cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differentiation of antibody forming cells in lymph nodes during the anamnestic response.

The cellular and subcellular events in the anamnestic response were considered. Rabbits previously immunized with key hole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) were given an anamnestic challenge in the hind footpads. The popliteal lymph nodes were removed at intervals after immunization and the following correlated on a temporal basis: the changes in the number and types of cells in the lymph nodes; the formation and regression of ribosomes, polyribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus in plasma cells; the changes in intracellular immunofluorescence for anti-hemocyanin; and, the incorporation of 14C labeled amino acids by lymph node cells into anti-KLH during a brief in vitro culture period. Maximum intracellular fluorescence for anti-KLH and the largest incorporation of 14C labeled amino acids into antibody occurred between the third and fourth day after immunization. During this interval highly differentiated plasma cells were most numerous with respect to the total cellular population. These events took place in a 12 to 24 hour period. This was followed by an abrupt decline in the synthesis of antibody. Coincident with this was a reduction in the number of recognizable plasma cells in the nodes, diminished intracellular fluorescence for anti-KLH and a simplification of the cytoplasm of the plasma cells toward a lymphocytic form.
Eight test statistics for multilevel structural equation models

Data in social and behavioral sciences are often hierarchically organized though seldom normal. They typically contain heterogeneous marginal skewnesses and kurtoses. With such data, the normal theory based likelihood ratio statistic is not reliable when evaluating a multilevel structural equation model. Statistics that are not sensitive to sampling distributions are desirable. Six statistics for evaluating a structural equation model are extended from the conventional context to the multilevel context. These statistics are asymptotically distribution free, that is, their distributions do not depend on the sampling distribution when sample size at the highest level is large enough. The performance of these statistics in practical data analysis is evaluated with a Monte Carlo study simulating conditions encountered with real data. Results indicate that each of the statistics is very insensitive to the underlying sampling distributions even with finite sample sizes. However, the six statistics perform quite differently at smaller sample sizes; some over-reject the correct model and some under-reject the correct model. Comparing the six statistics with two existing ones in the multilevel context, two of the six new statistics are recommended for model evaluation in practice.
A computer algebra approach to the discrete Dirichlet problem

Abstract The Grobner Basis Algorithm is used to find closed form expressions for the generating functions of finite difference equations. Such difference equations arise in elliptic PDE's, random walk problems, and gambler's ruin problems.
The T/sub 4/ and G/sub 4/ constructions for Costas arrays

Two of the algebraic constructions for Costas arrays, designated as T/sub 4/ and G/sub 4/, are described in detail, and necessary and sufficient conditions are given for the sizes of Costas arrays for which these constructions occur. These constructions depend on the existence of primitive roots satisfying certain equations in finite fields. >
Longitudinal patterns in the prevention of osteoporosis in glucocorticoid-treated patients.

Objective To evaluate patient and physician factors associated with prevention of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis and to describe temporal trends in screening and prevention of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. Methods Using databases from a national managed care organization, enrollees who had been prescribed glucocorticoids (taken for at least 60 days) during an 18-month period were identified. Administrative data from January 2001 through June 2003 and linked survey data from October 2003 were examined for measurement of bone mass, prescription of antiresorptive medication, and use of over-the-counter calcium and/or vitamin D treatment. Factors associated with screening and bone-protective therapies were identified using multivariable logistic regression, focusing on physician specialty and survey respondent ethnicity. Trends in glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis prevention were assessed using administrative data from 2001–2003 versus 1995–1998. Results We identified 6,281 patients who were prescribed glucocorticoids in 2001–2003 (mean ± SD prescribed prednisone-equivalent dosage 16 ± 14 mg/day). Forty-two percent underwent bone mass measurement and/or were prescribed bone-protective medication; rates were lowest for men (25%). Compared with patients of internists, the odds of bone mass measurement were lowest among patients prescribed glucocorticoids by family physicians (odds ratio [OR] 0.56 [95% confidence interval] [95% CI] 0.30–1.04) and highest among patients prescribed glucocorticoids by rheumatologists (OR 1.48 [95% CI 1.06–2.08]). Patients prescribed glucocorticoids by gastroenterologists were less likely to be treated with antiresorptive agents (OR 0.49 [95% CI 0.28–0.86]). African American patients were less likely than white patients to be screened (OR 0.55 [95% CI 0.40–0.75]) or treated (OR 0.71 [95% CI 0.51–0.98]). The frequency of bone mass measurement among glucocorticoid-treated patients in 2001–2003 increased 3-fold compared with 1995–1998, and the use of prescription antiresorptive medication increased ∼2-fold. Conclusion Despite significant temporal increases in the frequency of screening for and treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, absolute rates remain low, especially among men, African Americans, and patients of certain physician specialties.
Diagnosis and treatment of functional uterine bleeding

Abstract There are certain cases of functional bleeding in which spontaneous readjustment of the endocrine balance takes place, with reestablishment of normal menstruation. When the bleeding is sufficiently profuse to impel the patient to seek medical advice, the proper management will depend chiefly upon the age of the patient and the importance of preserving the childbearing function. In young patients organotherapy will usually tide the individual over until the hoped for endocrine readjustment takes place, though curettage may be necessary for the immediate effect. In women of middle age in whom childbearing is no longer a consideration, the treatment in most cases should be diagnostic curettage to eliminate more serious lesions, followed by radiotherapeutic induction of the menopause.
Suicide vs right to refuse treatment in the chronically ill.

Abstract Suicidal impulses in chronically ill patients can be clinically differentiated from the rationally exercised right to refuse further treatment. Examination of the immediate and historical dynamics of the patient's interaction with himself, his family, and the health care system, with particular regard to the affective tones associated with these interactions, forms the basis for making this differentiation.
Long-term Suppression of Salmonella Aortitis With an Oral Antibiotic

• An aneurysm of the aortic arch infected with Salmonella choleraesuis is presumed to be inevitably fatal unless the patient receives corrective surgery and antibiotic therapy. I report such a case in a patient who refused surgery and who has been maintained free of infectious symptoms for over 26 months using trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole administered orally. ( Arch Intern Med. 1989;149:1452)
Towards an automated, standardized protocol for determination of equilibrium potential of ion-selective electrodes.

Abstract An automated real-time method for determination of ISE steady state value and response time is developed, following most recent IUPAC recommendations. Specifically, detection of the ‘steady state’ is related to (1) the time derivative of the emf as it reaches a limiting value (ΔE/Δtlimit, e.g., 0.1–1.0 mV min−1) and (2) the duration of time for which the absolute value of the time derivative remains less than this limiting value (stability window, denoted winst). A suite of representative ISEs, including glass, solid state, and polymer-based electrodes, is examined to determine sensitivity of results to parameterization choice. Measurements taken over a wide range of concentration values and in un-processed samples (i.e., without use of ionic strength adjustment) provide insight into behavior of ISEs in applications where analyte concentrations span a wide range and/or sample pre-processing may not be an option, e.g., use of sensors for in situ environmental sampling. Results show that declared steady state emf is strongly sensitive to variations in ΔE/Δtlimit but relatively unaffected by changes in the stability window when winst ≥30 s. Linearity of calibration curves produced, quantified by root mean squared error (RMSE) against a linear fit, improves as ΔE/Δtlimit decreases, however the percentage of measurements which reach a declared steady state within the prescribed sample window (∼6.5 min) falls with corresponding decreases in the ΔE/Δtlimit parameter. Response time, defined as the time required to reach declared steady emf, is also a strong function of parameterization. Dependence of response times on sample composition and/or ISE membrane composition and type are also discussed; results for ISEs in samples comprised exclusively of interfering ions are included. In general, limiting emf derivatives of {0.25–0.4 mV min−1} and stability windows of {30–40 s} achieve both good analytical accuracy and compliance with potentially short sampling window requirements. Methodology based on use of these parameters can improve sampling speed and accuracy as well as promote inter-comparison of data and ISE characterizations among research teams.
Semi-quantitative determination of fulvic acid, tannin and lignin in natural waters

Abstract A simple analytical procedure is described for the simultaneous, semiquantitative determination of fulvic acid, tannin and lignin by ultraviolet spectrophotometry. The absorbance is measured at three different wavelengths and the concentrations are calculated using an expanded form of Beer's Law. The accuracy of the method is
The evolution of prosodic constraints in Macedonian

Abstract Macedonian dialects display a number of different accentual systems, ranging from free lexical stress (with possible secondary stress) to a penultimate-antepenultimate stress window and to various fixed stress systems: antepenultimate, penultimate and initial. Dialect geography suggests a model for their historical development. The gradual restrictions on stress freedom seen along an East-West axis resulted from the demotion of a stress faithfulness constraint down a fixed hierarchy of prosodic constraints, while different patterns of fixed stress resulted from reranking of the prosodic constraints themselves. Against this background the antepenultimate stress system of Standard Macedonian is seen to result chiefly from the interaction of two alignment constraints operating on trochaic feet: gradient leftward alignment and non-gradient rightward alignment, with final syllable extrametricality allowing for better satisfaction of the former.
Prognostic value of EEG monitoring after status epilepticus: a prospective adult study

Despite the significant morbidity and mortality associated with status epilepticus (SE), little is known about changes in cortical function that occur after SE. We evaluated cortical function after clinical SE using continuous EEG monitoring lasting at least 24 h in 180 patients admitted to the Medical College of Virginia Hospitals (MCVH). The major EEG patterns observed after SE were a normal record, burst suppression, after SE ictal discharge (ASIDs), periodic lateralizing epileptiform discharges (PLEDs), attenuation, focal and generalized slowing, and epileptiform discharges. Normalization of the EEG after SE was highly correlated with good outcome. The presence of burst suppression and ASIDs was highly statistically significantly associated with mortality. PLEDs were also highly correlated with mortality, but not to the same degree as burst suppression and ASIDs. In addition, these EEG patterns were still significantly correlated with morbidity and mortality when we controlled for etiology using multivariate logistic statistical analysis. Persistent ictal activity was observed in many patients despite control of clinical seizure activity, indicating the importance of EEG monitoring to determine treatment patterns after clinical seizure activity in SE is controlled. The results indicate that certain EEG patterns (normalization of the EEG, ASIDs, burst suppression and PLEDs) are useful predictors of outcome in SE in addition to etiology. EEG monitoring after control of clinical SE is important to guide treatment of SE and is a useful technique for evaluating prognosis.
Spectrometric measurements of the kinetics of individual atom and radical reactions in the 300–1900 K temperature range

Abstract Realistic flame models require quantitative knowledge of the kinetics of elementary reactions. Over the wide temperature ranges of interest k(T) of such reactions often deviates significantly from the Arrhenius equation. The HTFFR (high-temperature fast-flow reactor) and HTP (high-temperature photochemistry) techniques are used to measure reactions of atoms and radicals with molecules in isolation. The reactors, which allow observations in the approximately 300–1900 K temperature range, are briefly described. Relative concentrations are measured by laser-induced fluorescence or by atomic fluorescence and absorption spectrometry using microwave discharge and hollow cathode lamps. Results on some reactions of O, H, and Al atoms and AlO and AlCl radicals are reviewed.
Comments on “some statistical methods for the assessment of multiple outcome criteria in behavioral research”

Exception is taken to the discussion of Kaplan and Litrownik ( Behavior Therapy 1977, 8 , 383–392) concerning multivariate analysis of multiple criteria at several points. The distinctions that exist between multivariate analysis of variance and discriminant analysis are clarified and the use of discriminant analysis for classification purposes is addressed. Further more general guidelines are offerred for interpreting multivariate effects, and a common misconception concerning determining the number of significant discriminant functions is corrected.
Comparison of Methods for Tracking Control of Nonlinear Uncertain Multi-Body Mechanical Systems

This paper presents a comparison of several alternative approaches to obtaining tracking control of a nonlinear uncertain system. A real-life multi-body system is in general highly nonlinear and is intrinsically error-prone due to uncertainties in the modeling system. The uncertainty which is time-varying, unknown but bounded, is therefore assumed in this paper, whereby it may arise from two general sources: uncertainty in the knowledge of the physical system and/or uncertainty in the ‘given force’ applied to the system. In this paper, the use of a new, generalized nonlinear controller is illustrated incorporating two control laws—generalized sliding surface control and generalized damping control. The generalized damping control law also provides two control approaches, one with an uncertainty bound and one without the bound on uncertainty. This leads to three sets of closed-form controllers that can guarantee, regardless of the uncertainty, a tracking signal of a desired reference trajectory of the nominal system, which we refer to as our best assessment of the actual real-life situation. A comparison of the use of the proposed three control designs is demonstrated using an example of a control problem in multi-body dynamics. Both the generalized sliding surface controller and the generalized bound damping controller require knowledge of the bound on uncertainty in order to guarantee a tracking signal of a desired reference trajectory within a desired error bound. In contrast, when using the generalized no-bound damping controller, tracking of the nominal system trajectory can be obtained regardless of the knowledge of the uncertainty’s bound. However, the tracking results from the generalized no-bound damping controller are the least optimal when compared with those obtained from the other two controllers. With simplicity and accuracy obtained, all three control approaches can be implemented for a wide range of complex multi-body mechanical systems.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Clinical Observations in 101 Consecutive Patients with Duane's Retraction Syndrome

We retrospectively studied 101 consecutive patients with Duane's retraction syndrome. Eighty-five percent were unilaterally affected and 15% were bilaterally affected. More patients had straight eyes in primary position than esotropia or exotropia. On lateral version reflex testing the amount of underaction of the lateral and medial rectus muscles could be determined, and could be used to predict whether the patients' eyes were esotropic, exotropic, or straight in primary position. Almost all the patients showed an esotropia when looking to one side and either an exotropia or no deviation to the other side. The degree of the exotropia and the esotropia on opposite sides determined whether a head turn would be present and in what direction. On adduction, the palpebral fissure in the affected eye narrowed in one half the patients because of motion of both upper and lower eyelids, and in 40% because of motion of only one eyelid. When the lower eyelid elevated, it usually assumed a straight horizontal contour with peaking of the punctum lacrimalis (appearing as a small pyramid). The statistical predominance of females and left eyes was more significant among patients whose eyes were straight in primary position. All patients tested demonstrated stereopsis. Most of the amblyopic patients had anisometropia.
Automated Group Technology Part Coding From a Three-Dimensional CAD Database

A system of software, named CODER, has been written which can analyze the solid model of a part and generate a group technology part code through the identification of form features. The CODER algorithm is bottom-up in nature, first searching for small form-features and then constructing macro-features from the small elements. The program has been implemented using logic programming techniques and consists of facts, describing the part, which must be searched to satisfy rules defining the form-features. The rules and facts are written in Prolog. The facts are generated automatically in Prolog from the ROMULUS2 solid modeler. Rules can define form-features specific to a particular coding scheme and, therefore, form a code-specific knowledge base. The significance of this research is seen when applied to the many designs which have been generated on wire frame CAD systems in the past and, which, if converted to solid models, could be automatically coded for variant process planning, design retrieval and other applications germane to part coding. The algorithm is written in a combination of Prolog, Lisp and S.I™3 .
Control of Dynamic Systems under the Influence of Singularly Perturbed Markov Chains

Abstract This work is concerned with nearly optimal controls of nonlinear dynamic systems under the influence of singularly perturbed Markov chains. The underlying Markov chains have fast and slow components and their states can be divided into a number of groups. Within each group of states, the chain varies in a fast pace whereas the jumps from one group to another occur relative infrequently. To obtain the desired optimality, the states of the chain are naturally aggregated in accordance with the transition rates; i.e., replacing the states in a group by a single state to obtain an average system. Then the averaged system is used as a reference to develop the nearly optimal control for the actual system via comparison control methods. The technique used is the method of weak convergence together with the utilization of relaxed control representation.
Coordinating the structural rearrangements associated with unidirectional proton transfer in the bacteriorhodopsin photocycle induced by deprotonation of the proton-release group: a time-resolved difference FTIR spectroscopic study.

In the photocycle of bacteriorhodopsin at pH 7, proton release from the proton releasing group (PRG) to the extracellular medium occurs during formation of the M intermediate. This proton release is inhibited at acidic pH, below the pKa of the PRG, ∼6 in M, and instead occurs later in the cycle as the initial state is restored from the O intermediate. Here, structural changes related to deprotonation of the PRG have been investigated by time-resolved FTIR spectroscopy at 25 °C. The vibrational features at 2100−1790, 1730−1685, 1661, and 1130−1045 cm−1 have greater negative intensity in the pure M-minus-BR spectrum and even in the M-minus-BR spectrum, that is present earlier together with the L-minus-BR spectrum, at pH 7, than in the corresponding M-minus-BR spectra at pH 5 or 4. The D212N mutation abolishes the decreases in the intensities of the broad feature between 1730 and 1685 cm−1 and the band at 1661 cm−1. The 1730−1685 cm−1 feature may arise from transition dipole coupling of the backbone carbonyl...
PERCEIVED LEGITIMACY OF SUPREME COURT DECISIONS: THREE FUNCTIONS OF SOURCE CREDIBILITY

Public reaction to a Supreme Court decision hinges, in part, on the level of diffuse support enjoyed by the Court prior to announcement of the ruling. Previous investigators have exchanged adamant claims concerning the legitimacy-conferring ability of the Supreme Court, yet these studies have consistently ignored theoretical explanations of the psychological determinants of a receiver's response to an authoritative edict. Examined from the context of a cognitive view of persuasion, the credibility of the Supreme Court as a message source should not be expected to have a simple positive effect on opinion. Instead, unique effects may result from the interaction of source credibility and other components of the process of persuasion. This paper reports the results of a series of experiments that demonstrate that the credibility of the Supreme Court can serve three unique persuasive functions: Source credibility can cue a simple positive response, prompt increased cognitive effort, and serve as evidence in support of a persuasive claim.
Self-Controlled Variable Resistance Heating System

The use of a variable resistance heating element to monitor the temperature of work and control heat input to the element is described. A solid-state controller that measures the element temperature by continuous monitoring of the element resistance i used to control the voltage input to the element. This eliminates separate temperature measuring device such as thermostat, thermo couple, or thermistor and associated wiring. In addition, the average temperature of the work is measured rather than the temperature of a single location.
AFM of biological complexes: what can we learn?

Abstract The term “biological complexes” broadly encompasses particles as diverse as multisubunit enzymes, viral capsids, transport cages, molecular nets, ribosomes, nucleosomes, biological membrane components and amyloids. The complexes represent a broad range of stability and composition. Atomic force microscopy offers a wealth of structural and functional data about such assemblies. For this review, we choose to comment on the significance of AFM to study various aspects of biology of selected non-membrane protein assemblies. Such particles are large enough to reveal many structural details under the AFM probe. Importantly, the specific advantages of the method allow for gathering dynamic information about their formation, stability or allosteric structural changes critical for their function. Some of them have already found their way to nanomedical or nanotechnological applications. Here we present examples of studies where the AFM provided pioneering information about the biology of complexes, and examples of studies where the simplicity of the method is used toward the development of potential diagnostic applications.
Twin-twin interactions in magnesium

Abstract When twin variants interact, TTBs form and consequently affect twinning and detwinning processes. In this paper, we study twin–twin interactions by combining experimental observations and theoretical analysis. Mg single crystals are cyclically loaded in [0 0 0 1] and [ 1 0 1 ¯ 0 ] directions, respectively. Experimental characterization reveals the character of the twin–twin boundary and three kinds of twin–twin structures: a quilted-looking twin structure consisting of twins arrested at other twin boundaries, an “apparent crossing” twin structure which links twins impinging independently on each side of twin lamella and a double twin structure that results from secondary twins being nucleated at twin–twin interfaces. According to their crystallography, twin–twin interactions are classified into Type I for two twin variants sharing the same 〈 1 1 2 ¯ 0 〉 zone axis and Type II for two twins with different zone axes. For Type I twin–twin interactions, one twin does not transmit across the twin boundary and into the other twin. For Type II twin–twin interactions, one twin can transmit into the other only under some special loading conditions. In most cases twin transmission does not occur but, instead, twin–twin boundaries form that contain boundary dislocations. For Type I twin–twin interactions, the twin–twin boundary is a low angle tilt boundary with the habit plane being either the basal or the prismatic plane. For Type II twin–twin interactions, the twin–twin boundary is a high index crystallographic plane according to geometry analysis. Twin–twin boundary dislocations can be inferred by reactions of twinning dislocations associated with the two twin variants. An “apparent crossing” twin structure is thus a consequence of twin–twin boundary formation. Under reversed loading, detwinning is hindered because of the energetically unfavorable dissociation of boundary dislocations. Most interestingly, secondary twinning is activated at Type II twin–twin boundaries under reversed loading.
Bounded flatness in Q-triangulated regular N-simplexes

Bounded flatness of simplexes is crucial for simplicial algorithms to provide solutions of satisfactory accuracy. By using combinatorial arguments we show that iterative Q-refinement with arbitrary mesh of Euclidean simplexes, a crucial step in the implementation of simplicial algorithms, yields subsimplexes of bounded flatness. The flatness is bounded by (@?(n + 1)[email protected]?)^n^/^2 . F"n^r, where F"n^r is the flatness of the regular unit n-simplex.
Sensory nerve injury after uterosacral ligament suspension

Objective Uterosacral ligament suspension is a technique that is performed commonly to suspend the prolapsed vaginal apex. This case series describes our experience with the clinical evaluation and management of lower extremity sensory nerve symptoms after uterosacral ligament suspension. Study design Hospital and office medical records from our 2 institutions were reviewed from January 2002 to August 2005, and all women who underwent uterosacral ligament suspension through a vaginal approach were identified. Women with symptoms of buttock and posterior thigh pain during the 6-week postoperative period were identified, and detailed clinical information was abstracted from the charts. Results From182 uterosacral ligament suspension procedures, 7 women were identified. The age range was 42 to 70 years. Concurrent procedures included 6 vaginal hysterectomies, 5 anterior repairs, 4 posterior repairs, 2 slings, and 1 bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Within 24 hours of the surgical procedure, all the women experienced similar, substantial sharp buttock pain and numbness that radiated down the center of the posterior thigh to the popliteal fossa in 1 or both lower extremities. The ipsilateral uterosacral ligament suture was removed within 2 days of the procedure in 3 women who had immediate subjective reduction in their pain and complete resolution of pain by 6 weeks. The remaining 4 women were treated with gabapentin and narcotics. Three women had resolution of the pain by 12 to 14 weeks after the operation, and the last woman's pain resolved gradually by 6 months. Conclusion Women who undergo uterosacral ligament suspension are at risk of postoperative pain and numbness in a S2-4 distribution. These symptoms appear to be related to the placement of uterosacral ligament sutures and may be relieved either by prompt removal of the ipsilateral uterosacral ligament suture or with prolonged medical therapy.
DuploTrack: a real-time system for authoring and guiding duplo block assembly

We demonstrate a realtime system which infers and tracks the assembly process of a snap-together block model using a Kinect® sensor. The inference enables us to build a virtual replica of the model at every step. Tracking enables us to provide context specific visual feedback on a screen by augmenting the rendered virtual model aligned with the physical model. The system allows users to author a new model and uses the inferred assembly process to guide its recreation by others. We propose a novel way of assembly guidance where the next block to be added is rendered in blinking mode with the tracked virtual model on screen. The system is also able to detect any mistakes made and helps correct them by providing appropriate feedback. We focus on assemblies of Duplo® blocks. We discuss the shortcomings of existing methods of guidance - static figures or recorded videos - and demonstrate how our method avoids those shortcomings. We also report on a user study to compare our system with standard figure-based guidance methods found in user manuals. The results of the user study suggest that our method is able to aid users' structural perception of the model better, leads to fewer assembly errors, and reduces model construction time.
Phosphate-enhanced movement of arsenic out of lead arsenate-contaminated topsoil and through uncontaminated subsoil

Past use of lead arsenate insecticides has resulted in elevated concentrations of lead (Pb) andarsenic (As) in topsoils of many existing and former deciduous tree fruit orchard sites throughoutthe world. Application of phosphate (PO4)-containing fertilizers to these soils can increase soil Assolubility, phytoavailability and downward mobility. A laboratory soil column experiment wasconducted to determine if As released by phosphate additions to a topsoil artificially contaminatedwith lead arsenate (1.65 mmol total Pb/kg; 1.10 mmol total As/kg) would be appreciably resorbedby the underlying uncontaminated subsoil. Treatments were a factorial combination of topsoilamendment with monoammonium phosphate (MAP, 0 or 16.67 mmol PO4/kg), and amount ofleaching (1, 5 and 10 pore volume displacements (PVD) with distilled water under saturated flowconditions). Soil As decreased in the topsoil with increasing amount of leaching and increased inthe subsoil. Addition of MAP substantially increased loss of topsoil. As, promoted As transportinto and through the subsoil, and increased dissolved As concentrations in the column leachates.After 10 PVDs, 95% of the initial soil As remained in the -MAP columns, while 56% of the initialsoil As remained the +MAP columns. Dissolved Pb concentrations were <0.05 µmol/Lin all column leachates. The data are consistent with a mechanism of PO4-enhanced release of Asin the topsoil and subsequent promotion of As movement through the subsoil by continuingcompetition of dissolved As and PO4 for ion adsorption sites. The experimental results indicatethat use of PO4-containing fertilizers on lead arsenate-contaminated soils has the potential togreatly enhance downward movement of soil As.
Photodynamic therapy in thoracic oncology: a single institution experience

We have performed 800 photodynamic therapy (PDT) treatments in over 300 patients at the University of Pittsburgh since 1996. Over 150 patients have undergone PDT for palliation of dysphagia for esophageal cancer. Of the first 77 dysphagia improved in 90.8% with a mean dysphagia-free interval of 80 days. An expandable metal stent was required for extrinsic compression in 19 patients. We have treated 14 high-risk patients with early esophageal cancer or Barrett's high-grade dysplasia for curative intent. At a median follow-up of 12.8 months eight remain free of cancer. Over 100 patients have undergone PDT for lung cancer. Sixty-two patients received 77 courses for palliation. Thirty-five patients were treated for non-massive hemoptysis with resolution in 90%. Forty-four patients were treated for dyspnea with improvement in 59%. A subset of seven high-risk patients with early lung cancer were treated with curative intent. A complete response was seen in 7/10 lesions at a mean follow-up of 30 months. PDT offers good palliation for both advanced esophageal and lung cancer. The role of PDT for curative intent needs further investigation in protocol settings. In our preliminary experience we have treated a small number of non-surgical, high-risk patients with a reasonable success rate.
Analysis of U2’s Concert Performance Location Choice: Application of an Adapted Gravity Model

The rock band U2, based in Dublin, Ireland, has become one of the most successful touring acts in the history of live music. Treating U2 as a global business enterprise, this paper introduces a gravity approach to understanding performance location selection. A brief descriptive analysis of the band‘s tour geography is followed by the presentation of results from linear regression models that evaluate the choice of countries for live performances. Over 33 years, U2 played more than one thousand six hundred concerts at locations in 40 countries. Having completed several world tours with multiple legs, U2 has developed a clear geographical circuit, performing mainly in Europe, North America, and Oceania. Findings from the models indicate that the band is attracted primarily by market size (presence of large urban areas) and market strength (income). In addition, the band‘s location choices appear to be governed by cultural proximity. Counter to expectations, neither geographical distance nor country risk appear to play a significant role in the selection of tour destinations, especially in the most recent U2360 tour of 2009–2011. This interdisciplinary paper demonstrates the application of an adapted gravity approach--often employed in economics--to better understand music geography, an area traditionally dominated by cultural geographers.
Structural changes in exposed human cementum

Frozen sections of 75 decalcified human teeth with root surfaces exposed to the oral environment during periodontal disease were examined for the presence in cementum of “pathologic granules” (Bass 1951, Benson 1963). In 72 of these teeth granule-like formations were found in exposed cementum. In only one instance were the granules also found under an unexposed root surface. A possible explanation for this exception was presented. The cemental granules do not appear to be artifacts of fixation, decalcification, or freezing. Mineralized ground sections of exposed roots did not exhibit any structural changes resembling the granules. However, upon decalcification the granules appeared. This suggests that areas from which the granules arise are filled with calcified material.
Predicting the market evolution of computers: was the revolution really unforeseen

This is a study of how people viewed the future prospects for computers from their inception in the mid-1940s to their establishment as an unequivocal market success in 1964. Based on a reading of the published record it compares two hypotheses, one that holds that no one foresaw the tremendous potential of computers—an error of under guessing—the other that holds that most market forecasts are far too optimistic, a error of over guessing. It concludes that only before 1950 did experts fail to foresee the ways in which computers would change our lives. After that date, expectations soared saved only by the fact the sales likewise soared. # 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Evidence for an astrocyte-derived vasorelaxing factor with properties similar to nitric oxide.

: To determine whether astrocytes release nonprostanoid vasodilators, cells on microcarrier beads were superfused with various agents in the presence of indomethacin, and the effluent was bioassayed and also analyzed for nitric oxide by a chemiluminescence technique. Bradykinin and A23187 induced release of a factor that relaxed arterial rings, an effect that was blocked by hemoglobin. The effluent contained either nitric oxide or a related compound that could be reduced to nitric oxide. Production of this factor was competitively inhibited by the arginine analogs NG-nitro-L-arginine and NG-methyl-L-arginine and could be restored with L-arginine. Quisqualate and norepinephrine were also effective in causing the release of nitric oxide from astroglial cells. Thus, astrocyte-derived relaxing factor has properties similar to those of an endothelium- and neuronderived relaxing factor.
Infrared action spectra of Ca2+(H2O)(11-69) exhibit spectral signatures for condensed-phase structures with increasing cluster size.

Infrared laser action spectroscopy is used to characterize divalent calcium ions solvated by up to 69 water molecules. The spectrum for Ca2+(H2O)12 indicates that in the predominant structure, eight inner-shell water molecules solvate the metal ion and donate one hydrogen bond to one of four second-shell, double-acceptor water molecules. Eight-coordinate solvation is consistent with results from many condensed-phase studies, and contrasts with results for smaller gas-phase clusters that are most consistent with six-coordinate solvation. Each water molecule in this structure of Ca2+(H2O)12 coordinates with two other members of the cluster. With increasing cluster size, the number of two-coordinate water molecules decreases, whereas that of three-coordinate water molecules increases. The number of one-coordinate water molecules increases until n ≈ 18, but they are essentially depleted by n ≈ 30. Spectra of the largest clusters, which have effective concentrations of divalent calcium that are less than 1 M, ...
21 years of Biologically Effective Dose

In 1989 the British Journal of Radiology published a review proposing the term biologically effective dose (BED), based on linear quadratic cell survival in radiobiology. It aimed to indicate quantitatively the biological effect of any radiotherapy treatment, taking account of changes in dose-per-fraction or dose rate, total dose and (the new factor) overall time. How has it done so far? Acceptable clinical results have been generally reported using BED, and it is in increasing use, although sometimes mistaken for "biologically equivalent dose", from which it differs by large factors, as explained here. The continuously bending nature of the linear quadratic curve has been questioned but BED has worked well for comparing treatments in many modalities, including some with large fractions. Two important improvements occurred in the BED formula. First, in 1999, high linear energy transfer (LET) radiation was included; second, in 2003, when time parameters for acute mucosal tolerance were proposed, optimum overall times could then be "triangulated" to optimise tumour BED and cell kill. This occurs only when both early and late BEDs meet their full constraints simultaneously. New methods of dose delivery (intensity modulated radiation therapy, stereotactic body radiation therapy, protons, tomotherapy, rapid arc and cyberknife) use a few large fractions and obviously oppose well-known fractionation schedules. Careful biological modelling is required to balance the differing trends of fraction size and local dose gradient, as explained in the discussion "How Fractionation Really Works". BED is now used for dose escalation studies, radiochemotherapy, brachytherapy, high-LET particle beams, radionuclide-targeted therapy, and for quantifying any treatments using ionising radiation.
Thinking inside the Box: The Art of Telephone Interviewing

In the past quarter century, the technology for conducting telephone interviews has changed significantly. Fundamental interviewing concepts, however, have changed little. This article examines the...
Blending functional communication training and choice making to improve task engagement and decrease problem behaviour

This study evaluated the effects of choice making within functional communication training (FCT) to increase the task engagement of two participants with inappropriate behaviour. Pretreatment functional analyses indicated that both participants’ inappropriate behaviour was maintained by escape. For one of the participants, inappropriate behaviour was also maintained by access to tangible items. Next, FCT was implemented to teach the participants to mand for breaks as a replacement for problem behaviour. Both participants quickly learned to mand for breaks and inappropriate behaviour decreased to low levels. However, the participants continuously manded for breaks, and task engagement was very low when FCT was in place. Thus, a choice‐making component was added to the FCT intervention. When choice making was in place, participants could choose between completing work and taking a break. The dimensions of reinforcement associated with each choice were manipulated within a reversal design to demonstrate that...
Overfeeding-induced weight gain suppresses plasma ghrelin levels in rats

The elevation of plasma ghrelin associated with weight loss has been taken as evidence of a role for ghrelin in the adaptive response to body weight change. However, there has been no clear experimental evidence that circulating ghrelin is suppressed by weight gain. We investigate this issue using a model of involuntary (intra-gastric gavage) overfeeding-induced obesity. Rats were first maintained at normal body weight with 4 daily tube-feedings of liquid diet (2.11 kcal/ml), each delivered at a volume of 9 ml. Gavage volume was then increased to 13 ml/feeding for 2 weeks, during which rats gained 25% of their initial body weight. Fasting plasma ghrelin levels and the response to 9- and 13-ml intra-gastric load sizes were measured during the weight-stable and overfed conditions. We found that: 1) weight gain decreased circulating ghrelin levels; 2) this response could not be attributed to additional food in the gastrointestinal tract; 3) the ghrelin response to nutrient loads was diminished in the obese vs normal-weight conditions. Having discounted diet composition and differences in gastric contents at the time of blood sampling, the decrease in ghrelin levels with overfeeding can be unambiguously attributed to physiological correlates of weight gain.
RumbleBlocks: Teaching science concepts to young children through a Unity game

RumbleBlocks was developed at the Entertainment Technology Center (ETC) to teach engineering principles of tower stability to children ages 4–7. The game features tower construction, tower piece removal, and tower comparison levels which were designed with feedback from early childhood educators and learning researchers, and iteratively improved with feedback from child play tests. This paper emphasizes the development process, and initial formative play tests with children. It was developed using the Unity3D game engine, allowing for export as a stand-alone application, web player, or to mobile devices. First results are promising in terms of educational effectiveness, with more studies planned for the future.
Unfolding the multivalued planar waveguide dispersion relation

Conventional 2*2 matrix techniques give an implicit dispersion relation for planar waveguides that involves multivalued functions. This multivalued form can cause complications and confusion. It is shown that it is possible to derive a single-valued form that avoids all such difficulties. The resulting formulation allows the unique identification of all the proper and improper modes of a structure and simplifies their numerical determination. >
The Image of Mixed Liquids in Late Medieval Mystical Thought

“It may be that universal history is the history of the different intonations given a handful of metaphors.” Whatever relevance this gnomic saying of Jorge Luis Borges may have to universal history, it can serve as the motto for the following investigation of the relationship between mysticism and the Free Spirit heresy in the later Middle Ages. Scholars are accustomed to regard the socalled heresy of the Free Spirit as sui generis, an aberrant and scandalous religious deviation preached by nihilists, lechers, and megalomaniacs, but this interpretation is not borne out by the sources, as we will see in the story of a simile.
Effects of progesterone and estradiol-17 beta on uterine secretion of prostaglandin F2 alpha in response to oxytocin in ovariectomized ewes.

Thirty ovariectomized sows were used in an experiment designed to determine whether the ability of the porcine uterus to release prostaglandin (PG) F2a in response to oxytocin is regulated by progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E 2). Sows were assigned to one of four treatment groups: 1) no steroids (ovariectomized controls; n 5 8), 2) E 2 (n 5 8), 3) P4 (n 5 7), or 4) E 2 1 P4 (n 5 7). P4 and E 2 were administered so as to mimic the normal temporal changes that occur in these hormones during the estrous cycle. A group of intact sows (n 5 9) was included for comparison. All sows received an injection of oxytocin (30 IU, i.v.) on Days 12, 15, and 18 postestrus. Jugular venous blood samples were collected from 60 min before through 120 min after injection of oxytocin for quantification of 13,14-dihydro15-keto-PGF2a (PGFM). Preinjection baseline concentrations of PGFM, the magnitude of the PGFM response above baseline, and area under the PGFM response curve (AUC) were calculated for each sow on each day and compared among treatment groups by ANOVA. Among the ovariectomized sows receiving steroid replacement, baseline concentrations of PGFM were low on Day 12 postestrus in all four groups. On Days 15 and 18, baseline concentrations remained low in the two groups that did not receive P4 but increased in those that did. Both the magnitude of the response to oxytocin and AUC were small on Day 12 postestrus in all 4 groups. By Day 15, the magnitude of the response and AUC increased in the group that received both P4 and E 2 but remained low in the other three groups. By Day 18, responses to oxytocin were greater in both groups that received P4 than in those that did not. Baseline concentrations were similar in intact sows and in those that received both P4 and E 2 on all three days examined. The magnitude of the response and the AUC were greater in the ovariectomized sows receiving P4 and E 2 replacement than in the intact control sows on Days 15 and 18 postestrus. From these results, we conclude that P4 and E 2 interact to control the time when the uterus begins to secrete PGF2a in response to oxytocin and the amount of PGF2a secreted.