cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
COPPER COORDINATION IN ZEOLITE-SUPPORTED LEAN NOX CATALYSTS

Copper ions exchanged into the ZSM-5 zeolite are known to catalyze lean NOx reduction. The majority of these copper ions are shown here to be hydrated ions attached to acid sites in the zeolite. This conclusion is reached using computations of hydrated copper structures and available EXAFS and ESR experiments. An acid site occurs when an Al substitutes for a Si in the zeolite framework. Four oxygens are attached to this aluminum atom, each of which can exhibit some acidic character. An analysis of the rigid zeolite structure shows only a small number of the square-planar symmetry sites which a majority of the Cu(II) ions are predicted to occupy by the ESR experiments. The ESR experiments are reinforced by the EXAFS experiments which show that the Cu(II) ions have four nearest-neighbor oxygen atoms. The calculations here show a four-member, first hydration shell for Cu(II) which includes one acid oxygen from the zeolite framework. The remaining three oxygens arise from a hydroxyl ion and two water molecule...
The Relationship of Depressive Symptoms to Parenting Competence and Social Support in Inner-City Mothers of Young Children

Objective: Despite the high prevalence of maternal depression and its negative consequences for children, many pediatricians fail to identify this problem. Our goal was to determine whether simple questions about parenting competence and the adequacy of maternal social support might be useful to providers in determining which inner-city mothers are likely to be depressed. Methods: We surveyed a convenience sample of 279 English-speaking mothers of children 6 months to 3 years old prior to a routine visit at an urban, hospital-based general pediatrics clinic. The mothers self-completed the Psychiatric Symptom Index (PSI) and the Parenting Stress Index Sense of Competence subscale, and rated the adequacy of their social support, and provided health and sociodemographic data by face-to-face interview. Results: 41% of mothers had “high” PSI symptom levels and 22% had scores above a criterion that suggests major depressive disorder. In addition, 15% experienced high parenting stress (low competence) and 42% reported little or no social support. High distress was unrelated to a variety of sociodemographic risk factors, but significantly associated with a poor sense of parenting competence (Adj. OR = 3.3, 95% CI = 1.5, 7.0) and inadequate perceived social support (Adj. OR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.2, 4.4), as well as with having health-related activity limitations (Adj. OR = 3.2, 95% CI = 1.1, 9.0). Conclusions: Negative ratings of parenting competence, low perceived social support, and presence of health-related activity restrictions can be useful markers of likely depression among inner-city mothers of young children. These factors are often assessed during routine pediatric visits and may be helpful to pediatricians in identifying mothers needing further evaluation or treatment by mental health specialists.
Photoabsorption of indium in the 4d excitation energy range

Abstract We report on the absorption coefficient of indium deduced from transmission measurements on thin films in the 40–200 eV range. The strong 4 d → ϵƒ continuum is clearly seen and is in good agreement with partial 4 d photoemission cross section and also with Kennedy and Manson's atomic cross-section calculation for xenon. Some structures are seen in the 40–80 eV range, which cannot be related to any known models.
Preliminary study of the effect of user intent recognition errors on volitional control of powered lower limb prostheses

Previously developed user-intent-recognition (UIR) systems have demonstrated promising accuracy for identifying the user's locomotion mode, which is potentially useful for volitional control of powered artificial legs in ambulation. The fundamental question facing us now is whether or not the prosthesis users are safe when the UIR system is directly integrated with the intrinsic controller to operate powered artificial legs. In this preliminary study, we aimed to address this question by investigating the effect of UIR errors on the walking stability of users, wearing a UIR-controlled powered transfemoral (TF) prosthesis. First, a novel control of powered prosthesis was developed, which hierarchically connected our designed UIR system with an intrinsic controller. Three types of errors were purposely added into the UIR output at different gait phase while an able-bodied subject walked on a treadmill with the powered prosthesis. Subjective opinions were obtained to evaluate the effect of applied UIR errors on the user's walking balance. The kinematics and kinetics of the prosthetic knee were quantified while the errors occurred. The preliminary results showed that not all the UIR errors applied caused a subjective feeling of balance instability. The effects of UIR errors on the prosthesis control and user's balance depended on the gait phase when the errors happened and the amount of mechanical work applied to the knee joint caused by the errors. The results of this study could aid the future design of true bionic prostheses that enable lower limb amputees to perform various activities intuitively and safely.
Elucidating the effect of additives on the growth and stability of Cu2O surfaces via shape transformation of pre-grown crystals

A new strategy of using pre-grown crystals to study preferential adsorption of various additives is demonstrated for the electrocrystallization of Cu2O. In this method, micron-size Cu2O crystals with well-defined cubic and octahedral shapes were first electrochemically grown, and their crystallization was resumed in a medium containing the additive to be investigated (e.g., Na+, NH4+, SO42-, Cl-, dodecyl sulfate). This method makes it possible to systematically study the interaction of additives with specific planes (e.g., {100} of a cube and {111} of an octahedron) already present. By observing shape transformation over time, the relative stabilities of {100}, {111}, and {110} planes of Cu2O in various growth media could be determined. During this study, a general scheme of forming new crystal shapes containing crystallographic planes that cannot be directly stabilized by preferential adsorption alone was also established (i.e., rhombicuboctahedral shape of Cu2O containing {110} planes). This method can ...
Stable sets and polynomials

Several applications of methods from non-linear algebra to the stable set problem in graphs are surveyed. The most recent work sketched is joint with A. Schrijver and involves non-linear inequalities. These yield a procedure to generate facets of the stable set polytope. If a class of graphs has the property that all facets of the stable set polytope can be generated this way in a bounded number of steps then the stable set problem is polynomially solvable for these graphs. Perfect, t-perfect and h-perfect graphs have this property.
Stroke: Intervention in carotid stenosis--is the issue resolved?

Clinical trials comparing surgical and endovascular interventions for carotid artery stenosis have produced inconclusive and conflicting results. Companion studies now provide data on the long-term efficacy and durability of these therapies for treating carotid artery stenosis. What do these findings tell us about the relative merits of the two techniques?
Laboratory methods for evaluation of toxicants for the bed bug and the oriental rat flea.

Methods were developed for the primary laboratory screening of chemicals against the bed bug, Cimex lectularius L., and the oriental rat flea, Xenopsylla cheopis (Rothschild), by exposing the insects to impregnated filter papers; performance was rated as weeks of 90% effectiveness. Secondary screening of the more promising toxicants against fleas was achieved by exposing the insects to dust formulations on soil; LC95 values were used to rate activity.
Submillimeter gyrotron for space based radar

A high power submillimeter, harmonic gyrotron oscillator is currently being operated at M.I.T. To achieve second harmonic emission, three different cavity configurations were studied: a tapered cavity, a slotted cavity, and a cavity with an output iris. In the cavity containing an output iris, second harmonic emission was observed at 6 frequencies between 301 GHz to 373 GHz with output powers of 4-6 kW, and at 417 GHz with an output power of 15 kW. The latter measurement corresponds to a total efficiency of 6%. A variety of diagnostics capable of discriminating between fundamental and second harmonic emission were also investigated.
On the zeros of Bessel polynomials

Abstract A closed expression for the reciprocal power sums of the difference of zeros of Bessel polynomials is derived using elementary complex analysis. These are sums of the form ∑ k=1 k≠j n (x j −x k ) −m ; m=1,2..., where xj are the zeros of a Bessel polynomial. Recurrence formulae for sums ∑i − 1n xj−m and ∑i − 1n xjm are also established.
Prognostic markers in node‐negative breast cancer: A prospective study

Background: Despite years of research, it is still unclear which women with node-negative (N–) breast cancer will need adjuvant chemotherapy and which women are being treated unnecessarily. Our goal was to determine which factors best predicted disease free survival (DFS) or cancer-specific overall survival (OS) and, therefore, select the correct patients for treatment. A total of 11 parameters were measured: estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), age, race, ploidy status, %G0/G1 (% non-DNA synthesis), %S (% S-phase), cathepsin D status, size, stage, and histologic grade. Results: In this prospective study, we followed 556 N– patients diagnosed between 1991 and 1996. The tumors were 56% ER, 51% PR, 30% diploid, with a mean %S of 8.9%. The level of cathepsin D ranged from 0.50 to 155 pmol/mg of protein with a mean of 42.9 pmol/mg of protein. There were 87 recurrences (16%) and 72 cancer deaths (13%), with a median follow-up of 7.8 years. Ploidy status (p 0.01), S-phase activity (p 0.003), G1 phase activity (p 0.02) and age (p 0.01) were able to significantly predict DFS in a univariate manner. All of the measurable factors were significant or borderline significant in predicting OS in a univariate manner except for age, race, and ER status. In multivariate analysis with S-phase included, it was the only remaining factor in DFS and OS; with S-phase excluded, age and ploidy status remained as factors for DFS in stepwise regression, while PR, size, and cathepsin D were the remaining factors that predicted cancer-specific OS. The effect of adjuvant treatment on prognosis was also analyzed. Conclusions: Both biochemical and clinical parameters have the potential to predict prognosis for N– breast cancer. In this large prospective clinical trial, with a median follow-up of 7.8 years, no individual marker adequately predicted the prognosis for an individual patient. %S activity was the best independent marker, but only 77% of the tumors provided this value. Subset analysis provided improved prognostication, but there were limits to its utility. These data represents a definitive study starting in 1991 and ending in 2002. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
SEATTLE: A Scalable Ethernet Architecture for Large Enterprises

IP networks today require massive effort to configure and manage. Ethernet is vastly simpler to manage, but does not scale beyond small local area networks. This article describes an alternative network architecture called SEATTLE that achieves the best of both worlds: The scalability of IP combined with the simplicity of Ethernet. SEATTLE provides plug-and-play functionality via flat addressing, while ensuring scalability and efficiency through shortest-path routing and hash-based resolution of host information. In contrast to previous work on identity-based routing, SEATTLE ensures path predictability, controllability, and stability, thus simplifying key network-management operations, such as capacity planning, traffic engineering, and troubleshooting. We performed a simulation study driven by real-world traffic traces and network topologies, and used Emulab to evaluate a prototype of our design based on the Click and XORP open-source routing platforms. Our experiments show that SEATTLE efficiently handles network failures and host mobility, while reducing control overhead and state requirements by roughly two orders of magnitude compared with Ethernet bridging.
The Rise of Mini‐Comm

“Mass communication” describes a relationship between a large, heterogeneous, and anonymous audience and the means used to communicate to that audience. The mass media serve this purpose. “Mass Communication” does not, however, adequately describe the more recent trend toward communication via the mass media to specific audiences tied together by some common bond. The bond might be the result of geographic proximity or intellectual mutuality. The concept of “mini-comm” describes this newer development and is offered as a supplement to the more generic concept of “mass-comm.”
Pathway from a Molecular Precursor to Silver Nanoparticles: The Prominent Role of Aggregative Growth

A mechanistic study of Ag-nanoparticle growth by reaction of [(PPh3)2Ag(O2CC13H27)] and AIBN is reported. The half-life for precursor disappearance at 130.0 ± 0.1 °C under the reaction conditions is determined to be 3.65 ± 0.42 min, which defines the time scale for classical (LaMer) nucleation and growth to be within the first 15 min (4 half-lives). The nanoparticle-growth kinetics are separately determined by TEM monitoring and UV−visible spectroscopy. Fits to the kinetic data establish that the active-growth regime extends to 58 min, and that Ostwald ripening ensues shortly thereafter. Evidence for an aggregative nucleation and growth process is obtained. The quantitative data indicate that classical nucleation and growth, aggregative nucleation and growth, and Ostwald ripening occur in consecutive time regimes with little overlap, and that nanoparticle growth is dominated by the aggregative regime. Aggregative growth should be considered a potential contributing mechanism in all nanoparticle-forming re...
GLYCEROIURIA, PSYCHOMOTOR RETARDATION, SPASTICITY DYSTROPHIC MYOPATHY, AND OSTEOPOROSIS IN A SIBSHIP

We have identified two brothers who appear to represent a previously undescribed disease. Their clinical problems include poor somatic growth (less than 3rd percentile), moderately severe psychomotor retardation, generalized spasticity, a non-paralytic esotropia, severe generalized osteoporosis resulting in pathologic fractures, and a “wizzened” facial appearance. At ages 18 months and 4 years there is no evidence of a degenerative course. There is no demonstrable renal, thyroid, parathyroid or nutritional problem. Histochemical studies of muscle demonstrate a strikingly dystrophic process. Routine and EM studies of bone show nonspecific osteoporosis. Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy of urine indicates elevated glycerol concentrations in both patients. In a survey of an institutionalized, mentally retarded population, four patients were noted to excrete glycerol in their urine (Ann. Med. Exp. Fenn. 45:90, 1967). Three exhibited spasticity but no additional clinical information was presented. Our patients appear to represent a previously unrecognized, apparently genetic syndrome, characterized by psychomotor retardation, spasticity, dystrophic myopathy, osteoporosis, and glyceroluria.
Pulmonary Vasoconstriction Elicited by Stimulation of the Hypothalamic Integrative Area for the Defense Reaction

Changes in the pulmonary circulation evoked by stimulation of the hypothalamic integrative area for the defense reaction were studied in 22 cats anesthetized with a chloralose-urethane mixture. Pulmonary arterial pressure and flow, left and right atrial pressures, aortic pressure, arterial flow to the skinned hind limb, and heart rate were all significantly increased. The calculated pulmonary vascular resistance was also significantly increased. The rise in pulmonary vascular resistance was abolished by bilateral stellectomy or by hexamethonium infusion; it was not affected by bilateral cervical vagotomy. Therefore, the increase in pulmonary vascular resistance was mediated by the thoracic sympathetic nerves. The increase in pulmonary arterial flow was mainly caused by an increase in heart rate; a small rise in calculated stroke volume also occurred.
Visualizing Amyloid Assembly

Ordered amyloid fibril protein aggregates are a hallmark of a class of human diseases that includes Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. How proteins assemble into these structures is poorly understood ( 1 ) but is thought to play a direct role in disease. Two recent studies provide key insights into this problem. On page 362 of this issue, Neudecker et al. ( 2 ) have visualized the changes that convert a normally soluble protein into an aggregation-prone amyloid precursor. Laganowski et al. ( 3 ) have described the structure of a subsequent oligomeric amyloid intermediate of the kind currently believed to be responsible for amyloid-associated toxicity ( 4 ).
Isolation and Characterization of 3-(3-Amino-3-Carboxypropyl)Uridine from Human Urine

Abstract A new modified nucleoside, 3-(3-amino-3-carboxypropyl)-uridine was isolated from a 24 hour collection of a normal human urine. The structure was assigned on the basis of UV, NMR and mass spectrometry data and confirmed by comparison of the spectral data and HPLC mobilities with those of an authentic sample. Origin and significance of this nucleoside in relation to tRNA is discussed. The new nucleoside is present also in the urine of cancer patients but in smaller amounts.
Citrus by-products as ruminant feeds: A review

Increased disposal costs in many parts of the world have increased interest in utilization of citrus by-product feedstuffs (BPF) as alternative feeds for ruminants. The main citrus BPF fed to ruminants are fresh citrus pulp, citrus silage, dried citrus pulp, citrus meal and fines, citrus molasses, citrus peel liquor, and citrus activated sludge. Other minor BPF from citrus include cull or excess fruit. This review evaluates citrus BPF in regard to their physical characteristics, nutrient composition, nutrient digestion, and ruminal fermentation, and their impact on animal performance. Citrus BPF can be used as a high energy feed in ruminant rations to support growth and lactation, with fewer negative effects on rumen fermentation than starch rich feeds. However, when very high levels of some citrus BPF are fed, rumen parakeratosis may occur, particularly when the level of dietary forage is low.
Strategic Voting in Plurality Elections: A Simulation of Duverger's Law

Experiments designed as an election simulation involve participants in an investigation of strategic voting. Participants assigned political preferences and informed of candidate/party positions on an ideological dimension respond to and learn the results of two public opinion polls before voting. When given two alternatives, the participants vote sincerely. Confronted with three or more alternatives, participants make tactical decisions to narrow the field. Strategic behavior quickly reduces the number of alternatives to two. Consistent with Duverger's law, candidate/party viability encourages strategic voting and the development of a two-party system. The election simulation serves as a useful tool to teach about electoral behavior and to explore topics such as strategic voting.
Introduction by the Guest Editor

It is Heidegger who asks what there is to be thought after the end of metaphysics, and indeed his own work is never far from a response to the question. This is neither to say that there is only one such response, nor even to suppose that Heidegger’s thinking provides only one response. To be sure, the origin of the question is not difficult to identify. Metaphysics, as the grounding of known beings in some anterior or first being, comes to its end as thinking becomes capable of grasping it as a sum of relations. This occurs when thinking is awakened to the difference between inquiring about beings (Seiende), including the first being, and asking the question of the meaning of Being (Sein). In an important sense, then, the ‘‘end’’ of metaphysics coincides with the appearing of its place within a more primordial horizon. Attending more closely to the historical configuration of this metaphysics, Heidegger often concentrates on the recurrence, or else the persistence, of an urge in thinking to stabilize itself by appeal to unity. Already before Sein und Zeit, this appeal is approched by way of a claim that Dasein does not rest on any prior cause, but rather comprehends all causal relations in a thrownness in the world that is also an abyss of ground. Subsequent texts seem only to pursue the implications of this claim, while working out the nature of a thinking that would be guided by it. Yet if we therefore agree that after the end of metaphysics there remains a thinking that suspends any urge to stabilize itself in a commitment to founded unity, we have come only to a formal definition of what Heidegger sometimes calls ‘‘thoughtful thinking.’’ Does thoughtful thinking only consider and perhaps supply clarification of the necessary unity of metaphysical thinking? Or does it already move as if without possibility of recourse to unity? These alternatives are far apart. Their difference suggests to us that if we ask Heidegger what is to be thought after
Efficacy of ketorolac in lieu of narcotics in the operative management of laparoscopic surgery for morbid obesity.

Background Prompt recovery of protective airway reflexes, freedom from pain, ability to cooperate with respiratory physical therapy, early ambulation and discharge from the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), coupled with a stable intraoperative environment have been desired goals of anesthesia management of morbidly obese patients. We used ketorolac in lieu of narcotics toward this goal and present our subjective and objective data in this study. Methods A total of 50 morbidly obese patients undergoing laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery were randomly assigned to 2 groups of 25 each. Group I received intravenous ketorolac perioperatively, which was continued 24 hours postoperatively. Group II received remifentanyl intraoperatively as a part of balanced anesthesia. Intraoperative hemodynamic stability was assessed based on blood pressure, pulse rate, and bispectral index score values. Postoperative pain intensity using a visual analogue scale, as well as the presence of nausea, vomiting, hypotension, or respiratory depression, were also recorded. Results Postoperative side effects, including pain, nausea, and vomiting; requirements for analgesics and antiemetic medications in the PACU; and the time spent in the PACU varied significantly between the 2 groups. Continued administration of ketorolac during the first 24 hours postoperatively led to improved patient satisfaction and more enthusiastic participation in respiratory physical therapy. Conclusions Perioperative use of intravenous ketorolac up to 24 hours after laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery for morbid obesity helps provide a more stable intraoperative environment, earlier discharge from the PACU, and better outcome in this subset of patients.
Bromine-80m Radiotoxicity and the Potential for Estrogen Receptor-directed Therapy with Auger Electrons

While theoretically feasible, estrogen receptor (ER)-directed radiotherapy of hormone-dependent cancers has not been realized because no ER-seeking ligand with an appropriate radiotoxic potential has been identified. Since an appropriate nuclide is a key component we studied the 4.4-h half-life, Auger electron-emitting nuclide bromine-80m. When incorporated into DNA this nuclide was radiotoxic to cells in culture and caused substantial chromosomal damage, while similar concentrations of bromine-80m as bromide or bromoantipyrine were without effect. The mean lethal dose for bromine-80m was 45 atoms per nucleus which is consistent with use in receptor-positive cancers with limited numbers of ER.
Consensus Review: A Method of Assessment of Calcifications That Appropriately Undergo a Six-Month Follow-up

Rationale and Objectives Breast calcifications seen on mammography may be associated with benign conditions or malignancies. Accurate characterization of these calcifications is crucial to providing optimal care that may spare women unnecessary biopsies and appropriately allow interval mammography. The purpose of this study is to determine if consensus characterization of calcifications by two breast imaging experts using standardized criteria can establish that follow-up is a safe option. Materials and Methods For this retrospective study, our breast imaging database was reviewed and the cases imaged between the years 1999 and 2001 were used to identify patients with calcifications who were recommended for a six-month follow-up or biopsy. All cases had been prospectively assessed by at least two expert breast imagers using standardized features to assess the findings before a recommendation for follow-up or a biopsy was made. A retrospective chart review examining the radiology reports was done to determine the percentage of women from each of the two groups who developed malignancies. Results Of 744 patients who had mammographically identified clusters of calcifications, 490 clusters (409 single and 81 multiple) were diagnosed as probably-benign, and a short-interval 6-month follow-up was recommended. Of these calcifications followed for three years, only two (0.5%) of the single clusters proved to be malignant, and malignancy was diagnosed at the 12-month follow-up examination. In both cases, the women were diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Of 254 clusters recommended for biopsy, 242 (215 single and 27 multiple) underwent biopsy. A total of 70 cancers were diagnosed: 54 (77.1%) were DCIS and 16 (22.9%) were primary invasive mammary carcinoma (10 cases of invasive ductal carcinoma, 3 cases of invasive lobular carcinoma, 2 cases of invasive ductal carcinoma with DCIS, and one case of invasive mucinous carcinoma with DCIS). Twenty-nine percent of women who had a biopsy performed had calcifications associated with malignancy. In contrast, in the women whose calcifications were followed by mammography, only 0.5% went on to develop malignancies. Conclusion Consensus review of calcifications by two breast imagers using standardized criteria is a safe follow-up option.
Two-dimensional phase unwrapping to help characterize an electromagnetic beam for quasi-optical mode converter design

An improved two-dimensional phase unwrapping procedure is discussed that uses a weighted least-squares algorithm, a congruence operation, and a filter to unwrap the phase distribution of an electromagnetic beam. These improvements make possible several advances for mirror designs used in gyrotron quasi-optical mode converters. The improved phase unwrapping procedure is demonstrated by applying it to a measured beam and a simulated beam that are used to design mirrors. The unwrapping procedure produces a smooth unwrapped phase that does not change the characteristics of the beam. The smooth unwrapped phase distribution is also used to find an estimate for the wavenumber vector distribution that is needed to design the mirrors.
Effects of Combustor Exit Profiles on Vane Aerodynamic Loading and Heat Transfer in a High Pressure Turbine

The flow and thermal fields exiting gas turbine combustors dictate the overall performance of the downstream turbine. The goal of this work was to investigate the effects of engine representative combustor exit profiles on high pressure turbine vane aerodynamics and heat transfer. The various profiles were produced using a nonreacting turbine inlet profile generator in the Turbine Research Facility (TRF) located at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). This paper reports how the pressure loading and heat transfer along the vane surface was affected by different turbine inlet pressure and temperature profiles at different span locations. The results indicate that the inlet total pressure profiles affected the aerodynamic loading by as much as 10%. The results also reveal that the combination of different total pressure and total temperature profiles significantly affected the vane heat transfer relative to a baseline test with uniform inlet total pressure and total temperature. Near the inner diameter endwall, the baseline heat transfer was reduced 30‐40% over the majority of the vane surface. Near the outer dimeter endwall, it was found that certain inlet profiles could increase the baseline heat transfer by 10‐ 20%, while other profiles resulted in a decrease in the baseline heat transfer by 25‐35%. This study also shows the importance of knowing an accurate prediction of the local flow driving temperature when determining vane surface heat transfer. DOI: 10.1115/1.2950051
Short-term and long-term success of electrical cardioversion in atrial fibrillation in managed care system

Background: Initial success of electrical cardioversion (ECV) of atrial fibrillation (AF) has been reported in several studies as 50%-90%, of which only 50% patients remain in sinus rhythm (SR) at the end of one year. We conducted this study to see if outcomes of other trials are applicable in managed care setting. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study in 370 consecutive patients who underwent ECV for AF. They were reviewed for initial outcome of ECV and recurrence of AF after a successful ECV, with and without prophylactic antiarrhythmic drugs. Results: Initial success of ECV for AF was 65.7%. At one year, 47% remained in SR. AF for ≤ 3 months (p = 0.006) and pretreatment with antiarrhythmic drugs (p = 0.032) resulted in improved success. Predictors of recurrence were patients ≤ 65 years (p = 0.019), paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) (p = 0.0094) and alcohol consumption (p = 0.0074). Conclusion: Shorter duration of AF, prophylactic antiarrhythmic drugs and serial ECVs improve outcome of ECV in AF. For younger patients with PAF and alcohol consumption, due to higher recurrence of AF, rate control or ablative therapy may be the preferred strategy.
Diameter doubling of single-wall nanotubes

Abstract High-yield single wall nanotube (SWNT) material consisting primarily of zero-helicity armchair tubes was annealed at 1400 or 1500°C under medium-high vacuum, flowing argon and flowing hydrogen atmospheres. As many as 60% of the nanotubes so treated coalesced with neighbors, the proportion depending on the atmosphere, resulting in nanotubes with twice (2.7 nm) and occasionally three times (4.1 nm) the diameter of the (10,10) tube that is the dominant armchair tube in these samples. Since only nanotubes with equal helical pitch angle and chirality can coalesce seamlessly, the high conversion ratio adds support to other recent evidence that no type of SWNT is formed in these samples in greater numbers than the (10,10) tube.
Cost effectiveness of cilostazol compared with naftidrofuryl and pentoxifylline in the treatment of intermittent claudication in the UK.

ABSTRACTObjective: To estimate the cost effectiveness of cilostazol (Pletal) compared to naftidrofuryl and pentoxifylline (Trental) in the treatment of intermittent claudication in the UK. * Pletal is a registered trade name of Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. and marketed in the UK by Otsuka Pharmaceuticals UK, Ltd, London, UK † Trental is a registered trade name of Aventis Phrmaceuticals Inc and marketed in the UK by Aventis Pharma Ltd, Kent, UKDesign and setting: This was a modelling study on the management of patients with intermittent claudication who are 40 years of age or above and have at least six months history of symptomatic intermittent claudication, secondary to lower extremity arterial occlusive disease. The study was performed from the perspective of the UK's National Health Service (NHS).Methods: Clinical outcomes attributable to managing intermittent claudication were obtained from the published literature and resource utilisation estimates were derived from a panel of vascular surgeon...
Roles of anionic and cationic template components in biomineralization of CdS nanorods using self-assembled DNA-membrane complexes

Complexes of anionic DNA and cationic liposomes self-assemble into a multilamellar structure where two-dimensional lipid sheets confine a periodic one-dimensional lattice of parallel DNA chains, between which Cd 2+ ions can condense, and be subsequently reacted with H2S to form CdS nanorods. In this work, we identify the synergistic roles of the anionic and cationic components within the DNA-membrane template; DNA is highly anionic and condenses the Cd 2+ ions, while the cationic membrane modulates the concentration of condensed Cd 2+ ions to control the final CdS nanorod dimensions. Due to the strong electrostatic interactions between the DNA sugar-phosphate backbone and the Cd 2+ ions, crystal- lographic control of CdS nanostructures is possible using these simple DNA-membrane templates, which we demonstrate using nanobeam electron diffraction experiments on individual templated CdS nanorods.
The Influence of Random Phase Errors on the Angular Resolution of Synthetic Aperture Radar Systems

The influence of random phase errors on the angular resolution of a focused synthetic aperture radar system is treated. The principal measure of performance has been taken as the mean envelope power at the system output. This system output power is evaluated exactly, although not in closed form, based on the following assumptions: 1) the real beam pattern is Gaussian; 2) the random phase error is essentially a geometry-independent ergodic process with a Gaussian amplitude distribution and zero mean; and 3) the random phase error has a Gaussian correlation function. The curves presented in this paper can be used to estimate expected system power response, expected system resolution and effective aperture length beyond which, in the presence of phase error, little gain in resolution is expected. It was found that multiple sources of error with different correlation intervals make explicit solution of the integral equation for system power response practically impossible. In this situation, a reasonable approach is to evaluate the system power response separately for each error. If one of the errors is clearly dominant, it may be regarded as bounding achievable performance.
Effect of Precrack “Halos” on Fracture Toughness Determined by the Surface Crack in Flexure Method

The surface crack in flexure method, which is used to determine the fracture toughness of dense ceramics, necessitates the measurement of precrack sizes by fractographic examination. Stable crack extension may occur from flaws under ambient, room-temperature conditions, even in the relatively short time under load during fast fracture strength or fracture toughness testing. In this article, fractographic techniques are used to characterize evidence of stable crack extension, a “halo,” around Knoop indentation surface cracks. Optical examination of the fracture surfaces of a high-purity Al2O3, an AlN, a glass-ceramic, and a MgF2 reveal the presence of a halo around the periphery of each precrack. The halo in the AlN is merely an optical effect due to crack reorientation, whereas the halo in the MgF2 is due to indentation-induced residual stresses initiating crack growth. However, for the Al2O3 and the glass-ceramic, environmentally assisted slow crack growth is the cause of the halo. In the latter two materials, this stable crack extension must be included as part of the critical crack size to determine the appropriate fracture toughness.
Optical coherence tomography for in vitro monitoring of wound healing after laser irradiation

We demonstrate a novel application of optical coherence tomography (OCT) to monitor post-laser irradiation collagen injury in model skin. An artificial skin model (RAFT), which closely approximates human skin, was irradiated with a Perovskite laser (/spl lambda/=1341 nm), which is under investigation for potential use as a nonablative laser skin rejuvenation device (NALSR). OCT was used to determine the extent of laser injury immediately post irradiation and, subsequently, to monitor tissue recovery over a seven-day period. OCT images clearly delineated areas of post-irradiation collagen injury and allowed noninvasive monitoring of the wound healing process. Histology was used for comparison and correlated well with OCT images. OCT offers advantages over standard histology as it is noninvasive and allows serial monitoring at the same site over time. Our results indicate that OCT has potential as a method for characterization of collagen injury post-laser irradiation and may be a useful tool for determination of optimal parameters for NALSR using different devices under investigation for this indication.
Body Composition, Visceral Fat, Leptin, and Insulin Resistance in Asian Indian Men

There is a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease among urban and migrant Asian Indians despite the absence of traditional risk factors. Evidence exists that Asian Indians are more hyperinsulinemic than Caucasians and that hyperinsulinemia may be important in the development of these diseases. To test whether insulin action was related to total or regional adiposity and to explore the potential role of plasma leptin and lipids, we measured insulin-mediated glucose disposal by the euglycemic insulin clamp, adipose distribution and muscle volume using computed axial tomography, and fasting serum leptin and lipid levels in 20 healthy Asian Indian male volunteers (age, 36 ± 10 yr). A mean body mass index of 24.5 ± 2.5 kg/m2 was associated with an unusually high percentage of body fat (33 ± 7%). The majority of the fat was sc, and 16% was visceral (intraabdominal) adipose tissue. The majority (66%) of these nonobese men were insulin resistant. The mean fasting serum leptin leve...
Design and construction of the ZEUS barrel calorimeter

Abstract We present the mechanical design and construction techniques used in building the barrel calorimeter for the ZEUS detector. The latter is currently under construction for use at the HERA electron-proton colliding beam facility. The calorimeter consists of 32 wedge shaped modules with approximate dimensions of 3×0.5×1.7 m 3 . The modules use alternate layers of depleted uranium and scintillator with one radiation length sampling. The light is collected via wavelength shifter plates placed on the sloping sides of the modules and read out by photomultiplier tubes located at the outer radius. The unit cell dimensions result in a ratio e h = 1 which yields an optimal energy resolution for hadronic jets. The placing of the structural components and the arrangement of the cracks between modules were chosen to maximize the uniformity of the response. Details of the construction and assembly effort needed to realize the total calorimeter are given. We finally describe the procedures used for transporting the completed modules to DESY and to install them on ZEUS.
In Vivo Titration of Mitomycin C Action by Four Escherichia coli Genomic Regions on Multicopy Plasmids

Mitomycin C (MMC), a DNA-damaging agent, is a potent inducer of the bacterial SOS response; surprisingly, it has not been used to select resistant mutants from wild-type Escherichia coli. MMC resistance is caused by the presence of any of four distinct E. coli genes (mdfA, gyrl, rob, and sdiA) on high-copy-number vectors. mdfA encodes a membrane efflux pump whose overexpression results in broad-spectrum chemical resistance. The gyrI (also called sbmC) gene product inhibits DNA gyrase activity in vitro, while the rob protein appears to function in transcriptional activation of efflux pumps. SdiA is a transcriptional activator of ftsQAZ genes involved in cell division.
Darwin's Pangenesis and the Problem of Unconceived Alternatives

In earlier work I have argued that the most substantial threat to scientific realism arises from the problem of unconceived alternatives: the repeated failure of past scientists and scientific communities to conceive of alternatives to extant scientific theories, even when such alternatives were both (1) well confirmed by the evidence available at the time and (2) sufficiently scientifically serious as to be later embraced by actual scientific communities. In this paper I explore Charles Darwin's development and defense of his 'pangenesis' theory of inheritance and conclude that this particular historical example offers impressive support for the challenge posed to realism by this problem of unconceived alternatives.
Middle atmospheric electrodynamics

A review is presented of the advances made during the last few years with respect to the study of the electrodynamics in the earth's middle atmosphere. In a report of the experimental work conducted, attention is given to large middle atmospheric electric fields, the downward coupling of high altitude processes into the middle atmosphere, and upward coupling of tropospheric processes into the middle atmosphere. It is pointed out that new developments in tethered balloons and superpressure balloons should greatly increase the measurement duration of earth-ionospheric potential measurements and of stratospheric electric field measurements in the next few years. Theoretical work considered provides an excellent starting point for study of upward coupling of transient and dc electric fields. Hays and Roble (1979) were the first to construct a model which included orographic features as well as the classical thunderstorm generator.
Ferroelectric ceramic memory devices

This paper discusses the information storage characteristics of an improved lead zirconate-lead titanate ferroelectric ceramic composition. The memory elements discussed are ceramic disc resonators operated in the radial extensional mode and utilizing small-signal, nondestructive readout of the remanent polarization state. Fabrication procedure and design considerations such as the effect of electrode geometry are discussed and an approximate equivalent circuit of a multibit memory element is presented. Device charactristics such as complex transfer characteristics, dependence of small-signal parameters on polarization state, and temperature effects are given. Various methods of information read-in and readout are discussed. Possible applications of this memory include moderate speed computing systems, long-term information storage, and use in extreme environmental conditions.
Identification of a novel DNA binding site and a transcriptional target for activating transcription factor 5 in C6 glioma and MCF-7 breast cancer cells

Recent reports indicate that the activating transcription factor 5 (ATF5) is required for the survival of cancer cells but not for noncancer cells. However, the mechanisms by which ATF5 regulates genes and promotes cell survival are not clear. Using a cyclic amplification and selection of targets (CASTing) approach, we identified a novel ATF5 consensus DNA binding sequence. We show in C6 glioma and MCF-7 breast cancer cells that ATF5 occupies this sequence and that ATF5 activates reporter gene expression driven by this site. Conversely, reporter activity is diminished when ATF5 activity is blocked or when ATF5 expression is down-regulated by serum withdrawal. We further show that early growth response factor 1 (Egr-1), whose promoter contains two adjacent ATF5 consensus binding sites at a conserved promoter position in rat, mouse, and human, is targeted and regulated by ATF5 in C6 and MCF-7 cells. These data provide new insight on the mechanisms by which ATF5 promotes gene regulation and cancer-specific cell survival.
Credibility, Costs, and Institutions: Cooperation on Economic Sanctions

The conditions under which states will cooperate to impose economic sanctions are of both theoretical and practical interest. Generally, when sanctions are used, one state takes the lead in organizing and imposing them. Other states have incentives to free ride on the “leading sender's” efforts. To gain cooperation, the leading sender uses tactical issue-linkage in the form of either threats or side payments. The success of cooperation depends on the credibility of these issue-linkages. The use of high-cost sanctions and international institutions raises the potential for high audience costs if the leading sender reneges. These policies thus indicate credible commitments. Data on ninety-nine cases of post-1945 economic sanctions show that costly measures coincide with high levels of international cooperation.
Cell-to-Cell Variability in the Propensity to Transcribe Explains Correlated Fluctuations in Gene Expression

Random fluctuations in gene expression lead to wide cell-to-cell differences in RNA and protein counts. Most efforts to understand stochastic gene expression focus on local (intrinisic) fluctuations, which have an exact theoretical representation. However, no framework exists to model global (extrinsic) mechanisms of stochasticity. We address this problem by dissecting the sources of stochasticity that influence the expression of a yeast heat shock gene, SSA1. Our observations suggest that extrinsic stochasticity does not influence every step of gene expression, but rather arises specifically from cell-to-cell differences in the propensity to transcribe RNA. This led us to propose a framework for stochastic gene expression where transcription rates vary globally in combination with local, gene-specific fluctuations in all steps of gene expression. The proposed model better explains total expression stochasticity than the prevailing ON-OFF model and offers transcription as the specific mechanism underlying correlated fluctuations in gene expression.
Belief and Subjective Well-Being in Outpatients

Background. The purpose of this study was twofold: to test the hypothesis that religious and spiritual beliefs provide medical outpatients with a system of meaning and existential understanding, and to seek to determine some elements that constitute the domain of spiritual and religious beliefs as they relate to subjective well-being. Methods. The Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS) questionnaire was administered to a convenience sample of adult outpatients. Results. Patients agreed, strongly to moderately, with statements that had a direct reference to God having a significant influence (cares about me, concerned about my problems, contributes to my sense of well-being) on the daily life of the respondent. Conclusion. Religious and spiritual beliefs provide medical outpatients with a system of meaning and existential understanding. Outpatients identified with more cognitive rather than affective perceptions of well-being, in addition to a conceptualization of what a loving God may mean.
Mechanisms of vasodilation elicited by VIP in sterically stabilized liposomes in vivo

The purpose of this study was to begin to determine the mechanisms underlying vasodilation elicited by vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in sterically stabilized liposomes (SSL) in the in situ peripheral microcirculation. Using intravital microscopy, we found that suffusion of VIP in SSL (0.42 and 0.85 nmol) onto the hamster cheek pouch for 1 h elicited significant and prolonged concentration-dependent vasodilation (P < 0.05). Suffusion of VIP in SSL (0.1 nmol) for 7 min elicited a qualitatively similar response, although its magnitude was significantly smaller than that elicited by 1 h of suffusion of VIP in SSL (P < 0.05). The VIP-receptor antagonist VIP-(10-28), but not the amino-terminal fragment VIP-(1-12), significantly attenuated and delayed the onset of VIP in SSL-induced vasodilation (P < 0.05). The nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), but not NG-nitro-D-arginine methyl ester (D-NAME), abrogated VIP in SSL-induced responses. We conclude that VIP in SSL elicits significant and prolonged vasodilation in the in situ peripheral microcirculation, which is specific, partly receptor dependent, and partly transduced by the L-arginine/NO biosynthetic pathway.