cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Corticotropin-releasing factor within the central nucleus of the amygdala and the nucleus accumbens shell mediates the negative affective state of nicotine withdrawal in rats

Tobacco addiction is a chronic disorder that is characterized by a negative affective state upon smoking cessation and relapse after periods of abstinence. Previous research has shown that an increased central release of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) at least partly mediates the deficit in brain reward function associated with nicotine withdrawal in rats. The aim of these studies was to investigate the role of CRF in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA), the lateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), and the nucleus accumbens shell (Nacc shell) in the deficit in brain reward function associated with precipitated nicotine withdrawal. The intracranial self-stimulation procedure was used to assess the negative affective aspects of nicotine withdrawal. Elevations in brain reward thresholds are indicative of a deficit in brain reward function. In all experiments, the nicotinic receptor antagonist mecamylamine (3 mg/kg) elevated the brain reward thresholds of the nicotine-dependent rats (9 mg/kg per day of nicotine salt) and did not affect the brain reward thresholds of the saline-treated control rats. The administration of the nonspecific CRF1/2 receptor antagonist D-Phe CRF((12-41)) into the CeA and the Nacc shell prevented the mecamylamine-induced elevations in brain reward thresholds in the nicotine-dependent rats. Blockade of CRF1/2 receptors in the lateral BNST did not prevent the mecamylamine-induced elevations in brain reward thresholds in the nicotine-dependent rats. These studies indicate that the negative emotional state associated with precipitated nicotine withdrawal is at least partly mediated by an increased release of CRF in the CeA and the Nacc shell.
Beyond shareholder value: a CSR model for corporate governance

Agency theory dictates that the sole purpose of a corporation is to provide value to its shareholders. As the dominant focus for corporate governance of publicly held stockholder corporations, agency theory has led to the current global economic crisis, and a history of scandals, and unethical behaviour on the part of transnational corporations. This paper will propose changes to corporate governance regulations to balance the unintentional incentives for unethical business practices, with incentives for social responsibility, in the hope that the reoccurrence of corporate scandals can be avoided.
Reversibility and irreversibility from an initial value formulation

Abstract From a time evolution equation for the single particle distribution function derived from the N -particle distribution function (A. Muriel, M. Dresden, Physica D 101 (1997) 297), an exact solution for the 3D Navier–Stokes equation – an old problem – has been found (A. Muriel, Results Phys. 1 (2011) 2). In this Letter, a second exact conclusion from the above-mentioned work is presented. We analyze the time symmetry properties of a formal, exact solution for the single-particle distribution function contracted from the many-body Liouville equation. This analysis must be done because group theoretic results on time reversal symmetry of the full Liouville equation (E.C.G. Sudarshan, N. Mukunda, Classical Mechanics: A Modern Perspective, Wiley, 1974). no longer applies automatically to the single particle distribution function contracted from the formal solution of the N -body Liouville equation. We find the following result: if the initial momentum distribution is even in the momentum, the single particle distribution is reversible. If there is any asymmetry in the initial momentum distribution, no matter how small, the system is irreversible.
Effect of casting conditions on physical properties of some experimenal partial denture alloys

Summary Four alloys were tested which are being considered for use in making partial denture castings. The procedure was varied by using three spruing methods, two different waxes, two melt temperatures, and two different directions of filling. Statistical analysis techniques were used to determine the significance of the results. Spruing method was the most highly influencial of the variables and the flat method gave the best results. This method also is most relevant to clinical procedure. The effect of temperature, in fewer instances, was also influential. At a lesser level of signifiacnce direction of filling, and in one instance wax, had an effect.
Technical substitution of production factors through shadow pricing of factors

Abstract In underdeveloped countries, the market prices of factors do not reflect their economic opportunity cost, because of various market imperfections, state regulations, and population growth. Therefore, it is necessary that shadow prices of factors, instead of market prices of factors, should be used in the evaluation and selection of projects. Three alternative approaches to derive shadow prices have been outlined along with their shortcomings.
An automated procedure for the determination of serum haptoglobin.

Abstract An automated procedure is proposed for the quantitation of serum haptoglobin by means of its hemoglobin-binding capacity. The proposed method is compared to the electrophoretic procedure of Laurell and Nyman and it is found to be reasonably precise and accurate. In addition, the determination of this serum protein complex is sufficiently simplified by automation so that it may be of use in the routine clinical laboratory.
Possible Role of Meteorites in the Origin of Life

IT has been postulated by Oparin1 that life originated in the seas of the primitive Earth, at a time when the atmosphere was reducing. The dominant sources of free energy for biopoesis are presumed to have been lightning discharges in the atmosphere and ultra-violet radiation from the Sun2. However, both agents tend to deposit organic compounds relatively high in the atmosphere, rather than in the seas. Advection, convection, and diffusion must be invoked as the mechanisms depositing the reaction products in the hydrosphere. The purpose of this communication is to suggest a physical process capable of yielding organic compounds of high complexity in the primitive atmosphere and providing a relatively high efficiency of transfer to the hydrosphere.
Stability analysis via averaging for nonlinear systems with delays

In this work we consider stability of time-varying systems with time delays via the averaging method. It is shown that if the strong averaged system of a system affected by a small positive parameter e admits a Lyapunov-Razumikhin function for the input-to-state stability (ISS) property, then the original system satisfies a semiglobal and practical ISS-like property as the small parameter e converges to zero.
Analysis of In-situ Microscopic Organism Behavior in Data Acquired Using a Free-drifting Submersible Holographic Imaging System

This paper introduces a free-drifting submersible digital holography system (holo-sub), shown in fig. 1, and issues associated with processing the massive amount of data involved. Studying behavior of marine micro-organisms in-situ requires the ability to follow them in time and observe their interactions with the local biological, chemical, and physical environment. Holographic imaging allows reconstruction of in-focus images of all planes within a sample volume that has a substantial depth. To facilitate observations of organisms over many frames, thus allowing for analysis of in-situ behavior, the holo-sub is designed to drift with the ambient flow. Two cameras record holograms simultaneously, each at 15 frame/sec. Two optional optical configurations have been implemented to-date. In one configuration, the sample volumes are perpendicular, allowing for 3D resolution of 7.4 mum in all directions. In the second, the first camera maintains a sample volume with a cross-section of 15times15 mm, while the other records holograms of part of the same volume at a higher magnification, enabling us to resolve smaller particles. This system was deployed in the Ria de Pontevedra, Spain in 2005, and in the Bay of Biscay, France in 2006, in collaboration with several European research groups. Over 3 TB of holographic data have been acquired during these deployments. Extracting relevant information from the large holographic dataset requires two important steps: 1 - locating and reconstructing the desired organism, and 2 - processing the reconstructed images to obtain quantitative data on behavior. A series of software tools have been developed to facilitate efficient manual search for organism location, followed by recording of their in-focus images, and tracking them in time. Analysis of reconstructed images to obtain quantitative data begins with classification of behavior, followed by development of image processing routines to perform specific measurements. For example, appendicularians, zooplankton that create gelatinous "houses" with which they filter small particles for feeding are one of the most numerous large organisms that have been observed in our data set. Software has been developed to provide swimming velocity, house shape and size, particle distributions within the house, organism size, and tail flapping frequency.
Chlorophyll Interactions and Light Conversion in Photosynthesis

Chlorophyll a is a molecule with an unusual combination of electron donor-acceptor properties. The Ring V keto C=O group can function as donor, the central Mg atom as acceptor. In the absence of extraneous nucleophiles, donor-acceptor interactions form chlorophyll dimers, (Chl.,), and oligomers, (Chl2),. With monofunctional electron donors, monomeric chlorophyll species Chl �9 L 1 and Chl �9 L 2 form. Bifunctional donors may cross-link chlorophylls through Mg atoms to form large polynuclear adduets of colloidal dimensions. Examination of the visible absorption spectra by computer deconvolution techniques indicates considerable similarity between bulk or antenna chlorophyll in the plant and (Chl2)n. Electron spin resonance studies suggest that ESR photo-signal I associated with the photosynthetic reaction center of photosynthetic organisms could arise in a special pair of chlorophyll molecules (Chl H20 Chl)- +. Introduclion There is universal agreement that chlorophyll is the primary photo-receptor in plants, but the details of the mechanisms whereby the energy of light quanta are made available for subsequent chemical purposes remain for the most part to be established. The term "chlorophyll" is generic for a small group of closely related substances invariably present in all organisms that carry out oxidation-reduction reactions with energy supplied by light. The principal chlorophylls are chlorophyll a (Chl a) and b (green plants, algae), bacteriochlorophyll (BChl, purple photosynthetic bacteria), and chlorobium chlorophyll (green photosynthetic bacteria). Chlorophyll q and c~ It, 2] (diatoms, marine brown algae) and chlorophyll d (marine red algae) are minor or auxiliary chlorophylls. Chlorophyll a is without exception present in all organisms that carry out photosynthesis with the evolution of molecular oxygen. As the most widely distributed and most important of the chlorophylls, the discussion here will for the most part concern chlorophyll a. The chlorophylls are cyclic tetrapyrroles (Fig. t) and thus belong to the family of porphyrin compounds, which have a very important role in biology as active participants in respiratory pigments, electron transport agents, and oxidative enzymes. The chlorophylls, however, differ in some important respects from the true porphyrins. Although the methyl, ethyl, vinyl and propionic acid side-chains in the chlorophylls are characteristic of porphyrins, the alicyclic Ring V, which contains a keto C=O function at position C-9, is unique to the chlorophylls. The
Effect of Nb and C Additives on the Microstructures and Magnetic Properties of Rapidly Solidified Sm-Co Alloys

Abstract Highly coercive Sm-Co-based permanent magnets have been achieved through simple modification of binary Sm 12 Co 88 alloys with Nb, C or combined Nb and C at concentrations ranging from 1 to 10 atomic percent processed via rapid solidification. Melt spinning at 40 m/s resulted in the formation of the metastable TbCu 7 -type structure in all alloys. While the unalloyed, as-solidified Sm 12 Co 88 alloy displayed a coercivity of 0.5 kOe, alloying additions resulted in a systematic and profound increase in coercivity. Nb additions resulted in as-solidified coercivities up to 9 kOe, C additions up to 37 kOe, and combined NbC additons 8 kOe. The Nb and NbC additions led to a reduction in grain size, while C additions altered the morphology, producing a grain-boundary phase that effectively isolated the magnetic grains from one another. The magnetization processes for Nb- and NbC-modified Sm–Co were determined to be nucleation-controlled, while a transition to pinning-controlled magnetization was observed for the C-modified alloy.
Review: Overlapping genes in vertebrate genomes

Overlapping genes in mammalian genomes are unexpected phenomena even though hundreds of pairs of protein coding overlapping genes have been reported so far. Overlapping genes can be divided into different categories based on direction of transcription as well as on sequence segments being shared between overlapping coding regions. The biologic functions of natural antisense transcripts, their involvement in physiological processes and gene regulation in living organisms are not fully understood. Number of documented examples indicates that they may exert control at various levels of gene expression, such as transcription, mRNA processing, splicing, stability, transport, and translation. Similarly, evolutionary origin of such genes is not known, existing hypotheses can explain only selected cases of mammalian gene overlaps which could originate as result of rearrangements, overprinting and/or adoption of signals in the neighboring gene locus.
Heparin treatment in pregnancy loss: Potential therapeutic benefits beyond anticoagulation

Interventions with heparin therapies have increased fetal survival in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). In this review, several physiological and pharmacological effects of heparin are described. These different mechanisms of action could explain the beneficial effects of heparin in the treatment of recurrent pregnancy loss in patients with APS. In addition to direct effects of heparin on the coagulation cascade, heparin might protect pregnancies by reducing the binding of antiphospholipid antibodies, reducing inflammation, facilitating implantation and or inhibiting complement activation.
LIQUID SCINTILLATOR-METHODS FOR CALCULATION OF AVERAGE ENERGY REQUIRED TO PRODUCE ONE PHOTOELECTRON

Abstract Two methods were employed to obtain the average energy required to be dissipated in a particular liquid scintillator system to produce one photoelectron at the photocathode of a multiplier phototube. Method 1 involves the determination of the average pulse height of the pulse height distribution from the amplification of single electrons originating from the photocathode. This average single electron pulse height was compared to the pulse heights produced by the excitation of the liquid scintillator with alpha particles and electrons of known energy. Method 2 involves a subtraction of that part of the line width due to factors outside of the multiplication system of a multiplier phototube. The solution of a modified Gaussian equation gave the number of photoelectrons associated with any pulse height and line width. Good agreement was obtained between the two methods. For excitation with electrons with energy above 300 keV the average energy per photoelectron was essentially constant for each of two selected multiplier phototubes at 0.5 keV and 0.6 keV. For excitation with alpha particles the average energy per photoelectron, also dependent upon the multiplier phototube, varied from about 7 keV with 4.0 MeV alpha particles to about 5 keV with 7.0 MeV alpha particles.
Trends in Organ Donor Management: 2002 to 2012

Background Refinements in donor management have resulted in increased numbers and quality of grafts after neurologic death. We hypothesize that the increased use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been accompanied by improved outcomes over time. Study Design Using the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network donor database, all brain-dead donors procured from July 1, 2001 to June 30, 2012 were studied. Hormone replacement therapy was identified by an infusion of thyroid hormone. An expanded criteria donor was defined as age 60 years or older. Incidence of HRT administration and number of donors and organs recovered were calculated. Using the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network thoracic recipient database transplant list, wait times were examined. Results There were 74,180 brain-dead donors studied. Hormone replacement therapy use increased substantially from 25.6% to 72.3% of donors. However, mean number of organs procured per donor remained static (3.51 to 3.50; p = 0.083), and the rate of high-yield donors decreased (46.4% to 43.1%; p Conclusions The marked increase in the use of HRT in the management of brain-dead donors has been accompanied by increased organ availability overall. Potential mechanisms might include successful conversion of previously unacceptable donors and improved recovery in certain subsets of donors.
Ambivalent attachments to place in London : Twelve Barbadian families

There are good reasons for assuming that places symbolic for and valued by black people exist in Britain, One such locale is London's Notting Hill, which was, with Brixton, one of the two earliest zones of Afro-Caribbean settlement in the metropolis from the mid-1950s onwards. Notting Hill was also, in 1958, the locus of riots by young white people against black immigrants; the site of the Mangrove Restaurant, associated with the Black Power movement, and harassed continually by the police from its establishment in 1969 until its demise in 1991, Also, most notably, this area is the venue for the vast, annual, black-accented Notting Hill street carnival. These attributes did not, however, seem to engender strong responses in interviews with a set of twelve families of Barbadian origin. The interviewees, now materially successful, no longer inhabited the neighborhood, nor did their London-raised adult children. For the thirty-four interviewees, Notting Hill was a place that might once have been important fo...
SU-E-J-163: The Imaging Dose to Patients Resulting From the ExacTrac X-Ray System

Purpose: There is a lack of reported data on imaging dose from Novalis ExacTrac use for image guided radiotherapy. This investigation is to assess the imaging doses to patients resulting from a variety of clinical default imaging acquisition protocols in the ExacTrac x‐ray imaging system. Methods: Novalis TX ExacTrac x‐ray system (BrainLab, Feldkirchen, Germany) is investigated. This system consists of two floor‐mounted kilovoltage X‐ray tubes projecting obliquely onto two flat‐panel detectors mounted on the ceiling. The dose measurements were performed using an ion chamber inserted in a phantom. The air kerma calibration factor of the ion chamber for x‐ray beams specified by the half‐value layer was obtained from an Accredited Dosimetry Calibration Laboratory. The imaging dose from clinical default protocols including Cranium, Thorax and Abdomen were studied. The phantom, in the size of 30×12×30 cm3, was made from slabs of water‐equivalent materials for low energy x‐rays, PW‐LR (CIRS, Norfolk, VA). Results: The field size of x‐rays from each tube is 20×20 cm2 at the isocenter. Small differences of 5–10 % in measured radiation dose at the isocenter between two x‐ray tubes were observed. The doses measured in the phantom at a depth of 1 cm from the treatment table were 0.05 cGy, 0.16 cGy, and 0.19 cGy resulting from a pair of obliquely beams of Cranium‐heavy, Thorax‐Heavy and Abdomen‐Heavy clinical protocols respectively. It was found that there was up to 77% dose reduction by selecting Abdomen‐Light instead of Abdomen‐Heavy acquisition protocols. Conclusion: Although the imaging doses to patients resulting from a single pair of beams are low, the sum of multiple acquisitions (10‐20 pairs) is still significant, which can be common for one treatment fraction if non‐coplanar beams are used. The imaging doses strongly depend on the image acquisition protocols. During treatment, the low dose protocols should be chosen, given that image quality is not compromised.
Cocaine use as an independent predictor of cardiac steatosis: initial experience by 1H spectroscopy

Introduction Elevated myocardial triglyceride levels have been observed within the myocardium of diabetic and obese individuals. Use of cocaine leads to cardiomyopathy and precipitation of cardiovascular disease such as myocardial infarction, ventricular arrhythmias, and left ventricular dysfunction. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) has been applied to measure lipid overload in the human heart [1].
Transcription termination: sequence and function of the rho-independent tL3 terminator in the major leftward operon of bacteriophage lambda

Abstract For cloning, assaying the function, and sequencing terminators, we have constructed the pD12 plasmid, in which the late promotor p'R of phage λ controls the expression of the galK gene of the pK03 plasmid of McKenney et al. (1981). The λ tL3 terminator region was cloned in this plasmid between the promoter and the galK gene, and found to be 90–94% effective in preventing galactokinase expression in both rho+ and rho− hosts. It is also active in vitro, both in the presence or absence of the rho factor. The termination point is located at 4320 bp to the left of the sL startpoint of the pL-RNA, just downstream of gene exo. We have sequenced 356 bp of the hitherto uncharted λ DNA to the right of the TaqI cut, which in turn is 110 bp to the right of the b522 deletion at 63.9 %λ. The tL3 terminator has several features common to other rho-independent termination sequences, including an 81% G + C-rich region of 2 × 8-bp symmetry (“stem”) with a 5-bp intervening “loop”, partially overlapping and followed by a sequence transcribed into the pyrimidine-rich CCUUUCU-OH 3' terminus of the RNA. The termination point that follows the last U was determined by the S1 mapping technique.
A preliminary analysis of binge episodes: comparison of a treatment-seeking sample of Black and White women.

Abstract Objective This study sought to examine differences in the nutritional composition of binges, both qualitatively and quantitatively, between participants with binge eating disorder (BED) and bulimia nervosa (BN) taken from a sample of treatment-seeking Black and White women. Overall qualitative and quantitative differences between diagnostic categories, regardless of ethnicity, were also explored. Method Patients seeking treatment for eating disorders were assessed on binge content. Black (n=26) and White (n=26) participants were matched on age and body mass index (BMI). Results The binges of individuals with BN were lower in percent protein, but higher in calories, carbohydrates, and sugar, than those individuals with BED. However, there was little difference as a function of ethnicity between treatment-seeking Black and White women. Discussion Preliminary data suggest that health professionals are faced with similar binge eating pathology, regardless of ethnicity, despite, probably, etiologic variation. The importance of the role of ethnicity in the expression of eating disorders is discussed.
Programmed Neuronal Necrosis and Status Epilepticus

Summary: We examined the mechanism of neuronal necrosis induced by hypoxia in dentate gyrus cultures or by status epilepticus (SE) in adult mice. Our observations showed that hypoxic necrosis can be an active process starting with early mitochondrial swelling and loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential, followed by cytochrome c release and caspase-9‐dependent activation of caspase-3. This sequence of events (or program) was independent of protein synthesis and may be induced by energy failure and/or calcium overloading of mitochondria. We called this form of necrosis “programmed necrosis.” After SE in adult mice, CA1 and CA3 pyramidal neurons displayed a necrotic morphology, associated with caspase-3 immunoreactivity and with double-stranded DNA breaks, suggesting that “programmed necrosis” may be involved in SE-induced neuronal loss. Ke yW ords: Status epilepticus—Programmed necrosis— Neuronal loss.
Real-time Simulations Using Learning Algorithms for Immersive Data Visualization in Buildings

Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) simulations are used to predict indoor thermal environments and assess their response to specific internal/external conditions. Although computing power has increased exponentially in the past decade, CFD simulations are still time-consuming and their prediction results cannot be used for real-time immersive visualization in buildings. A method that can bypass the timeconsuming simulations and generate "acceptable" results will allow such visualization to be constructed.This paper discusses a project that utilizes a supervised Artificial Neural Network (ANN) as a learning algorithm to predict post-processed CFD data to ensure rapid data visualization. To develop a generic learning model for a wide range of spatial configurations, this paper presents a pilot project that utilizes an unsupervised Reinforcement Learning (RL) algorithm. The ANN technique was integrated with an interactive, immersive Augmented Reality (AR) system to interact with and visualize CFD results in b...
Aging of the neuroendocrine system: Impaired neuropeptide control of thyroid stimulating hormone

Previous studies on neuroendocrine feedback control have shown that normal pituitary-thyroid function depends on appropriate hypothalamic regulation. Yet, mechanisms leading to low thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in face of low thyroid hormone levels in senescent animals remain to be elucidated. In this study, TSH response in the aging rat was investigated following immunological blockade of endogenous thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH). TRH blockade in aged rats was not accompanied by the striking reduction in TSH levels observed in young animals. Our data suggest that the normal regulatory functions of endogenous TRH on TSH secretion are altered in the aging rat.
Vitamin A and Retinoic Acid Act Synergistically to Increase Lung Retinyl Esters During Normoxia and Reduce Hyperoxic Lung Injury in Newborn Mice

We have shown that vitamin A (VA) and retinoic acid (RA) synergistically increase lung retinyl ester content in neonatal rats. To confirm whether this biochemical synergism attenuates early neonatal hyperoxic lung injury in mice, we exposed newborn C57BL/6 mice to 95% O2 or air from birth to 4 d. The agent [vehicle, VA, RA, or the combination vitamin A+retinoic acid (VARA)] was given orally daily. Lung and liver retinyl ester content was measured, and lung injury and development were evaluated. We observed that lung, but not liver, retinyl ester levels were increased more by VARA than by VA or RA alone. Hyperoxic lung injury was reduced by VA and RA, and more so by VARA. VARA attenuated the hyperoxia-induced increases in macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-2 mRNA and protein expression, but did not alter hyperoxia-induced effects on peptide growth factors (PDGF, VEGF, and TGF-beta1). The 4-d exposure to hyperoxia or retinoids did not lead to observable differences in lung development. We conclude that the VARA combination has synergistic effects on lung retinyl ester concentrations and on the attenuation of hyperoxia-induced lung injury in newborn mice, possibly by modulation of inflammatory mediators.
The human development spectrum: Sub-spectra and social indicators for use in development project planning, design, and implementation

A spectrum of human development has been observed which has application in international development project planning, design, and implementation. Based on experience with privately funded development projects in Latin America, Asia, and Africa, seven components or sub-spectra of the human development spectrum which are vital to effective development projects are identified: need, resources, technology, social conscience, integrity, attitude, and problem solving. Their implications for the development process are explained, and indicators for each sub-spectrum are described.
ENHANCEMENT OF HEAT TRANSFER BY INSERTING A METAL MATRIX INTO A PHASE CHANGE MATERIAL

Increase in the heat transfer rate during melting and freezing of a phase change material (PCM) with a low thermal conductivity is demonstrated by inserting a high-porosity metal matrix into the PCM. A vertical annulus space (r 1rr 0, 0zh)homogeneously fitted with water and an aluminum matrix, is selected for this study. The Navier-Stokes equations are modified to account for Darcy's effect. For both the melting and freezing cases, the density inversion phenomenon of water is considered. The irregularity and time-varying nature of the solid and the liquid regions are accounted for by a geometric coordinate transformation. The numerical results are presented in the form of solid-liquid interface movements, isotherms, streamlines, and heat transfer rates for some representative cases. The heat transfer rates for enhanced cases show an order-of-magnitude increase over the base case, where no metal matrix is inserted.
Parkfield earthquakes: Characteristic or complementary?

We model the two most recent Mw~6 Parkfield, California, earthquakes, which occurred in 1966 and 2004, from a nonlinear global inversion of near-fault strong motion seismograms. Our rupture models are characterized by spatially variable slip amplitude and rake, rupture velocity, and risetime. The rupture models indicate that the two earthquakes generated slip in regions of the fault that are not identical, as earlier suggested. Given the sparse seismic data set available for the 1966 earthquake, we conduct a series of tests to verify our results: (1) we perform synthetic tests in order to study the resolution of the 1966 seismic data set; (2) we perform an inversion of the 2004 earthquake using a data set equivalent to the 1966 earthquake; and (3) we model the 1966 data set under the a priori assumption that it was similar to the 2004 earthquake. All of the tests, as well as independent observations, indicate that slip during the 1966 and 2004 Parkfield earthquakes occurred in different regions of the fault. This result implies that regions of a fault that are frictionally locked may remain locked even during a main shock (moderate-size earthquake). In this scenario, large earthquakes occur when all the locked regions of a fault are “synchronized” and ready to slip at the same time.
Kinetic study of the reaction between CN AND O2 from 295 to 710 K

Abstract We have extended the highly precise laser photolysis/cw laser-induced fluorescence technique to the study of CN-radical reaction kinetics. We investigated the reaction of CN with O2 over the temperature range 295–710 K. The measured reaction-rate coefficients are well represented over this temperature range by the two-parameter Arrhenius expression, k=(1.24±0.04) × 10−11 exp[(1630±100) J mol−1/RT] cm3 molecule−1 s−1, where the quoted uncertainties represent ± 2σ estimates of the total experimental error. NCO forms as a direct product of the reaction.
Rhombencephalosynapsis: new findings in a larger study

Rhombencephalosynapsis is a developmental midline defect affecting the cerebellar vermis. The absence of the vermis in rhombencephalosynapsis may be compared to the other condition in which the vermis is largely absent. In Joubert syndrome, the cerebellar hemispheres are close to normal in volume; the intervening vermis is small and much shortened, leaving a gap between the cerebellar hemispheres. Although the vermis may also be totally absent in rhombencephalosynapsis, remnants such as the nodule may often be found in their normal place with respect to the adjoining hemispheres. Allowing a simplification, one can describe the vermis in Joubert syndrome as shortened and in rhombencephalosynapsis as narrowed. The debut of the rhombencephalosynapsis story is credited to Obersteiner in 1916 with a detailed case report entitled ‘Ein Kleinhirn ohne Wurm’ (‘A cerebellum without vermis’) describing the autopsy findings in a 31-year old male. The original study is still worth reading for its wealth of detail such as absence of the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus and misrouting of tracts at the lower mesencephalic level. Over 100 cases have since been published, mostly as case reports or small series. A review lists 58 published cases before …
Chemically Reacting Turbulent Shear Layers.

Abstract : An experimental investigation of entrainment, mixing and chemical reactions in a plane shear layer has been performed using laser induced fluorescence techniques. Results indicate that the reactants mix on a molecular level and react at a composition that is nearly uniform across the width of the layer. The composition of the mixed fluid is found to be asymmetric, with an excess of high speed fluid, suggesting that entrainment into the shear layer is asymmetric. These results are at variance with predictions of models based on gradient transport and eddy diffusivity. (Author)
On the solution to the Michaelis-Menten equation.

An “explicit” solution to the Michaelis-Menten differential equation is presented. Instead of involving the exponential function, the solution involves another simple function. A table for this function is presented.
Supervised pattern recognition by parallel feature partitioning

In the present paper the supervised pattern recognition problem is considered. For solving the problem a mathematical model based on parallel feature partitioning is proposed. The solution is obtained by partitioning the feature space to a minimal number of nonintersecting regions. This is achieved by solving an integer-valued optimization problem, which leads to the construction of minimal covering. Since the classes do not intersect it follows that the solution of the formulated problem exists. Computational complexity of the model and computational procedures are discussed. Geometrical interpretation of the solution is given.
Notes on the Stark Effect

The theory of the Stark effect in atomic spectra is discussed in general terms and it is shown that large effects arise when two terms which are related to each other in such a way as to satisfy the optical combining rules come close together in the spectrum. Fairly good values of the Stark displacements in complicated atoms may be obtained simply by using the hydrogenic values of the matrix components involved in the theoretical formulas. The ideas are illustrated by discussion of the existing data on the spectra of nickel, lithium, carbon spark, and argon.
Low-temperature thermal conductivity of BaFe 2 As 2 : A parent compound of iron arsenide superconductors

We report low-temperature thermal conductivity down to 40 mK of the antiferromagnet ${\text{BaFe}}_{2}{\text{As}}_{2}$, which is the parent compound of recently discovered iron-based superconductors. In the investigated temperature range below 4 K, the thermal conductivity $\ensuremath{\kappa}$ is well described by the expression $\ensuremath{\kappa}=aT+b{T}^{2.22}$. We attribute the ``$aT$''-term to an electronic contribution which is found to satisfy the Wiedemann-Franz law in the $T\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0\text{ }\text{K}$ limit and the remaining thermal conductivity, $\ensuremath{\sim}{T}^{2.22}$, is attributed to phonon conductivity. A small influence on thermal conductivity by magnetic fields up to 8 T is well accounted by the observed magnetoresistance. The result is consistent with a fully gapped magnon spectrum, inferred previously from inelastic neutron scattering measurements.
Indigent Adolescents' Concerns about Health Care Reform

This study assessed the knowledge and concerns of 348 indigent adolescent girls on health care reform. Most knew little about current health care reform and most of the information they received came from the media. They listed family planning, treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, and maternity care as their most important health needs.
Band structure analysis of a bis(oxalato)platinate complex

Abstract The band structure of a bis(oxalato)platinate, Mg 0.82 Pt(C 2 O 4 ) 2 ·5.3H 2 O (MgDOP), has been analyzed by using extended Huckel calculations within the tight-binding approximation. Results obtained on a sequence of three Pt(C 2 O 4 ) 2 −2 groups indicate that the preferred conformation involves rotations of 60° between adjacent groups. The resulting staircase arrangement is in agreement with experiment. For partial oxidation states (from 0.1e to 0.6e) the total energy per unit cell was evaluated for different metal-metal distances r Pt-Pt . Initial increase in degree of partial oxidation results in reduction of r Pt-Pt to ∼ 2.8 A , but futh further increase r Pt-Pt increases again. A partial oxidation x = 0.35e for Pt was calculated for r Pt-Pt = 2.845 A, the experimentally observed value.
Estimating GFR Among Participants in the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) Study

Background Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is considered the best measure of kidney function, but repeated assessment is not feasible in most research studies. Study Design Cross-sectional study of 1,433 participants in the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) Study (ie, the GFR subcohort) to derive an internal GFR estimating equation using a split-sample approach. Setting & Participants Adults from 7 US metropolitan areas with mild to moderate chronic kidney disease; 48% had diabetes and 37% were black. Index Test CRIC GFR estimating equation. Reference Test or Outcome Urinary 125 I-iothalamate clearance testing (measured GFR [mGFR]). Other Measurements Laboratory measures, including serum creatinine and cystatin C, and anthropometrics. Results In the validation data set, the model that included serum creatinine level, serum cystatin C level, age, sex, and race was the most parsimonious and similarly predictive of mGFR compared with a model additionally including bioelectrical impedance analysis phase angle, CRIC clinical center, and 24-hour urinary creatinine excretion. Specifically, root mean square errors for the separate models were 0.207 versus 0.202, respectively. Performance of the CRIC GFR estimating equation was most accurate for the subgroups of younger participants, men, nonblacks, non-Hispanics, those without diabetes, those with body mass index 2 , those with higher 24-hour urine creatinine excretion, those with lower high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels, and those with higher mGFRs. Limitations Urinary clearance of 125 I-iothalamate is an imperfect measure of true GFR; cystatin C level is not standardized to certified reference material; lack of external validation; small sample sizes limit analyses of subgroup-specific predictors. Conclusions The CRIC GFR estimating equation predicts mGFR accurately in the CRIC cohort using serum creatinine and cystatin C levels, age, sex, and race. Its performance was best in younger and healthier participants.
THERMODYNAMICS OF ELECTROLYTES. X. ENTHALPY AND THE EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE ON THE ACTIVITY COEFFICIENTS.

Heat of dilution and of solution data are fitted to the form of equation corresponding to that used successfully for activity and osmotic coefficients over a wide range of concentrations. The resulting parameters give the change with temperature of the activity and osmotic coefficients. Results are reported for 84 electrolytes of 1-1, 2-1, 3-1, and 2-2 valence types.
Influence of external environments on fatigue crack growth in epoxy resin

A fatigue crack propagation in an epoxy resin in the presence of organic solvents or water was studied from the viewpoint of fracture mechanics. The fatigue crack growth rate (da/dN) of the resin under various stress-intensity-factor ranges (ΔKl) was measured using a tapered double-cantilever beam specimen. In air environment, plots of da/dN against ΔKl were found to be represented by the Paris equation: da/dN = C(ΔKl)n, where C and n are empirical constants. In this case, the constant n was about 6.5. The fatigue crack growth rate in the presence of organic solvents decreased to 1/10 ∼ 1/4 of that in air environment at the same ΔKl. It was considered that a penetration of the solvent molecules into the resin enlarged a region of plastic deformation near the crack tip. Therefore, more fracture energy was needed for the growth of the fatigue crack. Also, observations of the fatigue fracture surfaces suggested that a large plastic deformation occurred at the crack tip in the presence of solvents.
Therapeutic angiogenesis: review of current concepts and future directions.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) and its associated complications, particularly ischemic left ventricular dysfunction, represent substantial barriers to longterm survival for many patients and a significant functional burden to today’s cost-conscious society. In light of this, various modalities are now in development and being tested clinically to treat or reverse this form of myocardial injury (Figure 1). Restoring blood flow is the most effective means to limit damage to ischemic tissue. Surgical placement of bypass grafts for CAD was introduced in the 1960s, whereas non-surgical re-vascularization was introduced clinically starting in the 1970s. Angioplasty combined with stent placement is currently the most frequently applied non-surgical method of relieving acute coronary ischemia. Advances in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), percutaneous coronary angioplasty with stents and aggressive medical therapy with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-I, -blockers and statins are now standard therapies for this disease. However, despite recent advances in these modalities, a significant number of patients with diffuse CAD and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction cannot be managed adequately by any of these therapies. Alternative treatment strategies are therefore warranted in these patients for symptomatic relief, improvement in quality of life and perhaps improvement in survival. One such strategy currently in development is pharmacologic augmentation of collateral circulation. Early angiographers found that patients with severe CAD and well-formed collateral circulation frequently have preserved ventricular function. However, as later noted by these investigators, the rate of collateral development is usually slower than the rate of native vessel narrowing or occlusion, thus limiting the ability of collateral circulation to prevent ischemic damage. This spurred interest in developing novel therapies to augment the rate of collateral vessel formation to compensate for this natural shortcoming, hence the birth of angiogenesis research for advanced vascular disease. Angiogenic factors, originally identified by their role in the growth of solid tumors, encompass a diverse variety of molecules identified in nearly all tissue types. Research in these factors has led to the assumption that they would pharmacologically enhance coronary collateral development. The promotion of new vessel growth using vascular growth factors is now known as therapeutic angiogenesis, and is perhaps the most promising strategy for salvaging ischemic and/or viable myocardium. 12–14 A large body of laboratory data as well as animal experiments and clinical trials are emerging regarding this therapy. A rigorous clinical evaluation may eventually place this therapy as an important adjunct to existing therapeutic modalities or as a sole method of treatment for advanced CAD and ischemic cardiomyopathy.
Impact of Platelet Functional Assays on the Cost of Treating Suspected Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia

Objectives:To investigate the potential cost savings of using functional platelet assays to confirm the diagnosis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT).Methods:This was a single-center study conducted in the United States. We performed a retrospective cost of illness analysis of suspected HIT, comparing patients with the serotonin release assay (SRA) ordered as part of their diagnostic evaluation to those who did not. The primary clinical end point was a composite of mortality and major bleed.Results:A total of 147 patients met the study’s inclusion criteria. An SRA was ordered in 53 patients of whom 17% were positive. Overall, SRA use did not reduce the composite primary clinical end point (32.1% vs 33%, P = .911). Also, there was no difference in the total cost of hospital stay (US $84781.1 vs US $78534.4, P = .409) nor in the direct medical costs related to HIT management (US $7473.5 vs US $8402.4, P = .393). Early ordering of the SRA (within 48 hours) was associated with shorter length of stay (20...
Lessons Learned From African American Women About Participation in a Family-Based HIV Prevention Program

This study uses qualitative data from individual interviews with low-income, African American women (n = 92) between 19 and 35 years of age who participated in 12 two-hour sessions of a family-focused HIV prevention intervention. The study explores influences on three domains. At the individual domain, development of personal attributes and the perceptions that program staff was fair toward racial minorities appear to influence participation. At the program domain, staff friendliness and monetary incentive also influenced participation. At the social domain, influence of friends and emotional support influenced participation. Training staff to confront racism and to develop a culturally competent and friendly environment has the potential to increase attendance among participants at high risk for HIV exposure.
Associations of Maternal Prenatal Smoking with Child Adiposity and Blood Pressure

Objective: To examine the extent to which maternal prenatal smoking is associated with adiposity, central adiposity, and blood pressure in 3-year-old children. Research Methods and Procedures: We studied 746 mother-child pairs in Project Viva, a prospective cohort study, and categorized mothers as never, early pregnancy, or former smokers. Main outcome measures were overweight (BMI for age and sex > 85th percentile), BMI z-score, sum of subscapular (SS) and triceps (TR) skinfolds, SS:TR skinfold ratio, and systolic blood pressure (SBP). Results: One hundred sixty-one (22%) mothers quit smoking before pregnancy, 71 (10%) smoked in early pregnancy, and 514 (69%) never smoked. At age 3 years, 204 (27%) children were overweight. On multivariable analysis, compared with children of never smokers, children of early pregnancy smokers had an elevated risk for overweight [odds ratio (OR), 2.2; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.2, 3.9] and higher BMI z-score (0.30 units; 95% CI, 0.05, 0.55), SS + TR (2.0 mm; 95% CI, 0.9, 3.0), and SBP (2.4 mm Hg; 95% CI, −0.1, 4.9). Children of former smokers were not more overweight (BMI z-score, 0.02 units; 95% CI, −0.15, 0.19) but had higher SBP (1.5 mm Hg; 95% CI, −0.1, 3.2). We saw no relationship of smoking with central adiposity (SS:TR). Discussion: Former and early pregnancy smokers had children with somewhat higher SBP, but only early pregnancy smokers had children who were more overweight. Mechanisms linking smoking with child adiposity and blood pressure may differ. A long-term impact of maternal smoking on offspring cardiovascular risk provides further reason to reduce smoking in women.