cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nicotinamide treatment induces behavioral recovery when administered up to 4 hours following cortical contusion injury in the rat

Recent studies have demonstrated nicotinamide (NAM), a soluble B-group vitamin, to be an effective treatment in experimental models of traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, research on this compound has been limited to administration regimens starting shortly after injury. This study was conducted to establish the window of opportunity for NAM administration following controlled cortical impact (CCI) injury to the frontal cortex. Groups of rats were assigned to NAM (50 mg/kg), saline (1 ml/kg), or sham conditions and received contusion injuries or sham procedures. Injections of NAM or saline were administered at 15 min, 4 h, or 8 h post-injury, followed by five boosters at 24 h intervals. Following the last injection, blood was taken for serum NAM analysis. Animals were tested on a variety of tasks to assess somatosensory performance (bilateral tactile adhesive removal and vibrissae-forelimb placement) and cognitive performance (reference and working memory) in the Morris water maze. The results of the serum NAM analysis showed that NAM levels were significantly elevated in treated animals. Behavioral analysis on the tactile removal test showed that all NAM-treated groups facilitated recovery of function compared with saline treatment. On the vibrissae-forelimb placing test all NAM-treated groups also were significantly different from the saline-treated group. However, the acquisition of reference memory was only significantly improved in the 15-min and 4-h groups. In the working memory task both the 15-min and 4-h groups also improved working memory compared with saline treatment. The window of opportunity for NAM treatment is task-dependent and extends to 8 h for the sensorimotor tests but only extends to 4 h post-injury in the cognitive tests. These results suggest that a 50 mg/kg treatment regimen starting at the clinically relevant time point of 4 h may result in attenuated injury severity in the human TBI population.
Linking the Structure of African American Criminalization to the Spread of HIV/AIDS

This article is organized in two parts. In the first, the author presents the racialized social system conceptual framework for understanding links between the criminalization of Blacks and the spread of HIV/AIDS. In the second, the author presents data from a focus group and in-depth interviews that collaborate that conceptual framework. The major findings are (a) the racialized social system manufactures a Black criminalized profile and contributes to the spread of AIDS; (b) the distrust of authority and lack of faith in institutional order is nothing short of a legitimation crisis for the society coming from the men in this sample; (c) the men expressed a profound lack of trust in public health; (d) they sincerely believe that Whiteness is out to annihilate them; (e) and they have made a commitment to fight back. The author argues these orientations will make HIV/AIDS intervention and prevention programs largely unsuccessful.
Point defect chemistry in amorphous HfO 2 : Density functional theory calculations

Neutral and charged native point defects in amorphous ${\text{HfO}}_{2}$ were studied using first-principles computations. Thermodynamically, positively charged O vacancies and negatively charged Hf vacancies are the most probable point defects over a large atomic and electronic chemical-potential range. Moreover, of all point defects, the positively charged O vacancy is the one with the lowest migration barrier. Hence, this point defect is identified as the most dangerous one in amorphous ${\text{HfO}}_{2}$ within the context of high-$K$ gate dielectric applications in microelectronics.
The effect of ionic form and level of nitrogen on the growth and composition of Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms

The average daily dry matter yield, percentage nitrogen and chlorophylla content of water hyacinths were found to differ significantly when cultured in nutrient solutions containing either NH4-N or NO3-N. Average daily ash-free dry matter yield, cell-wall fraction, and nonstructural carbohydrate content were not significantly affected by the ionic form in which nitrogen was supplied. Varying the amount of nitrogen supplied to the water hyacinths resulted in significant differences in yield and composition. Low supplies of nitrogen result in decreased yields and fibrous plants with lower nitrogen and higher nonstructural carbohydrate content.
Nonlinear piezothermoelasticity and multi-field actuations, part 1: Nonlinear anisotropic piezothermoelastic shell laminates

Nonlinear characteristics, either material or geometrical nonlinearity, and temperature variations can significantly influence the performance and reliability of piezoelectric sensors, actuators, structures, and systems. This paper is intended to examine the nonlinear piezothermoelastic characteristics and temperature effects of piezoelectric laminated systems, and it is divided into two parts. Part 1 is concerned with a mathematical modeling of nonlinear anisotropic piezothermoelastic shell laminates and Part 2 is a study of static and dynamic control of a nonlinear piezoelectric laminated circular plate subjected to mechanical, electric, and temperature excitations. Geometric nonlinearity induced by large deformations is considered in both parts. A generic nonlinear piezothermoelastic shell lamination theory is proposed and its nonlinear thermo-electromechanical equations are derived based on Hamilton's principle. Thermo-electromechanical couplings among the elastic, electric, and temperature fields are discussed, and nonlinear components identified. Applications of the nonlinear theory to other materials, continua, sensors, actuators, and linear systems are discussed.
Heterotopic pregnancy after in vitro fertilization

Maternal mortality related to ruptured ectopic pregnancy remains elevated. A case is presented of heterotopic pregnancy in a patient whose pregnancy was assisted with in vitro fertilization. The patient's diagnosis was delayed, potentially because of lack of tachycardia associated with the hypotension. The clinical presentation of heterotopic pregnancy is similar to that of ectopic pregnancy. The risk factors for heterotopic pregnancy are the same as those for ectopic pregnancy, with the addition of in vitro fertilization, which increases the risk substantially.
Exact Yang-Mills-Higgs monopoles. I

We find explicit expressions for axially symmetric Yang-Mills-Higgs monopoles of arbitrary charge in the Bogomolny-Prasad-Sommerfield limit by using general Neugebauer transformations. The expressions satisfy the reality and asymptotic conditions. However, a general proof of nonsingularity is still lacking.
Dynamics and stability of unicycles and monocycles

Single-wheel vehicles include the monocycle proposed by Leonardo da Vinci and the more familiar unicycle. Although these vehicles are very simple mechanically, their stability characteristics are complicated and it is believed that they have not been investigated analytically previously. In this paper, a unified analysis applicable to both types of vehicles is presented along with typical calculations and a discussion of their implications
Density and microhardness of As Se glasses and glass fibers

Abstract The density and Vickers microhardness of bulk glasses and glass fibers in the As–Se system have been determined for up to 50% As. Arsenic selenide glasses were batched in an argon atmosphere using high purity arsenic and selenium to produce samples that contained between 5 and 50% As, the balance being Se. The density and hardness of both fibers and bulk glasses increase up to the stoichiometric As 2 Se 3 composition, with the hardness exhibiting a maximum at this composition, in accordance with the average coordination number (〈 r 〉) approach. The microhardness of aged fibers of all compositions is found to be higher than the corresponding bulk glass, indicating different structures. Both the density and microhardness of AsSe 4 are found to increase rapidly with time after drawing. Density and microhardness results are discussed in terms of quench induced stresses which result from the fiber drawing process, and stress relaxation in arsenic selenide glasses.
The EPR spectrum of Mn(II) Doped into cis -diaquobis(1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoroacetylacetonato)zinc(II) and trans -diaquobis(1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoroacetylacetonato)zinc(II) and the crystal structure of the host crystals

Abstract The room temperature electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum of cis-diaquobis(1,1,1,5,5,hexafluoroacetylacetonato)manganese(II), Mn(hfa)2, and trans-diaquobis(1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoroacetylacetonato)manganese(II) hydrate, Mn(hfa)2·H2O, doped into a single crystal of the corresponding zinc(II) chelates has been studied. The crystal structures of the two host chelates have been determined by X-ray crystallographic methods. The trans complex crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pnma with 4 molecules in a cell of dimensions a = 7.430(5), b = 21.965(8), c = 11.096(4) A; the structure has been refined to a final R-factor of 0.057 based on 821 independent reflections. The cis complex crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with 4 molecules in a cell of dimensions a =21.339(3), b = 8.228(3), c = 9.761(4) A, β = 95.99(2)°; the structure has been refined to a final R-factor of 0.041 based on 1170 independent intensities. The spin-Hamiltonian parameters have been determined by the use of energy expressions, complete to the second order of approximation, and by fitting the 30-line spectrum along each of the principal magnetic-axes by the method of least squares. The following results were obtained for the usual spin-Hamiltonian parameters. Mn(hfa)2: gx = 2.0098 = 0.0003, gy= 1.9999 = 0.0003, gz = 2.0002 = 0.0003, Ax = 86.44 × 10−4 cm−1, Ay = 86.52 × 10−4 cm−1, Az = 86.53 × 10−4 cm−1, D = 158.81 × 10−4 cm−1, E = 8.4 × 10−4 cm−1 . Mn(hfa)2·H2O: gz = 1.9960 = 0.0003, Az = 85.68 × 10−4 cm−1 , D = 374.45 × 10−4 cm−1, E = 66.24 × 10−4 cm−1. The spectrum of Mn(hfa)2·H2O doped into single crystals of the corresponding magnesium chelate has also been observed. The spin-Hamiltonian parameters are the same, within experimental error, as those for the zinc host lattice.
Post-Optimality Analysis in Aerospace Vehicle Design

This analysis pertains to the applicability of optimal sensitivity information to aerospace vehicle design. An optimal sensitivity (or post-optimality) analysis refers to computations performed once the initial optimization problem is solved. These computations may be used to characterize the design space about the present solution and infer changes in this solution as a result of constraint or parameter variations, without re-optimizing the entire system. The present analysis demonstrates that post-optimality information generated through first-order computations can be used to accurately predict the effect of constraint and parameter perturbations on the optimal solution. This assessment is based on the solution of an aircraft design problem in which the post-optimality estimates are shown to be within a few percent of the true solution over the practical range of constraint and parameter variations. Through solution of a reusable, single-stage-to-orbit, launch vehicle design problem, this optimal sensitivity information is also shown to improve the efficiency of the design process. For a hierarchically decomposed problem, this computational efficiency is realized by estimating the main-problem objective gradient through optimal sensitivity calculations. By reducing the need for finite differentiation of a re-optimized subproblem, a significant decrease in the number of objective function evaluations required to reach the optimal solution is obtained.
Comparative analysis of the efficiency and specificity of myeloid-Cre deleting strains using ROSA-EYFP reporter mice.

Since the first example of conditional gene targeting in mice in 1994, the use of Cre recombinase and loxP flanked sequences has become an invaluable technique to generate tissue and temporal specific gene knockouts. The number of mouse strains expressing floxed-gene sequences, and tissue-specific or temporal-specific Cre-recombinase that have been reported in the literature has grown exponentially. However, increased use of this technology has highlighted several problems that can impact the interpretation of any phenotype observed in these mouse models. In particular, accurate knowledge of the specificity of Cre expression in each strain is critical in order to make conclusions about the role of specific cell types in the phenotypes observed. Cre-mediated deletion specificity and efficiency have been described in many different ways in the literature, making direct comparisons between these Cre strains impossible. Here we report crossing thirteen different myeloid-Cre mouse strains to ROSA-EYFP reporter mice and assaying YFP expression in a variety of naive unstimulated hematopoietic cells, in parallel. By focusing on myeloid subsets, we directly compare the relative efficiency and specificity of myeloid deletion in these strains under steady-state conditions.
EFFECTS OF NICARDIPINE, A CALCIUM ANTAGONIST, ON MYOCARDIAL SALVAGE AND HIGH ENERGY PHOSPHATE STORES IN REPERFUSED MYOCARDIAL INJURY

Abstract The current study determined the effectiveness of nicardipine, a 1,4-dihydropyridine calcium antagonist, in preserving reperfused myocardium in a cat model of temporary coronary occlusion and ascertained if replenishment of myocardial phosphate stores during reperfusion as defined by phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was indicative of salvage. Twenty open chest, anesthetized cats were studied with use of a snare ligature around the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery, with a coil sutured to the epicardial surface overlying the distribution of the artery. Peak areas of phosphocreatine, inorganic phosphate and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) NMR signals were measured during 1 h of occlusion followed by 1.S h of reperfusion. Infarct size and jeopardy area were determined in vitro by simultaneous infusion of phthalocyanine Mue dye and triphenyltetrazolium chloride into the aorta and the left anterior descending corcnary artery, respectively, after 5 h of myocardial reperfusion. Nicardipine-treated and control groups had similar jeopardy area values (41.2 ± 1.6% versus 47.4 ± 3.1% of the left ventricle), but infant area was significantly reduced in the nkardipine-treated group (3.2 ± 1.1% versus 24.9 ± 7.5% of jeopardy area, p
A Credit Limit Decision Model for Inventory Floor Planning and Other Extended Trade Credit Arrangements

This paper analyzes the dealership credit limit problem in terms of the valuation of a Markov process of cash flows with sequential credit decisions over an infinite planning horizon. The formulation distinguishes between the upper bound on credit applicable at the account formation stage and the upper bound applicable to periodic reorders. The result is a closed form solution to the problem which serves as a criterion function for approving or denying credit on a customer-by-customer basis. Data for a sample of manufacturing firms are employed to estimate typical ranges for criterion function parameters. Upper bounds on credit limits are then calculated and graphically presented for median parameter values as well as for values at the 5th and 95th percentiles for the sample data. Finally, an empirical study is conducted of actual trade credit extended by firms. The results support the hypothesis that the variables in the decision model are important determinants of the amount of trade credit outstanding.
Acoustics of stop consonant-vowel relationships during fluent and stuttered utterances☆

Abstract Acoustic duration measures were made on the stop-gap, voice onset time (VOT), and vowel portions of the utterance [tu] in the context “425” as spoken ten times or more by five normal speakers, four mild stutterers, and four severe stutterers. The fluent utterances of the severe stutterers were significantly longer than those of normal speakers on stop-gap and vowel durations but not on voice onset times. Despite the slower speech of the severe stutterers, indications of normalization were found in the relatively stable consonant-to-vowel ratios across groups and in the lack of any significant differences of segment durations as a percentage of total utterance times. Normal speakers and mild stutterers showed an inverse relationship between stop-gap and VOT measures across speakers, but severe stutterers did not maintain this relationship for either fluent or stuttered tokens, nor did a mild stutterer suspected of covert stuttering. Stop-gap durations increased while VOTs stayed within normal limits for fluent tokens. For stuttered tokens, some subjects increased the stop-gap and some the VOT depending upon the location of the block. Abnormal gap to VOT ratios may serve to detect convert stuttering.
Initial reaction rates from DTA

Abstract It is shown that initial reaction rates can be determined in a very simple manner from differential thermal analysis measurements.
Comparative molecular evolution and phylogenetic utility of 3'-UTRs and introns in Galliformes.

Abstract Many phylogenetic studies have used nuclear introns or coding exons, but few have included untranslated regions (UTRs). Here we compare the phylogenetic utility and patterns of molecular evolution for 3′-UTRs and introns from five unlinked loci in Galliformes (Aves). 3′-UTRs evolved at slower rates and exhibited greater spatial clustering of sites with similar evolutionary rates than associated introns, though they exhibited similar overall model complexities. Base compositions differed between the 3′-UTR and associated intron for two of five loci, suggesting that base composition was not exclusively driven by isochore structure. Phylogenies estimated using individual and concatenated 3′-UTRs were more similar to an independent reference tree than those based upon introns, though all phylogenies were largely congruent. However, some 3′-UTRs were difficult to amplify, potentially limiting their use in phylogenetic studies. This study suggests that 3′-UTRs and introns can exhibit distinct patterns of molecular evolution and that they provide useful phylogenetic signal.
A therapeutic approach to reactive ego disturbances in children in placement.

This paper describes a therapeutic approach to the problem of the child who has lost the capacity for object relations following separation from his parents and placement. A specialized adaptation of an analytic technique is employed in the casework treatment. It consisted mainly of working through the defenses against affects and reviving the affects around the initial trauma of placement. Concurrent group treatment was employed for continuing diagnosis, to test the movement in object relationships and to provide a milieu in which readiness for new ties might be gratified. Prophylactic considerations are taken up in a final section.
Intermolecular electron transfer and exchange integrals in photosystem I

On the basis of ab initio molecular orbital calculations of individual cofactor molecules, we have obtained estimations of intermolecular electron transfer and spin-exchange integrals between cofactor molecules in photosystem I. These calculations are based on the spatial arrangement of the cofactor molecules in photosystem I of Thermosynechococcus elongatus. The results of these calculations are used in discussion of the influence of the protein environment upon interactions between cofactor molecules in the early stages of electron transfer and directionality of photo-induced electron transfer in photosystem I.
Grain size and domain size relations in bulk ceramic ferroelectric materials

Abstract A study of the ferroelastic domain size variations with grain sizes in Pb(Zr,Ti)O3[PZT] ferroelectric ceramic has been conducted. Experimental results determined by a transmission electron microscopy (TEM) study on hard and soft PZT ceramics indicate that it is possible to observe a bulk metastable domain configuration in a thinned foil. The transmission electron microscopy observations demonstrate that the domain structures formed at the paraelectric-ferroelectric phase transition are strongly dependent on the elastic boundary conditions and crystallite sizes. Statistical analysis of the domain size distributions in PZT reveals that the traditional parabolic relation between grain size and domain size is only good for a limited sizerangeof 1–10 μm. For grains size > 10 μm, the exponent tends to be smaller than 1 2 , while for grain size 1 2 . We also report the analysis on poled ceramics which reveals for the first time direct evidence for transgranular domain switching mechanisms.
Infection of human primary renal epithelial cells with HIV-1 from children with HIV-associated nephropathy

Infection of human primary renal epithelial cells with HIV-1 from children with HIV-associated nephropathy. Children affected with human immunodefficiency virus (HIV)-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) usually develop significant renal glomerular and tubular epithelial cell injury. The pathogenesis of these changes is not clearly understood. Human renal tubular epithelial cells (RTEc) do not express CD4 surface receptors, and it is not clear whether these cells can be infected by HIV-1. Certain strains of HIV-1, however, have been shown capable of infecting CD4-negative epithelial cell lines. We hypothesized that the inability of laboratory strains of HIV-1 to infect renal epithelial cells may be due to a limited tropism, as opposed to wild-type viruses derived from children with HIVAN, and that viruses derived from these children are capable of infecting RTEc from the same patient. Here, we have demonstrated that HIV-1 isolates from children with HIVAN can productively infect RTEc through a CD4 independent pathway, and that infected mononuclear cells can transfer the virus to human RTEc. Human RTEc sustained low levels of viral replication and HIV-1 inhibited the growth and survival of cultured human RTEc. Thus, HIV-1 may directly induce degenerative changes in RTEc of children with HIVAN. Infected macrophages may play a relevant role in this process by transferring viruses to RTEc.
The Facial Expressions of the Brown Capuchin Monkey (Ceb Us Apella)

Two captive groups of the brown capuchin, Cebus apella, were observed for approximately 146 hours, with particular attention paid to the facial expressions of this species. Seven discrete facial expressions having the properties of ritualized displays were observed. These were classified as follows according to motivational, status indication, and social functional criteria: (I) Open Mouth Bared Teeth-threat, (2) Open Mouth Staccato Beep-probably defensive threat, (3) Bared Teeth Scream-appeasement, maternal solicitation, (4) Grin-probably appeasement and reassurance, (5) Lipsmacking-reassurance, leads to passive contact, (6) Forehead Raise-affinitive, leads to active contact, and (7) Relaxed Open Mouth-play face, possibly play reassurance. An examination of the intention movements and the behaviors temporally associated with the facial expressions strongly suggests the brown capuchins studied here are providing accurate motivational information to other group members. Facial expressions morphologically similar to those observed in capuchins are also given by many species of Ceropithecinae, especially Macaca and Papio, with similar expressions occurring in similar social contexts. The presence of ritualized appeasement gestures in Cebus, Macaca, and Papio may be a function of the diversity of diet and the resulting spatial distribution of food items.
Novel catalysts for selective dehalogenation of CCl2F2(CFC 12)

Several supported and unsupported metal carbide catalysts were synthesized, characterized, and studied for their activity in the dehalogenation of CCl2F2 (CFC 12). Their catalytic properties were compared to those of a standard palladium catalyst. The turnover rates of the supported carbides were found to be higher than the unsupported carbides, but both deactivated quickly in the initial stages of reaction. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis of fresh and spent catalysts showed deposition of excessive amounts of carbon during the reaction which could be the cause of deactivation.
Three visions of Chinese political reform

The central argument of this paper is that while political reform has remained a focal preoccupation of China’s leadership, no unified vision of either the goal culture or the transfer culture of reform has yet emerged. Instead, there are at least three more or less clearly articulated visions of political reform currently in play. The first is the developmental perspective, according to which political reform is defined as whatever is most appropriate for rapid economic growth. The second vision is one of institutionalized personalism, according to which the informal sector will become normatively integrated and ultimately formalized, a source of innovation and no longer a threat to the established political order. The third vision, the percolation model, foresees the dissemination of successful local experiments as the appropriate engine of reform, a more open public realm as its goal culture. Each of these visions, though not necessarily incompatible, harnesses different grievances, satisfies different...
Application of robust adaptive control using combined direct and indirect methods

A new approach, combining direct and indirect control methods, recently proposed by the authors is used to adaptively control plants with unknown parameters. The plant parameters are known to lie in a specified compact set in parameter space and the output of the plant has to follow a desired output in the presence of a piecewise-constant input disturbance. Simulation results indicate that the combined method performs better than either the direct or the indirect method.
Influence of diet on long-term cold storage of the predator Podisus maculiventris (Say) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)

Abstract Long-term storage could aid in the cost-effective mass production of beneficial insects. Pre-conditioning, insect developmental stage and environmental conditions should be considered when selecting storage conditions in order to obtain the highest performance after storage. We evaluated the influence of nutrient quality on the response of eggs, nymphs and adults of Podisus maculiventris when exposed to two temperatures most likely to be used for long-term storage. Natural prey-fed insects were compared to artificial diet-fed insects. The results of our study showed that eggs survived storage at 10 °C better than 4 °C, and that eggs from diet-fed insects survived storage at 10 °C significantly better than eggs from prey-fed insects. Nymphal survival of cold storage treatment was slightly higher than for eggs, with a similar pattern of response to temperature, nutrient quality and time of storage. However, of the three developmental stages tested, the best survival was obtained with adults. Similar to eggs and nymphs, adults survival was higher at 10 °C. However, different from eggs and nymphs was that the prey-fed adults survived better than diet-fed adults. Our results show that prey-fed adults were able to withstand cold storage at 10 °C for 4 weeks with very little loss of survival, fecundity or viability of eggs oviposited by those adults. Longer periods of storage resulted in a decline in survival, fecundity and egg viability and that decline was greatest at 4 °C. For the longer intervals of storage at 10 °C, egg viability was highest for eggs from diet-fed adults. Collectively, these results demonstrate an influence of nutrient quality on the response to cold storage at different developmental stages, and that an optimal food source for continuous rearing is not necessarily an optimal food source for cold storage.
Custodial Grandparents and Their Grandchildren.

Grandparents raising grandchildren in the absence of the grand-children’s biological parents are responsible for the emotional, social, and financial wellbeing of 1.35 million children in the United States (Woodworth, 1996). These custodial grandparents, while providing their grandchildren with a sense of continuity, stability, and security (O’Reilly & Morrison, 1993), often do so at serious emotional, physical, and financial cost to themselves (Pinson-Millburn, Fabian, Schlossberg, & Pyle, 1996). The prevalence and population of grandparents raising grandchildren and identified problem- and treatment-focus areas for them are described through a review of the literature. Research into specific treatment modalities for these family constellations is significantly lacking. Narrative family therapy is suggested as a viable clinical intervention for this group.
Noninvasive beat to beat monitoring of left ventricular function by a nonimaging nuclear detector during premature ventricular contractions

Abstract A specially designed cardiac probe was used to evaluate beat to beat changes in left ventricular performance caused by premature ventricular contractions in four open chest dogs and 15 patients with various cardiac disorders. After intravenous injection of 15 to 20 mCi of technetium-99m serum albumin, left ventricular time-activity curves were obtained by positioning the probe over the left ventricular area in a 40 ° lateral anterior oblique projection with a 10 to 20 ° caudad tilt. Correct positioning was found by maximizing both the stroke counts and the end-diastolic counts. In the animal experiments, data generated by the probe were displayed side by side with left ventricular pressure, aortic pressure and aortic flow. Increases or decreases in stroke volume measured with the flowmeter correlated well with those measured with the cardiac probe. In the patients, the relative standard deviation of filling volumes, stroke volumes and ejection fractions of the sinus beats was 16 ± 5 percent, 14 ± 5 percent and 12 ± 5 percent, respectively. The premature ventricular contractions manifested end-systolic volume greater than, equal to or less than that of sinus beats. The filling volume, stroke volume and ejection fraction of these contractions were 51 ± 21 percent, 57 ± 17 percent and 45 ± 19 percent lower, respectively, than those of the sinus beats. In the compensatory sinus beats stroke volume and ejection fraction were 20 ± 27 percent and 26 ± 12 percent higher, respectively, than those in the sinus beats; however, the filling volume of these beats was essentially equal to that of the sinus beats.
Deep crustal carbonates as CO 2 fluid sources: Evidence from metasomatic reaction zones

Metasomatic reaction zones which developed at marble-pelitic schist contacts in a granulite facies terrane in West Greenland contain a consistent sequence of five mineralogical zones. Outward from the carbonates the zones are characterized by the assemblages grossular-diopside-meionite (I), meionite-anorthite-diopside (II), anorthite-diopside-edenitic hornblende (III), anorthite-enstatite (IV), plagioclase-almandine-sillimanite (V). Sphene is superceded by ilmenite between zones (II) and (III); quartz is present in all zones except zone I. Scapolite, plagioclase, clinopyroxene and mica exhibit a small degree of compositional variation which correlates with distance from the carbonate. These small compositional variations are superimposed on a strong CaO chemical potential gradient. Compositional features, zone distributions and CaO activity calculations demonstrate that the zones developed in response to CaO diffusion along a chemical potential gradient of 2 kcal/m. The CaO source appears to be carbonate rocks which release calcium as decarbonation reactions proceed. The maximum volume of CO2 released in this process, and that released during discontinuous reactions in the marbles, will contribute a total volume of CO2 approximately equivalent to the volume of carbonate in the rock. Calculations demonstrate that a terrane consisting of as little as 8% carbonate will release sufficient CO2 to result in complete dehydration of an amphibolite terrane, at deep crustal conditions. Dehydration through CO2 release will be accomplished either through rapid burial, which would prevent both equilibration of mineral assemblages and CO2 release at intermediate crustal levels, or through diffusion-driven metasomatic reactions which would lead to CO2 release primarily at the high temperatures of deep crustal environments. The latter process would be the dominant CO2 source at deep crustal levels if carbonate rocks occur predominately as relatively thin layers.
Trends in laboratory information management systems

Abstract Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) are an outgrowth of laboratory automation, the increasing workload in most laboratories, and the success that Information Management Systems have shown in enhancing productivity in a wide variety of activities. One current need is a model for constructing a local area network for the LIMS.
Morbid obesity rates continue to rise rapidly in the United States

Clinically severe or morbid obesity (body mass index (BMI) >40 or 50 kg m(-2)) entails far more serious health consequences than moderate obesity for patients, and creates additional challenges for providers. The paper provides time trends for extreme weight categories (BMI >40 and >50 kg m(-2)) until 2010, using data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Between 2000 and 2010, the prevalence of a BMI >40 kg m(-2) (type III obesity), calculated from self-reported height and weight, increased by 70%, whereas the prevalence of BMI >50 kg m(-2) increased even faster. Although the BMI rates at every point in time are higher among Hispanics and Blacks, there were no significant differences in trends between them and non-Hispanic Whites. The growth rate appears to have slowed down since 2005. Adjusting for self-report biases, we estimate that in 2010 15.5 million adult Americans or 6.6% of the population had an actual BMI >40 kg m(-2). The prevalence of clinically severe obesity continues to be increasing, although less rapidly in more recent years than prior to 2005.
Nature of Intergranular Phase in Nonohmic ZnO Ceramics Containing 0.5 Mol% Bi2O3

The intergranular phase obtained by sintering a binary mixture of ZnO + 0.5 mol% Bi2O3 was isolated by using a dilute solution of HCIO4, which etches ZnO preferentially. The combined results of selected-area electron diffraction and microscopy, microprobe analysis, and X-ray diffraction strongly indicate that the intergranular material is a polycrystalline phase of tetragonal β-Bi2O3 (P421c), rather than the amorphous ZnO-Bi2O3 phase reported earlier. It appears that the nonohmic behavior in this prototype metal-oxide varistor must be an interfacial property associated with the semiconducting ZnO grains separated by thin layers of high-resistivity Bi2O3.
Specifying and Using Contra-Helically Armored Cables for Maximum Life and Reliability

The importance of complete information regarding system parameters in the specification of a cable is discussed. System parameters to be covered include cable performance and mission profile, environmental consideration, verification testing, the cable handling system and connection features. The impact of these parameters on the material and construction features of the cable is discussed in terms on the effect on life and reliability. The mechanical effect of various cable handling operations are related to life and reliability. Successfully used spooling procedures, the trade-offs for zero rotation torque balance in and the major factors affecting flexure fatigue life are studied. The effects of corrosion in a salt water environment together with successful techniques currently being used to minimize this corrosion are also studied.
VOTING IN AN OPEN PRIMARY

Using data collected from state-wide surveys for the four most recent presidential primaries in Wisconsin, together with data from three other states for 1976 and 1980, this study examines (1) the ...
Biosynthesis of Rhizocticins, Antifungal Phosphonate Oligopeptides Produced by Bacillus subtilis ATCC6633

Rhizocticins are phosphonate oligopeptide antibiotics containing the C-terminal nonproteinogenic amino acid (Z)-l-2-amino-5-phosphono-3-pentenoic acid (APPA). Here we report the identification and characterization of the rhizocticin biosynthetic gene cluster (rhi) in Bacillus subtilis ATCC6633. Rhizocticin B was heterologously produced in the nonproducer strain Bacillus subtilis 168. A biosynthetic pathway is proposed on the basis of bioinformatics analysis of the rhi genes. One of the steps during the biosynthesis of APPA is an unusual aldol reaction between phosphonoacetaldehyde and oxaloacetate catalyzed by an aldolase homolog RhiG. Recombinant RhiG was prepared, and the product of an in vitro enzymatic conversion was characterized. Access to this intermediate allows for biochemical characterization of subsequent steps in the pathway.
Mechanism of Antitumor Activity of Tumor Necrosis Factor α With Hyperthermia in a Tumor Necrosis Factor α-Resistant Tumor

Cells from a radiation-induced fibrosarcoma (RIF-1) are exceedingly resistant to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) in vitro. We tested whether the addition of mild hyperthermia (42.5 degrees C, 30 minutes) could enhance TNF-alpha activity against RIF-1 tumors growing in syngeneic hosts (C3H mice). TNF-alpha was administered intratumorally. Tumor cell killing essentially was not measurable following TNF-alpha, hyperthermia, or a combination of the two. Single-modality treatments also had no effect on tumor growth delay or on the x-ray dose (given 24 hours after the primary treatment) required to sterilize 50% of the tumors. The combination of TNF-alpha and hyperthermia, however, resulted in a marked increase in tumor doubling time and a highly significant reduction in the x-ray dose required to sterilize the tumors. Syngeneic lymph nodal lymphocytes and blood leukocytes did not appear to mediate the action of TNF-alpha on RIF-1 cells in vitro. Necrosis and hemorrhage were the most prominent histopathological alterations in the treated tumors. Electron microscopic studies 6 hours after therapy showed increased damage to capillary endothelial cells and accumulation of neutrophils in the capillaries of tumors treated with TNF-alpha with or without heat, suggesting that neutrophils may mediate the endothelial cell injury. These observations indicate a greater than additive tumoricidal effect of TNF-alpha with hyperthermia. Furthermore, they support the concept that the interaction between the two agents damages the vasculature, compromising the microcirculation and ultimately causing ischemic tumor necrosis.
A policy approach to establish an international network of marine protected areas in the Gulf of Mexico region

Existing conditions in the Gulf of Mexico region support an enterprise to establish an international network of marine protected areas for joint consideration by policy decision-makers from the United States, Mexico and Cuba. The analysis presented in this paper explores governance of living marine resources in the Gulf of Mexico and discusses legal frameworks and authorising laws specific to marine protected areas in the United States, Mexico, Cuba and the international arena. Although the three nations have different legal systems and regulatory frameworks, the United States, Mexico and Cuba each have governance objectives to move towards ecosystem-based management, which inherently includes protection of transboundary living marine resources. Federal and international legal mechanisms, including the creation of a tri-national memorandum of understanding and implementation of the Cartagena Convention, are identified as the most logical and efficient next steps towards creating the International Gulf of ...
Potentiation of photodynamic therapy in mice with recombinant human tumor necrosis factors-α

The tumoricidal response of subcutaneously growing SMT-F adenocarcinoma implanted into syngeneic DBA/2 mice to Photofrin II-sensitized photodynamic therapy (PDT) was statistically significantly enhanced by the addition of a single dose of intravenously administered recombinant human tumor necrosis factor-alpha (rHuTNF-alpha). The interaction appeared to be approximately additive, i.e. tumor response to PDT plus rHuTNF-alpha was about the same as that observed by doubling the PDT dose. Conversely, rHuTNF-alpha did not significantly potentiate the cutaneous phototoxicity in mouse feet due to PDT. These data suggest that combination therapy should be considered for improving tumor response while retaining treatment selectivity in human malignancies.
Receptive fields of single cells from the face zone of the cat rostral dorsal accessory olive.

Abstract Natural stimulation was used to map the receptive fields of single cells recorded from the rostal medial portion of the dorsal accessory olive (rDAO) and the subjacent principal olive (PO) of the barbiturate anesthetized cat. Previous reports indicated a somatotopic mapping of the entire contralateral body within the rDAO which included a small face zone and a larger zone with a very precise map for the limbs. While concentrating on the face zone of the rDAO we confirmed the previously reported somatotopy (face: rostral and medial; forelimb: caudal and medial; hindlimb: caudal and lateral; and trunk: rostal and lateral) and found a somatotopy within, and adjacent to, the face zone. At the border between rDAO regions representing forelimb and face, cells with forelimb fields were found to lie dorsally to cells with facial fields. Within the rDAO face region, cells with large facial fields lie dorsally to cells with small facial fields. In both cases, the more ventral cells lie in the ventral lamella of the PO, which suggests a functional as well as physical continuity between rDAO and the ventral lamella of the PO. We therefore conclude that the face zone in the rDAO and the face zone in the PO form one continuous and complete map of the face with an orderly progression of receptive fields. Furthermore, we have found that stimulation of the red nucleus can inhibit rDAO cells with facial receptive fields just as it does cells with receptive fields from the rest of the body.
The influence of clear zone size and roadside vegetation on driver behavior.

INTRODUCTION: Roadside vegetation provides numerous environmental and psychological benefits to drivers. Previous studies have shown that natural landscapes can effectively lower crash rates and cause less frustration and stress to the driver. However, run-off-the-road crashes resulting in a collision with a tree are twice as likely to result in a fatality, reinforcing the need to examine the placement of vegetation within the clear zone. METHOD: This study explores the relationship between the size of the clear zone and the presence of roadside vegetation on vehicle speed and lateral position. A static evaluation, distributed electronically to 100 licensed drivers, was utilized to gather speed selections for both real and virtual roads containing four combinations of clear zone sizes and roadside vegetation densities. A case study was included in the static evaluation to investigate the presence of utility poles near the edge of the road on speed selection. Validation of the static evaluation was performed by a field data collection on the same roadways shown to participants in the evaluation. RESULTS: The speeds observed in the field for roadways with medium clear zone/dense vegetation or large clear zone/spare vegetation correlated with the speeds chosen by static evaluation participants. Further field data were obtained on vehicle speeds and lateral positions for additional roads demonstrating the same clear zone size/vegetation density combinations. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study successfully demonstrates the relationship between clear zone design and driver behavior, which could improve clear zone design practices and thus roadway safety. Language: en
Flexible microcellular foam from polymethylpentene/cyclohexane

Rapid freezing of a polymethylpentene (PMP)/cyclohexane solution to −80°C gives a tough, flexible foam, in marked contrast to the weak, friable foams obtained by phase-separation of PMP from other solvents. X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) data indicate that the isotactic PMP is in an amorphous state. The production of a flexible, robust foam tube from PMP/cyclohexane implies that this material could find applications as replacement parts for arteries and veins or as filter devices. In sheet form, this material seems ideally suited for use as light-weight insulation for clothing because its open, microcellular structure permits moisture to escape as vapors, but retards air flow. This study demonstrates that process parameters, such as solvent composition, play an important role in determining the various microstructures and physical properties that can be obtained from a single polymer.
Bubble coloring: avoiding routing- and protocol-induced deadlocks with minimal virtual channel requirement

Handling routing- and protocol-induced deadlocks is a critical issue in designing a reliable communication system. Generally, to avoid these two types of deadlocks without losing routing freedom requires a large amount of virtual channels (VCs), which imposes significant negative effects on router power, energy and frequency. In this paper, we propose a virtual cut-through switched Bubble Coloring (BC) scheme, which can avoid both routing- and protocol-induced deadlocks and allow fully adaptive routing on any topology without the need for multiple virtual channels. Results from both synthetic and full-system simulation show that, compared to a conventional deadlock-free scheme with 4VCs (i.e., XY_adaptive_4VC), our BC scheme with the minimal 1VC (i.e., BC_1VC) can reduce router energy and area by up to 51.2% and 58.3%, respectively, and has comparable performance at the same time. As the proposed BC scheme does not require multiple virtual channels, it also reduces the complexity of router arbitration logic, which brings the opportunity to increase router frequency and further improve system performance.
Plants or Animals-Which do Junior High School Students Prefer to Study?.

This research addressed the following questions: (1) Which science topic do junior high school students prefer to study—plants or animals? (2) Is their preference related to the variables of grade level and sex of student? Public school students from grades 7, 8, and 9 in Avoca, New York participated in the study. Findings show that 9th grade students have a greater interest in biological science topics than do students in the other grades studied. Girls are more interested in biological science topics than boys are. Girls also showed a significant preference for animals over plants. As a group, junior high school students revealed that they prefer animal study over plant study. About half of the student responses categorized as “biological science” did not express a clear-cut preference for either plants or animals. A caution about generalizability is expressed. Interviews of students suggest that the following characteristics of animals are important determinants of preferences: Animals move, eat, have eyes for sight, communicate by sound, exhibit behaviors that are fun to watch, have short and observable live cycles, interact with humans, can learn, have mates, give birth, and raise their young. It was obvious that most students think of mammals when they hear the term “animal.”