cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Positive Impact of Individual Core Values

The role of values in organizations has been a highly researched topic (Collins in Good to Great, HarperCollins, New York, 2001; Collins and Porras in Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies, HarperCollins, New York, 1997; Frederick and Weber 1990; Kouzes and Posner, The Leadership Challenge, 4th ed, Jossey-Bass, San Francisco, 2007; Pattison et al. Emerging Value in Health Care: The Challenges for Professionals, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, Philadelphia, 2010). However, little research has focused on values in health care settings. In addition, the research that has been done has focused on values from an organizational perspective, not from an individual perspective. Based on these two factors, in addition to the maturation and growth of the hospice industry and the researcher’s prior studies on hospice leadership and organizational practices, a research study was conducted to evaluate the core values of hospice professionals. Another key driver of the research was the expressed difference identified by leaders within the hospice industry that values of individuals new to hospice were different than those who have worked in the industry longer. A web-based survey was utilized to gather core values and demographic data from hospice professionals. Data were collected over a one-year period and involved 531 hospice professionals from 33 states. The demographic information collected was similar to comparative data from previous hospice studies. The top three core values identified in the study were family, faith, and love, and represented 76 % of all responses. No statistically significant identifiable differences, based on demographic variables, were found. Based on the findings, no support was found for the perceived differences noted by leaders working in the hospice industry. However, it identified that hospice professionals regardless of demographic characteristics appear to hold similar values as being important. Based on the findings, core values appear to be an area of commonality versus difference among hospice professionals and could serve as a focal point for building a positive organizational culture. Further research is suggested to evaluate the unique meaning of the key values identified by hospice professionals in the study. In addition, replication of the study in other health care settings would be encouraged.
Effect of cysteamine on suckling-induced prolactin secretion in the rat☆

Abstract We have examined the effects of the thiol agent cysteamine on physiological prolactin secretion in the female rat. Administration of cysteamine completely abolishes suckling-induced prolactin secretion in a dose-dependent manner. Cysteamine treatment does not alter nursing behavior of the mothers. Further, we have found that the prolactin-depleting ability of cysteamine is not altered by a prior suckling stimulus. These results indicate that cysteamine administration inhibits physiologically-induced prolactin secretion with similar potency and efficacy as previously reported for cysteamine effects on basal and pharmacologically-induced prolactin secretion. Furthermore, the effect of cysteamine is not compromised by a previous suckling stimulus, suggesting that “depletion-transformation” of pituitary prolactin stores does not protect against the effect of cysteamine.
Eigen deformation of 3D models

Recent advances in mesh deformations have been dominated by two techniques: one uses an intermediate structure like a cage which transfers the user intended moves to the mesh, the other lets the user to impart the moves to the mesh directly. The former one lets the user deform the model in real-time and also preserve the shape with sophisticated techniques like Green Coordinates. The direct techniques on the other hand free the user from the burden of creating an appropriate cage though they take more computing time to solve larger non-linear optimizations. It would be ideal to develop a cage-free technique that provides real-time deformation while respecting the local geometry. Using a simple eigen-framework, we devise such a technique. Our framework creates an implicit skeleton automatically. The user only specifies the motion in a simple and intuitive manner, and our algorithm computes a deformation whose quality is similar to that of the cage-based scheme with Green Coordinates.
Rapid credit growth in emerging markets: : boon or boom-bust?

Episodes of rapid credit growth, especially credit booms, tend to end abruptly, typically in the form of financial crises. This paper presents the findings of a comprehensive event study focusing on sixty credit booms across emerging markets. The build-up of credit booms across emerging markets seems to be characterized by loose monetary policy stances, with domestic policy rates below trend during the prepeak phase of credit booms. While credit booms are associated with episodes of large capital inflows, international interest rates (a proxy for global liquidity) are virtually flat during these periods. Therefore, although external factors such as global liquidity conditions matter, and possibly increasingly so over time, domestic factors (especially monetary policy) also appear to be tightly associated with real credit growth across emerging markets.
Prolactin heterogeneity in the serum and milk during lactation.

Abstract Prolactin heterogeneity in serum and milk were separated using Sephadex G-100. Three components were present in serum from lactating women with the following proportions: “void volume” -13.4%, “big” - 26.4%, and “little” - 60.3%. Milk from the same subjects did not contain “big” prolactin. Over 90% of the prolactin found in milk was “little” prolactin. The “little” prolactin in milk may not be similar to the “little” prolactin in the serum.
Spectroelectrochemistry of cobalt “capped” porphyrins

Abstract The electrochemical oxidation of 5,10,15,20-[pyromellitoyltetrakis ( o -(oxyethoxy)phenyl)]porphinatocobalt(II). Baldwin's “capped” porphyrin, was investigated in non-aqueous media utilizing cyclic voltammetry at a Pt button electrode. In non-coordinating solvents (e.g. CH 2 Cl 2 ), the potentials observed for the oxidation of the Co “capped” porphyrin differed somewhat from expectations based upon the inductive effects of the phenyl ring substituents and the previously published linear free energy relationships for Co porphyrins. However, the electron transfer pathway was comparable to that previously established for the Co porphyrins without sterically protected superstructures. In coordinating media, the electrode potentials, heterogeneous rates of electron transfer and the electron transfer mechanism for the Co “capped” porphyrin differed substantially from those of the Co porphyrins previously investigated. For all complexes investigated, the electrooxidation of pentacoordinate Co(II) “capped” porphyrin to the Co(III) species was observed at more positive potentials, compared to the unprotected porphyrins. The oxidation process was devoid of ligand exchange, producing only pentacoordinate Co(III) porphyrins.
Fluorescence quenching in model membranes An analysis of the local phospholipid environments of diphenylhexatriene and gramicidin A

Interactions between the fluorophors diphenylhexatriene or gramicidin A′ and lipids are examined using a spin-labeled phosphatidylcholine as a fluorescence quenching probe. It is found that in phospholipid vesicles of mixed lipid composition at temperatures where phospholipids are completely in the liquid crystal phase, several different species of phosphatidylcholines are randomly distributed around the fluorophors. In vesicles of mixed lipid composition which can undergo thermally induced phase separations, the fluorescence quenching observed at lower temperatures reflects a non-random distribution of lipids around each fluorophor. This observation is explained in terms of the partition of fluorophor between a spin-labeled lipid-rich liquid crystal phase, and a spin-labeled lipiddepleted gel phase. Gramicidin A′ strongly favors partition into the liquid crystal phase, whereas diphenylhexatriene partitions about equally between the two lipid phases. A method is described utilizing fluorescence quenching for the calculation of the partition coefficient for a fluorophor. The partition coefficients so calculated are shown to be in good agreement with previously reported values derived from other methods. It is also shown that Ca2+-induced lipid phase separations can be monitored by fluorescence quenching.
Effect of progestins on 17β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in prostate

Abstract Addition of progesterone to the incubation medium increased the in vitro conversion of testosterone to androstenedione in rat prostatic tissue (as previously shown by Patwardhan and Lanthier, J. Steroid Biochem. 6 137 (1975)) and in slices of human hyperplastic prostates. Direct measurements of 17β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activities showed that the increase is not due to a stimulation of the enzymatic activity. Therefore, the augmented conversion of testosterone to androstenedione most probably is a consequence of the inhibitory effect of progesterone on the conversion of testosterone to 5α dihydrotestosterone. Prolonged administration of medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo Provera®, Upjohn, 500 μg/100 g body weight, injected subcutaneously on alternate days, for a month) doubled the levels of prostatic 17β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in adult rats. However, consideration of the relatively small fractions of testosterone converted to androstenedione, or of 5α dihydrotestosterone converted to androstanedione, in rat prostates and human hyperplastic prostates, suggests that progestin-induced changes in 17β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity may not be as important in the regulation of androgen action in prostatic tissue as they appear to be in the regulation of estrogenic action in human endometrium.
New apes fill the gap

The relative abundance of Eurasian apes between 12.5 and 8 Ma—in contrast to a dearth of African apes during the same chronologic interval—has led some investigators (1, 2) to suggest that the African ape–human clade evolved from a Eurasian ancestor, specifically, a previously undescribed and unnamed ape from Turkey (3). In the last several weeks, three new ape genera have been reported, one from Turkey (Ouranopithecus turkae), one from Ethiopia (Chororapithecus abyssinicus), and the latest, Nakalipithecus nakayamai, from Kenya, which is the subject of the article by Kunimatsu et al. (4) in a recent issue of PNAS.
Production of large amounts of 35S RNA and complementary DNA from avian RNA tumor viruses.

Abstract An automatic perfusion device was used to collect virus-containing supernatant fluids from transformed and untransformed chick embryo fibroblasts every 2 hr. A 30-day perfusion of 10 roller culture bottles of Rous sarcoma virus-infected cells yielded 520 mg of virus and 18 × 10 9 transformed cells. Quantitative recovery of 60S and 35S RNA required proteinase K treatment prior to phenol deproteinization. Large amounts of complementary DNA were prepared from a nontransforming virus, derived from avian myeloblastosis virus, by using endogenous reverse transcriptase and proteinase K digestion.
Weighted L2 quantile distance estimators for randomly censored data

Abstract The asymptotic properties of a family of minimum quantile distance estimators for randomly censored data sets are considered. These procedures produce an estimator of the parameter vector that minimizes a weighted L 2 distance measure between the Kaplan-Meier quantile function and an assumed parametric family of quantile functions. Regularity conditions are provided which insure that these estimators are consistent and asymptotically normal. An optimal weight function is derived for single parameter families, which, for location/scale families, results in censored sample analogs of estimators such as those suggested by Parzen.
The nature of intercoronary arterial flow in the normal heart.

Abstract The experiment described was designed to investigate the source of blood entering an acutely occluded normal coronary artery and therefore determine whether a coronary artery behaves as an endartery, receiving its blood by retrograde flow through the cardiac veins, coronary sinus, or from the ventricular lumen; or if it is a communicating artery receiving its blood from adjacent coronary arteries and, if so, the nature of these communications. In four groups of anesthetized, openchested dogs the volume, oxygenation, and color of circumflex artery backflow blood was measured in the resting state and after cardiac vein occlusion, coronary artery occlusion, and after the introduction of methylene blue into the left ventricular lumen. The pathways of intercoronary flow were also studied by injecting a patent coronary artery with methylene blue and filming its transport to an adjacent, occluded coronary artery. The results indicate that blood enters an occluded coronary artery from neighboring patent coronary arteries but that transport occurs predominantly at the capillary or precapillary level.
Elevated-pressure mixed-coolants Joule-Thomson cryocooling

Abstract This paper explores the potential of mixed coolants at elevated pressures for Joule–Thomson cryocooling. A numerical model of a Joule–Thomson cryocooler is developed that is capable of simulating operation with mixtures of up to 9 components consisting of hydrocarbons, non-flammable halogenated refrigerants, and inert gases. The numerical model is integrated with a genetic optimization algorithm, which has a high capability for convergence in an environment of discontinuities, constraints and local optima. The genetic optimization algorithm is used to select the optimal mixture compositions that separately maximizes following two objective functions at each elevated pressure for 80, 90 and 95 K cryocooling: the molar specific cooling capacity (the highest attainable is 3200 J/mol) and the produced cooling capacity per thermal conductance which is a measure of the compactness of the recuperator. The optimized cooling capacity for a non-flammable halogenated refrigerant mixture is smaller than for a hydrocarbon mixture; however, the cooling capacity of the two types of mixtures approach one another as pressure becomes higher. The coefficient of performance, the required heat transfer area and the effect of the number of components in the mixture is investigated as a function of the pressure. It is shown that mixtures with more components provide a higher cooling capacity but require larger recuperative heat exchangers. Optimized mixtures for 90 K cryocooling have similar cooling capacity as those for 80 K. Optimized compactness for 80 K is about 50% higher than can be achieved by pure nitrogen. For 90 K, no mixture provides a more compact recuperator than can be achieved using pure argon. The results are discussed in the context of potential applications for closed and open cycle cryocoolers.
Autophagy, Immunity, and Microbial Adaptations

Autophagy adjusts cellular biomass and function in response to diverse stimuli, including infection. Autophagy plays specific roles in shaping immune system development, fueling host innate and adaptive immune responses, and directly controlling intracellular microbes as a cell-autonomous innate defense. As an evolutionary counterpoint, intracellular pathogens have evolved to block autophagic microbicidal defense and subvert host autophagic responses for their survival or growth. The ability of eukaryotic pathogens to deploy their own autophagic machinery may also contribute to microbial pathogenesis. Thus, a complex interplay between autophagy and microbial adaptations against autophagy governs the net outcome of host-microbe encounters.
‘There is No Music in Chinese Music History’: Five Court Tunes from the Yuan Dynasty (AD 1271–1368)

‘There is no music in Chinese music history.’ This paradox is often expressed by music scholars in Hong Kong, a modern metropolis in which Chinese and Western musics and music scholarship mingle and thrive. Highlighting the contrasts between traditional Chinese and contemporary Western views of music and music historiography, the paradox refers to the scholars' observation that Chinese music histories include few descriptions of actual music, and that performances of early Chinese music are often inauthentic. Published accounts of China's musical past include little hard evidence about the structure and sounds of specific musical works. Thus, the scholars argue, the accounts are more theoretical than factual, and their musical descriptions disputable. Public performances and recorded examples of early Chinese music reveal obvious use of Western tonal harmony and counterpoint, and thus cannot be authentic music from China of the past. The scholars' arguments, however, cannot refute that in Hong Kong many Chinese music masters and audiences find the so-called early Chinese music authentic and its histories credible.
An Intelligent Search Lifecycle Architecture for Modern Publishing and Newspaper Industries using SOA

Publishing in general and newspaper organizations specifically confront rising challenges to collect information faster at lower cost. These challenges must be coordinated with organization's strategic, tactical, and operational needs via the alignment of Information Technology (IT) with the business strategy. The ultimate goal is a Modern Publishing and Newspaper Industries. This paper provides an innovative solution to accomplish this goal by accelerating publishing and newspaper processes time. The process' time is accelerated via an Intelligent Search Lifecycle Architecture (ISLA); which integrates Search Engine, Information Extraction, Information Retrieval, Data Mining and Data Warehouse using Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA).
Mechanisms of photochemical reactions of transition metal complexes: Excited state electron transfer and organometallic photochemistry

Abstract : This article summarizes two major areas of research, electron transfer and organometallic photochemistry, addressed during the last dozen or so years. The article emphasizes aspects of the mechanisms of photochemical reactions of transition metal complexes in these two areas. Excited state electron transfer and photoreactions of organometallic complexes have been, and will be, major areas of research opportunity. Practical applications may come in the fields of energy conversion and catalysis. (Author)
Alumina−Pepsin Hybrid Nanoparticles with Orientation-Specific Enzyme Coupling

Hybrid alumina nanoparticles with pepsin were prepared in a controlled and efficient manner. Phosphorylated pepsin can be coupled to alumina through the interaction between phosphoserine on pepsin and the alumina surface in an orientation-specific manner. A comparison of data obtained with nanoparticles and microsized alumina particles reveals that the conjugated pepsin retained much higher enzymatic activity when it was immobilized on nanoparticles mainly because of the lack of diffusion limitations of the substrate. Additionally, upon attachment to the alumina nanoparticles, the thermal stability of pepsin is enhanced. The coupled enzyme can be quantitatively released by simply incubating the hybrid nanoparticles with phosphate buffer.
Correlation functions and phase structure of the three-matrix model

Abstract We calculate exact correlation functions of two-dimensional gravity coupled to matter in the three-matrix model realization. We find an interesting connection between the matter content and the local phase structure at multicritical points. For the Ising model the (A-type) KdV hierarchy describes the high temperature phase. For the critical Ising model we find three phases and check the fusion rules.
Merged Miami Sea Level

Sea level in the vicinity of Miami, Florida, is from three separate time series: Miami Beach (1932–1980), Haulover Pier (1982–1992), and Virginia Key (1994-present). In order to calculate the ensemble trend in Miami mean sea level (MSL), the three records must be merged with respect to the North American Vertical Datum of 1988. Because NAVD88 minus accepted MSL varies for the stations, the differences are treated as datum shifts, and are corrected accordingly. Thus adjusted, Merged Miami Sea Level (1932–2013) has a linear trend of 23.4 ± 1.3 cm/century, and along with logarithmic and polynomial least-squares fits, all three having a variance explained (r2 × 100) of 82.4%.
Switch-Mode Continuously Variable Transmission: Modeling and Optimization

Hybrid vehicles are an important step toward reducing global petroleum consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Flywheel energy storage in a hybrid vehicle combines high energy density and high power density, yet requires a highly efficient continuously variable transmission with a wide operating range. This paper presents a novel solution to coupling a high-speed flywheel to the drive train of a vehicle, the switch-mode continuously variable transmission (CVT). The switch-mode CVT, the mechanical analog of a boost converter from power electronics, utilizes a rapidly switching clutch to transmit energy from a flywheel to a spring, which applies a torque to the drive train. By varying the duty ratio of the clutch, the average output torque is controlled. This paper examines the feasibility of this concept by formulating a mathematical model of the switch-mode CVT, which is then placed in state-space form. The state-space formulation is leveraged to analyze the system stability and perform simple optimization of the switch time and damping rate of the spring over the first switching period. The results of this work are that a stable equilibrium does exist when the speed of the output shaft is zero, but the system will not reach and stay at a desired torque if this condition is not met, but requires continuous switching between the two states. An optimal switching time and damping ratio were found for the given parameters, where the lowest error occurred with low values of damping ratio. This work builds a foundation for future work in increasing the complexity of the model and the optimization method. DOI: 10.1115/1.4003373
930 DECREASING MORTALITY AND MORBIDITY IN INFANTS OF DIABETIC MOTHERS

The care of diabetic mothers and their progeny with modern techniques and methodology has led to a striking change in appearance and a marked decrease in mortality of 104 infants in our institution over the past decade. Now appropriate for gestational age infants (AGA) comprise approximately one half of these infants in contrast to one third previously. Mortality has fallen from 10% to 1.9%. A decrease in the incidence of hyaline membrane disease, hypoglucosemia, hypocalcemia, and neonatal asphyxia has accompanied these changes; yet, the incidence of malformations increased. Mortality and morbidity will be discussed in relation to gestational age and size of infants and maternal classification of disease. Determination of fetal age and condition and control of maternal diabetes and neonatal intensive care have been major responsible factors in achieving a mortality very near the total neonatal mortality.
Criterion Indexing: The Use of Criteria in the Construction of Motive

Recent developments in the literature employing the alignment metaphor have either left critical features of motive presentation unattended or have called attention to their neglect. The following four problems are emergent: (1) a relative lack of attention to presentations of motive as complex, multi-party performances, (2) a need to specify alignment strategies vis a'vis critical standards of judgment, (3) a neglect of the case-specific statements elaborated by actors in the course of situated presentations, and (4) a need to reconceptualize cultural elements in terms of their operation at the level of verbal interaction. The concept criterion indexing/counter indexing addresses each of these problems.
Keeping Score on Psychiatric Drug Effects: Is Mefloquine Safe for Malaria Chemoprophylaxis?

Background: Armed servicemen or tourists visiting Asian and African continents bear the risk of contracting falciparum malaria. Chemoprophylaxis, for certain individuals, is recommended. All drugs marketed for prophylaxis of malarial infection have adverse effects. Notably, antimalarial drugs can impose neuropsychiatric harm. Mefloquine is a widely used malaria chemoprophylactic despite its association with neuropsychiatric symptoms including panic attacks, seizures, headaches, visual and auditory hallucinations, sleeplessness, paranoia, and psychosis. Objective: To emphasize caregiver counseling and ensure patient follow-up for nonimmune travelers to malaria indigenous regions when mefloquine chemoprophylaxis is scheduled. Data Sources and Selection: A literature search was conducted through May 1, 2004, for reports of psychologic or neurologic adverse effects following mefloquine therapy. After review of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and EMBR citations, pertinent articles were selected if they were thought to be of special interest to physicians and pharmacists handling mefloquine. Data Synthesis: Literature to date indicates a higher rate of drug-provoked neuropsychiatric adverse effects than that acknowledged by mefloquine's manufacturer, Hoffman LaRoche. There is also evidence supporting a greater incidence of adverse effects for specific groups. Neuropsychiatric adverse effects are more often reported by females, particularly low body-weight females. Individuals who ingest mefloquine while under stress appear more at risk for neuropsychiatric adverse effects. Conclusions: Professional consult and therapeutic follow-up for all patients receiving mefloquine chemoprophylaxis is warranted.
Retinal Parallel Processors: More than 100 Independent Microcircuits Operate within a Single Interneuron

Most neurons are highly polarized cells with branched dendrites that receive and integrate synaptic inputs and extensive axons that deliver action potential output to distant targets. By contrast, amacrine cells, a diverse class of inhibitory interneurons in the inner retina, collect input and distribute output within the same neuritic network. The extent to which most amacrine cells integrate synaptic information and distribute their output is poorly understood. Here, we show that single A17 amacrine cells provide reciprocal feedback inhibition to presynaptic bipolar cells via hundreds of independent microcircuits operating in parallel. The A17 uses specialized morphological features, biophysical properties, and synaptic mechanisms to isolate feedback microcircuits and maximize its capacity to handle many independent processes. This example of a neuron employing distributed parallel processing rather than spatial integration provides insights into how unconventional neuronal morphology and physiology can maximize network function while minimizing wiring cost.
Accuracy of Office-Based Ultrasound Guided Needle Biopsies Performed by Dedicated Breast Surgeons.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound guided core biopsies (USCB) are highly accurate, cost effective, and efficient at diagnosing breast disease when compared to the standard excisional biopsy. However, given the national shortage of breast imagers there may be delay in the diagnosis of benign and malignant breast disease. The American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBS) provides training and certification in USCB for breast surgeons to perform office based procedures. However, few studies have specifically evaluated the accuracy and efficiency of USCB performed by dedicated breast surgeons. We sought to evaluate this question further by looking at the experience of breast surgeons who perform USCB at the Breast Health Center of an academic women9s oncology program. We propose that USCB performed by dedicated breast surgeons in the office setting is highly accurate, and offers the patient the highest quality of care. METHODS: Following IRB approval, we identified 100 patients who underwent an USCB in the office of our Breast Health Center by dedicated breast surgeons as part of a diagnostic work-up from 1/2003 to 8/2008. Data collected included patient age, date of presentation, reason for initial consultation, clinical and ultrasound findings, diagnostic imaging, date of biopsy and subsequent surgery, type of biopsy technique used, laterality, number of biopsies performed, and pathology from both core biopsy and final excision. RESULTS: Of the 100 patients in our study, the reason for evaluation was a palpable mass in 85 (85%), and an abnormal mammogram in 13 (13%). The mean age was 44.3 years (range, 16-84). Of these lesions, 89% had a formal radiologic US(RUS) and 56% underwent definitive excision. Eighty patients underwent USCB at the time of initial consultation (80%).Comparing clinical impression of benign vs. malignant disease derived from office based US (OUS) to RUS, there was 98% agreement (Kappa statistic: 0.96 (SE: 0.14), p CONCLUSION: USCB of breast nodules performed in the office by dedicated breast surgeons is highly accurate at diagnosing both benign and malignant lesions. The majority of patients evaluated underwent an USCB at the time of initial consultation, expediting their diagnosis and definitive treatment and thereby reducing wait time and diagnosis-related anxiety. Our study supports the ASBS process for breast ultrasound and image guided core biopsy education and certification. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 6022.
Memory determinants of response latency to produce speech

Abstract In three experiments, subjects were asked to memorize related phrase pairs and then to produce one of these phrases from a cue. In Experiment 1, it was found that both memorization times and response latencies increased with the number of words that differed between the phrases. In Experiment 2 and 3, it was shown that the presence of a strong modifying or semantic relationship between words in one phrase influenced both memorization time and response latency when those same words were contrasted between the two phrases. The implications of the results for models of storage, retrieval, and planning of speech are considered.
Continuous intrathecal fluid infusions elevate nerve growth factor levels and prevent functional deficits after spinal cord ischemia

Continuous intracerebroventricular or intrathecal infusions of neurotrophic factors have been reported to prevent neuronal degeneration, stimulate axonal sprouting and ameliorate behavioral deficits in various models of CNS injury and aging. In the present study, the ability of intrathecal infusions of recombinant human nerve growth factor (NGF) to reduce functional deficits following spinal cord ischemia was investigated. Adult rabbits underwent intrathecal cannulation and continuous infusions of either 300 μg/ml recombinant human NGF or artificial CSF (vehicle) at a rate of 143 μl/day for 7 days prior to induction of spinal cord ischemia. Continuous infusions were maintained after induction of ischemia. Four days later, both NGF-treated and vehicle-infused subjects showed a significant amelioration of functional motor deficits compared to lesioned, non-infused subjects (P<0.05). The average duration of tolerated ischemia increased from 23.4±1.8 min in lesioned, non-infused subjects to 35.5±3.1 min in lesioned, artificial CSF-infused subjects and 35.6±4.7 min in NGF-infused subjects (mean±S.E.M.). Significantly elevated NGF protein levels were attained within the spinal cords of both NGF-treated subjects and artificial CSF-infused subjects, although levels were substantially higher in NGF-treated subjects (9.8±3.8 ng/g in NGF-infused vs. 2.0±0.4 ng/g in vehicle-infused and only 0.4±0.2 ng/g in lesioned, non-infused animals). These findings indicate that the process of intrathecal cannulation and fluid infusion elicits alterations in the spinal cord environment that are neuroprotective, including spontaneous elevations in NGF levels.
Vibrational Energies for Isotopically Substituted Water: Application to Laser Isotope Separation

Band origins of tritiated water, HTO, DTO, T2O, many of which have not been observed, are calculated with variational vibrational methods using an experimental potential function. The results are quite accurate and should aid in developing laser isotope separation procedures to remove tritium from water. The effect of dimer formation on these band origins is also investigated using the Wilson FG method with a theoretical harmonic force field and found to be important.
Outcomes in 248 patients who had diagnostic evaluations for epilepsy surgery

Surgery for intractable epilepsy is a widely used treatment that is not readily assessed by randomised trials. We evaluated the impact of epilepsy surgery on seizures, medication use, employment, and the quality of life in 248 adults and adolescents consecutively referred to one medical centre between 1974 and 1990. Outcomes were determined through self-administered questionnaire and medical record review for 202 surgery and 46 non-surgery patients whose treatment was usually determined by the presence or absence of an epileptogenic focus. Surgery and non-surgery patients differed at baseline only in median monthly seizure frequency (surgery lower than non-surgery). After adjustment for baseline covariates, surgery patients at follow-up had greater decline in average monthly seizure frequency (-11.9 vs - 1.5; difference -10.4, 95% CI -20.5, -0.3) and took fewer antiepileptic medications (average number 1.4 vs 2.0; difference -0.67, 95% CI -0.94, -0.40). Although quality-of-life scores were higher (p < 0.05) with surgery on 5 of 11 scales that were administered only at follow-up, there were no significant differences in employment status or prospectively assessed quality of life. Relative to a non-surgery group, patients treated surgically had better seizure control with less antiepileptic medication. The impact of epilepsy surgery on quality of life and employment needs to be assessed in larger prospective studies.
On a Real-Time Scheduling Problem

We study the problem of scheduling periodic-time-critical tasks on multiprocessor computing systems. A periodic-time-critical task consists of an infinite number of requests, each of which has a prescribed deadline. The scheduling problem is to specify an order in which the requests of a set of tasks are to be executed and the processor to be used, with the goal of meeting all the deadlines with a minimum number of processors. Since the problem of determining the minimum number of processors is difficult, we consider two heuristic algorithms. These are easy to implement and yield a number of processors that is reasonably close to the minimum number. We also analyze the worst-case behavior of these heuristics.
Enstatite chondrites: Trace element clues to their origin

Three EH and three EL chondrites have been subjected to RNAA analysis for 20 trace elements, and interelement correlations were examined in order to assess the effects of nebular fractionation and metamorphism. The refractory siderophiles Ir, Os, and Re correlate with the normal siderophiles Ni, Pd, Au, Sb, and Ge, in ELs but not in EHs. The two element groups presumably condensed on separate phases at first, but concentrated in metal during metabolism. Volatiles are consistently more depleted in ELs than EHs. Strong correlations are found for In-Tl, Tl-Bi, and Zn-Cd-In, which are equally consistent with predicted condensation curves for the solar nebula and with volatilization curves for artificially heated Abee. The three factors accounting for 93 percent of variance reflect volatile, siderophile, and chalcophile behavior.
Antecedents and Consequences of Adult Play in Romantic Relationships

This study introduces and reports an initial test of a theoretical model of play in romantic relationships. It was hypothesized that self–esteem and humor orientation would be positively associated with playfulness in romantic relationships. Playfulness in romantic relationships was predicted to be positively associated with the experience of positive emotion. Positive emotion, in turn, was predicted to be associated with relationship satisfaction. A self–report instrument was administered to students and community members via snowball sampling. Path analysis revealed that the data were consistent with the proposed model.
Visual sensitivity and color vision in ground squirrels

Abstract Several measures of visual capacity were obtained from ground squirrels ( Citellus mexicanus and Citellus tridecemlineatus ) in discrimination tests. These measures included: (a) spectral sensitivity functions for conditions of achromatic and chromatic adaptation, (b) dark-adaptation functions, (c) tests for a neutral point, (d) wavelength discrimination, and (e) chromaticity confusion lines. The all-cone character of vision in these animals is expressed in the lack of any shift in relative spectral sensitivity as achromatic adaptation state is altered and also in the rapid and relatively small increase in sensitivity during dark adaptation. More than one process was found to underlie the spectral sensitivity function. These squirrels have color vision of the dichromatic variety with a well-defined neutral point. Their wavelengthdiscriminating abilities are also characteristically dichromatic. Measurements of chromaticityconfusion loci suggest that the dichromacy of these squirrels is closest to that shown by protanopic humans. No differences were found between these two species of ground squirrel on any of the measures of visual capacity.
Electronic Properties of N-Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC) Ligands: Synthetic, Structural, and Spectroscopic Studies of (NHC)Platinum(II) Complexes

N-Heterocyclic carbene complexes of platinum(II) have been synthesized, notably monocarbene complexes cis-[(IPr)Pt(dmso)(Cl)2], 6, cis-[(IMes)Pt(dmso)(Cl)2], 7, cis-[(SIPr)Pt(dmso)(Cl)2], 8, cis-[(SIMes)Pt(dmso)(Cl)2], 9, and cis-[(TTP)Pt(dmso)(Cl)2], 10. All complexes have been fully characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. Complex 7, 9, and 10 have been characterized by X-ray crystallography. The data obtained have allowed for the differentiation between electronic contributions (σ and π) present in the Pt−NHC bond. Supported by computational analyses, the percentage of π back-donation from the metal to the NHC is found to be on the order of 10%. More interestingly, we find that saturated NHC (SIPr and SIMes) are more efficient π back-acceptors than their unsaturated NHC congeners (IPr and IMes). The synergistic effect between π back-donation and σ donation present in the saturated NHC systems results in increased electron density at the platinum center compared to the bonding situation in the un...
Terror and tolerance: The use of ballots, bombs and bullets by ethnoregional movements in advanced industrial democracies

This article presents a structural account for the variation in the forms and extent of violence employed by ethnoregional movements in Western democracies by examining the variation in the use of violent tactics by ethnoregional movements in Scotland, Catalonia, Quebec, Euskadi and Northern Ireland. The differences among the cases are explained by state reinforcement of ethnic political identities usually through repression, a party system that resists rather than absorbs political change, and blocked opportunities for political mobility among ethnic movement radicals. These in turn are dependent upon the historical conditions that define state strategies for expanding their own authority.
Resting Energy Expenditure in Patients with End-Stage Liver Disease and in Normal Population:

Resting energy expenditure (REE) was measured in 10 patients with end-stage liver disease (ELD) and in 31 normal controls. Basal energy expenditure (BEE) was also predicted by the Harris-Benedict equation. In order to correlate REE to lean body mass, the 24-hr urinary creatinine was measured in patients with ELD and in normal controls and expressed as kcal/g urinary creatinine. Linear regression analysis showed a statistically significant (p < 0.0001 ) correlation (r = 0.72) between the REE and the 24-hr urinary creatinine in normal controls, irrespective of age and sex. Mean BEE (1580 ± 160 vs 1575 ± 210) and REE (1755 ± 215 vs 1800 ± 330) were not significantly different between patients with ELD and controls. However, the mean REE was 1900 ± 610 kcal/g creatinine in patients with ELD and 1180 ± 260 (p < 0.0001) in controls. When related to lean tissue, patients with ELD had increased energy expenditure, confirming the hypermetabolic state suggested on clinical grounds. The use of urine creatinine to es...
Multiple-objective methods in regulatory decision making: A conceptual framework applied to U.S. automobile safety standards

Abstract Public policy making is a complex matter. Policy makers are charged with balancing a broad spectrum of competing objectives, reflecting in varying degrees the interests and aspirations of a diverse range of constituencies and stakeholders. Policy decisions have differential impacts on differing constituencies and the contributions of these impacts to objectives are frequently uncertain, difficult to quantify, and hotly disputed. Formal methods of decision analysis have been advanced as aids for coping with complexity and have been applied to some public policy issues, most notably the management of water resources. While formal methods have the apparent benefit of rationalizing the policy process and improving the efficacy and equity of policy decisions, serious questions remain concerning the acceptability and ultimate usefulness of formal analyses in the public arena. In this article we examine these questions in the context of policy making relating to government regulation of automobile designs for safety. We consider what would be involved in attempting to use a relatively modern, multiple-objective approach in this context. The key questions are how and, more importantly, why multiple-objective methods might be used. The article begins with an illustrative case study, describes the current policymaking process, identifies the parties involved in and affected by this process, elicits key objectives, looks briefly at some scalar-objective approaches, and then outlines a multiple-objective approach. The framework developed arguably is useful in assisting policy making, at least at a qualitative level. Issues which impede a more quantitative resolution of this framework are discussed. This article is intended as a pilot study which may promote research toward the achievement of a useable multiple-objective procedure applicable in the public domain.
The Pulmonary Pathology of Farmer's Lung Disease

Specimens from 60 patients with acute farmer's lung disease were biopsied, reviewed and compared for pathologic changes. The salient features which were identified and are listed according to frequency include interstitial pneumonitis, granuloma with or without giant cells, interstitial fibrosis, foam cells, unresolved pneumonia, foreign bodies, edema, bronchiolitis obliterans, and pleural fibrosis. In no case was vasculitis observed. The implications of these findings in the pathogenesis of the disease are discussed.
Low Concentrations of Ouabain Activate Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation

In vascular smooth muscle cells the sodium pump complex can act as an intracellular signal transducing complex activated by low ouabain concentrations, which inhibit sufficient pumps to activate a transduction cascade via transactivation of EGFR, but insufficient pumps to alter intracellular ions. Higher concentrations interfere with proliferation. This biphasic ouabain response occurs in human, canine, and rat VSMC at concentrations that reflect the differing ouabain affinities of the alpha1 isoforms of the three species. This supports the proposal that this effect occurs via ouabain binding to the alpha1 subunit of the Na pump. These data suggest a new transducing function of ouabain-Na pump interaction, distinct from the cellular ionic effects resulting from pump inhibition. This transducing function occurs at ouabain concentrations that do not perturb cytoplasmic ion content and requires specific localization of pumps to caveolae.
Ca2+ pumping ATPase of cardiac sarcolemma is insensitive to membrane potential produced by K+ and Cl− gradients but requires a source of counter-transportable H+

The sensitivity of the Ca2+ pumping ATPase of bovine cardiac sarcolemma (SL) to changes in membrane potential was studied in a preparation of sealed SL vesicles. Membrane potential was imposed by preincubating the vesicles in media of defined ion composition (K+, Cl−, choline+ and gluconate−) and diluting into media of differing ion composition. The durations of the ion gradients and relative ion permeabilities were determined in separate experiments by the dependence of the half time for net K+ (or choline+) movement coupled with these anions (Cl− or gluconate−), registered by the fluorescence of 1-anilino-8-naphthalene sulfonate (Chiu, V.C.K., Jaumes. D.H. 1980.J. Membrane Biol. 56:203–218). Relative permeabilities were: 1.0, K+, ≥10.0, 1 μm valinomycin-K+; 4.0, Cl−, 0.66, choline+; 0.38, gluconate−. Durations of the gradients ranged between 17 sec (KCl, valinomycin) to 195 sec (K+-gluconate−). In separate experiments. active Ca2+ uptake was monitored using chlorotetracycline (CTC) fluorescence, a technique validated by 45-Ca2+ measureaments (Dixon, D., Brandt, N., Haynes, D.H. 1984.J. Biol. Chem. 259:13737–13741). Active Ca2+ uptake was initiated in the presence of monovalent ion gradients. The values of the membrane potentials (E m ) imposed by the monovalent ion gradients were calculated using the ion concentrations, their relative permeabilities and the Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz equation. No effect of membrane potential on transport rate was observed (≤4%, for 5–7%sd) for imposed potentials as extreme as ≥+71 and ≤−67 mV. Formal analysis shows that the above observations are not compatible with models in which the Ca2+ pumping ATPase functions in an electrogenic or charge-uncompensated fashion. Further experimentation showed that the pump rate is slowed when uptake is measured at less-than-adequate concentrations of buffer (5vs. 25mm HEPES/Tris). This, together with further control experiments using nigericin and FCCP, gave evidence that the pump requires a source of counter-transportable H+ in the vesicle lumen. The above experimentation also underlines the need for control of internal pH to obviate erroneous interpretation of ion perturbation experiments. The results are compared with results obtained with the Ca2+ ATPase pump of skeletal sarcoplasmic reticulum.
Beyond Empiricism: Informing Vaccine Development through Innate Immunity Research

Although a great public heath success, vaccines provide suboptimal protection in some patient populations and are not available to protect against many infectious diseases. Insights from innate immunity research have led to a better understanding of how existing vaccines work and have informed vaccine development. New adjuvants and delivery systems are being designed based upon their capacity to stimulate innate immune sensors and target antigens to dendritic cells, the cells responsible for initiating adaptive immune responses. Incorporating these adjuvants and delivery systems in vaccines can beneficially alter the quantitative and qualitative nature of the adaptive immune response, resulting in enhanced protection.
Predicting the trajectory of manufacturing quality with work team implementation

Abstract Despite the widespread introduction of work teams in plants to improve manufacturing quality, the academic and practitioner literature offers little guidance to predict the trajectory of quality improvement. This paper documents the development of a framework to predict the magnitude and timing of quality improvement with work team implementation on production lines. From the standpoint of practice, the framework has the potential to inform the management of the work team implementation process so that the quality impact of teams can be increased and realized faster.