important role in the study of many physical phenomena. In many instances, measurements of the phenomenon of interest form a time series in which successive observations are statistically dependent (i.e., autocorrelated), and frequently the probabilities of occurence of extreme values of such sequences are of interest. However, the presence of autocorrelation very often does not permit analytical approaches for obtaining such probabilities and related statistical properties. This study proposes the use of computer experiments in the analysis of extreme-value phenomena in such cases, and, in particular, the use of computer experiments to quantify the effect of dependence in the underlying sequence on the statistical properties of the extreme values. Computer experiments are described for the investigation of the statistical behavior of the maximum value of an underlying sequence exhibiting an exponential-type correlation structure. Statistical descriptors of the maximum such as its distribution functions and selected moments (e.g., mean and variance) are determined, and the effects of varying degrees of autocorrelation are quantified. Effects of other variables, such as the size of the underlying sequences, also are examined and discussed.
Itinerant exosomes: emerging roles in cell and tissue polarity

Cells use secreted signals (e.g. chemokines and growth factors) and sophisticated vehicles such as argosomes, cytonemes, tunneling nanotubes and exosomes to relay important information to other cells, often over large distances. Exosomes, 30–100-nm intraluminal vesicles of multivesicular bodies (MVB) released upon exocytic fusion of the MVB with the plasma membrane, are increasingly recognized as a novel mode of cell-independent communication. Exosomes have been shown to function in antigen presentation and tumor metastasis, and in transmitting infectious agents. However, little is known about the biogenesis and function of exosomes in polarized cells. In this review, we discuss new evidence suggesting that exosomes participate in the transport of morphogens and RNA, and thus influence cell polarity and developmental patterning of tissues.
Redefining teaching, re‐imagining teacher education

In this article, the authors provide an argument for future directions for teacher education, based on a re‐conceptualization of teaching. The authors argue that teacher educators need to attend to the clinical aspects of practice and experiment with how best to help novices develop skilled practice. Taking clinical practice seriously will require teacher educators to add pedagogies of enactment to an existing repertoire of pedagogies of reflection and investigation. In order to make this shift, the authors contend that teacher educators will need to undo a number of historical divisions that underlie the education of teachers. These include the curricular divide between foundations and methods courses, as well as the separation between the university and schools. Finally, the authors propose that teacher education be organized around a core set of practices in which knowledge, skill, and professional identity are developed in the process of learning to practice during professional education.
Empirical assessment of the detection efficiency of CR-39 at high proton fluence and a compact, proton detector for high-fluence applications.

CR-39 solid-state nuclear track detectors are widely used in physics and in many inertial confinement fusion (ICF) experiments, and under ideal conditions these detectors have 100% detection efficiency for ∼0.5–8 MeV protons. When the fluence of incident particles becomes too high, overlap of particle tracks leads to under-counting at typical processing conditions (5 h etch in 6N NaOH at 80 °C). Short etch times required to avoid overlap can cause under-counting as well, as tracks are not fully developed. Experiments have determined the minimum etch times for 100% detection of 1.7–4.3-MeV protons and established that for 2.4-MeV protons, relevant for detection of DD protons, the maximum fluence that can be detected using normal processing techniques is ≲3 × 106 cm−2. A CR-39-based proton detector has been developed to mitigate issues related to high particle fluences on ICF facilities. Using a pinhole and scattering foil several mm in front of the CR-39, proton fluences at the CR-39 are reduced by more th...
Dependence of Pore-to-Core Up-scaled Reaction Rate on Flow Rate in Porous Media

Due to inherent heterogeneities in structure, mineral placement and fluid velocity in rock, bulk reaction rates realized during reactive flow through porous media may differ significantly from that predicted by laboratory-measured rate laws. In particular, rate laws determined in batch reactor experiments do not capture any of the flow dependence that will be experienced in the porous medium. Based on network flow model simulations of anorthite and kaolinite reactions in two sandstone pore networks under acidic conditions commensurate with CO2 sequestration, we compute up-scaled reaction rates at the core scale and investigate the dependence of the observed reaction rates on flow rate. For the anorthite reaction which, under these acidic conditions is far from equilibrium and dominated by pH, we find a power law dependence of reaction rate on flow rate. For the kaolinite reaction, which is near equilibrium, a more complex dependence emerges, with the up-scaled rate tending to rapidly increasing net precipitation at low-flow rates, then reversing and tending toward net dissolution at high-flow rates.
Temporal Lobe pHi and IQ: No Consistent Correlation

Abstract Medial temporal lobe pHi and IQ were compared in 33 men and women undergoing evaluation for epilepsy surgery. No consistent correlation between medial temporal lobe pHi and IQ measures was observed. pHi measures from the two hemispheres were poorly correlated. We were unable to replicate the report of Rae, et al. (1996) of a significant positive correlation between brain pHi and IQ.
On groups of finite Morley rank with a split BN-pair of rank 1

Abstract We study groups of finite Morley rank with a split BN-pair of Tits rank 1 in the case where the normal complement to B ∩ N in B is infinite and abelian. For such groups, we give conditions ensuring that the standard action of G on the cosets of B is isomorphic to the natural action of PSL 2 ( F ) on P 1 ( F ) for F an algebraically closed field. In particular, we show that SL 2 ( F ) and PSL 2 ( F ) are the only infinite quasisimple L ⁎ -groups of finite Morley rank possessing a split BN-pair of Tits rank 1 where the normal complement to B ∩ N in B is infinite abelian. Our approach is through the theory of Moufang sets and is tied to work attempting to classify the abelian Moufang sets of finite Morley rank.
Ultrastructure of Babesia major vermicules from the tick Haemaphysalis punctata as demonstrated by negative staining

The ultrastructure of Babesia major vermicules was studied in samples derived from the haemolymph of Haemaphysalis punctata adults and negatively stained with phosphotungstic acid. Most of the organelles observed were typical of those found in apicomplexan parasites. These were the apical complex with the polar ring and the ribs, micronemes and subpellicular microtubules. The number of ribs was 27 or 28. The outer membrane of the pellicle was composed of a large number of fibrils running along the length of the parasite. The inner membrane had large numbers of irregularly scattered holes. A cytoplasmic organelle similar to the granular body described in Theileria annulata ookinetes was seen for the first time in a B. major vermicule.
Analysis of pressure derivative data of hydraulically fractured wells by the Tiab's Direct Synthesis technique

Abstract This paper extends Tiab's Direct Synthesis (TDS) technique for interpreting the behavior of the pressure and pressure derivative data of a well intersected by a finite conductivity hydraulic fracture. In this technique log–log plots of pressure and pressure derivative data of a pressure drawdown or pressure buildup test are analyzed without using the type-curve matching or regression procedures. A log–log plot of pressure and pressure derivative versus test time for a fractured well in a closed system may reveal the presence of several straight lines corresponding to different flow regimes; bilinear flow, linear flow, infinite-acting radial flow, and pseudosteady state flow. The slopes and points of intersection of these straight lines are unique and therefore can be used to calculate several well, reservoir and fracture parameters: permeability, skin factor, wellbore storage coefficient, fracture conductivity, half-fracture length, and drainage area. Equations corresponding to the points of intersection are very useful in checking on the parameters obtained from the slopes, when the pressure derivative curve is not smooth. A new equation is derived for calculating (a) the half-fracture length in the absence of the linear flow regime straight line of slope 0.5 such as in the case of low conductivity fracture, (b) the fracture conductivity in the absence of the bi-linear flow line of slope 0.25, and (c) the skin factor in the absence of the infinite acting radial flow line such as in the case of a short test.