cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improving sepsis recognition and management.

Sepsis is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality world-wide, with over half of the cases occurring in the pediatric population. The World Health Organization has challenged healthcare providers and organizations to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and management of sepsis.1 While the pediatric definition for sepsis was first introduced in 2005, it has not changed since that time, and does not fully represent what occurs during sepsis. The updated adult definition focuses on the dysregulation of the host response to infection leading to life-threatening organ dysfunction. Aligning with this definition, the new Pediatric Surviving Sepsis guidelines target sepsis with end-organ dysfunction and septic shock. Recommendations include utilizing automated trigger tools embedded in the electronic health record to improve timing of recognition, as well as utilization of a standardized approach to the management, and early escalation to critical care if the patient is not responding to interventions. Rapid fluid resuscitation utilizes lactated ringers rather than normal saline due to potential concerns of worse outcomes with a large chloride infusion. 40-60 ml/kg is the recommended fluid goal in the first hour, watching for development of fluid overload which can also lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Broad-spectrum antibiotics should be initiated by the end of the first hour, especially in cases of septic shock. Implementation of systems capitalizing on the ability of the electronic health record to constantly screen patients, paired with rapid response teams who can assess and approach sepsis with a standardized algorithm can significantly improve the recognition and management of patients with sepsis, and save lives.11–13
Metachronous Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Rare Presentation of Adrenal Crisis

Responsible for 2% of global cancer diagnoses, renal cell carcinoma (RCC) can metastasize to almost every organ system; however, metastasis to the contralateral adrenal gland is extremely rare. We report the case of a 59-year-old male who presented with atypical chest pain and altered mental status. The patient developed hypotension, with hyponatremia raising concern for adrenal insufficiency (AI). We confirmed a diagnosis of AI secondary to adrenal metastasis in the setting of radical nephrectomy with ipsilateral adrenalectomy, and the patient’s symptoms resolved with adequate treatment. This report emphasizes the importance of complications caused by metastatic disease to the remaining adrenal gland in patients with RCC who have undergone ipsilateral radical nephrectomy.
UNCONFIRMED CANINE ACCELERANT DETECTION : A RELIABILITY ISSUE IN COURT

Canines trained to alert to traces of flammable liquids at a fire scene are useful to identify locations to collect samples for laboratory analysis. In some instances, no samples are collected or laboratory testing of samples collected following a canine scent alert fails to identify a residual flammable liquid and potential accelerant. In these, an attempt may be made, through testimony of the dog's handler, to introduce at trial, information regarding the canine alert to indicate the presence of an ignitable liquid at the scene. Canine handlers contend that the dog has greater sensitivity to typical accelerants than laboratory techniques but scientists counter that, while sensitive, the specificity of canine detection is unknown. Unverified canine indications have been used in a number of cases and challenges to several of these have reached the appellate level. Examination of court decisions on admissibility of canine alerts shows that they have been as varied as the arguments pro and con.
Fan-Delta, Braid Delta and the Classification of Delta Systems

This paper mainly discusses the origin and depositional features of fan-deltas and braid deltas. Fan-deltas are storm discharge-dominated, while braid deltas are usually flashy flood-dominated. The two types of delta, like common deltas, were reworked by marine processes. Delta systems are classified into nine delta types on the.basis of. the subaerial depositional processes and the nature of marine reworking. Fan- deltas and braid deltas are of great significance for petroleum exploration. In divergent- margin foreland and intraplate rift-subsided basin settings fan-deltas often form combination traps for petroleum accumulation.
Studies of the hemopoietic microenvironment: VI. Regulatory mechanisms in the splenic microvascular system of mice

Abstract Erythropoietin is reported to cause a functional hyperemia in the erythropoietic spleen of the mouse. The mechanism for this response was not clear since pharmacologic responses of the splenic microvascular system are poorly understood. Accordingly, various concentrations of several vasocative substances alone or in combination with appropriate blocking agents were administered topically to the spleens of mice while changes in the microvasculature were measured using in vivo microscopic methods. The results suggested the presence of both α- and β-adrenergic receptors in arterioles and the absence of such receptors in venules. Cholinergic receptors were sparse or absent throughout the microvasculature. Histamine elicited arteriolar dilation which was antagonized by metiamide, suggesting the presence of H 2 receptors in these vessels. Serotonin elicited only venular constriction. Lactic acid caused arteriolar constriction; bradykinin and prostaglandins (PG) E 2 and F 2α elicited arteriolar constriction, but only at high concentrations. The microvascular response to lactic acid and PG E 2 and F 2α was partially or completely antagonized by blockade of α receptors. Histamine, bradykinin, serotonin, and PG E 2 and F 2α caused a reduction in blood flow through the red pulp. While adenine nucleotides, guanosine, inosine, sodium phosphate, and potassium chloride elicited no response, adenosine was a potent vasodilator. This dilation was not blocked by adrenergic or cholinergic antagonists. Of the substances studied, only histamine, isoproterenol, and adenosine induced arteriolar dilation. Of these, only isoproterenol and adenosine increased the linear velocity of blood flow and the number of vessels with flow in them. Since no known β agonist occurs naturally in the spleen and adenosine was the most potent arteriolar dilator in physiologic doses, adenosine is suggested to be a possible candidate for the functional hyperemia reported in the erythropoietically stimulated murine spleen.
e‐Commerce and Online Security

This article provides an overview of the components and entities involved in the formation of electronic commerce information security: buyers, sellers, third parties, and technology. It discusses key characteristics of each entity and the interactions between these entities from the perspective of potential information security issues. In addition, it presents a mixture of possible results of such interrelationships and their impact on the consequences of e-commerce transactions. Finally, the emerging threats of mobile electronic commerce are discussed, followed by a suggested research model. Keywords: buyers; e-commerce; e-commerce security; future trends; information security; sellers; third parties
Spatial Patterns in Regulatory Enforcement: Local Tests of Environmental Justice

We examine the determinants of environmental regulatory activity (inspections and enforcement actions) for 1616 U.S. manufacturing plants in four large U.S. cities – Los Angeles, Boston, Columbus, and Houston – using data for 2000-2002. The main focus of our study is to examine whether or not regulators treat different segments of the population differently, by directing more regulatory activity at plants in rich, white neighborhoods and less in poor, minority neighborhoods, controlling for characteristics of the plant (size, age, and industry), and the plant’s past environmental performance. To date, tests of “Environmental Justice” hypotheses tend to focus on whether or not polluters are disproportionately likely to locate in neighborhoods with relatively high poor/minority populations, or on whether polluters located in those neighborhoods emit disproportionately high levels of pollution. Focusing instead on the allocation of enforcement activity across neighborhoods within each city allows us to shed light on a key mechanism through which discrepancies in pollution exposure across neighborhoods could arise and persist. Our results show relatively little statistically significant evidence that regulatory activity is less intense near disadvantaged demographic groups. We do find some suggestive coefficients - plants located in minority neighborhoods face less regulatory activity - but this effect is generally insignificant, and plants located in poor neighborhoods face (insignificantly) more regulatory activity. In contrast, we do find significant effects for plant characteristics and political variables, with plants that are larger and more energy-intensive, owned by single-plant firms, and located near politically active and liberal populations, facing more regulatory activity.
Pricing behavior of non-profit agencies. The case of blood products.

Abstract In this study we examine the pricing behavior of a non-profit agency, the American National Red Cross blood service units. Two alternative hypotheses are presented: one in which the agency maximizes profits, and one in which output is maximized subject to a breakeven constraint. Following a general approach developed by Eckstein and Fromm, pricing equations for separate blood products are applied to cross-sectional data from Red Cross blood centers to determine the impact of demand, cost, competition, and subsidy variables. The impact of these variables, in particular the impact of the fixed subsidy on price, is shown to be consistent with the output-maximizing model.
Melanoma in Situ

Melanoma in situ is a form of melanoma entirely restricted to the epidermis, the dermoepidermal junction, and epithelial adnexal structures. A specifi c pattern of melanoma in situ, lentigo maligna, is illustrated in the Chap. 29. Melanoma in situ on volar skin and mucous membranes are illustrated in Chaps. 45, 46, 47, and 48. For practical purposes, melanoma in situ is curable if completely excised and does not metastasize.
The Development of a Brief Version of the Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith Questionnaire

The increasing interest between religiosity and health benefits has created the need for a brief, reliable, valid, and practical instrument to measure strength of religious faith. The purpose of this study is to develop a brief version of the Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith Questionnaire (SCSRFQ). The SCSRFQ has been reduced from a ten-item questionnaire to a five-item scale, making it more suitable for administration to severely ill patients and for use in large-scale epidemiological studies. To create the brief version, 1584 participants completed the SCSRFQ. Results were evaluated for high correlation coefficients between individual item responses and the overall total 10 questions from the original scale. Items to be used in the abbreviated version were also selected on the basis of having moderate and centered means and high standard deviations. Thus, the items selected for the brief version generally correlated highly with the total score for the longer questionnaire and provided adequate variability. The reduced version, using questions 2, 4, 5, 8, and 10 of the original scale provides a > 0.95 correlation with results from the longer version.
Residual Circulation in Shallow Estuaries: Shear, Stratification and Transport Processes

It is a useful conceptual device to consider the residual properties in shallow, stratified estuaries to be the result of an ebb-flood asymmetry. This asymmetry has two aspects: a barotropic non-linearity associated with finite amplitude of the tide, and an internal non-linearity caused by the baroclinic pressure gradient and the tidal variations in stratification generated thereby. While some stratification may be present in broad shallow estuaries, a substantial buoyancy flux and baroclinic pressure gradient are usually only present if the system is narrow enough to be nearly two-dimensional in the vertical and along-channel directions. The interaction of the stratification and the baroclinic forcing normally causes the velocity profiles in such systems to be more uniform in the vertical on flood than on ebb. A stratified tidal flow differs fundamentally from a neutral one, because the internal asymmetry may be strong in the outer part of the flow, even when the stratification is quite weak. Furthermore, the internal ebb-flood asymmetry is the primary factor determining the form of the residual velocity profile. An analogous statement can be made regarding the salt balance: the salinity distribution in narrow estuaries can only be maintained by shear and stratification in the mean and tidal flows. Landward transport of salt by the vertical integral of any tidal constituent is, in these systems, exactly balanced by an outward transport associated with the Stokes drift compensation flow for that constituent. This distinguishes narrow estuaries from broad shallow systems, in which the salt balance may be maintained in the horizontal by a vertically uniform flow. This occurs when transport in one horizontal direction maintains the salinity gradient in the normal direction. A broad estuary that is also stratified may be much more complex than either narrow estuaries or wide, neutrally stratified estuaries, because both types of transport mechanisms may operate. The flow is then fully three dimensional.
Informed consent for plastic surgery. Does it cut deeply enough

Imagine Melissa Patterson, a 32-year-old woman fidgeting in her waiting-room seat as she nervously waits for the nurse to call her name. Twenty-three agonizing minutes later, she hears: “Ms. Patter...
Christianity and punitive mentalities: A qualitative study

According to David Garland (1990) scholars should be concerned about the cultural foundations of punishment in modern western society, such as religion. To this end, Garland conceptualizes punitive mentalities and sensibilities that provide the cultural support for structural systems ofpunishment. Punitive mentalities are ways of thinking about punishment, whereas punitive sensibilities are ways of feeling about punishment. Garlandsuggests that religious traditions are an important source of punitive mentalities and sensibilities. This research is an empirical analysis ofpunitive mentalities and their cultural roots, using qualitative research.Research questions focus on the following: Are there distinctively punitivementalities? How do punitive mentalities influence the desire for officialpunishment? Data from a previous study (Cook, 1998a) are analyzed here to explore terrains of punitive mentalities within the contexts of Christianity.Findings identify four distinct categories: anti-punitive, non-punitive,retributive and vengeful mentalities where Christian (non)belief systemsare important cornerstones. Respondents in each group have specific desires regarding the state's use of punishments, especially the ``death penalty''.
Descentralización y autonomía local en la asignación de los recursos

Con la consolidacion de gobiernos democraticos en practicamente todos los paises latinoamericanos, conjuntamente con la contraccion de recursos publicos ocurrida en la decada de los 80, se ha iniciado el proceso de traspaso de responsabilidades o recursos desde el Gobierno Central a entidades subnacionales. A traves de los distintos paises se observa una diversidad en las motivaciones que guian el proceso, asi como en la profundidad de los cambios que aspiran introducir en la distribucion del poder de decision y las responsabilidades entre el Gobierno Central y las organizaciones locales. En este trabajo se analizan algunas dimensiones de la descentralizacion del financiamiento del desarrollo local y su relacion con las decisiones de asignacion de recursos en las autoridades locales, centrando la atencion en el mpacto que tienen los mecanismos existentes de financiamiento de servicios urbanos sobre el proceso de asignacion de recursos a nivel municipal. Sobre la base de este analisis, en este trabajo se plantea que la asignacion de mayores responsabilidades en el manejo de las fuentes de financiamiento a las autoridades locales refuerza la autonomia local. Tambien se exploran opciones de cambio viables en America Latina, en el corto y mediano plazo, que aumentan el grado de autonomia local en el manejo de las fuentes de recursos y en su asignacion con criterios locales.
Energy determination of corn co-products in finishing pigs and the use of an in vitro organic matter digestibility assay to predict in vivo energy

Twenty corn co-products from various wetand dry-grind ethanol plants were fed to finishing pigs to determine DE and ME and to generate equations to predict energy based upon each ingredient’s chemical analysis. Co-products included: DDGS (7), HP-DDG (3), bran (2), germ (2), gluten meal and feed, dehulled, degermed corn, dried solubles, starch, and corn oil. The control diet was based on corn (97.1%), limestone, dicalcium phosphate, salt, vitamins, and trace minerals. All but two test diets were formulated by mixing the control diet with 30% of a co-product. Dried solubles and oil were included at 20% and 10%, respectively. Eight groups of 24 finishing gilts (n=192, 112.7 final BW ± 7.9 kg) were randomly assigned to a test diet and each diet was fed to a total of 8 pigs. Gilts were placed in metabolism crates and fed an amount equivalent to 3% BW daily for 9 d followed by separately collecting feces and urine for 4 d. Ingredients were analyzed for moisture, GE, CP, crude fat (EE), crude fiber, NDF, ADF, total dietary fiber (TDF), and ash. Gross energy was determined on the feed, feces, and urine to calculate DE and ME for each ingredient. 1 Supported in part by grants from the National Pork Board (No. 08-107). The authors acknowledge Howard Tyler and Leo Timms, Associate Professors in the Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames 50011. We are also thankful for help from Tom Webber, Cheri Ziemer, Jennifer Cook, Erin Conrad, Kristin Hard, Tricia Wolfswinkle, Tonya Huenink, Chris Olsen, Joel Johnson, Brandy Jacobs, Alisha Hoffman and staff at the Iowa State University Swine Nutrition and Research Farm. 2 These authors contributed equally to the work. 3 Corresponding author: brian.kerr@ars.usda.gov
Two Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120 DNA-binding factors interact with vegetative cell- and heterocyst-specific genes.

The DNA-binding factor BifA (previously called VF1) binds upstream of the developmentally regulated site-specific recombinase gene xisA in the cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120. Besides binding xisA, BifA also binds the glnA, rbcL, and nifH promoter regions. DNase I footprint analysis of BifA binding to glnA showed a protected region -125 to -148 bp upstream of the translation start site. The binding site is between the major glnA transcription start site used in vegetative cells (RNAII) and the major transcription start site used under nitrogen-deficient conditions (RNAI). The two BifA-binding sites on the rbcL promoter were localized to a 24-bp region from +12 to -12 nucleotides and to a 12-bp region from -43 to -54 nucleotides with respect to the transcription start site. Comparison of the BifA binding sites on the glnA, xisA, and rbcL upstream regions revealed the consensus recognition sequence TGT(N9 or 10) ACA. We have identified a second DNA-binding activity (factor 2) that interacts with rbcL and xisA upstream regions. Factor 2 can be resolved from BifA by heparin-Sepharose chromatography and was present in a bifA mutant. Analysis of partially purified vegetative cell and heterocyst extracts showed that whereas BifA was present in both cell types, factor 2 was present only in vegetative cells. DNase I footprint analysis of factor 2 binding to rbcL showed protection of a 63-bp region between positions -15 and -77 with respect to the transcription start site. The factor 2 binding site on xisA was localized to a 68-bp region that showed considerable overlap with the BifA binding sites. Images
Mechanism of lower esophageal sphincter stimulation by bombesin in the opossum

Abstract Effect of intravenously administered bombesin has been studied on the in vivo and in vitro motor function of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) of the opossum. Intraesophageal pressures were monitored by an assembly of polyvinyl catheters attached to pressure transducers and a recorder. The catheters were continuously perfused with bubble-free water, intravenous administration of 5, 10, 30, 50, and 100 ng/kg bombesin stimulated the LES 4, 34, 106, 148, and 130%, respectively, above control values. Atropine and hexamethonium did not antagonize the response of the LES to bombesin. Tetrodotoxin, phentolamine, and reserpine all significantly antagonized the response of the LES to bombesin. The LES stimulatory effect of bombesin injected locally in the left gastric artery (LGA) was antagonized significantly by local administration of phentolamine in the LGA. Experiments performed in vitro (25 ml baths containing oxygenated Krebs solution) showed that bombesin (10 −9 M) increased the tone of LES strips, and the effect was antagonized by phentolamine (10 −6 M). Serum gastrin concentrations increased significantly only 15 min after bombesin administration. It is concluded that bombesin is a potent stimulant of the LES. The mechanism of stimulation involves a direct effect on the smooth muscle as well as an indirect one by an effect on the postganglionic adrenergic neurons releasing norepinephrine.
Viral Events Necessary for the Induction of Interferon in Chick Embryo Cells

Abstract Temperature-sensitive mutants of Sindbis virus were employed to investigate the nature of the viral event(s) which induces chick-embryo cells to produce interferon. Chick embryo cells induced by the parental heat-resistant strain of Sindbis virus produced essentially equal amounts of interferon at 29 and 42 C. An RNA− and three RNA+ strains [temperature-sensitive mutants unable (RNA−) and able (RNA+) to make ribonucleic acid] produced interferon at 29 C but not at 42 C. It is concluded that viral RNA per se and the replication of viral RNA do not induce interferon production by chick embryo cells.
Acoustic Nonlinearities in Adhesive Joints

Ultrasonic techniques have been used successfully to measure important bond parameters and to detect various defects in adhesive joints for about twenty years. Recent reviews of nondestructive testing of adhesively bonded structures can be found in the literature [1–3]. For direct strength assessment, the reliability of these techniques leaves much to be desired. Linear acoustic parameters are only indirectly correlated to material and bond strength, therefore we must rely on dubious empirical relations between the measured parameter (e.g., velocity or attenuation) and the sought strength parameter on a case-to-case basis. On the other hand, it is well known that failure of most materials and bonds is usually preceded by some kind of nonlinear mechanical behavior, well before appreciable plastic deformation occurs, i.e. within the range of nondestructive testing. This macroscopic nonlinearity is due to a number of different causes such as weakening of covalent bonds with increased atomic spacing, reduction in the number of these bonds, etc. It seems to be reasonable to assume that nonlinear parameters measured at approximately 10–20% of the ultimate stress level are more directly correlated to mechanical strength than linear ones measured at negligibly low ultrasonic amplitudes:
Host plant defense signaling in response to a coevolved herbivore combats introduced herbivore attack

Defense-free space resulting from coevolutionarily naive host plants recently has been implicated as a factor facilitating invasion success of some insect species. Host plants, however, may not be entirely defenseless against novel herbivore threats. Volatile chemical-mediated defense signaling, which allows plants to mount specific, rapid, and intense responses, may play a role in systems experiencing novel threats. Here we investigate defense responses of host plants to a native and exotic herbivore and show that (1) host plants defend more effectively against the coevolved herbivore, (2) plants can be induced to defend against a newly-associated herbivore when in proximity to plants actively defending against the coevolved species, and (3) these defenses affect larval performance. These findings highlight the importance of coevolved herbivore-specific defenses and suggest that naivete or defense limitations can be overcome via defense signaling. Determining how these findings apply across various host–herbivore systems is critical to understand mechanisms of successful herbivore invasion.
Cardiopulmonary interaction during partial liquid ventilation in surfactant-treated preterm lambs

Gas ventilation following instillation of perfluorochemical (PFC) liquid, partial liquid ventilation (PLV), improves gas exchange and pulmonary mechanics in neonatal animals and humans with severe respiratory distress. The effect of PLV on cardiac contractility, performance, pulmonary blood flow and ductal shunt has not been fully described. To this end, we evaluated these indices of cardiopulmonary function in eight conventionally gas ventilated, surfactant-treated premature lambs (125 days gestation) before and during PLV. Animals were instrumented with central venous and aortic lines. Serial evaluation of arterial blood chemistry/pressure, and pulmonary mechanics was performed; cardiac contractility, performance, pulmonary blood flow and ductal shunts were serially assessed by echocardiography. As compared to conventional gas ventilation, during PLV there was a significant decrease in left ventricular meridian (22.5 ± 6.6 SE vs 8.1 ± 1.4 SE g/cm2, P < 0.02) and circumferential wall stress (54.1 ± 16.5 vs 24.4 ± 3.8 SE g/cm2, P < 0.04) at end systole. The fall in wall stress at end systole was associated with a significant decrease in left ventricular internal diameter (1.2 ± 0.05 SE vs 1.04 ± 0.045 SE cm; P < 0.01). There were no significant changes in heart rate, systemic arterial and central venous pressures, systemic vascular resistance, left ventricular shortening and ejection fractions during PLV. The decrease in wall stress was associated with a significant decrease in mean airway pressures (15.9 ± 1.1 SE vs 9.9 ± 0.2 SE cmH2O; P < 0.05) and ostensibly a change in intrathoracic pressures during PLV. There were no significant differences in blood flows (pre vs during PLV; ml/min/kg): pulmonary (226 ± 62 SE vs 293 ± 65 SE), aortic (237 ± 36 SE vs 204 ± 21 SE), and left to right ductal (119 ± 25 SE vs 105.5 ± 26 SE) measured before and during PLV.
Differences between seasonal and mean annual energy balance model calculations of climate and climate sensitivity

The paper extends a simple Budyko-Sellers mean annual energy balance climate model with diffusive transport to include a seasonal cycle. In the model the latitudinal distribution of the zonal average surface temperature is represented by Legendre polynomials and its time-dependence by a Fourier sine-cosine series, and it has three parameters adjusted so that the observed amplitudes of the Northern Hemisphere zonal mean surface temperature are recovered. The seasonal model is used to reveal how the annual mean climate and the sensitivity to changes in incident radiation differ from the predictions obtained with the corresponding mean annual model. The distribution of the incident solar radiation in the models is shown to be insensitive to changes in the eccentricity and the longitude of perihelion and sensitive only to changes in the obliquity of the earth, and for past orbital changes both the seasonal and the mean annual model fail to produce glacial advances of the magnitude that are thought to have occurred.
New distance measures: The route toward truly non-Gaussian geostatistics

The projection or minimum error norm algorithm does not require that the distance measure be a variogram. In non-Gaussian cases, the traditional variogram distance measure leading to minimization of an error variance offers no definite advantage. Other distance measures, more outlierresistant than the variogram, are proposed which fulfill the condition of the projection theorem. The resulting minimum error norms provide the same data configurations ranking as traditionally obtained from kriging variances. A case study based on actual digital terrain data is presented.
Heritability of Individual Differences in Cortical Processing of Facial Affect

Facial expression of emotion is a key mechanism of non-verbal social communication in humans. Deficits in processing of facial emotion have been implicated in psychiatric disorders characterized by abnormal social behavior, such as autism and schizophrenia. Identification of genetically transmitted variability in the neural substrates of facial processing can elucidate the pathways mediating genetic influences on social behavior and provide useful endophenotypes for psychiatric genetic research. This study examined event-related brain potentials (ERPs) evoked by changes in facial expression in adolescent twins (age 12, 47 monozygotic and 51 dizygotic pairs). Facial images with happy, fearful, and neutral expressions were administered in a continuous mode, such that different expressions of the same face instantaneously replaced each other. This experimental design allowed us to isolate responses elicited by changes in emotional expression that were not confounded with responses elicited by image onset. Changes of emotional expression elicited a N240 wave with a right temporoparietal maximum and a P300 wave with a centropariatal midline maximum. Genetic analyses using a model fitting approach showed that a substantial proportion of the observed individual variation in these ERP responses can be attributed to genetic factors (36–64% for N250 and 42–62% for P300 components, respectively). This study provides the first evidence for heritability of neuroelectric indicators of face processing and suggests that ERP components sensitive to emotional expressions can potentially serve as endophenotypes for psychpathology characterized by abnormalities in social cognition and behavior.
Food and Gender in Bagdad Cafe

The 1988 West German film, Bagdad Cafe (Out of Rosenheim), was based on a screenplay co-authored by director Percy Adlon, producer Eleanor Adlon, and screenwriter Christopher Doherty.1 Given the primary craftspeople involved, when Bagdad Cafe was released in the U.S., it was considered a European film, even though the international co-production was in English, had a predominately American cast, and was set in California s Mojave Desert. For a foreign, independent film in competition with expensive Hollywood productions like Rain Man, the Tom Cruise-Dustin Hoffman show piece that swept the Oscars in 1989, Bagdad Cafe was rather successful. It was nominated for Best Foreign Film at the 1989 Independent Spirit Awards and grossed $3.6M in its initial North American release, a very respectable performance for a foreign film.2 Today, Bagdad Cafe is still a noteworthy specialty film that appeals primarily to an older, more highly educated segment of the moviegoing audience interested in work that offers an unus...
A Čerenkov counter time-of-flight telescope

Abstract A time-of-flight telescope of two self-coincident, liquid, inverse threshold Fitch-type Cerenkov counters has been used in a high flux 900 MeV/ c unseparated, negative beam ( K − π − ⪝ 1 800 ) to select the K − with a signal purity greater than 99.5%.
Exotics at Home: Anthropologies, Others, American Modernity

Exotics at Home: Anthropologies, Others, American Modernity. MICHAELA DI LEONARDO. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1998. xvi. 445 pp., illustrations, notes, index.
Sequence homologies among E. coli ribosomal proteins: evidence for evolutionarily related groupings and internal duplications.

The complete or partial sequences of 47E. coli ribosomal proteins described in the literature have been examined by computerized search and matching programs. In contrast to results previously reported by other investigators, sequence homologies were uncovered among some of these ribosomal proteins that are well beyond statistical expectations. Moreover, alignments of the most strongly homologous sequences suggested the existence of a network of family groupings. Several of these proteins also exhibit internal homologies, indicating that they have been elongated by a series of tandem duplications.
Adaptation by Corneal Epithelial Cells to Chronic Hypertonic Stress Depends on Upregulation of Na:K:2Cl Cotransporter Gene and Protein Expression and Ion Transport Activity

We examined the ability of SV40-immortalized human and rabbit corneal epithelial cells (HCEC and RCEC, respectively) to adapt to chronic hypertonic stress. Under isotonic conditions, in the presence of 50 μm bumetanide, proliferation measured as 3H-thymidine incorporation declined in RCEC and HCEC by 8 and 35%, respectively. After 48 hr exposure to 375 mOsm medium, RCEC proliferation fell by 19% whereas in HCEC it declined by 45%. Light scattering behavior demonstrated that both cell lines mediate nearly complete regulatory volume increase (RVI) responses to an acute hypertonic (375 mOsm) challenge, which in part depend on bumetanide-sensitive Na-K-2Cl cotransporter (NKCC) activity. Following exposing RCEC for 48 hr to 375 mOsm medium, their RVI response to an acute hypertonic challenge was inhibited by 17%. However, in HCEC this response declined by 68%. During exposure to 375 mOsm medium for up to 24 hr, only RCEC upregulated NKCC gene and protein expression as well as bumetanide-sensitive 86Rb influx. These increases are consistent with the smaller declines in RVI and proliferation capacity occurring during this period in RCEC than in HCEC. Therefore, adaptation by RCEC to chronic hypertonic stress is dependent on stimulation of NKCC gene and protein expression and functional activity. On the other hand, under isotonic conditions, HCEC RVI and proliferation are more dependent on NKCC activity than they are in RCEC.
Lactic acid response in the grunion.

Abstract 1. 1. Lactic acid levels in blood and muscle have been determined in a fish ( Leuresthes tenuis ) which spawns out of water. 2. 2. Out of water, lactic acid builds up in the muscles but little enters the blood. 3. 3. During recovery in water there is an acute lactic acid rise in the blood and a slow drop in the muscle lactate. 4. 4. This is interpreted to mean that the muscles remain ischemic during the asphyxia and build up lactic acid which flushes out by the hyperemia in recovery. 5. 5. This mechanism of asphyxial defense is an analogue to the cirulatory changes found in diving and non-diving animals and man.
Did Law Hinder Economic Development in the Middle East

Many seemingly intractable puzzles complicate any account of the contours of income distribution in the contemporary world. Despite more than a half century of increasingly sophisticated research e...
Lower extremity static and dynamic relationships with rearfoot motion in gait

Twenty nonsymptomatic subjects were assessed while walking at a photoelectronically monitored place (2 +/- 0.1 m.s-1) using high speed cinematography (200 Hz) to record the rearfoot motion in the frontal plane, and electrogoniometry (100 Hz) to measure joint kinematics in the lower extremity. The foot type of the subjects was determined statically by using a podiascope and digitization techniques. The results demonstrated that no foot type variables contributed significantly to the variance in either rearfoot angle at foot strike or maximum rearfoot angle (p > 0.05). Regression equations were developed using kinematic variables: rearfoot angle at foot strike = 3.81 + (0.06*time to hip internal rotation) - (0.46*tibia internal rotation) + (0.14*plantarflexion); (R = 0.87, SE = 1.23 degrees); maximum rearfoot angle = 4.02 + (0.52*hip internal rotation) - (0.11*time to hip internal rotation); (R = 0.66, SE = 2.07 degrees). This study identifies hip joint movements as being the most significant contributors t...
The Mechanism of Oxidation of SiGe.

We have studied the oxidation mechanism of SiGe alloys, prepared by UHV/CVD. Ge is found to be completely rejected from the oxide and to pile up at the oxide/substrate interface. In the case of thick SiGe layers, this can give rise to very heavily concentrated layers of SiGe (up to 80% Ge) several hundreds of angstroms thick between the oxide and the substrate. The oxidation of Si then proceeds by Si diffusing though the Ge-rich layer. When only a thin layer of Ge is present on top of Si at the start, it acts as a marker, moving, unchanged, with the SiO2/Si interface. The rate of oxidation is enhanced in this case. The atomic motion and chemical reactions involved in the process are discussed and possible mechanisms are described to explain the data. Oxidation of a SiGeB sample is also discussed and compared with the previous case.
Public‐Private Coproduction of Risk: Government Indemnification of the Commercial Space Launch Industry

Using rockets to launch communications satellites and other spacecraft poses risks to the uninvolved public, including persons and property under the flight path of the launch vehicle. The federal government plays a pivotal technical role during the actual launch by carrying out certain risk-related procedures, thus causing third-party risk to be jointly produced by the company and the government. In addition, under the Commercial Space Launch Act, the government partially indemnifies commercial launch companies for third-party damages. We compare the indemnification policy to optimal liability rules under public-private co-production of risk. Under modest assumptions, shared liability created by the indemnification rules decreases the incentive of both parties to take care relative to the optimum. If care were observable, it would be preferable for the government to fully indemnify companies that take due care. The role of the government as an agent for third parties may qualify these findings.
Segmental differential approximation and biological systems: an analysis of a metabolic process.

Abstract This paper is concerned with the mathematical formulation of a complex system suggested by a metabolic process. The formulation will allow for certain subprocesses to operate over finite time spans within the time intervals. Central to the mathematical formulation will be the observed experimental data. It is assumed that some information is available for each operating subprocess. A computational method of solution is suggested.
Synoptic Features and Energetics of Wave-Amplitude Vacillation in a Rotating, Differentially-Heated Fluid

Abstract Wave-amplitude vacillation in a thermally driven, rotating cylindrical annulus of fluid is studied using temperature and speed data from a 98-probe network of tiny bead thermistors suspended in the fluid. Mid-depth synoptic charts and estimates of heat and momentum fluxes, spectral characteristics and energetics are presented as a function of time. Relationships to time-dependent atmospheric phenomena are discussed. A section is included which deals with the effects of probes.
An ex vivo assay of XRT-induced Rad51 foci formation predicts response to PARP-inhibition in ovarian cancer

Objective BRCA-positive ovarian cancer patients derive benefit PARP inhibitors. Approximately 50% of ovarian cancer tumors have homologous recombination (HR) deficiencies and are therefore “BRCA-like,” possibly rendering them sensitive to PARP inhibition. However, no predictive assay exists to identify these patients. We sought to determine if irradiation-induced Rad51 foci formation, a known marker of HR, correlated to PARP inhibitor response in an ovarian cancer model.
Opioid and noradrenergic contributions of tapentadol in experimental neuropathic pain.

Tapentadol is a dual action molecule with mu opioid agonist and norepinephrine (NE) reuptake blocking activity that has recently been introduced for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. The effects of intraperitoneal (i.p.) morphine (10 mg/kg), tapentadol (10 or 30 mg/kg) or duloxetine (30 mg/kg), a norepinephrine/serotonin (NE/5HT) reuptake inhibitor, were evaluated in male, Sprague-Dawley rats with spinal nerve ligation (SNL) or sham surgery. Additionally, the effects of these drugs on spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) NE levels were quantified. Response thresholds to von Frey filament stimulation decreased significantly from baseline in SNL, but not sham, operated rats. Duloxetine, tapentadol and morphine produced significant and time-related reversal of tactile hypersensitivity. Duloxetine significantly increased spinal CSF NE levels in both sham and SNL rats and no significant differences were observed in these groups. Tapentadol (10 mg/kg) produced a significant increase in spinal NE levels in SNL, but not in sham, rats. At the higher dose (30 mg/kg), tapentadol produced a significant increase in spinal CSF NE levels in both SNL and sham groups; however, spinal NE levels were elevated for an extended period in the SNL rats. This could be detected 30 min following tapentadol (30 mg/kg) in both sham and SNL groups. Surprisingly, while the dose of morphine studied reversed tactile hypersensitivity in nerve-injured rats, CSF NE levels were significantly reduced in both sham- and SNL rats. The data suggest that tapentadol elicits enhanced elevation in spinal NE levels in a model of experimental neuropathic pain offering a mechanistic correlate to observed clinical efficacy in this pain state.
Regulation of CRABP II mRNA expression in human keratinocytes

Cultured human neonatal keratinocytes were used to study the mechanisms and factors involved in the regulation of CRABP II gene expression. Post-confluent, relatively differentiated keratinocyte cultures had higher levels of CRABP II mRNA, but nuclear run-on experiments detected no sustained increase in CRABP II gene transcription rate between pre-confluent and post-confluent cells. Also, our studies could detect no change in the long half-life (> 32 hours) of this message in pre- and post-confluent cultures. Hydrocortisone was found to reduce the confluency-related increase in CRABP II mRNA in keratinocyte cultures. Because corticosteroids are known to reduce the effect of various cytokines, a series of epidermal cytokines were examined for a modulating effect on CRABP II mRNA content in cultured keratinocytes. IL1 alpha produced the greatest increase and IL6 the strongest reduction in the level of this message in cells grown in serum-free, defined medium. These data support a role for CRABP II in the proliferation and differentiation of human keratinocytes and suggest that epidermal cytokines may at least in part regulate the expression of the CRABP II gene at the mRNA level.
Analogs of AICA- and IsoAICA Ribosides and Their Methylated Base Counterparts

Abstract A mild, convenient and efficient synthesis has been developed for imidazole-4-thiocarboxamide and imidazole-5-thiocarboxamide ribosides and the analogous selenocarboxamides. This methodology, i.e., DMF saturated with H2S or H2Se, also converts the corresponding N-methylated bases to the corresponding amides. The imidazole-4(5)-selenocarboxamides were shown to be sensitive to base (pH 11) and were easily converted back to their cyano precursors. The kinetics of these reactions were determined and they indicate that the C5 amides were more reactive than their C4 analogs.
VLSI Implementation Of A Fast Contour Tracing Method

This paper discusses a VLSI implementation of a fast contour tracing algorithm. Since Freeman published his chain code method for encoding the contour of binary images in 1961, this contour tracing method has been used in many different applications. In this paper, Freeman's chain code algorithm has been reformulated so that it can be implemented in array processing. A complete look-up table was first presented and we have derived from that an adaptive selection-inhibition circuit coupled with a priority encoder. From a VLSI implementation point of view, those circuits not only have area and speed advantages, but also are easy to lay out.
Performance of a Thermoelectric Device with Integrated Heat Exchangers

Thermoelectric devices (TEDs) convert heat directly into electrical energy, making them well suited for waste heat recovery applications. An integrated thermoelectric device (iTED) is a restructured TED that allows more heat to enter the p–n junctions, thus producing a greater power output $$P_\mathrm{o}$$ . An iTED has heat exchangers incorporated into the hot-side interconnectors with flow channels directing the working fluid through the heat exchangers. The iTED was constructed of p- and n-type bismuth-telluride semiconductors and copper interconnectors and rectangular heat exchangers. The performance of the iTED in terms of $$P_\mathrm{o}$$ , produced voltage $$V$$ and current $$I$$ , heat input $$Q_\mathrm{h}$$ and conversion efficiency $$\eta $$ for various flow rates ( $$2190\le Re_\mathrm{Dh} \le 9920$$ ), inlet temperatures ( $$50 \le T_\mathrm{in}\,(^{\circ }$$ C) $$\le 150$$ ) and load resistances ( $$0 \le R_\mathrm{L} (\Omega)\le 5000$$ ) with a constant cold-side temperature ( $$T_\mathrm{c}$$ = 0 $$^{\circ }$$ C) was conducted experimentally. An increase in $$T_\mathrm{in}$$ had a greater effect on the performance than did an increase in $$Re_\mathrm{Dh}$$ . A 3-fold increase in $$T_\mathrm{in}$$ resulted in a 3.2-, 3.1-, 9.7-, 3.5- and 2.8-fold increase in $$V,$$ $$I,$$ $$P_\mathrm{o},$$ $$Q_\mathrm{h}$$ and $$\eta, $$ respectively. For a constant $$T_\mathrm{in}$$ of 50 $$^{\circ }$$ C, a 3-fold increase in $$Re_\mathrm{Dh}$$ from 3300 to 9920 resulted in 1.6-, 1.6-, 2.6-, 1.5- and 1.9-fold increases in $$V$$ , $$I$$ , $$P_\mathrm{o}$$ , $$Q_\mathrm{h}$$ and $$\eta, $$ respectively.
Multimodal imaging for acute stroke: When is it worth it?

The performance of MRI with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) sequences in patients with acute ischemic stroke has greatly evolved over the past decade.1 The larger question remains: can these imaging techniques help to identify patients with meaningful amounts of salvageable brain tissue and will performing these imaging tests be worth it, both in terms of financial costs and the delay in institution of revascularization therapies?