cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Magnet for Use with a Magnetic Image Intensifier and a Folded Schmidt Spectrograph Camera

Magnetically focussed image tubes are of special value in astronomy because they have high resolution and can be made with flat ultraviolet-transmitting windows. There has, however, been a difficulty in operating such tubes with the very fast cameras required by spectrographs for large telescopes. An ideal fast camera for imaging linear spectra is the folded Schmidt design used, for example, in the Wampler-Robinson scanner at Lick Observatory (Epps 1975). This design, which can be as fast as f/1.0, involves a folding flat directly adjacent to the tube photocathode, and the incoming light would be blocked by the solenoid in any convention-al magnet design. We have explored more complex solenoid geometries which give the very open access to the cathode while maintaining high field uniformity, and present here a design which is practical in terms of power dissipation and weight, and is also screened against external transverse fields. The design may also have application in any optical system that requires large elements and clearance near the image tube cathode.
Attitudes toward microcomputers: development and construct validation of a measure

This paper reports the results of two studies involving the development and construct validation of a measure of attitudes toward microcomputers. The instrument was factor analytically derived and tested in two separate field studies of employed adults working in a variety of organizations. The composite 20-item attitude measure encompasses cognitive, affective, and behavioral components, and was found to have acceptable levels of internal consistency reliability in both the development and validation studies. The hypothesized nomological network of relationships of attitudes toward microcomputers with both antecedent variables (age, gender, computer experience, user training, and organizational support) as well as outcome variables such as system usage and user satisfaction was confirmed, providing further evidence of the construct validity of the instrument.
The limited aperture problem of inverse acoustic scattering: dirichlet boundary conditions

Let D be a bounded, simply connected domain in the plane and let $F( {\theta ;k,\underset{\raise0.3em\hbox{$\smash{\scriptscriptstyle\thicksim}$}}{\alpha } _l } )$ be the far field pattern arising from the scattering of a time harmonic, acoustic plane wave $u_l ( {\underset{\raise0.3em\hbox{$\smash{\scriptscriptstyle\thicksim}$}}{x} } ) = \exp ( {ik\underset{\raise0.3em\hbox{$\smash{\scriptscriptstyle\thicksim}$}}{x} \cdot \underset{\raise0.3em\hbox{$\smash{\scriptscriptstyle\thicksim}$}}{\alpha } _l } )$, where $\underset{\raise0.3em\hbox{$\smash{\scriptscriptstyle\thicksim}$}}{\alpha } _l $ is a unit vector and k is the wave number and the time harmonic factor $e^{ - i\omega t} $ has been factored out. It is assumed, in addition, that the total field satisfies homogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions on $\partial D$. In this paper, a method is presented for recovering $\partial D$ given the far field patterns $F( {\theta ;k,\underset{\raise0.3em\hbox{$\smash{\scriptscriptstyle\thicksim}$}}{\alpha } _l ...
Mannitol, furosemide, and dopamine infusion in postoperative renal failure complicating cardiac surgery

Abstract Background . Acute renal failure occurring in the postoperative period, requiring dialysis after cardiac surgery is an important risk factor for an early mortality, and the overall mortality of this complication is as high as 40% to 60%. Dialysis in the early postoperative period is often complicated by acute hemodynamic, metabolic, and hematologic effects that adversely affect cardiopulmonary function in patients stabilizing from recent surgery. The purpose of this study was to avoid the need for dialysis by infusion of the solution of mannitol, furosemide, and dopamine in the early postoperative period in oliguric renal failure. Methods . One hundred patients with postoperative oliguric or anuric renal failure despite adequate postoperative cardiac output and hemodynamic function were randomized. Forty patients (group A) were given intermittent doses of diuretics (furosemide, bumetadine, and ethracrynic acid) and fluids. Sixty patients (group B) were given continuous infusion of the solution of mannitol, furosemide, and dopamine; the infusion was started within 6 hours (mean 3.5 hours) in subgroup B1 (n = 30), and later than 6 hours (mean 7.5 hours) in subgroup B2 (n = 30) after the onset of renal failure. Results . Diuresis occurred in 93.3% of group B (n = 56) versus 10% in group A (n = 4; patients with preop normal renal function). Ninety percent of group A (n = 36) required dialysis versus only 6.7% of group B (n = 4; patients with preexisting renal disease of subgroup B2). Renal function returned to preoperative normal (serum creatinine 0.9 ± 0.05, p p Conclusions . Infusion of solution of mannitol, furosemide, and dopamine promoted diuresis in patients with acute postoperative renal failure with adequate postoperative cardiac output and had decreased the need for dialysis in the majority of patients. Early administration of this solution in acute renal failure caused early restoration of renal function to normal or baseline status. It remains to be determined whether routine administration of this solution in the early postoperative period for oliguric renal failure influences the long-term mortality and morbidity in those patients who do require dialysis.
Effect of Initial Correlation on the Kinetic Equation.

In the bulk limit (particle number $N\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\infty}$, volume $\ensuremath{\Omega}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\infty}$ with $\frac{N}{\ensuremath{\Omega}}\ensuremath{\mathrel{:=}}\mathrm{const}$), the one-body density operator $n(t)$ describing interacting distinguishable particles satisfied a closed evolution equation. This equation contains a set of terms which explicitly depend on the initial -correlation operators $\ensuremath{\chi}$, in contrast with a typical kinetic equation such as Boltzmann's equation. The nature of these terms is investigated. It is explicitly shown that the initial pair correlation ceases to influence the evolution of $n(t)$ after a time of the order of a collision duration for a weakly coupled low-density gas.
Work in progress: Integration of topic modules and organization of session flow for the First-Year Seminar course in engineering to motivate and sustain student learning

This paper presents the overview of course instructional material in modules and the organization of these modules for presentation in sessions of the critical entry-level course, First-Year Seminar in Engineering, for undergraduate engineering majors at ABET-accredited institutions of higher education. The First-Year Seminar in Engineering at our University is offered once each year during the fall term. The enrollment can be between 45 and 50 first-year students. In recent years, the course, which is coordinated by one engineering faculty member and taught by up to fifteen different instructors, comprises a loosely organized collection of engineering and non-engineering topics delivered in twenty eight 55-minute sessions of the semester (14 weeks of instruction). The summative assessment of the student learning outcomes has revealed glaring weaknesses in content and delivery. For the incoming engineering student to receive both the holistic university experience and the ability to learn and retain fundamental engineering principles and practices, the course is being revised through central and integrative engineering design projects with service learning components. The revised structure places emphasis on the continuity across modules and sessions to ensure (a) the sustained engagement, and (b) the highest levels of student learning and retention of concepts throughout the semester.
Effects of a single dose of the cytochrome P450 inducer, β-naphthoflavone, on hepatic and renal covalent DNA modifications (I-compounds)

I-compounds are age-dependent covalent DNA modifications, which occur in rodent tissues without known carcinogen exposure. A number of studies from our laboratory indicate that I-compounds may serve as biomarkers of carcinogenesis. Recently, we demonstrated significant lowering of liver I-compound levels in rats that were exposed to different cytochrome P450 inducers. In order to gain further mechanistic insights into the possible relationship between P450 induction and I-compound reduction, female Sprague-Dawley rats were administered a single dose of the CYP1A1 inducer, beta-naphthoflavone (BNF) (80 mg/kg), in corn oil (CO) (2 ml/kg) or CO only (2 ml/kg) as vehicle control. Liver and kidney microsomal P450 contents and P450-related enzyme activities and DNA I-compounds were determined at 4, 24, and 48 h after treatment. Liver and kidney I-compounds were analyzed by nuclease P1-enhanced 32P-postlabeling. DNA synthesis was determined by measuring [3H]methylthymidine incorporation. Liver and kidney microsomal P450 contents were elevated by BNF at 24 and 48 h. Ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) and methoxyresorufin-O-demethylase (MROD) were significantly elevated at all time points, with the former displaying a much higher extent of induction. BNF treatment resulted in significant diminution of the levels of several individual and total I-compounds in liver at 48 h, but few effects were seen at the earlier time-points. Kidney I-compounds were also markedly affected by BNF at 48 h, albeit to a lesser extent than in liver. In both tissues, P450 induction preceded I-compound reduction. Taken together, the results of this investigation demonstrate significant diminution of I-compound levels by a single dose of BNF, a CYP1A1 inducer, in a time-dependent manner, suggesting the participation of a specific biochemical process, possibly involving CYP1A1, in the metabolic regulation of these endogenous DNA adducts.
Social Opacity and the Dynamics of Empathic In-Sight among the Tzotzil Maya of Chiapas, Mexico

Abstract In this article, I explore local constructions of empathic access and social knowing among the highland Maya of San Juan Chamula. I argue that a pervasive sense of social opacity—a presumed inability to accurately know the motivations, potencies, and identities of social others—gives rise to a moral-interpretive dilemma centering on the degree of concordance between the publicly presented self and the subjective or “private” self. I introduce the phrase “empathic in-sight” to refer to those processes—both real and fantasy based—intended to produce an understanding of the inner states of others (in terms of underlying emotions, feelings, motivations, thoughts, and desires), thereby restoring a degree of transparency to everyday social interactions. The phrase is meant to suggest a dynamic and active process of “seeing within,” through which one attempts to gain access to, and understanding of, otherwise occluded conative and cognitive states—particularly those dimensions of the self that are actively hidden from view. [Chiapas, Tzotzil Maya, empathy, emotion, ethnopsychology]
Thermal injury patterns and tensile strength of canine oral mucosa after carbon dioxide laser incisions.

The amount of collateral damage in laser surgery is affected by the precision of the beam delivery. To test a new control system, the authors of this study produced surgical incisions in the canine oral mucosa and then documented histologic and tensile strength changes during the wound healing process. The incisions were made by three different methods: scalpel, manually controlled carbon dioxide (CO2) laser, and computer-controlled CO2 laser. Both types of laser incisions took longer to heal than the scalpel incisions. The laser incisons were accompanied by a zone of thermal damage lateral to the incision. With the computer-controlled laser incision, the area of thermal damage was reduced, the laserinduced delay in wound healing was less, and tensile strength was relatively greater. The data indicate that surgical performance is improved by critical beam control. Laryngoscope, 106:845-850, 1996
Regulation of intracellular pH in capacitated human spermatozoa by a Na+/H+ exchanger

We previously demonstrated that the progesterone- (P) initiated human sperm acrosome reaction (AR) was dependent on the presence of extracellular Na+ (Na+o). Moreover, Na+o depletion resulted in a decreased cytosolic pH (pHi), suggesting involvement of a Na+-dependent pHi regulatory mechanism during the P-initiated AR. We now report that the decreased pHi resulting from Na+o depletion is reversible and mediated by a Na+/H+ exchange (NHE) mechanism. To determine the role of an NHE in the regulation of pHi, capacitated spermatozoa were incubated in Na+-deficient, bicarbonate/CO2-buffered (0NaB) medium for 15–30 min, which resulted in an intracellular acidification as previously reported. These spermatozoa were then transferred to Na+-containing, bicarbonate/CO2-buffered (NaB) medium; Na+-containing, Hepes-buffered (NaH) medium; or maintained in the 0NaB medium. Included in the NaH medium was the NHE inhibitor 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl) amiloride (EIPA). The steady-state pHi was then determined by spectrofluorometric measurement of bis(carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluoroscein (BCECF) fluorescence. EIPA (0.1 μM) significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited the pHi recovery produced by NaH medium. Moreover, the pHi in NaH medium was not significantly (P < 0.05) different than NaB medium. These results indicate that a Na+-dependent, bicarbonate-independent pHi regulatory mechanism, with a pharmacological characteristic consistent with an NHE, is present in capacitated spermatozoa. In support of the involvement of a sperm NHE, we also demonstrated specific immunoreactivity for a 100 kDa porcine sperm protein using an NHE-1 specific monoclonal antibody. Interestingly, no significant (P = 0.79) effect was seen on the P-initiated AR when EIPA was included in either the NaH or NaB medium. While these findings suggest that inhibition of NHE-dependent pHi regulation in capacitated spermatozoa is not sufficient to block initiation of the AR by P, they do not preclude the possibility that an NHE mediates the regulation of capacitation or sperm motility. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 52:189–195, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Functionalization of Carbon Nanotubes by Ammonia Glow-Discharge: Experiments and Modeling

We successfully functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) through a microwave discharge of ammonia. Evidence is supplied through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy with band assignment aided by computational modeling. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy results also provide supporting evidence of functional groups attached to the surfaces of SWNTs from ammonia plasma.
Nanolayer enhancement of biaxially oriented polypropylene film for increased gas barrier

Abstract An order of magnitude improvement in the oxygen barrier of biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) films was achieved using a layer-multiplying, forced assembly process. The improvement was achieved without sacrificing clarity and toughness of the films. Sheets with 33 alternating layers of polypropylene (PP) (17 layers) and poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) (16 layers) were coextruded using layer-multiplication and two thick PP skins were added to the multilayered core as the last step in the continuous coextrusion process. The sheets were subsequently biaxially oriented to draw ratios from 4 × 4 to 6 × 6. Biaxial orientation at elevated temperature reduced the thickness of the melted PCL layers from the microscale to the nanoscale, which created 2-dimensional confinement for subsequent crystallization of the PCL layers. It was anticipated that the PCL layers would recrystallize as highly oriented, in-plane lamellae that would resemble single crystals. However, the PCL lamellae were oriented perpendicular to the film surface, which actually facilitated oxygen permeation through the PCL layers and increased the oxygen permeability of the oriented films. Crystallization as on-edge lamellae was attributed to nucleation by the polypropylene surface. However, the surface nucleation was prevented by inserting buffer polystyrene (PS) layers in between the PCL and PP layers. In this case, the PCL lamellae were oriented in-plane. With the very high aspect ratio lamellar crystals oriented perpendicular to the flux direction, the permeation pathway of oxygen became very tortuous and the oxygen barrier was significantly improved.
Effect of impact on chondrocyte viability during insertion of human osteochondral grafts.

Background: Osteochondral grafts, used to treat chondral and osteochondral defects, require high insertional forces that may affect the viability of chondrocytes in the graft. The objectives of this study were to (1) measure the loading impact during insertion of osteochondral grafts, (2) evaluate the effect of insertional loading on chondrocyte viability, and (3) assess this effect on chondrocyte apoptosis and activation of caspase-3. Methods: The distal parts of twelve fresh femora from six adult human cadavers were harvested within seventy-two hours after the death of the donor. From each femur, four 15-mm-diameter cylindrical osteochondral grafts were isolated; two of these grafts (a total of twenty-four grafts in the study) were transplanted with standard impact insertion into recipient sockets in the other condyle of the ipsilateral femur. The other two grafts served as unloaded controls. Loads were measured during the insertion of ten of the twenty-four transplanted grafts. Full-thickness cartilage disks were then removed from the grafts, incubated for up to forty-eight hours, and analyzed for cell viability, TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling)-positive reactivity, and caspase-3 activation, each as a function of the depth from the articular surface. Results: The insertion of an osteochondral graft was characterized, on the average (and standard deviation), by 10 ± 4 impacts, each generating 2.4 ± 0.9 kN of load and 13.3 ± 4.9 MPa of stress for a duration of 0.57 ± 0.13 ms with a 0.62 ± 0.25 N·s impulse. Impact insertion increased cell death in the superficial 500 μm to 21% at one hour (p < 0.001) and 47% at forty-eight hours (p < 0.001) and also increased cell death in deeper layers at forty-eight hours. Some cell death was due to apoptosis, as indicated by an increase in caspase-3 activation at eight hours (p < 0.01) and TUNEL-positive cells at forty-eight hours (p < 0.05) in the superficial 500 μm of impacted cartilage. Conclusions: Impact insertion of osteochondral grafts generates damaging loads that cause chondrocyte death, particularly in the superficial zone, mainly as a result of apoptosis mediated by the activation of caspases. Clinical Relevance: Chondrocyte death that occurs during impact insertion of osteochondral grafts may lead to compromised function. Understanding the mechanisms and consequences of such impact loading may provide insights into potential therapeutic interventions, or lead to changes in the insertion technique, to decrease the cell injury associated with impact loading.
Outcome in suspected acute myocardial infarction with normal or minimally abnormal admission electrocardiographic findings

Seven hundred seventy-five consecutive patients with symptoms suggestive of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who were admitted to the cardiac care unit from the emergency room were studied; 107 had normal electrocardiographic findings and 73 had only minimal nonspecific changes. AMI subsequently evolved in 11 patients (10%) with normal electrocardiographic findings and in 6 (8%) with minimal changes, compared with 245 (41%) with frankly abnormal emergency room findings. Only 1 (1%; 95% confidence limits 0.02 to 5%) and 4 (6%; 95% confidence limits 2 to 15%) of those with normal and nonspecific initial electrocardiographic findings, respectively, had a complication for which they potentially benefited from intensive care unit intervention, although many patients received prophylactic therapy. Thus, the initial emergency room electrocardiogram can effectively separate patients into high- and low-risk groups for AMI and serious complications. Admission to a monitored intermediate care ward may be an acceptable practice in patients with chest pain and a normal or minimally changed initial electrocardiogram.
Does Parent-Child Interaction Therapy Reduce Future Physical Abuse? A Meta-Analysis.

Objective:To use meta-analytic techniques to evaluating the effectiveness of parent–child interaction therapy (PCIT) at reducing future physical abuse among physically abusive families.Methods:A systematic search identified six eligible studies. Outcomes of interest were physical abuse recurrence, child abuse potential, and parenting stress.Results:Parents receiving PCIT had significantly fewer physical abuse recurrences and significantly greater reductions on the Parenting Stress Index than parents in comparison groups. Reductions in child abuse potential were nonsignificant, although 95% confidence intervals suggest clinically meaningful treatment effects. The studies examining physical abuse recurrence had a medium treatment effect (g = 0.52), while results from pooled effect size estimates for child abuse potential (g = 0.31) and parenting stress (g = 0.35) were small.Conclusions:PCIT appears to be effective at reducing physical abuse recurrence and parenting stress for physically abusive families, wi...
Gas-phase acidities of o-, m- and p-dehydrobenzoic acid radicals. Determination of the substituent constants for a phenyl radical site

Abstract Reaction of CO2 with o-, m-, and p-benzyne radical anions in the gas phase produces o-, m-, and p-dehydrobenzoate radical anions, respectively. The (oxygen) gas-phase basicities of these ions, which are equivalent to the gas-phase acidities of the corresponding dehydrobenzoic acid radicals, ΔGacid(o-, m-, or p-C6H4CO2-H), have been determined with a flowing afterglowtriple quadrupole apparatus by means of the kinetic method. The measured values are (in kcal mol−1): ΔGacid(o-C6H4CO2H) = 330.4 ± 0.4, ΔGacid(m-C6H4CO2H) = 330.2 ± 0.4, and ΔGacid(p-C6H4CO2H) = 331.6 ± 0.4 kcal mol−1. All three radicals are more acidic than benzoic acid (ΔGacid = 333.1 ± 2.0 kcal mol−1). The measured gas-phase acidities for the meta and para isomers suggest values for the resonance-effect substituent constant, σR, and the field/inductive effect substituent constant, σF, for a phenyl radical site of - 0.47 and 0.57, respectively. This classifies a phenyl radical site as a strong inductive withdrawing, and strong resonance donating substituent. Density functional calculations of the gas-phase acidities of dehydrobenzoic acids are in good agreement with the experimental results. The increased acidities of the dehydrobenzoic acids are shown to arise from a balance between the electron withdrawing effect of the electronegative radical site, and a compensating polarization of the π system which mimics the effect of a resonance donor group located at the radical carbon.
Nutrient utilization during biomass and anthocyanin accumulation in suspension cultures of wild carrot cells

The medium used for the growth of anthocyanin-accumulating wild carrot (D. carota) suspension cultures contained ammonia as a sole nitrogen source and was buffered with succinate. Ammonia was the first nutrient to be completely utilized.
The Spatial Distribution of Galaxies of Different Spectral Types in the Massive Intermediate-Redshift Cluster MACS J0717.5+3745*

We present the results of a wide-field spectroscopic analysis of the galaxy population of the massive cluster MACS J0717.5+3745 and the surrounding filamentary structure ( -->z = 0.55), as part of our systematic study of the 12 most distant clusters in the MACS sample. Of 1368 galaxies spectroscopically observed in this field, 563 are identified as cluster members; of those, 203 are classified as emission-line galaxies, 260 as absorption-line galaxies, and 17 as E+A galaxies (defined by -->(H δ + H γ )/2 > 6 A and no detection of [O II] and Hβ in emission). The variation of the fraction of emission- and absorption-line galaxies as a function of local projected galaxy density confirms the well-known morphology-density relation, and becomes flat at projected galaxy densities less than ~20 Mpc−2. Interestingly, 16 out of 17 E+A galaxies lie (in projection) within the ram-pressure stripping radius around the cluster core, which we take to be direct evidence that ram-pressure stripping is the primary mechanism that terminates star formation in the E+A population of galaxy clusters. This conclusion is supported by the rarity of E+A galaxies in the filament, which rules out galaxy mergers as the dominant driver of evolution for E+A galaxies in clusters. In addition, we find that the 42 e(a) and 27 e(b) member galaxies, i.e., the dusty-starburst and starburst galaxies respectively, are spread out across almost the entire study area. Their spatial distribution, which shows a strong preference for the filament region, suggests that starbursts are triggered in relatively low-density environments as galaxies are accreted from the field population.
GaN HEMTs reliability — The role of shielding

Electron trapping in the defect sites of the GaN layer and the interfaces of various layers in HEMT devices are responsible for current collapse in AlGaN/GaN HEMTs. The trapping of electrons is mainly affected by the electric field at the gate edge in these devices. In the present work, an Electro-thermal simulator that couples the Monte Carlo transport kernel, the Poisson kernel and a thermal solver has been developed at ASU. This simulator has been used to model the physics behind the effect of shielding on the thermal and field characteristics of these devices. This work is a first study of this type.
Signal intensity in fast NMR imaging with short repetition times

Abstract In fast magnetic resonance imaging with short repetition times and balanced phase-encoding gradients, the steady-state transverse magnetization that develops depends on the local relaxation times in a way that differs substantially from more conventional imaging. To optimize these imaging methods for different applications requires an accurate mathematical description of the dependence of the signal intensity on the repetition time, the RF pulse flip angle, and the local relaxation times. Several previously proposed equations for the signal intensity are reviewed, and an expression appropriate to the usual practical application of pulse sequences with constant but unbalanced imaging gradients is derived. Phantom experiments, using water doped with MnCl 2 and NiCl 2 to alter the relaxation times, were used to test the accuracy of these different mathematical expressions for the signal intensity. The new expression provides a good fit to data measured over a large range of TR and flip angle, but implies a transverse relaxation time shorter than that measured by varying the echo time in a spin-echo experiment. Possible sources of this effect are discussed.
Electroacupuncture modifies the expression of c-fos in the spinal cord induced by noxious stimulation.

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of 4 Hz vs. 100 Hz electroacupuncture (EA) on c-fos expression in the spinal cord induced by noxious stimulation (NS). A second objective was to evaluate the sensitivity of these two different frequencies of EA stimulation to the opiate antagonist, naloxone. Mechanical NS was applied to the right hindpaw following 30 min of either 4 Hz or 100 Hz EA treatment and the resulting c-fos expression in the spinal cord dorsal horn was compared to that obtained in rats exposed only to the noxious stimulation. The involvement of endogenous opioids in the EA response to 4 Hz or 100 Hz stimulation frequencies was evaluated by pretreating rats with naloxone (5 mg/kg, i.p.) 10 min prior to EA. Both 4 Hz and 100 Hz EA reduced the number of c-fos-immunoreactive neurons in the spinal dorsal horn induced by noxious stimulation by 58% and 50%, respectively. The suppression of c-fos expression induced by 4 Hz EA was completely reversed by prior treatment with naloxone. On the other hand, the suppression of c-fos induced by 100 Hz EA was only partially blocked by this opiate antagonist. These data indicate that both high- and low-frequency EA are capable of inhibiting the expression of c-fos in the dorsal horn induced by NS. Low-frequency EA appears to be mediated primarily by endogenous opioid systems, while non-opioid mechanisms may be involved in mediating the analgesic effect of high frequency EA. These results support the hypothesis that EA has a direct inhibitory effect on spinal cord dorsal horn neurons and extend the results of previous studies which indicate low frequency EA is mediated by opiate sensitive circuitry, while high frequency EA is predominantly mediated by non-opioid neurotransmitters.
Social responsibility of the engineer

WHETHER engineers should assume a larger measure of social responsibility has been debated extensively during the last decade with practical results that are not impressive, yet there appears to be significant crystallization of professed opinion. While the view still lingers here and there that the engineer should stick to his technical knitting, letting other professional men worry about the social consequences of his work, there is nevertheless a pervasive and growing opinion that he should play a more active part in the social realm and that his educational preparation should take this aim into account. However, the extent of the discussion and of apparent agreement upon this point is out of all proportion to the practical results, as measured either by active participation or by changes in educational programs looking to participation. Progress seems to be stymied biologically; after professional maturity, we seem to exhibit a certain elasticity of professed view but tend nevertheless to cling tenaciously to established habits. Not having participated, we don't start. Thus as a profession of engineers and educators we seem to agree upon principle, and more or less let it go at that.
Prostaglandin A2 influences gene expression in an established insect cell line (BCIRL-HzAM1) cells.

Abstract Prostaglandins (PGs) and other eicosanoids are oxygenated metabolites of arachidonic acid and two other C 20 polyunsaturated fatty acids. While most well studied in mammals, PGs exert important actions in insects and virtually all other invertebrates. We have been researching the mechanisms of PG actions in established insect cell lines and reported earlier that two PGs, PGA 1 and PGE 1 , influence gene and protein expression in HzAM1 cells. Here we report on further experiments with three 2-series PGs, PGA 2 , PGE 2 and PGF 2α . In separate experiments we treated cells with each of the three PGs for 12 and 24 h and then analyzed cell lysates by 2-D electrophoresis. Analysis of the gels by Delta2D software showed that PGA 2 influenced expression of 60 proteins while PGE 2 and PGF 2α treatments led to expression changes for only a few proteins. All spots representing changes in protein expression were processed for analysis by MALDI TOF/TOF mass spectrometry. Bioinformatic analysis of the resulting sequences yielded in silico identifications of all proteins. The apparent changes in some proteins were confirmed by quantitative PCR, which demonstrated that changes in protein expression were parallel to changes in mRNA expression. We assorted the proteins into functional categories, including 1/cell structure and function; 2/cell protection and immunity; 3/energetics and metabolism; 4/nucleotide processing; 5/protein action and processing and 6/signal transduction. These findings substantially extend our idea that one mechanism of PG actions in insect cells is the modulation of gene and protein expression.
C-H activation: New recipes for biocatalysis.

The bacterial halogenase SyrB2 catalyzes selective installation of halogens in place of unactivated aliphatic C-H bonds. By substituting halide reagents with the nitrogenous anions N3− and NO2−, SyrB2 can perform C-N bond formation reactions not previously observed in nature.
A natural misalignment mechanism

Abstract I present a composite Higgs model, in which the Higgs VEV is naturally small compared to the ultracolor confinement scale.
Co-constructing imaginative spaces: public art in pre-service teacher education

This documentary account explores the potential of public art pedagogy to co-construct imaginative spaces in pre-service teacher education. Based upon a collaborative venture between two professors and an arts-based educational organization, the present article describes and analyzes key features and relations that were influential in transforming the response of a resistant professor and students. Using arts-based educational research methodology, this research finds that at least five thematic ingredients were influential in designing an education event with public art that promoted the generation of imaginative inquiry in teacher education: a base of trust; a naturalistic encounter; the choice to “shake-it-up”; a jolt of awareness; and a longer shelf-life. Strategies and insights for furthering the integration of public art into pre-service teacher education are included.
A commutatorless D-C tachometer

IN MANY applications the commutator noise produced by conventional tachometers presents great problems. This is particularly true in cases where it is desirable to measure speed variations which have the same frequency components as the commutator noise. It is also true in some servomechanism systems where the commutator noise will saturate the amplifiers or will introduce a spurious response.
Some evidence on the power of Monte Carlo tests in systems of equations

Abstract The power of the Monte Carlo test is empirically compared to Laitinen's (1978) test of homogeneity for a demand system. It is found that the Monte Carlo test yields more rejections when the null hypothesis is specified to be false.
Serial serum free light chain measurements do not detect changes in disease status earlier than electrophoretic M-spike measurements in patients with intact immunoglobulin myeloma

Abstract Background Serum free light chains (SFLC) are used to manage patients with light chain or hyposecretory myeloma, and may also be useful in patients with intact immunoglobulin myeloma (IIMM), because their shorter half-life may enable earlier indication of relapse/response than electrophoretic M-spikes or heavy chain (IgGA) immunonephelometry. Methods One thousand five SFLC, M-spike, and IgGA concentrations were compared at multiple time points during the treatment of 17 myeloma patients, followed over 7.7–63.4 months. Changes in these analytes were evaluated in context with changes in disease status and treatment. Results 14/17 (82%) patients showed synchrony between M-spike, IgGA, and SFLC measurements. SFLC changes preceded M-spike/IgGA in 1 patient, and lagged behind M-spike/IgGA in 2 patients. In eight patients, SFLC showed short-term fluctuations unaccompanied by changes in M-spike, IgGA, or clinical treatment. Conclusions In 16/17 intact immunoglobulin myeloma patients tested frequently over ~ 3 years, SFLC performed no better than M-spike and did not add value to conventional serum electrophoresis.
Comparison of energy-resolved low-energy CAD of stable and isomerizing ions in an FT-ICR and in other tandem mass spectrometers

Abstract Energy-resolved collisionally-activated dissociation (CAD) was carried out in a dual-cell FT-ICR for the molecular ions of n-propanol, hexafluoropropene, three ionized organophosphorus esters, and four C3H7O+ isomers. The results are compared to data measured earlier in triple quadrupole, BQQ, BEQQ, and quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometers. In general, low-energy CAD spectra generated in a dual-cell FT-ICR are comparable to those measured using other types of tandem mass spectrometers when roughly similar activation conditions are used (number of activating collisions, laboratory ion kinetic energy), and this agreement is best at low collision energies. However, ions which undergo slow isomerization prior to collisional activation are an exception. These ions can yield CAD product distributions in an FT-ICR and other ion traps that are significantly different from those obtained in mass spectrometers which sample ions with shorter lifetimes.
Visual Feedback Therapy to Enhance Medication Adherence in Psychosis

Adherence to antipsychotic medications is key to enhancing maximum responses to medication and to decreasing relapse rates among those with psychotic disorders. Visual feedback therapy used electronic monitoring to provide visual feedback of daily medication-taking behaviors, combined with supportive counseling and education components. Twenty-three participants with DSM-IV diagnoses of psychotic disorders were recruited from community and inpatient settings. No statistical significance was found for intervention weekly for 1 month, followed by monthly for 2 months, although a majority of participants either maintained or increased adherence rates at 1 month. Additional findings included associations between low insight and low adherence and descriptive data on medication adherence behaviors.
Single-spin asymmetries in the Drell-Yan process

The angular distribution of lepton pairs produced via the $q\overline{q}$ annihilation process is studied through $O({{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{s}}^{2})$ in perturbative QCD. Asymmetries for single-spin experiments are found to be very small in this channel. This provides an interesting new QCD test in forthcoming ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}{p}^{\ensuremath{\uparrow}}$ experiments. The smallness of of the result is intimately related to the gauge structure of the theory and to the color coefficient associated with the $q\overline{q}$ subprocess.
The future of ppen source software: Let the market decide

According to its supporters open source software is more secure and reliable than proprietary code, and even tends to foster more innovation. Its technical superiority can be linked to the ongoing peer review process which typifies the open source model. In addition, programs such as Linux offer a potential challenge to the hegemony of Microsoft. Open source holds out the possibility of restraining platform leaders such as Microsoft from acting opportunistically. Some even argue that the open source code model is ethically superior to the proprietary model because of its transparency. Given these economic and social benefits, should government policy makers intervene, by tilting the playing field to open source programs? Would such government intervention truly be welfare‐enhancing? Before answering that question we note that some of the presumed technical and economic benefits of open source software are open to question. At the same time, the claims of moral superiority or social desirability are inflat...
ULTRASONIC SPECTROMETERS FOR CONDENSED MATTER STUDIES AT VERY HIGH MAGNETIC FIELD

Three ultrasonic spectrometers have been constructed for use with the continuous and pulsed magnetic field facilities of the NHMFL at the Tallahassee and Los Alamos sites. The first of these, designed for use with the dc magnets, is a heterodyne spectrometer with the capabilities of high velocity resolution and near-simultaneous measurements at several frequencies (typically near transducer harmonics). The other two spectrometers are designed for the short-pulsed magnets, with the capability of fast data acquisition. These spectrometers have been used in the study of metamagnetism in the heavy fermion materials.
The electrocardiographic method for positioning the tip of central venous catheters

Tip position of a central venous access is of paramount importance and should be verified before starting infusion. Intra-procedural methods for verifying the location of the tip are to be preferred, since they avoid the risks, delays and costs of repositioning the tip. Among the intra-procedural methods, the electrocardiography (EKG) method has many advantages since it is as accurate as fluoroscopy, but simpler, more readily available, less expensive, safer and more cost-effective. The only contraindication to utilizing the EKG method is the difficulty in identifying the standard P-wave on a surface EKG (this happens - usually because of severe arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation - in only approximately 7% of cases: although such patients are easily identified before the procedure, and are referred to other methods for tip positioning). When dealing with the insertion of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC), the EKG method (using the column of saline technique) virtually has no risk of false positives. The EKG method removes the need for the post-procedural chest x-ray, as long as there is no expected risk of pleuropulmonary damage to be ruled out (example: ultrasound guided central venipuncture for central venous catheter insertion or any kind of PICC insertion). In conclusion, evidence is mounting that the EKG method may be a valid and cost-effective alternative to the standard radiological control of the location of the tip of any central venous access device (VAD), and that will rapidly become the preferential method for confirming the tip position during PICC insertion.
Preoperative and Postoperative Cardiac Output Determinations Using an Instantaneous Pulmonary Capillary Blood Flow Method

Abstract Instantaneous pulmonary capillary blood flow was estimated by the nitrous oxide method using a sensitive pneumotachygraph, and the values compared well with measurements obtained by dye-dilution techniques. Pulmonary capillary pulsatility diminished postoperatively in the majority of patients. This was probably related to a rise in pulmonary arterial resistance or compliance. A decrease in cardiac output under anesthesia compared to basal output in the awake state was a poor prognostic sign, and patients with an output lower than 1.05 liter per minute per square meter died from myocardial failure.
Off-label and unlicensed medication use and associated adverse drug events in a pediatric emergency department.

Objectives:The study objectives were to (1) determine the types and frequency of off-label (OL) or unlicensed (UL) medications used in a pediatric emergency department (PED) and before admission, (2) describe OL/UL-associated adverse drug events (ADEs) resulting in admission to the PED and those occ
Do Property Rights Lead to Sustainable Catch Increases

Abstract Individual transferable quotas (ITQs) assign property rights in fisheries by granting individual fishers a tradable share of the total allowable catch (TAC). ITQs were originally proposed to enhance profitability and safety, but may also provide incentives for more conservation-minded fishing practices. Indeed, recent empirical evidence shows a reduction in the likelihood of stock collapse and a threefold increase in catches two decades after ITQ implementation. Yet these spectacular catch increases follow modest 20% reductions in reported catches. We used standard fisheries models to analyze whether these catch trends are consistent with the theory underlying conservation benefits from property rights. We find that it appears unlikely that catch increases are attributable to ITQs alone. Improved catch reporting systems are often enacted concurrent with ITQs and may plausibly explain sustained catch increases. The existence of this alternative explanation warrants caution about claims that proper...
Eating attitudes among college students in Malaysia: an ethnic and gender comparison

The purpose of this study was to examine whether there are gender and ethnic differences in eating attitudes among ethnic Malay and ethnic Chinese college students in Malaysia, and whether eating attitudes are related to BMI and measures of self-dissatisfaction and separation anxiety. The Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26), the Separation Anxiety Symptom Inventory, and a self-dissatisfaction scale were administered to 187 Malay and 80 Chinese students. There were no sex differences in disordered eating attitudes for either ethnic group, however, Malay students scored higher on the EAT-26 than the Chinese students. Separation anxiety was related to EAT-26 scores among female participants but not among males. Levels of self-dissatisfaction were associated with EAT-26 scores among Malay males and Chinese females. Contrary to findings commonly found among Westerners, there were no gender differences in disordered eating attitudes among college students in Malaysia. However, there were gender differences in what factors were associated with disordered eating attitudes. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Atypical forms of Guillain-Barré syndrome and H1N1-influenza vaccination

Abstract Recent epidemiological studies established extremely rare incidence of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) after contemporary H1N1-influenza vaccine. We saw five patients with ‘atypical’ GBS variants that started within four weeks of 2010/2011 H1N1-influenza vaccine. There was no evidence for other etiologies of GBS. The patients presented with sensory ataxia, areflexia, extremity and oropharyngeal paresthesias, numbness, pain, weakness, sphincteric disturbances, and dysautonomia. One patient had Miller Fisher syndrome. All had elevated cerebrospinal fluid protein, and classic electrodiagnostic finding suggestive of GBS. All received the treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin with variable response. These pilot observations suggest that H1N1-influenza vaccine may be associated with rare and atypical variants of GBS. However, epidemiological studies with large cohorts are necessary to confirm excess cases of atypical GBS after H1N1-influenza vaccination.
Morphometry of the amount of smooth muscle cells in the media of various rabbit arteries.

Our objective in this study was to evaluate the relative amount of smooth muscle cells in the medial layer of various rabbit arteries. The fixation of smooth muscle cells in the arterial wall is difficult and the differential effect of glutaraldehyde (GA) and fixative vehicle on cell ultrastructure in different tissues is controversial. We compared the effect of various concentrations of the vehicle and glutaraldehyde (osmolarity ranges for total fixative, 350–1030 mOsm) on the arterial wall ultrastructure. We found that a 600 mOsm GA solution (isotonic vehicle; 2.5% GA) adequately preserves arterial wall structures. The relative amount of smooth muscle cells in the media differed in various segments along the arterial tree. It ranged from 35% (thoracic aorta) to 74% (tibial artery). The importance of weighting the contractile response of different arteries in vitro to their relative smooth muscle cell content is discussed.
Context-Aware Energy Enhancements for Smart Mobile Devices

Within the past decade, mobile computing has morphed into a principal form of human communication, business, and social interaction. Unfortunately, the energy demands of newer ambient intelligence and collaborative technologies on mobile devices have greatly overwhelmed modern energy storage abilities. This paper proposes several novel techniques that exploit spatiotemporal and device context to predict device wireless data and location interface configurations that can optimize energy consumption in mobile devices. These techniques, which include variants of linear discriminant analysis, linear logistic regression, non-linear logistic regression with neural networks, k-nearest neighbor, and support vector machines are explored and compared on synthetic and user traces from real-world usage studies. The experimental results show that up to 90% successful prediction is possible with neural networks and k-nearest neighbor algorithms, improving upon prediction strategies in prior work by approximately 50%. Further, an average improvement of 24% energy savings is achieved compared to state-of-the-art prior work on energy-efficient location-sensing.