cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF ODONTOGENIC NEOPLASMS IN DOGS

Odontogenic neoplasms are locally invasive oral tumors in dogs. The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe CT characteristics for varying histopathologic types of canine odontogenic neoplasms. A board-certified veterinary radiologist who was unaware of histologic findings reviewed and scored imaging studies. A total of 29 dogs were included in the study. Twenty-three of these dogs had concurrent dental radiographs. The most common CT characteristics for all tumor types were a direct association with or in the region of multiple teeth in 96.4% (27/28), contrast enhancement in 96.3% (26/27), alveolar bone lysis in 93.1% (27/29), and mass-associated tooth displacement in 85.2% (23/27). Mass-associated cyst-like structures were identified in 53.6% (15/28) and were only present in tumors containing odontogenic epithelium. Canine acanthomatous ameloblastomas (n = 15) appeared as extra-osseous (10/15) or intra-osseous (5/15) masses. Intra-osseous canine acanthomatous ameloblastomas were more likely to have mass-associated cyst-like structures and were subjectively more aggressive when compared with extra-osseous canine acanthomatous ameloblastomas. Amyloid-producing odontogenic tumors (n = 3) had subjectively uniform CT imaging characteristics and consisted of round soft tissue and mineral attenuating masses with multiple associated cyst-like structures. Fibromatous epulides of periodontal ligament origin (n = 4) were contrast enhancing extra-osseous masses that were rarely referred for CT examinations and 25% (1/4) were not visible with CT. Other odontogenic tumors were less represented or had more variable CT imaging characteristics. Mass-associated tooth destruction was appreciated more often with dental radiographs and extra-oral tumor extension was identified more often with CT.
Constitutive and induced subterranean plant volatiles attract both entomopathogenic and plant parasitic nematodes

Summary 1. Indirect plant defences are well documented for the above-ground constituents of plants. Although less investigated to date, below-ground defences that mediate multitrophic interactions are equally important. Entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernema diaprepesi) are attracted to herbivore-induced volatiles from Swingle var. (Citrus paradisi×Poncirus trifoliata) when fed upon by root weevil, Diaprepes abbreviatus. 2. We examined the extent to which below-ground volatiles modify behaviour of nematode species representing various foraging strategies (cruisers versus ambushers) and trophic levels (plant parasites versus entomopathogens). We compared attraction to volatiles of weevil-infested and non-infested roots from Swingle citrus rootstock and a parent line of the Swingle hybrid, Poncirus trifoliata (Pt). 3. Swingle weevil-infested roots attracted more nematodes than non-infested roots irrespective of nematode foraging strategy and trophic status. The parental line, Pt, attracted all nematode species irrespective of insect herbivory. 4. Dynamic in situ collection and GC–MS analysis of volatiles from soil revealed that Pt roots release attracting cues constitutively. A different non-hybrid citrus species (sour orange, Citrus aurantium) released nematode attracting cues only in response to larval feeding, similar to responses found in Swingle. Volatile collections from above- and below-ground portions of citrus plants revealed that above-ground feeding by weevils does not induce production of nematode attracting cues analogous to that induced by root damage, nor does damage by larvae below-ground induce a similar volatile above ground. 5. Synthesis. Our results suggest that release of nematode attractants by citrus roots occurs broadly and can be constant or herbivore-induced. The major constituent of this indirect defence is produced by roots and not shoots and in response to below-ground, but not above-ground herbivory. Our findings suggest that this cue acts on nematode species broadly, attracting entomopathogenic nematodes that exhibit various foraging strategies. Unexpectedly, we also found that this cue attracts a plant parasitic nematode species. It appears, thus, that release of nematode attracting cues by citrus plants can cause ecological costs. The plants, however, appear to counteract against these costs, because constitutive release was found only in a cultivar that is resistant to phytopathogenic nematodes, while herbivore-induced release occurred in lines susceptible to pathogenic nematode species.
L7-mobility: a framework for handling mobility at the application level

This paper introduces the concept of inter-domain mobility, to allow users to migrate their connectivity between different network domains. Most current mobility techniques are not well suited to handle inter-domain mobility. We present L7-mobility, a simple extension of the current mobility practices for inter-domain mobility, which adds support for both hot and policy mobility. L7-mobility makes extensive use of our connection diversity framework and its connection manager to simplify implementation. We implemented L7-mobility in an HTTP proxy, which allowed us to evaluate the complexity, deployment and performance of this new technique.
Right ventricular pressure and dilation during pressure overload determine dysfunction after pressure overload

Volume expansion and inotropic stimulation are used clinically to augment cardiac output during acute right ventricular (RV) pressure overload. We previously showed that a brief period of RV pressure overload causes RV free wall dysfunction that persists after normal loading conditions have been restored. However, the impact of volume expansion and inotropic stimulation on the severity of RV dysfunction after acute pressure overload is unknown. We hypothesized that the severity of RV dysfunction after RV pressure overload would be related to the level of RV free wall systolic stress during RV pressure overload, rather than to the specific interventions used to augment RV function. Chloralose-anesthetized, open-chest pigs were subjected to 1 h of RV pressure overload caused by pulmonary artery constriction, followed by 1 h of recovery after release of pulmonary artery constriction. A wide range of RV free wall systolic stress during RV pressure overload was achieved by either closing or opening the pericardium (to simulate volume expansion) and by administering or not administering dobutamine. The severity of RV free wall dysfunction 1 h after RV pressure overload was strongly and directly correlated with the values of two hemodynamic variables during RV pressure overload: RV free wall area at peak RV systolic pressure (determined by sonomicrometry) and peak RV systolic pressure, two of the major determinants of peak RV free wall systolic stress. Opening or closing the pericardium, and using or not using dobutamine during RV pressure overload, had no independent effects on the severity of RV dysfunction. The findings suggest that the goal of therapeutic intervention during RV pressure overload should be to achieve the required augmentation of cardiac output with the smallest possible increase in RV free wall systolic stress.
A custom confocal and two-photon digital laser scanning microscope

We describe a custom one-photon (confocal) and two-photon all-digital (photon counting) laser scanning microscope. The confocal component uses two avalanche photodiodes (APDs) as the fluorescence d...
Tensile and impact properties of carbon filled nylon-6,6 based resins

Electrically and thermally conductive resins can be produced by adding conductive fillers to insulating polymers. Mechanical properties such as tensile modulus, ultimate tensile stress, strain at ultimate tensile stress, and notched Izod impact strength are also important and cannot be ignored. This study focused on performing compounding runs, followed by injection molding and evaluation of tensile and impact properties of carbon filled nylon-6,6 based resins. The three carbon fillers investigated include an electrically conductive carbon black, synthetic graphite particles, and a surface treated polyacrylonitrile (PAN) based carbon fiber. Resins containing varying amounts of these single carbon fillers were produced and tested. In addition, combinations of fillers were investigated by conducting a full 23 factorial design and a complete replicate. The addition of carbon fiber increased the composite tensile modulus, ultimate tensile stress, and impact strength. Also, in many cases, combining two or three different fillers caused a statistically significant effect at a 95% confidence level. When comparing the results of this study with prior work, it appears that increased heteroatoms present on the carbon fiber surface likely improve composite ultimate tensile stress and impact strength. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 2881–2893, 2004
Nature of bonding in montmorillonite adsorbates. II. Bonding as an ion--dipole interaction.

In connection with previous work regarding benzoic acid adsorption on montmorillonite, isotherms of diazepam in several anhydrous solvents and of various benzodiazepine derivatives in one solvent support the concepts that montmorillonite adsorbates of compounds which do not ionize in solution are surface adsorbates and that the bonding occurs via an ion-dipole interaction. The number of sites found from liquid adsorption fairly well matches that found by nitrogen adsorption.
Uracil-induced calculi and proliferative lesions of the mouse urinary bladder

Uracil fed as 3% of the diet to rats produces urinary calculi and consequent proliferative lesions of the bladder epithelium, including papillomatosis. We evaluated the effects of dietary uracil in two strains of mice and compared the results in males and females. Uracil was fed as 3 or 1% of the diet to male and female Swiss and C3H mice for up to 20 weeks. The 3% dose produced marked proliferative changes in the bladder epithelium by 10 weeks of administration, the earliest time at which the animals were processed for microscopic evaluation. These lesions progressed to severe nodular and papillary hyperplasia so that all of the animals fed 3% uracil had to be killed by the end of the 15th week. These animals had uracil-formed calculi. In contrast, mice fed 1% uracil rarely developed uracil calculi, and also rarely developed proliferative changes in the bladder epithelium as observed by light microscopy. Also, the labeling index was determined and showed quantitatively the degree of cell proliferation similar to that qualitatively observed by light microscopic examination. At 10 weeks of administration, there was an increased labeling index in the males compared to females in both strains of mice fed 3% uracil, but this difference was not significant at 15 weeks. Similarly, the males tended to have more severe histologic changes than the females. The results of feeding high doses of uracil are similar in mice to those previously observed in rats.
CYCLIC CHANGES IN THE INTERSTITIAL CELLS OF THE OVARY AND TESTIS IN THE WOODCHUCK (MARMOTA MONAX)

The significance of the so-called interstitial cells found in the ovary and testis of many mammals and of some lower orders is still a much-debated subject. Since the introduction of the term “interstitial gland” by M. Bouin in 1900 with reference to the ovary and later applied to the testis by P. Bouin and P. Ancel ('03), these cells have received much attention in connection with the supposed internal secretory activity of the gonads, for which there is much evidence not only from experimental but also from strictly clinical sources and especially in the rapidly increasing field of organotherapy. One is particularly struck with the number of reports in current clinical literature on the more or less successful use of ovarian extracts and transplants in female disorders.
Intracellular processes in immunity.

Morph@l_9_gy _. The most obvious effect of exposure to antigens is proliferation and differentiation of lymphocytes. Plasma cells represent the most extreme form of such differentiation. Plasma cells have an intensely basophilic cytoplasm, a prominent Golgi apparatus and an eccentrically placed nucleus. Ultrastructural studies demonstrate a phenomenal increase in endoplasmic reticulum. These changes are consistent with the role of differentiated B lymphocytes as protein (antibody) producing cells.
… And not a drop to drink: an integrated model of ethics and strategic issue diagnosis

Despite the strategic and competitive advantages possibly gained by developing sustainable water processes, many firms have not responded to the threat of impending water shortages. An integrated model of strategic issue diagnosis drawn from and extending previous models explains when managers will recognize a strategic issue and its ethical implications. When managers perceive that an issue (i) can be resolved, meaning that it is feasible, (ii) has implications for the organization that are important, meaning that it is urgent, and (iii) when significant harm is probable, meaning the issue has moral intensity, then managers are more likely to become committed to and exert effort to resolve the issue. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. and ERP Environment
Effects of nimodipine and dexamethasone on low‐level co2 laser‐induced release of 51chromium from canine 2c5 gliosarcoma cells

Low-energy penumbral irradiation of surgical lasers may produce undesirable effects on surrounding tissues. This study used a 51Cr cell labeling technique to determine if gliosarcoma cells could be therapeutically protected prior to their exposure to low-power laser irradiation. Canine 2C5 gliosarcoma cells with intracellular 51Cr were treated with nimodipine and/or dexamethasone and then exposed to low-power levels of CO2 laser. The 51Cr was released from the cells in a dose-dependent fashion following exposure to laser energy. Correlative analysis of the data indicated that a strong direct relationship between laser fluence and 51Cr release did exist for controls and drug-treated groups with coefficients of correlation r > or = +0.90 and coefficients of determination r2 > or = 0.82. However, comparison of the data from the drug-treated and control groups found that there was no significant difference between them (P > .05). Therefore, no protective or detrimental effects were observed with the use of nimodipine and/or dexamethasone on the gliosarcoma cells as tested in this system. Further investigation is necessary in order to define the mechanisms by which low-power level lasers affect these cells. These effects do not appear to be mediated through localization of mechanisms to the cell membranes or their constituent Ca2+ channels.
Founders, heirs, and corporate opacity in the United States

Abstract We argue that information about firm activities can vary substantially in the presence of founder or heir ownership, thereby influencing the risks borne by minority investors. We explore two hypotheses with regard to these controlling shareholders and corporate transparency, focusing on their role as monitor in-place and their potential to exploit firm opacity to accrue private benefits of control. To test these notions, we create an opacity index that ranks the relative transparency of the two thousand largest industrial US firms and find founder and heir ownership in 22% and 25% of these firms, respectively. Our analysis indicates that, in large, publicly traded companies, both founder and heir firms are significantly more opaque than diffuse shareholder firms. We also find that founder and heir-controlled firms exhibit a negative relation to performance in all but the most transparent firms. Surprisingly, additional tests reveal that concerns about divergences in ownership versus control (management type, dual class shares, and board influence) appear to be substantially less important than corporate opacity in explaining the performance impacts of founder and heir control. Finally, we decompose corporate opacity into disclosure and market scrutiny components, finding that the disclosure quality component appears to be of greater importance to investors. However, irrespective of whether these controlling shareholders create or stay in the firm because of corporate opacity, our analysis suggests that founders and heirs in large, publicly traded firms exploit opacity to extract private benefits at the expense of minority investors.
Vecuronium kinetics and dynamics in anesthetized infants and children

Vecuronium kinetics and dynamics were determined in five infants (3 to 11 months old) and five children (1 to 5 years old) during anesthesia with 70% nitrous oxide and 0.9 MAC halothane. Vecuronium was infused intravenously at a rate of 2.5 μg/kg/min while twitch tension of the adductor pollicis muscle was recorded and venous blood samples were drawn for determination of vecuronium concentrations by mass spectrometry. The elimination t½ was determined by linear regression of the log postdistribution concentration—time data; these values and noncompartmental techniques were used to calculate total plasma clearance (C1), volume of distribution at steady state (Vdss), and mean residence time. The steady-state plasma concentration resulting in 50% depression of twitch tension (Cpss50) was determined by an effect compartment and a sigmoid concentration vs. paralysis model. Vdss was larger in infants (357 ± 70 ml/kg; X ± SD) than in children (204 ± 116 ml/kg), and Cl was of the same order for infants and children (5.6 ± 1.0 and 5.9 ± 2.4 ml/kg/min). Mean residence time was longer in infants (66.3 ± 22.9 minutes) than in children (34.3 ± 8.0 minutes). Cpss50 was lower in infants (57 ± 18 ng/ml) than in children (110 ± 28 ng/ml). The quantity of vecuronium in the body at steady state at 50% depression of twitch tension (Vdss × Cpss50) was similar in infants and children (21.2 ± 9.9 and 19.0 ± 3.3 μg/kg). During comparable nitrous oxide–halothane anesthesia, age-related changes in Vdss, Cl, and Cpss50 were much like those found for d-tubocurarine. These findings are consistent with our observation that there appear to be no significant age-related changes in the vecuronium dose-response relationship. Our results explain why the duration of action of a single, body-weight-normalized dose of vecuronium is longer in infants than in children. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1985) 37, 402–406; doi:10.1038/clpt.1985.62
Incorporating a gender role strain perspective in assessing and treating men's cognitive distortions.

Psychologists will be better prepared to intervene effectively with male clients if they can assess how their male clients' experiences as men in society have contributed to their presenting problems. In this article, the author reviews how masculine gender role strain contributes to men's cognitive distortions and leads to, for example, aggressiveness, an overemphasis on achievement, and relational and emotional disconnection. Eight areas of salient gender role messages for men are examined to facilitate clinicians' assessments of men's gender related cognitive distortions. In the final section of the article, issues salient to treating men who endorse these gender related cognitive distortions are discussed. By focusing on the influence of men's gender role socialization on presenting problems, it is hoped that clinicians may be empathic to the social context that contributes to men's cognitive distortions and clinicians can reduce the effects of gender role strain in male clients.
Segmented linear regression models applied to the analysis of data from a cross‐sectional growth experiment

Several different methods of analysis are applied to data consisting of weight measurements, taken at specified post-treatment times, of harvested thyroids from rats given one of four treatments. Previous studies of this type of data indicated that the growth is initially rapid, and that a second phase of less rapid growth is followed by a final phase in which little additional growth occurs. The data are further characterized by increasing variance through time. The primary purpose of the analysis is to study the effect of the treatments at the end of the study period. One-way analysis of variance tests among groups are performed on each day, but the results are not particularly helpful. However, results from two-way analyses of variance (over subsets of days and groups) are consistent with the three phase model and accordingly indicate significant group differences during each. Finally, maximum likelihood methods are used to fit a three part segmented linear regression model.
Inelastic demand for alcohol in rats

Rationale: For the purpose of investigating the determinants of preference for alcohol, it would be advantageous to use a procedure in which the subjects had concurrent access to alcohol and an isocaloric food. However, in widely used animal models, the introduction of a weak sucrose solution markedly reduced alcohol consumption. In contrast, when alcohol was sweetened, rats defended high baseline levels of alcohol intake despite access to chow, 10% sucrose, and increases in body weight that markedly reduced food consumption. Under these conditions, certain pharmacological treatments selectively reduced alcohol consumption. The present experiment further tests the generality of the contrast between food and sweetened alcohol consumption in rats. Objective: To test if rats will defend baseline levels of alcohol consumption when (1) the competing reinforcer is an isocaloric, preferred food and (2) when the cost of defending alcohol entails a decrease in food consumption as well as an increase in response output. Methods: The rats had access to a 10% alcohol plus 0.25% saccharin solution and an isocaloric, 14.8% Polycose solution in a two-lever, choice procedure. In the initial condition, the response requirement for each drink was set at five responses (variable-ratio 5); in subsequent conditions the variable-ratio values were increased to 7.5, 10, 15, and 30 responses. Results: In the initial condition, the rats drank twice as much Polycose as alcohol. However, with increases in the variable-ratio requirements, Polycose consumption systematically decreased, whereas sweetened alcohol consumption remained at its baseline level or above in all but the variable-ratio 30 condition. Conclusions: Rats defended baseline alcohol consumption but not baseline food consumption. As alcohol and food consumption can be dissociated in humans, research on the mechanisms that mediate alcohol regulated preference in rats may shed light on the mechanisms that control human alcohol consumption.
Motivational effects of cannabinoids and opioids on food reinforcement depend on simultaneous activation of cannabinoid and opioid systems.

Strong functional interactions exist between endogenous cannabinoid and opioid systems. Here, we investigated whether cannabinoid–opioid interactions modulate motivational effects of food reinforcement. In rats responding for food under a progressive-ratio schedule, the maximal effort (break point) expended to obtain 45 mg pellets depended on the level of food deprivation, with free-feeding reducing break points and food-deprivation increasing break points. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC; 0.3–5.6 mg/kg intrapeitoneally (i.p.)) and morphine (1–10 mg/kg i.p.) dose-dependently increased break points for food reinforcement, while the cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist rimonabant (SR-141716A; 0.3–3 mg/kg i.p.) and the preferential mu-opioid receptor antagonist naloxone (0.3–3 mg/kg i.p.) dose-dependently decreased break points. THC and morphine only increased break points when food was delivered during testing, suggesting that these treatments directly influenced reinforcing effects of food, rather than increasing behavior in a nonspecific manner. Effects of THC were blocked by rimonabant and effects of morphine were blocked by naloxone, demonstrating that THC's effects depended on cannabinoid CB1 receptor activation and morphine's effects depended on opioid-receptor activation. Furthermore, THC's effects were blocked by naloxone and morphine's effects were blocked by rimonabant, demonstrating that mu-opioid receptors were involved in the effects of THC and cannabinoid CB1 receptors were involved in the effects of morphine on food-reinforced behavior. Thus, activation of both endogenous cannabinoid and opioid systems appears to jointly facilitate motivational effects of food measured under progressive-ratio schedules of reinforcement and this facilitatory modulation appears to critically depend on interactions between these two systems. These findings support the proposed therapeutic utility of cannabinoid agonists and antagonists in eating disorders.
Ladder-Type Soil Model for Dynamic Thermal Rating of Underground Power Cables

This paper presents an optimal RC ladder-type equivalent circuit for the representation of the soil for dynamic thermal rating of underground cable installations. This is useful and necessary for their optimal and accurate real-time operation. The model stems from a nonuniform discretization of the soil into layers. The resistive and capacitive circuit elements are computed from the dimensions and physical parameters of the layers. The model is perfectly compatible with the International Electrotechnical Commission thermal–electric analog circuits for cables. The optimum model order is determined, for fast and slow thermal transients, from a comprehensive parametric study. It is shown that an exponential distribution of the soil layers leads to accurate results with differences of less than 0.5 °C with respect to transient finite-element simulations. An optimal model with only five layers that delivers accurate results for all practical installations and for all time scenarios is presented. The model of this paper is a simple-to-use and accurate tool to design and analyze transient operation of underground cables. It represents a relevant improvement to the available operation and monitoring tools. For illustration purposes, a step-by-step model construction example is given. The model has been validated against numerous dynamic finite-element simulations.
The intermediation theory of the firm: integrating economic and management approaches to strategy

Economic and management perspectives on management strategy can and should be integrated. The intermediation theory of the firm and models of market microstructure provide a basis for advancing the integration of management and economics perspectives. In particular, the theory allows for a combination of economic approaches such as Porter's work on competitive strategy with management approaches such as work on the abilities and resources of the organization. The article presents a unified strategy framework based on transaction costs and the intermediation theory of the firm. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neural Network Aided Adaptive Filtering and Smoothing for an Integrated INS/GPS Unexploded Ordnance Geolocation System

The precise geolocation of buried unexploded ordnance (UXO) is a significant component of the detection, characterization, and remediation process. Traditional geolocation methods associated with these procedures are inefficient in helping to distinguish buried UXO from relatively harmless geologic magnetic sources or anthropic clutter items such as exploded ordnance fragments and agricultural or industrial artefacts. The integrated INS/GPS geolocation system can satisfy both high spatial resolution and robust, uninterrupted positioning requirements for successful UXO detection and characterization. To maximize the benefits from this integration, non-linear filtering strategies (such as the unscented Kalman filter) have been developed and tested using laboratory data. In addition, adaptive filters and smoothers have been designed to address variable or inaccurate a priori knowledge of the process noise of the system during periods of GPS unavailability. In this paper, we study and compare the improvement in the geolocation accuracy when the neural network approach is applied to aid the adaptive versions of the extended Kalman filter (EKF) and the unscented Kalman filter (UKF). The test results show that the neural network based filters can improve overall position accuracy and can homogenize the performance of the integrated system over a range of relatively quiet to dynamic environments. Navigation-grade and medium-grade IMUs were compared and, with standard smoothing applied to the new filters, geolocation accuracy of 5 cm (13 cm) was achieved with the navigation- (medium-) grade unit within 8-second intervals that lack external control, which is at or close to the area-mapping accuracy requirement for UXO detection.
Effect of thermal cycling on carbon fiber‐reinforced PPS composites

Calorimetry, coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), and tensile modulus were recorded to investigate the effect of thermal cycling on polyphenylene sulfides (PPS) carbon fiber composites. Thermal cycling at higher temperatures increased the degree of crystallinity of PPS, as indicated by increasing heat of melting. CTE measurements during thermal cycling were used to study the anisotropy of the composites in directions parallel and transverse to the fiber orientation. It was noted that increasing crystallinity enhanced the tensile modulus of unidirectional composites, while reducing the tensile modulus of quasi-isotropic composites. The latter reduction may be due to internal damage or interlaminar slippage associated with the residual thermal stresses caused by thermal mismatch between multiply oriented plies. POLYM. COMPOS., 26:713–716, 2005. © 2005 Society of Plastics Engineers
Multiscale characterization of pitting corrosion and application to an aluminum alloy

Abstract This paper documents a novel method for characterizing pitting corrosion damage in structural materials such as Al 2024-T3. Specimens of such alloys are corroded in a controlled environment and the pits' geometry is captured digitally using white light interference microscopy. The digital data are then processed with wavelet-based analysis, thus making possible a multi-resolution description of the geometrical features. The analysis reveals several interesting features of the pits that are similar for all the experimental data analyzed herein, and independent of the process followed for creating them (time the material is exposed to corroding environment, concentration of the corroding agent, surface area exposed to the agent, etc.). The first property identified as common to all pits is their geometrical scaling with a (Hurst) exponent of 0.63±0.12. Furthermore, the ratio ω of the surface area of the pit as represented at coarse scales through the wavelet representation, over the area of its intersection with the plane at zero depth is found to be 1.17±0.07 consistently. The ratio of the total surface area over its intersection is found to be 1.6±0.2. Either one of these ratios together with the Hurst exponent provide sufficient information for obtaining a pit's geometry from images capturing its two-dimensional shape only, a capability important for efficient characterization. Additionally, such a characterization is paramount for rigorously addressing fatigue crack initiation and propagation.
A few things transport regulators should know about risk and the cost of capital

In reviewing contracts, establishing price limits, or arbitrating conflicts, regulatory agencies and policy advisors face significant information asymmetry in determining the appropriate allowed rate of return, or discount rate. The information gap is especially important in determining the degree of market risk - often a critical component of the cost of capital demanded by operators. The authors consider various methodological problems in the transport sector in establishing the link between regulatory regime and degree of market risk The results of quantitative studies confirm that even for the transport sector - where there is intermodal competition and where contracts are often shorter and regulatory decisions may be less pressing than for utilities - the choice of regulatory regime greatly affects the degree of market risk a company faces. This has important implication for regulatory agencies and actions. When a regulatory agency undertakes a price review, or when issues arise about concession contracts, it is important that regulators assess correctly the required rate of return and cost of capital. They must also assess correctly the level of risk, which affects the required rate of return and the cost of capital. Most regulators in developing countries have a problem: the regulated companies are unquoted or undertake many activities for a range of industries and even sectors. For them this methodology for measuring the cost of capital, calculating the measure of market risk, and estimating the impact of various regulatory regimes on market risk may be useful.
Pathogenesis of HIV infection in children

Abstract The increasing numbers of children infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the etiologic agent of the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), affects widely diverse socially and geographical populations. This review is intended to highlight key aspects of HIV pathogenesis especially as it relates to children. Topics include aspects of the virus itself, the cells it infects, the in vivo dynamics of infection and the host immune response to the virus. Discussion of the problems of diagnosis and management of children with HIV-1 infection will also be briefly considered.
Intermolecular forces, spontaneous emission, and superradiance in a dielectric medium: Polariton-mediated interactions

A reduced equation of motion that describes the excited-state dynamics of interacting two-level impurity molecules in a dielectric host crystal is derived starting from a microscopic model for the total system. Our theory generalizes the derivation of the conventional superradiance master equation for molecules in vacuum; the role of photons in the conventional theory is played by polaritons (mixed crystal-radiation excitations) in our approach. Our final equation thus contains dispersive and superradiant polariton-mediated intermolecular interactions. The effect of the dielectric host is completely contained within a rescaling of these interactions with the transverse dielectric function \ensuremath{\epsilon}(\ensuremath{\omega}) of the crystal taken at the impurity's transition frequency. Our theory yields all local field and screening factors for both the dispersive and the dissipative couplings from a single, unified starting point. Known scaling laws for the spontaneous-emission rate and the instantaneous dipole-dipole interaction are extended to the frequency region where the dispersion of \ensuremath{\epsilon}(\ensuremath{\omega}) is important.
Induction of oxidative stress and TNF-α secretion by Dichloroacetonitrile, a water disinfectant by-product, as possible mediators of apoptosis or necrosis in a murine macrophage cell line (RAW)

The water disinfectant by-product dichloroacetonitrile (DCAN) is a direct-acting mutagen and induces DNA strand breaks in cultured human lymphoblastic cells. Cellular activation by environmental agents may exert detrimental effects to the cells. Activated macrophages produce reactive oxygen intermediates such as H(2)O(2), (-)OH and O(2). Therefore, the effect of various concentrations of DCAN (100-400 microM) on the activity macrophage cells (RAW 264.7) was studied. In these cells, DCAN-induced oxidative stress was characterized by the production of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI). Also, the ratios of intracellular GSH/GSSG was assessed and used as a biomarker for oxidative stress. The secretion of TNF-alpha was assessed since macrophages are known to secrete TNF-alpha as a result of cellular oxidative stress. Electrophoretic detection of DNA degradation and light microscopy was utilized for the characterization of DCAN-induced apoptosis. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage and trypan blue exclusion were used as markers of cellular necrosis. Following exposure to DCAN (200 microM and 400 microM), intracellular GSSG was increased (2.5-fold of control, P<0. 05). DCAN activation of RAW cells was detected by elevated levels of intracellular ROI (1.9-2.5-fold than control, P<0.05) and increased secretion of TNF-alpha (4.5 fold-than control, P <0.05). Elecrophoresis of genomic DNA of treated cells indicated a dose-dependent increase in degradation of genomic DNA. Morphological studies also indicated that exposure of RAW cells to 100 microM or 200 microM DCAN incites apoptotic cell death. At higher concentrations (400 microM), however, significant (P<0.05) increase in LDH leakage and decrease in cell viability (55% of control) indicative of cellular necrosis, were observed. These studies indicate that DCAN induces dose-dependent apoptosis or necrosis in RAW cells that could be due to the disturbance in intracellular redox status and initiation of ROI-mediated oxidative mechanisms of cellular damage.
Fluorescence studies of solvent-polymer interactions at surface functionalized polyethylene films

The effects of solvent on the accessibility and reactivity of an ester-bound fluorophore at a functionalized polyethylene-solvent interface have been studied. Fluorophore-labeled polyethylene surfaces were prepared by blending together a small amount of either a phenylpyrenylmethyl-terminated ethylene oligomer or a pyrene ester-terminated ethylene-ethylene glycol block cooligomer and a 20-200-fold excess of high molecular weight additive-free high-density polyethylene. Solution casting of 1,2-dichlorobenzene solutions of these mixtures generated films containing the pyrene labels
Delayed Post-Course Evaluation by Educator-Students of a Long-Standing College Drug Education Course.

This report presents an evaluation of a specific college drug education course three to eight years later by surveying a large number of its previous educator-participants. Thus the respondents have had ample time to determine the usefulness of the various types of information acquired from the course during their subsequent classroom, counseling or administrative experiences. Over 100 anonymous responses (57%) were obtained from public school educators who from previous enrollment data were shown to have taken the course sometime between 1968—1973. Each year was represented in the survey. The relative value of the different topics in the course syllabus is discussed. General, basic pharmacological information about ALL drugs, licit, illicit, alcohol, OTC, etc., was considered to be more valuable than specific information about current “street” drugs. The respondents wanted none of the present topics deleted, and they suggested adding additional topics, e.g., chemical additives, megavitamins, geriatric ph...
Parabiosis in mice: a detailed protocol.

Parabiosis is a surgical union of two organisms allowing sharing of the blood circulation. Attaching the skin of two animals promotes formation of microvasculature at the site of inflammation. Parabiotic partners share their circulating antigens and thus are free of adverse immune reaction. First described by Paul Bert in 18641, the parabiosis surgery was refined by Bunster and Meyer in 1933 to improve animal survival2. In the current protocol, two mice are surgically joined following a modification of the Bunster and Meyer technique. Animals are connected through the elbow and knee joints followed by attachment of the skin allowing firm support that prevents strain on the sutured skin. Herein, we describe in detail the parabiotic joining of a ubiquitous GFP expressing mouse to a wild type (WT) mouse. Two weeks after the procedure, the pair is separated and GFP positive cells can be detected by flow cytometric analysis in the blood circulation of the WT mouse. The blood chimerism allows one to examine the contribution of the circulating cells from one animal in the other.
Danger and safety: The analyst as analytic subject

Abstract This paper considers questions of danger and safety in the analytic relationship in light of the contemporary recognition of analysis as a co-participatory process. In the interest of safety, the psychoanalyst has the responsibility to be persistently curious, particularly about the problems derived from his contact with the analysand. Information about the analyst's impact must be taken to heart; it must be experientially considered. As the process unfolds, the analyst presumes that a portion of its effect will be negative. The analyst aspires not to preempt all negative impact but to create an analytic environment in which the analysand's conscious and unconscious communications about impact may be attended to. The analyst's ability to receive such information is crucial in the establishment of a reliable process capable of addressing and surviving the unanticipated dangers that inevitably emerge and securing the analysand for further self articulation. The analyst can simultaneously attend to ...
Declining prevalence of chlamydial infection among adolescent girls.

Background and Objectives: Chlamydial control programs that identify and treat infected persons have been used as a means of reducing prevalence and morbidity. The overall objective of the current study was to examine the prevalence of chlamydial infection during the course of such a program. Goals: To determine whether a reduction in isolation rates was evident among adolescent girls during the 8.75 years that the control program has been in place. Study Design: The study population consisted of all 4,329 sexually active girls between the ages of 13 and 19 attending the four adolescent health clinics in Indianapolis, Indiana, during the period beginning October 1, 1985, and ending June 30, 1994. All girls were cultured for Chlamydia trachomatis, and behavioral data were collected for those attending the clinics before 1989. The trend in quarterly isolation rates was examined using linear regression analysis. Results: Results showed that there was a significant decrease (P = 0.0001), from 25.9% to 9.7%, in the first-visit chlamydial isolation rate over the study period. Behavioral data showed decreases in the frequency of sexual intercourse and in lifetime years of sexual activity, as well as an increase in condom use. Conclusions: The quarterly isolation rates showed that there has been a 63% decline in chlamydial infection among adolescent girls attending the clinics for the first time.
Cerebral Vasospasm in Eclampsia: Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound Findings

Transcranial Doppler ultrasound was used to evaluate the middle cerebral artery blood flow-velocity in an eclamptic patient. An elevated middle cerebral artery pulsatility index, compatible with severe vasospasm, was demonstrated. Computed tomography of the brain showed regions of hypoden-sity. Normalization of the Doppler waveform correlated with clinical and tomographic improvement.
Parameters Involved in the Spectroscopic Monitoring of Atmospheric Contaminants in the Tungsten Inert Gas Arc Process

Tungsten-helium arc atmospheric contaminants spectral monitoring parameters under welding conditions, using rotating circular wedge to oscillate emission lines across exit slits
Fifteen years' experience with an antirefluxing biliary drainage valve

Abstract Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of the antirefluxing, mucosal-flap valve (AMFV) for biliary drainage relative to technical feasibility, surgical complications, and incidence of ascending cholangitis (AC). Methods: Twenty-seven infants requiring biliary tract reconstruction underwent valve construction. Twenty biliary atresia (BA) patients received the Kasai procedure, and 7 choledochal cyst (CC) infants had cystectomy and hepatoenterostomy. A retrospective review of all patients was performed including radiographic evaluation of the current valve function in 10 patients. Results: Construction was successful in all cases, and no morbidity was incurred by incorporation of the valve. Of 7 CC patients, there have been no known episodes of AC with mean follow-up of 4.4 ± 4.2 years. Of 20 BA patients, there have been 5 deaths (25%), 7 liver transplants (35%), 2 (10%) lost to follow-up, and 6 (30%) survivors. Nine BA patients (45%) have had AC, with patients in all 4 outcome categories represented. Ten patients (5 CC and 5 BA) have been evaluated with barium small bowel radiographs, with no reflux to the liver hilum in all cases. Conclusions: The AMFV has caused no morbidity and continues to prevent reflux to the liver hilum. Despite functioning as designed, it does not appear to influence the occurrence of AC. Because CC patients had no AC, we feel that infection is related to the underlying atresia rather than to reflux.
Vitamin e succinate potentiates the inhibitory effect of prostaglandins on oral squamous carcinoma cell proliferation

Abstract Previous studies have shown that prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) and vitamin E succinate can act in an additive manner to inhibit the proliferation of human oral squamous carcinoma cells (SCC-25). The initial studies on the additive anticancer activity of PGE 2 and vitamin E succinate have been extended to include antineoplastic PGs, Δ 12 -PGJ 2 and PGJ 2 . Treatment of oral squamous carcinoma cells (SCC-15) with Δ 12 -PGJ 2 , PGJ 2 , and vitamin E succinate, individually, caused significant concentration-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation to various degrees. PGJ 2 was most potent and caused an inhibition that corresponded to 85.55% at 10 −5 M. Addition of 1 μM of vitamin E succinate to Δ 12 -PGJ 2 or PGJ 2 resulted in a significant increase in the inhibitory potency of the lower concentrations of the two PGs. These results suggest a novel role for a mixture of PGs and vitamin E as potent antitumor proliferative agents.
Concrete structural health monitoring using embedded piezoceramic transducers

Health monitoring of reinforced concrete bridges and other large-scale civil infrastructures has received considerable attention in recent years. However, traditional inspection methods (x-ray, C-scan, etc) are expensive and sometimes ineffective for large-scale structures. Piezoceramic transducers have emerged as new tools for the health monitoring of large-scale structures due to their advantages of active sensing, low cost, quick response, availability in different shapes, and simplicity for implementation. In this research, piezoceramic transducers are used for damage detection of a 6.1 m long reinforced concrete bridge bent-cap. Piezoceramic transducers are embedded in the concrete structure at pre-determined spatial locations prior to casting. This research can be considered as a continuation of an earlier work, where four piezoceramic transducers were embedded in planar locations near one end of the bent-cap. This research involves ten piezoceramic patches embedded at spatial locations in four different cross-sections. To induce cracks in the bent-cap, the structure is subjected to loads from four hydraulic actuators with capacities of 80 and 100 ton. In addition to the piezoceramic sensors, strain gages, LVDTs, and microscopes are used in the experiment to provide reference data. During the experiment, one embedded piezoceramic patch is used as an actuator to generate high frequency waves, and the other piezoceramic patches are used as sensors to detect the propagating waves. With the increasing number and severity of cracks, the magnitude of the sensor output decreases. Wavelet packet analysis is used to analyze the recorded sensor signals. A damage index is formed on the basis of the wavelet packet analysis. The experimental results show that the proposed methods of using piezoceramic transducers along with the damage index based on wavelet packet analysis are effective in identifying the existence and severity of cracks inside the concrete structure. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method has the ability to predict the failure of a concrete structure as verified by results from conventional microscopes (MSs) and LVDTs.