cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dissolution of an esophageal bezoar with pancreatic enzyme extract.

Pharmacy, Wake Forest University, School of Medicine, WinstonSalem, North Carolina. Presented at the 63rd annual meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology, October 1998, Boston, Massachusetts, as a Clinical Vignette (Am J Gastroenterol 1998;93:1720). Reprint requests: Benoit C. Pineau, MD, FRCP(c), Division of Gastroenterology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157. Copyright © 2001 by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy 0016-5107/2001/$35.00 + 0 37/4/115318 doi:10.1067/mge.2001.115318 R Gupta, M Share, B Pineau Dissolution of an esophageal bezoar with pancreatic enzyme extract
Science Envy in Theories of Religion

Recent theorizing about religion has largely shifted from the cultural to the biological domain. This, however, comes with a cost. To explore this in greater detail, the present essay is divided into three parts: first, I seek to reclaim and redefine what usually passes for the “phenomenology” of religion in the writings traditionally associated with likes of Gerardus van der Leeuw, often by way of Mircea Eliade. I seek to take an initial, tentative step in this reclamation by returning to an admittedly idiosyncratic reading of one version of Heidegger’s philosophy that emerges from the pages of his Sein und Zeit . Second, to show how this new theorizing, rather than contribute to the dubious and quasi-theological discourses associated with the philosophy of religion, enables us to focus with renewed energy upon the constant process of self- and group making. In the third section, I try to nudge (with the aim of perhaps dislodging) what could well become the new regnant discourse of current theorizing about religion.
Dislocation velocities in cubic zirconia (ZrO2) single crystals

Abstract Dislocation velocities between 1100 and 1450°C in 9·4mol.%Y2O3 fully stabilized cubic ZrO2 single crystals were studied using the stress pulse-etch-pit technique. The stress and temperature dependences of the edge and screw dislocation velocities were measured at engineering stresses from 60 to 185 MPa. The activation energy for motion of the edge dislocations (5·0 ± 0·0·4 eV) is slightly lower than that for screw dislocations (5·6±0·6eV). At the lower end of the temperature range, the stress exponent m of the edge dislocation velocities is close to unity but increases modestly (to about 3·6) with increasing temperature. With reasonable choice of parameters, the data can be attributed to a Peierls potential, to jog dragging or to solute pinning.
ESOPHAGECTOMY FOR CANCER

We are faced with the challenge of treating, palliating, or curing esophageal cancer, considered by some to be the most insidious of cancers. This article acquaints the reader with historic milestones regarding resection of esophageal cancer, preoperative evaluation and preparation, and the various techniques currently being used to perform esophagectomy for cancer.
Preparation of ultrafine Cu and SnO2 particles by d.c. magnetron sputtering

Abstract Ultrafine particles of copper and SnO 2 were prepared by particle nucleation and growth in the gas phase using d.c. magnetron sputtering. Particles of both materials exhibited octahedral habits, were cystalline with a narrow particle size distribution and were of high purity. This study verified the feasibility of producing ultrafine particles in the size range 15–60 nm for copper and 5–25 nm for SnO 2 cassiterite. The principal process variables studied were gas pressure, power on the target and substrate temperature. This sputtering method for ultrafine particles is characterized by a higher gas pressure (200–1100 mTorr) and a higher power level (1–3 kW) compared with the conventional sputter deposition process for films, which involves operation at pressures in the range 0.1–10 mTorr.
Ecological contrasts between bacterial species commonly found in impetigo

An opportunity to study the interrelationships between and the significance of the two bacterial species commonly associated with impetigo was provided by intensive observatins on 38 children in a population with endemic skin infections. Cultures of the respiratory tract, 3 normal skin sites and lesions (when present) were done 3 times weekly from July to October 1969. Impetigo developed in all children. Group A streptococci alone were recovered from 21% of 361 lesions, staphylococci alone from 14% and both from 62%. Lesions in early stages (before crusitng) were more often pure streptococcal (34%) than staphylococcal (8%). Phage type 75 accounted for the majority of the staphylococcal isolates from all sites. 74 lesions were serially cultured at least 3× each (mean 4.9×) over a period of 6 days or longer (mean 12.6 days) until healing occurred. Of 17 initially pure streptococcal lesions 41% remained so, 59% became mixed and none became staphylococcal. Of 54 initially mixed lesions 69% remained so, 24% became streptococcal and only 7% became staphylococcal. Of the 3 initially pure staphylococcal lesions 2 became mixed. In 85% of the instances, the same streptococcal serotype was recovered repeatedly from a lesion. However, staphylococcal phage types changed in 57% of instances. In contrast to the sequence of spread of streptococci from normal skin sites to lesions to respiratory tract, staphylococci from normal skin sites to lesions to respiratory tract, staphylococci spread from the respiratory tract to normal skin to lesions. These studies reveal important differences in the migration of streptococci and staphylococci to various body sites and suggest a subsidiary role for staphylococci in impettiginoous lesions yielding both organisms.
Organics on Mars

Abstract Organics are expected to exist on Mars based on meteorite infall, in situ production, and any possible biological sources. Yet they have not been detected on the martian surface; are they there, or are we not capable enough to detect them? The Viking gas chromatograph–mass spectrometer did not detect organics in the headspace of heated soil samples with a detection limit of parts per billion. This null result strongly influenced the interpretation of the reactivity seen in the Viking biology experiments and led to the conclusion that life was not present and, instead, that there was some chemical reactivity in the soil. The detection of perchlorates in the martian soil by instruments on the Phoenix lander and the reports of methane in the martian atmosphere suggest that it may be time to reconsider the question of organics. The high-temperature oxidizing properties of perchlorate will promote combustion of organics in pyrolytic experiments and may have affected the ability of both Phoenix's organ...
LUTEOTROPHIC, IMMUNOLOGIC AND ELECTROPHORETIC PROPERTIES OF HUMAN PLACENTAL LACTOGEN.

A previously described potent lactogenic fraction of the human placenta was shown to be closely related, immunologically, to human pituitary growth hormone. The potent luteotrophic effects of human placental lactogen (HPL), as well as those of sheep prolactin and human pituitary growth hormone, are demonstrated by the maintenance of induced decidual reactions after hypophysectomy in pseudopregnant rats. Further evidence of the immunologic and biologic specificity of the cross-reaction of HPL with an antiserum to human pituitary growth hormone, including its immunologic differentiation from human chorionic gonadotrophin, is provided by comparisons in a series of studies utilizing electrophoretic, immunologic and biologic inhibition assays. These studies thus provide biologic and immunologic means of testing for the presence of HPL in the tissues and sera of human pregnancy.
Studies on the role of Cux1 in regulation of the onset of joint formation in the developing limb.

Joint formation, the onset of which is characterized by the segmentation of continuous skeletal rudiments into two or more separate elements, is a fundamental aspect of limb pattern formation, playing a critical role in determining the size, shape, and number of individual skeletal elements. Joint formation is initiated by conversion of differentiated chondrocytes at sites of presumptive joints into densely packed nonchondrogenic cells of the joint interzone. This conversion is accompanied by loss of Alcian blue-staining cartilage matrix and downregulation of cartilage-specific gene expression. Here, we report that Cux1, which encodes a transcription factor containing a homeodomain and other DNA-binding motifs, is highly expressed at all of the discrete sites of incipient joint formation in the developing limb concomitant with conversion of differentiated chondrocytes into interzone tissue. Moreover, differentiated limb chondrocytes in micromass cultures infected with a Cux1 retroviral expression vector are converted into nonchondrogenic cells which exhibit loss of Alcian blue cartilage matrix and downregulation of cartilage-specific gene expression as occurs at the onset of normal joint formation. These results suggest that Cux1 is involved in regulating the onset of joint formation by facilitating conversion of chondrocytes into nonchondrogenic cells of the interzone.
Acute effects of bromocriptine, cyproheptadine, and valproic acid on plasma adrenocorticotropin secretion in Nelson's syndrome.

Previous studies have found that bromocriptine, cyproheptadine, and valproic acid can reduce ACTH secretion in Nelson’s syndrome, but none of these agents has achieved widespread use due to their failure to normalize ACTH in most patients. The current study was undertaken to determine whether these three agents, which act through different mechanisms, decrease plasma ACTH synergistically when administered together. Six adult female patients (mean age, 41 yr) with Nelson’s syndrome were studied. ACTH was measured every 20 min for 8 h, 2 h before and 6 h after each of the following six treatments: placebo, bromocriptine (2.5 mg), cyproheptadine (8 mg), valproic acid (1 g), cyproheptadine plus valproic acid, and the combination of all three drugs. The sequence of treatments was determined randomly, and there was an interval of at least 2 days between each treatment. The hourly ACTH values were averaged, and the percent maximal suppression of plasma ACTH, relative to the baseline values before drug administra...
Radiation increases invasion of gene-modified mesenchymal stem cells into tumors.

Purpose Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells in the bone marrow that have been found to migrate to tumors, suggesting a potential use for cancer gene therapy. MSCs migrate to sites of tissue damage, including normal tissues damaged by radiation. In this study, we investigated the effect of tumor radiotherapy on the localization of lentivirus-transduced MSCs to tumors. Methods and Materials MSCs were labeled with a lipophilic dye to investigate their migration to colon cancer xenografts. Subsequently, the MSCs were transduced with a lentiviral vector to model gene therapy and mark the infused MSCs. LoVo tumor xenografts were treated with increasing radiation doses to assess the effect on MSC localization, which was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. MSC invasion efficiency was determined in an invasion assay. Results MSCs migrated to tumor xenografts of various origins, with few cells found in normal tissues. A lentiviral vector efficiently transduced MSCs in the presence, but not the absence, of hexadimethrine bromide (Polybrene). When LoVo tumors were treated with increasing radiation doses, more MSCs were found to migrate to them than to untreated tumors. Irradiation increased MSC localization in HT-29 and MDA-MB-231, but not UMSCC1, xenografts. Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 expression in tumors did not correlate with the basal levels of MSC infiltration; however, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 was modestly elevated in irradiated tumors. Media from irradiated LoVo cells stimulated MSC invasion into basement membranes. Conclusion These findings suggest that radiation-induced injury can be used to target MSCs to tumors, which might increase the effectiveness of MSC cancer gene therapy. The production of tumor-derived factors in response to radiation stimulates MSC invasion.
Organizational Change-Too Much, Too Soon?

ABSTRACT Recent changes in government policies and practices, especially managed care, have led many nonprofit organizations to embrace collaboration as a competitive strategy. This article presents a case study of a large human service agency that has adopted a management service organization (MSO) model, a type of collaboration particularly suited to handling third-party contracts, at the urging of the founding CEO. A new governance model was also adopted. Using chronology as an analytical approach, the case examines key decisions made by professional and lay leaders during four distinct stages of organizational development. The actions taken by the board of directors to restore financial stability and protect the organization's reputation after learning from the CEO of the existence of a significant deficit demonstrate the need for strategic planning and better communication among all relevant parties involved in a collaboration.
Differential evolutionary algorithm for TCSC-based controller design

Abstract In this paper, a systematic procedure for modelling, simulation and optimal tuning the parameters of a thyristor controlled series compensator (TCSC) controller, for the power system stability enhancement is presented. The design problem of the proposed controller is formulated as an optimization problem and differential evolution (DE) is employed to search for optimal controller parameters. A detailed analysis on the selection of objective function and controller structure on the effectiveness of the TCSC controller is carried out and simulation results are presented. The dynamic performance TCSC controller under various loading and disturbance conditions are analyzed and compared. Finally, the proposed design approach is extended to a multi-machine power system for simultaneous design of multiple and multi-type controllers.
Pain tolerance: Economic voting in the Czech Republic

Several theoretical explanations have been proposed to explain the mixed evidence of economic voting in post-communist countries. Using aggregate-level data, this article relaxes the assumption of parameter constancy and employs rolling regression analysis to track fluctuations in parameters over time. The results contradict the existing theories of economic voting in postcommunist countries. As an alternative explanation, the article suggest that voters have a level of pain tolerance below which the economy will not play a role in evaluations of the government; voters will use economic indicators to punish and reward incumbent government only if the economic indicators exceed their pain tolerance. For example, in the Czech Republic, voters will not start punishing the incumbent party until inflation climbs above 13.44%. However, Czech voters are less tolerant of unemployment and will punish the incumbent when unemployment exceeds 8.82%.
Movement and identification of a creosote-derived PAH complex below a river pollution point source

High pressure liquid chromatography was used to determine the identity of a black, oily leachate seeping into a spring-fed river. The leachate was identified as creosote by comparing a sample of the material to a sample of commercial creosote. As creosote contains a complex mixture of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), the direct introduction of creosote into a stream system provided an opportunity to study the kinetics of these hydrocarbons as sediment contaminants below the creosote source. Concentrations of PAH, calculated on the basis of the amounts of organic matter contained in the sediments, declined rapidly below the point source in a form readily approximated by double exponential equations. An important aspect of the pattern of decline encountered was that concentrations tended to become asymptotic. As a result, the river's sediments became contaminated over a considerable distance.
Variations in the Influence of Parental Socialization of Anxiety among Clinic Referred Children

This study examined the relations between parental socialization of child anxious behaviors (i.e., reinforcement, punishment, modeling, transmission of information) and child anxiety and related problems at varying child sensitivity levels. Data corresponding to 70 clinic-referred children (M age = 9.86 years; 50 % girls; 49 % Hispanic/Latino, 51 % Caucasian) showed that for children with low (but not high) anxiety sensitivity, anxiety-related parental socialization behaviors were associated with more child anxiety and depression symptoms. Findings also indicated that parental socialization of anxious behaviors and anxiety sensitivity functioned similarly in the prediction of anxiety and depression across Caucasian and Hispanic/Latino children. There were no significant mean level variations across child sociodemographic characteristics in general, but anxiety-promoting parenting behaviors were twice as high in Hispanic/Latino compared to Caucasian families.
Fovea and vessel detection via a multi-resolution parameter transform

A multi-resolution, parallel approach to retinal blood vessel detection has been introduced that can also be used as a discriminant for fovea detection. Localized adaptive thresholding and a multi-resolution, multi-window Radon transform (RT) are utilized to detect the retinal vascular system. Multi-window parameter transforms are intrinsically parallel and offer increased performance over conventional transforms. Large vessels are extracted in low-resolution mode, whereas minor vessels are extracted in high-resolution mode further increasing computational efficiency. The image is adaptively thresholded and then the multi-window RT is applied at the different resolution levels. Results from each level are combined and morphologically processed to improve final performance. A systematic approach has been implemented to perform fovea detection. The algorithm relies on a probabilistic method to perform initial segmentation. The intensity image is re-mapped into probability space to detect areas with low-probability of occurrence. Intensity and probability information are coupled to produce a binary image that contains potential fovea candidates. The candidates are discriminated based upon their location within the blood vessel network.
How does the neuroscience of decision making bear on our understanding of moral responsibility and free will

This review considers recent work in neuroscience that has been thought to challenge views of free will. I argue that these experiments do little to directly undermine the belief that we have free will. However, evidence for mechanism and automatic behaviors may cause us to rethink some commonsensical notions of what is required for acting freely.
Effect of renal fuels on p-aminohippurate transport in rat renal cortical fragments☆

The effects of the major renal fuels were studied, i.e., lactate, citrate, palmitate, glutamine, and glucose, at concentrations near those found circulating on the in vitro accumulation of p-aminohippurate (PAH) by rat renal cortical fragments. Only lactate and citrate were found to increase PAH uptake significantly. Noting that 10% v/v normal rat sera enhance PAH accumulation, we studied the renal fuels at 10% circulating concentrations and found that all fuels combined had stimulation comparable to 10% v/v sera. Lactate and the stimulator in normal sera are located in the same Sephadex G-25 fraction of sera. Both lactate, the major renal fuel, and normal sera stimulate the influx and inhibit the efflux of PAH. We conclude that the stimulators to PAH transport in normal sera are, at least in part, renal fuel organic anions.
Assembly of a Robust and Economical MnO2-Based Reference Electrode

There is a dearth of base-stable reference electrodes that are suitable for use by students in a teaching laboratory or undergraduate research context. To remedy this, we have developed a technique to produce reference electrodes suitable for alkaline environments. By utilizing components of a commercially available alkaline-type battery, an engineered MnO2/MnO(OH) cathode that is both stable and reproducible is readily obtained. The electrode potentials are quite stable with respect to time and depend on the state of charge of the battery used to make the electrode. The assembly and use of such reference electrodes easily lends itself to introductory electrochemistry lab experiments at a fraction of the cost of traditional electrodes.
Aging and Plant Life Management with the Software Tool COMSY

Within the scope of PLEX, a systematic and efficient ageing and plant life management system is becoming more and more important to ensure a safe and economical power plant operation in spite of continuous plant ageing. For the methodical implementation of PLIM & PLEX strategies, AREVA NP has developed the software tool COMSY. This knowledge-based program integrates degradation analysis tools with an inspection data management system. COMSY provides the capability to establish a program guided technical documentation by utilizing a virtual plant model which includes information regarding thermal hydraulic operation, water chemical conditions and materials applied for mechanical components. It provides the option to perform a plant-wide screening for identifying system areas, which are sensitive for degradation mechanisms typically experienced in nuclear power plants (FAC, corrosion fatigue, IGSCC, Pitting, etc.). If a system area is identified as being susceptible to degradation, a detailed analysis function enables the condition-oriented service life evaluation of vessels and piping systems in order to localize and conservatively quantify the effect of degradation. Based on these forecasts with COMSY, specific strategies can be developed to mitigate the effect of degradation and inspection activities can be focused on degradation sensitive areas. In addition, a risk-informed assessment tool serves to optimize inspection activities in respect to degradation potential and the associated damage consequence. After an in-service inspection is performed for a distinct location, the inspection data is to be evaluated according to generally accepted procedures. For this purpose an integrated inspection data management system module provides standardized, interactively operated evaluation functions. The key inspection results are transmitted as feedback in respect to the as-is condition of the component. Subsequently, all further life evaluations of the associated component are calibrated against the inspection results. The compiled condition-oriented knowledge provides the basis for a continuous optimization resulting in tailored inspection and maintenance programs geared to the specific plant. The systematic closed loop process ensures the generation of up-to-date plant documentation relating to the technical as-is status of the plant, as all the data involved in the process are compiled in a “living” documentation structure. The implementation of COMSY in various nuclear power plants has confirmed that systematic plant life management makes good economic sense, as cost reductions can be achieved while increasing the plants availability.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Fungi in neotropical epiphyte roots

Roots of thirty-eight Ecuadoran vascular epiphytes, representing eleven angiosperm families, were examined for the presence of symbiotic microorganisms. Most orchid roots contained fungal endophytes like those that regularly infect terrestrial counterparts. Hyphae were also common in and on nonorchid roots, but assignments of these relationships to known mycorrhizal morphologies was not possible in all cases. Evidence of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae (VAM) existed in a number of subjects while in Ericaceae and Campanulaceae a fungal association similar to the demateaceous surface fungi (DSF) described for alpine and prarie plants was usually present. Some associations were characterized by multicellular propagules on root surfaces. The significance of these findings and the factors likely to influence occurrence and consequences of root-fungus mutualisms in tropical forest canopies are discussed. Facts and considerations that could aid future inquiry on these systems are provided.
Development of titanium diffusion barrier coatings for mitigation of fuel–cladding chemical interactions

Abstract High temperature and radiation in nuclear reactors result in inter-diffusion and reaction between fuel and cladding. This phenomenon is called fuel–cladding chemical interactions (FCCI). It reduces the effective cladding wall thickness and might lead to eutectic liquation. Having a thin diffusion barrier coating inside the cladding can potentially reduce or postpone the onset of FCCI. This study examines the feasibility of using a nanofluid-based electrophoretic deposition (EPD) process to deposit titanium metallic coating as the diffusion barrier. The deposition parameters, including the nanofluid solvent, additive, particle size, current, and voltage were optimized using test flat substrates of T91 ferritic–martensitic steel. Postdeposition sintering was also conducted and optimized to achieve the best bonding and mechanical integrity. These diffusion couple studies were performed at 575 °C for 100 h between cladding and cerium as the fuel surrogate. Results showed that titanium coatings significantly reduced the solid state inter-diffusion between cerium and steel. Using a co-axial EPD, titanium was successfully deposited uniformly on the inner surfaces of 12″ length of cladding with 4 mm inner diameter. Such a coating is extremely difficult to manufacture by conventional coating technologies like thermal spray or vapor deposition.
Maternally administered tactile, auditory, visual, and vestibular stimulation: relationship to later interactions between mothers and premature infants.

Thirty-three mother-infant pairs were randomly assigned to one of three groups: control, talking, or interactive (RISS). The later treatment included massage, talking, eye contact and rocking. The intervention (RISS) was administered to determine whether mothers and their preterm infants who actively interacted with each other would differ on later maternal and infant behaviors. The talking and RISS treatments were administered at specified time intervals 24 hours after delivery. Prior to hospital discharge, mother-infant interaction was assessed during a feeding. Significant differences were identified among the three groups for maternal (p less than .03) and infant (p less than .05) behaviors. These results suggest that active maternal interaction with the premature infant may enhance specific components of mother-infant interaction.
Presence of hapten-bearing T cells in tolerance induced by DNP-isologous IgG.

Abstract When mice are made tolerant to the hapten DNP by intravenous injection of DNPisologous IgG, the hapten persists on the surface of antigen-binding cells (ABC) as long as the lymphocytes are tolerant. It is not known whether the hapten-bearing cells (HBC) are T cells, B cells, or both. Double-labelling experiments have been done to determine whether hapten-bearing cells are T cells or B cells. DNP-bearing cells from tolerant animals were detected by fluoresceinlabelled rat anti-DNP globulin. By labelling the same spleen cell suspension with rabbit anti-T-cell antiserum and rhodamine goat anti-rabbit serum, T cells which have DNP on their surface were detected since they bind both rhodamine and fluorescein. Using these techniques, it was demonstrated that 5 days after tolerance induction with 200 .tg DNP7IgG, almost all HBC are T cells. Fourteen days after injection of this same dose of tolerogen, the same number of hapten-bearing T cells were present in the spleens of these mice, but significant numbers of non-T-cell HBC are also present. When animals were made tolerant with 1 mg of DNP-IgG, only a small proportion of HBC were T cells. In animals receiving four weekly injections of 200 tg DNP-IgG, large numbers of hapten-bearing cells were found, but few HBC were T cells. Thus HBC from tolerant spleens can be T cells depending on the dose of tolerogen injected, and the time after tolerance induction. A significant proportion of the HBT cells have Ly 2 antigen on their surfaces, while others have Ly 1 antigen. Whether the hapten-bearing T cell is a suppressor cell, a tolerant helper cell, or an anti-idiotype-bearing cell is discussed.
Asset liquidity and the valuation of derivative securities

We consider the valuation of European-style derivative securities under limited asset liquidity through the dynamic management of a portfolio of assets effected through continuous transaction. The valuation arises from the optimal realization of a performance index relative to the set of all feasible portfolio trajectories. An approximation procedure based upon the method-of-lines finite element method is developed and analyzed; numerical examples are presented in order to demonstrate the viability of the approach.
Hypothesis: oxidative stress score as a combined measure of pro-oxidant and antioxidant exposures.

Purpose To explore the hypothesis that a combination of several risk factors acting through the same pathway may produce an overall large increase in risk even in the presence of weak associations with each individual factor. Methods Using oxidative stress pathway as an example, we propose an oxidative stress score (OSS), where high and low pro-oxidant exposures expressed as continuous variables are assigned values of 0 and 1, while high and low antioxidant exposures are assigned values of 1 and 0, respectively. Dichotomous variables for pro-oxidant and antioxidant exposures are scored in a similar fashion. All individual scores are then summed to calculate the overall OSS, where higher and lower values indicate a shift toward antioxidant and pro-oxidant exposures, respectively. Results We illustrate this approach by using data from two previously-conducted case-control studies: a colonoscopy-based colorectal adenoma study, and a population-based prostate cancer study. In this pilot illustration we found a substantial decrease in risk associated with a high OSS for both prostate cancer and colorectal adenoma. By contrast, analyses for individual OSS components demonstrated no discernible pattern. Conclusions Our exploratory analyses serve as a demonstration of a method and warrant further confirmation on a larger scale.
Chronic maternal hypoxia retards fetal growth and increases glucose utilization of select fetal tissues in the rat

The development of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is frequently associated with fetal hypoxia, hypoglycemia, and abnormal fetal glucose metabolism. To determine the effects of hypoxia (without concomitant hypoglycemia) on fetal glucose metabolism, we continuously exposed pregnant rats to 10% (10.1 kPa) ambient oxygen from day 15 through day 20 of gestation (term, 21.5 days) and used radiolabeled 2-deoxyglucose (2DG) to measure in vivo relative glucose utilization (rGU) of several fetal tissues on day 20 of gestation. Pair-fed rats in room-air oxygen were used as controls. Maternal hypoxia resulted in significant IUGR, fetal hypoxia and acidosis, and fetal lactate accumulation on day 20 of gestation. Following 5 days of hypoxia, rGU values for fetal lung, heart, and kidney were increased by 61%, 54%, and 47%, respectively (P < .05). rGU values for fetal brain, liver, muscle, and placenta were not significantly affected. Fetal plasma glucose concentrations were similar in hypoxic and control fetuses. We speculate that the increased rGU of hypoxic fetal tissues is due in part to anaerobic metabolism and increased glycolysis.
On the aggregation of individual withdrawal behaviors into larger multi‐item constructs

This paper reviews the empirical work of Hanisch and Hulin (1990, 1991) and Roznowski and Hanisch, 1990) which collectively propose two specific multi-behavior constructs: work withdrawal and job withdrawal. Subsequent research suggests that the aggregation specified by Hanisch and Hulin (1990, 1991) and Roznowski and Hanisch (1990) may be premature. However, the basic idea of combining multi-item behaviors into a larger construct to enhance work attitude–work behavior relationships (Fisher, 1980) is appealing. This paper attempts to constructively build upon the useful empirical work of Hanisch and Hulin (1990, 1991) and Roznowski and Hanisch (1990) by offering suggestions for further development and testing of multi-item work and job withdrawal behavior constructs. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lesbian Studies and Activism in India

Abstract This essay surveys public debates and writings about lesbianism and the history of activism around lesbian issues in twentieth-century India. Weddings between women and joint suicides by female couples over the last twenty-five years are among the under-researched, but increasingly reported, phenomena that suggest future directions that activism and the study of lesbianism in India may take. doi:10.1300/J155v11n03_07
INTERFACIAL BOND STUDY OF A CHEMICALLY TREATED POLYPROPYLENE FIBRE-REINFORCED CONCRETE

Abstract The effects of the chemical surface treatment of polypropylene fibres on the compressive strength of polypropylene fibre reinforced concrete was investigated. A 3500 psi concrete design mix with Portland Type 1 cement was utilised as the base-composite and control group. The chemical solutions used to treat the polypropylene fibre (PPF) surfaces were a basic solution and a mild organic acid. The PPF as well as the chemically treated PPF were utilised in the preparation of the fibre reinforced concrete samples. The compressive strengths of the concrete samples were tested according to ASTM 4.02, C-39 procedures. The failed surfaces of the PPF were prepared and analysed using the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Interfacial characteristics of the fibre surfaces and the hydration crystalline products were evaluated prior to and after the chemical treatment. A correlation between the microstructural analysis, chemical surface treatment of the PPF, and the compressive strength of the reinforced composite is reported.
Aza-crown macrocycles as chiral solvating agents for mandelic acid derivatives.

A series of new chiral macrocycles containing the trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane (DACH) subunit and arene- and oligoethylene glycol-derived spacers has been prepared in enantiomerically pure form. Four of the macrocycles have been characterized by X-ray crystallography, which reveals a consistent mode of intramolecular N–H···N hydrogen bonding and conformational variations about the N-benzylic bonds. Most of the macrocycles were found to differentiate the enantiomers of mandelic acid (MA) by 1H NMR spectroscopy in CDCl3; within the series of macrocycles tested, enantiodiscrimination was promoted by (i) a meta-linkage geometry about the arene spacer, (ii) the presence of naphthalene- rather than phenylene-derived arene spacers, and (iii) increasing length of the oligoethylene glycol bridge. 1H NMR titrations were performed with optically pure MA samples, and the data were fitted to a simultaneous 1:1 and 2:1 binding model, yielding estimates of 2:1 binding constants between some of the macrocycles and MA ena...
Natural History of Merkel Cell Carcinoma Following Locoregional Recurrence

Background Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive cutaneous neuroendocrine malignancy with an ill-defined natural history following locoregional recurrence.
Free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap reconstruction of a massive lumbosacral defect using superior gluteal artery perforator vessels

Despite significant advances in reconstructive surgery, the repair of massive lumbosacral defects poses significant challenges. When the extent of soft tissue loss, tumor resection, and/or radiation therapy preclude the use of traditional local options, such as gluteal advancement flaps or pedicled thigh flaps, then distant flaps are required. We report a case of a 64-year-old male who presented with a large sacral Marjolin's ulcer secondary to recurrent pilonidal cysts and ulcerations. The patient underwent wide local composite resection, which resulted in a wound measuring 450 cm(2) with exposed rectum and sacrum. The massive defect was successfully covered with a free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap, providing a well-vascularized skin paddle and obviating the need for a latissimus flap with skin graft. The free-TRAM flap proved to be a very robust flap in this situation and would be one of our flaps of choice for similar defects.
The half-life of 198Au : High-precision measurement shows no temperature dependence

We have measured the half-life of the β -decay of 198Au in a metallic environment, both at low temperature (19K), and also at room temperature. We find the half-lives at both temperatures to be the same within 0.04%, a finding that contradicts a recent report of a 3.6±1.0 % difference in the 198Au half-life when measured at essentially the same two temperatures. Our results for the half-life, 2.6949±0.0009 d at room temperature and 2.6953±0.0008 d at 19K, also agree well with previous precision room temperature measurements.
Are We Really Teaching Our Students an Aging Perspective When We Use the Term Intergenerational? Are We Encouraging the Stigmas Associated with Aging if We Use a ‘Backdoor Approach’ in Recruiting Students to Become Interested in Working with Older Adults?

(2007). Are We Really Teaching Our Students an Aging Perspective When We Use the Term Intergenerational? Are We Encouraging the Stigmas Associated with Aging if We Use a ‘Backdoor Approach’ in Recruiting Students to Become Interested in Working with Older Adults? Journal of Intergenerational Relationships: Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 121-124.
Aerosol Deposition and Film Formation using Silicon Powder

An electrostatic deposition process which utilizes charged particle motion in an electric field has been successfully developed as a method for depositing coatings of silicon films. Coatings have been deposited on conducting, insulating, and semiconducting surfaces after making suitable changes in deposition parameters. This process along with parameters important to the deposition process which include particle charge and size characteristics are discussed. These coatings are subsequently heat treated. Experimental results for depositions on silicon substrates are presented. Characterization in terms of chemical, electrical and physical properties of the film are presented.
Genetic analysis of California mastitis test records. I. Coded tests.

A sample of 15,965 Holstein lactation records having California Mastitis Test scores for at least the first 9 mo of standard Dairy Herd Improvement production testing were studied for the effects of sire, parity, and year and month of calving. California Mastitis Test readings of "negative" or "trace" were coded normal while readings of "1", "2", or "3" were coded elevated. The frequency of elevated tests increased as parity increased. Effect of year of calving and a trend toward higher percentages of elevated coded test scores was significant. There was no distinct trend in elevated coded test score with month of calving. Sire effect on the incidence of elevation in the coded score was important. Heritability of first and second lactation monthly coded California Mastitis Test scores from a paternal half-sister analysis within herd, year, and season, for sires with at least 25 daughters ranged from .11 +/- .04 to .48 +/- .07. Genetic correlations between the third test and following tests of first and second lactations ranged from .25 +/-.15 to .58 +/- .18.
Altered cell differentiation and proliferation in mice lacking p57 KIP2 indicates a role in Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome

Mice lacking the imprinted Cdk inhibitor p57(KIP2) have altered cell proliferation and differentiation, leading to abdominal muscle defects; cleft palate; endochondral bone ossification defects with incomplete differentiation of hypertrophic chondrocytes; renal medullary dysplasia; adrenal cortical hyperplasia and cytomegaly; and lens cell hyperproliferation and apoptosis. Many of these phenotypes are also seen in patients with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, a pleiotropic hereditary disorder characterized by overgrowth and predisposition to cancer, suggesting that loss of p57(KIP2) expression may play a role in the condition.
The immune response in cold-acclimated mice.

SummaryA study of the effects of cold-acclimation and de-acclimation on the immune response in 8-week-old mice was conducted. The mice were exposed to an ambient temperature of 4°C for 4 weeks and some of these were then de-acclimated at room temperature (23°C) for an additional 4 weeks. In each case, controls were maintained at 23°C. The antigen used was coliphage T2r+ and the levels of circulating antibody were determined in terms of the remaining serum plaque-forming units of coliphage. Neither acclimation nor de-acclimation, under these conditions, resulted in significant change in the levels of circulating coliphage antibodies.
Enhanced detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus using chromogenic media compared to traditional culture methods

ISSUE: Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) has become a widespread nosocomial pathogen. The use of active surveillance cultures to detect nasal carriage of MRSA is recommended to identify carriers and initiate contact precautions. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate time to detection (TTD) of MRSA using chromogenic media compared to traditional culture methods from nasal surveillance cultures. METHODS: A total of 1133 nasal samples were plated to sheep blood agar (SBA) and BBL CHROMagar™ MRSA (C-MRSA, BBL, Sparks, Maryland). MRSA appear as mauve colonies on C-MRSA. All other organisms including methicillin-susceptible staphylococci are inhibited or produce a distinctly different colony color. If mauve colonies are detected at 24 hours, MRSA may be reported without further testing. At 48 hour detection, a slide coagulase needs to be completed. MRSA was identified from SBA by slide coagulase, exogenous DNase, and mannitol fermentation. Susceptibility testing was performed using agar dilution. RESULTS: Of the 1133 samples tested, 78 (7.4%) were positive for MRSA. Forty-one of 78 (53%) had a TTD of 24 hours from C-MRSA and 48 hours from SBA. Eleven of 78 (14%) had a TTD of 24 hours from C-MRSA and greater than 48 hours from SBA. At 24 hours, an additional 11 (14%) isolates were recovered on C-MRSA that were not detected on SBA. After 48 hours incubation, seven of 78 (9%) were detected on both media, while an additional five of 78 (6%) had TTD of 48 hours on C-MRSA and equal or greater than 72 hours on SBA. An additional two isolates were recovered on C-MRSA at 48 hours that were not detected on SBA and one isolate had a TTD of 72 hours from SBA and was not recovered on C-MRSA. CONCLUSION: Sixty-three of 78 (81%) of MRSA were reported at 24 hours using C-MRSA versus 48 hours or greater using traditional culture methods. Eleven of 63 (17%) were reported 3 or more days later than the C-MRSA result. Eleven of 63 (17%) were missed by traditional culture methods. A more rapid positive report from nares surveillance cultures may assist the infection control practitioner in identifying colonized patients, initiate contact precautions, and potentially decrease the spread of MRSA.
Noninvasive diffuse optical measurement of blood flow and blood oxygenation for monitoring radiation therapy in patients with head and neck tumors: a pilot study.

This pilot study explores the potential of noninvasive diffuse correlation spectroscopy DCS and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy DRS for monitoring early relative blood flow rBF, tissue oxygen saturation StO2, and total hemoglobin concentration THC re- sponses to chemo-radiation therapy in patients with head and neck tumors. rBF, StO2, and THC in superficial neck tumor nodes of eight patients are measured before and during the chemo-radiation therapy period. The weekly rBF, StO2, and THC kinetics exhibit different patterns for different individuals, including significant early blood flow changes during the first two weeks. Averaged blood flow in- creases 52.7±9.7% in the first week and decreases 42.4±7.0% in the second week. Averaged StO2 increases from 62.9±3.4% base- line value to 70.4±3.2% at the end of the second week, and aver- aged THC exhibits a continuous decrease from pretreatment value of 80.7±7.0 M to 73.3±8.3 M at the end of the second week and to 63.0±8.1 M at the end of the fourth week of therapy. These preliminary results suggest daily diffuse-optics-based therapy monitoring is feasible during the first two weeks and may have clini-
Cooperative Promotional Efforts of the Music Supervisors National Conference and the National Bureau for the Advancement of Music.

The National Bureau for the Advancement of Music was established in 1916 by the National Piano Manufacturers Association to promote sales of pianos and related merchandise. Like many organizations ...
Using SHOALS LIDAR system to detect bottom material change

Bathymetric lidar systems, e.g., the Scanning Hydrographic Operational Airborne Lidar Survey (SHOALS) have a proven capability to measure water depth accurately. Although the system is optimized for depth retrieval, there is much more than depth information since the data stream (waveform) includes backscatter from the water surface and water column as well as the bottom return. This paper uses the amplitude of the bottom return signal to characterize the illuminated bottom materials. It is found that, while there are changes in the bottom return that clearly correlate with changes in bottom type, the bottom slope and surface waves have significant effects on the bottom return. These factors can distort the recorded waveforms and alter the apparent reflectance of illuminated materials, and must be accounted for if changes in bottom type are to be detected.
Surface morphology on cross-fold joints of the Appalachian Plateau, New york and Pennsylvania

Abstract On the Appalachian Plateau of New York and Pennsylvania plume patterns are present on surfaces of all cross-fold joints that cut siltstones, but they are not common on either cross-fold joints or strike joints cutting shales. Near Watkins Glen, New York, joints cutting siltstones display two types of plumose patterns; each particular type correlates with a specific cross-fold joint set. The more easterly striking cross-fold joints (345° i.e., N15°W), cutting thin siltstone beds embedded in thicker shale formations, have straight plume patterns with axes parallel to bedding. More westerly striking cross-fold joints (335°), cutting thick siltstone beds, have curved plume patterns with axes that either curve or show fan-like rhythmic patterns that alternately increase and decrease in intensity. Joints cutting only shales exhibit no distinct surface morphology other than long arcuate arrest lines. The fan-like rhythmic patterns of plumes suggest that these joints formed by a cyclic process (perhaps related to pore pressure variations) rather than by one massive rupture.