cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Brenner Tumors of the Ovary Sonographic and Computed Tomographic Imaging Features

Objective The purpose of this study was to describe the sonographic appearance of ovarian Brenner tumors with computed tomographic (CT) correlation. Methods Twenty-two female patients (age range, 32-78 years; mean, 58 years) with 25 ovarian Brenner tumors were identified from pathologic records from 1990 to 2005. Corresponding pathologic reports and images (17 sonographic and 14 CT) were reviewed independently. Results Tumors ranged in size from 0.3 to 12 cm (mean, 2.5 cm); all were benign. Sixteen (64%) of 25 were found incidentally. Eight (36%) of 22 patients had a total of 12 associated benign ovarian neoplasms (1 was contralateral); 3 patients had bilateral Brenner tumors. Eight (47%) of 17 tumors were not seen on sonography, and 5 (36%) of 14 were not seen on CT. Of the tumors seen on imaging, most were solid (67% on sonography and 78% on CT). Four tumors appeared at least partially cystic, of which 3 had coexistent cystic ovarian lesions. Conclusions Brenner tumors are most often solid neoplasms found incidentally and frequently seen in association with other benign ovarian epithelial neoplasms.
Release of iron from hemoglobin.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the release of iron from hemoglobin. In normal physiological states, iron is found almost exclusively bound to protein molecules in specific subcellular compartments, and the concentration of free or labile iron is very tightly controlled. When decompartmentalized, however, iron can contribute to the development of pathophysiological states through various mechanisms. One pathophysiological state that can result from increased concentrations of free iron is bacterial infection. Iron is an element that is essential for bacterial growth, and the normal homeostatic mechanism of combating bacterial infection is to create a state of hypoferremia. In the presence of increased concentrations of free iron, the probability of rapid bacterial growth greatly increases, possibly resulting in sepsis. A second state of pathophysiology that can arise from high concentrations of free iron is related to the ability of iron to catalyze free radical reactions that can cause considerable damage to cellular constituents. Iron is a transition element that normally participates in oxidative and reductive reactions, but its reactivity is directed and controlled by protein molecules. The redox activity of iron, however, can continue in solution in a nonspecific or site-specific but uncontrolled fashion, potentially damaging proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids. Such cellular damage is mediated by highly reactive oxygen-free radicals, possibly the hydroxyl radical, generated through the iron-catalyzed Haber-Weiss reaction.
The sociology of musical networks

This review examines the current state of sociological music study. It demonstrates how sociologists excel at identifying social networks and survival strategies of musicians. It is argued that the...
Higher-order and Hard-nonlinear Control with Fuzzy Logic

With the advances in science and technology, modern systems become more and more complex and difficult to identify. This trend is bound to limit the usage of such control algorithms as model reference adaptive control, which needs to identify the order of the system first. Meanwhile, in a realistic control system the hard nonlinearities, such as saturation, backlash, and hysteresis, always exist. Unfortunately, they usually cause oscillation and tracking error in the system. With the theory of fuzzy logic, the operator's experience can be applied to the control systems. This article proposes a fuzzy controller design procedure by applying the fuzzy logic, the ideas of the phase plane approach, and the sliding mode control. With this fuzzy controller, the higher-order systems with hard nonlinearity can be well controlled.
Communication in Palliative Care

Taking care of palliative care patients and breaking bad news to them will never be an easy task. Excellent communication skills are essential while taking care of patients who face a life-threatening disease and while communicating with their distressed loved ones. Such skills are also important to work well with other members of the healthcare team. Excellent communication not only offers the best care to the patient, but also helps support team members who handle these difficult situations. The patient will also benefit from perfecting the collaboration and communication among the numerous involved physicians. Training to improve these communication skills is essential. Such training ideally starts early in the course of professional education. Several models have proven to be effective. This chapter will review the mandatory elements of a good meeting where bad news is communicated, give tools to discuss with distressed and sometimes “difficult” families, and emphasize the importance of coordinated teamwork and communication among the various physicians and other health workers involved in the patient’s care.
Psychotic symptoms in Parkinson's disease patients with dementia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of psychotic symptoms in a group of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and dementia and examine the association of psychotic symptoms with neuropsychiatric problems, the level of distress reported by caregivers, and cognitive and functional impairment. DESIGN: The psychotic and nonpsychotic patients with PD dementia were compared on a series of demographic, neuropsychiatric, behavioral, caregiver complaint, and cognitive measures. SETTING: The database from nine university-based State of California Alzheimer's Disease Diagnostic and Treatment Centers (ADDTCs). PARTICIPANTS: 101 patients diagnosed with PD. RESULTS: A total of 36 of the 101 patients (35.6%) had either hallucinations, delusions, or both. The psychotic patients had significantly more insomnia, confusion, agitation, personality changes, and self-care problems and were noted by their caregivers to be significantly more unmanageable at home than their nonpsychotic counterparts. On cognitive scales, psychotic patients were significantly more impaired. CONCLUSION: Many patients with PD and dementia experience psychosis. Psychotic symptoms in PD dementia patients are associated with major behavioral, cognitive, and functional problems. J Am Geriatr Soc 44:296–299, 1996.
Smart telepointers: maintaining telepointer consistency in the presence of user interface customization

Conventional methods for maintaining telepointer consistency in shared windows do not work in the presence of per-user window customizations. This article presents the notion of a “smart telepointer,” which is a telepointer that works correctly in spite of such customizations. Methods for smart-telepointer implementation are discussed.
Nonadiabatic level crossing in neutrino oscillations for an exponential solar density profile.

We derive an analytic expression for the conversion probability of neutrinos which propagate in a resonant oscillation region, assuming an exponential solar density profile. We argue that this assumption is a better approximation than the linear Landau-Zener one for large vacuum mixing angles ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{0}$ and that it reduces to it for small ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{0}$, therefore covering the entire ${\mathrm{sin}}^{2}$2${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\theta}}}_{0}$-\ensuremath{\delta}${m}^{2}$/E plane. Our result fails to describe neutrinos produced in the resonance region, while it is still applicable if the resonance occurs close to the core of the Sun, where the density is no longer exponential.
Formation and photochemistry of Methylamine in Jupiter's atmosphere

In the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere of Jupiter, translationally hot H atoms are produced in the photolysis of ammonia, phospine, and acetylene which react with methane to form methyl radicals. The latter combine with NH2 to form methylamine. It is presently shown that the combined production of methylamine and subsequent photolysis to HCN is unlikely to account for the HCN observed near Jupiter's tropopause. The recommendation of NH2 and C2H3 radicals to yield C2H5N, followed by photolysis to HCN, is the preferred path. An upper limit column density on CH3PH2 is estimated to be about 10 to the 13th/sq cm, as compared to 10 to the 15th/sq cm for CH3NH2.
Detection and Quantification of 3,5,3′-Triiodothyronine and 3,3′,5′-Triiodothyronine by Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry

A novel and rapid method for identifying and quantifying 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine (T3) and 3,3′,5′-triiodothyronine (rT3; reverse T3) has been introduced using electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS). MS2 spectra in either negative ionization mode or positive ionization mode can be used to differentiate T3 and rT3. Quantification of the T3 and rT3 isomers under the negative ionization mode is also achieved without prior separation by HPLC.
A theory of policy differentiation in single issue electoral politics

Voter preferences are characterized by a parameter s (say, income) distributed on a set S according to a probability measure F. There is a single issue (say, a tax rate) whose level, b, is to be politically decided. There are two parties, each of which is a perfect agent of some constituency of voters, voters with a given value of s. An equilibrium of the electoral game is a pair of policies, b 1 and b 2, proposed by the two parties, such that b i maximizes the expected utility of the voters whom party i represents, given the policy proposed by the opposition. Under reasonable assumptions, the unique electoral equilibrium consists in both parties proposing the favorite policy of the median voter. What theory can explain why, historically, we observe electoral equilibria where the ‘right’ and ‘left’ parties propose different policies? Uncertainty concerning the distribution of voters is introduced. Let {F(t)} t e T be a class of probability measures on S; all voters and parties share a common prior that the distribution of t is described by a probability measure H on T. If H has finite support, there is in general no electoral equilibrium. However, if H is continuous, then electoral equilibrium generally exists, and in equilibrium the parties propose different policies. Convergence of equilibrium to median voter politics is proved as uncertainty about the distribution of voter traits becomes small.
Detection of transcribable recombination products following conjugation in rec+, reCB- and recC-strains of Escherichia coli K12.

Abstract By crossing Hfr and F− strains of Escherichia coli which carry non-identical (but non-complementing) lacZ− mutations, the detection of β-galactosidase produced from LacZ+ recombination products is possible, beginning 60 minutes after transfer of the Hfr lac− allele. This system was used to show that when the F− cells carry recB−, almost normal amounts of LacZ+ enzyme are formed even though the number of viable recombinants is less than 1% of the Rec+ level. A similar result is found when the F− cells carry recC−. In contrast, LacZ+ enzyme activity is not detected either when RecA− F− cells are used or in a stable RecA− merodiploid carrying the two lacZ− alleles.
Spin and orbital magnetic densities in ferromagnetic nickel

A polarized-neutron-diffraction experiment is described, aimed at detecting the asphericity of the orbital magnetic density of nickel. The results indicate that the orbital magnetic density is much more spherical than predicted by the atomic model. The experimental finding is fully consistent with that calculated on the basis of the itinerant-electron theory, in which the spin-orbit interaction has been taken into account.
In-vivo determination of myocardial pH during regional ischemia using near-infrared spectroscopy

pH electrodes have been used during open heart surgery to ensure adequate delivery of blood and oxygen to the myocardium during the surgical procedure. The electrodes are cumbersome and suffer from motion artifacts. Near infrared spectroscopy was evaluated as a noninvasive method of measuring myocardial pH during regional ischemia in seven beating dog hearts. Two pH microelectrodes were implanted in the distribution area of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery. The LAD was occluded to stop the myocardial blood flow and to initialize regional ischemia. Ischemia was maintained for 20 minutes before the LAD was released to resume blood flow. A fiber-optic probe was used to collect the reflected NIR light over the spectral region of 575 nm to 1100 nm from the heart muscle. Partial least-squares multivariate calibration technique was applied to relate the myocardial pH changes to the NIR spectral changes in the region of 700 to 1100 nm. Calibration models based on data collected on each individual dog heart had an average of 7 factors with an R2 of 0.84. The standard error of prediction (SEP) averaged 0.09 pH units for a mean pH change of 0.73 pH units, adequate for monitoring pH changes during cardiac surgery.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Matrix equivalence classes with applications

Abstract A definite matrix Σ is represented in terms of a semidefinite matrix Ω and a vector γ , such that ( Ω , γ ) may be recovered explicitly from Σ . Equivalence classes are generated over the cone of positive definite matrices, first on fixing Ω , then on fixing γ . These classes in turn associate naturally as scale parameters in ensembles of elliptical measures. Each ensemble is seen to admit a distinct linear solution to the problem of minimal risk equivariant estimation for a location scalar, as do all mixtures over a particular ensemble to include star-contoured measures.
Simple and practical expert system algorithms for (bio)-signal detection

A combination of software algorithms that detects a signal and specifies its nature is described. The closeness of the signal to a sinusoidal, triangular or square type of waveform is also specified. The system works on the principle of successive software integrations and differentiations of a digitized signal, extracting the commonalities between the standard, known shapes and the signal under consideration. The expert-system software then determines the nature of the signal. The system can be implemented with an inexpensive, general-purpose microprocessor, and with analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters. >
Effect of temperature, organic amendment rate and moisture content on the degradation of 1,3-dichloropropene in soil.

1,3-Dichloropropene (1,3-D), which consists of two isomers, (Z)- and (E)-1,3-D, is considered to be a viable alternative to methyl bromide, but atmospheric emission of 1,3-D is often associated with deterioration of air quality. To minimize environmental impacts of 1,3-D, emission control strategies are in need of investigation. One approach to reduce 1,3-D emissions is to accelerate its degradation by incorporating organic amendments into the soil surface. In this study, we investigated the ability of four organic amendments to enhance the rate of degradation of (Z)- and (E)-1,3-D in a sandy loam soil. Degradation of (Z)- and (E)-1,3-D was well described by first-order kinetics, and rates of degradation for the two isomers were similar. Composted steer manure (SM) was the most reactive of the organic amendments tested. The half-life of both the (Z)- and (E)-isomers in unamended soil at 20 °C was 6.3 days; those in 5% SM-amended soil were 1.8 and 1.9 days, respectively. At 40 °C, the half-life of both isomers in 5% SM-amended soil was 0.5 day. Activation energy values for amended soil at 2, 5 and 10% SM were 56.5, 53.4 and 64.5 kJ mol−1, respectively. At 20 °C, the contribution of degradation from biological mechanisms was largest in soil amended with SM, but chemical mechanisms still accounted for more than 58% of the (Z)- and (E)-1,3-D degradation. The effect of temperature and amendment rate upon degradation should be considered when describing the fate and transport of 1,3-D isomers in soil. Use of organic soil amendments appears to be a promising method to enhance fumigant degradation and reduce volatile emissions. Published in 2001 for SCI by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
The role of sphingosine-1-phosphate in smooth muscle contraction

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive sphingolipid metabolite that is known to mediate diverse cellular responses including cell growth, survival, and migration. Most of these effects have been attributed to its binding to a specific subfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR), namely S1P(1-5). Recent studies have suggested that S1P also plays a prominent role in the contraction of various types of smooth muscle. This review provides a brief overview of its role in this process and also highlights how S1P-dependent signaling serves as an important regulator of smooth muscle contraction.
A general phasing algorithm for multiple MAD and MIR data

A phasing algorithm is presented for combining multiple wavelength anomalous dispersion (MAD) data from multiple types of anomalous scatterers, either in the same or in different derivative crystals, as well as for combining MAD data with multiple isomorphous replacement (MIR) data from different derivative crystals. A heavy-atom phasing and refinement program originally written by Rossmann [(1967) HATOMLSQ program, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA] has been modified to refine the parameters that define the anomalous and isomorphous scatterers and to determine protein phases by using all MAD and MIR derivatives simultaneously. The technique allows for appropriate weighting of every data set, including the native data, which contains neither an anomalous nor an isomorphous component. This method is a generalization of currently used heavy-atom methods. Numerical tests are presented for different experimental scenarios, including a double MAD experiment on the same crystal (diffraction data at two absorption edges), combination of two MAD experiments on different crystals, and combination of MAD data with MIR data from multiple crystals. An appendix shows how the Karle equations used in MAD phasing can be reformulated as a particular case of this algorithm.
The stereochemistry and mechanism of the [σ2 + σ2 +σ2] cycloreversion

Abstract The search for concert in the cycloreversion of a 6-membered ring to three pi-bonded fragments uses three mechanistic criteria: an enhanced rate as compared to model compounds, the absence of ring-closure products, and stereospecificity. By these criteria, the decompositions of 1,2- diazacyclohexa-1,4-dienes (57) and 2,3-diazabicyclo [4.1.0] hept-2-enes (58) are clearly concerted. The decomposition of 2,3-diazabicyclo [4.2.0] oct-2-enes (59), although it shows only a small rate enhancement, nevertheless meets the product and stereospecificity criteria and probably is concerted. The data suggest that the degree of concert gradually declines as the pi-character of the participating ring bond decreases. The cycloreversions of both sets of bicyclic compounds 58 and 59 follow an “inward-disrotatory” path undoubtedly because their transition states have the most efficient orbital overlap. An analysis of the [2 + 2 + 2] cycloreversion reveals an ambiguity in nomenclature that is a general feature of the Woodward-Hoffmann Rules in their 2-electron-component form. For a reaction involving any given number of such components, all allowed stereochemical pathways have the same set of descriptions.
Shoot-outs for the nation: football and politics in post-colonial Moroccan-Algerian Relations.

In this article, I offer a new macro analytical reading of Algerian–Moroccan relations in the context of football (soccer). Using Durkheim’s and Turner’s anthropological concepts of social effervescence and religious rituals, I contend that football provided an alternative social space for Hassan II to settle political scores with neighbouring Algeria. In addition, I argue that by involving the military, security agencies and national elite in the management of local football clubs and national teams, Hassan II was able to manufacture docile bodies through ritualized football games between Morocco and Algeria. Finally, I underline the shift in the policies of the Moroccan state toward football during the reign of Mohammed VI as a less controlled civil society began to take shape and private bureaucracy replaced military institutions.
Pseudoguianolides in Helenium autumnale from pennsylvania

Abstract The main sesquiterpene lactone found in collections of Helenium autumnale L. from Pennsylvania was not helenalin, but tenulin. Minor constituents of the flowers were mexicanin I, flexuosin A, a new lactone C15H20O4 and the flavone hispidulin.
Species-specific long range interactions between receptor/ligand pairs

Total internal reflection microscopy (TIRM) monitors Brownian fluctuations in elevation as small as 1 nm by measuring the scattering of a single sphere illuminated by an evanescent wave when the sphere is levitated by colloidal forces such as electrostatic double-layer repulsion. From the Boltzmann distribution of elevations sampled by the sphere over time, the potential energy profile can be determined with a resolution of approximately 0.1 of the thermal energy kT. Thus, the interaction between a receptor-coated (goat, horse, or rabbit immunoglobulin G (IgG)) latex sphere and a protein A (SpA)-coated glass microscope slide was studied. A typical TIRM potential energy profile measured between a bare sphere and a bare glass plate, where the sphere fluctuates around the secondary potential energy minimum formed between double-layer repulsion and gravitational attraction, agrees well with DLVO theory. The interactions measured between IgG-coated spheres and SpA-coated slides, on the other hand, displayed a weaker repulsion compared with that observed between bare surfaces under the same conditions. Analysis of the results obtained between the coated surfaces suggests an additional attractive force. The decay length of this attraction correlates with the known dissociation constants for the binding of IgG with SpA in free solution.
Detection of a non-cooperative transmitter in Rayleigh fading with binary observations

The problem of distributed detection of a noncooperative target with non-coherent binary observations is considered. The propagation is assumed to be inversely proportional to a power of the distance from the target and the signal is assumed to be subject to Rayleigh fading and additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN). As the location and power of the target are unknown, the probability of detection and probability of false alarm are also not known for each individual detectors. Thus, the optimum Chair-Varshney fusion rule does not apply. Instead, a two stage method based on a generalized likelihood ratio test (GLRT) is derived and proposed. Monte Carlo simulations have been performed to evaluate the performance of the global fusion rule. The results show that the performance of this fusion scheme is significantly better than the intuitive counting rule.
Protein kinase C delta modulates endothelial nitric oxide synthase after cardiac arrest.

We previously showed that inhibition of protein kinase C delta (PKCδ) improves brain perfusion 24 hours after asphyxial cardiac arrest (ACA) and confers neuroprotection in the cortex and CA1 region of the hippocampus 7 days after arrest. Therefore, in this study, we investigate the mechanism of action of PKCδ-mediated hypoperfusion after ACA in the rat by using the two-photon laser scanning microscopy (TPLSM) to observe cortical cerebral blood flow (CBF) and laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) detecting regional CBF in the presence/absence of δV1-1 (specific PKCδ inhibitor), nitric oxide synthase (NOS) substrate (L-arginine, L-arg) and inhibitor (Nω-Nitro-L-arginine, NLA), and nitric oxide (NO) donor (sodium nitroprusside, SNP). There was an increase in regional LDF and local (TPLSM) CBF in the presence of δV1-1+L-arg, but only an increase in regional CBF under δV1-1+SNP treatments. Systemic blood nitrite levels were measured 15 minutes and 24 hours after ACA. Nitrite levels were enhanced by pretreatment with δV1-1 30 minutes before ACA possibly attributable to enhanced endothelial NOS protein levels. Our results suggest that PKCδ can modulate NO machinery in cerebral vasculature. Protein kinase C delta can depress endothelial NOS blunting CBF resulting in hypoperfusion, but can be reversed with δV1-1 improving brain perfusion, thus providing subsequent neuroprotection after ACA.
Investigation of tape edge wear of magnetic recording tapes

Tape edge wear is studied for polyethylene naphthalate-based magnetic tape as a function of tape speed, tape tension, and tape guide surface roughness. The results show that tape edge wear is on the order of 0.04 nm per cycle at a constant force of 45 mN and that edge wear increases with increasing tape speed, tape tension and tape guide surface roughness. In addition, tape edge wear of three coated tapes with polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), and polyaramid (PA) substrate is studied. It is found that edge wear of polyaramid based tape is similar to that of PET-based and PEN-based tapes.
Physical aging characteristics of polyether ether ketone

Abstract Creep studies and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) indicate that physical (thermal) aging affects viscoelastic properties of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) at all achievable levels of crystallinity. The phenomenon has been observed over a range of crystallinity (2%–33% by volume) at several test temperatures. When the glass transition temperatures (T g ) are different, even for the same undercooling (T g − T) , the parameters are significantly different. Dependence of enthalpy relaxation on aging time was obtained from DSC thermograms for the amorphous polymer. The reported results provided aging parameters which are required for making long term predictions of creep behavior.
Phosphodiesterase 4 and Phosphatase 2A Differentially Regulate cAMP/Protein Kinase A Signaling for Cardiac Myocyte Contraction under Stimulation of β1 Adrenergic Receptor

Activation of the beta adrenergic receptor (betaAR) induces a tightly controlled cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) activity to ensure an agonist dose-dependent and saturable contraction response in animal heart. We have found that stimulation of beta(1)AR by isoproterenol induces maximal contraction responses at the dose of 1 microM in cardiac myocytes; however, cAMP accumulation continues to increase with higher agonist concentrations. Dose-dependent cAMP accumulation is tightly controlled by negative regulator phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) that hydrolyzes cAMP. At 1 nM isoproterenol, cAMP accumulation is minimal because of the hydrolysis of cAMP by PDE4, which leads to a small increase in PKA phosphorylation of phospholamban and troponin I (TnI), and contraction responses. Inhibition of PDE4 activity with rolipram enhances cAMP accumulation, yields maximal PKA phosphorylation of phospholamban and TnI, and myocyte contraction responses. In contrast, at 10 microM isoproterenol, despite the negative effect of PDE4, cAMP accumulation is sufficient for maximal PKA phosphorylation of phospholamban and TnI. Inhibition of PDE4 with rolipram enhances cAMP accumulation, but not PKA phosphorylation and contraction responses. It is interesting that activities of both PKA and protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) are enhanced under beta(1)AR activation with 10 microM isoproterenol, and PP2A is recruited to PKA/A kinase-anchoring protein complex. Inhibition of PP2A with okadaic acid further enhances the phosphorylation of phospholamban and TnI as well as contraction responses induced by 10 microM isoproterenol. Therefore, PP2A plays a key role in limiting PKA phosphorylation of phospholamban and TnI for myocyte contraction responses under beta(1)AR stimulation.
Ultrastructure of the stellate cell in the pars intermedia of the frog, Rana pipiens.

Stellate cells in the pars intermedia of adult Rana pipiens black-and-white background adapted for 14 days were studied by electron microscopy. This cell type forms a capsule around the secretory cells at the surface of the gland; it also lines the perivascular spaces between the pars intermedia and pars nervosa. The cells are characterized by the lack of well-developed secretory organelles and by the presence of long processes which extend into the intercellular spaces of the secretory cells and reach the surface of the gland and the perivascular spaces. Occasional desmosomes link the stellate cells to adjacent cells; bundles of microfilaments occur frequently. Microtubules run parallel to the long axis of the cell processes.
The Relation Between Motives for Organizational Volunteering and Frequency of Volunteering by Elders

The influence of motives for volunteering on frequency of volunteering by elders was examined. A secondary analysis was conducted on data from the Marriott Seniors Volunteerism Study. It was hypothesized that the number of major motives for volunteering would be positively related to frequency of volunteering. Contrary to the hypothesis, a stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed that specific motives for volunteering—to feel useful or productive and to fulfill a moral obligation—were significant predictors of frequency of volunteering. Each increment on the motives for volunteering scale (from 0 to 2) multiplied the odds of volunteering 2 or more times a month by 2.11 for feeling useful or productive and by 1.38 for fulfilling a moral obligation. It was suggested that some older adults use frequent volunteering as a strategy to sustain their self-esteem.
Dementia in Urban Black Outpatients: Initial Experience at the Emory Satellite Clinics

The purpose of this study is to describe demographic features and clinical diagnoses in a sample of demented urban black outpatients and to report the frequency of different causes of dementia in this patient sample. Retrospective chart review was used to identify demented black outpatients who had completed a full neurodiagnostic evaluation and had received clinical diagnoses using standardized research diagnostic criteria. Probable Alzheimer's disease was the most common cause of dementia in this sample (43% of cases). Probable vascular dementia was uncommon (7%). A multiple etiology dementia was identified in more than one third of the patients.
Flood tide circulation near beaufort inlet, North Carolina: Implications for larval recruitment

Drifter tracks and shipboard CTD observations have revealed a number of distinct features of the flood tide circulation carrying water through Beaufort Inlet, North Carolina. One of the most noteworthy of these features is a nearshore jet in the flow carrying water to the inlet on a flood tide. Characterized by a shoreward increase in longshore flow, the jet produces a narrow coastal zone over which water is carried into the inlet. The jet appears to be principally a tidal phenomenon, as it is closely reproduced by a tidally-driven barotropic numerical model. The model results also indicate the jet may be a near-inlet feature. Model simulations of spring tide conditions show the jet confined to within 4 km of the inlet mouth. Another observed phenomenon, which is reproduced by the tidal model, is a distinct splitting of the flow entering the inlet, in which water passing through a particular inlet segment tends to move up-estuary along a well-defined path. An observed flow feature not reproduced by the tidal model is an eastward skew of the region over which water is drawn into the inlet on a flood tide. This asymmetry is unrelated to the local wind. Modeling results from a previous study suggest it may be due to convergent flow at the edge of the low salinity plume issuing from the inlet. Taken together, the results of this and other recent studies in the Beaufort Inlet region reveal the importance of nearshore currents on the eastern side of the inlet in delivering oceanic-spawned larvae to the estuarine system connected to the inlet.
Acute and chronic effects of neuroleptic drugs on plasma and brain homovanilic acid in the rat

Abstract In the rat, the acute administration of the neuroleptic drug, haloperidol, produces a parallel increase in brain and plasma concentrations of the dopamine metabolite, homovanillic acid (HVA). The effect of other neuroleptic drugs, which may differ from haloperidol in their central and peripheral actions, on brain and plasma HVA has not been systematically investigated. Therefore, in this report we examine the acute effects of six different neuroleptic drugs, representing most major chemical classes of these drugs, on plasma and brain concentrations of HVA. Metoclopramide, fluphenazine, loxapine, and molindone produce parallel increases in brain and plasma HVA which closely resemble those produced by haloperidol. Compared to these neuroleptics, chlorpromazine produces a much greater increase in plasma HVA but a similar effect on brain HVA. The large chlorpromazine-induced increase in plasma HVA suggests that this drug alters peripheral production or clearance of HVA, perhaps via blockade of peripheral α-receptors. Of the available neuroleptics, sulpiride is one of the most specific and potent at blocking the dopamine vascular receptor. Administration of high doses of sulpiride produces only modest increases in both plasma and brain HVA, suggesting that blockade of peripheral dopamine receptors does not substantially alter peripheral clearance of HVA. After chronic administration of haloperidol for up to 21 days, plasma HVA continued to reflect the brain HVA response to drug administration.
Therapy and immunization of long-term analgesia in rats

Abstract Three experiments are reported which examine the effects of experience with escapable shock either subsequent to (Experiment 1) or prior to (Experiments 2 and 3) a session of inescapable shock on the subsequently produced long-term analgesic reaction in rats. Experment 1 demonstrated that experience with escapable shock 4 hr after a session of inescapable tail shock completely reverses the analgesic response that is normally observed 24 hr later upon reexposure to shock. The escapability of the shock was shown to be the important factor in reversing the analgesic reaction, since subjects given inescapable shock in amounts equivalent to escape subjects exhibited no reduction in analgesia. Experiment 2 showed that experience with escapable shock 4 hr prior to a session of inescapable tail shock could also completely eliminate the long-term analgesic reaction. Experiment 3 replicated the results of Experiment 2, but employed a different escape task and temporal parameters in order to extend the generality of the findings, and to more closely match the procedures employed in behavioral experiments reported by J. L. Williams and S. F. Maier ( Journal of Experimental Psychology: Animal Behavior Processes , 1977 , 3 , 240–253). The implications of these results for the areas of pain control and learned helplessness were discussed.
Salesforce automation systems: an exploratory examination of organizational factors associated with effective implementation and salesforce productivity

Abstract Given the current information-rich competitive environment, firms must seek ways to utilize technology and information to improve firm productivity. Salesforce automation (SFA) systems are one approach to increased productivity due to their ability to gather and synthesize a wealth of customer and competitor information. Experts suggest, however, a majority of SFA system adoptions fail due to implementation failures. Recognizing the implication of a failed implementation, a conceptual model of SFA implementation effectiveness and firm productivity is proposed. The model proposes that an “enabling” climate and shared values that are congruent with the SFA innovation are necessary for successful implementation. To provide insight into the organizational factors needed to effectively implement SFA innovations, interviews were conducted and rank-order data was collected from sales professionals. Results suggest that an appropriate implementation climate includes sufficient training, encouragement, facilitative leadership, and organizational support. Shared values that are necessary include a customer orientation, adaptive cultural norms, information-sharing norms, entrepreneurial values, and trust among organizational members. Results further indicate that an effective implementation may lead to enhanced productivity through better account prospecting, development, and buyer profiling.
Tests in projection pursuit regression

Abstract Projection Pursuit regression (PPR) approximates a regression function f(X) by a finite sum of ridge functions ∑ l=1 L f l ( α l T X) . When the explanatory vector X is normally distributed, Johansen and Johnstone (1990) gave an one-term approximation formula to the significance level of a test of H 0 : f= constant. In this paper, we generalize the one-term approximation to a two-term approximation and to the case when X has an arbitrary distribution based on a general projection pursuit regression index that we propose. The first term of our approximation is same as Johansen and Johnstone’s one-term approximation when X is normally distributed. Some simulations and applications will be presented and choices of L will be discussed.
Effects of isoproterenol infusions on heart rate variability in patients with panic disorder

Some evidence suggests that patients with panic disorder have a decreased cardiac vagal and a relatively higher sympathetic activity. In this study, spectral analysis of the time series of heart rate before and after isoproterenol infusions was used to study heart rate variability in six panic disorder patients and 11 normal control subjects. These preliminary data reveal a significant increase of sympathovagal ratios only in the patient group after isoproterenol administration. The findings suggest a relative increase in cardiac sympathetic and a relative decrease in cardiac vagal function in patients with panic disorder during isoproterenol infusions.
The plasmons of ErAs(100)

Momentum resolved inelastic electron energy loss has been exploited to measure the surface and bulk plasmons of ErAs(100). The effects of the electronic band structure are seen in the weak plasmon dispersion, and a contribution to the surface and bulk plasmons, from the Er 5d bands, is indicated in the decrease in the surface plasmon frequency by about 10% from the free electron value and to a ratio of the bulk and surface plasmon energies of about 3.
A harmonic analysis of lunar topography

A global lunar topographic map has been derived from existing earth-based and orbital observations supplemented in areas without data by a linear autocovariance predictor. Of 2592 bins, each 5 deg square, 1380 (64.7% by area) contain at least one measurement. A spherical harmonic analysis to degree 12 yields a mean radius of 1737.53 plus or minus 0.03 km (formal standard error) and an offset of the center of figure of 1.98 plus or minus 0.06 km toward (19 plus or minus 2) deg S, (194 plus or minus 1) deg E. A Bouguer gravity map, derived from a 12-degree free-air gravity model and the present topography data, is presented for an elevation of 100 km above the mean surface. It is confirmed that the low-degree gravity harmonics are determined primarily by surface height variations and only secondarily by lateral density variations.
Comparison of sequential versus simultaneous methods of adrenal venous sampling.

PURPOSE To compare two methods of adrenal venous sampling (AVS) in preoperative localization of adrenal lesions in primary hyperaldosteronism. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-one patients (13 men, eight women) underwent selective adrenal venous sampling between July 2001 and May 2003. One of the 21 patients underwent repeat AVS, for a total of 22 procedures. In half the procedures ( n = 11), simultaneous bilateral adrenal venous catheterization and sampling was performed before and after intraprocedural adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) administration; in the remaining half ( n = 11), sequential catheterization of the left and right adrenal veins was performed during continuous ACTH infusion 1 hour before and throughout AVS. Chart review provided procedural data, including sampling intervals and aldosterone/ cortisol ratios. Patient records provided clinical data, including blood pressure, serum aldosterone levels, and computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings. Surgical pathology reports confirmed unilateral disease but were not applicable to bilateral disease. RESULTS Selective AVS was completed successfully in 21 of 22 procedures (95%); the unsuccessful sampling was repeated successfully. Disease lateralized in 13 of 22 cases. Simultaneous bilateral AVS localized unilateral disease in seven of eight cases (88%) and was nondiagnostic in one case (13%), with cases confirmed by surgical pathology reports. Sequential bilateral AVS localized unilateral disease in four of four cases (100%) confirmed by surgical pathology reports, with one lost to follow-up. Bilateral disease was diagnosed in six of 22 cases: two of 11 by simultaneous AVS and four of 11 by sequential AVS. Three of 22 cases demonstrated borderline hormone levels that failed to meet the diagnostic threshold for recommended adrenalectomy. Mean elapsed time between acquisition of right and left samples did not differ between simultaneous and sequential AVS ( P = .09). Baseline (prestimulation) sampling did not contribute unique diagnostic information in any case and provided contradictory or confounding information in three of 11 simultaneous AVS procedures (27%). CONCLUSIONS Sequential bilateral catheterization does not compromise the reliability of time-sensitive AVS. Both simultaneous and sequential AVS are adequate studies; however, obtaining baseline prestimulation samples during simultaneous AVS is unnecessary and increases the cost of the procedure.
Evaluating oral noncombustible potential-reduced exposure products for smokers.

Introduction Potential-reduced exposure products (PREPs) are marketed as a way for smokers to continue using tobacco while possibly lessening their tobacco toxicant intake. Some tobacco-based PREPs are combustible and intended to be smoked, while others are noncombustible and intended to be administered orally (e.g., Camel Snus [CS] tobacco sachets and Ariva tobacco tablets). The ability of these noncombustible PREPs to reduce smokers' exposure to cigarette-delivered toxicants and suppress tobacco abstinence symptoms effectively is unclear. Clinical laboratory methods have been used to measure combustible PREP-associated toxicant exposure and abstinence symptom suppression and could be applied to evaluating the effects of orally administered noncombustible PREPs. Methods In this study, 21 smokers (6 women) participated in four 5-day conditions that differed by product used: CS, Ariva, own brand cigarettes, or no tobacco. Measures included expired-air carbon monoxide (CO), the urinary metabolite of nicotine (cotinine), the urinary metabolite of the carcinogen NNK (NNAL-T), and subjective effect ratings. Results Relative to own brand, all other conditions were associated with CO and cotinine levels that were lower and abstinence symptom ratings that were greater. Only no-tobacco use was associated with significantly lower NNAL levels. Acceptability ratings were also lower in all conditions relative to own brand. Discussion Although these oral products reduce exposure to CO, their ineffective abstinence symptom suppression and low acceptability may limit their viability as PREPs. As with combustible PREPs, clinical laboratory study of orally administered noncombustible PREPs will be a valuable part of any comprehensive PREP evaluation strategy.
Inertial effect on the stability of viscoelastic cone-and-plate flow

The stability of axially symmetric cone-and-plate flow of an Oldroyd-B fluid at non-zero Reynolds number is analysed. We show that stability is controlled by two parameters: [Escr ]1≡DeWe and [Escr ]2≡Re/We, where De, We, and Re are the Deborah, Weissenberg and Reynolds numbers respectively. The linear stability problem is solved by a perturbation method for [Escr ]2 small and by a Galerkin method when [Escr ]2=O(1). Our results show that for all values of the retardation parameter β and for all values of [Escr ]2 considered the base viscometric flow is stable if [Escr ]1 is sufficiently small. As [Escr ]1 increases past a critical value the flow becomes unstable as a pair of complex-conjugate eigenvalues crosses the imaginary axis into the right half-plane. The critical value of [Escr ]1 decreases as [Escr ]2 increases indicating that increasing inertia destabilizes the flow. For the range of values considered the critical wavenumber kc first decreases and then increases as [Escr ]2 increases. The wave speed on the other hand decreases monotonically with [Escr ]2. The critical mode at the onset of instability corresponds to a travelling wave propagating inward towards the apex of the cone with infinitely many logarithmically spaced toroidal roll cells.
Common Childhood Bacterial Infections

Children with infectious diseases are commonly encountered in primary care settings. Identification of the subset of patients with bacterial infections is key in guiding the best possible management. Clinicians frequently care for children with infections of the upper respiratory tract, including acute otitis media, otitis externa, sinusitis, and pharyngitis. Conjunctivitis is not an uncommon reason for office visits. Bacterial pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and gastroenteritis are regularly seen. Over the last decade, a growing number of children have had infections of the skin and soft tissue, driven by the increased prevalence of infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The following review addresses the epidemiology and risk factors for specific infections and examines the clinical presentation and selection of appropriate diagnostic methods in such conditions. Methods to prevent these bacterial infections and recommendations for follow-up are suggested. Management of these infections requires that antimicrobial agents be used in a judicious manner in the outpatient setting. Such antibiotic therapy is recommended using both available clinical evidence and review of disease-specific treatment guidelines.