cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of a Full-Size Human Model for Evaluating Metal Implant Heating During Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MM) and computer tomography (CT) have been used routinely in medical diagnosis. MRI is often preferred to CT because of its better soft-tissue resolution and lack of risk from ionizing radiation. However, the use of MRI involves magnetic and radio frequency (RF) exposures. In a strong static magnetic field and a pulsed RF field, five potential adverse effects are anticipated with metallic implants: 1) force on the implant by the strong static magnetic field, 2) current induced in the implants by the RF field, 3) damage of implant electronic circuitry by RF exposure, 4) MRI image distortion caused by the implant, 5) implant and adjacent tissue heating due to absorption of RF energy. Only the last of these, RF tissue heating, will be addressed in this paper. The present Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended limits of RF heating during MRI scanning are 1°C in the brain, 2°C in the torso and 3°C in the extremities[1].
Post-Communist Democracies and Party Organization: Organizations at Work

Parties with stronger organizations are electorally more successful. The goal of this chapter is to complement the statistical results in support of this conclusion with an in-depth investigation of specific cases. The case studies enhance the analysis in several distinct ways by helping answer questions that the statistical analysis left open. First, by providing detailed contextual information about causal processes within cases, the qualitative narratives can be used to verify that the relationship between organizational strength and electoral performance is not spurious. Specifically, the case studies help assess whether the proposed causal mechanisms actually work in the expected manner and the theoretical argument is compelling. Second, process tracing within cases also allows assessing the nature of the causal order between organizational strength and electoral performance. Third, the within-case analysis entails the examination of a diverse set of materials and allows more fine-grained measurement of the key variables. For example, the qualitative analysis can supplement the electoral returns used in Chapter 2 with parties’ own assessments of their performance as well as those reported in the media. The case studies can also take into account the long-term survival of the party. Fourth, the narratives provide another opportunity to assess the strength of the rival hypotheses including party ideology, leader effects, and patronage. The qualitative analysis also helps evaluate party performance in the context of environmental hostility, external shocks, and crises.
Dislocation Activity in AZ31B Magnesium Deformed at Moderately Elevated Temperatures via EBSD

Activation of type slip in wrought magnesium has typically been associated with forming temperatures of 200°C or higher, while contraction twinning has been observed to be more prevalent at lower temperatures. A recent investigation showed that when AZ31B sheets with strong basal texture were formed in biaxial or plane strain tension at room temperature, contraction twins were observed in banded structures. These banded structures disappeared at moderate forming temperatures of 75°C and 125°C. The hypothesis is that type slip was sufficiently activated at the moderate forming temperatures that thinning of the sheet was accommodated less by twinning and more by slip. This paper uses mesoscale electron backscatter diffraction continuum dislocation microscopy in an SEM to determine type geometrically necessary dislocation density. Preliminary results suggest that the relative amount of geometrically necessary dislocations is unrelated to the onset of twinning.
Cathode-ray-excited emission spectroscopic analysis of trace rare earths: Part IV. determination of thulium in zinc sulfide

Abstract The method of analysis for trace amounts of rare earths in a matrix by cathoderay-excited emission spectroscopy has been extended to the determination of thulium in a zinc sulfide matrix, with lithium added as a charge-compensating ion. If the 478-nm emission from thulium is used as the detection wavelength, one p.p.b. can be readily determined, with an estimated detection limit of the order of 0.01 p.p.b. Thulium determinations by this means are compared with those from solid-state mass spectrometry. Effects of sample firing parameters and interferences are discussed.
Distributed-in/distributed-out sensor networks: a new framework to analyze distributed phenomena

With a new way of thinking about organizing sensor networks, we demonstrate that we can more easily deploy and program these networks to solve a variety of different problems. We describe sensor networks that can analyze and actuate distributed phenomena without a central coordinator. Previous implementations of sensor networks have approached the problem from the perspective of centralized reporting of distributed events. By contrast, we create a system that allows users to infer the global state from within the sensor network itself, rather than by accessing an outside, central middleware layer. This is accomplished via dynamic creation of clusters of nodes based on application or intent, rather than proximity. The data collected and returned by these clusters is returned directly to the inquirer at his current location. By creating this Distributed-in/Distributed-out (DiDo) system that bypasses a middleware layer, our networks have the principal advantage of being easily configurable and deployable. We show that a system with this structure can solve path problems in a random graph. These graph problems are directly applicable to real-life applications such as discovering escape routes for people in a building with changing pathways. We show that the system is scalable, as reconfiguration requires only local communication. To test our assumptions, we build a suite of applications to create different deployment scenarios that model the physical world and set up simulations that allow us to measure performance. Finally, we create a set of simple primitives that serve as a high-level organizing protocol. These primitives can be used to solve different problems with distributed sensors, regardless of the underlying network protocols. The instructions provided by the sensors result in tangible performance improvements when the sensors' instructions are directed to agents within a simulated physical world.
Consistency of 20th century sea level pressure trends as simulated by a coupled and uncoupled GCM

[1] A coupled (ocean-atmosphere) general circulation model (CGCM) and an uncoupled atmospheric general circulation model forced with the SST and external forcing of the coupled model simulate similar 2 m air temperature (TS) trends and also similar sea level pressure (SLP) trends for the latter half of the 20th century. This suggests that the inability of atmospheric models forced by observed SST and external forcing to reproduce observed SLP trends in the Indian Ocean could be due to model bias rather than lack of coupling. The internally generated TS trend in the CGCM is found to be small in comparison to the externally forced component. Intrinsic atmospheric noise explains most of the CGCM's internally generated high-latitude SLP trend, while in low latitudes, the response of the SLP trend to the internally generated SST trend is important.
Aging With Rising Risk: Have Older Households Experienced Faster-Growing Risk Exposure Than Younger Ones Since the 1990s?

Financial markets have been characterized by boom and bust cycles since the 1980s, while the responsibility for managing retirement wealth has increasingly shifted onto individual households at the same time. Policy makers and experts have expressed concern over rising risk exposure among older householders, who appear to be increasingly exposed to the growing financial risks just as they near retirement. We consider household data from the Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances from 1989 to 2010 to analyze the correlation between age and risk exposure. We test whether older householders’ risk exposure has indeed grown over time, whether it has increased more than that of younger householders, whether changes in the demographic composition of older householders have contributed to older households’ rising risk exposure, and the degree to which increases in risk exposure can be traced to a growing concentration of household assets held in stocks and housing and to rising householder indebtedness. Ou...
Comparing the stratigraphic record to estimates of phylogeny

The age of first occurrence of taxa remains an underutilized source of information in phylogenetic analysis. In this paper I develop a method whereby one can measure the fit of the stratigraphic record to an estimated phylogenetic tree. The method works as follows: (1) each of the internal nodes excluding the root node of a phylogenetic tree is visited, (2) the oldest age of first occurrence for the taxa above the node is compared to the oldest age of first occurrence for the sister node, and (3) if the age above the node is the same age or younger than the age below the node, then the node is stratigraphically consistent. A measure of the total fit of the stratigraphic record to the tree is the proportion of nodes that are stratigraphically consistent (expressed as the stratigraphic consistency index, SCI). This measure of stratigraphic fit is sensitive to errors in phylogenetic estimation as well as to missing lineages (or parts of lineages). The significance of the fit of the stratigraphic record to the tree can be determined through a permutation approach that generates the null distribution for SCI under the hypothesis that the stratigraphic fit is no better than would be expected at random. The method is applied to several studies taken from the literature. Almost all published trees had significant SCI values, meaning the trees fit the stratigraphic record quite well. Applications of stratigraphic consistency for determining the confidence that should be placed in a phylogenetic estimate, for determining the root of a tree, and as a modified optimality criterion for estimating phylogenetic trees are discussed.
Brazilian Páramos II. Macro‐ and mesoclimate of the campos de altitude and affinities with high mountain climates of the tropical Andes and Costa Rica

Summary Aim This paper presents a basic analysis of the macro- and mesoclimate of the Brazilian campos de altitude, a series of cool–humid, mountaintop grasslands in southeastern Brazil, and compares results with data from other tropical as well as temperate alpine sites. Location Beginning at altitudes of 1800–2000 m, the campos de altitude are found atop the highest summits of the main ranges of the southeastern Brazilian Highlands, between the states of Santa Catarina and Minas Gerais/Espirito Santo. Methods Macro- and mesoclimatic parameters for the campos de altitude are derived from both original data and previously reported results. Parameters include approximate radiation budgets, temperature lapse rates, seasonal and diurnal patterns in temperature, occurrence of frost, elevational gradients in precipitation, and interannual and seasonal patterns in precipitation. Using multivariate techniques and simple numerical contrasts, the climate of the campos de altitude is compared to climates of other tropical as well as temperate alpine sites. Results With respect to patterns of seasonality and the marked influence of polar frontal activity, the macroclimate of the campos de altitude is typically tropical-marginal. However, in reference to actual temperature and precipitation values, the length and profundity of the dry season, average humidities and cloudiness, the climate of the campus de altitude more closely corresponds to that of more inner-tropical systems. These commonalities are best developed with respect to paramo climates of the northern Andes and, especially, Costa Rica. Main conclusions Their very different latitudinal and geographic positions notwith- standing, the campos de altitude and high mountain formations of the N. Andean and Central American Cordillera show clear macroclimatic congruities. In these congruities reside both the environmental basis for strong Andean–southeast Brazilian biogeographic connections, and the context within which evolutionary and ecological parallelisms have developed in the biota of these two widely separate neotropical mountain systems.
A cooperative experience in rural health education for medical students.

ABSTRACT A cooperative venture in medical student education between a rural school of medicine and the county Cooperative Extension service was undertaken. First-year medical students were introduced to health hazards associated with farming via lecture and slide presentations. They then visited farm and agribusiness sites to identify potential work health risks, using a, written checklist. Observation sites were identified by Cooperative Extension agents, who accompanied the student groups and a clinical faculty member on each visit. This experience is described, and practical suggestions are offered regarding implementation of a farm visit program for students.
A Near-Infrared Variability Study of the Galactic Black Hole: A Red Noise Source with NO Detected Periodicity

We present the results of near-infrared (NIR; 2 and 3 μ) monitoring of Sgr A*-IR with 1 minute time sampling using the natural and laser guide star adaptive optics system at the Keck II telescope. Sgr A*-IR was observed continuously for up to 3 hr on each of seven nights, between 2005 July and 2007 August. Sgr A*-IR is detected at all times and is continuously variable, with a median observed 2 μ flux density of 0.192 mJy, corresponding to 16.3 mag at K'. These observations allow us to investigate Nyquist sampled periods ranging from about 2 minutes to 1 hr. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we find that the variability of Sgr A* in this data set is consistent with models based on correlated noise with power spectra having frequency-dependent power-law slopes between 2.0 and 3.0, consistent with those reported for active galactic nucleus light curves. Of particular interest are periods of ~20 minutes, corresponding to a quasiperiodic signal claimed based upon previous NIR observations and interpreted as the orbit of a "hot spot" at or near the last stable orbit of a spinning black hole. We find no significant periodicity at any timescale probed in these new observations for periodic signals. This study is sensitive to periodic signals with amplitudes greater than 20% of the maximum amplitude of the underlying red noise component for light curves with a duration greater than ~2 hr at a 98% confidence limit.
Synaptic transmission of vasoconstrictor nerves in rabbit basilar artery

Abstract Previous studies indicate that the rabbit basilar artery receives vasoconstrictor nerves of symphatetic origin, but the constrictor transmitter has not been positively identified. Morphological and some pharmacological studies suggest that a catecholamine may be the neurotransmitter. Although this theory is supported by a high NE content, it has been seriously questioned since the neurogenic vasoconstriction is neither abolished by α-adrenergic blocking agents nor potentiated by amine uptake inhibitors. Ultrastructural studies indicate that the synaptic cleft is wide but they do not indicate any atypical neuromuscular relationship. The possible involvement of an additional transmitter has therefore been evaluated in ring segments of rabbit basilar arteries in vitro. The transmural nerve stimulation (TNS)-induced contraction of rabbit basilar arteries consisted of a single rising phase followed by a rapid decline to the resting tension level. Contractions became biphasic 5 min after addition of phenoxybenzamine (PBZ, 10 μM). The first phase gradually decreased in height and dissapeared in 30 min. The second phase persisted with an increased duration, although the response to exogenous NE at concentrations as high as 10 −2 M was abolished. The onset of the second phase became markedly delayed as the first phase was progressively diminished. These results suggest that the neurogenic vasoconstriction of rabbit basilar arteries consists of two components: the initial component, a PBZ-sensitive phase, is most likely attributable to NE release; the second, a PBZ-resistant phase, may be mediated by a second transmitter which has not been identified.
Inducible immune regulation following autoimmune disease in the immune-privileged eye

The immune-privileged eye has the potential to induce regulatory immunity along with local mechanisms of immunosuppression. Rodent models of human autoimmune uveoretinitis [experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU)] recover without spontaneous recurrence of uveitis, which differs from uveitis in some humans. This raises the possibility that the mechanism of immune privilege in the rodent eye can reimpose itself during autoimmune uveoretinitis and re-establish tolerance to autoantigen. To investigate this possibility, we examined the spleens of EAU-recovered mice for regulatory immunity. We detected regulatory immunity when we adoptively transferred post-EAU spleen cells into other mice immunized for EAU. We could not detect this regulatory immunity in enucleated mice nor in naive mice. Moreover, unlike the mechanisms of anterior chamber-associated immune deviation, the suppression was only mediated by post-EAU CD4+ T cells, which required activation with autoantigen presented by post-EAU spleen antigen-presenting cells (APC). Our results demonstrate that when the immune-privileged ocular microenvironment recovers from an autoimmune response, it has influenced systemic immunity to retinal autoantigen by affecting APC and mediating induction of potential regulatory CD4+ T cells laying in wait in the post-EAU spleen for restimulation.
Inductive effects of 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane(DDT), phenobarbital, and benzpyrene on microsomal cytochrome P450, ethyl isocyanide spectra, and metabolism in vivo of zoxazolamine and hexobarbital in the mouse

Abstract Significant decreases in zoxazolamine paralysis and hexobarbital sleeping times were observed in mice following pretreatment with DDT, phenobarbital or benzpyrene. In parallel experiments, highly significant elevations were noted in the cytochrome P450 level and the 430 and 455 nm peaks of the ethyl isocyanide spectra of cytochrome P450. These increases greatly exceeded those increases observed for liver wet weight and microsomal protein. No shifts in the ethyl isocyanide pH equilibrium point were noted when mice were pretreated with DDT, phenobarbital or benzpyrene. In contrast to experiments reported on other mice, DDT appears to be a non-sclective inducer in the strain examined.
Actions of afferent impulses from muscle receptors on cerebellar Purkynĕ cells. II. Responses to muscle contraction: effects mediated via the climbing fiber pathway.

The effect of isometric contraction of the gastrocnemius-soleus muscle group was investigated on the responses of 79 cerebellar Purkyně cells (P-cells) in the decerebrate cat. Forty three percent of the P-cells tested were responsive to contraction via a pathway that acted by way of climbing fibres. The latency of these responses was long (mean 60 msec following ventral root stimulation) and variable. It was concluded that the responses were attributable to Group Ib afferent input. An excitatory action of the contraction on spindle afferent fibres was excluded because the responses were: a) evoked by submaximal contractions produced by weak single shock stimulation of the ventral root; b) negligible following isotonic contractions; and, c) augmented when a stretch was superimposed on the rising phase of the twitch.
The effect of hormones on anthocyanin accumulation in cell cultures of Haplopappus gracilis.

Suspension cultures of Haplopappus gracilis accumulated anthocyanin when grown in defined media with 4.5×10(-6)M 2,4-D. Transfer of cells to media with 10(-5)M kinetin or benzyladenine and no auxin or 10(-7)M NAA for 6 days resulted in increased anthocyanin concentration of the cells but the total amount of pigment was unaffected due to differences in growth rates. The cultures yielded up to 35 mg pigment per gram dry weight.Cells grown in batch culture in media with 10(-5)M kinetin and with 10(-7) M NAA or 5×10(-5)M NAA sampled and analyzed daily grew at the same rate. The concentration of anthocyanin differed, being lower in cells at 5×10(-5)M NAA. After 6 days there was a rapid increase in pigment formation, and by 14 days the concentration of anthocyanin in cells in the two media were the same.When the cells were cultured in 3.5-1 phytostats and 600 ml culture was replaced daily with 600 ml medium, anthocyanins accumulated when the NAA concentration was 10(-7)M but not at 10(-6)M. At 10(-7)M NAA the cultures remained pigmented and anthocyanin accumulation could be restored after a temporary loss of pigmentation due to an earlier, higher auxin concentration. The changes in concentration of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase did not correspond to changes in the rate of anthocyanin accumulation. The enzyme showed a maximum 4-8 h after inoculation of cells to fresh media. Cells grown on agar plates and rich in anthocyanin were observed to divide without loss of pigmentation, demonstrating that cells differentiated with respect to anthocyanin production undergo mitosis.
Diagnostic dilemmas presented by patients with anxiety and depression

Although anxiety and depression are among the most common symptoms of persons seen in medical practice, a number of dilemmas still exist in the identification and management of these disorders. The objectives of this paper are to review the prevalence and identification of anxiety, depression, and mixed anxietydepression in medical practice; to review issues involving the medical evaluation of these disorders; to clarify the relevance of psychosocial issues to choice of treatment; and to review issues involving medication treatment choices.
Acid-soluble phosphates in monkey brain as affected by certain central nervous system stimulants and depressants.

SummaryThe influence of d-tubocurarine, two central nervous system depressants (pentobarbital and chloral hydrate) and two central nervous system stimulants (pentylene-tetrazol and 5-ethyl-5-(l,3 dimethylbutyl) barbituric acid) on the concentrations of inorganic phosphate, phosphocreatine, and ATP in the cerebrum of the rhesus monkey has been investigated. d-Tubocurarine was the only one of these compounds to produce any statistically significant effect. With this agent there was a significant decrease in phospho-creatine content without any alteration in inorganic phosphate or ATP.
Transverse momentum distributions in the nonperturbative region

We study the low transverse momentum (p_T) distribution of the Z-boson at hadron colliders for p_T ~ Lambda_{QCD} using a factorization and resummation formula derived in the Soft Collinear Effective Theory (SCET). In the region p_T ~ Lambda_{QCD}, new non-perturbative effects arise that cannot be entirely captured by the standard parton distribution functions, and require an additional new non-perturbative transverse momentum function (TMF). The TMF is field-theoretically defined in SCET, fully gauge invariant, and captures the non-perturbative dynamics that affects the p_T-distribution in the region p_T ~ Lambda_{QCD}. The TMF also reduces to the expected perturbative result in the region p_T >> Lambda_{QCD}. We develop phenomenological models for these TMFs in the non-perturbative region and present example fits to the available data.
The neurobiology of reward and cognitive control systems and their role in incentivizing health behavior.

Abstract Objective This article reviews the neurobiology of cognitive control and reward processes and addresses their role in the treatment of addiction. We propose that the neurobiological mechanisms involved in treatment may differ from those involved in the etiology of addiction and consequently are worthy of increased investigation. Method We review the literature on reward and control processes and evidence of differences in these systems in drug addicted individuals. We also review the relatively small literature on neurobiological predictors of abstinence. Results We conclude that prefrontal control systems may be central to a successful recovery from addiction. The frontal lobes have been shown to regulate striatal reward-related processes, to be among the regions that predict treatment outcome, and to show elevated functioning in those who have succeeded in maintaining abstinence. Conclusion The evidence of the involvement of the frontal lobes in recovery is consistent with the hypothesis that recovery is a distinct process that is more than the undoing of those processes involved in becoming addicted and a return to the pre-addiction state of the individual. The extent to which these frontal systems are engaged by treatment interventions may contribute to their efficacy.
Consequences of allocating attention to locations and to other attributes.

Simple reaction time to a light target may be lengthened when the light is preceded by a nonin-formative s timulus at the same location. This is known asinhibition of return. Does inhibition of return result if the relation between successive stimuli is defined in terms of color or orientation? Subjects pressed a key when a small square was displayed. In Experiments 1–3, location and color of the square were manipulated; there was inhibition of return based on location, but not on color. In Experiments 4–5, a confounding of color and luminance was eliminated, with no change in results. In Experiments 6–7, the background was composed of vertical stripes and the squares were composed of left- or right-oriented diagonal stripes. There was evidence of inhibition of return based on location, but not on orientation. These data support the idea that location is processed differently from other features.
Contingency plans set for Landsat 5 and 7

With the Landsat 5 Earth observation satellite failing due to a rapidly degrading electronic component, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is exploring ways to alleviate a data gap if both Landsat 5 and 7 fail prior to the planned launch of Landsat 8—known as the Landsat Data Continuity Mission—in 2013. USGS director Marcia McNutt told Eos that although the satellite's engineering team has “brought Landsat 5 back from death's doorstep several times over the last 27 years” during its mission—which has extended far beyond its design life—“another miracle recovery is becoming less likely.” She added that the survey is looking forward to a successful launch of Landsat 8 “and to establishing a more consistent land imaging program.”
Fe-solid phase transformations under highly basic conditions

Abstract Hyperalkaline and saline radioactive waste fluids with elevated temperatures from S-SX high-level waste tank farm at Hanford, WA, USA accidentally leaked into sediments beneath the tanks, initiating a series of geochemical processes and reactions whose significance and extent was unknown. Among the most important processes was the dissolution of soil minerals and precipitation of stable secondary phases. The objective of this investigation was to study the release of Fe into the aqueous phase upon dissolution of Fe-bearing soil minerals, and the subsequent formation of Fe-rich precipitates. Batch reactors were used to conduct experiments at 50 °C using solutions similar in composition to the waste fluids. Results clearly showed that, similarly to Si and Al, Fe was released from the dissolution of soil minerals (most likely phyllosilicates such as biotite, smectite and chlorite). The extent of Fe release increased with base concentration and decreased with Al concentration in the contacting solution. The maximum apparent rate of Fe release (0.566 × 10 −13 mol m −2 s −1 ) was measured in the treatment with no Al and a concentration of 4.32 mol L −1 NaOH in the contact solution. Results from electron microscopy indicated that while Si and Al precipitated together to form feldspathoids in the groups of cancrinite and/or sodalite, Fe precipitation followed a different pathway leading to the formation of hematite and goethite. The newly formed Fe oxy-hydroxides may increase the sorption capacity of the sediments, promote surface mediated reactions such as precipitation and heterogeneous redox reactions, and affect the phase distribution of contaminants and radionuclides.
Moralism and the good

It is often held that moral considerations take precedence over considerations of other kinds in determining what we ought to do. I contend that this claim is ambiguous and argue that objections to each interpretation of it can be met only by rejecting the other. One surprising consequence of my argument is that no deontic moral theory can effectively guide action unless it is conjoined with a theory of the good. Another interesting consequence is that the deontologists' favorite objection to teleological theories — the objection from injustice — does not go through.
Multimodality Treatment of Conus Medullaris Arteriovenous Malformations: 2 Decades of Experience With Combined Endovascular and Microsurgical Treatments

BACKGROUND Conus medullaris arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are rare, challenging spinal vascular lesions that cause progressive debilitating myeloradiculopathy. Only sporadic reports of conus AVMs have been published. OBJECTIVE To better define the presentation, prognosis, and optimal treatment of these lesions, we present the first case series of conus AVMs, reflecting over 2 decades of experience with a multimodality endovascular and surgical approach. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 16 patients with a conus AVM evaluated at our institution from 1989 to 2010. For each patient, the following clinical data were collected: age, sex, symptoms, angiographic findings, type of treatment, complications, degree of angiographic obliteration, recurrence at follow-up, and need for re-treatment. Ambulatory status, Frankel Grade, motor function, and bladder/bowel function were assessed before treatment, at discharge, and at last follow-up. RESULTS All 16 patients were treated. Eight (50%) patients underwent embolization followed by microsurgical resection, and 8 (50%) underwent microsurgical resection only. The rate of complete angiographic obliteration was 88%. At last follow-up (mean, 70 months), 43% of patients neurologically improved, 43% were stable, and 14% worsened in comparison with before treatment. During follow-up, 3 recurrences were detected, including the only 2 instances of long-term neurological decline. In the absence of recurrence, all patients ambulatory before treatment remained ambulatory at follow-up, whereas 75% of the initially nonambulatory patients regained the ability to walk. CONCLUSION Although conus AVMs are challenging to treat, excellent long-term outcomes are possible with a multimodality approach. Recurrence is associated with long-term neurological decline and calls for close follow-up.
Reproductive life in nineteenth century Sweden: An evolutionary perspective on demographic phenomena

This study between 1824-96 of individual and family fertility mortality and male/female differences in lifetime reproductive patterns is examined for 191 male founders married between 1824-40 in 7 Swedish parishes and 4035 males offspring and 3867 female offspring based on 9 behavioral ecology and human resource use hypotheses. The article is constructed with sections devoted to resources and reproduction in 19th century Sweden 9 predictions from the behavioral ecological hypothesis sample and methods and results of interparish variation resources and mens reproduction resources and migration reproductive value and womens patterns womens versus mens reproductive patterns sex ratio and mothers age offspring and interbirth interval parity and mothers age and interbirth interval number and sex of siblings and replacement of lost infants. Individual data collected included birth date legitimacy status parity fathers best occupation number of marriages age at 1st and subsequent marriages spouses identification spouses best occupation number of children born dates of childrens births and deaths date of death or loss of record and type of record loss. Nuptiality and survivorship and mortality rates of the children of a parent to age 10 (S10) and children alive at 10 (RS10) were calculated. Fertility measure included age specific fertility total fertility rate (TFR) net reproduction rate (NRR) actual lifetime fertility (NBC). NBC and RS10 were calculated for all individuals reaching the age of 15 with full records available. Survivorships was analyzed between the sexes and by marital status and occupation. Class distinctions were made for upper middle class lower middle class bonder torpare and proletariat. MIDAS and BMDP statistical packages were used in the analysis. Analysis of variance was used only where date were continuous and normally distributed. The conclusions are that resource and reproductive value are linked to mens and womens reproductive patterns. Womens reproduction does not vary with resources but mens does. Out migration increased and fertility declined due to resource restrictions. The patterns appear to be well tuned responses to environmental conditions that vary across time and societies and result in new predictions as well as being predictable based on demographic or economic theory. Patterns are also consistent with a cost benefit approach. Evolutionary predictions are also possible: continued exploration with an evolutionary perspective is useful.
Release of nitrogen oxides from cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells is not impaired by calcium channel antagonists.

BACKGROUND The endothelium-derived relaxing factor has been shown to be nitric oxide or a related nitroso compound, synthesized by the enzyme nitric oxide synthetase, which oxidizes the guanidono nitrogens of arginine. This enzyme is activated by increases in cytosolic calcium. The effect of the clinically used calcium channel antagonists on this process is controversial. The present study was performed to determine whether calcium channel blockade with these pharmacologic agents would alter the activity of nitric acid synthetase in intact endothelial cells. METHODS AND RESULTS A specific and sensitive chemiluminescence assay was used to measure the release of nitrogen oxides (nitric oxide and one-electron oxidation products of nitric oxide) from bovine aortic endothelial cells grown in culture. Under basal conditions, the release of nitrogen oxides was about 0.2 nmol/100 micrograms protein/hr. Bradykinin doubled this response. Removal of extracellular calcium abolished basal and bradykinin-stimulated release of nitrogen oxides. Neither diltiazem, verapamil, nor nifedipine in concentrations that are encountered clinically altered the release of nitrogen oxides. CONCLUSIONS These experiments show that although the production of nitrogen oxides is dependent on extracellular calcium, the clinically used calcium channel antagonists do not inhibit the release of the endothelium-derived relaxing factor.
Building firelines — How fast do crews work?

Hand-tool crews are the first line of defense against wildland fires, but how much work do they do in a given length of time? Using fireline work logs, the author analyzed crew productivity and computed fireline construction rates for durations up to 10 hours.
Database issues for the 21st century

The Web has democratized and revolutionized computing in the last 10 years. Acting as a universal communications mechanism, it has let anyone talk to anyone (for example via email, IM and voip), anyone talk to any application (the Web), anyone talk to some very limited forms of information (Blogs/RSS), any application talk to anyone (Spam), and any application talk to any other application (Web Services).
Reciprocal cross-desensitization of locus coeruleus electrophysiological responsivity to corticotropin-releasing factor and stress.

While acutely administered corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and acute stress each activate neurons of the locus coeruleus (LC), desensitization to both develops with repeated treatment. The present experiments were designed to investigate whether cross-desensitization develops between CRF and stress. Because acute hemodynamic stress caused by intravenous infusion of sodium nitroprusside increases LC electrophysiological discharge rate via a CRF-dependent mechanism, it was hypothesized that repeated CRF administration would cause desensitization to the effect of this stressor on LC. For a complementary experiment, it was hypothesized that repeated stress, which presumably results in the repeated release of endogenous CRF, would result in desensitization to subsequent exogenous CRF. The results of the first experiment showed that repeated intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of CRF caused a significant attenuation of the sodium nitroprusside-induced increase in LC discharge rate seen in naive rats, although this pretreatment actually potentiated the decrease in blood pressure produced by sodium nitroprusside. In the second experiment, either one or eight sessions of white-noise stress attenuated the effect of CRF on LC activity 24 h after the last stress exposure, and this attenuation was more pronounced following eight sessions of stress than following one session. In a test of the specificity of this effect, stress-induced desensitization did not generalize to the LC electrophysiological response to clonidine (i.c.v.). One week following the last of eight sessions of stress, LC responsivity to CRF had recovered to control levels. These experiments demonstrate reciprocal cross-desensitization between CRF and stress using LC electrophysiological responsivity as an assay. This modifiability of the interaction between CRF and the LC may represent the operation of mechanisms mediating adaptive responding to stress.
In Situ light scattering dissymmetry measurements of the evolution of the aerosol size distribution in flames

Abstract A light scattering system using angular dissymmetry is used to map out the evolution of the size distribution of a nonabsorbing aerosol in a controlled methane—air flat flame. Silicon tetrachloride vapor is generated by bubbling argon through a pool of silicon tetrachloride (SiCl 4 ) liquid and fed in controlled amounts into the flame, wherein silica (SiO 2 ) particles are formed by oxidation of the SiCl 4 vapor. A fractal analysis of light scattering data indicates that the particles are close to spherical. The scattered light intensity data at three different angular positions is inverted using the Mie light scattering expressions to determine the effective spherical aerosol size distribution assuming that the distribution can be described by a lognormal function. The results are compared to monodisperse inversion techniques and the predictions of a 1—D lognormal model.
STRUCTURE FACTOR SCALING IN AGGREGATING SYSTEMS

We study the structure factor of evolving two-phase systems such as aggregating colloids and spinodally decomposing fluids. We interpret the total structure factor as described well by the product of cluster-cluster and single-cluster structure factors, each with their own characteristic length, the mean cluster nearest-neighbor separation, and the cluster size, respectively. Both length scales are thus relevant to the total structure factor. For systems with moderate to strong cluster-cluster correlations, this product causes an apparent peak in the structure factor. For compact clusters, i.e., clusters with a fractal dimension equal to the spatial dimension, this peak obeys the experimentally observed scaling law. However, for fractal clusters the two length scales evolve differently, hence scaling cannot occur. Despite this, our simulations show an apparent scaling when the system is dense enough so that the two length scales are comparable in magnitude. When this occurs, each length scale eliminates the individual effect of the other from the total structure factor leaving a peak. These results explain both the lack of scaling early and the scaling observed latter in experiments on aggregating colloids. An important conclusion is that the position of this peak ${q}_{m}$ does not represent a true length scale of the system.
Reaction of Canine Plasminogen with 6-Aminohexanoate: A Thermodynamic Study Combining Fluorescence, Circular Dichroism, and Isothermal Titration Calorimetry†

The thermodynamics of the binding of 6-aminohexanoate (6-AH) to dog glu-plasminogen has been studied. Fluorescence titrations revealed four binding sites. Three yielded positive fluorescence changes on ligand binding; one yielded a negative fluorescence change. The fluorescence data gave no indication of cooperative interactions. Binding was studied using circular dichroism (CD). Near 295 nm there were small changes associated with binding ligand. These were magnified at 235 nm, a wavelength that is mainly associated with tryptophan bands. The dissociation constants obtained from the fluorescence were applied to the CD data and fit quite well. Below 220 nm, there were no significant differences between samples with or without 6-AH and, therefore, no substantial change in the secondary structure of the protein. Isothermal titration calorimetry was used in combination with the binding constants from fluorescence to study the enthalpy and entropy contributions to 6-AH binding. The enthalpies of association for the four sites are all negative. Their absolute values are small for the tight sites and large for the weakest. -TDeltaS is negative for the tight sites and positive for the weakest. The binding of 6-AH to plasminogen is entropically driven for the two tightest sites and enthalpically driven for the weakest site. The binding of 6-AH to lys-plasminogen has been studied and differs slightly from binding to glu-plasminogen. Most importantly, the binding of 6-AH for the weak site goes from enthalpy- to entropy-driven as is found with the other sites.
Extraction of ethanol with higher carboxylic acid solvents and their toxicity to yeast

Abstract In a screening exercise for ethanol-selective extraction solvents, partitioning of ethanol and water from a 5 wt% aqueous solution into several C8–C18 carboxylic acids was studied. Results for the acids are compared with those from alcohols of similar structure. In all cases studied, the acids exhibited higher separation factor, but lower capacity than their alcohol analogs. Solvent toxicity to a commercial yeast commonly used in fuel ethanol production was evaluated for selected solvents. For the acids studied, those containing 12 or fewer carbons were toxic or inhibitory to the yeast; those containing 16 or more carbons were non-toxic and non-inhibitory.
The Search for Critical Cellular Targets Damaged by Heat

L'auteur discute l'action de l'hyperthermie sur les cellules de Mammiferes et des nombreux problemes qui sont lies. Il suggere que les principaux effets cellulaires de l'hyperthermie resultent de la denaturation et de l'agregation des proteines dans la cellule et ce phenomene est responsable de la mort cellulaire de la radiosensibilisation par la chaleur que la chaleur est administree avant l'irradiation
Structural analysis of leech galactocerebrosides using 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and FAB mass spectrometry1

Abstract Cerebrosides were isolated from the leech species, Hirudo medicinalis, and purified to homogeneity by silicic acid chromatography, followed by preparative thin-layer chromatography. Their structure was determined by spectroscopic and chemical methods. 1D and 2D 1H NMR spectroscopy, DQF–COSY and HMQC indicated that the head group consists of a single galactose residue in the β configuration. The galacto configuration was determined by the characteristic chemical shift, the spin–spin splitting and the multiplicity of the characteristic resonance of its equatorial H-4 proton, as well as by the splittings of the other ring protons. GC, GC–MS and fast-atom-bombardment mass spectrometry studies indicated that C24:0 and C22:0 are the major saturated fatty acid species. Unsaturated fatty acids present were C25:2, C27:2, C27:3, C28:3, C29:3, C30:3, C33:3. GC–MS indicated the presence of hydroxylated C27:2 and one other unidentified hydroxylated fatty acid. The cerebroside contained an unusual polyunsaturated sphingosine analogue, namely 2-amino-1,3-dihydroxydocosatriene.
Sources of Stress for Mothers and Fathers of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Infants

Hearing mothers and fathers of 20 deaf or hard-of-hearing (D/HH) and 20 hearing 9-month-old infants completed the Parenting Stress Inventory (PSI) and a questionnaire tapping the Stress of Life Events (SLE). Their overall scores on the PSI were quite similar but subscale scores show that mothers were more likely than fathers to perceive their infants as 'distractible' and to report more negative spousal relationships. Mothers whose infants are D/HH report greater life stress compared to mothers of hearing infants, especially in relation to finances and to work. These results are discussed from the perspective of effective intervention.
Thermoacoustic computed tomography using a conventional linear transducer array.

We report on methodology for employing a conventional linear transducer array as a thermoacoustic detector in a thermoacoustic computed tomography (TCT) device, which has been designed for imaging small animals, e.g., athymic nude mice. We tested this concept using a 5 MHz, 128-element linear array (Acuson model L538). Thermoacoustic emissions were induced in a tissue-mimicking phantom using a Nd:YAg laser, operated at 1064 nm. Two-dimensional, axial "slice" images were formed using a filtered-backprojection algorithm. In-plane spatial resolution was measured as better than 200 microns with a slice thickness of 1.5 mm (full width at half maximum). The same detector, when operated as a conventional phased array, produced conventional ultrasound images in perfect registration with the TCT images.
Late volvulus of an intrathoracic gastric pull-up

Although volvulus of a gastric pull-up may acutely result from iatrogenic twist at the time of gastric transposition, we have recently encountered a patient in whom a gastric volvulus developed in the late postoperative period, resulting in gastric outlet obstruction. The perioperative evaluation and operative management are discussed.
Calculated magnetization of iron-cobalt disordered alloys

The spin polarization of the disordered Fe-Co alloy was calculated using a tight-binding scheme, with single-site, full-orbital interactions treated self-consistently. Disorder is introduced by the use of the virtual-crystal approximation. Excellent agreement with the experimental spin polarization is obtained and the unusual shape of the Fe-Co curve on the Slater-Pauling plot is explained. The magnetization of the Co-rich alloys essentially depends on the number of available $d$ holes, while the magnetization of the Fe-rich alloys is influenced by a relatively weak electron-electron interaction. The intersection of the two effects occurs at approximately 30 at.% Co and produces a maximum.