cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The method of fundamental solutions for linear diffusion-reaction equations

The paper presents an extension of the solution procedure based on the method of fundamental solutions proposed earlier in the literature for solving linear diffusion reaction equations in nonregular geometries in two and three dimensions. The solution procedure utilizes the fundamental solution to the problem along with boundary collocation to result in a grid-free numerical scheme. A new heuristic for source location is utilized along with orthogonal collocation in nonsmooth domains to improve the accuracy of the solution. The efficacy of the solution procedure is demonstrated for a variety of problems in nonregular simply and multiply connected geometries with nonuniform boundary conditions.
NMR and X-ray analysis of structural additivity in metal binding site-swapped hybrids of rubredoxin

Chimeric hybrids derived from the rubredoxins of Pyrococcus furiosus (Pf) and Clostridium pasteurianum (Cp) provide a robust system for the characterization of protein conformational stability and dynamics in a differential mode. Interchange of the seven nonconserved residues of the metal binding site between the Pf and Cp rubredoxins yields a complementary pair of hybrids, for which the sum of the thermodynamic stabilities is equal to the sum for the parental proteins. Furthermore, the increase in amide hydrogen exchange rates for the hyperthermophile-derived metal binding site hybrid is faithfully mirrored by a corresponding decrease for the complementary hybrid that is derived from the less thermostable rubredoxin, indicating a degree of additivity in the conformational fluctuations that underlie these exchange reactions. Initial NMR studies indicated that the structures of the two complementary hybrids closely resemble "cut-and-paste" models derived from the parental Pf and Cp rubredoxins. This protein system offers a robust opportunity to characterize differences in solution structure, permitting the quantitative NMR chemical shift and NOE peak intensity data to be analyzed without recourse to the conventional conversion of experimental NOE peak intensities into distance restraints. The intensities for 1573 of the 1652 well-resolved NOE crosspeaks from the hybrid rubredoxins were statistically indistinguishable from the intensities of the corresponding parental crosspeaks, to within the baseplane noise level of these high sensitivity data sets. The differences in intensity for the remaining 79 NOE crosspeaks were directly ascribable to localized dynamical processes. Subsequent X-ray analysis of the metal binding site-swapped hybrids, to resolution limits of 0.79 A and 1.04 A, demonstrated that the backbone and sidechain heavy atoms in the NMR-derived structures lie within the range of structural variability exhibited among the individual molecules in the crystallographic asymmetric unit (~0.3 A), indicating consistency with the "cut-and-paste" structuring of the hybrid rubredoxins in both crystal and solution. Each of the significant energetic interactions in the metal binding site-swapped hybrids appears to exhibit a 1-to-1 correspondence with the interactions present in the corresponding parental rubredoxin structure, thus providing a structural basis for the observed additivity in conformational stability and dynamics. The congruence of these X-ray and NMR experimental data offers additional support for the interpretation that the conventional treatment of NOE distance restraints contributes substantially to the systematic differences that are commonly reported between NMR- and X-ray-derived protein structures.
A GIS-based Bayesian approach for analyzing spatial–temporal patterns of intra-city motor vehicle crashes

This paper develops a GIS-based Bayesian approach for intra-city motor vehicle crash analysis. Five-year crash data for Harris County (primarily the City of Houston), Texas are analyzed using a geographic information system (GIS), and spatial-temporal patterns of relative crash risks are identified based on a Bayesian approach. This approach is used to identify and rank roadway segments with potentially high risks for crashes so that preventive actions can be taken to reduce the risks in these segments. Results demonstrate the approach is useful in estimating the relative crash risks, eliminating the instability of estimates while maintaining overall safety trends. The 3-D posterior risk maps show risky roadway segments where safety improvements need to be implemented. Results of GIS-based Bayesian mapping are also useful for travelers to choose relatively safer routes.
Assessing the impact of teaching patient safety principles to medical students during surgical clerkships

Background A critical aspect of enhancing patient safety is modifying the healthcare safety culture. We hypothesize that students who participate in safety curricula are knowledgeable regarding patient safety and likely to intervene to avoid patient errors. Methods A two-part patient safety curriculum was taught: introductory theories (first year) and a clinically oriented course during surgery rotations (third year). All students participated in the first year introduction and a random cohort of students (62.6%, N = 67) participated in the third year program. Multiple choice tests and web-based surveys were administered. Statistical analysis was carried out using Student's t-test for comparisons of test mean scores and z-test for comparison of the survey data. Results Students who participated in both years' curricula scored higher on didactic test than those who participated in only the first year course (82.9% versus 75.5%, P Conclusion Medical students who have practical applications of patient safety education reinforced during surgery rotations are knowledgeable and willing to intervene in patient safety concerns. Teaching clinically relevant patient safety skills influences positive behavioral changes in medical students' performance on surgical teams.
Impact Loading of Isolated Generators

Voltage and frequency response of a generator are important considerations when a sudden load is applied or a large motor is started on an isolated system. The speed change of gas and steam turbine-driven generators are examined after the application of suddenly applied loads. Generator recovery voltage as a function of generator impedance, open-circuit time constant, and inertia are shown with different magnitudes of suddenly applied loads. The size of the generator may be determined by the starting kilovoltampere demand and minimum voltage allowed rather than by the total connected load.
In vivo observations on the seminal vesicles of intact, castrated and hormonally treated rats.

THERE is much histological information pertaining to the influence of castration and hormonal treatment on the seminal vesicles (1-5), but no information has been found concerning the in vivo state of this organ. The purposes of these investigations were to see whether any microscopic changes were visible in the living seminal vesicle following castration and/or hormonal treatment; and if so, to determine whether these changes were as reliable as the histologic differences in establishing the gonadal status of an animal. In preliminary observations on the seminal vesicles of 20 white rats, changes were noted following castration and treatment with testosterone propionate in: the degree of vascularity, the visible linear rates of blood flow, the physical state of the blood, the “nonvascular” tissues, and the occurrence of rhythmic, spontaneous contractions of the organ. Examination of the data from all 20 animals indicated that the contractions had only occurred in animals castrated for some time.
Trace element loading of southern Lake Michigan by dry deposition of atmospheric aerosol

Aerosol samples and meteorological data were collected at a mid-southern Lake Michigan site (87° 00′ W, 42° 00′ N) from May through September 1977. Hi-volume samplers with cellulose fiber filters and a digital meteorological data recording system were operated on board the U.S. EPA's R/VRoger R. Simons during four intensive sampling periods. Aerosol samples were analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy for seventeen trace elements. A diabatic drag coefficient method was used to determine aerosol deposition velocity (vd) overlake. A meanvd of 0.5 cm s−1 was found for the 0.1<diameter<2.0 μm aerosol. By relating the observed trace element concentrations andvd to a long-term climatological record, annual dry deposition loadings to the southern basin for nine elements were estimated. For four elements, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn, dry deposition loadings to the southern basin alone of at least 500, 30, 250, and 100 (×103 kg yr−1) were found. For Fe and Mn, these loadings represent about 15% of the total of all inputs to Lake Michigan. for Zn and Pb, about one-third to one-half of the annual loading from all sources is from dry deposition of atmospheric aerosol.
718. Renneting and the caseinate particle: a viscometric study *

A viscometric study of solutions of alkaline (sodium and potassium) caseinate was made to determine the effects of renneting with and without the addition of calcium ions. There was no real viscometric effect of these treatments at high dilutions. At a higher temperature, the viscosity increment of the solutions decreased. It was suggested that particle aggregation occurs more readily at higher temperatures, leading to a greater particle symmetry as well as causing some dehydration.
Recent Advances on the Hamiltonian Problem: Survey III

This article is intended as a survey, updating earlier surveys in the area. For completeness of the presentation of both particular questions and the general area, it also contains some material on closely related topics such as traceable, pancyclic and Hamiltonian connected graphs.
A two‐layer αω‐dynamo model with dynamic feedback on the ω‐effect

In an attempt to produce a simple representation of an interface dynamo, I examine a dynamo model composed of two one-dimensional (radially averaged) pseudo-spherical layers, one in the convection zone and possessing an α-effect, and the other in the tachocline and possessing an ω-effect. The two layers communicate by means of an analogue of Newton’s law of cooling, and a dynamical back-reaction of the magnetic field on ω is provided. Extensive bifurcation diagrams are calculated for three separate values of η, the ratio of magnetic diffusivities of the two layers. I find recognizable similarities to, but also dramatic differences from, the comparable one-layer model examined by Roald &38; Thomas. In particular, the solar-like dynamo mode found previously is no longer stable in the two-layer version; in its place there is a sequence of periodic, quasi-periodic and chaotic modes probably created in a homoclinic bifurcation. These differences are important enough to provide support for the view that the solar dynamo cannot be meaningfully modelled in one dimension.
A model of surface water hydrology of the Great Lakes, North America during the past 16,000 years

Abstract A model of glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) is combined with GIS methods to predict the surface water history of the Great Lakes region of North America during the past 16,000 years. The extent of lakes continually changed as the Laurentide ice sheet margin fluctuated and GIA affected the elevations of ice-free outlets. Given only a modern digital elevation model, an earth viscoelastic structure and an ice sheet history, the model adequately represents the Great Lakes history that was developed by glacial geologists during more than a century of field studies. The model predicts the location and elevations of the lowest ice-free outlets and the extent and bathymetry of the proglacial and post-glacial lakes. Results indicate that the Lake Algonquin shoreline, formed about 13,000 years ago, plunges below the present level of Lake Michigan rather than becoming subhorizontal as was once thought leading early geologists to conclude the region was stable and not experiencing GIA. Rather our study indicates that the southern region of the Great Lakes is subsiding, a conclusion reinforced by modern GPS and lake level data. GIA also contributed to many avulsions of river channels during the past 10,000 years as post-glacial tilting promoted stream capture.
An object-oriented approach to data display and storage: 3 years experience, 25,000 cases

Object-oriented programming techniques were used to develop computer based data display and storage systems. These have been operating in the 8 anaesthetising areas of the Adelaide Children's Hospital for 3 years. The analogue and serial outputs from an array of patient monitors are connected to IBMTM compatible PC-XT computers. The information is displayed on a colour screen as wave-form and trend graphs and digital format in ‘real time’. The trend data is printed simultaneously on a dot matrix printer. This data is also stored for 24 hours on ‘hard’ disk. The major benefit has been the provision of a single visual focus for all monitored variables. The automatic logging of data has been invaluable in the analysis of critical incidents. The systems were made possible by recent, rapid improvements in computer hardware and software. This paper traces the development of the program and demonstrates the advantages of object-oriented programming techniques.
STUDIES ON THE OXIDATION AND REDUCTION OF IMMUNOLOGICAL SUBSTANCES : VII. THE DIFFERENTIATION OF TETANOLYSIN AND TETANOSPASMIN.

Tetanolysin and tetanospasmin possess in common the immunological properties of the group of "antitoxinogens." Both of them are contained in undeteriorated culture fluids of the tetanus bacillus, but each of them represents a distinct and separate antigenic substance. Experimental data illustrating points of difference in their properties are presented in this paper.
Rate data of tar hydrocracking

Abstract The rate data of the hydrocracking reaction of low-temperature tar are presented. The overall order of the reaction was found to be second order below 1500 psi and first at and above 1500 psi ∗ . The rate of gasoline formation from tar was found to be represented by k1g = 0.14 k1N.O + 0.16 k1S + 0.14 k1O + 0.12 k1N + 0.08 where k1N.O′k1S′k1O′ and k1N are first order rate constants for the hydrocracking of hydrocarbons, and sulphur, oxygen and nitrogen compounds present in tar respectively.
Lipid Metabolism Greases the Stem Cell Engine

Metabolic plasticity is increasingly postulated to be vital in the transition between stemness maintenance and lineage specification. Knobloch et al. (2012) now demonstrate that regulation of lipogenesis by fatty acid synthase and Spot14-dependent malonyl-CoA supply determines the proliferative activity of resident neural stem cells, contributing to adult neurogenesis.
Adsorption and desorption of propene on a commercial Cu-SSZ-13 SCR catalyst

Abstract The adsorption and desorption behavior of propene on a commercial Cu-SSZ-13 catalyst was investigated by dynamic adsorption and TPD methods. In order to explore the role of copper species in propene adsorption, the Cu-SSZ-13 catalyst was treated with dilute HNO 3 to leach the Cu species present. The untreated and leached catalysts were characterized by XRF, XRD, H 2 -TPR, and NH 3 -TPD techniques, and the impact of adsorption temperature on the adsorption and desorption of propene was evaluated. The adsorption energy of propene was determined by the Langmuir isotherm equation considering temperature dependency. The Cu-SSZ-13 catalyst was determined to have two different adsorption energies (− E a ) of 4.4 and 70.9 kJ/mol in the temperature range of 72–544 °C corresponding to, respectively, physisorption and chemisorption of propene. After leaching of the Cu, the adsorption capacity for propene greatly decreased, indicating that Cu species play a significant role in propene adsorption on Cu-SSZ-13. The effect of a range of feed gas components was investigated, H 2 O being found to significantly hinder propene adsorption at 72 °C.
Pearls and pitfalls in first-trimester obstetric sonography

Ultrasound is the primary imaging modality used in the evaluation of first-trimester vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain. This article will summarize the ultrasound findings in normal first-trimester pregnancy, failed pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, subchorionic hemorrhage, retained products of conception, and gestational trophoblastic disease. Mastery of the spectrum of sonographic findings in the normal and abnormal first-trimester pregnancy allows the radiologist to make accurate diagnoses and helps to appropriately guide patient management.
The Need for a Lexicon of Scale Terms in Integrating Remote Sensing Data with Geographic Information Systems

Abstract The concept of scale is fundamental to geography, yet the definitions for “scale” and related spatial terms can be confusing to those working in other spatial science disciplines. This is particularly true in the emerging multidisciplinary world of integrated remote sensing and geographic information systems, or IGIS's, where data of different types and at various spatial and temporal scales are combined to support complex space-time data analyses. Without a basic lexicon of accepted scale terms, working within an IGIS can breed confusion in the interpretation of data and the models that result from an IGIS construct. This paper provides some terminologies of scale that can be used as a framework for a multidisciplinary lexicon of accepted scaling terms and describes their relationships to an IGIS. It also illustrates how scaling terms can be potentially misunder stood when applied to geographic techniques that are used in disciplines related to geography.
The adsorption and reaction of triethylgallium on GaAs(100)

The surface chemistry of triethylgallium (TEGa) on both Ga-rich and As-rich GaAs(100) was studied using Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), low energy electron diffraction (LEED), and temperature programmed desorption (TPD). TEGa desorbs molecularly from two states with peak temperatures of about 323 and 523 K after TEGa exposure at 123 K on the Ga-rich surface. These conclusions of molecular desorption are in contrast to previous work which has been interpreted in terms of both TEGa and diethylgallium (DEGa) desorption above 150 K. The major products of TEGa decomposition, in agreement with previous work, are ethylene, hydrogen, and a small amount of ethyl radical. The saturation coverage of ethylene molecules and hydrogen atoms was measured to be ∼ 1 × 1014 cm−2. The total ethyl radical yield is estimated to be 8% of the saturation ethylene coverage (∼ 9 × 1012 molecules cm−2). On the As-rich surface, more TEGa desorption is observed in comparison to the Ga-rich conditions. The decomposition products are identical to those observed for the Ga-rich surface; however, the relative amounts of ethyl radicals to ethylene and hydrogen are significantly different.
Antibodies against toluene diisocyanate protein conjugates three methods of measurement

Abstract With the use of canine antisera against toluene diisocyanate (TDI)-dog serum albumin (DSA), techniques for measuring antibody against TDI-DSA were evaluated. The use of an ammonium sulfate precipitation assay showed suggestive evidence of antibody binding but high levels of TDI-DSA precipitation in the absence of antibody limit any usefulness of this technique. Double-antibody co-precipitation techniques will measure total antibody or Ig class antibody against 125 I—TDI-DSA. These techniques are quantitative. The polystyrene tube radioimmunoassay is a highly sensitive method of detecting and quantitatively estimating IgG antibody. The enzyme linked immunosorbent assay is a rapidly adaptable method for the quantitative estimation of IgG, IgA, and IgM against TDI-homologous proteins. All these techniques were compared and results are demonstrated by using the same serum sample for analysis.
Nitric Oxide Inhibits Closure of the Ductus Arteriosus following Antenatal Exposure to Indomethacin † 982

Nitric Oxide Inhibits Closure of the Ductus Arteriosus following Antenatal Exposure to Indomethacin † 982
Intracavity phase switching and phase-plane dynamics of a bistable optical device

Abstract Since the field inside an optical cavity is a complex quantity, analysis in the phase plane gives a deeper insight into its time evolution. This was emphasized by the findings of Hopf and Meystre. We have extended their numerical analysis to include the possibility of Ikeda instabilities, showing that parameters can be selected that avoid Ikeda instabilities but permit intracavity phase switching. Switching, both up and down, can always be accomplished by applying an external pulse which changes the cavity detuning for an appropriate number of round trips. Inclusion of diffraction effects in one transverse dimension does not prevent switching. Clear, preset, and flip-flop operations, analogous to electronic operations, can also be achieved by properly choosing the external control pulses.
Preemptive analgesia with bupivacaine for segmental mastectomy

Background and Objectives: Preemptive analgesia is the concept of providing analgesia before surgical incision, resulting in less postoperative pain. The purpose of this study is to determine if preemptive and/or postoperative local anesthetic infiltration of bupivacaine in patients undergoing segmental mastectomy results in less postoperative pain compared with patients receiving placebo. Methods: In this prospective, double-blinded study, 120 patients were randomized into 4 groups: group 1, preincisional (10 mL) and postoperative (10 mL) wound infiltration of 0.5% bupivicaine, (+Pre+Post); group 2, preincisional bupivacaine (10 mL) and postoperative infiltration (10 mL) of placebo (normal saline solution), (+Pre−Post); group 3, preincisional placebo (10 mL) and postoperative bupivacaine (10 mL), (−Pre+Post); or group 4, preincisional (10 mL) and postoperative infiltration of placebo (10 mL), (−Pre−Post). All patients received a standardized laryngeal mask general anesthetic. Data were recorded at the following time intervals: preoperative admission, postanesthesia care unit (PACU) admission, PACU stay, stepdown-unit admission, stepdown-unit stay, hospital discharge, and 24 hours post operation. Results: No difference was noted with respect to preoperative pain visual analog scale (VAS, 0-100 mm), surgical duration, PACU stay time, stepdown-unit stay time, incidence of postoperative nausea, or treatment for nausea in all measured time periods. The placebo group (group 4) had significantly higher mean pain VAS scores during the early postoperative period (PACU admission and PACU stay) compared to the other groups (PACU admission: group 1 = 2 ± 8, group 2 = 4 ± 11, group 3 = 3 ± 15, group 4 = 17 ± 21, P Conclusion: Preincisional and/or postoperative wound bupivacaine infiltration lacks preemptive analgesic effects for segmental mastectomy.
Automated Solid-Phase Synthesis of Site-Specifically Labeled Ruthenium-Oligonucleotides.

A novel metallonucleoside phosphoramidite is reported for the automated solid-phase synthesis of site-specifically metallolabeled oligonucleotides.
Indirect exchange interaction in semiconductors

Abstract We study theoretically the nature of the indirect exchange interaction between localized moments in a semiconductor, mediated by the spin-dependent spatial polarization of the valence band electrons. The interaction drops off exponentially with the inter-spin distance and the decay constant depends on the energy gap and carrier effective masses. The sign of the interaction is ferromagnetic within our simplified model but could be reversed for some more complicated band edge structures.
Economic and Social Causes of Sexism and of the Exploitation of Women

Psychologists have neglected the role of the social, economic and political systems in determining behaviour. Rather, our field, consciously or unconsciously, has been instrumental in upholding the status quo. We have accepted society's ruling ideas that perpetuate exploitation, especially of women in the world of work. Women are often the last to be hired and the first to be fired. They are employed part-time and fired early to avoid the cost of fringe benefits and retirement costs. Ideas about women's roles, generated by capitalism and patriarchal religions, are responsible for widespread sexism and the exploitation of many powerless groups, but especially girls and women. This paper reviews several examples of sexist exploitation that have an economic base. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prolactin action on short circuit current in the developing tadpole skin: a comparison with ADH.

Abstract The effect of prolactin (PRL) on active sodium transport was investigated in isolated ventral skins of bullfrog tadpoles, stages XXII–XXV. Short circuit current (SCC) was measured as an indicator of active sodium transport. A dose-response study of stage XXV skins showed no response to PRL at a concentration of 0.5 μg/ml; however, SCC increased with PRL concentrations of 5.0 and 10.0 μg/ml. Addition of PRL, 10.0 μg/ml, to the serosal solution produced a 30–40% increase in SCC and this effect plateaued within 60–80 min using stages XXIII and XXIV skins, but the peak response was observed in only 20 min with stage XXV skins. Stage XXII skins were relatively unresponsive to this concentration of PRL. In order to demonstrate that the PRL response was not due to antidiuretic hormone (ADH) contamination, these studies were repeated using ADH. Using a concentration of ADH threefold that reported for possible ADH contamination in 5 μg/ml PRL, i.e., 2 mU ADH/mg PRL, no changes in SCC were observed. Also, no differences were observed in the ADH response (4.5 mU/ml) at the different stages. All stages demonstrated a peak SCC response (90–140% increase) between 20 and 30 min. These results demonstrate that PRL may have a direct effect on ventral skin active sodium transport, as reflected by alterations in SCC.
Moire deflectometry with deferred electronic heterodyne readout

The electronic heterodyne technique is applied to the task of deferred readout of phase objects' moire fringes. In combination with the heterodyne readout technique, moire deflectometry constitutes a powerful tool for the study of phase objects, exhibiting high sensitivity, ease of automation and recording, low cost, use of incoherent illumination, and independence from fringe contrast variations.
Folate Status in Patients Receiving Maintenance Doses of Sulfasalazine

• Hematologic studies, including serum and RBC folate assays, were done on 45 outpatients with chronic colitis who either took sulfasalazine (n=27) or did not use it (n=18). Overall, sulfasalazine users and nonusers had similar mean hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum folate, and RBC folate levels. However, within the drug users, RBC folate was inversely correlated with drug dose; serum folate was not. Patients taking 2 g or more of sulfasalazine daily had lower mean RBC folate levels (221.2±27.3 ng/mL) than patients either taking less (371.7±35.0 ng/mL) or nonusers (330.3±30.3 ng/mL). Mean corpuscular volume was also related to drug dose but not to RBC folate. Although maintenance sulfasalazine use rarely causes clinically significant folate deficiency, subclinical tissue depletion occurs as a dose-related effect. { Arch Intern Med 1983;143:902-904)
Oriented n-Alkanes in urea-d4 Inclusion Complexes for Inelastic Neutron Scattering Vibrational Studies

Crystalline urea inclusion complexes (UIC) formed with urea-d4 and hexadecane are used to orient the n-alkane relative to a neutron beam for inelastic neutron scattering studies. Deuteration of the host lattice makes it nearly transparent for neutron studies. Comparison of the results for UIC orientation parallel and perpendicular to the neutron beam permits separation of the low frequency vibrational spectrum into those vibrations that are parallel to the alkane long axis and those perpendicular to the long axis.
The ultraviolet variability of early-type supergiants

Four early-type supergiants - HD 79186 (B5 Ia), HD 96919 (B9 Ia), HD 105056 (ON9.7 Iae), and HD 148379 (B2 Iae) - have been observed with the low-resolution spectrographs of IUE in the large aperture on 14 days. The behavior of the ultraviolet fluxes with time is studied. The light from all four stars seems to vary. Typically the dispersion about the mean magnitude at any wavelength corresponds to + or - 0.085, + or - 0.080, + or - 0.101, and + or - 0.106 mag, respectively. These amplitudes exceed the typical uncertainty in an IUE measurement of flux by about a factor of 3; they are somewhat larger than the variations known in the visible wavelength range. There are insufficient data to investigate periodicity in the observed light changes. The effective temperatures and angular diameters of the stars have been estimated using the present ultraviolet photometry, published UBV and uvby photometry, and the model-atmosphere fluxes reported by Kurucz in 1979. The program stars have dimensions typical for their spectral types. A brief discussion is given of possible causes of the variability of hot supergiants.
Catching the Bad Guy: Morphing Composite Faces Helps

Composite faces built by eyewitnesses commonly are poor likenesses of the target face. When there are multiple witnesses, however, an opportunity exists to morph the composites. Morphs were rated as more similar to the target face than were the mean ratings of the individual composites. However, as hypothesized, the morph also came to resemble non-target faces more than the individual composites did (a prototype effect). This prototype effect was so strong that the morphs resembled non-targets more than the individual composites resembled the targets. In addition, morphing composites produced an attractiveness bias, which made the morphing of composites less effective for less attractive targets. Even when the prototype effect and the attractiveness bias were controlled for, however, a true morph-superiority effect continued to exist.
Leukotriene B4, administered via intracerebroventricular injection, attenuates the antigen-induced asthmatic response in sensitized guinea pigs

Background: Despite intensive studies focused on the pathophysiology of asthmatic inflammation, little is known about how cross-talk between neuroendocrine and immune systems regulates the inflammatory response during an asthmatic attack. We recently showed corresponding changes of cytokines and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) in brain and lung tissues of antigen-challenged asthmatic rats. Here, we investigated how LTB4 interacts with the neuroendocrine-immune system in regulating antigen-induced asthmatic responses in sensitized guinea pigs. Methods: Ovalbumin-sensitized guinea pigs were challenged by inhalation of antigen. Vehicle, LTB4 or U75302 (a selective LTB4 BLT1 receptor inhibitor) was given via intracerebroventricular injection (i.c.v.) 30 min before challenge. Airway contraction response was evaluated using Penh values before and after antigen challenge. The inflammatory response in lung tissue was evaluated 24 h after challenge. The LTB4 content of lung and brain homogenate preparations was detected by reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Plasma levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT) were measured using ELISA kits. Results: Antigen challenge impaired pulmonary function and increased inflammatory cell infiltration in lung tissue. These responses could be significantly suppressed by LTB4, 30 ng i.c.v., in ovalbumin-sensitized guinea pigs. LTB4 content of lung and brain homogenates from antigen-challenged guinea pigs was significantly increased. In addition, administration of LTB4 via i.c.v. markedly increased CORT and ACTH level in plasma before antigen challenge, and there were further increases in CORT and ACTH levels in plasma after antigen challenge. U75302, 100 ng i.c.v., completely blocked the effects of LTB4. In addition, U75302, 100 ng via i.c.v. injection, markedly decreased LTB4 content in lung homogenates, but not in brain homogenates. Conclusions: Increased LTB4 levels in brain during asthmatic attacks down-regulates airway contraction response and inflammation through the BLT1 receptor. Stimulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis by LTB4 may result in an increase in systemic glucocorticoids which, in turn, would feed back to suppress the asthmatic response.
JASPER PACKLEMERTON, VICTORIAN FREAK

ONE OF THE OED'S DEFINITIONS of the word “freak” is that of a freak of nature, “a monstrosity, an abnormally developed individual of any species; a living curiosity exhibited in a show.” The freak of nature I wish to focus on in this essay is marriage, and specifically, marriage as it is “exhibited” in Dickens's novel The Old Curiosity Shop (1840–41). To refer to marriage in a Victorian novel as a freak of nature is perhaps surprising. To refer to the sacred institution as freakish in a Dickens novel may seem to border on heresy. After all, Dickens is the self-appointed novelist of hearth and home, the creator of conservative domestic plots that celebrate marriage as the institution that establishes closure for the novel and for the society it represents. Despite this apparent conservatism and despite our vague sense that most marriages in Dickens are as happy as David and Agnes's, Esther and Allen Woodcourt's, Biddy and Joe's, it is in fact the case that in all his novels, from The Pickwick Papers to Our Mutual Friend, Dickens is fascinated–in a multiplicity of ways both large and small, in a manner that is alternately comic, tragic, melodramatic, ironic–with marriage's discontents. In fact, the disintegration of the institution is one of the things that Dickens makes fictions from, giving the failure of marriage a surprisingly high degree of visibility and presenting the breaking of the matrimonial bond with remarkable clarity and persistence. Dickens novels are full of wives who leave their husbands (Edith Dombey, Lady Dedlock, Louisa Gradgrind), breach of promise suits (in Pickwick and Our Mutual Friend most famously) and characters who try to find legal ways of escaping their marriages (Stephen Blackpool, Betsey Trotwood, Nickleby's Madame Mantalini). This essay, then, is an analysis of how Dickens undermines the institution early in his career, and of how the comic and grotesque display of the body, the sprawling, teeming physical surfaces of The Old Curiosity Shop, both conceal and reveal a story of marital skepticism.
Gases as biological messengers: nitric oxide and carbon monoxide in the brain

In a remarkably brief period of time, NO and CO have been recognized as putative neurotransmitters. These two novel messenger molecules have greatly expanded the criteria for candidacy of a chemical for the status of neurotransmitter and our notions about how synaptic transmission takes place. The involvement of NO and CO in several important aspects of neuronal function suggests that agents affecting the synthesis, transactions, and disposition of these gases are bound to have clinical relevance.
Predicting human thermal comfort in Automobiles

The objects of this report are to: (1) increase national energy security by reducing fuel use for vehicle climate control systems; (2) show/demonstrate technology that can reduce the fuel used by LD vehicles' ancillary systems; and (3) develop tools to evaluate the effectiveness of energy-efficient systems including--comfort, cost, practicality, ease-of-use, and reliability.
Cost effectiveness of intraperitoneal compared with intravenous chemotherapy for women with optimally resected stage III ovarian cancer: a Gynecologic Oncology Group study.

Purpose To determine the cost effectiveness of intraperitoneal versus intravenous regimens for adjuvant treatment of optimally resected stage III ovarian cancer. Patients and Methods A decision model was developed to compare the cost effectiveness at 7-, 11.5-, and 35-year horizons of intravenous carboplatin and paclitaxel (IV-CARBO/PAC), intravenous cisplatin and paclitaxel (IV-CIS/PAC), or intravenous paclitaxel followed by intraperitoneal cisplatin and paclitaxel (IP-CIS/PAC). Survival data were from women participating in representative Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) protocols. Medicare reimbursement rates and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Database were used to estimate costs for treatment regimens and grade 3 to 4 adverse effects, respectively. Results Median predicted survival was 66, 57, 51, and 48 months for IP-CIS/PAC, IV-CARBO/PAC, IV-CIS/PAC (GOG 172), or IV-CIS/PAC (GOG 158), respectively. Across a range of analyses, IV-CIS/PAC was more costly and had lower life expectancy t...
Photovoltaic Energy Conversion Using Concentrated Sunlight

This paper describes a development program which uses sunlight concentration techniques to effect an immediate reduction in cost-per-unit power for photovoltaic systems in which solar cell cost dominates the total system cost. Current examples of concentrator solar cell technologies are single crystal silicon and gallium arsenide. Implementation of cost reductions by the use of sunlight concentration is not dependent on the development of low-cost, mass-production cell technologies but emphasizes high cell efficiency and low-cost concentrator systems.
Field emitter array analysis for the design of inductive output amplifiers

The ability to modulate the beam density upon emission in ways which allow for high frequency and good spatial localization generates the opportunity for significant improvements in RF device performance. Spatiotemporal modulation at the cathode surface promises to address these concerns. Field emitter arrays (FEAs) are therefore under consideration for the gated beam source in inductive output amplifiers (IOA) now being designed. Electron emission from FEAs may be described to a good approximation by the Spindt form of the Fowler-Nordheim equation, I/sub SFN/=A V/sub g//sup 2/ exp(-B/V/sub g/), where the current is a function of the gate potential V/sub g/. A and B may be determined from a seminumerical algorithm described elsewhere in this conference. In short, B is principally dictated by material parameters (e.g., work function), and A primarily by tip geometry. Device performance of the IOAs, in terms of efficiency, gain, and bandwidth, entails certain demands on the FEA cathode element, characterized by limits on the A and B parameters, as well as the transconductance and capacitance of the unit cell. In this presentation, we show the demands on geometric and material parameters that are required to meet IOA objectives. In this presentation, we shall show, for a range of geometrical and material parameters, the Fowler Nordheim A and B, capacitances, and transconductances they entail.
Instantaneously Companding Digital Signal Processors

We extend the technique of instantaneous companding (compressing and expanding) to digital signal processors (DSPs). Companding has been used for many years in non-dynamical channels, but the dynamical nature of DSPs causes output distortion in standard implementations of companding, where a compressor and expander are used at the input and output, respectively, without additionally modifying the DSP. In the proposed technique, we specify a method for combining input compression, output expansion, and application of nonlinear functions internal to the DSP, all in a manner transparent to the input-output characteristics of the DSP and its A/D interfaces, thus eliminating distortion in the final analog output. As a result, all the signals involved span most of the available bits, resulting in significant improvement in quantization errors and signal-to-noise-plus-distortion ratios over a large input range. The theory is supported by simulation and subjective listening tests.
Fiber Endoscopes Utilizing Liquid Tunable-Focus Microlenses Actuated Through Infrared Light

We report on prototype fiber endoscopes with tunable-focus liquid microlenses integrated at their distal ends and actuated through infrared (IR) light. Tunable-focus microlenses allow minimal back-and-forth movements of the scopes themselves and different depths of focus (DOFs), thus having spatial depth perception in the obtained images. The liquid microlens was formed by a water-oil meniscus pinned at a hydrophobic-hydrophilic boundary at an aperture. IR light-responsive hydrogel microstructures were formed by photopatterning thermo-responsive N-isopropylacrylamide hydrogel with entrapped IR light absorbing gold nanoparticles. The volumetric change in the hydrogel microstructures regulated the pressure difference across the water-oil interface and thus varied its focal length. The operations of the microlenses were realized through light transmitted via optical fibers. The images obtained from the microlenses were transferred via image fiber bundles. For two alignments between the hydrogel structures and the fibers, the response times of the microlenses are 65 and 20 s, respectively. Images of the simulated polyps in simulated colons were obtained. The range of focal length of a typical microlens was from 52 to 8 mm. The angle of view of an endoscope was from 77° to 128°. A microlens array could potentially be utilized to simultaneously obtain different DOFs and to increase the field of view.
Improved Population Monitoring of Bark Beetles and Predators by Incorporating Disparate Behavioral Responses to Semiochemicals

Abstract Estimating populations of both pest and natural enemy species is important in the planning and implementation of biological control. For example, synthetic pheromone lures are used to sample bark beetles, and sometimes their predators, in forest ecosystems. However, insect attraction to natural pheromone sources may differ from attraction to synthetic pheromone lures. Moreover, these differences may vary systematically between the target pest and some important natural enemies. Thus, the accuracy of both absolute and relative abundances of bark beetles and predators could vary with lure selection. We evaluated a series of synthetic lures to determine which lure gave the closest approximation to actual numbers of Ips pini (Say) and predators arriving at hosts infested with I. pini in Wisconsin. We deployed synthetic lures containing various ratios of the (+) and (−) enantiomers of the principal I. pini pheromone component, ipsdienol, with or without an additional component, lanierone. I. pini show...
Bridging the gap between science and drug policy: From “what” and “how” to “whom” and “when”

For all its problems, the microeconomic “rational addiction” theory had the appeal of making clear predictions about the effects of various drug policies. The emerging picture of the “what” and “how” of addiction is far more complex. Addiction scientists might help bridge the science–policy gap by devoting more attention to the “whom” and “when” of addiction.
Effect of Fusarium virguliforme phytotoxin on soybean gene expression suggests a role in multidimensional defence.

Summary Sudden death syndrome (SDS), caused by Fusarium virguliforme, is an important yield-limiting disease of soybean. This soil-borne fungus colonizes soybean roots causing root rot, and also releases a phytotoxin that is translocated to leaves causing interveinal chlorosis and necrosis leading to defoliation and early maturation. The objective of our study was to compare gene expression profiles during the early response of soybean leaves exposed to sterile culture filtrates of F. virguliforme in soybean genotypes with different levels of resistance to SDS. The analysis identified SDS-related defence genes that were induced in the most resistant genotype, but not in the other genotypes. Further functional annotations based on sequence homology suggested that some of the induced genes probably encode proteins involved in cell wall modification, detoxification, defence responses, primary metabolism and membrane transport. Quantitative real-time reverse-transcribed polymerase chain reaction confirmed the differential transcript accumulation of a subset of these genes. In addition, in silico mapping of differentially expressed genes to SDS-resistant quantitative trait loci allowed for the identification of new potential defence genes that could be genetically mapped to the soybean genome, and could be used further in a marker-assisted selection programme. A comparison of the response of soybean to F. virguliforme phytotoxin (Fv toxin) relative to other biotic and abiotic stresses revealed that the resistance response to Fv toxin is quite similar to the response to inoculation with an incompatible Pseudomonas syringae pv. glycinea strain, suggesting that Fv toxin might induce hypersensitive response pathways in soybean leaf tissues in the absence of pathogen in these tissues.
A sequential procedure for multihypothesis testing

The sequential testing of more than two hypotheses has important applications in direct-sequence spread spectrum signal acquisition, multiple-resolution-element radar, and other areas. A useful sequential test which we term the MSPRT is studied in this paper. The test is shown to be a generalization of the sequential probability ratio test. Under Bayesian assumptions, it is argued that the MSPRT approximates the much more complicated optimal test when error probabilities are small and expected stopping times are large. Bounds on error probabilities are derived, and asymptotic expressions for the stopping time and error probabilities are given. A design procedure is presented for determining the parameters of the MSPRT. Two examples involving Gaussian densities are included, and comparisons are made between simulation results and asymptotic expressions. Comparisons with Bayesian fixed sample size tests are also made, and it is found that the MSPRT requires two to three times fewer samples on average. >