cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A STUDY OF THE PIGMENTS PRODUCED IN DARKNESS BY CERTAIN GREEN ALGAE.

An observation which has become well established is that certain green plants (e.g., some of the green algae) are able to produce their chlorophyll in the dark. The experimental data characterizing the pigments so produced, however, are indeed meager. It therefore has seemed advisable to reinvestigate the pigments formed by such plants in the dark with the improved spectroscopic methods now available. In the first place there is no conclusive evidence that tells whether or not chlorophyll b is formed in darkness. Secondly, it is to be hoped that a study of these rather exceptional cases of chlorophyll formation in the dark may well be a foothold in the study of the general process of pigment development. And thirdly, it is conceivable that spectroscopic differences between "light'' and "dark" pigments might be found which could later be correlated with the beginnings of photosynthesis. This paper is therefore a report of the data so far obtained in a spectroscopical and physiological study of the pigments formed by green algae in the dark.
SU-E-J-29: Assessing the Dosimetric Effects of Tumor Tracking During Irregular Respiration Using a Mass-Conserving XCAT Phantom

Purpose: To quantitatively assess the impact of real time tumor tracking on the delivered dose during thoracic radiotherapy in the presence of realistic breathing. Methods: The 4D XCAT digital torso phantom was used in this study. The phantom was created with irregular breathing motion based on observed patient tumor motion. A locally mass‐conserving framework was applied to modify the XCAT to enable dose accumulation. The first 6 seconds of phantom data were used to simulate 4DCT acquisition. Two SBRT treatment plans were developed to assess the effects of tracking. The first plan, simulating a standard SBRT treatment, used an ITV+5mm aperture from the maximum intensity projection of the 4DCT. This plan was normalized to deliver 54 Gy to 95% of the PTV based on the 4DCT dose. The second plan simulated couch tracking by defining apertures from a single 4DCT phase (GTV+2mm), and translating the phantom during the delivery to keep the tumor centered in the aperture. Delivered dose was calculated using Monte Carlo techniques for the subsequent 60 seconds of phantom data at 1‐second time resolution, and was deformed and accumulated on to a reference phase. Results: The tumor D95 was 55.5 Gy for the ITV‐based plan and 54.6 Gy for the tracking plan. For the ITV‐based plan, the lung V5 was 22.9%, V20 was 3.6% and the mean dose was 3.9 Gy. For the tracking plan, the V5 was 14.5%, the V20 was 1.8% and the mean dose was 2.5 Gy. Conclusion: A method for assessing the dosimetric impact of tumor tracking during respiration has been demonstrated using the digital XCAT phantom. For the phantom simulated in this study, the tracking and conventional SBRT plans both delivered the prescribed dose to the tumor, and the lung dose is substantially reduced with tracking. The project described was supported, in part, by an RSNA Research Scholar Grant and Award Number R21CA156068 from the National Cancer Institute. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the RSNA, National Cancer Institute or the National Institutes of Health.
Biliary excretion of drugs in the rat during liver regeneration

Abstract Alterations in rat liver function during liver regeneration were studied by measuring bile flow and the biliary excretion of bile salts, bromosulfophthalein (BSP), its glutathione conjugate (BSP-GSH), phenol-3,6-dibromophthalein disulfonate (DBSP) and tartrazine (TZ). Immediately after partial hepatectomy, bile flow and bile salt secretion, expressed per g of liver, were significantly increased. Thereafter bile flow remained high through the third day. The concentration of bile salts on the first day was significantly lower than that of controls and remained low through the fourth day, suggesting an increased osmotic potency. Plasma clearance of BSP was proportional to residual liver mass. The excretion of BSP-GSH after injection of BSP was decreased in parallel to the decrease in BSP-GSH transferase activity during liver regeneration. In contrast, the excretion of unconjugated BSP and unknown conjugates was actually increased. Biliary excretion of injected BSP-GSH was significantly decreased up to the third day postoperatively. These results suggest that some of the decreased BSP-GSH excretion after injection of BSP is attributable to the decreased activity of BSP-GSH transferase and to competition by unconjugated BSP. After partial hepatectomy the excretion of injected BSP-GSH and DBSP, expressed per g of liver, was about twice that of controls and thereafter rapidly returned to control levels. In contrast to the other dyes, the excretion of TZ decreased in proportion to liver mass following partial hepatectomy. On the second and third day, the marked sex differences seen in controls were not observed. These findings suggest that TZ may be transported by mechanisms different from those controlling the excretion of BSP and related compounds.
A Low-Power Oven-Controlled Vacuum Package Technology for High-Performance MEMS

This paper presents a generic vacuum packaging technology for environment-resistant MEMS devices. This packaging approach simultaneously provides low-power oven-controlled thermal environment and vibration isolation using an isolation platform. The oven-controlled structure is thermally isolated from the environment by crab-leg suspensions made out of a 100 ?m-thick glass wafer, an anti-radiation shield, and vacuum encapsulation. Performance is evaluated by packaging Pirani gauges and mode-matched tuning fork gyroscopes (M2-TFGs). The package has maintained vacuum pressure of ~6 mTorr for ~1 year. A packaged M2-TFG shows a high-Q mode-matched operation (Q~65,000) at a constant temperature of -5 °C. Allan variance analysis displays an estimated angle random walk (ARW) of 0.012 °/?hr and a bias instability value of 0.55 °/hr at a constant -5 °C. Drive frequency stability of 0.22 ppm/°C is obtained using a compensated oven-control approach. Low power consumption of 33 mW for oven-control at 80 °C is demonstrated when the environment temperature is -30 °C.
Lexical effects on compensation for coarticulation: the ghost of Christmash past

The question of when and how bottom-up input is integrated with top-down knowledge has been debated extensively within cognition and perception, and particularly within language processing. A long running debate about the architecture of the spoken-word recognition system has centered on the locus of lexical effects on phonemic processing: does lexical knowledge influence phoneme perception through feedback, or post-perceptually in a purely feedforward system? Elman and McClelland (1988) reported that lexically restored ambiguous phonemes influenced the perception of the following phoneme, supporting models with feedback from lexical to phonemic representations. Subsequently, several authors have argued that these results can be fully accounted for by diphone transitional probabilities in a feedforward system (Cairns et al., 1995; Pitt & McQueen, 1998). We report results strongly favoring the original lexical feedback explanation: lexical effects were present even when transitional probability biases were opposite to those of lexical biases.
Jurassic ash-flow sheets, calderas, and related intrusions of the Cordilleran volcanic arc in southeastern Arizona: implications for regional tectonics and ore deposits

Volcanologic, petrologic, and paleomagnetic studies of widespread Jurassic ash-flow sheets in the Huachuca-southern Dragoon Mountains area have led to identification of four large source calderas and associated comagmatic intracaldera intrusions. Stratigraphic, facies, and contact features of the caldera-related tuffs also provide constraints on the locations, lateral displacements, and very existence for some major northwest-trending faults and inferred regional thrusts in south-eastern Arizona. For example, the intricate Cochise thrust system, as mapped by others in the southern Dragoon Mountains, consists instead of primary depositional contacts within caldera-fill megabreccia, and the inferred regional thrusts do not exist, at least as previously interpreted. Silicic alkalic compositions of the Jurassic caldera-related, ash-flow tuffs; bimodal associated mafic magmatism; and interstratified coarse sedimentary deposits provide evidence for synvolcanic extension and rifting within the Cordilleran magmatic arc. Gold-copper mineralization is associated with subvolcanic intrusions at several of the Jurassic calderas.
Esterification of sterols during differentiation and cornification of developing rat epidermis.

The proportion of sterols in esterified form increase during stratification and cornification of the fetal and newborn rat whole skin and epidermis. This change cannot be ascribed either to development of alternative biosynthetic pathways favoring formation of sterol esters or to a commensurate increase in cholesterol-fatty acyl transferase. The activity of the latter enzyme, in fact, decreases from day 17 of gestation to 7 days postpartum. The decline in enzymatic activity is not due to the presence of inhibitors or exhaustion of endogenous substrate but may reflect changing proportions of epidermal cells in progressive stages of maturation. It is concluded that the increase in sterol esters is due to the increased availability of free fatty acids and sterols provided by the degradation of intracellular membranes during cornification.
Heat Transfer Enhancement in Tip-Turn Region of Two-Pass Channel With a 180-Degree Turn

The design geometry and transport phenomena associated with the tip internal cooling can be very complex and has been little studied. Internal cooling channel near a tip region typically inherits a sharp, 180-degree, turn and little or no enhancement installation exists. To explore potential design for enhancement cooling, a series of experiments are performed to investigate the heat transfer enhancement by placing different pin-fins configurations in the tip-turn region of a two-pass channel with a 180-degree sharp turn. Transient liquid crystal technique is applied to acquire detailed local heat transfer data both on the channel surface and pin elements, for Reynolds number between 13,000 and 28,000. Present results suggest that the pin-fins can enhance heat transfer up to 2.3 fold in the tip-turn region and up to 1.3 fold for the entire channel. The presence of the pin-fins also changes the flow pattern in the post turn region which is resulting in more evenly distributed heat transfer downstream of the turn.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Consequences of structural differences in ionomer networks prepared in different solvents

Very different structures and properties result from the preparation of polymers networks from the same weakly charged polyurethane acrylate anionomer (UAA) dissolved in two different solvents, water and dioxane, during cross-linking. The UAA polymer readily dissolves in organic solvents such as dioxane but forms dispersions with water. Networks prepared in water (UAAG networks) and then dried show much higher hydrophilicity (swelling in water of pH 11) than their counterparts (UADG networks), which are cross-linked in dioxane and then dried. The different thermodynamic equilibrium structures achieved in the two polymer/solvent mixtures are locked into different network structures by the cross-linking reaction.
Desferoxamine (DFO)--mediated iron chelation: rationale for a novel approach to therapy for brain cancer.

Iron homeostasis is crucial to normal cell metabolism, and its deficiency or excess is associated with numerous disease states. The association of increased iron load with cancer may be due to several factors including free radical production, reduction of the body's protective mechanism to combat oxidative stress, inhibition of immune systems, inhibition of essential nutrient functions, facilitation of cancer growth, suppression of antitumor actions of macrophages, and lowering of the ratio of T4–T8 positive lymphocytes. Antiproliferative effects of desferoxamine (DFO) both in vitro and in vivo are mediated by an intracellular pool of iron that is necessary for DNA synthesis rather than prevention of iron uptake from transferrin. Several clinical studies have shown it to have antitumor activity in the treatment of neuroblastoma, leukemia, bladder carcinoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Human neural tumor cells are susceptible to the effects of DFO. Continued study of DFO is necessary to further elucidate its antineoplastic profile and its use as an adjunct to current chemotherapy regimens. Given the lack of satisfactory treatment of central nervous system neoplasms, DFO could serve as an important tool in the management of such cancers.
Necrosis of the colon secondary to pancreatitis

This case is the sixth report of colonic necrosis developing secondary to acute pancreatitis. In the previous cases there was no roentgen evidence of colonic inflammation or necrosis prior to surgery or autopsy. The initial radiographic findings in this 56-year-old woman consisted of a diffuse transverse colitis on both abdominal films and a hypaque enema. Subsequent radiographs revealed evidence of a pancreatic abscess and changes consistent with necrosis in the splenic flexure. A contrast enema is recommended in all patients suspected of having colonic manifestations of pancreatitis.
Ability of the Caltrac Accelerometer to Assess Daily Physical Activity Levels

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine the ability of the Caltrac accelerometer to assess habitual daily physical activity levels. METHODS The ability of the Caltrac accelerometer to assess 24-hour physical activity (PA) levels was studied in 28 men and 50 women, age 20 to 59 years, with varying levels of self-reported PA. Twelve days of Caltrac readings obtained over 1 year's duration were compared to simultaneously recorded 48-hour PA records. Additionally, 28 days of Caltrac readings obtained over 1 year's duration were compared to mean values of the following validation measures assessed repeatedly over a 1-year period: a 4-week version of the Minnesota Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire (FWH); VO2peak; and percent body fat. RESULTS The Caltrac measurements of movement (in MET minutes per day-1) were significantly associated with the following: PA record indices of total (r = .51) and heavy (r = .34) and PA; FWH indices of total (r = .30), heavy R = .36) and moderate (r = .23) PA;, and VO2peak (r = .24). However, the Caltrac measurements of caloric PA record and FWH indices of PA, although there were directly associated with percent body fat (r = .50) and inversely associated with VO2peak (r = -.26). CONCLUSIONS Caltrac measurements of movement exhibited a moderate associated with several criterion measures related to habitual PA, whereas Caltrac measurements of total energy expenditure, were not reflective of varying levels of PA.
An implementation of multiple modulus arithmetic and its comparison to floating point arithmetic

Multiple-modulus arithmetic, which allows error-free computation for rational inputs, is implemented in a software package called ZIP. Experimentation is carried out comparing floating point and multi-mod arithmetic.
Assessment of a motivational interviewing curriculum for year 3 medical students using a standardized patient case.

Objective We sought to evaluate a year 3 motivational interviewing (MI) curriculum using a standardized patient case.
Expectations and optimal monetary policy: A stability problem revisited

A landmark result in the optimal monetary policy design literature is that fundamental-based interest rate rules invariably lead to rational expectations equilibria (REE) that are not stable under adaptive learning. In this paper, we make a novel information assumption that private agents cannot observe aggregate fundamental shocks, and use simple linear forecasting rules for learning. We find that with fundamental-based rules, there exist limited information equilibria that are stable under learning. Moreover, there are multiple equilibria. Learning can be used as a selection tool to identify a unique equilibrium.
Development and Investigation of the Occupational Performance History Interview

This article describes the development of the Occupational Performance History Interview, an instrument designed to gather an accurate and clinically useful history of an individual's work, play, and self-care performance from psychosocially and/or physically disabled adolescents, adults, and older persons. Following the identification and validation of content and the development of format, the instrument was field-tested and revised. An examination of reliability across time and raters indicated that although part of the instrument ratings met or exceeded levels of acceptable stability, further development and testing is indicated.
Brain Stem Auditory-Evoked Responses

To the Editor.— Stockard et al in the October 1976 issue of theArchives(33:726-728, 1976) indicate that recovery from clinically suspected central pontine myelinolysis (CPM) has not previously been reported. There have been two previous publications 1.2 of suspected CPM with recovery in an alcoholic patient and a heroin addict. While the authors suspect that brain stem auditory responses can help in the diagnosis of this disease, in fact, the electrophysiologic data simply confirm the localization of the lesion. In these and most cases, the localization is clinically obvious. As the authors correctly point out, the auditory-evoked responses in CPM may have their greatest value as serial tests that may have direct prognostic significance. 3 This would assume particular importance in CPM and other potentially treatable conditions of the brain stem.
DETERMINATION OF THE NUCLEON-NUCLEON ELASTIC-SCATTERING MATRIX. IV. COMPARISON OF ENERGY-DEPENDENT AND ENERGY-INDEPENDENT PHASE-SHIFT ANALYSES

($p, p$) and ($n, p$) scattering data in six energy bands centered at 25, 50, 95, 142, 210, and 330 MeV, have been analyzed. First an energy-dependent analysis was carried out. Then phase-shift energy derivatives were extracted from this analysis and used in carrying out accurate energy-independent analyses. The energy-dependent phase-shift forms were chosen to have a singularity structure consistent with the requirements of partial-wave dispersion equations. A very rapid search procedure was utilized. The isotopic spin-1 scattering matrix was accurately determined over the energy range under consideration. The isotopic spin-0 scattering matrix was also determined, but not to the same accuracy, because of the incompleteness of the ($n, p$) data selection. The phase-shift analyses were carried out, and the pion-nucleon coupling constant ${g}^{2}$ was determined, using first ($p, p$) and then ($p, p$) plus ($n, p$) data selections. The results were a further substantiation of the charge independence hypothesis. Matrix methods used for the search procedures are discussed, and it is shown how the data normalization constants can be eliminated from the search. A discussion is also included of the use of the inverse error matrix in obtaining quantitative fits with theoretical models.
Australian-Antarctic discordance

The Australian-Antarctic discordance is a region of anomalous geophysical and geochemical properties along the mid-ocean ridge system. It includes the isotopic boundary between Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean basalts. Its lavas have compositions consistent with low mantle temperatures and a relatively low overall extent of melting. These characteristics have been attributed to downward flow in the underlying mantle. New bathymetric and side-scan sonar data show that (1) the spreading axis within the discordance is predominantly characterized by a broad rift valley and segmentation characteristics typical of slow-spreading centers, (2) the isotopic boundary appears to be associated with unusual, chaotic sea floor, and (3) the spreading axis east of the discordance is characterized by an axial ridge typical of fast-spreading centers. These extreme variations, at an essentially constant (intermediate) spreading rate are consistent with differences in melt supply and mantle properties along the spreading axis within and east of the discordance, as suggested in previous studies.
Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is more frequent due to changes in the practice of stem cell transplantation (SCT)

The use of alternative donors, the use of peripheral blood (PB) instead of bone marrow (BM) as the stem cell source, increasing upper age limit, the use of donor lymphocyte infusions (DLIs) to treat relapse and conversion to total donor chimerism, and the use of nonmyeloablative transplants (where
Recent CdZnTe detector fabrication developments

High resistivity CdZnTe has attracted extensive interests for its use as x-ray and gamma-ray detector operated at room and elevated temperature due to its superior electro-optical and structural properties compared to other materials. The post- growth surface annealing under constituent over pressure, passivation, oxidation and chemical etching in terms of restoring stoichiometry, reducing surface damage and charge carrier trapping centers have been investigated by low temperature photoluminescence, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic force microcopy. The choice of contacting metal and deposition method also plays an important role in lowering surface leakage current and increasing the ohmic behavior between contact and detector, and subsequently directly affects the detector performance. The data revealed by spectroscopic and microscopic measurements were correlated with current-voltage and x-ray spectrum results to give an improved detector fabrication process based on CdZnTe detector. These results are presented and discussed.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Mentorship in forensic nursing research: promoting the next generation of forensic nurse scientists.

The insight granted by a true mentor can have the qualities of a good poem; a certain density, richness, and seemingly inexhaustible nourishment.
Metabolic alteration and excretion of anthracene by Daphnia pulex

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) constitute a series of compounds, some of which are potent carcinogens, which have been detected in natural waters throughout the world. Major sources are aqueous effluents from high-temperature industrial pyrolysis processes, including coke production (Andelman and Suess, 1970). Coal liquefaction, which may provide substantial quantities of synthetic fuel within 15 years, may also release PAH in wastewater streams (Guerin, 1975). Because PAH have been demonstrated to concentrate to high levels in tissues of aquatic organisms (Shimkin et al., 1951; Scaccini-Cicatelli, 1966; Stegeman and Teal, 1973), a potential exists for biomagnification within food webs to levels hazardous both to fish and to human consumers of aquatic organisms. Corner (1975) has suggested that uptake by filter-feeding organisms may constitute a major mechanism of entrance of PAH to aquatic food chains. In this laboratory, we have demonstrated the ability of several invertebrates to concentrate anthracene, a three-ring PAH compound, from both dissolved and particulate forms. In this paper we present further investigations of the kinetics of excretion and metabolic alteration of anthracene by a representative zooplankter (Daphnia pulex) to evaluate the effect of excretory processes on the potential for bioaccumulation of PAH compounds in aquatic organisms.
The Small Molecule Harmine Is an Antidiabetic Cell-Type-Specific Regulator of PPARγ Expression

PPARgamma is the master regulator of adipogenesis and the molecular target of the thiazolidinedione antidiabetic drugs. By screening for compounds that promote adipogenesis, we identified a small molecule that targets the PPARgamma pathway by a distinct mechanism. This molecule, harmine, is not a ligand for the receptor; rather, it acts as a cell-type-specific regulator of PPARgamma expression. Administration of harmine to diabetic mice mimics the effects of PPARgamma ligands on adipocyte gene expression and insulin sensitivity. Unlike thiazolidinediones, however, harmine does not cause significant weight gain or hepatic lipid accumulation. Molecular studies indicate that harmine controls PPARgamma expression through inhibition of the Wnt signaling pathway. This work validates phenotypic screening of adipocytes as a promising strategy for the identification of bioactive small molecules and suggests that regulators of PPARgamma expression may represent a complementary approach to PPARgamma ligands in the treatment of insulin resistance.
Implications of the new copyright law for libraries and library users

A comparison is made of what happens at present in the copying of copyrighted material in academic and special libraries with what changes will be needed when the Copyright Law of 1976 becomes effective. Compliance with the CONTU guidelines will assure continued interlibrary lending. Warning signs, copyright stamps, and revised user request forms are needed to assure that copying purposes comply with the law. Copying for classroom purposes will need to be clarified. The stricter requirements for copying by special libraries are cited. Copying by paying royalties when infringement is likely can be done in several ways. An alphabetical index to appropriate sections of the copyright law and the House of Representatives report, as well as the CONTU and classroom-use guidelines, is included in an appendix.
Structurally Functionalized Polyurethane Foam for Elimination of Lead Ions from Drinking Water

Polyurethane foams functionalized with Sulfonic acid groups have been found to be strong cation exchangers. This novel property of the foam was used to exchange lead (Pb 2+ ) ions from aqueous solutions. Polyurethane foam synthesis is based on addition polymerization of the highly reactive isocyanate (-NCO) groups of an isocyanate with the hydroxyl (â€“OH) groups of a polyol to form the urethane species. Toluene-2,4-2,6- diisocyanate was reacted with Polypropylene glycol 1200 in 2:1 molar ratio to form a linear pre-polymer. The linear pre-polymer was further polymerized using a chain extender, N, N-bis (2-hydorxyethyl)-2-aminoethane-sulfonic acid (BES). BES also acts as a functional group to exchange Pb 2+ ions. A set of experiments were designed to study various process parameters. The functionalized polyurethane foam was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The Pb 2+ ion exchange capacity was determined using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer. The maximum Pb 2+ ion exchange capacity of the foam was found to be 47 parts per billion per gram (ppb/g) from a 100 parts per billion (ppb) Pb 2+ solution over a period of 60 minutes. A multistage batch filtration process increased the Pb 2+ ion removal to 50-54 ppb/3g of foam over a period of 90 minutes.
Riemann surfaces in fibered polynomial hulls

Let Δ be the closed unit disk in C, let Γ be the circle, let Π: Δ×C→Δ be projection, and letA(Δ) be the algebra of complex functions continuous on Δ and analytic in int Δ. LetK be a compact set in C2 such that Π(K)=Γ, and letKλ≠{w∈C|(λ,w)∈K}. Suppose further that (a) for every λ∈Γ,Kλ is the union of two nonempty disjoint connected compact sets with connected complement, (b) there exists a function Q(λ,w)≠(w-R(λ))2-S(λ) quadratic in w withR,S∈A(Δ) such that for all λ∈Γ, {w∈C|Q(λ,w)=0}υ intKλ, whereS has only one zero in int Δ, counting multiplicity, and (c) for every λ∈Γ, the map ω→Q(λ,ω) is injective on each component ofKλ. Then we prove that К/K is the union of analytic disks 2-sheeted over int Δ, where К is the polynomial convex hull ofK. Furthermore, we show that БК/K is the disjoint union of such disks.
Neighborhood characteristics, parenting, and children's safety

Recent studies highlight the importance of neighborhood context for child and family well-being. Yet challenges to research on neighborhood effects remain; research on young children is sparse, as is research on neighborhood effects on parenting. Measurement also continues to challenge researchers, particularly in devising non-invasive means of gauging neighborhood characteristics. The present study seeks to address these issues by using data from a newly developed observational measure of neighborhood characteristics to examine parent reports of the safety of neighborhood children in the home and self-reports of parenting. The results showed that neighborhood characteristics accounted for 23% of the variance in parent perceptions of children's safety in the home, with neighborhood physical appearance strongly predicting children's safety. Neighborhood effects on self-reported parenting were more modest, accounting for just 6% of the variance in parents' reports of nurturing interactions with their children; vigilance for the safety of the neighborhood was a significant predictor. The study has implications for observational measurement of neighborhood effects and for policy and program practices to improve child and family well-being through neighborhood change.
Comparison of emergency department patient classification by point-of-care and central laboratory methods for cardiac troponin I.

For patients admitted to the emergency department (ED) with suspected acute coronary syndrome, we compared results of a rapid, point-of-care whole blood assay for cardiac troponin I (Abbott i-STAT, Abbott Point-of-Care, East Windsor, NJ) (Tn-P) with an automated central laboratory plasma assay (Siemens TnI-Ultra, Siemens Medical Solutions Diagnostics, Tarrytown, NY) (Tn-U). Clinical data were obtained during a 6-month period during which ED patients were screened by Tn-P, with retesting of elevated results by Tn-U. Of 5,909 Tn-P results, 573 (9.7%) were elevated; these and a random selection of 137 negative specimens were retested by Tn-U. Of the specimens with elevated results, 4.5% retested negative by Tn-U, even though Tn-U typically gave about 50% higher results and had a lower manufacturer-specified 99th percentile cutoff. Of the negatives, 5.8% retested as elevated by Tn-U, but with levels no higher than 0.1 ng/mL (0.1 μg/L). Rapid whole blood testing for cardiac troponin I gave generally reliable patient classifications compared with plasma testing in the central laboratory, but besides missing small elevations, produced some apparent false-positives.
Carbon on surfaces of magnesium oxide and olivine single crystals. Diffusion from the bulk or surface contamination

We have conducted detailed studies of the behavior of carbon on the surfaces of MgO and olivine single crystals using various surface analytical techniques: viz. secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), Auger electron spectrometry (AES) and X-ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS). In order to distinguish without ambiguity the effect of diffusion of carbon from the bulk to the surface and the effect of surface contamination by carbon-containing species, the experiments were conducted in ultrahigh vacuum, i.e. 10−11–10−9 torr. In addition to MgO and olivine single crystals, we have conducted the same studies on TiO2, MnO, SiO2 and Ta2O5 which serve as blank samples. The MgO and olivine samples were also intentionally implanted with known doses of carbon and the mobility of this particular carbon was investigated in detail. Our results show that the bulk carbon content in MgO is around 40 wt. ppm, considerably lower than the quantities quoted by Freund and co-workers in the past. We also show that the carbon in both MgO and olivine does not display any rapid diffusion behaviour leading to surface segreation in the temperature range 78–723 K, in contrast to the previous findings of Freund and co-workers.
Aeromagnetic survey of Kansas

An aeromagnetic survey of Kansas, conducted by the Kansas Geological Survey during the past 5 years, has been completed. The total intensity magnetic field contour map, along with spectrally filtered versions, reveals largescale magnetic patterns, which we correlate with basement composition and paleotectonics. A second vertical derivative map clearly demonstrates that the southern part of the Proterozoic Central North American Rift System (CNARS) does not terminate in central Kansas but continues along a southwestern trend to at least the Oklahoma border. Some of the current seismicity within the state appears to be correlated with reactivated faults within the CNARS. Apparent in northeastern Kansas is the presence of numerous highly magnetic shallow granitic plutons, known from drilling to be approximately 1350 m.y. old, embedded within the older, 1600—1700-m.y.-old mesozonal granitic crust. The total intensity magnetic field map reveals a series of magnetic lows trending approximately east-west across the state. These may correspond to a paleoplate boundary between the older granitic terrane to the north and the younger, 1400-m.y. rhyolitic and epizonal granitic terrane to the south.
Understanding resilience in diverse, talented students in an urban high school

This article summarizes findings from a 3‐year study of 35 economically disadvantaged, ethnically diverse, academically talented high school students who either achieved or underachieved in their urban high school. In particular, the resilience of these two groups of high ability students is explored. Comparative case study and ethnographic methods were used to examine the ways in which some academically talented students develop and/or employ strategies associated with resilience to achieve at high levels. Both risk factors and protective factors are examined to explore participants’ pathways toward either positive or negative outcomes. The results of this study suggest that some protective factors helped some academically talented students to achieve at high levels. The protective factors include supportive adults; friendships with other achieving students; opportunity to take honors and advanced classes; participation in multiple extracurricular activities both after school and during the summer; the d...
Taphonomic tiering: experimental field taphonomy of molluscs and foraminifera above and below the sediment–water interface

Abstract A review and synthesis of field-based taphonomic experiments using molluscs and foraminiferans in marine systems reveal differing patterns of hardpart accumulation and destruction for these two major groups of fossil organisms. For benthic molluscs, most destruction appears to occur at the sediment–water interface in siliciclastic settings. Mollusc preservation is suggested to be high once the shell is buried below the Taphonomically Active Zone although this observation has not been experimentally addressed. Foraminiferal preservation, however, depends on microhabitat, biogeochemical conditions within the sediments, and test composition. The Taphonomically Active Zone for foraminiferans appears to be the upper 10 cm in most depositional settings (from shallow to deep sea). The preservation of tests or shells, however, has not been examined below the sediment–water interface using field-based experiments. Pore water geochemistry and associated microbial processes may be the most important factors in which to examine subsurface taphonomy. The term, taphonomic tiering, is applied to variations in taphonomic activity within the sediments that differentially affect hard parts. In essence, the subsurface region where hardparts are presumed to be preserved, is one of the new frontiers in experimental field taphonomy.
Climatic effects on the phenology of lake processes

Populations living in seasonal environments are exposed to systematic changes in physical conditions that restrict the growth and reproduction of many species to only a short time window of the annual cycle. Several studies have shown that climate changes over the latter part of the 20th century affected the phenology and population dynamics of single species. However, the key limitation to forecasting the effects of changing climate on ecosystems lies in understanding how it will affect interactions among species. We investigated the effects of climatic and biotic drivers on physical and biological lake processes, using a historical dataset of 40 years from Lake Washington, USA, and dynamic time-series models to explain changes in the phenological patterns among physical and biological components of pelagic ecosystems. Long-term climate warming and variability because of large-scale climatic patterns like Pacific decadal
Uranium fallout from the nuclear-powered satellites and volcanic eruptions

Increasing trends of the concentrations of234U,235U and238U in rain observed during the period between April 1984 and June 1985 at Fayetteville (36°N, 94°W), Arkansas, and peak concentrations of234U and235U observed in a number of rain samples collected during the months of May and June 1985 appear to be the effects of delayed fallout from the 1982 eruption of El Chichon volcano and the 1983 fall of the nuclear-powered satellite Cosmos-1402, respectively.
Power function-based power distribution normalization algorithm for robust speech recognition

A novel algorithm that normalizes the distribution of spectral power coefficients is described in this paper. The algorithm, called power-function-based power distribution (PPDN) is based on the observation that the ratio of arithmetic mean to geometric mean changes as speech is corrupted by noise, and a parametric power function is used to equalize this ratio. We also observe that a longer “medium-duration” observation window (of approximately 100 ms) is better suited for parameter estimation for noise compensation than the briefer window typically used for automatic speech recognition. We also describe the implementation of an online version of PPDN based on exponentially weighted temporal averaging. Experimental results shows that PPDN provides comparable or slightly better results than state of- the-art algorithms such as vector Taylor series for speech recognition while requiring much less computation. Hence, the algorithm is suitable for both real-time speech communication or as a real-time preprocessing stage for speech recognition systems.
Recalls versus Trials as Factors in Serial Verbal Learning of Retardates

A Markov model for verbal learning, developed by Miller and McGill, was applied to data from a serial learning experiment. Data were obtained from 38 retarded Ss (Mean MA: 105 mo.; Mean IQ: 66) who learned lists of six common monosyllabic words by the anticipation method. The model, which assumes that probability of recall is completely determined by number of previous recalls, corresponded closely to the data. The results were also consistent with Rock's theory that associations are formed in an all-or-nothing fashion.
New climate center

An Experimental Climate Forecast Center has been established at the NASA Goddard Laboratory for Atmospheric Sciences (GLAS) by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Climate Program Office. NASA's Goddard Laboratory will provide the computing facilities necessary to process the vast amount of data used in complex numerical climate modeling. As the second of the centers established under the National Climate Program Act of 1978, the Experimental Climate Forecast Center will investigate climate predictability theory and forecasting techniques by using numerical methods in dynamic models of the earth's ocean and atmosphere system. The first center, at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, concentrates on statistically based methods. The principal interest of both centers is the potential for forecasting characteristics of seasonal temperature and precipitation. The director of the new center is Milton Halem; he also will continue as head of the global modeling and simulation branch at GLAS.
A Fortuitous Year with Leon Henkin

This is a personal reminiscence about the work I did under the direction of Leon Henkin during the last year of my graduate studies, work that proved to be fortuitous in the absence of Alfred Tarski, my thesis advisor.
Lateral resonant tunneling transistors employing field-induced quantum wells and barriers

The authors describe some preliminary experimental results of quantum-effect modulation-doped field-effect transistors (MODFETs) with a variety of nanometer gate geometries. The gate geometries were such that various quantum wells and barriers were formed in the channel of the MODFETs through the field effect imposed by the novel gate structures, and the transport of the electrons was affected by resonant tunneling. The devices were fabricated using a combination of molecular beam epitaxy and electron beam lithography. Electrical measurements of the devices at 4.2 K showed resonant tunneling effects and, in particular, showed that resonant tunneling is more pronounced for a system of quantum wells confined in three dimensions than in two. For these quantum effects to be appreciable at practical temperatures, about 77 K, the feature size of the gate geometries should be smaller than 50 nm. >
Review of Practical Ethics, 3rd Edition by Peter Singer

Peter Singer's Practical Ethics is must reading for anyone interested in living an ethical life. It addresses some of the most significant moral issues facing humanity today: equality for humans, e...
Use of CA-125 to Assess Response to New Agents in Ovarian Cancer Trials

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate how CA-125 could be used in clinical trials to ascertain the efficacy of new drugs for ovarian cancer. Studies that have investigated the use of CA-125 in assessing response and progression of ovarian cancer are reviewed. A precise CA-125 response definition that requires either a 50% or 75% decrease in CA-125 levels has been shown in trials of both initial chemotherapy and in phase II trials to predict accurately the response in comparison with standard response criteria. A simpler response definition that is based on just a 50% decrease in CA-125 levels has been proposed by the Gynaecological Cancer Intergroup (GCIG) but requires further validation. Definitions for progression have also been proposed by the GCIG on the basis of a confirmed doubling of CA-125 levels from either the upper limit of normal or the nadir CA-125 level. These CA-125 definitions for progression falsely predict progression in fewer than 2% of patients and can be used to define the date of progression. Precise definitions for response and progression according to CA-125 should be incorporated into ovarian cancer clinical trial protocols. These definitions already have been shown to be valuable in assessing efficacy of new agents but require further prospective evaluation.
Optimal decoding of correlated neural population responses in the primate visual cortex

Even the simplest environmental stimuli elicit responses in large populations of neurons in early sensory cortical areas. How these distributed responses are read out by subsequent processing stages to mediate behavior remains unknown. Here we used voltagesensitive dye imaging to measure directly population responses in the primary visual cortex (V1) of monkeys performing a demanding visual detection task. We then evaluated the ability of different decoding rules to detect the target from the measured neural responses. We found that small visual targets elicit widespread responses in V1, and that response variability at distant sites is highly correlated. These correlations render most previously proposed decoding rules inefficient relative to one that uses spatially antagonistic center-surround summation. This optimal decoder consistently outperformed the monkey in the detection task, demonstrating the sensitivity of our techniques. Overall, our results suggest an unexpected role for inhibitory mechanisms in efficient decoding of neural population responses.
Climatic and topographic controls on patterns of fire in the southern and central Appalachian Mountains, USA

Climate and topography are two important controls on spatial patterns of fire disturbance in forests globally, via their influence on fuel moisture and fuel production. To assess the influences of climate and topography on fire disturbance patterns in a temperate forest region, we analyzed the mapped perimeters of fires that burned during 1930–2003 in two national parks in the eastern United States. These were Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) in the southern Appalachian Mountains and Shenandoah National Park (SNP) in the central Appalachian Mountains. We conducted GIS analyses to assess trends in area burned under differing climatic conditions and across topographic gradients (elevation, slope position, and aspect). We developed a Classification and Regression Tree model in order to further explore the interactions between topography, climate, and fire. The results demonstrate that climate is a strong driver of both spatial and temporal patterns of wildfire. Fire was most prevalent in the drier SNP than the wetter GSMNP, and during drought years in both parks. Topography also influenced fire occurrence, with relatively dry south-facing aspects, ridges, and lower elevations burning most frequently. However, the strength of topographic trends varied according to the climatic context. Weaker topographic trends emerged in the drier SNP than GSMNP, and during low-PDSI (dry) years than high-PDSI (wet) years in both parks. The apparent influence of climate on the spatial patterning of fire suggests a more general concept, that disturbance-prone landscapes exhibit weaker fine-scale spatial patterning of disturbance than do less disturbance-prone landscapes.
Human carrying capacity estimation in Brazilian Amazonia as a basis for sustainable development

Sustainable development requires that population and consumption remain within the limits of carrying capacity, while preventing a decline in the carrying capacity of an area requires that productive systems implanted through development be sustainable. Zoning can be a valuable tool in influencing land-use decisions, but we cannot expect government decrees to be capable of causing the landscape to evolve toward the sustainable patterns which have been recommended through zoning. A prerequisite for influencing land-use change is understanding the social processes involved in land-use decisions, beginning with deforestation dynamics. Work to estimate carrying capacity needs to embrace the wide variety of production systems used and contemplated for Amazonia and to be able to interpret this information at scales ranging from local communities to the region as a whole. This will require not only studies of different land-use systems in rural areas, but also integration with studies of energy use and support limits of urban populations. Risks of environmental impacts must be quantified under different development scenarios, and limits of acceptable risk identified and integrated into analyses of carrying capacity.Tapping the value of environmental services of standing forest represents a promising means of sustaining Amazonia's population over the long term, but numerous obstacles exist. These include halting deforestation before opportunities are lost and supporting the population in non-damaging ways while the institutional groundwork is laid for using the environmental services involved. Research is needed to quantify the magnitude of services and the appropriate monetary value per unit of service. Diplomatic agreement must be reached on these values, which can be expected to be quite different from estimates of the 'true' values based on research. A series of social arrangements must be proposed and implemented if the value derived from environmental services is to fulfil its dual role of maintaining both the forest and the human population in Amazonia.