cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nicotinic and muscarinic interactions and choice accuracy in the radial-arm maze.

Muscarinic acetylcholine (ACh) systems have long been known to be necessary for accurate performance in cognitive tests. Nicotinic ACh systems have been shown to be involved as well. However, there is only a limited amount of information concerning the interactions of these two branches of the ACh transmitter system. The current study was conducted to investigate the improvement in choice accuracy caused by muscarinic and nicotinic agonists and how it is affected by antagonists of these systems. Adult female Sprague-Dawley strain rats (N = 11) were trained on a working memory task in an 8-arm radial maze. Acute injections of the muscarinic and nicotinic agonists, pilocarpine (PILO, 1.0 mg/kg) and nicotine (NIC, 0.2 mg/kg), were made alone or in combination with the muscarinic and nicotinic antagonists, scopolamine (SCOP, 0.1 mg/kg) and mecamylamine (MEC, 10 mg/kg). NIC administration caused a significant improvement in choice accuracy compared with saline (p<0.01) and PILO caused a marginally significant improvement in choice accuracy (p<0.06). The combination of these nicotinic and muscarinic agonists did not cause an additive improvement. However, the improvement caused by either agonist was reversed by both nicotinic or muscarinic antagonists. This reversal was more complete for NIC than PILO despite the fact that NIC caused a greater improvement than PILO. These results suggest that muscarinic and nicotinic components of the ACh system, which are both important for cognitive function, interact in important ways. These interactions may be critical to consider when devising treatments for cognitive dysfunction associated with cholinergic hypofunction such as with Alzheimer's disease.
Acting out our minds: Incorporating behavior into models of stereotype‐based expectancies for cross‐cultural interactions

This article presents an observational study designed to investigate the role of expectancies and behaviors during cross‐cultural interactions. In a partial test of several cognition‐based models, the study provided more support for associations between individuating behaviors (involvement, verbal openness, and nonverbal cue congruence) and post‐interaction evaluations than between expectancies (reported knowledge and attitudes) and evaluations, which is consistent with a “weak social constructivist view” (Jussim, 1991) of the evaluation process. Individuating behavior was particularly likely to correlate with evaluations when it occurred later in interactions. Despite their relative unimportance in predicting evaluations, stereotype‐based expectancies were associated with some behaviors (gaze, lean, head nods, and body orientation) used by the participants and, to a lesser degree, by their partners. Expectancies also predicted behavioral congruence for vocal, body orientation, and kinesic cues. A model o...
The Dynamics of Risk Perception: How Does Perceived Risk Respond to Risk Events?

This paper examines the relationship between perceived risk and experience. This research addresses the processes by which people learn about risk and choose among real life prospects with associated uncertainties, risks and benefits. By comparing the impact of acute risk events with that of chronic risk events on public perception of risk during and after the events, this research focuses on the learning processes that characterize what kinds of risk events alter the perception of risk. Comparing materialized hazards at existing facilities with the risks associated with potential facilities, this research addresses risk choices among real life prospects. This study uses a classic pre-post quasi-experimental design. Surveys conducted in the Spring of 1992 on perceived and acceptable risk in Odessa and La Porte, Texas were conducted prior to risk events. Respondents from that survey were re-interviewed in the Spring of 1993 after the risk events to form a panel design. This paper analyzes the affect of risk events on perceived risk and the implications of these experiences for public policy concerning technological risk. The empirical results suggest that the social processes that construct and maintain risk in the public eye are at least as important as, if not more important than, the physical and psychological dimensions of risk.
Inhibition of PC cell-derived growth factor (PCDGF, epithelin/granulin precursor) expression by antisense PCDGF cDNA transfection inhibits tumorigenicity of the human breast carcinoma cell line MDA-MB-468

PC-cell derived growth factor (PCDGF) is an 88-kDa growth factor originally purified from the highly tumorigenic teratoma PC cell line and corresponds to the epithelin/granulin precursor. In teratoma cells, PCDGF expression was shown to be essential for tumorigenicity. We have reported that PCDGF was expressed in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) human mammary epithelial cells in an estrogen-dependent fashion. In this study, we have investigated PCDGF expression in human mammary epithelial cell lines ranging from immortalized nontumorigenic cells to ER+ and ER− breast carcinoma cells. Northern and Western blot analyses indicated that PCDGF mRNA and protein expression was low in nontumorigenic cells and increased in human breast carcinomas cell lines in a positive correlation with their tumorigenicity. Treatment of the ER− MDA-MB-468 cells with anti-PCDGF neutralizing antibody resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of their proliferation, suggesting that secreted PCDGF acted as an autocrine growth factor for breast carcinoma cells. We then examined the in vitro and in vivo growth properties of MDA-MB-468 cells, where PCDGF expression had been inhibited by antisense PCDGF cDNA transfection. Inhibition of PCDGF expression resulted in a reduced proliferation rate in vitro and a 60–80% reduction in colony formation. Tumor formation in vivo was dramatically inhibited in antisense cells with a 90% inhibition of tumor incidence and tumor weight. These results demonstrate the importance of PCDGF overexpression for the proliferation and tumorigenicity of ER− breast carcinomas and suggest that PCDGF overexpression may play an important role in human breast cancer.
A spectral theory for fingering on a prewetted plane

A spectral theory is formulated to quantify the dynamic sensitivity and stability of a liquid front spreading over a prewetted inclined plane. Sensitivity of the front to surface heterogeneity is captured by the stable continuous essential spectrum of a non-normal linear operator over a practically infinite domain. Small-amplitude disturbances on the prewetted film are convected by this mechanism to the front and focused into a sharp but transient spike with a greatly magnified amplitude. A specific transverse wavelength is selected during this transient excitation. However, this amplification can only lead to fingering and select the transverse wavelength if a point eigenvalue of the discrete spectrum with the same wavelength is unstable. This discrete mode is resonantly excited by the disturbance convected and amplified by the stable essential spectrum. The preferentially excited point eigenvalue is nearly neutral due to the translational invariance of the unfingered front and has a much smaller growth rate and much shorter transverse wavelength than the most unstable discrete mode. For a range of inclination angles, it is stable for thick fronts but destabilizes far downstream when the thinning film reaches a critical thickness and a bump appears on the front. Experiments and numerical simulation of fingering on a prewetted plane verify these distinct roles of the essential and discrete spectra in this supercritical fingering instability and quantitatively confirm the predicted fingering position.
An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Some Curriculum Innovations in Law Schools

This article reports the results of an evaluation of the effectiveness of curriculum innovations on third-year law students in four law schools over a three-year period. Each "program" school was matched to a nonprogram school. Students' attitudes in "program" and "control" schools were compared along such dimensions as legal ethics, professional activities, relations with clients, and more general personality measures, before and after exposure to a clinical program. Each program lasted the academic year. A standard questionnaire was administered to students in the program and control schools. The major goal of the clinical programs was to enhance the students' sense of professional responsibility so that when they entered legal practice their behavior would be more in keeping with the standards of their profession. The results of the evaluation were disappointing. The responses of the students exposed to the clinical programs did not show any significant shift in a more professionally responsible direct...
Morphological and molecular characterization of ethylene binding inhibition in carnations

Abstract Ethylene perception by ethylene receptors can be suppressed by ethylene antagonists, such as 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP). 1-MCP binds to ethylene receptors blocking ethylene binding, and thereby represses ethylene responses, including flower senescence and petal abscission. Despite its antagonistic propensity, plants treated with 1-MCP often regain sensitivity to ethylene, suggesting that ethylene receptors are synthesized de novo post-treatment. To investigate this observation, we determined the relationship between the mRNA levels of ethylene biosynthesis and ethylene receptor genes and the degree of ethylene sensitivity of carnation flowers after ethylene and 1-MCP treatments. Flowers treated with a single application of 1-MCP lost the inhibitory effect in ethylene production after 7 d of the treatment. In contrast, multiple treatments with 1-MCP completely suppressed several ethylene biosynthesis genes and ethylene production throughout the experiment. Multiple 1-MCP treatments increased vase life by almost three-fold relative to control flowers. Eventually ethylene-independent browning and desiccation on the edges of petals contributed to loss of vase life. We observed that the transcript levels of the ethylene receptor genes, DcETR1 and DcERS1 , decreased with flower development, but increased at the onset of floral senescence. Our results suggest that ethylene receptors are continually synthesized during later stages of floral development. While ethylene responsiveness is temporarily blocked by 1-MCP treatment, we predict that new receptors synthesized days after 1-MCP treatment can bind ethylene. This leads to the observed recovery of ethylene sensitivity in the flowers. In addition, we predict that the degradation of ethylene receptors that is stimulated by ethylene binding is prevented by successive treatments with 1-MCP prior to recovery of ethylene sensitivity. This study improves our understanding about the uses and effectiveness of 1-MCP and will facilitate the development and improvement of postharvest treatments for multiple crops.
Directed bacterial surface attachment via optical trapping

Abstract We describe a method to direct bacterial surface attachment using an optical trapping approach. By using a moving trap we are able to ‘catch’ individual cells, move them to a desired location, and attach them to a surface. We also illustrate an extension of the single optical trap by rapidly moving the single laser beam in a desired pattern and manipulating multiple bacteria simultaneously. This rapidly scanning laser optical trap creates a time-averaged light intensity profile capable of concurrently controlling several cells, thereby allowing study of more elaborate bacterial arrays. We demonstrate the utility of optical trapping in investigating the influence of cell spatial distribution and cell orientation on biofilm development.
Comparative life history and parasitism of a new colour morph of the walnut aphid in California

1 The walnut aphid Chromaphis juglandicola is a yellow aphid. In 2003, however, a white colour morph was discovered in the Sacramento Valley of California. The colour dimorphism occurs between clone lines and, when white morphs are present, they occur in mixed colour morph colonies on the underside of walnut leaves. 2 Laboratory experiments were undertaken to evaluate the thermal requirements for development, adult longevity and progeny production of the two colour morphs. Host instar preference of Trioxys pallidus, a parasitoid responsible for the successful biological control of the walnut aphid in California, was examined separately for each colour morph, and host colour preference was investigated for the preferred instar. 3 No differences in thermal requirements for development, adult size or mean longevity were detected between yellow and white colour morphs. A small difference in early reproduction was detected: white colour morphs produced more progeny on each of the two first days of adult reproduction than yellow colour morphs. 4 Trioxys pallidus showed a slight preference for the fourth instar of the yellow morph over the second- and third-, but equal preference for second, third and fourth instars of the white morph. When offered equal numbers of fourth instars of the two colour morphs, T. pallidus did not show any colour preference. 5 The differences in early aphid reproduction and host instar preference by T. pallidus were combined in a stage-structured matrix model. Model analysis showed a greater potential for population growth of the white morph over the yellow morph, with early reproduction having a greater influence than host instar preference.
Building a fan community through the folklore of NASCAR

Seventy-five million fans contribute nearly $3.0 billion annually to NASCAR's profitability. From 1997 to 2004 NASCAR saw a 24.6% increase in their fan base while other professional sports organisations declined. Identification and perceived intimacy with NASCAR drivers may partially explain heightened fan commitment; but, is there also a role for the fan community? This paper examines how fan communities and their folklore strengthen fan commitment to NASCAR and its drivers. Using qualitative analyses of folklore surrounding NASCAR drivers we identify and discuss the lore of identity and of shared and clashing values. Findings suggest that empathy with a driver, expressed in stories fans tell from their experiences and observations, enhances their commitment and contributes to the folklore of the larger fan community. Fans differentiate between drivers based on shared and clashing values, creating stories of conflict, heightening the drama of NASCAR and building fan commitment to drivers with shared values.
A reassessment of the deep Fiji earthquake of 26 May 1932

Abstract The 1932 deep Fiji earthquake is studied from the point of view of comparing it to the recent large events in the transition zone. Spectral analysis and body-wave modeling suggest a moment of 3.4 × 10 27 dyn cm (within a multiplicative or divisive factor of 1.5), which makes it comparable to, but not significantly larger than, the great 1994 earthquake, 770 km to the north. Its seismic moment remains well below that of the largest deep shocks (1994 in Bolivia or 1970 in Colombia). Relocation efforts show that the earthquake took place on the front edge of the Wadati-Benioff Zone, in an area where the latter features a complex geometry involving significant warping. The mechanism of the earthquake involves down-dip compression and can be readily explained in terms of the prevailing large-scale stresses in the slabs.
Association between plasma cholesterol and prostate cancer in the PSA era

We previously found that statin users had a lower risk of advanced and possibly high-grade prostate cancer compared with nonusers. We hypothesize that statins' effects on cholesterol synthesis may explain those findings because prostate cancer cells exhibit cholesterol dysregulation. Thus, we investigated whether low plasma cholesterol is associated with prostate cancer overall and by stage and grade. Participants were drawn from the 18,018 members of the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study who provided blood in 1993-1995. We ascertained 698 incident cases through January 2000. Controls were 698 men who had a PSA test and were matched to cases. Plasma cholesterol was measured enzymatically. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate multivariable ORs and 95% CIs of total, clinically organ-confined (n = 518), advanced (T3b or worse; n = 61), low-grade (Gleason sum or = 7, n = 247) disease. Low cholesterol ( or =25th percentile) was not associated with total (OR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.72-1.20), organ-confined (OR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.64-1.18) or low-grade (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 0.75-1.51) disease. However, men with low cholesterol had a lower risk of high-grade disease (OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.39-0.98), especially if organ-confined (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.29-0.99). The association for advanced disease appeared inverse, but number of cases was small (OR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.13-1.36). Associations remained after excluding cholesterol-lowering drug users. These results coupled with prior statin findings suggest that mechanistic studies on cholesterol metabolism should be pursued to understand a possible target for preventing poorly differentiated prostate cancers.
Leucopenia and Familial Mediterranean Fever

I would like to comment on the paper by Aslan on leukopenia on FMF (Familial Mediterranean Fever) by Aslan [1]. According to this paper, FMF causes leukopenia mainly due to a decrease of neutrophil...
Stamp of Approval

Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry and the National AP Chemistry Examination are both critical to secondary level institutions nationwide. The use of a national embossing stamp to attest to successful completion of an AP Chemistry course and exam to ensure college credit is a novel idea worth consideration. Moreover, the concept could be expanded to all AP science disciplines conducting laboratory exercises.
The effect of some monoamine oxidase inhibitors on gluconeogenesis

Abstract A decrease in blood glucose as well as an increase in the hypoglycemic effect of insulin occurs during prolonged administration of some monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) (1–6). A decreased activity of the sympathoadrenal system, which normally participates in the regulation of blood glucose levels, was suggested as the major factor leading to these effects of MAOI (2, 6). However, since some of the MAOI are derivatives of hydrazine, which has been shown to increase plasma levels of alanine and tyrosine (7), it seemed possible that the hydrazine-type MAOI might affect gluconeogenesis. The effect of phenelzine (a hydrazine-type MAOI) on gluconeogenesis in perfused rat liver was compared to the effect of pargyline (a nonhydrazine-type MAOI), hydrazine alone, and control.
Multiattribute preference analysis for transportation systems evaluation

Abstract This paper outlines the potential role of multiattribute decision analysis to the evaluation of transportation systems. Based upon recent developments which now permit the operational assessment of multiattribute utility functions, a theoretical base for the use of this approach is outlined. The strengths and limitations of this method are discussed in the context of a case study of its application in the planning for airport facilities in Mexico.
Preparation and characterization of wear debris of orthopedic materials for biocompatibility studies.

In order to test the biocompatibility of wear debris of orthopedic materials, a method has been developed to produce artificial debris of stainless steel, cobalt–chromium alloy, and high-density polyethylene. In this process, called the accelerated rubbing process, two cylindrical blocks of the same alloy were held under normal pressure in triply distilled water. One block remained stationary while the other rotated at ∼4000 rpm. The water with the metal debris was recirculated between the rubbing surfaces. To prepare debris from polyethylene, a stainless steel block was rubbed over a polyethylene block submersed in liquid nitrogen. The shape of the metal debris was granular, whereas the polyethylene debris had a shted-like shape. The size distributions were determined from scanning electron micrographs, and it was found that the particles of the metal debris (stainless steel or cobalt–chrome alloy) ranged in sizes from 0.1–10 μ with 75% of all particles <2 μ in diameter. The size of polyethylene debris, expressed as the volume of an ellipsoid, ranged from 10–20,000 μ3 with 45% of all particles in the range of 400–2500 μ3. The x-ray diffraction pattern revealed that the debris of stainless steel consisted primarily of the face-centered cubic (fcc) alloy with small amounts of body-centered cubic (bcc) alloy and Fe3O4, whereas the cobalt–chrome debris consisted of the fcc alloy with a small amount of Cr2O3. The structure of the polyethylene debris was quite similar to that of the solid sample used in its preparation. The percent crystallinity Pc and the size of the crystalline regions D were slightly smaller in the debris than in the solid sample, i.e., Pc = 52 and 55%, D = 90 and 130 A, in the debris and the solid, respectively. To test the suitability of the artificial debris for biocompatibility studies, stainless steel debris was implanted into knees of adult female New Zealand rabbits. Bacterial challenge studies indicated prolongation, but not increased susceptibility to infection.
A Pilot Study of a Functional Contextual Treatment for Bulimia Nervosa.

Abstract This paper describes the initial development of a treatment for bulimia nervosa using a functional contextual treatment approach. Seven women (6 with a diagnosis of bulimia nervosa and 1 with a diagnosis of eating disorder not otherwise specified) completed 12 sessions of functional contextual treatment. Participants were assessed with the Eating Disorders Examination at baseline and following treatment. The intervention produced significant reductions in binge eating, purgative behavior, dietary restraint, and eating concerns. A functional contextual treatment holds promise for the treatment of bulimia nervosa. However, the treatment needs to be refined further and will need to be tested in controlled clinical trials with long-term follow-up.
Effect of wall heat transfer on shock-tube test temperature at long times

When performing chemical kinetics experiments behind reflected shock waves at conditions of lower temperature ( 8cm). Smaller diameters on the order of 3 cm or less can experience significant temperature loss near the reflected-shock region. Although the area-averaged gas temperature decreases due to the heat loss, the main core region remains spatially uniform so that the zone of temperature change is limited to only the thermal layer adjacent to the walls. Although the heat conduction model assumes the gas and wall to behave as solid bodies, resulting in a core gas temperature that remains constant at the initial temperature, a two-zone gas model that accounts for density loss from the core to the colder thermal layer indicates that the core temperature and gas pressure both decrease slightly with time. A full CFD solution of the shock-tube flow field and heat transfer at long test times was also performed for one typical condition (800 K, 1 atm, Ar), the results of which indicate that the simpler analytical conduction model is realistic but somewhat conservative in that it over predicts the mean temperature loss by a few Kelvins. This paper presents the first comprehensive study on the effects of long test times on the average test gas temperature behind the reflected shock wave for conditions representative of chemical kinetics experiments.
Role of interleukin-7 in T-cell development from hematopoietic stem cells

All lymphocytes are derived from hematopoietic stem cells (HSC). The interleukin-7 receptor (IL-7R) transduces non-redundant signals for both T and B-cell development from HSC. The upregulation of the IL-7R occurs at the stage of the clonogenic common lymphoid progenitor, a recently identified population that can give rise to all lymphoid lineages (T, B and natural killer cells) at a single cell level. The IL-7R plays a critical role in the rearrangement of immunoglobulin heavy chain genes required for B-cell development. IL-7R expression is critically regulated in developing thymocytes; thymocytes that fail the positive selection process downregulate the IL-7R, but those undergoing positive selection upregulate or maintain IL-7R expression. Recent data indicate that IL-7 signaling enhances the survival of developing thymocytes and mature T cells, presumably by its upregulating Bcl-2. Detailed analysis of the signaling cascades activated by the IL-7R may help to reveal the differential roles of IL-7 signaling in T and B-cell development.
What does a basophil do

The absence of an animal model deficient in basophils has been a major obstacle in efforts to delineate the functional significance of basophils in health and disease. In this issue of Blood , Obata and colleagues describe a monoclonal antibody (Ba103) which selectively reduces the number of
A method for continuous flow, single-pass peritoneal dialysis: Preliminary communication

Abstract A technique for single-pass, continuous flow peritoneal dialysis is described. Urea clearances vary in proportion to the dialysate flow rate, to a maximum of 52 ml/min at 210 ml/min flow. These clearances are somewhat greater than those previously reported for this method but are lower than the rates reported for the chronic dialysis coils. Present costs are approximately $13 per dialysis and can probably be further reduced. In this limited experience, bacterial infection has not been a problem if meticulous technique is observed. Protein loss is variable. The risks and hazards relate primarily to those associated with intraperitoneal catheter placement.
Direct current glow discharges in atmospheric air

Direct current glow discharges have been operated in atmospheric air by using 100 μm microhollow cathode discharges as plasma cathodes. The glow discharges were operated at currents of up to 22 mA, corresponding to current densities of 3.8 A/cm2 and at average electric fields of 1.2 kV/cm. Electron densities in the glow are in the range from 1012 to 1013 cm−3. Varying the current of the microhollow cathode discharge allows us to control the current in the atmospheric pressure glow discharge. Large volume atmospheric pressure air plasmas can be generated by operating microhollow cathode discharges in parallel.
Observable fast kinetic eigenmode in binary noble-gas mixtures?

It is suggested that a fast kinetic mode should be observable in a whole class of disparate mass fluid mixtures, such as gaseous He-Xe, by neutron scattering experiments, at not too high densities and Xe concentrations.
Origin and transport of sedimentary organic matter in two subtropical estuaries: a comparative, biomarker-based study

Two sub-tropical estuaries of south Florida, USA, were studied to determine the origin and transport of organic matter between the freshwater and marine end-members of these systems. Sediments, as well as main biomass components (vegetation) were analyzed for lipid composition and content. The molecular distribution of several biomarker compounds, organism-specific biomarkers and bulk sediment characteristics such as %OM, C/N and δ13C were used to assess differences in OM source and transport between a strongly tidally-influenced estuary (Harney River) and one that is only seasonally influenced by estuarine waters (Taylor River). The data show mixing of combined terrestrial and autochthonous freshwater-derived OM, with marine planktonic and seagrass-derived OM in the middle to lower estuary of the Harney River. In contrast, such mixing did not occur to a measurable degree at the Taylor River, where low water discharge and exchange does not allow for any significant mixing of OM from end-member sources. Differences in hydrological conditions and benthic plant biomass and productivity between the two systems results in different OM inputs, which are reflected in the quality and degree of diagenesis of the sedimentary OM. Specific applications and potential limitations of traditional biomarker compounds for OM source assessment are discussed.
Influence of inherent particle characteristics on hopper flow rate

The inherent factors influencing the shear strength of particulate materials are also believed to influence the flow rate through a hopper. These inherent particle characteristics include particle size, particle-size distribution, particle shape, angularity, hardness, and surface roughness. To determine the effect of inherent particle characteristics on flow rate and pluviated void ratio, a wide range of materials were tested. These materials ranged from manufactured sands and glass beads to natural sands. Determination of particle size, particle-size distribution, and hardness was achieved by conducting conventional tests such as sieve analyses and specific gravity tests. Quantification of the shape and angularity parameter is more difficult due to the nonavailability of any standard techniques. To achieve the objective of quantifying shape and angularity, a new technique was developed utilizing the image analyzer. Two shape parameters, namely, Shape Factor and Angularity Factor, were determined for various materials. Shape and Angularity Factors were correlated with flow rate as well as the pluviated void ratio. Overall, the results indicate that as shape and angularity of particles increase, the flow rate decreases, and pluviated void ratio increase. A good correlation between drained shear strength properties and the flow rates measured in the cone was also found to exist. Therefore, index tests such as flow rate through a flow cone (hopper) can be used to estimate the drained monotonic strength of particulate materials.
Genre as Temporally Situated Social Action: A Study of Temporality and Genre Activity

Rhetorical studies of genre have investigated the complex relationships between a range of genre activities and their social, historical, and institutional contexts. However, the temporal dimensions of these contexts require further specification and explicit examination. This article offers a first step toward conceptualizing the temporal dimensions of rhetorical contexts and considering the interplay between those dimensions and genre activity. First, the author reviews how temporality has figured in rhetorical studies of genre through the notions of kairos and temporal exigence. She then presents two models of time, “clock time” and “process time,” as a means for representing the temporal dimensions of rhetorical contexts and genre activity. Finally, the author examines the interplay between these temporal models and genre by analyzing a nurse practitioner's communicative interaction with two patients. By conceptualizing and examining the relationship between time and genre, this article adds to our un...
Titanium-indiffused proton-exchanged waveguide lenses in LiNbO 3 for optical information processing

In this paper, design, fabrication, measurement, and performance charcteristics of the titanium-indiffused proton-exchanged microlenses, microlens arrays, and their combinations in LiNbO3 with emphasis on the most recent results are detailed first. Utilization of such TIPE microlenses for acoustooptic Bragg diffraction in a LiNbO3 channel–planar composite waveguide and realization of an integrated AO Bragg modulator module in a substrate size of 0.2 × 1.0 × 2.0 cm are then described. Some of the potential applications of such an integrated optic module together with the preliminary results of a simple experiment on matrix–vector multiplication are also presented.
The importance of severity of illness adjustment in predicting adverse outcomes in the Medicare population

The importance of using risk-adjusted mortality rates to measure quality of care is well-established. However, mortality rates may be an insensitive measure of quality for surgical patients since death is a relatively rare outcome. This study used Medicare files to identify, through chart abstraction, clinical postoperative complications of four surgical procedures (n = 8126) that could serve as measures of quality. Disease-specific severity of illness models using a moderate number of clinical variables and admission MedisGroups score models computed from approximately 250 clinical variables were compared in predicting postoperative adverse events. Initial differences between the two models disappeared upon cross-validation. Validated R-squareds and C statistics from models using half the data were generally positive, suggesting that these models had real, although modest, predictive power. We have shown that severity of illness on admission plays a role in predicting adverse events of surgery. Risk-adjusted outcomes may potentially be useful in screening for quality shortfalls.
Lack of Role for CsA-Sensitive or Fas Pathways in the Tolerization of CD4 T Cells Via BMT and Anti-CD40L

Anti-CD40L mAb plus bone marrow transplantation (BMT) and recipient CD8 T-cell depletion permits long-term mixed hematopoietic chimerism and systemic donor-specific tolerance to be achieved across full MHC barriers. Initial tolerance is characterized by peripheral deletion of donor-reactive CD4 cells. In regimens using costimulatory blockade without BMT to achieve allograft survival, cyclosporine inhibited graft survival, suggesting that the combination may not be clinically applicable. We assessed the role of cyclosporine-sensitive mechanisms and the mechanisms of T-cell apoptosis involved in the induction of early peripheral CD4+ T-cell tolerance by BMT with anti-CD40L. Neither a short course of cyclosporine (14 days) nor the absence of FAS-mediated activation-induced cell death (AICD) blocked the induction or maintenance of donor-specific tolerance. IL-2 production was not associated with tolerance induction, consistent with the lack of a role for Fas-mediated AICD. Mice in which passive T-cell death was impaired because of constitutive expression of a Bcl-xL transgene did not develop tolerance with this protocol. These data confirm that deletion of donor-reactive T cells is critical for the induction of mixed chimerism and tolerance. However, the mechanisms involved may differ from those involved in costimulatory blockade regimens that do not include BMT.
Homogenization of cemented soil stiffness and application to the study of arching effects between jet-grouted columns

This paper presents a study of the effect of jet-grouting on soil stiffness. Several homogenization techniques are tested at the scale of a Representative Elementary Volume (REV) to determine the stiffness of a mixture made of sand and grout. (1) The averaging method is employed to compute the mechanical stiffness of grouted soil under the assumption that internal stress is mostly supported by the soil skeleton. (2) A hollow sphere model is proposed to predict stiffness under the assumption that soil grains do not contribute to the mechanical resistance of cemented soil. (3) Eshleby’s homogenization scheme is used to model cemented soil stiffness for a dilute distribution of grains embedded in grout. The hollow sphere model gives more flexibility in the description of soil fabric, but does not account for soil grain mechanical properties. Eshelby’s technique is attractive, but more work is required to improve the representation of cemented soil fabric, especially the soil grain space distribution in the mixture of sand and grout. Settlements above a tunnel surrounded by two rows of jet-grouted columns are computed using the Finite Element Method (FEM). Numerical results for vertical displacements and stress are interpreted with Handy’s arching theory.
Statistical Computing Software Reviews

the reviewing times. In addition, there have been some special additions to the content of TAS. The May 2003 issue featured a special sectionof papers on StatisticalLiteracy, and theFebruary 2004 issue featured papers on the First Course in Computational Statistics. An InvitedSession on this topic, sponsoredby TAS, is scheduled for the Joint Statistical Meetings in August. We plan to have invited and contributed discussion on the paper “Statistical Research: Some Advice for Beginners” by Hamada and Sitter (page TKKK of this issue) for the August 2004 issue. In addition, we plan a paper and discussion on statistical aspects of the controversialBCS (Bowl ChampionshipSystem) ranking methodologyused to determine the best American college football teams. I welcome suggestions for good topics for special sections of papers; an e-mail can be sent to the editorial of ce address tas@bgnet.bgsu.edu. 4. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Analysis of Residual Stress Gradients Below the Surface of a Material Using a Multi-Energy Method

The residual-stress-gradient distribution just below the surface of a material is an important factor to consider during the engineering and design of a component. With the availability of an intense energy-tunable synchrotron x-ray source, it becomes easier to analyze the stress gradient below the surface, using a multi-energy x-ray diffraction method. A program was developed to efficiently determine possible experimental parameters using a sample with a known stress gradient distribution. In addition, this program can also calculate the stress gradient distribution below the surface taking into account experimental results. It also includes a subroutine for calculating the x-ray absorption coefficients of all of the elements, generalizing it for use with any material. As an example, in the present study, the relationship between x-ray energy and the residual stress gradient is discussed according to the calculated result for a silicon nitride composition.
Opposing Wall Mechanics Are Significantly Influenced by Longitudinal Cardiac Rotation in the Assessment of Ventricular Dyssynchrony

Objectives This study sought to assess whether longitudinal rotation (LR) affects myocardial systolic velocity profiles and to compare velocity-based measures of dyssynchrony with LR for predicting cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) response. Background Longitudinal rotation, a rocking motion often seen when the dilated left ventricle (LV) is imaged in its horizontal long-axis plane, is a recently recognized phenomenon and a new predictor of response to CRT. Methods One hundred patients with CRT implants and suitable baseline echocardiograms were identified. Longitudinal rotation was assessed in the apical 4-chamber view by speckle-tracking techniques and myocardial systolic velocities for basal septum, and lateral LV were analyzed from tissue Doppler images. The quartiles of LR distribution were analyzed for differences in their systolic velocities. Correlation between measurements and reduction in LV end-systolic volume (ESV) at follow-up was performed. Results Quartile 1 had a mean LR of −6.8 ± 2.3°; quartile 4 showed a mean LR of 2.3 ± 1.6°. A depressed peak velocity of lateral wall, when compared with the septum, was found for quartile 1 (p = 0.01), whereas the converse was noted in quartile 4 (p = 0.0001). The difference in amplitude of peak velocity between septal and lateral walls was found to correlate with the pattern of LR and with percentage reduction in LV ESV at follow-up in nonischemic patients. Septal–lateral delay was not correlated with the presence of LR, nor was it predictive of reduction in LV ESV. Conclusions Patients with prominent clockwise LR have depressed long-axis systolic velocities of the lateral wall, whereas the patients with counterclockwise LR have depressed septal wall velocities. The difference in peak amplitude of basal septal and lateral systolic velocities is predictive of LR, and in the nonischemic subgroup correlates with quantitative LV reverse remodeling at follow-up. Velocity time-based measures, including septal–lateral delay were not predictive of CRT response.
A comparison of two measures of perfectionism.

Abstract This study compares two recently developed measures of perfectionism. College students completed the Frost, Marten, Lahart and Rosenblate (1990; Cognitive Therapy and Research, 14 , 449–468) Multidimensional Perfectionsim Scale and the Hewitt and Flett (1991; Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 60 , 456–470) scale of the same name. Their relationship to each other, as well as to measures of affect, were examined. There was considerable overlap in the two measures of perfectionism. Frost et al. 's Total Perfectionism score appears to reflect a global dimension of perfectionism which is correlated with Hewitt and Flett's Self-Oriented and Socially-Prescribed scales, and less closely related to the Other-Oriented scale. Frost et al. 's Personal Standards scale was most closely associated with Hewitt and Flett's Self-Oriented Perfectionism scale. Frost et al. 's Concern over Mistakes, Parental Expectations and Parental Criticism scales were independently correlated with Hewitt and Flett's Socially-Prescribed Perfectionism scale. The subscales from each measure showed differential relationships with measures of positive and negative affect. Those dimensions which have been found to be related to symptoms of psychopathology were most closely related to negative affect (e.g. Concern over Mistakes, Socially- Prescribed Perfectionism), while those which have been found to be related to more “healthy” characteristics were associated with positive affect (e.g. Personal Standards, Other-Oriented Perfectionism). A factor analysis using the 9 subscales resulted in a conceptually clean two-factor solution. The first of these reflected maladaptive evaluation concerns, and the second reflected positive achievement strivings. The implications of these findings for the understanding of the construct of perfectionism are discussed.
Association of cannabis use with opioid outcomes among opioid-dependent youth.

Objective Cannabis use is common among opioid-dependent patients, but studies of its association with treatment outcome are mixed. In this secondary analysis, the association of cannabis use with opioid treatment outcome is assessed.
PT-04PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF A PHASE I/II STUDY OF INTRA-ARTERIAL CHEMOTHERAPY WITH OSMOTIC BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER DISRUPTION FOR PATIENTS WITH RECURRENT OR PROGRESSIVE CNS EMBRYONAL OR GERM CELL TUMORS

INTRODUCTION: Patients with refractory or recurrent CNS embryonal or germ cell tumors have poor prognosis and survivors suffer neuropsychological sequalae from radiotherapy and ototoxicity from chemotherapy. Prior retrospective studies suggest intra-arterial (IA) chemotherapy in conjunction with blood-brain barrier disruption (BBBD) may improve outcomes in patients with these challenging tumors. METHODS: In this prospective study, patients aged 1 to 30 with recurrent or refractory CNS embryonal or germ cell tumors were treated on 2 consecutive days, every 4 weeks, for up to a year with dose intensive IA carboplatin and IA melphalan with BBBD. The study objectives are to: determine the maximum tolerated dose of IA melphalan, estimate response rate, describe 2-year progression-free and overall survival, describe audiology and neuropsychological outcomes and describe overall toxicity. RESULTS: Nine patients were enrolled in the study (6 male) with a mean age was 14.75 years. There were three patients with medulloblastoma, two with atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor, two with germ cell tumors, one with metastatic testicular teratoma, and one with PNET. The majority of patients thus far were treated at a melphalan dose of 6 mg/m2 for two days. Of the study participants two had stable disease, three had partial response, and three had disease progression. There were a total of 16 adverse events of grades three and higher with the majority being grade 3(63%). The most common adverse event was electrolyte disorder in 38% of patients, and bone marrow suppression in 25% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: This therapy is well tolerated and appears safe. The current melphalan dose is 6 mg/m2. Toxicity is predominantly related to electrolyte disturbances and bone marrow suppression. There appears to be a subgroup that responds to this therapy but further investigation is needed. The trial continues with further enrollment.
The continued vital role of electron microscopy in the diagnosis of renal disease/dysfunction

Ultrastructural examination remains a crucial diagnostic tool for analysis of renal biopsies, along with light and immunofluorescence microscopy. Several advantages of electron microscopy are the ability to detect most forms of glomerular disease/dysfunction; the ability to examine small, suboptimal, or unusual specimens; and superior resolution that allows the investigator to hunt without preconceived ideas of what he/she is looking for or will find. A few shortcomings must be noted for completeness, including inability to detect disorders without specific ultrastructural signature, biochemical heterogeneity of deposits with similar or identical ultrastructural appearances, and occasional false-negative results in diseases with focal manifestations.
An approach for adaptively approximating the Viterbi algorithm to reduce power consumption while decoding convolutional codes

Significant power reduction can be achieved by exploiting real-time variation in system characteristics. An approach is proposed and studied herein that exploits variation in signal transmission system characteristics to reduce power consumption while decoding convolutional codes. With this approach, Viterbi decoding is adaptively approximated by varying the pruning threshold of the T-algorithm and truncation length while employing trace-back memory management. A heuristic is given for finding and adaptively applying pairs of pruning threshold and truncation length values that significantly reduce power to variations in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), code rate, and maximum acceptable bit-error rate (BER). The power reduction potential of different levels of adaptation is studied. High-level energy reduction estimates of 80% to 97% compared with Viterbi decoding are shown. Implementation insight and general conclusions about when applications can particularly benefit from this approach are given.
Effects of Cardiovascular Medications on Exercise Responses

Many patients who are referred for physical therapy take medications that affect either their physiological responses to exercise or their ability to exercise. The purpose of this article is to discuss how medications potentially can affect cardiovascular responses to exercise. The effects of selected medications on heart rate, blood pressure, and electrocardiographic responses during exercise; on exercise performance; and on training adaptations are discussed. The types of medications included in this review are beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists, vasodilators, diuretics, digitalis, and antiarrhythmic agents. The mechanisms of action and the clinical indications are described for each category of drugs. Ways in which each of the categories of drugs interacts with exercise responses, exercise performance, and training adaptations are described. Knowledge of a person's medications can provide valuable information on current physical condition and medical history and can alert therapists as to how exercise responses may be altered. Potential complications that are likely to occur during exercise can be identified, facilitating the design of safe and effective treatment programs.