cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Barium Titanate-Polymer Composites Produced via Directional Freezing

In this study, we use a freeze casting technique to construct ceramic-polymer composites in which the 2 phases are arranged in an electrically parallel configuration. By doing so, the composites exhibit dielectric constant (K) up to 2 orders of magnitude higher than that of composites with ceramic particles randomly dispersed in a polymer matrix. In this technique, an aqueous ceramic slurry was frozen unidirectionally to form ice platelets and ceramic aggregates that were aligned in the temperature gradient direction. Upon freeze-drying, the ice platelets sublimed and left the lamellar ceramic structure intact. The green ceramic body was fired to retain the microstructure, and then the space between ceramic lamellae was infiltrated with a polymer material. The finished composites exhibit the high dielectric constant (1000) of ferroelectric ceramics while maintaining the unique properties of polymer materials such as graceful failure, low dielectric loss, and high dielectric breakdown.
049 Suppression of macrophage NO Synthesis by wound fluid

Background: Essential parameters of wound healing are regulated by the wound environment., as reflected by the bathing wound fluid (WF). WF increases fibroblast proliferation, collagen synthesis, and also inhibits Nitric oxide (NO) synthesis in wound-derived fibroblasts. The aim of this study was to investigate whether WF influences NO metabolism in other wound cells, namely macrophages. Methods: The mouse hybridoma macrophage cell line RAW 267.4 was employed. Cells were seeded at 2 × 105/well into 24 well plates or at 2 × 106 in Petri dishes. Cells were stimulated with 1 μg/ml LPS and 10 U/ml IFN-gamma to induce inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). iNOS expression was investigated by Northern blotting after 6 h, enzyme secretion by western blotting after 20 h and NO production by nitrite synthesis in cell culture supernatants after 24 h. WF was harvested at different days postwounding from PVA sponges implanted into male Lewis rats. WF was added at 10% v/v to the cell media. Cells were incubated in the presence of 60 mM L-valine, an arginase inhibitor, to rule out substrate (arginine) depletion by arginase as a mechanism. Results are expressed as mean ± SD, n = 5. Results: Following inflammatory cytokine stimulation, RAW cells produced 57.36 μmol nitrite/ml/24 h. Nitrite synthesis was significantly inhibited to 23.89 ± 13.3 by day 7 and to 6.79 ± 1.28 by day 10 WF, respectively. iNOS expression was almost completely blocked by addition of 10% WF from day 10 as assessed by Northern and western blotting. WF from the later days (day 10 and 14) had larger inhibitory effect than WF from early days (day 2, 5, and 7). Although omitting L-arginine from the media abolished iNOS expression, incubation of WF in the presence of 60 mM L-valine did not restore the inhibitory effect suggesting that arginase is not involved. Conclusion: There is a factor in WF which strongly inhibits NO synthesis in RAW cells; the effect becomes more marked over time after wounding. The effect appears to be transcriptionally regulated since mRNA expression is impaired. Further characterization of this inhibitory factor is under way.
Predictors of Peak Troponin Level in Acute Coronary Syndromes: Prior Aspirin Use and SYNTAX Score

The peak troponin level has been associated with cardiovascular (CV) mortality and adverse CV events. The association of peak troponin with CV risk factors and severity and complexity of coronary artery disease remains unknown. We assessed the predictors of peak troponin in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This study aims to determine the predictors of peak troponin in ACS. Cardiac catheterization (CC) reports and electronic medical records from 2010 to 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 219 patients were eligible for the study. All major CV risk factors, comorbidities, laboratory data, CC indications, and coronary lesion characteristics were included. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were done. On multivariate linear regression analysis, ST-elevation myocardial infarction (p = 0.001, β = 65.16) and increasing synergy between percutaneous coronary intervention with Taxus and cardiac surgery (SYNTAX) score (p = 0.002, β = 1.15) were associated with higher peak troponin. The Pearson correlation between SYNTAX score and peak troponin was r = 0.257, p = 0.001. History of daily aspirin use was associated with lower peak troponin (p = 0.002, β = −24.32). Prior statin use (p = 0.321, β = −8.98) and the presence of CV risk factors were not associated with peak troponin. Coronary artery disease severity and complexity, urgency of CC, and prior aspirin use are associated with peak troponin levels in ACS. Our findings may help predict patient population with ACS who would be at a greater risk for short- and long-term CV morbidity and mortality due to elevated peak troponin.
Equilibrium computations for multicomponent plasmas.

Perturbation method analysis of thermodynamic equilibrium properties of multicomponent plasma
ENERGY-TRANSFER MODELING FOR THE RATIONAL DESIGN OF MULTIPORPHYRIN LIGHT-HARVESTING ARRAYS

Excited-state energy migration among a collection of pigments forms the basis for natural light-harvesting processes and synthetic molecular photonic devices. The rational design of efficient energy-transfer devices requires the ability to analyze the expected performance characteristics of target molecular architectures comprised of various pigments. Toward that goal, we present a general tool for modeling the kinetics of energy migration in weakly coupled multipigment arrays. A matrix-formulated eigenvalue/eigenvector approach has been implemented, using empirical data from a small set of prototypical molecules, to predict the quantum efficiency (QE) of energy migration in a variety of arrays as a function of rate, competitive processes, and architecture. Trends in the results point to useful design strategies including the following: (1) The QE for energy transfer to a terminal acceptor upon random excitation within a linear array of isoenergetic pigments decreases rapidly as the length of the array i...
An imaging neutron/gamma-ray spectrometer

We present the test results of a neutron/gamma-ray imaging spectrometer for the identification and location of radioactive and special nuclear materials. Radioactive materials that could be fashioned into a radiation dispersal device typically emit gamma rays, while fissile materials such as uranium and plutonium emit both neutrons and gamma rays via spontaneous or induced fission. The simultaneous detection of neutrons and gamma rays is a clear indication of the presence of fissile material. The instrument works as a double-scatter telescope, requiring a neutron or gamma ray to undergo an interaction in two detectors to be considered a valid event. While this requirement reduces the detector efficiency, it yields information about the direction and energy of the incident particle, which is then used to reconstruct an image of the emitting source. Because of this imaging capability background events can be rejected, decreasing the number of events required for high confidence detection and thereby greatly improving its sensitivity. The instrument is optimized for the detection of neutrons with energies from 1-20 MeV and gamma rays from 0.4 to 10 MeV. Images and energy spectra for neutron and gamma rays are reported for several sources including depleted uranium and plutonium. In addition, the effect of neutron source shielding is investigated.
Low frequency acoustic response of a planar fiber laser cantilever in a fluid

The direct interaction of an acoustic field with a planar fiber laser cantilever in a fluid is investigated. It is shown that a sensor based on this transduction mechanism responds to acoustic particle velocity with a responsivity around 5×10 4 Hz/Pa yielding a resolution of 1.6 mPa/Hz 1/2 at 100Hz, which is adequate for many underwater acoustic applications. Issues related to developing a practical, miniaturized sensor are discussed.
Relating absorption, emission, and resonance Raman spectra with electron transfer rates in photoinduced charge transfer systems: promises and pitfalls

Abstract In molecules or complexes in which a photoinduced electronic transition corresponds to a formal electron transfer process, there exists a close relationship between the theoretical expressions for the absorption, fluorescence, and resonance Raman spectra and the nonphotochemical return electron transfer rate in the coupling limit. In this paper, the theoretical expressions cast in both the sum-over-vibrational-eigenstates picture and the equivalent time-domain picture are reviewed. Several recent efforts by ourselves and other groups to make use of such relationships in the analysis of experimental spectroscopic and electron transfer rate data are then described and critiqued. Finally, prospects for the further development of this approach are discussed, as are some of its limitations and potential pitfalls.
Methodological Challenges in Evaluating Business Incubator Outcomes

This research study was undertaken by the University of Michigan Business School in collaboration with the National Business Incubation Association (NBIA), Ohio University, and the Southern Technol...
Integrated scheduling for intelligent regional grid based on differential evolution

In this paper, a novel integrated scheduling problem for intelligent regional grid (IRG) is introduced. It comprehensively determines the on-off state of the PVs and wind fans as well as the quantity of the adjustable user load, main grid injection and the charge/discharge power of the storage units. Three optimization objectives are considered separately, i.e., to maximize the net income of the regional grid, to minimize the load fluctuating of the main grid and to maximize the efficiency of the renewable resources. In addition, a differential evolution (DE) based solution algorithm is presented to solve this kind of mixed integer programming problem. The influence of parameter settings investigated based on Taguchi method of design-of-experiment. Based on a testing problem simplified from a real-world case, the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated.
The impact of truant and alcohol-related behavior on educational aspirations: a study of US high school seniors.

BACKGROUND: Truancy and alcohol use are quality indicators of academic achievement and success. However, there remains a paucity of substantive research articulating the impact these deviant behaviors have on an adolescent's educational aspirations. The purpose of this study is to assess whether recent alcohol use and truancy impact students' educational aspirations among a nationally representative sample of US high school seniors. METHODS: This study conducted a secondary data analysis of the Monitoring the Future project data, 2006. Logistic regression was conducted to assess how alcohol use and truancy affected educational aspirations. Subsequent interaction effects were assessed in the final multivariable model. Demographic variables such as age, sex, race, and father and mother's educational level were included as covariates in the regression model. RESULTS: Results indicate that as students engage in increased alcohol use and/or truancy, educational aspirations decrease. Thus, students who indicated a desire to attend a 4-year college/university were less likely to engage in high-risk drinking behavior and/or truancy. Moreover, in testing the interaction between truancy and alcohol use, as it relates to educational aspirations, the logistic regression model found both of these independent variables to be statistically significant predictors of the likelihood students would attend a 4-year college/university. CONCLUSIONS: To ensure that adolescents further their education and maximize their potential life opportunities, school and public health officials should initiate efforts to reduce alcohol consumption and truancy among students. Furthermore, future research should examine the risk and protective factors that may influence one's educational aspirations. Language: en
Evaluation of optimal discharge current profile for planar electrodes to maximize the utilization

In this paper, optimization of operating conditions for electrochemical energy sources is attempted using a dynamic optimization approach. This rigorous approach is demonstrated using a nonlinear diffusion equation that governs the mass transport limitation from/to the planar electrode. The resulting differential-algebraic model is solved using piecewise constant control vector iteration method that uses vectorized discharge current. The results obtained using the optimal control profile is compared with constant current discharge method and also with another trial and error approach that uses linear current control. It is found that the optimal control method achieves 12% more state of discharge against constant current discharge method with better energy efficiency and battery use. The proposed approach can be extended to complex systems such as operating electrochemical energy sources in hybrid environments that require proper control of energy distribution among the hybrid components.
INTESTINAL ADENYL-CYCLASE ACTIVITY IN HUMAN CHOLERA

Abstract Jejunal mucosa obtained by biopsy from sixteen patients with naturally acquired cholera was assayed for adenyl-cyclase activity during acute cholera and after recovery. Adenyl-cyclase activity was significantly increased during acute cholera as compared with values during convalescence. This association of increased adenyl-cyclase activity with acute cholera is consistent with the suggestion that the adenyl-cyclase/cyclic-adenosine-monophosphate system may be the intracellular mediator of choleraic diarrhœa.
The upper mills quarter of Bamberg: Innovative, adaptive reuse

Abstract The Bavarian town of Bamberg had a complex of old mills which had become an eyesore to its citizens. In the late 1970s, work was undertaken to rehabilitate the structures. The end result has been a successful case of adaptive reuse. This is not just another case of adaptive reuse to the extent that it has been innovative. This case is examined in the context of a theory of urban renewal which had been popular and prevalent during the period when Bamberg's most distinctive and distinguished section, Die Altstadt (Oldtown), had to face change.
Computer Screen Design: Viewer Judgments

This study examined viewer judgments about the readability and studyability of two sets of computer screens: a set of model displays and a set of real screens copied from CAI programs. The purpose was to identify constructs that could guide the design of computer screens used to display information in computer-assisted instruction, hypermedia, or on-line help applications. It also searched for any relationships among viewer preference and viewer field articulation (field-dependence/independence), conceptual style (relational/analytical), and gender. Findings based on multidimensional scaling techniques confirmed and further defined the existence of evaluative constructs based on visual complexity and organization. No generalizable effects for field articulation, conceptual style, or gender differences were found.
A screen for neurotransmitter transporters expressed in the visual system of Drosophila melanogaster identifies three novel genes.

The fly eye provides an attractive sub- strate for genetic studies, and critical transport activities for synaptic transmission and pigment biogenesis in the insect visual system remain unknown. We therefore screened for transporters in Drosophila melanogaster that are down-regulated by genetically ablating the eye. Using a large panel of transporter specific probes on Northern blots, we identified three transcripts that are down-regulated in flies lacking eye tissue. Two of these, CG13794 and CG13795, are part of a previously unknown subfamily of putative solute carriers within the neurotransmitter transporter family. The third, CG4476, is a member of a related subfamily that includes characterized nutrient transporters expressed in the insect gut. Using imprecise excision of a nearby transposable P element, we have generated a series of deletions in the CG4476 gene. In fast phototaxis assays, CG4476 mutants show a decreased behavioral response to light, and the most severe mutant behaves as if it were blind. These data suggest an unforeseen role for the ''nutrient amino acid transporter'' subfamily in the nervous system, and suggest new models to study trans- port function using the fly eye. ' 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Regulating hulls of almost completely decomposable groups

This note investigates torsion-free abelian groups G of finite rank which embed, as subgroups of finite index, in a finite direct sum C of subgroups of the additive group of rational numbers. Specifically, we examine the relationship between G and C when the index of G in C is minimal. Some properties of Warfield duality are developed and used (in the case that G is locally free) to relate our results to earlier ones by Burkhardt and Lady.
Abstract 3781: 3,3′-diindolylmethane(DIM)-induced apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells is mediated by inhibition of EGFR-ERK pathway

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of gynaecological deaths in the United States and several other countries. Genetic alterations including overexpression of EGFR (about 70% of ovarian tumors) play a crucial role in the signal transduction pathways that regulate key cellular functions such as cell survival and proliferation and are responsible for comprising traditional chemotherapy. Several epidemiological studies suggested a decreased risk of ovarian cancer in the population consuming Brassica vegetables. 3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM) is an indole compound present in Brassica vegetables. In our previous studies, we have demonstrated that BR-DIM, a formulated version of DIM suppress the growth of ovarian cancer cells by causing cell cycle arrest. However, the exact mechanism by which DIM suppress the growth of ovarian cancer cells was not clear. In the present study, we delineated the mechanism of DIM in SKOV3, OVCAR-3 and TOV-21G human ovarian cancer cells. Our results show that DIM treatment induces apoptosis in all the cell lines in a dose-dependent manner, as analyzed by flow cytometry. Our western blot analysis reveals that DIM treatment causes significant down regulation of constitutive EGFR and HER2 protein level as well as phosphorylation of EGFR at Tyr992, Tyr845 and Tyr1173 in SKOV-3 and OVCAR-3 cells. To determine whether DIM can suppress the activation of EGFR by activating phosphorylation, cells were treated with EGF after DIM treatment. Our results reveal that DIM treatment block the activation of EGFR induced by EGF in OVCAR-3 and TOV-21G cells. In addition, DIM treatment drastically reduces the phosphorylation of ERK without affecting the protein level. DIM treatment also inhibits the kinase activity of ERK as observed by the down regulation of p-ELK in all the three ovarian cancer cell lines. ERK is known to be regulated by EGFR. Taken together our results indicate that DIM induces apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells by inhibiting EGFR-ERK pathway. Further mechanistic studies are in progress. [Supported in part by RO1 grants CA 106953 and CA129038 (to S.K.S) awarded by the National Cancer Institute]. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3781.
Dynamic effects of temperature control tray location in distillation columns

This paper presents the results of theoretical and experimental studies of the dynamic effects of varying the location of the temperature control tray in a distillation column. The binary methanol-water system was studied in a 24-tray, 8-in. I.D. column with reflux manipulated to hold the temperature on various trays in the rectifying section of the column. The ultimate gain and ultimate frequency of the temperature feedback control loops were found to decrease as the temperature control tray was moved down the column away from the top. This confirmed the qualitative statements made by many workers and the quantitative work recently reported by Beaverstock. The process natural frequency (or breakpoint frequency) was found, unexpectedly, to increase somewhat as the temperature control tray was moved down the column. This meant that the open-loop response of tray liquid composition to reflux flow changes was slightly slower for trays near the top of the column. Because of the increasing purity near the top, adjacent trays differed little in composition and the slope of the equilibrium line was flatter. Both contributed to slower dynamic response. In developing a theoretical model for the real system studied, the linear model and solution techniques of Lamb, Pigford, and Rippin and were extended to include nonequimolal overflow effects.
PUBS: pulsatility-based segmentation of lumens conducting non-steady flow.

Dynamic velocity-encoded phase-contrast MRI (PC-MRI) techniques are being used increasingly to quantify pulsatile flows for a variety of clinical applications. Studies suggest that the reliability of flow quantitation with PC-MRI appears to be dominated by the consistency in the delineation of the lumen boundary. An automated method that utilizes both spatial and temporal information has been developed for improved accuracy and reproducibility. The method's accuracy was evaluated using a flow phantom with 8- and 5-mm-diameter lumens at two different flow rates. The reproducibility of the method was further evaluated with arterial, venous, and cerebrospinal fluid flow data from human subjects. The results were compared with measurements obtained manually by observers of different skill levels. Measurement values obtained manually were consistently smaller than those obtained with the pulsatility-based segmentation (PUBS) method. For the 8-mm lumen, significant improvements in measurement accuracy were obtained. Average lumen area measurement errors of about 18% for the high and low flows, obtained manually by a skilled observer, were reduced to 2.9% and 4.8%, respectively. For the 5-mm lumen, the skilled observer underestimated the lumen area by 13%, while the PUBS method overestimated the lumen area by 28%. Overestimated lumen area measurements for the smaller lumen are attributed to the partial-volume effect. There was significantly less measurement variability with the PUBS method. An average fourfold reduction in interobserver measurement variability was obtained with the new method.
LHC constraints on the Lee–Wick Higgs sector

Abstract We determine constraints on the Lee–Wick Higgs sector obtained from the full LHC Higgs boson data set. We determine the current lower bound on the heavy neutral Lee–Wick scalar, as well as projected bounds at a 14 TeV LHC with 300 and 3000 inverse femtobarns of integrated luminosity. We point out that the first sign of new physics in this model may be the observation of a deviation from standard model expectations of the lighter neutral Higgs signal strengths corresponding to production via gluon–gluon fusion and decay to either tau or Z pairs. The signal strength of the latter is greater than the standard model expectation, unlike most extensions of the standard model.
Organic and conventional wheat production: Examination of energy and economics

Abstract Small-scale wheat production by conventional farming methods averaged 48% higher energy inputs and only 29% higher yields per hectare than wheat produced by organic farming methods. Process analysis was used in evaluating the direct and indirect energy requirements of both production practices. The economic costs averaged 29% less per hectare for conventional wheat production than for organic wheat production, using a standard accounting procedure.
MUNICIPAL FISCAL HEALTH AND PRIVATIZATION

Is privatization related to municipal fiscal health? Are privatization levels higher in fiscally healthy or fiscally stressed cities? Where are cities that use large amounts of privatization located? In this inquiry the privatization levels of mid-sized cities are explained by examining their fiscal and demographic characteristics. The findings suggest that cities with high privatization levels tend to be fiscally healthy and located in suburban areas. The results also suggest that fiscal stress, tax burden, and the magnitude of debt are lower in cities that use large amounts of privatization.
Organizational Dissonance: Development of a New Construct

Cognitive dissonance, a prominent theory of social psychology, discusses the misalignment of key individual elements and has been used to predict, explain, and understand the behavior of individual...
Advertising the Service Offering: The Effects of Preference Heterogeneity, Message Strategy and Gender on Radio Advertising Effectiveness

Abstract This research examines advertising message strategies for retail services that vary on levels of preference heterogeneity. Because of its potential influence, gender was also examined. Although gender of the subject did not affect individual responses to the advertisements or the services, results do indicate that a documentation message strategy produced more positive attitudes than a visualization strategy across both high and low preference heterogeneity retail services. In addition, cognitive response analysis indicates that the visualization strategy produced more ad-related thoughts and more thoughts overall. Findings suggest that, in general, retail service advertisers should produce messages which provide customers with specific, concrete information.
Lovastatin and sodium phenylacetate normalize the levels of very long chain fatty acids in skin fibroblasts of X- adrenoleukodystrophy.

The present study underlines the importance of lovastatin, an inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, and the sodium salt of phenylacetic acid (NaPA), an inhibitor of mevalonate pyrophosphate decarboxylase, in normalizing the pathognomonic accumulation of saturated very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA) in cultured skin fibroblasts of X-adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) in which the ALD gene is either mutated or deleted. Lovastatin or NaPA alone or in combination stimulated the β-oxidation of lignoceric acid (C24:0) and normalized the elevated levels of VLCFA in skin fibroblasts of X-ALD. Ability of lovastatin and NaPA to normalize the pathognomonic accumulation of VLCFA in skin fibroblasts of X-ALD may identify these drugs as possible therapeutics for X-ALD.
The oscillatory control of cell differentiation in Nectria

This paper analyzes a spatially periodic phenomenon in the fungus Nectria Cinnabarina, first reported by Bourret, Lincoln, and Carpenter1. This is the apparently random occurrence of discrete alternative morphologies in the mycelium of Nectria when growth begins from a point-innoculum on agar. These morphologies are topologically distinct zonation patterns of conidiating (sporulating) hyphae, including concentric closed rings, a single spiral, a pair of disjoint but parallel spirals, and "intermediate" cases Involving one or more radial dislocations. The phenomenon is redescribed in terms of a mapping of the unit circle into itself, to facilitate a speculative interpretation of its origin. This interpretation rests on the conjecture that the growing hyphae of Nectria harbor a self-exciting cytochemical oscillation which influences the induction of embryonic cells to a nonsporulating maturity.
Minimizing the Risk From Disaster Failures in Optical Backbone Networks

Failures caused by disasters (e.g., weapons of mass destruction (WMD) attacks, earthquakes, hurricanes, etc.) can create huge amount of loss and disruptions in optical backbone networks. Due to major network disruptions in recent disasters, network operators need solutions to prevent connections from disasters, and recover them after disasters. 1) Prevention requires proactive approaches where the damage from a possible disaster should be estimated. Specifically, we propose disaster-risk-aware provisioning, which minimizes loss to a network operator in case of a disaster. 2) Recovery methods should consider that, after the initial failure, more connections might be disconnected by correlated cascading failures. Thus, we investigate a reprovisioning scheme to recover disrupted connections. Numerical examples conducted for different disaster types (WMD attack, earthquake, and tornado) show that our schemes significantly reduce the risk and loss in case of a disaster.
Humanity as an Idea, as an Ideal, and as an End in Itself

Kant emphasizes that moral philosophy must be divided into two parts, a ‘purely rational’ metaphysics of morals, and an empirical application to individuals, which Kant calls ‘moral anthropology’. But Kant gives humanity (die Menschheit) a prominent role even in the purely rational part of ethics – for example, one formulation of the categorical imperative is a demand to treat humanity as an end in itself. This paper argues that the only concepts of humanity suited to play such a role are the rational idea of humanity, and the rational ideal derived from this idea, which Kant discusses in Critique of Practical Reason and other texts.
Chemically mediated avoidance of a predatory odonate (Anaxjunius) by American toad (Bufoamericanus) and wood frog (Ranasylvatica) tadpoles

Predators can have significant nonlethal effects on prey by modifying prey behaviour through chemically mediated interactions. We examined behavioural responses of wood frog (Ranasylvatica) and American toad (Bufoamericanus) tadpoles to both direct and indirect chemical signals associated with a predatory odonate (Anaxjunius). In laboratory trials, tadpoles of both species responded strongly to water conditioned with Anax nymphs by decreasing foraging rates, becoming immobile, and moving away from the stimulus. The responses to water conditioned with starved Anax versus Anax that fed on conspecific tadpoles did not differ significantly; these results suggest that tadpoles rely primarily on direct signals to detect odonates. Rana did not respond to water conditioned with conspecific tissue extracts, while Bufo responded with behaviours that were indistinguishable from those of tadpoles exposed to Anax chemicals. In a field experiment, the responses of R. sylvatica tadpoles to Anax chemicals were similar to those of tadpoles observed in the laboratory. Collectively, our data indicate that tadpoles of both species use chemical cues to assess predation risk from other community members. Tadpoles can selectively distinguish members who pose a threat, and only evacuate food patches or reduce foraging rates when in danger. These behaviours appear to be adaptive and are consistent with the predictions of optimality theory.
VIRTUAL TOPOLOGY DESIGN OF SHARED CHANNEL LIGHTWAVE NETWORKS

Abstract Channel sharing in a WDM-based lightwaue network provides a way to reduce the number of wauelengths required for the implementation of a large network, while the network virtual connectivity can be dramatically increased. In this paper, we first introduce a so-called group policy that achieves a virtual topology with maximum connectivity and simplifies the optimal design of a trafjic sensitiue virtual topology. We propose a two-stage algorithm: a node-to-group assignment and a wauelength-to-group assignment. The results show that the proposed algorithm is a practical tool that efjiciently reconfigures the connectivity diagram to fit best the current traffic pattern.
On-Demand Transient Data Storage and Backup in Mobile Systems

In a crisis response scenario, the availability of information to first responders can be greatly enhanced through the use of mobile computing systems. However, such systems are limited by available storage space and battery life. Substantial degradation of their utility over the course of a prolonged operation is likely as batteries wear down and storage space fills up. While frequent offloading or backup of data can ensure persistence, an indiscriminate approach can accelerate the consumption of resources and further shorten the system's availability. This paper presents a method for transferring data on demand between cooperating mobile systems based on system state and both current and projected geographical location, taking into account the observed mobility of neighboring nodes. Peer selection is accomplished by first rating potential candidate machines to receive the data transfer, then further evaluating each with a utility function that conservatively estimates a predicted window of opportunity over which the transfer can occur.
An unusual presentation of a hemorrhagic pancreatic pseudocyst.

AN 80-YEAR-OLD MAN presented for the evaluation of weight loss, early satiety, and constipation that had persisted for 8 months. The past history included resection of a benign right renal mass 30 years earlier and prostatic cancer treated with externalbeam radiation. He denied a prior history of biliary or pancreatic disease, trauma, or alcohol or illicit drug intake. Physical examination revealed a nontender, 20-cm epigastric mass that extended from the left upper quadrant to the level of the umbilicus. A computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated a 15-3 13-cm septated cystic mass that originated from within the body and tail of the pancreas; several left renal cysts were also seen (Fig 1). An ultrasonography demonstrated a complex, multicystic mass adjacent to the pancreatic body and tail without evidence of cholelithiasis (Fig 2). The following serum assays were normal: complete blood count, calcium, albumin, amylase, lipase, triglycerides, and liver enzymes. The blood urea nitrogen and creatinine, however, were elevated to 17 mg/dL and 1.7 mg/dL, respectively. Additionally, serum prostate-specific antigen, carcinoembryonic antigen, and CA19-9 levels were normal. Operative intervention was advised based on the persistent symptoms and increased risk of a pancreatic cystic neoplasm. Intraoperatively, a 15-320-cm mass emanated from the body and tail of the pancreas without evidence of lymphadenopathy (Fig 3). A distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy were performed without complications. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged home 4 days later. The histopathology was consistent with a chronic, hemorrhagic pancreatic pseudocyst.
Magnetization of High-Field Superconductors

Experimental results and phenomenological theory based on the sponge model for hysteretic high-field superconductors are given. After developing the exposition for static magnetization, the response of the superconductors to alternating fields superimposed upon steady fields is studied. (T.F.H.)
On Thanksgiving and Collective Memory: Constructing the American Tradition

Relying on the approach by Maurice Halbwachs who argued that collective memory is based on contemporary interests and concerns, this article shows how Thanksgiving has changed over time in accordance with the ideas of the day. Aspects of the analysis support Barry Schwartz’s theory that commemoration reflects the historical past. Similar to the pilgrims’ celebration, many people commemorate Thanksgiving by, for example, feasting and praying. But in contrast to Schwartz’s thought, this paper also shows that there are other elements of traditions that have minimal connection with the original event. Forms of commemoration like the Macy’s Day Parade challenge the idea that commemoration and celebration contain some connection to the initial occasion. In general, the findings lend support to historical research and theories that implement social constructionist approaches.
MG40 phage, a transducing phage related to P22.

Abstract A smooth-specific phage of Salmonella typhimurium, MG40 phage, is excluded by P22 phage and is partially serologically related and morphologically similar to P22 phage. Like P22, MG40 phage is a general transducing phage. The minimal latent period of MG40 is 51 minutes, 16 minutes longer than the latent period of P22. MG40 does not convert bacteria to antigen-1 production, in contrast to P22 phage. The site of MG40 prophage attachment is close to, or identical with, the P22 prophage attachment site near the pro region of the Salmonella chromosome. A new phage, designated MG40-1, appears in lysates of MG40 phage. MG40-1 does not transduce and plates with the same efficiency on rough and smooth strains of S. typhimurium regardless of the presence of P22 or MG40 prophages.
The l-amino acid oxidases of snake venom. IV. The effect of anions on the reversible inactivation

1. 1. The reversible inactivation of l-amino acid oxidase, previously described for the enzyme of moccasin venom, occurs in all species of Crotalidae venoms and in many Viperidae venoms, while Elapidae do not at all undergo this type of inactivation. This indicates a basic difference in the protein component of the enzyme from Crotalidae and from Elapidae. 2. 2. The l-amino acid oxidase activity of 23 species of venoms has been determined under conditions where the enzymes are stable. 3. 3. The following univalent anions protect the enzyme from inactivation to about the same extent: Cl−, Br−, F−, NO3+, CNS−, N3+, and ClO4+; I−, which is somewhat inhibitory to the enzyme, protects less effectively. The singly charged phosphate, metaphosphate, and arsenate anions do not prevent the inactivation. None of the doubly or triply charged anions or undissociated acids tested were protective. The cationic constituents of buffers are without effect on the enzyme at the concentrations tested. 4. 4. In dilute solutions of phosphate and related anions the inactivation and its reversal proceed in the same manner as in distilled water. Phosphate enhances the extent of inactivation only at high concentrations. 5. 5. The effect of the protective univalent anions is on the stability of the enzyme; they are not required for activity. The differences in the behavior of various anions are ascribed to selective binding of certain anions by the protein at those sites where bonds are ruptured during the reversible inactivation process.
Effects of vasoactive drugs on thromboxane A2 mimetic-induced pulmonary hypertension in newborn lambs.

ABSTRACT: Isoproterenol, dobutamine, dopamine, and nitroprusside are four vasoactive drugs used to decrease pulmonary arterial pressure and increase cardiac output in newborns, infants, and children with sepsis. Thromboxane A2 likely produces some of the hemodynamic changes in sepsis, and U46619, a thromboxane A2 mimetic, produces similar changes in lambs. We studied the hemodynamic effects of these four vasoactive drugs in 10 spontaneously breathing newborn lambs during an infusion of U46619. After baseline hemodynamic measurements, U46619 (1–2 μg/kg/min) was infused to increase pulmonary arterial pressure and to decrease cardiac output. Then, either isoproterenol (0.05–1.0 μg/kg/min), dobutamine (5–20 μg/kg/min), dopamine (3–30 μg/kg/min), or nitroprusside (0.5–10.0 μg/kg/min) was infused. Every 10 min, measurements were repeated and the dose increased. U46619 significantly increased pulmonary arterial pressure by 182% and decreased cardiac output by 25% (p < 0.05). Isoproterenol decreased pulmonary arterial pressure by 30% (p < 0.05) and increased cardiac output by 25% (p < 0.05) at low doses, and increased cardiac output by 115% at the maximum dose (p < 0.05). Dobutamine decreased pulmonary arterial pressure by 11% (p < 0.05) and increased cardiac output by 28% (p < 0.05) at low doses, and increased cardiac output by 71% at the maximum dose (p < 0.05). Dopamine did not decrease pulmonary arterial pressure or increase cardiac output. Nitroprusside decreased pulmonary arterial pressure by 11% at the maximum dose (p < 0.05). Isoproterenol and dobutamine may be more useful than dopamine and nitroprusside in the management of pulmonary hypertension and decreased cardiac output during sepsis.
Photoinduced Electron Transfer in Carotenoporphyrin−Fullerene Triads: Temperature and Solvent Effects

A carotenoid (C) porphyrin (P) fullerene (C60) molecular triad (C−P−C60) has been synthesized and found to undergo photoinduced electron transfer from the porphyrin first excited singlet state or to the fullerene first excited singlet state to yield C−P•+−C60•-. Electron transfer from the carotenoid then gives a C•+−P−C60•- final charge-separated state. This state is formed with quantum yields up to 0.88 and has a lifetime of up to 1 μs, depending upon the conditions. The various electron transfer rate constants are relatively insensitive to solvent and temperature. The quantum yield of C•+−P−C60•- is relatively constant under conditions ranging from fluid solutions at ambient temperatures to a rigid organic glass at 8 K. In most solvents, recombination of C•+−P−C60•- yields the carotenoid triplet state, rather than the ground state. The results suggest that the energies of the charge-separated states of fullerene-based systems are only about half as sensitive to changes in solvent dielectric constant as ...
A Success Versus Failure Prediction Model for the Real Estate Industry

The purpose of this study was to use the Lussier (1995) generic success versus failure (S/F) prediction model to develop a real estate industry specific model (S/F = f[industry experience, age, advisors, planning, capital]). Using logistic regression analysis, the Lussier model (p = .028) and the real estate agency model (p = .001) are significant predictors of business success and failure. The Lussier model accurately predicted 84 percent of the surveyed successful and failed matched pairs agencies as being successful or failed and the real estate model predicted 74 percent. The Lussier model explained 68 percent of the variance of contributing factors to success versus failure and the real estate model explained 56 percent. Implications are discussed.
Bradyarrhythmias: Clinical significance and management

Clinicians have long recognized the potentially serious manifestations of extreme bradycardia. However, even marked bradycardia can often be physiologic, and in the presence of impaired ventricular function may offer important compensatory hemodynamic effects. Disorders of the sinoatrial node producing bradycardia include failure of impulse formation, sinoatrial conduction block, concealed sinus-perinodal reentry, carotid sinus hypersensitivity and the constellation of brady- and tachyarrhythmias that compose the "sick sinus syndrome." Bradycardia can also result from intraatrial block, atrioventricular nodal block or infranodal block. In addition, paroxysmal supraventricular tachyarrhythmias may produce concealment into the atrioventricular junction and simultaneous suppression of sinus node rhythmicity, resulting in long pauses. Pseudobradycardias manifesting as slow peripheral pulse rates can result from frequent, nonconducted early atrial premature beats, from ventricular bigeminy or runs of ventricular extrasystoles or from mechanical alternans. Cardiac pacemakers play an important role in the management of patients with severe symptoms attributable to bradyarrhythmias. However, excessive use of pacemakers and the inappropriate selection of physiologically unfavorable pacemaker systems should be avoided. Frequently, patients who are only mildly symptomatic with bradycardia should not receive a cardiac pacemaker because the prognosis is favorable. Patients with the tachy-bradycardia syndrome often require both pharmacologic and pacemaker therapy. In selected patients electrophysiologic testing may be helpful, but the majority of patients are best managed by careful attention to the history, electrocardiogram and ambulatory electrocardiographic recordings.
Evaluation of quantitative aerosol techniques for use in bronchoprovocation studies

Abstract To investigate airway physiology by use of inhaled aerosols, it is frequently necessary to measure the actual amount of material deposited on the airway wall as well as the site of particle deposition. To satisfy these needs, radiolabeled aerosols and gamma camera techniques have been used to measure regional deposition of inhaled particles. To make quantitative measurements of the amount deposited, previous investigators have used a "phantom" technique to indirectly calibrate the gamma camera for the attenuation of gamma rays through the lungs and chest wall. For this calibration, the phantom is a simulated lung containing a known amount of radioactivity. Radioactive counts emitted from the phantom are assumed to be attenuated in the same manner as the intact human lung. The present article describes a technique to determine directly the amount of inhaled aerosol deposited in the lung and simultaneously to calibrate the gamma camera for each individual subject. We used right angle light scattering and a gamma camera to measure individual values of the deposition fraction (DF) of inhaled aerosol deposited in the lung and the coefficient of attenuation (AC) of gamma rays in normal and obstructed lungs of human subjects. Radiolabeled monodisperse aerosols 1 and 2 μm in diameter were used. Knowledge of the activity of the inhaled aerosol (microcurie per liter), the volume inhaled, and the measured DF determined each subject's AC (counts per minute per microcurie). DF varied by an order of magnitude in normal (0.04 to 0.48) and obstructed (0.16 to 0.75) of subjects. AC also varied significantly in normal subjects (124 to 790) and patients (112 to 373). Factors important in the observed variation in values of AC included body surface area and regional deposition pattern. Our results suggest that because of individual variation in thoracic geometry and deposition pattern, the use of single value phantom calculations may not accurately reflect the amount of aerosol deposited in the lung. We suggest that attempts to correlate changes in pulmonary function with quantitative inhalation challenge require direct determination of the dose entering the lung for each individual patient.
Plasma vitamin A in nephrectomized rats

Abstract The effect of acute renal failure on plasma vitamin A concentration was examined to clarify the role of kidney in vitamin A homeostasis. Male Sprague-Dawley rats with sufficient vitamin A stores were nephrectomized or sham-operated. Three hours after surgery plasma retinol concentration of nephrectomized rats had increased to 5.30±0.42 nmol/mL as compared to 2.88±0.32 nmol/mL observed in sham-operated controls; this elevated retinol level was maintained for at least 24h. A time course study of the response to short-term nephrectomy was performed in rats whose body stores of vitamin A were replaced by radiolabeled vitamin A. As early as 1 h after nephrectomy plasma retinol increased by 35% compared to sham-operated controls. Chromatography of plasma proteins on Sephadex G-100 revealed that most of the labeled retinoids were associated with the fraction characteristic of retinol binding protein (RBP)-transthyretin complex in both nephrectomized and control rats; the retinoid in this protein was identified to be retinol. Very little retinoid and protein were associated with the elution area characteristic of holo-and apo-RBP. Our observations in the short-term nephrectomized rats differ from those in chronic renal failure patients, who are reported to have increased holo-and apo-RBP. In rats with low liver stores of vitamin A, there was no increase in plasma retinol concentration after nephrectomy. Our studies suggest a direct involvement of kidney in vitamin A homeostasis by regulating retinol release from liver and by regulating excretion and reutilization of vitamin A.