cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Energy efficient ranging in wireless sensor networks via a new time slot-based round-trip algorithm

This paper introduces a ranging algorithm for wireless sensor networks. Here, a novel time slot based technique is applied for ranging of sensor nodes within the clustered sensor network. The proposed technique avoids clock synchronization of sensor nodes by exploiting the round-trip time-of-flight measurements. Moreover, it is energy efficient as it avoids the complexity inherent in multi-user detection or point-to-point ranging incorporated in traditional round-trip techniques. The performance and feasibility of the proposed method are studied by evaluating the required number of transmissions and receptions and the duration of ranging process.
Evaluation of POSSUM and P-POSSUM scoring systems in assessing outcome after laparoscopic colectomy

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the actual and predicted risk-adjusted morbidity and mortality after laparoscopic colectomy (LAC) calculated using both the Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enUmeration of Mortality and morbidity (POSSUM) and Portsmouth POSSUM (P-POSSUM) scoring systems. Methods: All patients who underwent LAC performed by a single surgeon between March 1999 and December 2000 were analysed. The observed morbidity and mortality rates were compared with those predicted by the POSSUM scoring system, and the observed mortality rate with that predicted by P-POSSUM. The operative severity component of the operative score was sequentially decreased from 4 (standard score for open colectomy) to 2, then 1, in an attempt to correct overprediction. Results: Two hundred and fifty-one consecutive patients underwent LAC, with a conversion rate of 8·0 per cent. The morbidity rate (6·8 per cent) was significantly lower than the predicted rates calculated with an operative score of 4 or 2 (12·4 per cent, P < 0·001; 9·6 per cent, P = 0·001), but was fully corrected with an operative score of 1 (7·0 per cent, P = 0·325). The observed mortality rate (0·8 per cent) was significantly different from the expected mortality rates calculated using either uncorrected POSSUM (9·6 per cent, P = 0·001) or P-POSSUM (3·5 per cent, P = 0·001). POSSUM (2·6 per cent, P = 0·007) continued to overpredict mortality but P-POSSUM (1·0 per cent, P = 0·001) accurately predicted mortality with an operative score of 1. Conclusion: LAC appeared to be associated with lower morbidity and mortality rates than those predicted by the POSSUM scoring system, and with a lower mortality rate than that predicted using the P-POSSUM system. Copyright © 2003 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Radial gradient culture on the inner surface of collagen tubes: Organoid growth of normal rat bladder and rat bladder cancer cell line NBT-II

Radial histophysiologic gradient culture uses thin walled, permeable collagen tubes to house inocula in the form of either tissue explants, aggregates of cells, or dissociated cells. The outgrowth from these incoula spreads on the inner surface of the cylindrical tube, completely lining the lumen. Metabolites are exchanged through the wall of the collagen tube by diffusion from the pool of medium surrounding the cylinder. Urothelial cells form organoid stratified epithelium. A histophysiologic gradient occurs with the basal surface of the epithelium attached to the collagen wall. At this interface, for normal bladder, the initiation of epithelial renewal is seen in the basal zone, as shown by incorporation of tritiated thymidine. The simulation of conditions in nature is attained by the exchange of metabolites between the pool of medium and the basal zone of the epithelium. NBT-II appears as two concentric stratified epithelia. Isotopic labelling is seen throughout the epithelium attached to the collagen membrane. In the superficial stratified epithelium remnants of nuclei are seen without isotopic labelling. Preparation of living cultures and, after fixation, of histologic sections is technically easy.
Intra-arterial cisplatin in malignant brain tumors: incidence and severity of otic toxicity.

Intra-arterial (IA) cisplatin is used to treat gliomas with the goal of maximizing drug concentration in the brain while minimizing systemic toxicity. The present study is based on the author's experience with IA cisplatin administration in 12 patients. The primary goal of the study was to document the extent of otic toxicity in these individuals. Hearing was tested clinically and with audiograms, before each IA cisplatin injection. Eight women and four men with a mean age of 39\({\raise0.7ex\hbox{$1$} \!\mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {1 2}}\right.\kern-\nulldelimiterspace}\!\lower0.7ex\hbox{$2$}}\) years (range 22–61) were treated. Diagnoses included 7 glioblastoma multiformes, 4 anaplastic astrocytomas, and 1 gliosarcoma. Diagnosis was obtained by stereotactic biopsy in four and craniotomy for resection and debulking in eight. The mean number of IA injections per patient was 4.58 (range 3–6). The cisplatin dose was 60 mg/m2 with the average dose of cisplatin per cycle being 116 mg (range 96–130 mg). Eleven patients had the agent administered via the internal carotid and one received it by way of a vertebral artery. Nine of the twelve patients (75%) demonstrated pure tone loss, as measured by audiography, of greater than 15 dB in the higher frequencies range (≥ 3 kHz) bilaterally. One patient became deaf and two others had clinically significant hearing loss. The severity of the auditory damage increased after each administration in each of the cases with clinical abnormality. IA cisplatin may have a role in the treatment of patients with primary malignant brain tumors, but further developments to limit otic toxicity would be of value.
Heat transfer to jackets with close clearance impellers in viscous materials

“Viscous mixing” as defined here includes the range of 5000 to 500,000 centipoises at 5 sec-1 fluid shear rate. It was found that heat transfer coefficient with helical impellers were related to the clearance between the impeller and the tank wall and not influenced to any important degree by the speed or the fluid viscosity. The mechanism seems to be conduction through this stagnant film. “Convection-type” correlations are not useful in describing the effect of operating variables. Le procede dit “melange visqueux” tel que defini dans cet article se situe dans leg limites de 5000 a 500,000 centipoises lorsque la vitesse d'un fluide a cisaillement est 5 sec-1. Avec des roues a aubes du genre helicoidal on a trouve que le coefficient de transfert de chaleur etait en relation avec l'espace entre l'extremite de l'aube et la paroi du reservoir; cependant la vitesse ou la viscosite du fluide ne l'affecte a aucun degre important. Le ntecanisme semble se faire par conduction a travers la pellicule stagnante. Les correlations de type “convection” n'ont ete d'aucune utilite pour decrire l'effet cause par les variables des operations experimentales.
Optimization of 13C isotopic tracers for metabolic flux analysis in mammalian cells

Mammalian cells consume and metabolize various substrates from their surroundings for energy generation and biomass synthesis. Glucose and glutamine, in particular, are the primary carbon sources for proliferating cancer cells. While this combination of substrates generates static labeling patterns for use in 13C metabolic flux analysis (MFA), the inability of single tracers to effectively label all pathways poses an obstacle for comprehensive flux determination within a given experiment. To address this issue we applied a genetic algorithm to optimize mixtures of 13C-labeled glucose and glutamine for use in MFA. We identified tracer combinations that minimized confidence intervals in an experimentally determined flux network describing central carbon metabolism in tumor cells. Additional simulations were used to determine the robustness of the [1,2-13C2]glucose/[U-13C5]glutamine tracer combination with respect to perturbations in the network. Finally, we experimentally validated the improved performance of this tracer set relative to glucose tracers alone in a cancer cell line. This versatile method allows researchers to determine the optimal tracer combination to use for a specific metabolic network, and our findings applied to cancer cells significantly enhance the ability of MFA experiments to precisely quantify fluxes in higher organisms.
Isolation from human sera in Egypt of a virus apparently identical to West Nile virus.

Summary1. Three strains of a filterable virus closely related to West Nile have been isolated from the blood of children living on the outskirts of Cairo, Egypt. 2. The 3 strains of virus appear to be immunologically identical. 3. In addition to a strong relationship and apparent identity with West Nile virus, the Egyptian virus crosses, although to a lesser degree, with both Japanese B and St. Louis encephalitis viruses. This was found by both neutralization and complement fixation tests. 4. The virus produces a marked encephalomyelitis in monkeys inoculated intracerebrally. Lesions are found throughout the spinal cord and brain including the cerebellum. 5. Chimpanzees develop a silent infection following intracutaneous infection of the virus. This is characterized by a viremia lasting 3 days followed by the appearance of both neutralizing and complement fixing antibodies. 6. The Egyptian virus was not neutralized by human gamma globulin collected in the United States, nor by 24 different hyperimmune ser...
Optical MEMS Technology for Scalable Quantum Information Processor

We describe microsystems approach to realizing a scalable quantum information processor in trapped ions and atoms. A flexible, MEMS-based beam steering system is demonstrated that enables random access of qubits in a 2-D array.
Lack of Significant Changes in the Herpetofauna of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota, Since the 1920s

Abstract We surveyed 88 upland wetlands and 12 1-km river sections for amphibians in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota, during 2001–2002 to gather baseline data for future monitoring efforts and to evaluate changes in the distribution of species. We compared our results to collections of herpetofauna made during 1920–1922, 1954 and 1978–1979. The boreal chorus frog (Pseudacris maculata) was the most common amphibian in upland wetlands, followed by the tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum), Woodhouse's toad (Bufo woodhousii), northern leopard frog (Rana pipiens), plains spadefoot (Spea bombifrons) and the Great Plains toad (B. cognatus). Bufo woodhousii was the only species that bred in the river. Our records for reptiles are less complete than for amphibians but no losses from the community are evident. The herpetofauna in Theodore Roosevelt National Park seems unchanged during at least the last half-century and likely since 1920–1922.
Electroconvulsive shock and learned helplessness in rats

Three experiments evaluated the effects of a single electroconvulsive shock in alleviating the learned helplessness effect in rats. The experiments differed primarily in terms of the location of the ECS treatment in the experimental sequence of events. In Experiment 1, ECS was given following helplessness training and testing and was evaluated during a retesting phase; in Experiment 2, ECS was given either immediately after helplessness training or immediately before helplessness testing; and, in Experiment 3, ECS was given prior to helplessness training. In all three experiments, significant helplessness effects occurred for subjects not receiving ECS but were absent in subjects receiving ECS. The data were compared with expectations arising from both amnesia-inducing and biochemical-change interpretations of the effects of ECS.
Design for safety of recreational water slides

This article presents an integrated modeling, analysis, and design method for the safety of recreational water slides. Safety and excitement levels of riding on the water slide are the two common criteria for water slide design. Between the two, safety is far more critical than excitement. The safety aspect of the water slide design is ensured by restricting the riding object to stay within the physical boundary of the slide. The safety constraints must be imposed on the object for the entire time domain. A geometric modeling method was first developed. The modeling method converts a given set of discrete points that represent the geometric shape of the water slide into a smooth and parametric B-spline surface in which the control point positions are defined as design variables. A set of differential equations, based on the Lagrange equation of motion, that describes the motion of the riding object is derived. These ordinary differential equations are solved using Mathematica. An analytical shape design s...
Periodontal microflora of HIV positive subjects with gingivitis or adult periodontitis

The subgingival microflora of 39 HIV+ subjects with gingivitis or adult periodontitis was cultured quantitatively anaerobically for bacteria, spirochetes, and mycoplasma and aerobically for yeasts. Isolates were characterized by conventional biochemical tests, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of soluble proteins, cellular fatty acid profiles, immunofluorescence, and immunodiffusion. In general, the same types of bacteria were isolated from the subgingival crevice of HIV+ subjects as we previously had isolated from the subgingival crevice of non-HIV subjects. A statistically significant difference was found between the composition of the flora of HIV+ subjects with adult periodontitis (AP) and concurrent studies of a non-HIV+ AP population. Mycoplasma salivarium was significantly elevated in the HIV+ subjects examined. Yeasts were isolated from only 10% of the samples and from 13% of the HIV-positive subjects at 0.05 to 0.0002% of the total cultivable count when present.
Reversing muscle and mobility deficits 1 to 4 years after TKA: a pilot study.

Muscle and mobility deficits can persist for years after a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purposes of this study were (1) to determine if 12 weeks of rehabilitation with resistance exercise induces increases in muscle size, strength, and mobility in individuals 1 to 4 years after a TKA; and (2) to compare the muscle and mobility outcomes of a traditional resistance exercise rehabilitation program with a rehabilitation program focused on eccentric resistance exercise. Seventeen individuals (13 women, four men; mean age, 68 years; age range, 55–80 years) with either a unilateral or bilateral TKA (total of 24 knees) were included in this matched and randomized repeated-measures rehabilitation pilot trial. Increases in quadriceps muscle volume and knee extension strength followed 12 weeks of eccentric exercise. Improvements were also noted in four mobility tests. Similar improvements were noted in the traditional group in two mobility tests. An increase in muscle size and strength and an improvement in levels of mobility can occur after 12 weeks of resistance exercise in older individuals 1 to 4 years after TKA. When the exercise mode focuses on eccentric resistance, the muscle growth response is greater as is the improvement in important mobility tasks. Level of Evidence: Level II, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Aperiodic servers in a deadline scheduling environment

A real-time system may have tasks with soft deadlines, as well as hard deadlines. While earliest-deadline-first scheduling is effective for hard-deadline tasks, applying it to soft-deadline tasks may waste schedulable processor capacity or sacrifice average response time. Better average response time may be obtained, while still guaranteeing hard deadlines, with an aperiodic server. Three scheduling algorithms for aperiodic servers are described, and schedulability tests are derived for them. A simulation provides performance data for these three algorithms on random aperiodic tasks. The performances of the deadline aperiodic servers are compared with those of several alternatives, including background service, a deadline polling server, and rate-monotonic servers, and with estimates based on the M/M/1 queueing model. This adds to the evidence in support of deadline scheduling,versus fixed priority scheduling.
Thematic resolution, PTSD, and complex PTSD: the relationship between meaning and trauma-related diagnoses.

The role of modifying schemas in trauma-focused psychotherapy has received theoretical and clinical attention. However, the relationship of schematic processing to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis has not been examined empirically. The current study compared measures of thematic disruption among individuals with PTSD alone, PTSD with concurrent complex PTSD, and no PTSD. Eighty two participants were interviewed to assess PTSD status, complex PTSD status, traumatic life events, and trauma-related thematic processing. Results indicated that variables quantifying thematic disruption and thematic resolution significantly distinguished those individuals with concurrent PTSD plus complex PTSD from the other two groups. Exploratory analyses indicated that PTSD symptom severity and the interpersonal nature of the trauma were related to thematic disruption.
Two-phase interactions through turbulent events as described by fluid–particle correlations

Abstract An experimental investigation of a vertical upward, two-phase pipe flow was undertaken to measure kinematic parameters of the fluid and solid phases. The kinematic parameters included Reynolds stress distributions based on quadrant analyses that provided insight in understanding the behavior of two-phase kinematic correlation profiles. The data collected was based on a two-color digital particle image velocimetry (DPIV) technique that simultaneously measured the velocity fields of the fluid and solid phases. From quadrant analysis results, differences in Reynolds stress quadrant profiles between the single- and two-phase conditions were observed near the wall in the range 0.8>r/R>0.55, corresponding to wall distances between 35 and 75 viscous lengths (y+). Correlation coefficients between the two phases were then calculated, using the fluctuating velocity components of each phase. The extent of the interaction between the two phases was tracked by the changing correlation values versus distance from the wall. The correlation of the fluid and solid phase velocities was highest in the core region of the pipe (y+∼120), where the effect of turbulent events is reduced; low correlation coefficient values were found at y+ The extent of the influence of wall dynamic turbulent events on the solid phase was observed both by the differences in the relative Reynolds stress quadrant profiles and, more readily, by the changing values of two-phase axial and radial correlation coefficients determined from the simultaneous fluid and solid fluctuating velocities measured by the two-color DPIV methodology. These changing values of the correlation coefficients across the tube reflect the different responses of low inertia (fluid tracers) and high inertia (solid phase glass spheres) particles to the turbulent events. Similar profiles of the axial and radial correlation coefficients were observed, indicating that for the geometry and flow conditions considered, one velocity component of each phase was sufficient to track the spatial extent of turbulent event effects and their interactions with the fluid and solid phases. It is found that the two-color DPIV methodology and two-phase correlation results can give critical insight into the performance of thermal-fluid processes, as burst and sweep events have a large impact on the kinematics and dynamics of particles in the two-phase flow.
CHEMICAL BASIS OF HOST SELECTION AND PLANT RESISTANCE IN OLIGOPHAGOUS INSECTS

Recent investigations of the Colorado potato beetle and the alfalfa weevil reveal many similarities in their modes of host selection. Many plant chemicals influence their behavioral responses and physiological processes. Chemical stimuli influencing host finding and acceptance or rejection of plants include attractants, repellents, sign stimulants, feeding stimulants and deterrents. Both species are highly sensitive to deterrent chemicals present in many plants. Feeding stimulants are indispensible for these insects and are supplied by both primary nutrients (i.e. sugars, amino acids, phospholipids and potassium salts) and secondary plant substances. The important role played by different plant chemicals in host selection and plant resistance is discussed. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG DIE CHEMISCHEN GRUNDLAGEN DER WIRTSWAHL UND DER PFLANZLICHEN RESISTENZ BEI OLIGOPHAGEN INSEKTEN Neuere Untersuchungen am Kartoffelkafer und am Luzerneblattnager forderten viele Ubereinstimmungen in der Art ihrer Wirtswahl zu Tage. Viele Pflanzenstoffe beeinflussen ihre Verhaltensweisen und physiologische Prozesse. Chemische Reize, welche die Auffindung des Wirtes, Annahme oder Ablehnung der Pflanzen beeinflussen, umfassen Attractants, Repellents, Signalstoffe, Fras-Stimulatoren und Abschreckstoffe. Beide Arten sind hochempfindlich gegenuber abschreckenden Verbindungen in vielen Pflanzen. Fras-Stimulatoren sind fur beide Insekten unabdingbar notwendig und werden sowohl von primaren Nahrstoffen (wie Zucker, Aminosauren, Phospholipiden und Natriumsalzen) wie von sekundaren Pflanzenstoffen gestellt. Die bedeutsame Rolle, welche Pflanzenstoffe bei der Wirtswahl und der Resistenz der Pflanzen spielen, wird diskutiert.
A Resource Leasing Policy for on-Demand Computing

Leasing computational resources for on-demand computing is now a viable option for providers of network services. Temporary spikes or lulls in demand for a service can be accommodated by flexible leasing arrangements. From the service provider's perspective, the problem is how many resources to lease and for how long. In this paper we formulate and solve the resource leasing problem for the case of a single service. The objective is to minimize the cost of leasing resources while still maintaining an adequate quality of service, which we measure by the average wait time of requests. Demand for the service and execution times of service requests are modeled as random variables. The problem is formulated as a continuous-time, infinite-horizon Markov decision problem. We use the dynamic programming method of value iteration for its solution and we characterize the resulting optimal cost function. We find that the cost of providing a service is convex-like in the number of resources leased and nondecreasing in the number of requests in the system. Close examination of the optimal cost function shows that the cost of providing a service is more sensitive to underdeployment than to overdeployment. Thus, when demand for the service is known to exist, but is unpredictable, it is better to lease more resources than fewer resources.
Modeling and Characterization of Laser Drilling of Small Holes on Metal Sheets

Laser drilling is increasingly being used in fabrication of small components in various materials with applications in aerospace, automotive, electronics and medical industries, and it offers a unique combination of benefits for the contemporary manufacturing industry as a rapid, precise, clean, flexible, and efficient process. Laser drilling involves a stationary laser beam which uses its high power density to melt or vaporize material from the workpiece, and the process is governed by an energy balance between the irradiating energy from the laser beam, the conduction heat into the workpiece, the energy losses to the environment, and the energy required for phase change in the workpiece. There are three major mechanisms of removal of material from the beam interaction zone and consequent propagation of the melt front into the metal bulk. They are (1) melt ejection due to interaction between the melt and an assisting gas, (2) melt ejection by the vaporization-induced recoil force, and (3) melt evaporation. The results of laser drilling processes, such as the profile of the heat affected zone (HAZ) and the geometry of the holes, strongly depend on settings of the laser parameters such as peak power, pulse length, pulse repetition rate, number of pulses, focal condition, etc. In addition, the processing results are strongly influenced by geometrical and material properties of the workpiece. This paper presents theoretical and experimental studies of laser drilling of micrometer size holes on metal sheets using a pulsed Nd:YAG laser. A model of the temperature distribution and the motion of the melting front for laser drilling is presented and compared with experimental data. Effects of laser parameters on the resultant geometry of the hole are investigated and summarized, and an optimum procedure for laser drilling of small holes on metal sheets is outlined.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Building brand community among ethnic diaspora in the USA: Strategic implications for marketers

This exploratory study modifies two theoretical scales from consumer behaviour and social psychology and tests their psychometric properties through empirical data obtained from a sample of customers in an ethnic diaspora. Upon validation, the relationship between brand community integration and the Suinn-Lew ethnicity scale is examined. Preliminary results indicate the scales to be relatively robust in their modification. The results of this study contribute by introducing a respected scale from social psychology to the marketing literature, validating an existing scale of brand community in the ethnic marketing context, and suggesting implications for future research with larger samples and scope. Findings of the study are of interest to US firms employing marketing strategies to reach ethnic minorities in the country. In addition, firms in other countries would find the results of the study to be of interest as they employ marketing strategies targeting the ethnic diaspora in the USA.
Self-Assembled Chromophoric NLO-Active Monolayers. X-ray Reflectivity and Second-Harmonic Generation as Complementary Probes of Building Block−Film Microstructure Relationships

The microstructural changes in chromophoric self-assembled monolayers induced by modifications in the architecture of the molecular components are studied by X-ray reflectivity and polarized second...
Polymorphisms in the coding exons of the human luteinizing hormone receptor gene

Four polymorphisms were identified in the coding exons of the human luteinizng hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptor (hLHR) gene. A CTGCAG insertion occurred after nucleotide 54 in 8 of 34 independent chromosomes examined. The heterozygosity frequency was 0.353. This Leu-Gln dipeptide insertion in the first Leucine repeat of the hLHR extracellular domain did not affect the ligand binding affinity of the receptor. Among 54 chromosomes analyzed, 64.8% was A and 35.2% was G at nucleotide 872 in exon 10. The heterozygosity frequency was 0.115. The A/G substitution led to the replacement of Asn by Ser in the G alllele and the abolition of a potential N-glycosylation site. Another polymorphism occurred at nucleotide 935. Fifty nine percent of chromosomes examined were A and 41% were G at this site with the encoded amino acid being Ser in the former and Asn in the latter. The heterozygosity frequency was 0.192. This polymorphism did not have biological consequence. Both of the exon 10 polymorphisms showed ethnic prevalence with the 872 G allele and the 935 A allele predominantly in non-Caucasians. The fourth polymorphism was neutral and occurred at nucleotide 1065 in exon 11, with C in 60% and T in 40% of the 50 chromosomes examined. These polymorphisms are useful for tracking the inheritance of specific hLHR allele. Hum Mutat 11:333–334, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Post Plasma Etch Residue Removal Using CO2-Based Mixtures: Mechanistic Considerations

High-pressure CO 2 -based fluids have recently been proposed for post plasma etch residue removal as an environmentally benign alternative to current liquid-based methods. Specifically, CO 2 -tetramethylammonium bicarbonate(TMAHCO 3 ) methanol mixtures have been used to remove photoresist residues from a CORAL low-dielectric constant film. In this work, detailed studies are performed to improve the understanding of the residue removal mechanism using these mixtures. Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and interferometry are used for in situ and ex situ monitoring during the cleaning process; model residue films are used to facilitate interpretation of results from these studies. The role of CO 2 and the additives in the mixture is also delineated. The primary cleaning mechanism appears to be attack of the interface between the residue and the capping layer by OH - ions generated by dissociation of TMAHCO 3 . Methanol promotes dissociation of the bicarbonate, while the role of CO 2 is to promote diffusion of the additives to the interface.
Bacterial, Viral, and Fungal Insecticides

Microorganisms that are pathogenic to insects provide a wealth of biological material that can be exploited by humans to control insect pests. Innovative applications of a few such entomopathogens are found throughout the world, but widespread commercial production of microbial insecticides awaits further studies of the biology, ecology, and pathogenicity of the agents. Genetic engineering techniques may be used to increase the virulence of these microorganisms, as well as to make them more tolerant of physical and chemical conditions and perhaps to broaden their host ranges. The use of microbial insecticides could decrease our dependence on chemical pesticides.
SUBTEST PERFORMANCE ON THE WECHSLER ADULT INTELLIGENCE SCALE AS A FUNCTION OF ANXIETY AND DEFENSIVENESS

Varying relations between manifest anxiety and scaled WAIS scores appear when a correction for defensiveness is used.
An investigation of insulin structure by model building techniques.

Abstract An investigation by model building techniques has shown that it is possible to build a model of the insulin molecule based on the α-helix structure and conforming to Sanger's chemical formulation. The model does not apparently conflict with chemical, physical or crystallographic evidence, but at present it can only be regarded as a possible trial structure which lacks any positive proof. Les auteurs ont montre qu'il est possible de construire un modele de la molecule d'insuline fonde sur la structure en helice et conforme a la formule chimique de Sanger . Ce modele est apparemment en accord avec les donnees chimiques, physiques ou cristallographiques, mais a l'heure actuelle on ne peut le considerer que comme une structure d'essai possible qui n'est etaye par aucune preuve positive.
Nitrogen rotational excitation by collisions with argon-observations and comprison with theory

Abstract Measurements of the distribution of rotational states in a nitrogen molecular beam before and after deflection by collision with rare gas atoms are interpreted in terms of the intermolecular potential. A potential of the form V ( R , θ) = 4ϵ(1 + b 2 P 2 (cosθ)| R *12 − 4θ [1 + α 2 P 2 (cosθ)]/ R *6 is used with semiclassical theory using the sudden approximation to fit the observations. As α 2 is known, as well as ϵ and the size parameter, σ, the objective is to find b 2 . However, the calculated state distributions are found to systematically vary from those measured, irrespective of the value of b 2 . This result is tentatively explained as due to the inadequacies of the 12-6 potential.
REGULATION OF NEURONAL PLCγ BY CHRONIC MORPHINE

Alterations in neurotrophic signaling pathways may contribute to the changes in the mesolimbic dopamine system induced by chronic morphine exposure. In a rat model of morphine dependence, we previously identified increased levels of phospholipase C gamma-1 (PLCγ1) immunoreactivity specifically within the ventral tegmental area (VTA) following chronic morphine treatment. Using an antibody specific for the tyrosine-phosphorylated, activated form of PLCγ1, we now show that chronic morphine also significantly upregulates PLCγ1 activity in the VTA, as well as in the nucleus accumbens and hippocampus, regions which are also implicated in the reinforcing properties of morphine. In contrast, no increase in PLCγ1 activity was found in the substantia nigra or dorsal striatum. HSV-mediated overexpression of PLCγ1 in PC12 cells induced ERK activation via a mechanism dependent, in part, on both MAP-ERK kinase (MEK) and protein kinase C. PLCγ1 overexpression in the VTA similarly induced ERK activation in the VTA in vivo. As chronic morphine treatment has been shown to increase ERK activity within the VTA, the current results suggest that increased PLCγ1 activity may be an upstream mediator of this effect.
Use of isotope bone scans and skeletal survey X-rays in the follow-up of patients with thyroid carcinoma

We have evaluated the utility of isotope bone scans and skeletal survey X-rays in the periodic evaluation of patients known to have had thyroid carcinoma. Patient data were evaluated in 29 patients with known metastatic disease and 79 patients without known metastatic disease who were followed over a period of 3-12 years and who had coincident 131Iodide whole body scans, technetium pyrophosphate bone scans, chest X-rays, and skeletal surveys, at periodic intervals. The information gained for each patient, at a time when two or three of the major survey procedures were conducted coincidentally, was evaluated retrospectively for its impact on classification and management of the patients. Metastatic tumor was detected in most instances by 131I RAIU in the lungs or by chest X-rays. Six patients had proven bone metastasis. Four of these patients had positive 131Iodide RAIU in bones, and two were positive and two negative by pyrophosphate bone scan. Only one was positive by skeletal survey X-rays at the time metastases were first detected by bone scans. Nine of the patients with metastatic disease displayed abnormal bone scans, but six of these were determined to be false positives. Bone scans detected one poorly differentiated metastatic tumor which did not accumulate 131I. Bone scans were more sensitive than skeletal survey X-rays. Physical exam, chest X-ray, and I131 whole body scans detected all instances of metastatic carcinoma.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Insulin binding to erythrocytes of normal infants, children, and adults: variation with age and sex.

The assay of insulin receptors on erythrocytes requires only small amounts of blood and has made it possible to characterize insulin binding in infancy and childhood. To establish normal insulin-binding criteria, we studied 125I binding to insulin receptors on erythrocytes from a large number of normal subjects, including 15 term deliveries, 45 prepubertal children (aged 2 months-12 yr), 15 adult women, and 15 adult men. Insulin binding to cord erythrocytes was significantly higher at tracer and physiological insulin concentrations than binding to cells from any other age group (P < 0.001). In the prepubertal children after the newborn period, insulin binding was not related to age or sex and did not differ significantly from the binding to cells from adult women. Erythrocytes from adult males, however, bound significantly higher amounts of insulin than did those from adult women or prepubertal children at all insulin concentrations tested (P < 0.01). Increased binding to cord erythrocytes appeared to be ...
Synthesis of Several Cleistrioside and Cleistetroside Natural Products via a Divergent De Novo Asymmetric Approach

The de novo asymmetric syntheses of several partially acylated dodecanyl tri- and tetra-rhamnoside natural products (cleistriosides-5 and 6 and cleistetrosides-2 to 7) have been achieved (19−24 steps). The divergent route requires the use of three or less protecting groups. The asymmetry was derived via Noyori reduction of an acylfuran. The rhamno-stereochemistry was installed by a diastereoselective palladium-catalyzed glycosylation, ketone reduction and dihydroxylation.
On the Growth of Functions of Mean Type

1. V. Bernstein, N. Levinson, R. P. Boas, Jr., and others have investigated under what conditions on the sequence for all functions f(z) regular and of suitably restricted growth in the halfplane x≥0. (For references see [1].)In this note the restrictions on f(z) are that f(z) is regular, and not identically zero in continuous in and that for some positive B
An Alternative Mechanism for Accelerated Carbon Sequestration in Concrete

Abstract The increased rate of carbon dioxide sequestration (carbonation) is desired in many primary and secondary life applications of concrete in order to make the life cycle of concrete structures more carbon neutral. Most carbonation rate studies have focused on concrete exposed to air under various conditions. An alternative mechanism for accelerated carbon sequestration in concrete was investigated in this research based on the pH change of waters in contact with pervious concrete which have been submerged in carbonate laden waters. This may be pertinent for applications of concrete reuse in marine or other aqueous applications such as jetties and riprap. The results indicate that the concrete exposed to high levels of carbonate species in water may carbonate faster than when exposed to ambient air, and that the rate is higher with higher concentrations. Validation of increased carbon dioxide sequestration was also performed via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). It is theorized that the proposed alternative mechanism reduces a limiting rate effect of carbon dioxide dissolution in water in the micro pores of the concrete.
Oriented Structure and Crystallography of Directionally Solidified LaB6—ZrB2 Eutectic

Directional solidification of LaB 6 -ZrB 2 , by use of an electron beam heating technique, yielded oriented ZrB 2 fibers in a LaB 6 matrix. The average diameter of the ZrB 2 fibers was ∼0.2-1.2 μm, with fiber lengths up to 100 μm. Primary platelike LaB 6 dendrites formed upon the solidification of an ingot with a composition of LaB 6 -18 wt% ZrB 2 . LaB 6 was the first phase to nucleate when eutectic growth occurred, and ZrB 2 showed nonfaceted growth. For the ingot solidified with planar growth the orientation relations of the phases were as follows: growth direction, [001] LaB6 ||[00.1] ZrB2 ; interfacial plane, (11.0) LaB6 |(11.0) ZrB2 .
Some Determinants of Affiliation and Conformity

This study tested 5 sets of hypotheses relating to affiliative and conformity behaviors. In two investigations, all measures obtained from the college undergraduate Ss were based on verbal questionnaires, and multiple regression analyses were used to test the hypotheses. For moderately familiar targets, whose status or attitudes only were known, affiliative behavior correlated with a personality measure of affiliative tendency, and conformity behavior correlated with sensitivity to rejection. Attitude discrepancy, and to a lesser extent status discrepancy, implied less reinforcing quality of an unfamiliar target, and therefore less desire to affiliate with or conform to him. Further, increasing attitude discrepancy with a target was a greater deterrent of affiliation for those who were more sensitive to rejection. Due to the positive connotations of higher status, among targets of equally discrepant status, those who were of higher status elicited more affiliation and conformity than those who were lower ...
Factors related to internal control disclosure: A discussion of Ashbaugh, Collins, and Kinney (2007) and Doyle, Ge, and McVay (2007)

Abstract Ashbaugh, Collins, and Kinney, henceforth ACK, and Doyle, Ge, and McVay, henceforth DGM, provide the first evidence relating firm characteristics to internal control deficiencies (ICDs) reported under new disclosure requirements. Both studies document that control risk factors associated with organizational complexity and significant organizational change, as well as relative investment in internal control systems, are related to disclosure of internal control. ACK also test whether factors associated with incentives to discover and report ICDs affect disclosure of ICDs but this evidence is less compelling. I present alternative explanations and provide some descriptive evidence that is consistent with these alternative explanations.
Diversity and order in communication theory: The uses of philosophical analysis

This essay proposes the metatheoretical stance of skeptical pluralism as a means of ordering and integrating knowledge of human communication. It begins with a critical discussion of the laws/systems/rules trichotomy and then outlines the method of skeptical pluralism. A typology of modern philosophies suggested by Richard McKeon is used to identify four fundamentally different conceptions of communication and science. The essay concludes with a discussion of several metatheoretical problems disclosed by the analysis.
Attitudes about addiction: a national study of addiction educators.

The following study, funded by the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), utilized the Addiction Belief Inventory (ABI; Luke, Ribisl, Walton, & Davidson, 2002) to examine addiction attitudes in a national sample of U.S. college/university faculty teaching addiction-specific courses (n = 215). Results suggest that addiction educators view substance abuse as a coping mechanism rather than a moral failure, and are ambivalent about calling substance abuse or addiction a disease. Most do not support individual efficacy toward recovery, the ability to control use, or social use after treatment. Modifiers of addiction educator attitudes include level of college education; teaching experience; licensure/certification, and whether the educator is an addiction researcher. Study implications, limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.
The DNA repair enzyme, CPD-photolyase restores the infectivity of UV-damaged fowlpox virus isolated from infected scabs of chickens

Fowlpox virus (FWPV), an important pathogen of poultry, replicates very efficiently in the featherless areas of skin, and persists in dried and desiccated scabs for prolonged periods. Although the molecular mechanisms underlying the stability of the virus are not completely known, we recently identified the presence of a virus-encoded novel DNA repair enzyme, CPD-photolyase, in FWPV. This enzyme repairs the ultraviolet (UV)-induced pyrimidine dimers, converting them to monomers using photons from white light as a renewable source of energy. In this study, we examined the role of photolyase in the pathogenesis of fowlpox. A comparison of pathogenesis of fowlpox in chickens infected with parental FWPV with that in chickens infected with photolyase-deficient FWPV (Phr(-) FWPV) found no significant differences in terms of replication of virus or formation of secondary lesions. When the virions isolated from infected scabs were exposed to UV light, UV-damaged parental FWPV, unlike Phr(-) FWPV, were rescued through the CPD-photolyase-mediated photoreactivation pathway by at least 48%. However, the mutant virus triggered host's immune response and conferred complete protection against subsequent challenge with virus similar to that conferred by the parental virus. Since the mutant virus is less stable than the parental virus in the infected scabs but is as immunogenic, Phr(-) FWPV might be less persistent in the environment. Furthermore, this particular genetic locus can also be used to insert foreign genes for the development of FWPV recombinant vaccines.
The First Spark Spectrum of Manganese (Mn ii)

The analysis of the Mn II spectrum has been extended by the classification of approximately 600 additional lines. Most of the newly identified terms belong to the triplet system, for which no levels have previously been located. Intersystem lines have been found which fix the relative positions of the septet, quintet, and triplet systems and all terms of these systems to be expected within 40,000 wave numbers of the ground state have been established. No singlet levels have as yet been located.
Bilirubin concentration, UGT1A1*28 polymorphism, and coronary artery disease.

An inverse association between serum bilirubin and cardiovascular disease has been shown in numerous retrospective and prospective studies (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8) as well as in a metaanalysis study (9). Schwertner et al. (1) first reported that fasting serum bilirubin concentrations are inversely related to coronary artery stenosis in men. Low serum bilirubin concentrations were found to be associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), whereas bilirubin concentrations near the upper end of the reference interval were associated with a low risk of CAD. The strength of the association between bilirubin and CAD was similar to that of smoking, systolic blood pressure, and HDL-cholesterol. Hopkins et al. (2) confirmed the findings in a retrospective case-controlled study of men and women with early familial CAD. Individuals in the top quintile of serum bilirubin concentrations had an 80% reduction in CAD risk compared with individuals in the lowest quintile. Low bilirubin concentrations also have been found in individuals with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) (3) and ischemic heart disease (IHD) (6)(7)(8). Several prospective studies have shown that low serum bilirubin predicts future cardiovascular disease. In 1995, Breimer et al. (6) performed a prospective study of 7685 middle-aged men enrolled in the British Regional Heart Study (BRHS) and found that both low and high bilirubin concentrations were associated with an increased risk of CAD. In a prospective study of serum bilirubin and myocardial infarction (MI) in the Framingham Offspring Study (7), higher total serum …
Implementation of the Holocaust: The Behavior of Nazi Officials

Historical research has supplied extensive information about the stark facts of the Holocaust. It includes efforts both to document the full extent of the horror and to maintain a degree of objectivity and avoid undue sentimentality (Bauer 1978). The historical work includes, and goes beyond, chronicling the details of the murderous events. It points up unresolved-and possibly unresolvable-questions, such as the nature of the involvement and responsibility of European Christians. That issue involves, at one end, the accusation that Pope Pius XII was, at the very least, inactive in the face of a supreme moral challenge (Falconi 1970). At another end, it involves acknowledgement of extensive efforts by Christians to protect Jews, at considerable risk to themselves (Friedman 1980; Flender 1963).
Genetic and gene expression diversity among maize inbreds

Alterations in the regulation of gene expression have long been proposed to be crucial in contributing to phenotypic variation. To systematically compare variation in the expression of transcription factors and other genes across genotypes and tissues, the transcriptomes of 5 tissues were deeply sequenced from 27 inbred maize lines, comprising the founders of the Nested Association Mapping (NAM) population. Consistent with the hypothesis that variation in gene regulation contributes to phenotypic diversity, the genes that exhibit the most variable expression (G-VE genes) across genotypes are enriched in transcription factors. A proportion of those G-VE genes also demonstrated extreme expression variation across tissues. We further identified approximately 5 million SNPs and InDels from the RNA-Seq dataset, and determined the minimum numbers of haplotypes per gene in the NAM founders. Consistent with the complementation model of heterosis, 1,319 Filtered Gene Set (FGS) genes are affected by Large Effect SNPs (LES), which altered start codons, stop codons or splice sites. 26% of these LES alleles are rare alleles (with allele frequencies < 0.1). However, an additional 44% of LES has allele frequencies more than 0.8, possibly due to inaccurate annotation of genes or unidentified isoforms in the B73 reference genome. Both CNVs and gene haplotypes were found to have tissue-specific contributions to variation in gene expression. Our analysis revealed both regulatory and genetic variants’ roles in contributing to phenotypic variation.