cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dry Sliding Wear of Laser-Clad High-Vanadium Crucible Powder Metallurgy (CPM) 3V, 9V, and 15V Tool Steel Coatings

Dry sliding wear of laser-clad high-vanadium Crucible Powder Metallurgy (CPM) 3V, 9V, and 15V tool steel coatings was investigated in “as-clad” and “heat-treated” conditions against cemented WC-6%Co ball, where a hardened wrought AISI H13 hot-work tool steel substrate was used as a baseline for comparison. The 15V coating demonstrated a superior sliding wear resistance; the 9V coating possessed a better sliding wear resistance than the 3V coating, but was inferior to the 15V coating, and all the laser-clad CPM coatings showed a better sliding wear resistance than the hardened H13 substrate. The sliding wear resistances of the 3V and 15V coatings were further improved after double tempering at 540 and 550 °C (corresponding to their respective “secondary hardening”), respectively. By contrast, the sliding wear resistance of the 9V coating after double tempering at 550 °C (beyond its “secondary hardening” temperature) was slightly dropped instead, ascribed to the reduced hardness. The microstructures of the coatings, the morphologies, and chemical compositions of the worn surfaces were studied, revealing that the adhesion and oxidation played important roles in the dry sliding wear, depending upon the hardness of the martensitic matrices of the coatings and the morphologies and amount of (V, Cr)8C7 vanadium carbides dispersed on the matrices.
Comparison of non-exercise cardiorespiratory fitness prediction equations in apparently healthy adults

AimsA recent scientific statement suggests clinicians should routinely assess cardiorespiratory fitness using at least non-exercise prediction equations. However, no study has comprehensively compa...
Structural Heart Disease During a Pandemic

As I sit at home writing this Editor’s Page, we are in the middle, or perhaps still in the beginning, of the coronavirus pandemic. Infection with COVID 19 has completely disrupted nearly every aspe...
The SWI/SNF complex in cancer — biology, biomarkers and therapy

Cancer genome-sequencing studies have revealed a remarkably high prevalence of mutations in genes encoding subunits of the SWI/SNF chromatin-remodelling complexes, with nearly 25% of all cancers harbouring aberrations in one or more of these genes. A role for such aberrations in tumorigenesis is evidenced by cancer predisposition in both carriers of germline loss-of-function mutations and genetically engineered mouse models with inactivation of any of several SWI/SNF subunits. Whereas many of the most frequently mutated oncogenes and tumour-suppressor genes have been studied for several decades, the cancer-promoting role of mutations in SWI/SNF genes has been recognized only more recently, and thus comparatively less is known about these alterations. Consequently, increasing research interest is being focused on understanding the prognostic and, in particular, the potential therapeutic implications of mutations in genes encoding SWI/SNF subunits. Herein, we review the burgeoning data on the mechanisms by which mutations affecting SWI/SNF complexes promote cancer and describe promising emerging opportunities for targeted therapy, including immunotherapy with immune-checkpoint inhibitors, presented by these mutations. We also highlight ongoing clinical trials open specifically to patients with cancers harbouring mutations in certain SWI/SNF genes. Mutations in genes encoding subunits of the SWI/SNF chromatin-remodelling complexes occur in almost 25% of all cancers. Herein, Mittal and Roberts discuss the mechanisms by which these mutations might promote cancer and describe the associated vulnerabilities that provide opportunities for targeted therapy or immunotherapy with immune-checkpoint inhibitors.
The Rule of Law, Economic Development, and the Developmental States of Northeast Asia

Rule of Law rhetoric is all around us — in the business press, in the programs and publications of the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Asian Development Bank (ADB), in bilateral development assistance projects, and even in US-China diplomatic dialogue. Notably, however, the Rule of Law is not being touted in these primarily for its traditional political role as a protector of human rights and individual dignity. Rather, the new rhetoric makes the claim that the Rule of Law is a crucial element in economic development, not only in formerly socialist countries (‘transition economies’) (World Bank, 1996), but in developing capitalist countries as well.
Guideline-Concordant Insulin Infusion Initiation Among Critically Ill Patients With Sepsis.

Abstract Objective Our objective was to benchmark rates of guideline-concordant insulin infusion initiation, identify factors associated with guideline-concordant insulin practices, and examine the association between hospital-level guideline concordance and mortality among critically ill patients with sepsis. Methods We performed a multicenter retrospective cohort study of intensive care patients with sepsis who were eligible for insulin infusion initiation according to American Diabetes Association and Surviving Sepsis guidelines (persistent blood sugar ≥180 mg/dL). We then identified patients who were initiated on insulin infusions within 24 hours of eligibility. We examined patient- and hospital-level factors associated with guideline-concordant insulin infusion initiation and explored the association between the hospital-level proportion of patients who received guideline-concordant insulin infusions and hospital mortality. Results Among 5453 guideline-eligible patients with sepsis, 13.4% were initiated on insulin infusions. Factors most strongly associated with guideline-concordant insulin infusion initiation were mechanical ventilation and hospital of admission. The hospital-level proportion of patients who received guideline-concordant insulin infusions were not associated with mortality. Among 1501 intensive care unit patients with sepsis who were started on insulin infusions, 37.0% were initiated at a blood glucose level below 180 mg/dL, the guideline-recommended starting threshold. Conclusion Guideline-concordant insulin infusion initiation was uncommon among patients with sepsis admitted to U.S. intensive care units and was determined in large part by hospital of admission. The degree to which hospitals were guideline-concordant were not associated with mortality.
Co-Occurrence Conundrum: Brain Metastases from Lung Adenocarcinoma, Radiation Necrosis, and Gliosarcoma

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) commonly presents with metastasis to the brain. When brain metastases are treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), longitudinal imaging to monitor treatment response may identify radiation necrosis, metastasis progression, and/or another primary brain malignancy. A 60-year-old female with metastatic NSCLC involving the brain underwent treatment with systemic therapy and SRS. While some brain metastases resolved, two remaining sites evolved to resemble radiation necrosis on magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy. One of those sites was later confirmed to be radiation necrosis after receding with steroids and bevacizumab. The other lesion continued to enlarge and was then surgically resected, pathologically proven to be a gliosarcoma. When scan findings diverge among multiple treated disease sites, imaging should be cautiously interpreted in conjunction with clinical information as well as early surgical consultation for biopsy consideration, especially when there is suspicion of unusual or superimposed pathologies.
Veterans' satisfaction and perspectives on helpfulness of the Veterans Crisis Line.

Objective Crisis hotlines are an important part of a public health approach to suicide prevention. The Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) provides hotline services to Veterans. There is a paucity of research concerning the effectiveness of the VCL. The current work describes efforts to establish groundwork for VCL effectiveness research. Methods 155 VCL users who were referred to a Veterans Affairs Medical Center Suicide Prevention Team completed interviews including open-ended and closed-ended questions. Outcomes are reported for suicidal participants, non-suicidal participants, and those who had emergency intervention. Thematic analysis was used for open-ended questions. Results Eighty-seven percent of interviewees expressed satisfaction with the VCL, 81.9% reported that the VCL was helpful, and 72.9% said that the VCL helped keep them safe. Of those with suicidal thoughts, 82.6% said the contact helped stop them from killing themselves. Themes are described concerning user identified reasons for VCL contact, most and least helpful aspects of the contact, and suggestions for improvement. Discussion This project demonstrates that this group of people who used the VCL overwhelmingly finds the service to be helpful and a barrier to suicide. Further, implications of user feedback for application to VCL operations and future research are discussed.
Ankle impingement

Ankle impingement is a syndrome that encompasses a wide range of anterior and posterior joint pathology involving both osseous and soft tissue abnormalities. In this review, the etiology, pathoanatomy, diagnostic workup, and treatment options for both anterior and posterior ankle impingement syndromes are discussed.
Radiation exposure assessment of tungsten vial shields vs. lead glass vial shields.

2159 Objectives: Vial shields are an essential component of the radiation safety program in any nuclear pharmacy or nuclear medicine hot lab. Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s standard practice is to use commercially available lead glass vial shields when reconstituting technetium 99m (Tc-99m). As high activity Tc-99m sestamibi kits are prepared on a daily basis, the objective of this study is to evaluate the radiation shielding properties of two commercially available vial shields from Biodex Medical Systems. Methods: The Biodex High Density Lead Glass Vial Shield (001-075) was evaluated by adding 1,421 mCi of Tc-99m into a 10 mL sterile vial. The Biodex Tungsten Vial Shield (053-805) was evaluated by adding 1,428 mCi of Tc-99m into a 10 mL sterile vial. Measurements were recorded using a Fluke 451B ion chamber to determine the radiation exposure on the surface of both shielding configurations. Following the exposure readings, a thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) was placed on each vial shield for 30 minutes. The tungsten shield and the lead glass shield contained 1,404 mCi and 1,405 mCi of Tc-99m, respectively, at the time the TLDs were placed. Following a 30 minute exposure time, TLDs were removed and sent to Landauer for processing and analysis. Results: Ion chamber readings taken at the surface of both the tungsten and lead glass shields were 0.360 mR/h and 13.7 mR/h, respectively. Based on these measurements, the tungsten shield resulted in a 97.4% reduction in surface exposure compared to the lead glass shield. The TLD analysis from Landaur reported “M” (dose equivalents below the minimum measurable quantity of 10 mrem) for the tungsten shield, and 60 mrem exposure for the lead glass shield. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that tungsten shielding significantly reduces radiation exposure when compared to lead shielding. Based on these findings, Northwestern Memorial Hospital has implemented the use of tungsten vial shields for high activity Tc-99m preparations to minimize radiation exposure and adhere to the ALARA principle.
Relationship between the temperament trait of sensory processing sensitivity and emotional reactivity

Sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) is a temperament trait found in around 20% of humans, which has been found to enhance responsiveness to diverse stimuli. In this study, we investigated for the first time the extent to which SPS, and its interaction with quality of parenting, predicts positive and negative experiences in response to emotional stimuli. Participants ( N = 96) from the upper and lower quartiles on the standard SPS measure (the Highly Sensitive Person Scale) rated the valence and their arousal level when viewing emotionally evocative and neutral pictures selected from the International Affective Picture System. High (vs. low) SPS individuals rated pictures eliciting emotion, and especially positive ones, as significantly more valenced, and tended to respond faster to the positive pictures; also, high, vs. low, SPS individuals who had reported having high-quality parenting reported greater arousal in response to positive pictures. Overall, results suggest that high SPS individuals respond more strongly to emotional stimuli—especially positive—without being more aroused unless they had especially high-quality parenting.
Scalable continuous query processing and moving object indexing in spatio-temporal databases

Spatio-temporal database systems aim to answer continuous spatio-temporal queries issued over moving objects. In many scenarios such as in a wide area, the number of outstanding queries and the number of moving objects are so large that a server fails to process queries promptly. In our work, we aim to develop scalable techniques for spatio-temporal database systems. We focus on two aspects of spatio-temporal database systems: 1) the query processing algorithms for a large set of concurrent queries, and 2) the underlying indexing structures for constantly moving objects. For continuous query processing, we explore the techniques of Incremental Evaluation and Shared Execution, especially to k-nearest-neighbor queries. For moving object indexing, we utilize Update Memos to support frequent updates efficiently in spatial indexes such as R-trees. In this paper, we first identify the challenges towards scalable spatio-temporal databases, then review the current contributions we have achieved so far and discuss future research directions.
The Real Magic of Harry Potter

There's a new trial in the Triwizard Tournament! Contestants simply have to explain why Harry Potter is so popular! The answer is simultaneously obvious, multiple, and slippery. Sarah Kate Stephenson gives us an interesting outlook on this enthralling conundrum, focusing on the positive atmosphere of the books, the defining qualities of Harry, Ron, and Hermione, the importance of friendship, and how the books really are written for children.
Detection of the RF Pulse Associated With Cosmic Ray Air Showers

A project to detect the radio-frequency pulse associated with extensive air showers of cosmic rays is described briefly. Prototype work is being performed at the CASA/MIA array in Utah, with the intention of designing equipment that can be used in conjunction with the Auger Giant Array proposal.
T-type calcium channel blockade in the management of chronic ischemic heart disease.

The T-Type calcium channel offers a new therapeutic target for teatment of patients with cardiovascular disease. Mibefradil, a T channel blocker, produces heart rate slowing and coronary vasodilatation but without the negative inotropic effect commonly seen when L-Type channel blockers are used. The present study shows Mibefradil prevents ischemic episodes that are and are not preceded by an increase in heart rate. Although Mibefradil has been withdrawn because of multiple drug interactions, new T-Type calcium channel blockers are under development.
Genomic organization of ATOX1, a human copper chaperone

Background Copper is an essential trace element that plays a critical role in the survival of all living organisms. Menkes disease and occipital horn syndrome (OHS) are allelic disorders of copper transport caused by defects in a X-linked gene (ATP7A) that encodes a P-type ATPase that transports copper across cellular membranes, including the trans-Golgi network. Genetic studies in yeast recently revealed a new family of cytoplasmic proteins called copper chaperones which bind copper ions and deliver them to specific cellular pathways. Biochemical studies of the human homolog of one copper chaperone, ATOX1, indicate direct interaction with the Menkes/OHS protein. Although no disease-associated mutations have been reported in ATOX1, mice with disruption of the ATOX1 locus demonstrate perinatal mortality similar to that observed in the brindled mice (Mobr), a mouse model of Menkes disease. The cDNA sequence for ATOX1 is known, and the genomic organization has not been reported.
Input Price Uncertainty and Factor Demand

A simple two-input and one-output model is used to examine the effects of variable input price uncertainty on a quasi-fixed factor. These theoretical results, applied to a livestock firm, indicate that choice of the quasi-fixed factor depends upon the attitude of the farmer toward risk and whether the inputs are complements, substitutes, or independents.
Comprehensive solution for anomaly-free BGP

The Internet consists of many self-administered and inter-connected Autonomous Systems (ASms). ASms exchange inter-AS routing information with each other via the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP). Neighboring BGP routers located in different ASms share their inter-AS routing information via external BGP (eBGP), whereas two routers in the same AS share their inter-AS routing information via internal BGP (iBGP). From the paths received from its peers, each BGP router chooses the best path based on routing policies chosen locally at its own AS. Conflicting policies between different ASms may cause divergence problems in eBGP, i.e., permanent oscillations in the chosen path to the destination. On the other hand, divergence problems may also occur in iBGP. This is caused by the interaction of route-reflection clustering, which is a technique to improve the scalability of iBGP, and other factors, such as intra-AS link costs, among others. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive solution that avoids all the known anomalies with both eBGP and iBGP. In our solution, each AS can locally choose its routing policies, while still ensuring anomaly-free behavior.
Analysis of gene transcription and relative abundance of the cys-motif gene family from Campoletis sonorensis ichnovirus (CsIV) and further characterization of the most abundant cys-motif protein, WHv1.6.

The cys-motif gene family associated with Campoletis sonorensis ichnovirus contains 10 members, WHv1.6, WHv1.0, VHv1.1, VHv1.4, AHv1.0, A'Hv0.8, FHv1.4, LHv2.8, UHv0.8, and UHv0.8a. The results of this study indicated that, within the encapsidated virion, WHv1.6 is the most abundant cys-motif gene, while the combined AHv genes are the least abundant. During parasitization of Heliothis virescens by Campoletis sonorenis, WHv1.6 transcripts were the mostly highly expressed, while the combined UHv genes had the lowest expression. Further proteomic analysis of WHv1.6 showed that it accumulates at high levels in parasitized plasma by 6 h, and is detectable in the haemocytes, fat body, malpighian tubules, nerve cord and epidermis by 2 days after parasitization. Localization experiments led us to conclude that WHv1.6 interacts with the cell membrane along with other organelles within a virus-infected cell and prevents immunocytes from spreading or adhering to a foreign surface. Similarly to VHv1.4 and VHv1.1, WHv1.6 is able to inhibit the translation of haemocyte and Malpighian tubule RNAs. Our results showed that the expression of cys-motif genes during parasitization is related to the gene copy number of each gene within the encapsidated virion and may also be dependent upon cis-regulatory element activity in different target tissues. In addition, WHv1.6 plays a major role in inhibiting the cellular encapsulation response by H. virescens.
Effect of Vinylene Carbonate and Fluoroethylene Carbonate on SEI Formation on Graphitic Anodes in Li-Ion Batteries

Binder free (BF) graphite electrodes were utilized to investigate the effect of electrolyte additives fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) and vinylene carbonate (VC) on the structure of the solid electrolyte interface (SEI). The structure of the SEI has been investigated via ex-situ surface analysis including X-ray Photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Hard XPS (HAXPES), Infrared spectroscopy (IR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The components of the SEI have been further investigated via nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy of D2O extractions. The SEI generated on the BF-graphite anode with a standard electrolyte (1.2 M LiPF6 in ethylene carbonate (EC) / ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC), 3/7 (v/v)) is composed primarily of lithium alkyl carbonates (LAC) and LiF. Incorporation of VC (3% wt) results in the generation of a thinner SEI composed of Li2CO3, poly(VC), LAC, and LiF. Incorporation of VC inhibits the generation of LAC and LiF. Incorporation of FEC (3% wt) also results in the generation of a thinner SEI composed of Li2CO3, poly(FEC), LAC, and LiF. The concentration of poly(FEC) is lower than the concentration of poly(VC) and the generation of LAC is inhibited in the presence of FEC. The SEI appears to be a homogeneous film for all electrolytes investigated. © The Author(s) 2015. Published by ECS. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License (CC BY, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted reuse of the work in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. [DOI: 10.1149/2.0021513jes] All rights reserved.
Observations of an Impurity-driven Hysteresis Behavior in Ice Crystal Growth at Low Pressure

We describe observations of a novel hysteresis behavior in the growth of ice crystals under near- vacuum conditions. Above a threshold supersaturation, we find that the ice growth rate often exhibits a sudden increase that we attribute to an impurity-driven growth instability. We examine possible mechanisms for this instability, which can be used to produce clean, faceted ice surfaces.
RECENT VERSUS RELIC: DISCERNING THE GENETIC SIGNATURE OF FUCUS VESICULOSUS (HETEROKONTOPHYTA; PHAEOPHYCEAE) IN THE NORTHWESTERN ATLANTIC(1).

Fucus vesiculosus L. is one of the most widespread macrophytes in the northwestern Atlantic, ranging from North Carolina (USA) to Greenland (DK). We investigated genetic diversity, population differentiation, patterns of isolation by distance, and putative glacial refugial populations across seven locations from North Carolina (USA) to Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia (Canada), with microsatellite analyses. Distinct northern versus southern (Delaware-North Carolina) populations were revealed by microsatellite data. Five of six microsatellite loci were fixed in populations in North Carolina, suggesting a recent founder event or a bottleneck, and the same homozygous genotype was found in herbarium materials collected on the North Carolina coast from more than 60 years ago. An additional set of individuals from the northern limit in Greenland was included in our analysis of mitochondrial intergenic spacer (mt IGS) haplotypes in the northwestern Atlantic. Remarkably, 184 of 188 F. vesiculosus specimens from North Carolina to Greenland shared the same haplotype. Recent colonization of the North American shore from Europe is hypothesized based upon the ubiquity of this common haplotype, which was earlier reported from Europe.
Work in progress — Assessment of a leadership curriculum

Lawrence Technological University has implemented a required four year leadership curriculum for all undergraduate students based on the University's Leadership Education Goals and the Relational Model of Leadership. This investigation is assessing individual components of the curriculum, which include courses and co-curricular elements, as well as the impact of the curriculum as a whole. The primary tool for assessment is the author developed Leadership Self-Perception Assessment Instrument. Through pilot testing, the instrument has been proven to be temporally stable and internally consistent. The instrument will aid in answering many research questions which cover how students perceive their own leadership traits and skills, whether students are demonstrating growth in confidence in those skills through each component of the curriculum, the impact of the entire four-year leadership curriculum, and the modifications necessary to the curriculum to adequately address the student learning outcomes. Therefore, the instrument will be used for both formative and summative assessment and facilitate a longitudinal study of the leadership growth of the students. A pilot test of the instrument revealed that the students perceived an improvement in some leadership skills upon completion of one component of the curriculum. This paper will focus on pilot test results as well as set the stage for the longitudinal investigation.
Sigmoid volvulus in Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers.

PURPOSE: Sigmoid volvulus is the third leading cause of large-bowel obstruction. The optimal management strategy remains controversial. This study was undertaken to evaluate the care of patients with sigmoid volvulus recently treated at Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals. METHODS: All patients with the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification, Third Edition code for colonic volvulus during the period 1991 to 1995 were identified in the computerized national Department of Veterans Affairs database. Data on patient demographics, clinical course, and outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Two hundred twenty-eight patients had volvulus of the sigmoid colon and sufficient clinical data for evaluation. The mean age was 70; all were males. Endoscopic decompression was attempted in 189 of 228 (83 percent) patients and was successful in 154 of 189 (81 percent). Management included celiotomy in 178 of 228 (78 percent) patients. There were no intraoperative deaths. Twenty-five of 178 (14 percent) patients died within 30 days of surgery. The mortality rate was 24 percent for emergency operations (19/79), and 6 percent for elective procedures (6/99). Mortality was correlated with emergent surgery (P<0.01) and necrotic colon (P<0.05). Among those 50 patients managed by decompression alone, six (12 percent) died during the index admission. Ten of the remaining 44 (23 percent) patients eventually developed recurrent volvulus requiring further treatment, and 2 of 10 (20 percent) patients died. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort sigmoid volvulus often presents as a surgical emergency. Initial endoscopic decompression resolves the acute obstruction in the majority of cases. Surgical intervention carries a substantial risk of mortality, particularly in the setting of emergent surgery or in the presence of necrotic colon.
CO and O2 binding to pseudo-tetradentate ligand-copper(I) complexes with a variable N-donor moiety: kinetic/thermodynamic investigation reveals ligand-induced changes in reaction mechanism.

The kinetics, thermodynamics, and coordination dynamics are reported for O2 and CO 1:1 binding to a series of pseudo-tetradentate ligand−copper(I) complexes (DLCuI) to give CuI/O2 and CuI/CO product species. Members of the DLCuI series possess an identical tridentate core structure where the cuprous ion binds to the bispicolylamine (L) fragment. DL also contains a fourth variable N-donor moiety {D = benzyl (Bz); pyridyl (Py); imidazolyl (Im); dimethylamino (NMe2); (tert-butylphenyl)pyridyl (TBP); quinolyl (Q)}. The structural characteristics of DLCuI−CO and DLCuI are detailed, with X-ray crystal structures reported for TBPLCuI−CO, BzLCuI−CO, and QLCuI. Infrared studies (solution and solid-state) confirm that DLCuI−CO possess the same four-coordinate core structure in solution with the variable D moiety “dangling”, i.e., not coordinated to the copper(I) ion. Other trends observed for the present series appear to derive from the degree to which the D-group interacts with the cuprous ion center. Electrochemi...
Synergistic effect of pasireotide and teriflunomide in carcinoids in vitro.

Background/Aim: Somatostatin (SST) analogs are mainstay for controlling tumor proliferation and hormone secretion in carcinoid patients. Recent data suggest that
Modeling the Impact of Ebola and Bushmeat Hunting on Western Lowland Gorillas

The 2003 outbreak of Ebola in the Republic of Congo killed 114 people and up to 800 western lowland gorillas. This outbreak and all outbreaks between 2001–2003 began with human handling of infected animal carcasses. Ebola has since spread, putting the entire gorilla population at risk. An epidemiological model is presented to describe the combined effects of Ebola and hunting on persistence of gorillas. The number of infected gorillas also provides a means of assessing the risk of transmission to humans. Under current harvest practices and the estimated annual outbreak rate, the gorilla population is predicted to undergo a 97% decline within 100 years. Controlling bushmeat hunting may not be enough to prevent extinction if frequent outbreaks occur.
On the effective charge of iron in nitroprusside

Abstract Examination of the known physical and chemical properties for the nitroprusside ion, Fe(CN)5NO2−, demonstrates that this species formally contains iron with an effective charge of +3. In particular, comparison to the series Fe(CN)5Xn− leads to the conclusion that nitroprusside must be grouped with the ions known to contain Fe3+, and that its formulation as a Fe2+NO+ complex is misleading.
Scaling Stride Frequency and Gait to Animal Size: Mice to Horses

The stride frequency at which animals of different size change from one gait to another (walk, trot, gallop) changes in a regular manner with body mass. The speed at the transition from trot to gallop can be used as an equivalent speed for comparing animals of different size. This transition point occurs at lower speeds and higher stride frequencies in smaller animals. Plotting stride frequency at the trot-gallop transition point as a function of body mass in logarithmic coordinates yields a straight line.
The in vivo effect of theophylline on histamine release from human leucocytes

Summary The release of chemical mediators from sensitized cells is inhibited by drugs which increase intra-cellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate. Theophylline. which increases cyclic AMP through inhibition of phosphodiesterase, has been shown to inhibit mediator release in several in vitro systems. This study was undertaken to determine whether theophylline. as used for asthma therapy, would have this effect in vivo in humans. In three of six atopic subjects, inhibition of mediator release (as studied with the leucocyte hislamine release system) could be demonstrated after theophylline given orally in dosage commonly employed in asthma, This suggests that, in some asthmatic patients, theophylline may have beneficial effects other than bronchodilatalion.
The significance of crack closure under high temperature fatigue crack growth with hold periods

Abstract A finite element model has been developed that simulates crack growth under time dependent loading conditions. The model accounts for the hold time and frequency effect under high temperature fatigue crack growth. Time dependent deformation due to creep modifies the crack tip stress-strain fields and crack tip displacements. As the creep strain rates increase, the crack opening displacement and effective stress range over which the crack is open increases. The effective stress range is strongly dependent on the creep constitutive relations and increases with hold period at maximum stress. The increase in effective stress range depends on the level of applied stresses relative to yield strength and is influenced by the sensitivity of creep strain rates on stress. The implications of crack closure results in describing high temperature fatigue crack growth rate data is outlined.
Ergonomics in Workspace Design: Current Practices and an Alternative Computer-Aided Approach

A research project was conducted to identify current industrial workspace design practices, especially regarding the consideration paid to the human operator in manual workspaces, and to develop an approach for presenting ergonomic information to designers in formats conducive to the design process. Specific operator physical-stress-related performance factors considered in this research include strength capabilities, reach feasibility, and movement times. The paper presents selected results of a survey of 40 engineers/designers, and outlines the criteria for a computer-aided ergonomic design system for manual workspace design.
Peri-implantation intercourse lowers fecundability

Objective To determine the impact of sexual intercourse around the time of implantation on the probability of achieving a pregnancy. Design Time-to-pregnancy cohort using day-specific probability of pregnancy modeling to account for intercourse during the fertile window. Setting Community cohort. Patient(s) Women trying to conceive naturally, ages 30–44, without known infertility. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Positive pregnancy test. Result(s) A total of 564 women provided 1,332 complete cycles for analysis. Intercourse frequency during the fertile window and during the peri-implantation window were significantly correlated. Cycles in which couples had 2 or more days with intercourse during the implantation window were significantly less likely to result in a positive pregnancy test compared with cycles in which couples did not have intercourse in this window, after adjusting for age, race, history of regular menstrual cycles, previous pregnancy, and body mass index (fecundability ratio, 0.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.42–0.91). Conclusion(s) Intercourse during the peri-implantation window may be detrimental to natural fertility. Methods that allow couples to time intercourse to the fertile window may decrease time to pregnancy by not only increasing the probability of fertilization but also decreasing the probability of failed implantation.
A role for the bilateral involvement of perirhinal cortex in generalized kindled seizure expression.

The perirhinal cortex (PRh) has been suggested as a substrate for the expression of generalized clonic seizures in the late stages of kindling development (stages 4-5). Using the induction of Fos as a marker of neuronal activation, the PRh region was investigated after kindling or nonkindling electrical stimulation. Nonkindling electrical stimulation of the PRh elicited stimulus-locked behaviors, without afterdischarge. These behaviors were characterized by rearing and bilateral forelimb clonus which were terminated upon electrical stimulus offset in half of the rats displaying this behavior (with the other half expressing self-sustained seizures). In these animals, Fos immunoreactivity was found throughout neocortical and subcortical structures in the hemisphere ipsilateral to the stimulating electrode. By contrast, Fos-immunoreactivity in the contralateral hemisphere was localized primarily in the PRh and frontal motor cortex. Likewise, similar patterns of Fos immunoreactivity were observed in both hemispheres of rats following kindling to one generalized clonic seizure from several limbic and paleocortical structures. These results suggest that the bilateral involvement of the PRh is critical in producing the bilateral behaviors associated with generalized clonic seizure expression. In support of this interpretation, infusion of 3 M KCl directly into the contralateral PRh of rats kindled to a single stage 4-5 (generalized clonic) seizure from the ipsilateral amygdala reduced seizure manifestations from a generalized clonic seizure (stage 4-5) to a unilateral clonic seizure (stage 3) without affecting measures of focal excitability. Taken together, these data indicate a role for the bilateral involvement of the PRh in generalized clonic seizure expression whether evoked from the naive or kindled state. These results further indicate that bilateral behaviors require the bilateral involvement of the structures necessary for the expression of these behaviors.
Excited States of the 5-Chlorophyll Photosystem II Reaction Center

Results of 4.2 K hole burning, chemical reduction (sodium dithionite, in dark and with illumination), and oxidation (ferricyanide) experiments are reported for the isolated PS II reaction center containing five chlorophyll (Chl) molecules (RC-5). Qy states at 679.6 and 668.3 nm are identified as being highly localized on pheophytin a of the D1 branch (Pheo1) and pheophytin a of the D2 branch (Pheo2), respectively. The Pheo1−Qx and Pheo2−Qx transitions were found to lie on the low and high energy sides of the single Pheo−Qx absorption band, at 544.4 and 541.2 nm, respectively. The Qy band of the 684 nm absorbing Chl, which is more apparent in absorption in RC-5 than in RC-6 samples, is assigned to the peripheral Chl on the D1 side. The results are consistent with that peripheral Chl being Chlz (Stewart, D. H.; Cua, A.; Chisholm, D. A.; Diner, B. A.; Bocian, D. F.; Brudvig, G. W. Biochemistry 1998, 37, 10040). The results indicate that P680, the primary electron donor, is the main acceptor for energy transf...
A relaxation time study of the melt, glass, and crystalline phases of 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate

Abstract A proton T 1 , T 1 inp , and T 2 study has been made on 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate (HDODA) from 295 to 180 K. Upon cooling from the melt, HDODA converts into a phase at 264 K in which glassy and crystalline phases coexist in equilibrium. The relaxation times in the glassy phase have been analyzed in terms of a Cole-Davidson distribution of correlation times. At least two different crystalline phases have been detected.
Behavioral and psychologic models in ejaculatory function research

Ejaculatory disorders, such as premature and inhibited ejaculation, typically cause both functional impairment and emotional distress in men and their partners. Therefore, it is important to identify psychologic and biologic factors that contribute to ejaculatory response and, more specifically, ejaculatory latency. We discuss the need for exploring psychologic-behavioral factors involved in ejaculatory disorders, and iterate the relationship of such factors to biologic variables. A review of several purported cognitivebehavioral causes of ejaculatory disorders, investigated through psychophysiologic assessment techniques, is presented.
Influence of age and body mass index on gamma-glutamyltransferase activity: a 15-year follow-up evaluation in a community sample.

Most clinicians and researchers view serum γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity as a measure that can be interpreted equally in patients regardless of their demography. The present study evaluates the concurrent influence of age and body mass index (BMI) on GGT in a sample of 133 high functioning young men, with detailed assessment of the pattern of alcohol use at ages 20 [time 1 (T1)], 30 [time 2 (T2)], and 35 [time 3 (T3)]. GGT increased between T1 and T2 (15.4± 9.65 units/liter vs. 20.1 ± 12.07 units/liter, t = 4.17, p 25 kg/m 2 ) subjects. The correlation between GGT and BMI in normal weight men at T1 was r = 0.15, p = 0.09, at T2 r =0.00,p = 0.96, and at T3 r= 0.09, p = 0.09. In overweight subjects, correlation at T1 was r = 0.40, p = 0.20, at T2 r = 0.36, p < 0.05, and at T3 r = 0.44, p <0.001. Controlling for the effect of alcohol consumption and/or age did not alter these conclusions. Testing for the interaction of age, BMI, and alcohol consumption did not yield relevant results. We concluded that GGT is positively related to age in the 20s to late 30s and to BMI in overweight subjects; both relationships of age and BMI were independent of alcohol consumption. The interpretation of GGT should take age and BMI into account when suspecting subclinical alcohol problems in young men.
A window into immunoglobulin quantitation and plasma cell disease: antigen epitopes defined by the junction of immunoglobulin heavy and light chains.

A window into immunoglobulin quantitation and plasma cell disease: antigen epitopes defined by the junction of immunoglobulin heavy and light chains
Self-control and optimism are distinct and complementary strengths

Abstract Optimism and self-control are two traits that have been linked to a wide range of positive life outcomes—indeed, to many of the same outcomes. Does that suggest the two are somehow redundant? In this study measures of optimism and self-control were related to each other and to a set of scales measuring socially problematic tendencies. Optimism correlated only .30 with self-control, suggesting that they are fairly distinct. Both correlated significantly with anger, hostility, verbal aggression, borderline tendencies, and endorsement of a “code of honor.” Multiple regression analyses determined that optimism and self-control made distinct contributions to predicting all of these outcomes other than verbal aggression. Findings are consistent with a view in which both optimism and self-control have important self-regulatory functions, but functions that differ from one another.
How valid is self-reported financial aid information?

This paper compares the accuracy of college freshmen self-reported information about financial aid awards with actual data on the types and amounts of these awards. Data from the 1986–87 National Postsecondary Aid Study (NPSAS) file are replicated with evidence from a single institution. The study shows that college freshmen are relatively accurate in reporting whether any financial aid was received. However, students' self-reports of specific financial aid awards and amounts do not correspond closely to actual data. Campus administrators would come to very different conclusions about both the types and amounts of student aid if they rely on survey data compared to actual data. The results provide evidence for how nonsampling errors may bias survery results.
Evaporation computed by the energy-equation

Explanatory note by N. W. Cummings—The original paper as submitted by Messrs. Kennedy contained an explanation of the terms of the energy-equation which duplicated in large measure that presented by me at the Pasadena meeting. At the suggestion of Mr. Harding these and some other parts of the paper have been deleted or condensed, and at the suggestion of R. E. Kennedy, I took a few liberties in making some other minor changes. No computations have been changed or omitted, and it is believed that all are substantially correct, although time did not permit a complete check. There may be some slight mistakes in s. for the pan. Mr. Kennedy has made use of Richardson's equation for back-radiation, using Fahrenheit temperatures and B.t.u's. per square inch for a 30.4-day month instead of Centigrade temperatures and calories per square centimeter per minute.
Environmental emergencies: weighing the ounce of prevention

Abstract Environmental hazards may give rise to a variety of emergencies. Members of the lay public may believe that these emergencies are simply accidents, destined to occur, and therefore may not appreciate the critical role that prevention may play. Medical professionals should be cognizant of environmental hazards, and be able to discuss prevention strategies with parents and others who care for children.
Mien Tze at the Chinese dinner table: A study of the interactional accomplishment of face

(1990). Mien Tze at the Chinese dinner table: A study of the interactional accomplishment of face. Research on Language and Social Interaction: Vol. 24, No. 1-4, pp. 109-140.
The Biopolitics of Policy-Making: Medical Activism in the Century of the Brain

This article argues that advances in biotechnology and the life sciences, particularly the ongoing neuro-revolution, have changed the relationship between science and politics. Since the “Decade of the Brain” project of the 1990s, new neuroscientific terms and biological understandings of the self have given rise to what Paul Rabinow refers to as “biosociality,” that is, groups that organize around, and identify with, a specific disease or disability to lobby for recognition, better treatment options, access to resources, and, in some cases, equal rights. This biopolitical relationship between citizens and scientific experts in the policy-making process can be seen in the current debate between the neurodiversity movement and anti-autism groups over the needs of autistic people. However, this article shows that within policy discussions, both groups have been (re)constructed by competing medical discourses and illness narratives in a way that has limited their ability to voice their needs and effectively ...
CARDIAC AND THERMOREGULATORY EFFECTS OF INSTILLED PARTICULATE MATTER-ASSOCIATED TRANSITION METALS IN HEALTHY AND CARDIOPULMONARY-COMPROMISED RATS

Particulate matter air pollution has been associated with cardiopulmonary morbidity and mortality in many recent epidemiological studies. Previous toxicological research has demonstrated profound cardiac and thermoregulatory changes in rats following exposure to residual oil fly ash (ROFA), a combustion-derived particulate. The response to ROFA appeared biphasic, consisting of both immediate (0-6 h) and delayed (24-96 h) bradycardia and hypothermia. Other studies have demonstrated that much of the pulmonary toxicity of ROFA was caused by its constitutive transition metals, namely, Fe, Ni, and V. This study examined the contributions of these metals to the observed cardiac and thermoregulatory changes caused by ROFA in conscious, unrestrained rats. Prior to exposure, each animal was surgically implanted with a radiotelemetry device capable of continuously monitoring heart rate, electrocardiographic, and core temperature data. Individual metals were intratracheally instilled in healthy rats (n = 4 per metal species) and in rats with monocrotaline (MCT; 60 mg/kg)-induced pulmonary hypertension (n = 10 per metal species); combinations of metals were instilled in MCT-treated rats only (n = 6 per combination of metal species). Metals were administered in doses equivalent to those found in the highest dose of ROFA used in previous studies, that is, 105 microg Fe(2)(SO(4))(3), 263 microg NiSO(4), and 245 microg VSO(4). Healthy and MCT-treated rats demonstrated similar responses to metals. Fe caused little response, whereas V caused marked bradycardia, arrhythmogenesis, and hypothermia immediately following instillation and lasting approximately 6 h. Ni caused no immediate response, but induced a delayed bradycardia, arrhythmogenesis, and hypothermia that began approximately 24 h after instillation and lasted for several days. When instilled in combination, Ni appeared to exacerbate the immediate effects of V, whereas Fe attenuated them. These data suggest that the biphasic response to instilled ROFA may result from a summation of the temporally different effects of V and Ni.
JPEG2000 compatible lossless coding of floating-point data

Many scientific applications require that image data be stored in floating-point format due to the large dynamic range of the data. These applications pose a problem if the data needs to be compressed since modern image compression standards, such as JPEG2000, are only defined to operate on fixed-point or integer data. This paper proposes straightforward extensions to the JPEG2000 image compression standard which allow for the efficient coding of floating-point data. These extensions maintain desirable properties of JPEG2000, such as lossless and rate distortion optimal lossy decompression from the same coded bit stream, scalable embedded bit streams, error resilience, and implementation on low-memory hardware. Although the proposed methods can be used for both lossy and lossless compression, the discussion in this paper focuses on, and the test results are limited to, the lossless case. Test results on real image data show that the proposed lossless methods have raw compression performance that is competitive with, and sometime exceeds, current state-of-the-art methods.