cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lymphocyte Subpopulations in Human Cerebrospinal Fluid

Normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) obtained from the lumbar subarachnoid space contains 0–10 nucleated cells/mm3.57 The majority of these cells are lymphocytes (approximately 60%) and histiocytes (approximately 30%). The origin of these cells is still controversial. What functional role they play is only now beginning to be understood. We will review methods for determining the cellular composition of the CSF, and subpopulations of these cells in specific disease states, proposed functions of these cells in specific disease states, and the response of these subpopulations to immunosuppressive agents.
Interactive Visualization For Big Spatial Data

The significance of spatial data is undeniable in present world. Starting from satellite data to GPS locations, from Facebook tags to Yelp check-ins, spatial data has become an intricate part of our daily life. Interactive visualization of these datasets can be of immense help to the scientific community for exploratory analytics which in turn helps to identify unique patterns and trends.
Evaluation of University of Washington Medical Laboratory Science Clinical Rotation Length and Student Performance

Background: Local changes and needs in blood bank operations, allowed us to increase our Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) blood bank rotation to four weeks by reducing rotation length for clinical chemistry, microbiology and hematology from six weeks to five weeks. We evaluated the impact of this change on American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification Exam (BOC) performance. Methods: We compared BOC scores for 119 MLS graduates with six-week clinical rotation lengths in chemistry, microbiology and hematology (2009-2013) and 127 MLS graduates with five-week rotation lengths in these disciplines (2014-2018). We evaluated first time pass rates, overall certification scores, specific discipline scores, and student rotation length satisfaction surveys. Results: Mean + SD overall BOC scores for six-week rotations (547 +74) was not significantly different from overall BOC scores for five-week rotations. Similarly, there was no significant effect on BOC scores for chemistry, microbiology, or hematology. The mean first-time pass rate for six week rotations was 97% compared to 96% for five-week rotations. Student satisfaction surveys received from 282 out of 307 (92%) students during 2014-2018 indicated that the five-week rotation length was adequate. Conclusion: Reducing rotation length had no detrimental effect on BOC scores or student satisfaction. These findings allowed us to respond to changing patterns in laboratory medicine. Beginning in 2018, students will receive a one week rotation in one of six molecular diagnostic testing laboratories, including hematopathology, virology, microbiology, genetics and blood bank. These rotations may be expanded as laboratory testing moves in this direction.
Presentation and surgical management of a WHO grade II meningioma of the cerebellopontine angle: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract Meningiomas are relatively slow-growing, typically benign tumors that arise from the arachnoid cells which form the meninges. They are the most common primary brain tumor and account for nearly one-third of all primary brain and spine tumors. Meningiomas can arise from any dural site, however they are infrequently found at the cerebellopontine angle (CPA). While WHO grade I meningiomas are benign and the slowest growing, WHO grade II meningiomas grow significantly faster, display cellular atypia, and frequently recur. Compared with WHO grade I meningiomas, these often present a therapeutic challenge. An 87-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with a two-month history of dizziness and dysequilibrium. MRI revealed a large left-sided CPA lesion which was not present on MRI just two years prior. She underwent surgical resection and post-operative imaging confirmed gross-total resection. Surgical histology identified the tumor as an atypical WHO grade II meningioma. WHO grade II meningiomas of the CPA are exceedingly rare entities, but should be considered in patients who present with a rapidly growing CPA mass. The literature supports the notion that complete resection, when possible, is likely the strongest determinant of overall control. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has established itself as a suitable adjunct for higher grade lesions of the CPA, particularly those that were resected subtotally. These tumors can be successfully managed, even in the elderly population.
Normal Anatomy and Physiology of the Pleural Space

Atelectasis is defined by either partial or complete collapse of lung parenchyma. The following chapters review its imaging features and several underlying types. Typical patterns of lung collapse and their associated radiographic signs are also described. A brief overview of pleural and lobar anatomy is provided.
Convergence analysis of symmetric dual-wind discontinuous Galerkin approximation methods for the obstacle problem

Abstract This paper formulates and analyzes symmetric dual-wind discontinuous Galerkin (DG) methods for second order elliptic obstacle problem. These new methods follow from the DG differential calculus framework that defines discrete differential operators to replace the continuous differential operators when discretizing a partial differential equation (PDE). We establish optimal a priori error estimates for both linear and quadratic elements provided the exact solution is sufficiently regular. These results are also shown to hold for some non-positive penalty parameters, with the emphasis on zero penalization across all interior and boundary edges. Numerical experiments are provided to validate the theoretical results and gauge the performance of the proposed methods.
Engineering self-assembled neomenisci through combination of matrix augmentation and directional remodeling.

Knee meniscus injury is frequent, resulting in over 1 million surgeries annually in the United States and Europe. Because of the near-avascularity of this fibrocartilaginous tissue and its intrinsic lack of healing, tissue engineering has been proposed as a solution for meniscus repair and replacement. This study describes an approach employing bioactive stimuli to enhance both extracellular matrix content and organization of neomenisci toward augmenting their mechanical properties. Self-assembled fibrocartilages were treated with TGF-β1, chondroitinase ABC, and lysyl oxidase-like 2 (collectively termed TCL) in addition to lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). TCL + LPA treatment synergistically improved circumferential tensile stiffness and strength, significantly enhanced collagen and pyridinoline crosslink content per dry weight, and achieved tensile anisotropy (circumferential/radial) values of neomenisci close to 4. This study utilizes a combination of bioactive stimuli for use in tissue engineering studies, providing a promising path toward deploying these neomenisci as functional repair and replacement tissues. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This study utilizes a scaffold-free approach, which strays from the tissue engineering paradigm of using scaffolds with cells and bioactive factors to engineer neotissue. While self-assembled neomenisci have attained compressive properties akin to native tissue, tensile properties still require improvement before being able to deploy engineered neomenisci as functional tissue repair or replacement options. In order to augment tensile properties, this study utilized bioactive factors known to augment matrix content in combination with a soluble factor that enhances matrix organization and anisotropy via cell traction forces. Using a bioactive factor to enhance matrix organization mitigates the need for bioreactors used to apply mechanical stimuli or scaffolds to induce proper fiber alignment.
Analytical Applications of SIMS

The present paper describes the use of SIMS for obtaining analytical data on a number of diverse systems. Of particular importance is a comparison of SIMS with other surface analytical techniques each applied to the same sample set. The emphasis of our work is the importance of multi-technique surface analysis; the present paper focuses on how SIMS complements techniques such as ESCA, AES, ISS and EXAFS. Studies are reported on systems as diverse as boron oxides, organic polymers, trace metal analysis, supported metal catalysts, alloys and biomaterials.
Gastrointestinal problems are associated with increased repetitive behaviors but not social communication difficulties in young children with autism spectrum disorders.

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder are more likely than typically developing individuals to experience a range of gastrointestinal abnormalities, including chronic diarrhea, constipation, fo...
Muslims at the American Vigil: LGBTQ Advocacy, Faith, and Public Mourning

The 2016 Orlando nightclub shooting at a gay dance club in Florida fomented a surge in Islamophobia, as pundits blamed the perpetrator’s Muslim identity for his hateful act. In the aftermath of the violence, vigils across the United States offered forums for Muslim American and other groups to publically express their shared grief and to address homophobia and Islamophobia together. The people affected most intensely by the tragedy were LGBTQ Muslims, who were simultaneously subjected to both intensified homophobia and Islamophobia in the wake of the shooting. This local ethnographic study of Orlando vigils in Michigan examines how the Orlando aftermath encouraged debate about the issue of LGBTQ Muslim visibility and conversation about the potential for Muslim civic leaders and mosque leaders to serve as their allies. During the Orlando vigils, LGBTQ Muslims, allies, and faith leaders drew on, negotiated, and/or resisted various repertoires of mourning and advocacy. Their responses to the Orlando moment provide valuable information about how connections among faith, sexuality, race, and protest are shaping the emergence of LGBTQ Muslim visibilities in the United States today.
1018 – KLF6 MEDIATES AGE-RELATED DYSFUNCTION IN HUMAN HEMATOPOIETIC STEM AND PROGENITOR CELLS.

With aging there is a gradual decline in normal HSC function, which is accompanied by an increased risk for the development of hematological malignancies. We recently reported that KLF6, a Krupper-like transcription factor, is one of the top genes downregulated with aging in human Lin−CD34+CD38− cells. In order to test whether loss of KLF6 may be implicated in age-related HSC dysfunction, we performed CRISPR-Cas9-based genome editing and transcriptional activation of the KLF6 locus in human CD34+ cells. KLF6-deficientcells displayed in vitro block in myeloid and erythroid differentiation as well as increased colony-forming capacity on methylcellulose assays. Importantly, CRISPR targeting of the nearest putative enhancer to the KLF6 locus (-20kb), which resulted in >75% downregulation of the KLF6 transcript, recapitulated the differentiation block and colony-forming phenotypes. RNA-seq analysis confirmed that in young CD34+ cells both targeting KLF6 and its putative enhancer, results in gene expression signature enriched not only for our previously reported human aging HSC signature, but also for several leukemia-associated gene signatures. Next, we sought to determine if re-expression of KLF6 in aged CD34+ cells could reverse the aging phenotype. KLF6 induction in these cells using a dCas9-VP64 fusion system led to a normalization of their myeloid differentiation potential in vitro, resulting in aged CD34+ cells behaving similar to their younger counterpart controls. Finally, both inactivation of the KLF6 or the -20kb enhancer resulted an aged-like in vivo hematopoiesis when engrafted into NSGS mice. This was evidenced by an increased myeloid output in peripheral blood compared to control (wks 8-14), which was accompanied by a decrease in lymphoid output. Moreover, analysis of the bone marrow composition at week 14 showed increased frequency of HSC and progenitor components. Our findings demonstrate that KLF6 is essential for normal hematopoietic function and that reactivation of KLF6 in aged HSPCs leads to an attenuation of the aging HSPC phenotype in vitro.
Nitrogen management and air quality in China

Farm management strategies for alternatives to nitrogen application can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and increase crop yields in China.
COVID-19 Lockdown Worries About the Virus and Finances

Worries about getting the virus and worrying about finances have been associated with negative mood states including anxiety and depression during COVID-19 lockdowns. In this Survey Monkey study conducted during a COVID-19 lockdown (N= 260 respondents), 88% reported worrying about getting the virus and 72% worrying about their finances. Correlation analyses suggested that worries about the virus and about finances were related to each other and were, in turn, positively related to scores on scales measuring COVID-related stress, negative mood states including anxiety and depression, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and posttraumatic stress symptoms. These problems were common to both types of worries as was the lack of health activities including exercise, self-care, and touching partners and children. Some findings were unique to each of the worries. Worrying about the virus was related to being active on social media, connecting with friends, and housekeeping and paperwork. Worrying about finances was correlated with caregiving, unemployment, less schooling, and alcohol use. The results of this survey are limited by the self-reported data from a non-representative sample that is cross-sectional. Nonetheless, they highlight the negative effects of worries about the virus and about finances during a COVID-19 lockdown.
Intermediary Perspectives on Total Worker Health in Small Businesses

The future of work will include not only more small business employment, but also a need for greater consideration of more holistic approaches to addressing worker well-being. Previous research has suggested smaller firms need external assistance to add new or improve existing workplace health and safety activities. A Total Worker Health® (TWH) approach is potentially appealing to small employers as it is intended to identify and support comprehensive practices and policies that take into account the work environment (both physical and organizational) while also addressing the personal health risks of individuals, thus being more effective in preventing disease and promoting health and safety than each approach taken separately. NIOSH researchers applied the NIOSH Small Business Intervention Diffusion Model to conduct parallel community-based TWH activities in two geographically distinct communities in a large metropolitan area. Data were collected from intermediary organizations that work with or serve small businesses about their perceptions of the TWH approach as a potential service for them to offer small firms. Intermediary organizations engaged in implementation of TWH approaches with small businesses in the respective geographic areas for approximately one year. Results indicated intermediary organizations find value in providing TWH assistance to small employers, but several challenges for intermediaries implementing TWH among small employers remain.
Residual Strength of Metal-Matrix Laminated Panels

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the residual strength of ARALL-3 and GLARE-2 center-notched panels without stiffeners. The R-curve approach in linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) was used for the residual strength predictions. The applicability of LEFM was verified through a series of tests of ARALL-3 and GLARE-2 center-notched panels with different layups. They demonstrated limited crack-tip plastic deformation. The R-curves calculated from the tests of different size panels with various initial crack extensions showed that they were independent of initial crack length and specimen width, which is true for the monolithic aluminum alloy. Polynomial curve fitting was used to obtain the R-curves for each laminate and laminate layup to be used for the R-curve residual strength predictions. The predictions were made by superimposing the crack driving force curves onto these R-curves to locate the tangent points. The results of prediction of unidirectional fiber/ metal laminates proved that the R-curve approach was not only a suitable but simple method that has a great potential in the damage tolerance characterization of certain unstiffened and stiffened laminate materials.
Automated Ground Transportation System Stations with Multiple Loading Positions

This paper presents analytical results for multiple loading positions that are arranged in series, parallel, or some series-parallel combination. Vehicles approach the station at a constant velocity before decelerating at a constant level to reach their designated loading positions. After remaining in the station for a specified period of time they accelerate at a constant level until resuming their initial velocity. Expressions for maximum station throughput are derived upon taking emergency stopping distance and the braking system response time as alternative bases for the minimum spacing between successive vehicles. It is noted for several illustrations that much of the high station throughput associated with response time intervehicle spacings may be alternatively achieved by adhering to the simpler control strategy involving stopping distance spacings and by employing an emergency braking rate which is approximately twice the level for operational deceleration.
THE AGING WORKFORCE: REALITIES, MYTHS, AND IMPLICATIONS FOR ORGANIZATIONS By Jerry W. Hedge, Walter C. Borman, and Steven E. Lammlein

Hedge, Borman, and Lammlei state that The Aging Workforce: Realities, Myths and Implications for Organizations will examine “changing demographics” (p. 3) claims to provide a “state of the science ...
Properties of local coordinates based on Dirichlet tessellations

Local coordinates based on the Dirichlet tessellation (Voronoi diagram) provide a means to express a point as a linear combination of certain fixed points by using ratios of areas (or volumes) of certain regions. We add insight into the structure of the local coordinates by proving some of their basic properties by deriving formulas for their gradients from some simple geometry and proving the properties of smoothness and linear precision.
Characteristics of ovarian tumors of low malignant potential in BRCA mutation carriers: A case series

•Tumor characteristics of 5 cases of ovarian tumor of low malignant potential (LMP) with BRCA mutation were examined.•Young age, BRCA1 mutation, and presence of invasive implants may be characteristics of BRCA carriers with ovarian LMP.
Fundamentals of expert systems: I. Judgements formation and problems of description

Abstract This paper is concerned with the problems of the mechanisms underlying the formation of judgements, as well as the problems of expression of these judgements in form ranging from simple answers to binary questions, to generation of texts or discourses. The paper deals with psychological, logical and linguistic aspects of judgement. The particular stress is on the role of ambiguity and its unavoidability, connected with such properties of perception as the ability of discrimination and identification. It is also shown how these properties of perception constrain the logical values, such as truth, leading to its uncertainty and vagueness, and thus limit the legitimate inference that can be drawn from subjective judgements.
Isotopic studies of the reaction of NO on silver surfaces

Abstract The isotopomers 14 N 16 O and 15 N 18 O were used to obtain information on the mechanisms of NO reaction on silver layers on Ru(001), by observation of the isotopic distributions of the products. NO adsorption on Ag in the 75–100 K range produces adsorbed N 2 O and oxygen atoms. Very different isotopic distributions of product N 2 O are observed, depending on whether the NO isotopomers are dosed simultaneously or sequentially. The observed N 2 O distributions favor a non-dissociative reaction pathway with a NO dimer as the reaction intermediate. The isotopic distribution of a high temperature NO desorption state can be explained by dissociation of a NO 2 surface species that is formed at a low temperature. The N 2 O which is produced by reaction of NO on the surface is found to have a higher desorption temperature than N 2 O adsorbed on either the clean Ag surface or on an oxygenated Ag surface. This is attributed to a strong binding interaction with surface NO 2 .
Expansion of cultured Pacific salmon into marine ecosystems

Abstract Global harvest of salmon has increased steadily since the mid-1970's. Record harvest levels are currently being established largely from production of farmed and ranched salmon. Farmed salmon are hold captive throughout their lives, whereas reached salmon are released as juveniles into natural ecosystems where they mix with wild salmon. Observation of a nonlinear adult-to-smolt relationship in ranched salmon can be interpreted as evidence that marine waters have been overstocked, provided the ratio of adults to smolts declines as the number of smolts increases. Three ranching programs — Oregon coho, Japan chum, and Alaska pink salmon — are examined here for evidence that ocean mortality from natural causes is directly dependent on abudance of smolts. Interpretation of the data does not support the hypothesis that marine waters have been overstocked with hatchery smolts to a level where survival of salmon has been reduced. However, the possibility that industrial production of ranched salmon smolts is reducing, or may soon reduce, survival of fishery resources should not be ignored.
Life cycle of Ixodes minor (Acari: Ixodidae) in the laboratory

Details of the laboratory life cycle of 3 generations of Ixodes minor Neumann were recorded. Larvae and nymphs were fed on white laboratory mice and adults were fed on woodrats. Nymphs fed for 4 d and larvae for an average of 4 d; approximately 10 to 11 d were required for females to engorge. After feeding, females laid approximately 1,600 eggs that required an average of 39.7 d to hatch. Eggs were maintained at 97.5% RH and approximately 25 degrees C as were all stages of the ticks when not feeding. The life cycle in the laboratory required approximately 180 d; however, in nature it probably takes longer. I. minor has been recorded from several rodent and bird species known to be infected with Borrelia burgdorferi (Johnson, Schmid, Hyde, Steigerwalt & Brenner). This study provides data on the life cycle of a potential enzootic tick vector of this spirochete.
EFFECTS OF HYDROXAMATE SIDEROPHORES (STRONG Fe (III) CHELATORS) ON THE GROWTH OF ALGAE1

Varying concentrations of Fe were tested with three hydroxamate siderophores to demonstrate the interactions affecting growth of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Chlorella vulgaris. Schizokinen was purified from the excretions of the blue-green alga Anabaena sp. grown in low-Fe medium. Chlamydomonas reinhardtii was inhibited by schizokinen when in molar excess of the Fe concentration; the inhibition was overcome with excess Fe. The growth of C. vulgaris was not affected by this chelator. Results with desferrioxamine were similar. A weaker chelator, rhodorulic acid, did not inhibit the growth of either alga. Low concentrations of the chelators may stimulate algal growth when Fe precipitates are hydrolyzed. Since different algae respond differently to the presence of the chelators, the observed interactions could be important in determining competitive relationships when Fe is limiting. If an alga can excrete a strong chelating agent, as does Anabaena, algae lacking the ability to compete with the chelator may not grow.
Thermal activation in extremely underdamped Josephson-junction circuits

Noise-activated escape of a particle out of a metastable well was treated by Kramers, who derived results covering the three cases of heavy damping, moderate damping, and extreme underdamping. In the case of extreme underdamping, the escape occurs through diffusive motion along the energy coordinate. We extend Kramers's treatment of this extremely underdamped case to cover a wider range of damping constants, taking into account that at energies just above the barrier peak and within the initial well, the distribution is controlled both by uphill diffusion in energy, and by the flow out of the well. This new result is compared with computer simulations of escape events for the case of Josephson junctions under constant current bias. In addition to a conventional simulation which initially puts the particles at the bottom of the well, a method is developed which requires simulation only in an energy range close to the peak of the barrier.
Micelle Formation and Terminal Double Bonds in Sodium Carboxylates

The effect of terminal unsaturation on the CMC values of sodium 11-dodecenoate and sodium 12-tridecenoate have been probed using conductance and 23 Na NMR. The results suggest that addition of a terminal double bond has the same effect on the CMC of the corresponding saturated sodium carboxylate as the removal of 1.1 CH 2 units. Our results confirm that the previous study of the above effect, observed for sodium 10-undecenoate, is probably a general one.
A TUTORIAL ON BOTTLENECK DYNAMICS: A HEURISTIC SCHEDULING METHODOLOGY

We give a tutorial on bottleneck dynamics. Bottleneck dynamics is a scheduling framework that uses approximate dual resource prices to make decentralized decisions. The basic idea is to establish a price for a resource as a function of the set of jobs that need to be processed by the resource. Tasks are then sequenced according to a cost/benefit ratio. Starting with one resource sequencing problems, we describe how priorities for jobs can be developed and how they translate into resource prices. We then describe how resource prices can be approximated in a multiresource situation and how lead times which are critical for these approximations can be accurately computed. We also describe a number of studies that have shown bottleneck dynamics to be an effective approach in several different problem areas.
Isospin in nuclei.

In the article "Isospin in nuclei" by D. Robson [179, 133 (1973)], several incorrect illustrations were included in Fig. 1. The errors include the following: row a, illustration 5; row b, the (6)(3)Li and (6)(5)B illustrations; and row c, the (6)(2)He illustration. A corrected version of Fig. 1 is shown below.
Role of carbonate speciation on the oxidation of Fe(II) by H2O2

Abstract A unified model for Fe(II) speciation and oxidation by hydrogen peroxide is described. This model uses ion–ion-specific interactions with classic ion pair formation theory to describe ferrous iron speciation under conditions typical of natural waters. The speciation data were then utilized to evaluate the species-specific rates of Fe(II) oxidation by hydrogen peroxide for a range of media compositions. At a pH below 5.0, the oxidation rate of Fe(II) is well described in terms of the Fe 2+ . However, for a pH above 5, the Fe(CO 3 ) complex is the most kinetically active species. Combining these new Fe(II)–H 2 O 2 rates with rates for Fe(II) oxidation by molecular oxygen, a correlation between one-electron transfer rates and the Δ G of electron transfer was established. This correlation is consistent with the Marcus theory of electron transfer. The model for Fe(II) oxidation by molecular oxygen and hydrogen peroxide allows the prediction of steady-state hydrogen peroxide concentrations that will result from the oxidation of micromolar levels of Fe(II). The greatest hydrogen peroxide production by Fe(II) oxidation is predicted in freshwater systems with low total alkalinity.
Diet‐induced insulin resistance impairs hippocampal synaptic plasticity and cognition in middle‐aged rats

Overall dietary energy intake, particularly the consumption of simple sugars such as fructose, has been increasing steadily in Western societies, but the effects of such diets on the brain are poorly understood. Here, we used functional and structural assays to characterize the effects of excessive caloric intake on the hippocampus, a brain region important for learning and memory. Rats fed with a high-fat, high-glucose diet supplemented with high-fructose corn syrup showed alterations in energy and lipid metabolism similar to clinical diabetes, with elevated fasting glucose and increased cholesterol and triglycerides. Rats maintained on this diet for 8 months exhibited impaired spatial learning ability, reduced hippocampal dendritic spine density, and reduced long-term potentiation at Schaffer collateral--CA1 synapses. These changes occurred concurrently with reductions in levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the hippocampus. We conclude that a high-calorie diet reduces hippocampal synaptic plasticity and impairs cognitive function, possibly through BDNF-mediated effects on dendritic spines.
Toxicity of sodium lodide in the rabbit: Effects on hydrogen ion homeostasis, hepatic and renal functions

Abstract The effect of parenteral sodium iodide on hepatic and renal function and acid-base balance was studied in New Zeland white rabbits. Four groups of rabbits were infused intravenously with either 0.15 m NaCl or NaI in different concentrations, 0.03–0.15 m . Renal function as measured by blood-urea-nitrogen and urine protein excretion, hepatic cellular integrity, reflected in the serum activity of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, and acid-base balance determined by arterial pH and pCO 2 , were the parameters chosen for study. The groups receiving the largest amount of iodide manifested severe hepatic changes, moderate renal changes, and metabolic acidosis. Histologic examination showed marked hepatic vacuolization and necrosis at the highest iodide dose. Renal tubular cells were vacuolated and occasionally necrotic. The genesis of the acidosis is obscure and may be augmented by an inadequate renal compensation for systemic acidosis. It is concluded that, in the rabbit, iodide is toxic to the liver and kidney and produces metabolic acidosis.
A note on the belief theory of perception

There is a new theory of perception in the epistemological inventory these days. The fact of its newness (after all these centuries) is surprising enough. Even more surprising is its content. But most surprising of all is the way it is being argued for. In this note I shall not examine the theory in detail. I wish merely to demonstrate that there is a flaw in the method used by its proponents to support it. Approaches to the theory can be found in a number of writings, particularly in those whose authors are impressed with the current state of neurological research and computer simulation of human mental processes.' But its most explicit formulation is to be found in the works of D. M. Armstrong and George Pitcher.2 The strategies for supporting the theory are nearly identical in both writers. The theory, very inadequately stated, holds that seeing something (or hearing, etc.) is being caused to receive certain beliefs about that thing, where the thing in question is involved in the causal process. Beliefs are explicated as complex dispositions to behavior. And the things we see (hear, etc.) are the ordinary physical objects of everyday life (trees, desks, houses). In Pitcher's words, the theory is causal, behavioral, and directly realistic. This brief sketch does not do justice to the considerable subtlety and sophistication of the theory, especially as it is worked out in Pitcher's book a model of philosophical prose. But it is enough to indicate the truly new aspect of the theory the absence of any reference to sensory content. It is the justification of this surprising new feature which I wish to examine. The argument for the theory goes like this:
Serum beta2-microglobulin and immunoglobulin levels in young hemodialysis patients.

Amyloidosis is a complication of long-term hemodialysis treatment. The major histological feature of hemodialysis-associated amyloidosis (HAA) is the deposition of amyloid fibrils in the affected lesions, due, in part, to elevated serum β2-microglobulin (β2M) levels. In vitro studies reveal that serum immunoglobulin light and heavy chains co-deposit with β2M in tissues affected by HAA. Only one study of HAA has been performed in young dialysis patients. We therefore assessed risk factors for HAA in a group (n=30) of young (18.7±0.9 years) patients receiving chronic, uninterrupted hemodialysis using cellulose acetate membranes. All patients initiated dialysis before reaching 18 years of age. The pre-dialysis serum β2M level was 49.7±3.9 mg/l (normal 0–2.4 mg/l). Since serum albumin was normal (4.3±0.1 mg/dl) and serum protein/albumin was elevated (1.7±0.0, normal 1.2–1.5), indicating increased circulating protein, we assayed immunoglobulins in the same patients. The serum immunoglobulin levels (expressed as a percentage of the total level of serum proteins) were elevated (21.3±0.9%, normal 11.1%–21.0%). The Kt/v was 1.37±0.03, suggesting that the high levels of serum β2M and immunoglobulins were not due to inadequate dialysis in these patients. Patients with residual renal function (Kr) did display significantly lower serum levels of β2M (33.2±2.3, P=0.03). Furthermore, improved clearance of β2M correlated with higher values of Kr (r=0.914). In contrast, serum levels of immunoglobulin (22.6±3.7, P=0.5) were unaffected by Kr. In addition, there was no correlation between older age at onset of dialysis and serum levels of either β2M (r=0.107) or immunoglobulins (r=0.321). Finally, the length of time on dialysis had no effect on serum levels of either β2M (r=0.105) or immunoglobulins (r=0.092). Taken together, these results indicate that young hemodialysis patients may be at risk for HAA.
Gastropod grazers and algal colonization on a rocky shore in northern California: the importance of the body size of grazers

Abstract The effects of grazing by gastropods on algal colonization on a barnacle-dominated rocky shore in northern California were experimentally assessed by removing limpets [Lottia ( = Cllissella) digitalis (Rathke) and C. scabra (Gould) or limpets and littorines (Littorina plena Gould) from plots with barnacles (Balanus glandula Darwin) and from cleared plots. Removal of limpets in the absence of barnacles resulted in increased algal cover. On cleared plots with limpets removed, littorines did not inhibit algal colonization. In contrast, on barnacle-covered plots, removal of limpets generally had little effect on algal recruitment, but additional removal of littorines resulted in increased algal cover. These results together suggest that L. plena are effective grazers primarily where barnacles are abundant, and that limpets are important where barnacles are scarce. The hypothesis that the body size of grazers influences the outcome of grazing on barnacle-covered substrata was tested. Algal colonization on barnacle-covered tiles, as indicated by Chl α biomass, was lowest in treatments with small (4 mm) littorines, and highest with large littorines (9 mm). The interaction of barnacle cover and littorine size significantly affected algal colonization.
Combined Carbon Dioxide and High Pressure Inactivation of Pectin Methylesterase, Polyphenol Oxidase, Lactobacillus plantarum and Escherichia coli

High pressure processing (HPP) and CO 2 have both been shown to increase food product shelf-life. CO 2 was added at approximately 0.2 molar % to solutions processed at 500 to 800 MPa in order to further inactivate pectin methylesterase (PME), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), L. plantarum ATCC 8014, and E. coli K12. An interaction was found between CO 2 and pressure at 25 °C and 50 °C for PME and PPO, respectively. Activity of PPO was decreased by CO 2 at all pressure treatments. The interaction between CO 2 and pressure was significant for L. plantarum with a significant decrease in survivors due to the addition of CO 2 at all pressures studied. No significant effect on E. coli survivors was seen with CO 2 addition. Le procede des hautes pressions et le CO 2 permettent chacun d'eux d'augmenter la duree de conservation des produits alimentaires. L'objectif de cette etude est de determiner l'effet du dioxyde de carbone sur l'efficacite du procede des hautes pressions a inactiver les microorganismes et les enzymes. Le CO 2 est ajoute a 0,2% molaire a des solutions traitees a des pressions de 500 a 800 MPa pour evaluer l'inactivation de la pectinesterase, la polyphenol oxidase, L. plantarum et E. coli.
Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel Chitosan−Gelatin Bioconjugate with Fluorescence Emission

Polysaccharide-protein conjugations have generated increasing interests for biomedical applications in recent years. A naturally occurring cross-linking reagent, genipin, which has been used in herbal medicine, was employed to cross-link chitosan and gelatin for the preparation of a novel chitosan-gelatin conjugate. The primary amine groups on chitosan and gelatin were covalently linked with genipin, leading to the formation of a chitosan-gelatin conjugate with nitrogen-containing heterocycle units, the pyrindine-like derivatives. The FT-IR and UV-vis studies revealed that chitosan could react with genipin via a nucleophilic ring-opening reaction to construct more sufficient and extensive cross-link networks, as compared with its gelatin counterpart. The UV-vis absorption properties of the chitosan-gelatin conjugates were strongly related to the chitosan-to-gelatin weight ratio in the compositions. It is worth noting that the conjugation process endows the special emission properties of the chitosan-gelatin conjugates, which depends on the cross-linking reaction and the formation of hydrogen bonding involved chitosan-gelatin complex. Fluorescence quenching or enhancement was observed from the chitosan-gelatin conjugates upon coordinated with a wide variety of heavy metal ions (Ag+, Cu2+, Fe2+, and Co2+). This study also examined the possibility of covalent coupling the capture chelator (chitosan) with bioactive protein (e.g., albumin, alpha-globulin, and fibrinogen) to create fluorescence emission. These findings may provide a novel way to deliver therapeutic radionuclides for immuno-targeting purposes in the future.
Class III drugs and congestive heart failure: focus on the congestive heart failure-survival trial of antiarrhythmic therapy

Patients with congestive heart failure frequently have ventricular arrhythmias on ambulatory electrocardiographic recordings and sudden cardiac death is seen in almost 50% of such patients. Many antiarrhythmic agents have been approved to suppress the arrhythmia in an effort to improve survival. Some sodium-channel blockers not only failed to improve survival but have been shown to be harmful. This led to the development of potassium-channel blockers, such as d-sotalol, amiodarone, dofetilide, and azimilide. d-Sotalol was associated with excess mortality in patients with left ventricular dysfunction; amiodarone seems to be potentially beneficial; and dofetilide has a neutral effect on mortality. The Sudden Cardiac Death Heart Failure Trial (SCD HEFT) is testing the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) against amiodarone and placebo. The ICDs appear to be superior to antiarrhythmic drugs in certain high-risk patients, although not proved in unstratified patients with heart failure.
A New Failure Mechanism in thin Gold Films at Elevated Temperatures

High temperature (320°C-360°C) life tests of integrated circuits with TiW/Au metalization have resulted in failures due to void formation in the metal films which result in loss of continuity. Hillocks are also observed. The failures occur with and without power applied to the circuits, so electromigration can be discounted as a cause. Failures occur in the vicinity of oxide steps after several hundred hours at 340°C. Hillock growth is more extensive for films deposited on room temperature substrates than on heated substrates indicating that the effect may vary with grain size. Doping of the gold with tantalum decreases the hillock growth under some conditions. Coating of the metal with silicon nitride prevents failures from occurring and voids and hillocks from forming for at least 500 hrs at 360°C. Silox and sputtered SiO2 coatings were not as successful. When a second TiW layer is deposited over the gold, hillock and void formations are prevented, but gold whiskers are observed to grow laterally from the exposed edge of the gold metalization. Hillock growth and void formation is believed to be due to a self-diffusion process which occurs in the presence of strains within the gold film. These strains may be due to a mismatch in the thermal expansion coefficients of the gold and the TiW, SiO2 and Si on which it is deposited.
Pyramid-Based Extraction Of Local Image Features With Applications To Motion And Texture Analysis

Multi-resolution pyramid structures may be used to compute image properties efficiently and within sets of Gaussian-like windows of many sizes. We define several basic pyramid algorithms which may be applied to a variety of image understanding tasks. These include a multi-resolution low-pass filter (the Gaussian pyramid), a multi-resolution band-pass filter (the Laplacian pyramid) and a multiscale window function (the Hierarchical Discrete Correl-ation). To illustrate these algorithms we present procedures for computing local edge density and spectral energy estimates for texture discrimination, and procedures for computing local correlation and gradient based estimates of pattern displacement for motion analysis. Pyramid computations are shown to be particularly low in both cost and complexity.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Mechanics of creep resistance in nanocrystalline solids

In a nanocrystalline solid a significant portion of atoms resides in the grain boundary and the nearby outer grain. This combined region, known as the grain-boundary affected zone (GBAZ), is plastically softer than the grain interior, and it are the combined contributions of the grain interior and GBAZ that give rise to the overall response. In this spirit a two-phase composite model is developed to study the high-temperature creep resistance of nanocrystalline materials. Here the rate equation of each phase is represented by a power law and the Arrhenius function, but that of the grain interior is further taken to scale with the Hall–Petch relation whereas that of the GBAZ remains independent of grain size. This unified constitutive equation in turn leads to the concept of secant viscosity. Then a homogenization theory is developed by means of a transition from linear viscoelasticity to nonlinear viscoplasticity with the Maxwell viscosity constantly replaced by the secant viscosity. Subsequently a field-fluctuation method is called upon to determine the effective stress of both phases. The developed theory is applied to model the creep behavior of nanocrystalline Cu, NiP alloy, and Ni at various levels of stress, temperature, and grain size, with results that reflect good agreement with available experiments. We then applied the theory to examine the nature of creep resistance as the grain size decreases in the nanometer range in some detail, and it was discovered that creep resistance in the Hall–Petch like plot undergoes a transition from a positive slope to leveled off, and then to a negative slope. The leveled-off value in effect represents the maximum creep resistance that a material can attain, and it is found that this occurs at a critical grain size, d crit, that exists in the nanometer range.
Interaction of a Group of Weak Organic Acids and Phenols with a Polyamide

A drug-plastic sorption study was conducted using six compounds of interest to pharmaceutical and medical scientists. The compounds studied were ( a ) benzoic acid, ( b ) salicylic acid, ( c ) p -hydroxybenzoic acid, ( d ) methyl p -hydroxybenzoate, ( e ) propyl p -hydroxybenzoate, and ( f ) butyl p -hydroxybenzoate, while the plastic material was an insoluble polyamide (nylon-6). Sorption and diffusion experiments were conducted at several original concentrations and at three different temperatures, from which it was possible to calculate a number of constants for each agent. Evaluation of the various constants indicated that drug-plastic interactions were due to hydrogen bonding of the agents to the polyamide, but that secondary valence forces of van der Waals type most likely play a predominate role in the interaction or binding mechanism for the more hydrophobic molecules studied. The apparent diffusion coefficients were of the order of 10 −8 cm. 2 /sec., while activation energies of diffusion fell within a range of 13.2 Kcal./mole for benzoic acid to 15.5 Kcal./mole for butyl p -hydroxybenzoate. Permeation constants had values approaching 10 −7 cm. 2 /sec.
Work Disability Functional Assessment Battery: Feasibility and Psychometric Properties

Abstract Objective To assess the feasibility and psychometric properties of 8 scales covering 2 domains of the newly developed Work Disability Functional Assessment Battery (WD-FAB): physical function (PF) and behavioral health (BH) function. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Community. Participants Adults (N=973) unable to work because of a physical (n=497) or a mental (n=476) disability. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Each disability group responded to a survey consisting of the relevant WD-FAB scales and existing measures of established validity. The WD-FAB scales were evaluated with regard to data quality (score distribution, percentage of "I don't know" responses), efficiency of administration (number of items required to achieve reliability criterion, time required to complete the scale) by computerized adaptive testing (CAT), and measurement accuracy as tested by person fit. Construct validity was assessed by examining both convergent and discriminant correlations between the WD-FAB scales and scores on same-domain and cross-domain established measures. Results Data quality was good, and CAT efficiency was high across both WD-FAB domains. Measurement accuracy was very good for PF scales; BH scales demonstrated more variability. Construct validity correlations, both convergent and divergent, between all WD-FAB scales and established measures were in the expected direction and range of magnitude. Conclusions The data quality, CAT efficiency, person fit, and construct validity of the WD-FAB scales were well supported and suggest that the WD-FAB could be used to assess PF and BH function related to work disability. Variation in scale performance suggests the need for future work on item replenishment and refinement, particularly with regard to the Self-Efficacy scale.
Invasion is Contingent on Species Assemblage and Invasive Species Identity in Experimental Rehabilitation Plots

Abstract Ecological studies often suggest that diverse communities are most resistant to invasion by exotic plants, but relatively few local species may be available to a rehabilitation practitioner. We examine the ability of monocultures and diverse assemblages to resist invasion by an exotic annual grass (cheatgrass) and an exotic biennial forb (dyer's woad) in experimental rehabilitation plots. We constructed seven assemblages that included three monocultures of grass, forb, or shrub; three four-species mixtures of grasses, forbs, or shrubs; and a three-species mixture of one species from each growth form in an experimental field setting to test resistance to invasion. Assemblages were seeded with cheatgrass and dyer's woad for two consecutive years and quantified as biomass and density of individuals from each exotic species. Soil NO3− and leaf-area index were examined as predictors of invasive plant abundance. Cheatgrass invasion was greatest in forb and shrub assemblages, and least in mixed grass or...