cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Crystal Chemistry of the 4,4‘-Dimethyl-2,2‘bipyridine/Copper Bromide System

The reaction of 4,4‘-dimethyl-2,2-bipyridine (henceforth dmbp) with copper(I) and/or copper(II) bromide under a wide variety of conditions has led to the isolation of 10 different crystalline materials. These include one Cu(I) salt, [Cu(dmbp)2]Br (a distorted tetrahedral Cu species and a lattice Br- ion); two mixed valence Cu(I,II) compounds, [Cu(dmbp)2Br][CuBr2] (discrete 5-coordinated Cu(II) and linear Cu(I) species) and Cu(dmbp)2BrCu2Br3 (linked 5-coordinate Cu(II) and trigonal planar Cu(I) species); and seven Cu(II) compounds, (dmbp)CuBr2 (stacked planar monomers), [(dmbp)CuBr2]2(five coordinate bibridged dimers), (dmbp)Cu2Br4 (stacked planar bibridged dimers), (dmbp)CuBr2(DMSO) (five coordinate monomers), [Cu(dmbp)2Br]OH·51/2H2O and [Cu(dmbp)2Br](Br/OH)·51/2H2O (five coordinate monomers), and (dmbpH2)CuBr4·H2O (distorted tetrahedral monomers). The crystal structure determinations of these materials are reported. A common thread in their structural chemistry is the supramolecular architecture develope...
Myoblast‐mediated gene transfer to the joint

Several genetic and acquired pathologic conditions of the musculoskeletal system, such as arthritis and damage to ligament, cartilage, and meniscus, may be amenable to gene therapy. Even though ex vivo gene transfer with synovial cells has been shown to deliver genes encoding for anti-arthritic proteins into the rabbit knee joint, its success has been limited by a transient transgene expression. In this study, data were investigated regarding the use of muscle cells as an alternative gene-delivery vehicle to the joint in newborn rabbit and adult severe combined immunodeficiency mice. We demonstrated that myoblasts were transduced more efficiently than synovial cells with use of the same adenoviral preparation in vitro. After intra-articular injection, the engineered muscle cells adhered to several structures in the joint, including the ligament, capsule, and synovium. In addition, myoblasts fused to form many post-mitotic myotubes and myofibers at different locations of the joint of the newborn rabbit 5 days after the injection. In the knee of the adult mouse, myoblasts fused and expressed the reporter gene for at least 35 days after the injection. The presence of post-mitotic myofibers in the knee joint raises the possibility of long-term expression of the secreted protein. Currently, numerous tissues in the joint (ligament, meniscus, and cartilage) have poor intrinsic healing capacity and frequently need surgical corrections. A stable gene-delivery vehicle to the joint producing proteins that ameliorate these different musculoskeletal conditions may change the clinical implications of these pathologies.
An Analysis of Binary Search Trees Formed from Sequences of Nondistinct Keys

The expected depth of each key in the set of binary search trees formed from all sequences composed from a multiset {p1 · 1, p2 · 2, p3 · 3, ···, pn · n} is obtained, and hence the expected weight of such trees. The expected number of left-to-right local minima and the expected number of cycles in sequences composed from a multiset are then deduced from these results.
Hypercalcemia associated with esophageal carcinoma in the absence of bone metastasis

In a retrospective survey, hypercalcemia was found in 6 of 38 patients (15.8%) with squamous-cell esophageal carcinomas. Autopsy was performed on 4 patients. No evidence for bone metastases was found in any. Parathyroid hyperplasia was found in 2 subjects and liver metastases in one. While the cause for hypercalcemia in esophageal carcinoma cannot be determined at present, its unexpectedly high frequency has been emphasized.
Trypanosoma lucknowi, a New Species of Trypanosome from Macaca mulatta with Observations on Its Fine Structure

Trypanosoma lucknowi n. sp. was isolated in culture from one of 126 Macaca mulatta originating from the vicinity of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. Trypanosoma lucknowi is distinctive because of the large number of epimastigotes and trypomastigotes which, in culture, exhibit no movement or only a slight bending of the flagellar end. This limited motility coincides with a free flagellum which is either completely absent or rudimentary. The microorganism is cloned readily, and the description is based upon such cultures. Trypanosoma lucknowi shows pronounced differences from other trypanosomes of South Asian macaques and from "aflagellar" African trypanosomes. The ultrastructural demonstration of a cytostome and contractile vacuole suggests ultimate grouping with stercorarian trypanosomes. A 3-D reconstruction of the flagellar pocket/cytostome region is included.
Second moment of the diffraction point spread function as an image quality criterion

The second moment of the point spread function is related to the second derivative of the optical transfer function at the origin by the moment theorem. The second moment is the sum of a contribution of the aperture amplitude distribution, which yields a sometimes infinite term, and a term that is directly related to the wave front aberrations. In practical applications it is possible to redefine the second moment such that a quality parameter, identical to one successfully used in lens design, is obtained.
A Simplified Model Of Retinal Function With Parallel Architecture And Integrated Space-Time Filtering For Low Level Visual Processing

Spatial and temporal information in sequences of images is often represented in different formats and treated separately. Yet careful analysis of retinal organization indicates that it may simultaneously code the spatial and temporal organization of a scene in a fairly simple manner. In this paper we consider the structure and function of the retina and develop a new theory that describes its role in early vision. We also compare the results of this theory with some previously documented neurological data and show that the two are similar. Finally, we propose a parallel implementation that is similar in structure and function to the cellular components of the retina. The result is a convolutional space-time.
A matched filter method for ground-based sub-noise detection of terrestrial extrasolar planets in eclipsing binaries: application to CM Draconis

The photometric detection of extrasolar planets by transits in eclipsing binary systems can be significantly improved by cross-correlating the observational light curves with synthetic models of possible planetary transit features, essentially a matched filter approach. We demonstrate the utility and application of this transit detection algorithm for ground-based detections of terrestrial-sized (Earth-to-Neptune radii) extrasolar planets in the dwarf M-star eclipsing binary system CM Draconis. Preliminary photometric observational data of this system demonstrate that the observational noise is well characterized as white and Gaussian at the observational time steps required for precision photometric measurements. Depending on planet formation scenarios, terrestrial-sized planets may form quite close to this low-luminosity system. We demonstrate, for example, that planets as small as 1.4 Earth radii with periods on the order of a few months in the CM Draconis system could be detected at the 99.9% confidence level in less than a year using 1-m class telescopes from the ground. This result contradicts commonly held assumptions limiting present ground-based efforts to, at best, detections of gas giant planets after several years of observation. This method can be readily extended to a number of other larger star systems with the utilization of larger telescopes and longer observing times. Its extension to spacecraft observations should also allow the determination of the presence of terrestrial-sized planets in nearly 100 other known eclipsing binary systems.
Plasma properties of superstorms at geosynchronous orbit: How different are they?

[1] Plasma measurements at geosynchronous orbit are examined via superposed epoch analysis for various storm categories to assess whether superstorms have an unusually altered source population for the storm-time ring current. It is found that certain characteristics of this near-Earth plasma distribution during superstorms are similar to those of moderate or intense storms, or extensions of the trends seen in these lesser storms. These similarities include the dawn sector development of cold, dense plasma. However, other characteristics are unique to superstorms, such as the existence of cold, dense plasma at dusk and midnight. It is concluded that the ring current source during superstorms is a combination of the usual storm-time characteristics as well as an unusually altered component.
Crack separation mechanism in CO2 laser machining of thick polycrystalline cubic boron nitride tool blanks

An improved method for cutting thick polycrystalline cubic boron nitride (PCBN) tool blanks is explored because current methods of pulsed Nd:YAG laser cutting and wire electrical discharge machining (EDM) are constrained by low speed and low precision. We present a CO2 laser/waterjet (LWJ) process to cut 4.8-mm-thick PCBN tool inserts by a crack separation mechanism. In LWJ, the PCBN blank is locally heated using a high-power continuous wave CO2 laser to cause phase transition from cubic to hexagonal followed by water quenching to generate thermal stresses and form boron oxide leading to increased brittleness, subsequent cracking, and material separation. A 23 fractional design of experiment (DOE) approach was employed to determine the factors of laser power, cutting speed, and waterjet pressure on the responses of phase transformation depth, taper, and surface roughness. A numerical heat flow model, based on Green’s function, was used to calculate the temperature distributions along the depth. Surface profilometer, scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy were utilized to analyze the phase transformation and crack zones. Results from LWJ compared with pulsed Nd:YAG laser and laser microjet™ methods indicate LWJ cuts 30 times faster; this was attributed to a nonconventional material removal (crack separation) mechanism. When LWJ was compared against nitrogen-assisted CO2 laser cutting, improved cut quality (less taper and smaller heat-affected zone) was observed due to a greater control on phase transformation and crack propagation. DOE analysis revealed laser power and waterjet pressure, and the interactions among them are more significant factors than others.
Targeting immune suppressing myeloid-derived suppressor cells in oncology

Emerging data suggests that host immune cells with a suppressive phenotype represent a significant hurdle to successful therapy for metastatic cancer. Among the suppressor cells, T regulatory cells (Treg) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are significantly increased in hosts with advanced malignancies. MDSC mediate the suppression of the tumor antigen-specific T cell response through the induction of T cell anergy and the development of Treg in tumor-bearing mice. These results provide robust evidence of an in vivo immunoregulatory function of MDSC in the establishment of tumor antigen-specific tolerance and the development of Treg in tumor-bearing hosts. To achieve effective anti-tumor immunity, tumor-induced immunosuppression must be reversed. Our preliminary results indicate that c-kit ligand (stem cell factor) expressed by tumor cells may be required for MDSC accumulation in tumor-bearing mice, and that blocking the c-kit ligand/c-kit receptor interaction can prevent the development of Treg and reverse immune tolerance induced by MDSC. Since c-kit can be readily inhibited by several small molecule inhibitors including imatinib, sunitinib and dasatinib, targeting immune suppressing cells can be readily accomplished in the clinic.
The effect of apomorphine, MK-212 (6-chloro-2-[1-piperazinyl]-pyrazine) and placebo on smooth pursuit gain and corrective saccades in normal subjects.

The effects of apomorphine (0.01 mg/kg SC) a direct-acting dopamine (DA) agonist, MK-212 (6-chloro-2-[1-piperazinyl]-pyrazine) (20 mg PO), a direct-acting serotonin (5-HT) agonist, and placebo on smooth pursuit eye movements were evaluated in 10 to 12 normal volunteers. Smooth pursuit was tested just prior to administration of either apomorphine, MK-212, or placebo (on separate days), and then repeatedly tested at 30 min intervals for two hours after dose administration. The smooth pursuit targets were a series of predictable, constant velocity ramps with velocities of 5°/sec (slow target) and 20°/sec (fast target). Eye movements were recorded with infrared oculography, and the following six measures were obtained; steady-state gain (slow-target-gain; fast-target-gain), corrective catch-up saccade (CUS) rate (slow-target-CUS-rate; fast-target-CUS-rate), and CUS amplitude (slow-target-CUS-amplitude; fast-target-CUS-amplitude). The placebo test yielded a statistically significant monotonic decrease over time in slow-target-gain and corresponding increase in slow-target-CUS-rate, but no effects of placebo were noted for the fast target. Apomorphine injection produced a marked reduction in both slow-target-gain and fast-target-gain at 30 min, returning to baseline thereafter. Apomorphine injection also produced a statistically significant increase in slow-target-CUS-amplitude. Ingestion of MK-212 produced a statistically significant increase in slow-target-gain and fast-target-gain as well as a corresponding decrease in slow-target-CUS-rate and fast-target-CUS-rate at 90 min or 120 min. There was evidence that the decline in slow-target-gain after apomorphine was associated with side-effects such as sleepiness, but the decline in fast-target-gain was not related to side-effects. The improved smooth pursuit performance after MK-212 was not related to side-effects. The data suggest that serotoninergic stimulation can improve smooth pursuit performance, whereas dopaminergic stimulation worsens this performance.
The Birth of Ocular Pharmacology in the 20th Century

Nineteenth century ophthalmology, characterized by significant gains in diagnostic techniques, provided the basis for great advancements in treatment during the 20th century. Drug therapy at the turn of the century was empiric, palliative, and often toxic. The development of ocular pharmacology during the 20th century provided the basis for a rational therapeutic approach to ocular disease. Foremost among the therapeutic developments were antibiotics, due to their potential to cure conditions that frequently resulted in blindness. Second, other therapeutic classes provided palliative therapy for chronic diseases, and thus decreased morbidity. For example, drugs specifically targeting many different aspects of glaucoma have had remarkable success controlling intraocular pressure and forestalling development of blindness. In addition, other new approaches provided palliative therapy for nonblinding conditions and effective adjuncts to surgical procedures. Antiallergy and anti-inflammatory drugs greatly increased patient comfort and facilitated treatment of allergic and inflammatory reactions. Local anesthetics and analgesia reduced patient discomfort during surgery. Other adjunct drugs improved surgical outcomes by reducing inflammation and infectious complications. The 21st century will undoubtedly provide novel approaches to address many of today's therapeutic dilemmas. Photodynamic therapy, growth factors, antisense technology, and genetic-based therapies all show great promise. Many of the conditions that are only treated palliatively today will be curable in the next century using many of these pharmacological advances.
Real-Time Vision-based Detection of Waiting Pedestrians

This paper presents a real-time digital signal processing system to detect the presence of pedestrians waiting to cross an intersection. A pedestrian detection algorithm is developed and implemented on a Texas Instruments TMS320C40 digital signal processor (DSP) chip such that videosignals captured and transmitted from an actual intersection are processed in real-time. The detection algorithm consists of a background update and background subtraction components applied to image blocks. The background update is done in order to cope with brightness changes that occur in actual outdoor scenes. In addition, waiting and moving pedestrians are distinguished by using the temporal changes of image block intensities. The results obtained indicate that this DSP implementation provides an acceptable detection rate for this traffic management problem.
Do women pretend orgasm to retain a mate

The current study tested the hypothesis that women pretend orgasm as part of a broader strategy of mate retention. We obtained self-report data from 453 heterosexual women (M age, 21.8 years) in a long-term relationship (M length, 32.8 months) drawn from universities and surrounding communities in the southeastern United States. The results indicated that (1) women who perceived higher risk of partner infidelity were more likely to report pretending orgasm, (2) women who reported greater likelihood of pretending orgasm also reported performing more mate retention behaviors, and (3) women's perceptions of partner infidelity risk mediated the relationship between pretending orgasm and the performance of cost-inflicting mate retention behaviors, such as Intersexual Negative Inducements ("Flirted with someone in front of my partner") and Intrasexual Negative Inducements ("Yelled at a woman who looked at my partner"). Thus, pretending orgasm may be part of a broader strategy of mate retention performed by women who perceive higher risk of partner infidelity.
New developments in the management of preterm labor

Current management of preterm labor has not changed incidence of preterm delivery; therefore, significant research effort has been concentrated on the search for new methods of management. New tocolytics like inhibitors of cyclooxygenase 2 and nitric oxide donors have been tested in animal models and in preliminary clinical trials with promising results. Inhibition of cervical ripening may be one alternative to tocolysis. This new approach has a potential to be a valuable method of management of preterm labor if human studies confirm the promising results reported in animals. Growing evidence suggests that premature delivery may be associated with infection or fetal growth abnormalities, with dire consequences to the fetus. If these associations are to be included in risk and benefit assessment, then inhibition of preterm labor may prove to be detrimental to the fetus.
« Or vous dirai »: La Vocalité des Récits Historiques Français du Moyen Âge (XIIe-XVe Siècles)

This article analyzes French medieval historical texts (romances, chronicles, and histories) from the 12th to the 15th century, and shows that during the Middle Ages, the vast majority of historical narratives were regarded as a form of storytelling. Textual evidence shows that numerous medieval historians dictated the story to a scribe, which explains why histories come across so often as verbal—rather than written—discourse. Moreover, although many historical texts came in voluminous manuscripts containing hundreds of pages, they were generally intended to be performed at court or in front of a local audience. But the historical narratives analyzed here are not exactly an oral genre, because unlike early chansons de geste and poems, they were not composed and transmitted in a strictly oral manner. This study argues that medieval histories are in fact a vocal genre, in the sense that although written, they strike the reader as a form of verbal storytelling.
Arthroscopic dorsal radiocarpal ligament repair.

Purpose: The goal of this study was to determine if arthroscopic repair of a dorsal radiocarpal ligament (DRCL) tear is effective in ameliorating wrist pain. Type of Study: Retrospective study. Methods: A chart review was performed of 53 patients (56 wrists) who underwent wrist arthroscopy with use of a volar radial portal. There were 21 patients with DRCL tears. Mean follow-up was 16 months. Thirteen patients underwent arthroscopic DRCL repair and/or thermal shrinkage (5 repairs, 6 repair plus shrinkage, and 2 shrinkage). Lunotriquetral tears were treated with debridement and pinning. Triangular fibrocartilage (TFC) tears were debrided or repaired. Scapholunate ligament tears/instability were treated with capsulodesis. Results: The 4 patients who underwent repair of an isolated DRCL tear had excellent results with no or mild pain. All returned to their previous occupation. Dorsal capsulodesis was performed in 7 patients with 4 fair/poor results. Nine DRCL repairs/shrinkage were in association with other procedures for ulnar-sided pathology with 6 fair/poor results. Conclusions: Tears of the DRCL are more common than previously suspected. They are best seen through a volar radial portal and are amenable to arthroscopic repair. DRCL tears appear to be part of a spectrum of radial and ulnar-sided carpal instability as evidenced by the frequent association with scapholunate ligament tears/instability or ulnar-sided pathology. Isolated DRCL tears can be solely responsible for wrist pain. Good results are obtained with arthroscopic repair of isolated DRCL tears. The presence of a DRCL tear when seen in combination with a scapholunate, lunotriquetral, or TFC tear connotes a greater degree and/or duration of carpal instability, and portends a poorer prognosis following treatment. Recognition of this condition and further research into treatment methods is needed. Level of Evidence: Level IV.
Separation of lactic acid and some Krebs cycle acids by thin-layer chromatography.

Abstract Lactic acid and several acids of the tricarboxylic acid cycle can be readily separated by either single or two-dimensional thin-layer chromatography on cellulose layers and can be visualized by means of an anilineribose spray which preserves the spots permanently.
Hierarchical development of model classes in the DEVS-scheme simulation environment

DEVS-Scheme is a realization of Zeigler's DEVS (Discrete Event System Specification) formalism in a LISP-based, object-oriented environment which supports specification of discrete event models in hierarchical, modular fashion. Within the DEVS-Scheme environment, the modeler can develop new model classes in an incremental manner by defining new classes, specific to his application domains, based on the existing ones provided by the environment. Concepts of the model-simulator pairing associated with the DEVS formalism and polymorphism inherited from the implementation of such concepts in the object-oriented paradigm make it possible to develop new model classes in such an incremental manner. This paper describes how the concepts of the model-simulator pairing and polymorphism can be exploited in the development of new model classes in DEVS-Scheme. The development of subclasses, suited for simulation modeling for parallel computer systems, of the class kernel-models in DEVS-Scheme is exemplified.
The economic model of intercollegiate athletics and its effects on the college athlete educational experience.

The financial growth and popularity of intercollegiate athletics presents unique and challenging opportunities to institutions of higher education. Intercollegiate athletics, specifically men’s basketball and football, elicit considerable media attention and publicity for these institutions. Yet, the current economic model of intercollegiate athletics engenders challenges to the academic welfare of athletes in both revenue and nonrevenue sports. This paper examines the challenges athletes incur as a result of the current economic model of intercollegiate athletics, and it poses several thought provoking questions to continue the debate on athletic reform.
Recent results in merged arithmetic

This paper discusses recent results in the area of merged arithmetic. The original sum of products technique has been extended to include add-multiply structures and cascaded multiplication. The merged implementations generally are less complex than conventional designs and offer equivalent to improved performance.
Online learning approaches in maximizing weighted throughput

Motivated by providing quality-of-service for next generation IP-based networks, we design algorithms to schedule packets with values and deadlines. Packets arrive over time; each packet has a non-negative value and an integer deadline. In each time step, at most one packet can be sent. Packets can be dropped at any time before they are sent. The objective is to maximize the total value gained by delivering packets no later than their respective deadlines. This model is the well-studied bounded-delay model (Hajek. CISS 2001. Kesselman et al. SICOMP 2004) which extensive competitive online algorithms have been developed for. In a generalization of this model, the success of delivering a packets in each time step depends on the reliability of the communication channel. In this paper, we apply online learning approaches on this model as well as a few of its variants. We design online learning algorithms and analyze their performance theoretically in terms of external regret. We also measure these algorithms' performance experimentally. We conclude that no online learning algorithms have a constant regret. Our online learning algorithms outperform the competitive algorithms for algorithmic simplicity and running complexity. However, in general, this online learning algorithms work no worse than the best known competitive online algorithm for maximizing weighted throughput in practice.
Analysis Tools for CFD Multigrid Solvers

Analysis tools are needed to guide the development and evaluate the performance of multigrid solvers for the fluid flow equations. Classical analysis tools, such as local mode analysis, often fail to accurately predict performance. Two-grid analysis tools, herein referred to as Idealized Coarse Grid and Idealized Relaxation iterations, have been developed and evaluated within a pilot multigrid solver. These new tools are applicable to general systems of equations and/or discretizations and point to problem areas within an existing multigrid solver. Idealized Relaxation and Idealized Coarse Grid are applied in developing textbook-efficient multigrid solvers for incompressible stagnation flow problems.
Erased History: Frances Perkins and the Emergence of Care-Centered Public Administration

This article argues that the “other” reform movement associated with the settlement women that Camilla Stivers identified in Bureau Men/Settlement Women did not disappear with the Progressive era. ...
Binding of 125I-iodovinyltetrabenazine to CNS vesicular monoamine transport sites.

Binding characteristics of a novel radioiodinated tetrabenazine (TBZ) analog (iodovinyltetrabenazine; 125I-TBZ-Fraction I) were evaluated. In rat striatal homogenates, 125I-TBZ-I displayed a pharmacological profile consistent with specific binding to vesicular monoamine transport (VMAT) sites. In vitro autoradiographic studies using rat brain sections; further demonstrated that 125I-TBZ-I labeled the regions rich in VMAT sites, and it may be a useful marker for these sites. This novel radioiodinated ligand, with high specific activity and high binding affinity, may provide a powerful tool for the in vitro assessment of neuronal loss in various neurodegenerative diseases. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Ethical Issues in Lung Transplantation

Lung transplantation is now an accepted therapeutic option for many patients with incurable end-stage lung or pulmonary vascular disease processes for which other treatment options have been expended. However, as lung transplantation has evolved as a recognized discipline over the past decade, a variety of ethical issues related to the transplant process are emerging. This article considers those issues through a discussion of the four fundamental principles of biomedical ethics.
Fundamental aspects of energy conservation policy

Abstract The formulation of a governmental energy conservation policy requires that the issues involved be fundamentally analyzed. Information transfer, more intensive use of data, and good housekeeping can all contribute to reduced energy use. Our major choice, however, is between producing the present mix of materials, commodities, and services more efficiently or decreasing demand for them. The first option is referred to as the “technical fix”, the second one as “change of lifestyle”. If the first option fails, changes in life-style might become mandatory. This paper deals with the technical fix approach. Higher capital investment can lead to a decrease in direct use of energy. Both the cost and the energy involved in these investments are analyzed along a conservation path, and a limited number of constants is used to describe the changes along this path. These constants can also be used to feed technological information into macroeconomic analysis. The time scales involved pose the major problem to achieving conservation by means of a technological fix. An increase in the price of energy will lead to higher capital investments in accordance with the economic lifecycles in the different sectors. For applications with a short life-time, such as in the transport sector, energy conservation will mainly take place through the construction of new equipment. In sectors with long lifetime investments (e.g. buildings), retrofitting will be important. Including the indirect energy requirements in the conservation study leads to some important conclusions. It can be demonstrated that the thermodynamic limit is not the ultimate limit for conservation. An energy minimum is obtained, which corresponds to a use of energy higher than the thermodynamic limit. It is also impossible to reduce or eliminate some components of the present energy supply system and at the same time to introduce a new decentralized supply system. A crucial aspect of the technological fix approach is that within the present rules, capital investments for saving direct energy can only be made after the increase in energy price has taken place or when it can be firmly anticipated on a short term. At this point, however, the time needed for making these capital investments is lacking and adverse economic consequences can be expected. It is therefore the major task of governmental policy to induce conservation before it is economically acceptable or possible. This requires some form of government interaction. The theory developed in this paper provides a method by which to rank the options according to the energy saved per dollar of public funds invested. This measures the difference between the objectives of the private sector and those of society. The longer this policy is postponed, the larger is the risk that conservation will have to be achieved in an emergency program. In that situation the indirect energy necessary for the capital construction might jeopardize the short-term goals.
Panoramic Electrophysiological Mapping but not Electrogram Morphology Identifies Stable Sources for Human Atrial Fibrillation Stable Atrial Fibrillation Rotors and Focal Sources Relate Poorly to Fractionated Electrograms

Background—The foundation for successful arrhythmia ablation is the mapping of electric propagation to identify underlying mechanisms. In atrial fibrillation (AF), however, mapping is difficult so ...
Predicting the Hand of Nonwoven Fabrics from Simple Laboratory Measurements

The hand of some spunbonded and spunlaced nonwovens is analyzed. Laboratory tests were conducted and subjective evaluations made to compare the hand of these nonwovens with the hand of some woven fabrics sold into apparel applications. Relationships between hand and quality words such as smoothness, stiffness, and weight are analyzed. Additional correlations are made with measured fabric prop erties, including flex stiffness and elastic modulus. An empirical equation is devel oped for computing hand from simple instrument readings.
Recognition of Freeform Surface Machining Features

This paper describes a method of machining feature recognition from a freeform surface based on the relationship between unique machining patches and critical points on a component's surface. The method uses Morse theory to extract critical surface points by defining a scalar function on the freeform surface. Features are defined by region growing between the critical points using a tool path generation algorithm. Several examples demonstrate the efficiency of this approach. The recognized machining features can be directly utilized in a variety of downstream computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing (CAM) applications, such as the automated machining process planning.
UNDERSTANDING A WATERSHED FROM THE BIOLOGICAL VIEWPOINT

In watershed management the effects of plants on water cannot be considered a constant and forgotten because: plants of different sizes and forms use water at different rates and plants of the same size differ in their needs for water because of anatomical differences. Many common denominators are present in all watersheds covered by vegetation. Forces exerted on the soil water by vegetation, climate and soil are the same kinds of forces. The differences between watersheds in water yield potential appear to be due to differences in the degree in which these forces are exerted. However, the influence of biotic factors are more individual. The similarities and differences existing between watersheds suggest some principles that can be used as guides to understanding individual watershed problems and as possible guides to determining when, how, and where to treat a given watershed. Eleven principles are given and their application to the definition and solution of biological or vegetational problems of watershed management are discussed.
Radiopharmaceutical Agents for Myocardial Perfusion Imaging

Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) is a well-established noninvasive method of assessing coronary blood flow.1–5 MPI is capable of identifying regional abnormalities in coronary artery blood flow and determining their physiological relevance to myocardial function and viability. MPI requires the intravenous injection of a radioactive blood flow marker followed by imaging of regional myocardial uptake.6–10 Imaging is most frequently performed by tomographic techniques (ie, SPECT [single-photon emission computerized tomography]) with electrocardiographically synchronized image gating. Used frequently in conjunction with either physical exercise or pharmacological stress, MPI is useful in unmasking myocardial perfusion deficits not evident at rest. A thorough discussion of clinical indications for MPI is beyond the scope of this review, but the reader is referred to recently published consensus committee documents.11,12 Three radioactive blood flow markers (RBFMs) are clinically available and in widespread use: (1) thallium Tl 201 chloride, (2) technetium Tc-99m sestamibi (Cardiolite; Lantheus Medical Imaging, North Billerica, Mass), and (3) technetium Tc-99m tetrofosmin (Myoview; GE Healthcare, Princeton, NJ). In the present review, these agents will be referred to by their nonproprietary names. The oldest of the 3 RBFMs, thallium 201, has been in use since approximately 1980, and the original experimental and clinical validation studies of MPI were performed with this agent.1,13–16 More recently, 99mTc-labeled sestamibi, approved in 1990, and tetrofosmin, approved in 1995, have been developed and validated clinically.6–8,17,18 In comparative imaging studies analyzed for accuracy (sensitivity, specificity, and normalcy rates), no obvious differences have been found among these 3 agents. Each RBFM has unique properties that determine the logistics of its use and its test performance characteristics. The purpose of the present review is to compare and contrast these 3 RBFMs. It is hoped this detailed overview will assist clinicians in choosing which agent(s) to use and in understanding …
Architectural strategies and issues with health information exchange.

We describe architectural strategies and issues regarding health information exchange (HIE). This description is organized as a continuum of options, between separated systems and a monolithic approach. We discuss characteristics, examples and potential impacts of each approach, based on generalized observations of practical implementations. We also describe how strategies can migrate along the continuum, which allows for approaches that mature from an initial implementation to a long-term strategy.
Does self-efficacy moderate intensity of pain?

75 subjects were randomly assigned to five self-efficacy conditions (High-High, High-Low, Low-High, Low-Low, and Control) in a 5 x 3 (condition x trial) design. Pressure was applied three times to an exposed finger. After baseline, subjects received false biofeedback (i.e., independent of ratings of pain) that their ability to regulate intensity of pain was either good (High-High and High-Low) or poor (Low-High and Low-Low), or there was no biofeedback (Control). After a second trial, subjects were told that their biofeedback indicated either good (High-High and Low-High) or poor (High-Low and Low-Low) regulatory ability, or they were not given biofeedback (Control). They then received a final trial. Before each trial, subjects recorded self-efficacy expectations for regulating intensity of pain. Mixed multivariate analyses of variance on ratings of intensity and self-efficacy expectations did not yield hypothesized interactions for condition x trial.
Evolution of immunity: Potential immunocompetence of the echinoid axial organ

Antigen-specific recognition is a hallmark of vertebrate lymphoid immune responses. Although isolated studies have suggested specific responses in some invertebrate phyla, those claims remain to be independently verified. Echinoderms share the deuterostome lineage with vertebrates and thus represent an important group for examinations into the origins of vertebrate immune competence. Investigations in asteroids suggested axial organ involvement in an antigen-specific immune response. To independently test this organ's role in echinoid immunity, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus axial organ cells from injected animals were monitored for the production of membrane-bound and secreted molecules specific for the injected hapten (TNP). Cells of the axial organs were assayed for specific membrane receptors in an immunocytoadherence assay. Urchin axial organ cells did not bind TNP-sheep red blood cells and, while hemagglutination was observed, it was neither TNP-inhibitable, nor dependent on previous exposure to TNP. Secretion of antigen-specific molecules was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Coelomic fluids from several urchins contained molecules that bound TNP, but the presence of such molecules was not dependent on prior treatment. Titrational analysis revealed identical binding curves against the hapten, TNP, the carrier, LPS, or an unrelated protein, BSA, implying nonspecificity of binding. Assays were validated using rainbow trout immune responses to TNP. The data presented do not support the hypothesis that echinoid axial organ cells respond to antigenic challenge in a specific, inducible manner. The results do support the idea that the multigene complex necessary for the formation of antibodies evolved after echinoderm and chordate ancestors diverged. © Wiley-Liss, Inc.
6Li Magic Angle Spinning NMR Study of the Cathode Material LiNi x Mn2 − x O 4 : The Effect of Ni Doping on the Local Structure during Charging

6Li magic angle spinning (MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has been used to study the local structure of LiNi x Mn 2-x O 4 (x = 0.05,0.1,0.3,0.5) synthesized by solid-state reactions. When the extent of doping is small (x = 0.05 and 0.1). several resonances are observed, which are assigned to lithium local environments containing different numbers of Mn 3+ and Mn 4+ ions. As the doping level increases and the average manganese oxidation state rises, the intensity of the resonances assigned to lithium environments containing a greater number of higher-oxidation state manganese ions increases: this results in a gradual shift of the center of mass of the spectrum to higher frequency. By x = 0.5, only Mn 4+ ions are present, and only one major resonance, due to the lithium local environment Li(ONi 2+ ) 3 (OMn 4+ ) 9 is observed; this is consistent with Mn/Ni ordering on the octahedral sites of the spinel structure. The variable temperature NMR behavior of these samples is indicative of different magnetic behavior for the undoped and doped materials. A plot of 1/δ (δ = 6 Li NMR shift) vs. temperature is consistent with the predominance of antiferromagnetic correlations for low doping level samples, while Ni 2+ -O-Mn 4+ antiferromagnetic correlations clearly dominate the behavior of the x = 0.5 sample, resulting in overall ferrimagnetic behavior 6 Li MAS NMR spectra were also collected following various levels of charging. In the case of LiNi 0.1 Mn 1.9 O 4 , Li 1 is deintercalated from the different local sites sequentially: lithium ions in the local environment containing manganese ions with an average oxidation state of +3.5 are deintercalated first, followed by lithium ions in sites containing progressively more Mn 4+ ions. In contrast, for LiNi 0.5 Mn 1.5 O 4 , where the deintercalation process involves oxidation of Ni 2+ only, no changes in the lithium local environments were observed during the charging process: the shift position remained constant during the charging cycle and only a loss of the intensity of the lithium signal was observed.
Diversity and Abundance of Arbuscular-Mycorrhizal Fungus Spores in Tropical Forest and Pasture1

Abstract As Neotropical forests are increasingly converted to agriculture (especially pastures), little is known about the impacts on microbial biodiversity. To assess such impacts, I compared spore abundance and diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in soils from lowland evergreen forests and pastures in Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Species composition, dominance–diversity curves, and Simpson's diversity indices were similar for both forest and pasture soils. Of 28 distinct fungus morphospecies, 11 produced more spores in pasture, while only 1 produced more spores in forest. According to species-accumulation curves, local AMF species richness did not significantly decline following conversion of forest to pasture. Because pastures contained a surprising abundance and diversity of AMF spores compared to native forest, a lack of mycorrhizal fungi is unlikely to limit plant succession, restoration, or reforestation in the pastures studied. At the regional scale, however, species-accumulation curves s...
The given, the taken and the inviolable. A pragmatist reconstruction of an inherited «myth»

Relazion e presentata al Seminario di Filosofia Teoretica nella primavera 2015. Given the topic of the given, it would be all too easy to become entangled in highly technical disputes about Wilfrid Sellars, John McDowell, and other authors regarding how to interpret and, then, assess, their critiques of “myth of the given.” Though I am dubious whether we could within the limits of this articlemove toward resolving any of these questions, such an engagement might nonetheless prove profitable. It would also likely prove to be invigorating, since wrestling with technical issues in a systematic manner carries a unique form of intellectual enjoyment for the properly trained philosopher. Even so, that is not my intention today. Rather my aim is simply to sketch, mostly in broad bold strokes, though to some extent also in minute, careful ones, what I take to be a pragmatist approach to this multifaceted controversy. In my judgment, much still depends upon coming to a deeper appreciation of one of the central lessons of the pragmatist movement: the recurrent need to articulate a more truly empirical understanding of human experience. Above all else, then, my reflections aim at deepening the contemporary appreciation of the pragmatist take on human experience.
Intramedullary contrast injection in the setting of a split spinal cord.

A 40-year-old man with spina bifida, diastematomyelia, and a resected right hemicord epidermoid cyst presented for follow-up. Following computed tomography (CT) myelography—performed because of patient’s incompletely removed bladder stimulator—he reported left lower extremity pain. Imaging revealed a small focus of contrast within the left hemicord at L1–L2, suggestive of intramedullary injection (Figs. 1 and 2). The patient was treated conservatively with steroids and continues to recover. Diastematomyelia or split spinal cord is rare [1–3]. Magnetic resonance imaging is the imaging modality of choice; however computed tomography myelography may be used when magnetic resonance imaging is contraindicated [2,4]. Intramedullary contrast injection during myelography is uncommon. Subsequent neurologic deficits can develop shortly after injection but are addressed with conservative management and resolve rapidly [5,6].
Professor Tullock on Austrian Business Cycle Theory

In “Why the Austrians Are Wrong About Depressions,” Professor Tullock (1987, p. 73) makes some statements that are incorrect and others which, properly interpreted, refute or at least, fail egregiously to support, his thesis that the Austrian theory of the trade cycle is incorrect. We begin by considering one of Tullock's minor points in Section 2 and then consider his major point in Section 3. In Section 4 we take to task Tullock (1989), also on this same topic, and conclude in Section 5.
A review on the use of Ixodiphagus wasps (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) as natural enemies for the control of ticks (Acari: Ixodidae)

Ixodiphagus wasps (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) have been known as parasitoids of ticks since the beginning of the 20th Century. Currently, there are seven recognized species: Ixodiphagus texanus Howard, Ixodiphagus hookeri (Howard), Ixodiphagus mysorensis Mani, Ixodiphagus hirtus Nikolskaya, Ixodiphagus theilerae (Fielder), Ixodiphagus biroi Erdos, and Ixodiphagus sagarensis (Geevarghese). These wasps have been found parasitizing ticks belonging to the genera Ornithodoros , Amblyomma , Dermacentor , Hyalomma , Haemaphysalis , Ixodes , and Rhipicephalus . Parasitism by wasp parasitoids results in direct mortality of the tick hosts and appears to have potential for controlling them. This article reviews the taxonomy, life cycle, seasonality, host range and geographical distribution of these wasps, and their potential application to tick control.
Cellular Signaling by Endothelin Peptides: Pathways to the Nucleus

Endothelins (ET) are potent regulatory peptides that evoke diverse responses in glomerular mesangial cells. These include short-term actions, such as contraction and secretion, and long-term, adaptive responses, such as cell growth. Although much attention has been focused on the second messenger cascades, which govern short-term effects, the pathways of cytosolic and nuclear signaling, which effect long-term changes, remain unclear. Several distal signaling events by ET receptors have been characterized in rat mesangial cells. These include activation of a cytosolic protein kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinase and an inducible transcription factor, activator protein-1 (AP-1). This review focuses on the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase and activator protein-1 by ET and discusses the potential role of these third and fourth messengers in controlling long-term cellular adaptations. Characterization of these and other cytosolic and nuclear signals should provide important insights into the pleiotropic actions of ET peptides.