cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lung protective ventilation: a summary of the current evidence from the 2012 American Association for Respiratory Care International Congress

Over 150 invited experts presented to almost 6000 participants at the most recent American Association for Respiratory Care International Congress. These participants represented a broad international audience with a range of expertise that included respiratory therapists, physicians, nurses and others. While the program incorporated an extensive curriculum, the theme of lung protective ventilation was highlighted throughout the Congress. Experts reviewed the current evidence regarding the risk for ventilator-induced lung injury in mechanically ventilated patients without pre-existing lung disease and in those with acute lung injury. In addition, several experts reviewed the cutting edge approach of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a lung protective approach.
Vitamin A Is Required for Regulation of Polymeric Immunoglobulin Receptor (pIgR) Expression by Interleukin-4 and Interferon-γ in a Human Intestinal Epithelial Cell Line

The secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibody response to infections of mucosal surfaces requires transport of IgA from the basal to apical surface of mucosal epithelial cells by a specific transport protein, the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR). We have tested the hypothesis that the vitamin A metabolite all-trans retinoic acid (RA) is required for the regulation of pIgR expression by the cytokines interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in HT-29 cells, a well-differentiated human epithelial cell line derived from a colonic carcinoma. pIgR expression is upregulated by IFN-gamma and IL-4 when HT-29 cells are grown in normal media, but this upregulation was significantly lower when cells were grown in vitamin A-depleted media. Treatment with RA at concentrations from 10(-9) to 10(-5) mol/L restored normal levels of pIgR expression. The percentages of cells expressing cell-surface pIgR after 24, 48 and 72 h of treatment with RA, IL-4 and IFN-gamma were 66 +/- 10, 90 +/- 5 and 92 +/- 1, respectively, significantly higher than the percentages seen without RA treatment, which were 32 +/- 2.3, 72 +/- 1.2 and 30 +/- 7, respectively. In addition, the intensity of fluorescence of pIgR-positive cells was significantly higher in the RA-treated cultures than in the cultures without RA treatment. Similarly, pIgR mRNA levels (adjusted for beta-actin mRNA levels) in RA-supplemented cultures were 404, 105 and 949% higher at 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively, than were pIgR mRNA levels in identical cultures grown in the absence of RA. These data indicate that RA strongly interacts with IL-4 and IFN-gamma to regulate pIgR expression in HT-29 cells, suggesting that vitamin A may be required for proper in vivo regulation of IgA transport in response to mucosal infections.
Limitation of Distortion in Friction Stir Welded (FSW) Panels using Needle Peening

Friction stir welding (FSWing) induces residual stresses and distortions in welded structures. Such residual stresses reduce the fatigue life of welded components, while the induced distortions prevent the welding of large or thin components. In the present study, needle peening was used to induce additional residual stresses in 2.3-mm thick (FSWed) aluminum alloy (AA) 2024-T3 sheets. This was done with the objective to counterbalance the welding-induced stresses and thus reduce the overall stresses and distortions. The needle peening process, which stems from shot peening, consists of hammering a surface using cylindrical spherical ended shots sliding back and forth in a treatment head. An instrumented needle peening machine was used to carry out peening on as-received (or bare) and bead-on-plate FSWed AA2024-T3 material. In both cases, the width of the peening area corresponded to that of a typical weld. The influence of the peening process parameters such as needle size, applied power and travel speed on the surface quality and magnitude of the induced distortions were evaluated. The results indicate that, by increasing the needle diameter from 1.2 mm to 2.0 mm, the peening-induced deflection on bare sheet material increased by an average value of 27% while the roughness average, Ra, decreased by an average value of 47%. It was also found that a surface finish qualitatively similar to that of conventional shot peening could be obtained by using appropriate needle peening trajectories. Finally, needle peening with an applied power of 10% was sufficient for eliminating 37% of the welding-induced transverse curvature and 82% of the welding-induced longitudinal curvature.
New apparatus for precise synchronous phase shift measurements in storage rings

Measuring a synchronous phase shift as a function of beam current is commonly done in accelerator physics to estimate the longitudinal impedance of a storage ring vacuum chamber. This measurement is normally done with RF techniques that do not have enough accuracy to detect small phase shifts typical to the newer storage rings. In this paper we report results from a new method for precise measurement of a synchronous phase shift. Our method involves downmixing from the RF frequency to a kHz range and then using an audio DSP lock-in amplifier for the actual phase detection. This paper describes the idea and the advantages of a new method as well as its practical implementation in the apparatus we build for precise synchronous phase measurements in the Stanford Linear Collider damping rings. The results of those measurements are also presented. [S1098-4402(98)00020-2]
A close relationship to Smith-Lemli-Opitz (RSH) patients positively correlates with an increased incidence of high cholesterol, late-onset diabetes, and infertility; and negatively correlates with alcoholism

Several valuable sets of data came out of the Second International Scientific Symposium on Smith-Lemli-Opitz/RSH Syndrome held in Salt Lake City in July 1999. One part of this is our study of comorbidity factors in heterozygotes from 23 collected pedigrees (over 450 individuals described). We first asked whether the relatively high frequency of SLO/RSH (1/10,000 births) in the population might be due in part to a fitness advantage in the heterozygotes. Our initial hypothesis was based on the idea that heterozygotes produce less cholesterol, thus protecting them from lipotropic disease. Surprisingly, our data indicated an increased incidence of high cholesterol and late-onset diabetes in close relatives of patients. Therefore, there appeared to be no protective effect offered by the altered cholesterol metabolic pathway in SLO/RSH heterozygotes, but instead a trend toward increases in lipid-related disease. We also found that presumed SLO/RSH heterozygotes exhibit previously unrecognized trends such as a positive correlation with infertility and a negative correlation with alcoholism. These data provide new insight for our understanding of the potential role of 7-DHC mutation carrier status, and for future interpretation of similar findings in families suspected for SLO/RSH.
Conquest by Force: A Narcissistic Reactance Theory of Rape and Sexual Coercion

Men's efforts to force women to engage in unwanted sexual activity can be explained by a combination of reactance theory and narcissism. Reactance theory suggests that deprivation of specific sexual options will cause men to desire them more, to try to reclaim them by forcing sex and by aggressing against the woman who has refused them, and assorted findings support this analysis. Narcissism is proposed to moderate the link, especially because coercion is relatively rare in response to sexual refusals. Evidence about sexually coercive men supports the narcissism hypothesis, such as by showing self-serving cognitive distortions, an excessive concern with being admired, an inflated sense of entitlement, selectively low empathy, and a broadly exploitative approach to heterosexual relations.
Fast Optical Imaging of Human Brain Function

Great advancements in brain imaging during the last few decades have opened a large number of new possibilities for neuroscientists. The most dominant methodologies (electrophysiological and magnetic resonance-based methods) emphasize temporal and spatial information, respectively. However, theorizing about brain function has recently emphasized the importance of rapid (within 100 ms or so) interactions between different elements of complex neuronal networks. Fast optical imaging, and in particular the event-related optical signal (EROS, a technology that has emerged over the last 15 years) may provide descriptions of localized (to sub-cm level) brain activity with a temporal resolution of less than 100 ms. The main limitations of EROS are its limited penetration, which allows us to image cortical structures not deeper than 3 cm from the surface of the head, and its low signal-to-noise ratio. Advantages include the fact that EROS is compatible with most other imaging methods, including electrophysiological, magnetic resonance, and trans-cranial magnetic stimulation techniques, with which can be recorded concurrently. In this paper we present a summary of the research that has been conducted so far on fast optical imaging, including evidence for the possibility of recording neuronal signals with this method, the properties of the signals, and various examples of applications to the study of human cognitive neuroscience. Extant issues, controversies, and possible future developments are also discussed.
Molecular genetic approaches to Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) has emerged in the past decade as a major public health problem. Epidemiological and neuropathological studies have revealed AD to be a very frequent disease associated with aging. Already the fourth leading cause of death in the USA and consuming a major component of health care costs, AD will take on even greater importance with the continuous growth of the elderly population. A concerted effort has been made in recent years to attack AD using an arsenal of powerful molecular biological techniques, concentrating on two areas: the characterization of proteins implicated in the pathogenesis of AD and of the genes that encode them; and the use of genetic linkage to approach the primary defect in a familial form of AD (FAD). This review attempts to summarize and interpret the recent molecular, genetic and biochemical findings concerning the pathogenesis of AD.
Effect of bias conditions on the optimal energy harvesting using magnetostrictive materials

The purpose of this effort is to investigate the effect of bias conditions on the power harvested using magnetostrictive materials. Towards that end, we first develop an analytical model to describe the dependence of the constitutive parameters on the bias conditions. We validate this model experimentally and define a range for its validity. We obtain a one-dimensional lumped-parameter model of the energy harvester and optimize it with respect to the load resistance and frequency ratio. The optimal expressions are then used to study the effect of bias conditions on the optimal values. We observe that the bias conditions significantly affect the antiresonance frequency allowing for possible real time control to maximize the energy flow from the environment to the load. Furthermore, it is observed that, in the range of bias conditions for which our model is valid, the harvested power increases with magnetic bias and decreases with the prestress.
Cultural Diversity and Trust in IT Adoption: A Comparison of Potential e-Voters in the USA and South Africa

To trust means to have expectations about others’ (the trustees’) socially acceptable behavior. One of the central effects of this trust in the context of IT adoption is to increase the perceived usefulness (PU) of Information Technology (IT) associated with the trustee’s agency. One way of increasing this trust is through greater sociocultural similarity. Taking previous research into the realm of electronic voting, this chapter posits that because trust is culture-dependent, it should decrease considerably as cultural diversity and differentiation increases. To investigate the role of trust in IT adoption in different cultures where dissimilar concepts of socially acceptable behavior exist, this study compares trust-related perceptions of an emerging IT (i.e., electronic voting) between the United States of America (USA) and the Republic of South Africa (RSA). More specifically, the question was addressed by comparing the unique circumstances of the cultural changes in the RSA with the more socially integrated mainstream USA culture. In both cultures, a perceived sociocultural similarity between the individual and the agency in charge of the electronic voting IT contributed to both the establishment of trust and to an increase in the perceived usefulness of the IT, supporting and extending the extrapolations of past propositions to this new realm. However, only in the USA did trust contribute to the PU of the IT. The results suggest that when cultural diversity is large, trust becomes of lesser importance, perhaps because it can no longer reduce social uncertainty. Implications for researchers and governmental voting agencies are discussed, and future research directions are proposed.
Parkinson's disease and functional decline in older Mexican Americans

The purpose of this study was to establish prevalence and five-year incidence, and explore functional decline among older Mexican Americans with Parkinson's disease (PD). Using data from the Hispanic EPESE, baseline characteristics were compared across PD response profiles. Weighted generalized estimating equations (GEE) modeled the association between PD and outcomes. Prevalence was 1.30%; incidence at wave 4 was 1.18%. Those with prevalent PD had worse function than those without PD at each wave. Progressive functional decline across time was observed among those with PD. Older Mexican Americans with PD often live in the community, and those who provide care for them may be overburdened.
Providing a decision focus for global systems analysis

With the globalization of the world’s economic, transportation and communication systems, many problems that were once considered local or national have become globalized. Examples are the recent financial crises, energy and food security, global warming, and terrorism. There are two challenges with studying these global problems. First, most research institutions studying global problems have a sectorial focus (e.g., health, energy, food, or water) and, therefore, they are likely to ignore interconnections between sectors. Second, there is a tendency of researchers to emphasize the scientific aspects of their studies and to pay less attention to the policy or decision relevance of the results. Systems analysis has been developed and practiced by several global institutions to overcome the first problem. Decision analysis has been developed to address the second problem and it has been applied in different contexts by many institutions worldwide. This paper advocates a merger of systems analysis and decision analysis to make systems analysis of global problems more relevant for decision making. It begins by identifying some of the most urgent global problems and outlines how systems and decision analysis have been used to address these problems. It then examines three specific global problems and illustrates how a merger decision analysis can provide a decision focus for systems analysis. Throughout the paper, obstacles to the implementation of this approach are discussed. The paper concludes by arguing that global research institutions should identify and prioritize global problems and find solutions by combining concepts of systems and decision analysis.
Is routine intraoperative frozen-section examination of sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer worthwhile?

Background: Routine intraoperative frozen section (FS) of sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) can detect metastatic disease, allowing immediate axillary dissection and avoiding the need for reoperation. Routine FS is also costly, increases operative time, and is subject to false-negative results. We examined the benefit of routine intraoperative FS among the first 1000 patients at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center who had SLN biopsy for breast cancer. Methods: We performed SLN biopsy with intraoperative FS in 890 consecutive breast cancer patients, none of whom had a back-up axillary dissection planned in advance. Serial sections and immunohistochemical staining for cytokeratins were performed on all SLN that proved negative on FS. The sensitivity of FS was determined as a function of (1) tumor size and (2) volume of metastatic disease in the SLN, and the benefit of FS was defined as the avoidance of a reoperative axillary dissection. Results: The sensitivity of FS ranged from 40% for patients with T1a to 76% for patients with T2 cancers. The volume of SLN metastasis was highly correlated with tumor size, and FS was far more effective in detecting macrometastatic disease (sensitivity 92%) than micrometastases (sensitivity 17%). The benefit of FS in avoiding reoperative axillary dissection ranged from 4% for T1a (6 of 143) to 38% for T2 (45 of 119) cancers. Conclusions: In breast cancer patients having SLN biopsy, the failure of routine intraoperative FS is largely the failure to detect micrometastatic disease. The benefit of routine intraoperative FS increases with tumor size. Routine FS may not be indicated in patients with the smallest invasive cancers.
Distribution, morphology, and origins of Martian pit crater chains

[1] Pit craters are circular to elliptical depressions found in alignments (chains), which in many cases coalesce into linear troughs. They are common on the surface of Mars and similar to features observed on Earth and other terrestrial bodies. Pit craters lack an elevated rim, ejecta deposits, or lava flows that are associated with impact craters or calderas. It is generally agreed that the pits are formed by collapse into a subsurface cavity or explosive eruption. Hypotheses regarding the formation of pit crater chains require development of a substantial subsurface void to accommodate collapse of the overlying material. Suggested mechanisms of formation include: collapsed lava tubes, dike swarms, collapsed magma chamber, substrate dissolution (analogous to terrestrial karst), fissuring beneath loose material, and dilational faulting. The research described here is intended to constrain current interpretations of pit crater chain formation by analyzing their distribution and morphology. The western hemisphere of Mars was systematically mapped using Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) images to generate ArcView™ Geographic Information System (GIS) coverages. All visible pit crater chains were mapped, including their orientations and associations with other structures. We found that pit chains commonly occur in areas that show regional extension or local fissuring. There is a strong correlation between pit chains and fault-bounded grabens. Frequently, there are transitions along strike from (1) visible faulting to (2) faults and pits to (3) pits alone. We performed a detailed quantitative analysis of pit crater morphology using MOC narrow angle images, Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) visual images, and Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) data. This allowed us to determine a pattern of pit chain evolution and calculate pit depth, slope, and volume. Volumes of approximately 150 pits from five areas were calculated to determine volume size distribution and regional trends. The information collected in the study was then compared with non-Martian examples of pit chains and physical analog models. We evaluated the various mechanisms for pit chain development based on the data collected and conclude that dilational normal faulting and sub-vertical fissuring provide the simplest and most comprehensive mechanisms to explain the regional associations, detailed geometry, and progression of pit chain development.
Adulteration of Selected Unprocessed Botanicals in the U.S. Retail Herbal Trade

Adulteration of Selected Unprocessed Botanicals in the U.S. Retail Herbal Trade. Adulteration of botanical dietary supplements through the accidental or deliberate use of a plant species other than the one claimed to be present is a well-publicized concern. Recent surveys of these products have found that some historically reported adulterations still occur despite strict quality control regulations. For a few botanicals, the accidental inclusion of toxic lookalike species has caused consumer illnesses. Since most of the Western market, as measured by monetary value, consists of processed dietary supplements, relatively little attention has been paid to the question of whether unprocessed bulk herbs sold to herbalists and in herb stores are equally subject to adulteration. We hypothesized that adulterations similar to those seen in materials sold for use in dietary supplements would occur. Nine botanicals were selected that had been previously reported to be adulterated, or were suspected to be at risk of adulteration, and that could be distinguished from known or likely adulterants by the morphology of parts in commerce. Samples were purchased from eleven vendors and authenticated by morphological examination. Most were correctly identified, and no toxic adulterants were found. Samples of Juniperus and Tilia commonly contained species other than those specified, and most samples of alleged Arnica montana were entirely composed of Heterotheca inuloides (“false arnica”). We conclude that the likelihood of adulteration of crude botanicals in retail commerce is taxon-specific; while most species are consistently correctly identified, a few are often confused. One implication is that botanicals purchased for use in research should always be independently authenticated in some fashion.
Synergistic induction of cancer-related immunosuppression by β2-adrenergic stress mediators and P38MAPK inflammatory pathway

Psychological stress has been implicated in promoting cancer recurrence and progression, but the magnitude of this effect and underlying mechanism remain unclear. In attempt to address this controversy, we have evaluated the impact of stress on molecular and cellular components of cancer Immune-surveillance and tested the hypothesis that the impact of stress in promoting tumor-associated immune suppression is context-dependent.
Data Pre-Processing for Label-Free Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) Experiments

Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) conducted on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer allows researchers to quantify the expression levels of a set of target proteins. Each protein is often characterized by several unique peptides that can be detected by monitoring predetermined fragment ions, called transitions, for each peptide. Concatenating large numbers of MRM transitions into a single assay enables simultaneous quantification of hundreds of peptides and proteins. In recognition of the important role that MRM can play in hypothesis-driven research and its increasing impact on clinical proteomics, targeted proteomics such as MRM was recently selected as the Nature Method of the Year. However, there are many challenges in MRM applications, especially data pre‑processing where many steps still rely on manual inspection of each observation in practice. In this paper, we discuss an analysis pipeline to automate MRM data pre‑processing. This pipeline includes data quality assessment across replicated samples, outlier detection, identification of inaccurate transitions, and data normalization. We demonstrate the utility of our pipeline through its applications to several real MRM data sets.
Cohort size and age-specific suicide rates: A contingent relationship

Trends in age-specific suicide rates relate to debates about the consequences of population aging and changes in cohort size for social well-being. Easterlin argues that large cohort size increases suicide rates by reducing relative income; Preston claims that suicide rates fall in large cohorts with high levels of political and social power. To integrate these competing arguments, this paper uses aggregate data on 18 high-income nations from 1953 to 1986 to demonstrate that the direction and strength of the relationship between cohort size and suicide depend on (1) age of the cohort, (2) gender, (3) national context, and (4) time period. The results show that large cohort size raises suicide for the young and middle-aged, but reduces it for the elderly. Also, the effects of cohort size prove stronger for men than for women, for nations with less collectivist institutions than for nations with more collectivist institutions, and for the 1950s and 1960s than for the 1970s and 1980s.
Integration of safety technologies into rheumatology and orthopedics practices: a randomized, controlled trial.

Objective To identify and integrate new safety technologies into outpatient musculoskeletal procedures and measure the effect on outcome, including pain. Methods Using national resources for patient safety and literature review, the following safety technologies were identified: a safety needle to reduce inadvertent needlesticks to heath care workers, and the reciprocating procedure device (RPD) to improve patient safety and reduce pain. Five hundred sixty-six musculoskeletal procedures involving syringes and needles were randomized to either an RPD group or a conventional syringe group, and pain, quality, safety, and physician acceptance were measured. Results During 566 procedures, no accidental needlesticks occurred with safety needles. Use of the RPD resulted in a 35.4% reduction (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 24–46%) in patient-assessed pain (mean ± SD scores on a visual analog pain scale [VAPS] 3.12 ± 2.23 for the RPD and 4.83 ± 3.22 for the conventional syringe; P < 0.001) and a 49.5% reduction (95% CI 34–64%) in patient-assessed significant pain (VAPS score ≥5) (P < 0.001). Physician acceptance of the RPD combined with a safety needle was excellent. Conclusion As mandated by the Joint Commission and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, safety technologies and the use of pain scales can be successfully integrated into rheumatologic and orthopedic procedures. The combination of a safety needle to reduce needlestick injuries to health care workers and the RPD to improve safety and outcome of patients is effective and well accepted by physicians.
Relativistic and correlation effects for bound levels of atomic systems with three electrons

Abstract A theoretical apparatus is developed which allows accurate calculation of atomic energy levels whose dominant configurations are of the three-electron, one p-hole and two-electron, or one-electron type. Correlation effects are incorporated through a configuration interaction expansion of Slater determinants in which the radials are found by solving the Hartree-Fock-Slater equation. The relativistic effects are incorporated by using the low-Z Pauli approximation for the Hamiltonian. The discussion is made general enough so that results for configurations with more than three electrons can be generated (with a substantial amount of algebraic manipulation) and approximations to the Hamiltonian, other than that of Pauli, can be considered (with a small amount of algebraic manipulation). The one p-hole two-electron theory is then applied to Na I, Mg II, and Cs I to obtain the fine structure of the energetically lowest D doublets. For Na I, Mg II, Cs I, the calculated values are (in cm−1), −0.038, −0.42, and +102.41, respectively. The observed values are (in cm−1), −0.050, −0.87, and +97.59, respectively. The three-electron theory is applied to the N = 13 isoelectronic series (up to Ca) to explain the doublet D fine structure associated with the 3s3p2 configuration. A substantial improvement over the single configuration, nonrelativistic results is obtained.
C++ exception handling for IA-64

The C++ programming language offers a feature known as exception handling, which is used, for instance, to report error conditions. This technique can result in more robust software. On the other hand, it generally has a highly negative performance impact, even when exceptions are not actually thrown. This impact is especially important on an architecture such as the HP/Intel IA-64 processor, which is very sensitive to compiler optimizations. Hewlett-Packard implemented exception handling for IA-64 in a way that leaves the door open for optimizations, even in the presence of exceptions.
Emotional problems in premarital counseling

T H E R E will always be emotional problems to consider in premarital counseling. Fo r every person is emotional and will surely bring his emotional needs and defenses into marriage. Of all human relations marriage is or intends to be the most deeply emotional. I t might be assumed that I can keep my emotions to myself, and this we often t ry to do hopefully or stolidly but without success. For what I may repress or hold in check for the moment is not extinguished but continues to motivate behavior in hidden ways. And to bring less than the whole person ,into marriage is a partial and faltering engagement that will not fulfill the utmost' needs of either party.
Surface unwetting during growth of Ag on Si(001).

The room-temperature growth mode of Ag on Si(001) was studied using scanning tunneling microscopy. This system grows in a Stranski-Krastanov mode, but the nature of the initial two-dimensional layer has remained controversial. These results show that a two-dimensional Ag layer completely covers the surface at one monolayer. Above one monolayer, three-dimensional Ag islands nucleate and the two-dimensional layer partially unwets the surface. This unwetting phenomenon explains some of the discrepancies between prior studies.
Calcium isotope fractionation in groundwater: Molecular scale processes influencing field scale behavior

Abstract It is the purpose of this study to demonstrate that the molecular scale reaction mechanisms describing calcite precipitation and calcium isotope fractionations under highly controlled laboratory conditions also reproduce field scale measurements of δ44Ca in groundwater systems. We present data collected from an aquifer during active carbonate mineral precipitation and develop a reactive transport model capturing the observed chemical and isotopic variations. Carbonate mineral precipitation and associated fluid δ44Ca data were measured in multiple clogged well bores during organic carbon amended biogenic reduction of a uranium contaminated aquifer in western Colorado, USA. Secondary mineral formation induced by carbonate alkalinity generated during the biostimulation process lead to substantial permeability reduction in multiple electron-donor injection wells at the field site. These conditions resulted in removal of aqueous calcium from a background concentration of 6 mM to
Pleistocene paleoclimates and foraminiferal biostratigraphy in subantarctic deep-sea cores

Abstract Middle and upper Pleistocene cores from the subantarctic region of the South Pacific can be divided on the basis of the upward sequential appearance of planktonic Foraminifera into three faunal zones. Correlation of this sequence with established radiolarian zones and paleomagnetic stratigraphy are supported by radiometric dates. Alternations of cold and warm water planktonic foraminiferal faunas delimit 8 intervals of climatic warming during the last 1·2-1·3 × 106-yr B.P. The relative magnitude of climatic warmings were considerably greater during the last 0·5 × 106-yr, than between 0·5 and 1·3 × 106-yr B.P. when conditions were generally cooler. Conditions were only once significantly warmer than the Recent, i.e., during the interval between 0·4 and 0·5 × 106-yr B.P. Paleoclimatic trends for polar areas can be correlated rather closely with those of tropical areas ( Ericson and Wollin , 1968).
The CPMG Pulse Sequence in Strong Magnetic Field Gradients with Applications to Oil-Well Logging

Abstract It is shown that transverse relaxation measurements obtained from CPMG echo trains are valid even in the presence of strong, static magnetic field gradients. In the context of in situ measurements for water or oil exploration, low magnetic fields and short echo spacings are utilized to minimize diffusional effects. Under these conditions, it is shown that, for T 1 = T 2 , the inverse Laplace transformation of the echo train is essentially independent of field homogeneity. For T 1 ≠ T 2 , the error in determining T 2 does not exceed ∼12%, even for high T 1 / T 2 ratios. In most porous media, T 1 / T 2 is less than 3, in which case the error is below 8%. Analytical expressions for the echo amplitudes including relaxation are derived based on the density-matrix formalism. We define recursion relations that give the density matrix at echo i by a simple multiplication of the density matrix at echo i − 1 with a set of operators describing the evolution between consecutive echoes. The echo intensity is shown to be a function of the ratio between the radiofrequency strength and the receiver bandwidth. The optimal signal-to-noise ratio is obtained when this ratio is unity. The paper provides the theoretical framework for interpreting data obtained in situ by a modern NMR logging instrument. Furthermore, the results are directly applicable to magnetic resonance imaging.
Arsenate-induced renal agenesis in rats.

The developmental origin of arsenate-induced renal agenesis was investigated. Pregnant Wistar rats were each injected once ip with 45 mg/kg sodium arsenate at day 10 (sperm day = day 0). Pregnancy was terminated at various times following injection and the embryos recovered and serially sectioned. Renal agenesis resulted when the mesonephric duct failed to give rise to a ureteric bud with subsequent failure of induction of the metanephric blastema. The underlying defect was retardation in growth of the mesonephric duct, first observed 48 hours after arsenate injection. A shortened mesonephric duct also resulted in a failure of the mesonephros to attain normal size and in the male resulted in absence of the ductus deferens, seminal vesicle and a variable portion of the epididymis. Due to the intimate association of the mesonephric and growing paramesonephric ducts, a shortened mesonephric duct resulted in a shortened paramesonephric duct with resultant lack of a uterine horn.
Limitations of Radioguided Surgery in High-Risk Prostate Cancer

Abstract Objectives To determine how many men with high-risk prostate cancer (prostate-specific antigen [PSA] >20ng/ml or biopsy Gleason score 8–10) have positive lymph nodes (sentinel lymph nodes [SLNs] and nonsentinel lymph nodes [NSLNs]) and whether these positive nodes are localised in the region of SLN dissection or in other regions, too. Methods In 228 men with high-risk prostate cancer radical retropubic prostatectomy combined with radioguided pelvic lymph node dissection and extended lymphadenectomy were performed. Serial sections of the SLNs were analysed immunohistochemically. Results A median of 7 SLNs (mean, 7) and 11 NSLNs (mean, 11) were dissected per patient. Ninety-six of 228 men (42.1%) had lymph node metastases. Most men had positive lymph nodes along the internal iliac artery alone or in combination with other regions. Twenty-two men had only micrometastatic disease. In 94 of 96 men the SLNs were positive. Twenty-six of 96 men had also positive NSLNs. When SLNs and NSLNs were positive, in more than half the patients the NSLNs were localised outside the region of sentinel lymphadenectomy. Conclusions The dissection of SLNs in prostate cancer has a high sensitivity in detecting positive nodes. When SLNs are negative, the other pelvic lymph nodes are also negative in a high percentage of men (sensitivity 97.1%). When the SLNs are positive, patients with high-risk disease also have a high incidence of positive NSLNs. Therefore, when it is aspired to remove all pelvic lymph node metastases sentinel and extended lymphadenectomy should be performed.
Assessing and treating depression in primary care medicine.

Abstract Depression, a common and disabling condition, is often misunderstood by patients, family members, and clinicians. It is frequently underdiagnosed and untreated or inadequately treated. Criteria for major depressive disorder are listed in the DSM-IV-TR , but even less severe depression may merit intervention—especially if chronic. Our understanding of the etiology of depression is rudimentary, but it may involve multiple genes combined with negative life experiences. A variety of pharmacologic and psychosocial treatments are available for treating depression. Most patients who are well treated can be relieved of symptoms and return to full function.
Electric cables for the mining industry

REGENT years have seen rapid development of rubberlike insulating and sheath materials for cable. The introduction of polychloroprene, commonly called neoprene, has provided a sheath material that is highly resistant to heat, flame, and abrasion. The availability of polychloroprene and heat- and ozone-resistant rubbers has influenced cable engineers to review cable practice in many fields, including mining, in the light of the improved safety and economy possible with such materials.
The effect of trypsin on representative myxoviruses.

Abstract The effect of trypsin on the hemagglutinative and infective properties of representative members of the myxovirus group has been investigated. Influenza A, B, and C, Newcastle disease virus, and croup-associated virus, proved relatively resistant. In a second group that included Sendai and hemadsorption viruses 1 and 2, the hemagglutinin was more resistant than the infectivity. Both the hemagglutinin and the infectivity of mumps virus were markedly reduced by trypsin. These findings may be of value in the classification of this group. The effect of trypsin on three strains of herpes simplex virus was also studied and the infectivity was found to be rapidly destroyed.
Experience with inspection qualifications for austentitic piping

The performance demonstration initiative (PDI) was formed in 1991 to address implementation of appendix VIII to Section XI of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. All US utilities and three foreign utilities are participating. Appendix VIII differs from previous Code approaches in that it does not specify a particular approach. It does require that the capabilities of the personnel, procedures, and equipment be demonstrated. Appendix VIII describes, in detail, the demonstration requirements and acceptance criteria for ultrasonic examinations. Piping demonstrations have been performed for 390 examiners since April 1994. The database of demonstration results includes 10 000 detection and length sizing data points and 5000 depth sizing data points, which are available for analysis. The performance of these candidates provides insight into the difficulties of the inspection process for austenitic piping. The length and depth sizing accuracy along with the detection rate as a function of false call rate will be presented. The results of recent investigations will also be described.
A new non-invasive approach for monitoring respiratory movements of sleeping subjects

We have developed a minimally intrusive system to monitor respiratory movements of sleeping subjects. This system is based on a pressure transducer which measures the changes in air pressure inside an inflatable mattress on which the subject sleeps. Using a mechanical filter to protect the transducer against the large pressure changes due to sudden movements and subject weight, we can detect the more subtle movements of the subject's chest. This paper discusses the design of the monitoring system, including the design and modelling of the mechanical filter.
Strong coupling and the infrared structure of QED

The construction of a strong-coupling expansion in continuum QED by means of the extraction of infrared structure associated with all the virtual-photon exchanges on a single fermion loop is shown to lead to a ..beta.. function of the unrenormalized theory ..beta..(e)approx.-((45/4)) x e(lne)/sup -1/, e>>1, in contrast to the conventional perturbation form ..beta..(e)approx.b/sub 1/e/sup 3/, b/sub 1/>0, for e<<1. Various approximations are introduced for computational simplicity, such as the neglect of fermion spin dependence, but gauge invariance is strictly enforced at every stage of the calculation. This result suggests that scalar QED has a strong-coupling phase similar to the confining phase of QCD.
Identification of stimuli that mediate experience-dependent modification of homosexual courtship in Drosophila melanogaster

A naive, sexually mature D. melanogaster male tested with a young, sexually immature male will perform vigorous courtship, but the mature male will perform much less courtship if he is subsequently tested with a second young male. This phenomenon is called experience-dependent courtship modification (EDCM). We have shown that exposure to either or both of the two courtship-stimulating pheromones that immature males synthesize is sufficient to induce EDCM.
Normal aerobic and anaerobic exercise data for North American school-age children.

The purpose of this study was to establish normative data for untrained, healthy North American children by means of the James protocol for bicycle ergometry. Data were obtained on 151 of 185 children (70 girls and 81 boys). Their ages ranged from 7 years 6 months to 12 years 9 months. All subjects were divided into groups by gender and body surface area (BSA). Maximum heart rates were greater in girls. The mean difference between maximum and recovery heart rates differed significantly by gender, girls taking longer to recover than boys. Maximum oxygen consumption (measured in cubic centimeters per minute per kilogram body weight) did not differ in boys and girls. Ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VAT) occurred when there was an isolated increase in the slope for ventilatory equivalent for oxygen consumption (VE/Vo 2 ) with no change in the slope for ventilatory equivalent for carbon dioxide production (VE/Vco 2 ) when both were plotted against time. Absolute oxygen consumption (Vo 2 ) at VAT increased with BSA in both sexes, and, when normalized to body size and expressed as a percent of Vo 2 maximum, no significant difference was observed between the sexes. These data may be used in the fitness evaluations of preadolescent children from North America.
Structure of West Nile Virus

West Nile virus (WNV) is found throughout Africa, Europe, Central Asia, and, most recently, in North America. The first outbreak in the United States was in New York City during the summer of 1999, and the virus subsequently spread across the United States ([ 1 ][1]). In 2002, there were 4156
Meta-Analysis Options for Inconsistent Nuclear Measurements

Meta-analysis aims to combine results from multiple experiments. For example, a neutron reaction rate or cross section is typically measured in multiple experiments, and a single estimate and its u...
Radiation safety in the central radiopharmacy

The currently increasing number of new radiopharmaceuticals and the increase in individual patient-dose activity, particularly for single photon emission computer tomography imaging, coupled with the switch toward unit doses probably contribute to an increase in the radiation burden to radiopharmacy personnel. To meet this increased need of the nuclear medicine community, a medium-sized radiopharmacy may order seven to eight 3-Ci molybdenum-99/technetium-99M generators per week and may perform 10 to 15 elutions per day. The maximum radiation exposure to radiopharmacy personnel occurs during the generator elutions, compounding (kit preparation), and unitdose dispensing. Additional sources of radiation exposure can occur during receipt of radioactive packages, transport of prepared doses, and the process of storage and disposal of radioactive waste. Recent reports have shown extremity radiation doses to the fingers and hands at 14 to 21 rem/year. Radiation exposure can be monitored by film badges, thermoluminescent detectors, or one of the analog or digital self-reading dosimeters. Each monitoring device has advantages and the choice depends upon the personnel involved (eg, visitors) and the particular needs of the radiopharmacy. Extremity dose reductions during radiopharmacy procedures can be achieved by a number of techniques, some as simple as the use of 8- to 9-inch forceps during transfers of radioactive vials and syringes and the use of a dose-drawing syringe shield during unit-dose dispensing procedures. In preparation of unsealed doses or capsules of radioactive iodine, there is a potential for a high internal dose because of inhalation of the volitile solution. Frequent monitoring in the form of bioassays and the use of strict threshold levels will ensure early detection of exposure to radioactive iodine and quick corrective action. In pharmacies and nuclear medicine departments handling fluorine-18 for use with Anger gamma cameras, the high levels of both beta and gamma radiation present an additional set of radiation safety problems.
Computer-aided industrial design

Centuries ago, craftsmen made objects to their own design. A single person was generally responsible for both the function and the appearance of a tool or device. With the Industrial Revolution, design became specialized; design and production were handled by different people. Often design was dictated by the needs of efficient manufacturing. As engineering advanced, design became more involved and specialized, straying farther and farther from the intuition and experience that had guided craftsmen for centuries. Product appearance was in danger of being dominated by engineering considerations.In the 1930s, the field of industrial design was born, led by Raymond Loewy, Walter Dorwin Teague and others. These sought to specialize design still further by hiring someone to create the visual appearance of a product. The premise was that a company could make its products more sellable (i.e., make more money) by investing in the visual appearance of its products.In automotive design, style was initially the province of a few expensive coachbuilders: the wealthy could have a custom-styled car, much as today they can wear one-of-a-kind clothes from a famous designer. In parallel with the birth of industrial design for other products like radios and railway engines, Harley Earl started the Art and Color Department at General Motors. This group sought to improve the appearance of GM vehicles, as well as to keep the GM brands distinct as they migrated to shared internal body structures; they effectively brought designer style to ready-to-wear clothing. GM's success in the '20s and '30s led other manufacturers to follow suit.Computer-aided design has followed a similar path: first it was used to aid manufacturing; later, for functional, engineering design. Only in the last decade has it penetrated aesthetic industrial design. Computer-aided industrial design (CAID) is CAD adapted and specialized for aesthetic design. From a designer's point of view, CAD is for the pocket-protector brigade, while CAID is for the creative.My own exposure to CAID has been over the last 13 years from within the design organization of a car manufacturer. This vantage point has advantages and disadvantages: a car-maker's design environment certainly isn't typical of industrial design as a whole, but car-makers have been innovators and drivers of CAID technology.
Implementation of photonics program at the undergraduate level

In response to widespread applications of photonics and increasing needs of industry for qualified personnel, a B.S. program in Photonics was implemented in the fall of 1989 at the State University of New York (SUNY) Institute of Technology, Utica, New York. The curriculum was developed recognizing the strong interdependence of photonics and electronics. It was also made flexible so that the students could move to other areas of science and engineering. This article describes the program and reviews the current applications of photonics which affect the program curriculum. It is expected that the graduates from this program will be better equipped to find suitable jobs and function more effectively in industry.