cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Investment in technological innovations: An option pricing approach

Abstract This paper develops a model of the optimal investment strategy for a firm confronted with a sequence of technological innovations. We incorporate many of the most important characteristics of real-world technology markets. For example, we permit innovations to be stochastic in their arrival times and their profitability. We also incorporate learning so that firms adopting current innovations become better able to benefit from future innovations. The model yields four distinct investment strategies. The model is then used to predict actual firm policy. These implications are discussed and compared with observed firm behavior.
The effect of prenatal androgen exposure on the development of neural reactivity systems: A study of the HEXACO Personality Inventory

Abstract The ratio of the lengths of the second and fourth digits of hands (2D:4D) seems to vary as a function of systematic differences in prenatal androgen exposure ( Honekopp & Watson, 2010 ). The 2D:4D ratio has been shown to be related to a variety of personality attributes. This study predicted that 2D:4D would covary with scores on the emotionality dimension of the six-facet HEXACO personality assessment, due to emotionality’s relationship with neural reactivity systems controlled by the amygdala ( Hines, Allen, & Gorski, 1992 ), but that 2D:4D would relate to no other facet. Consistent with hypotheses, data showed that men had smaller ratios than women on both the right, t(405) = 2.84, p
Real-time identification of Pseudomonas aeruginosa direct from clinical samples using a rapid extraction method and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

Pseudomonas aeruginosa has emerged as one of the most problematic Gram-negative nosocomial pathogens. Bacteremia caused by P. aeruginosa is clinically indistinguishable from other Gram-negative infections although the mortality rate is higher. This microorganism is also inherently resistant to common antibiotics. Standard bacterial identification and susceptibility testing is normally a 48-hour process and difficulty sometimes exists in rapidly and accurately identifying antimicrobial resistance. The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a rapid and simple process for the amplification of target DNA sequences. However, many sample preparation methods are unsuitable for the clinical laboratory because they are not cost effective, take too long to perform, or do not provide a good template for PCR. Our goal was to provide same-day results to facilitate rapid diagnosis. In this report, we have utilized our rapid DNA extraction method to generate bacterial DNA direct from clinical samples for PCR. The lower detection level for P. aeruginosa was estimated to be 10 CFU/ml. In addition, we wanted to compare the results of a new rapid-cycle DNA thermocycler that uses continuous fluorescence monitoring with the results of standard thermocycling. We tested 40 clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa and 18 non-P. aeruginosa isolates received in a blinded fashion. Coded data revealed that there was 100% correlation in both the rapid-cycle DNA thermocycling and standard thermocycling when compared to standard clinical laboratory results. In addition, total results turn-around time was less than 1 hour. Specific identification of P. aeruginosa was determined using intragenic primer sets for bacterial 16S rRNA and Pseudomonas outer-membrane lipoprotein gene sequences. The total cost of our extraction method and PCR was $2.22 per sample. The accuracy and rapidness of this DNA-extraction method, with its PCR-based identification system, make it an ideal candidate for use in the clinical laboratory.
Evaluation of a Master's Program in Technical Communication—Results of a Questionnaire

This is an expanded version of an evaluation originally given at the International Technical Communication Conference, Washington, D.C., 1976.The questionnaire was an attempt to get in touch with a...
A monoclonal antibody (RH1-38) which inhibits multiple systems of cell-mediated cytotoxicity--II. Evidence that the epitope recognized is involved in a late step in the cytolytic mechanism.

Abstract A monoclonal antibody (RH1-38) which blocks multiple systems of cell-mediated cytotoxicity was functionally characterized. RH1-38 specifically blocks, in the absence of complement, natural killer (NK) activity (K562 targets) without any effect on NK-K562 conjugate formation. Kinetic studies suggested that the antibody blocks a step that occurs 30–120 min after effector populations are mixed with target cells. Single-cell cytotoxicity assays in agarose, combined with standard 51 Cr release assays and Michaelis-Menten analysis revealed that RH1-38 markedly decreases V max and the number of active NK cells, again without any effect on the number of target-binding cells. The maximum recycling capacity was usually decreased, but in some experiments unchanged, in the presence of the monoclonal antibody. RH1-38 inhibited equally well whole peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes (PBML), Percoll-fractionated lymphocytes enriched for NK activity, and Interferon (IFN)-boosted NK activity. PBML exposed to RH1-38 and then washed mediated depressed NK activity which was partially reversed by subsequent treatment with IFN. These studies are most consistent with the hypothesis that RH1-38 inhibits a step late in the NK cytolytic mechanism rather than through an effect on conjugate formation. The primary effect is probably not on the IFN-generating or boosting mechanism, but a secondary effect on IFN-related mechanisms cannot be ruled out. Inhibition through an effect on a small lymphocyte modulator of NK activity is also unlikely but not rigorously excluded. Thus, RH1-38 appears to inhibit NK activity through a direct effect on NK effector cells, probably by interfering with a cell-surface molecule which is important in the expression of NK activity. The companion paper demonstrates that this monoclonal antibody immunoprecipitates a molecule which is very similar or identical to the LFA-1 antigen. Thus, RH1-38 recognizes either a novel epitope on the LFA-1 molecule or alternatively a distinct, functional killer cell surface molecule. The epitope appears to be involved in a late step in the cytolytic mechanism, possibly part of the effector cell lytic machinery.
Enhanced contrast in electron microscopy of unstained biological material. II. Defocused contrast of large objects.

SUMMARY A contrast minimum is observed when 88 nm diameter polystyrene latex spheres are underfocused, which is related to the wide-angle scattering peaks. Images due to scattered and non-scattered wave components are displaced due to objective-lens spherical aberration and defocus. Maximum overlap of these components produces a contrast minimum at underfocus, related to the spherical aberration of the particular lens used. Similarly, a high-contrast band at carbon-film edges arises from spherical aberration and defocus separation of non-scattered and wide-angle scattered waves. This band increases in contrast with film thickness and in width with lens defocus. These geometrical effects account for the well-known ‘blinking’ of contrast of large biological objects upon swinging through focus without an objective aperture, and for the general contrast increase of defocused large objects. Fresnel fringes account for only a narrow band of enhanced contrast at distinct edges and cannot account for contrast enhancement of large objects lacking distinct edges.
Radioimmunoassay for detection of IgG antibodies against enterobacterial antigens

Abstract The rough mutant of Salmonella minnesota (Re 595) contains several broad reacting antigens including a core LPS common to many aerobic gramnegative bacteria without sugars that confer serotype specificity to most gramnegative bacteria. Therefore, antibodies against this organism can be evoked by a large number of gram-negative bacteria. Using radioimmunoassay methods, sera from 59 patients with bacteremia due to enterobacteriaceae had higher concentrations of IgG antibodies against the rough mutant of Salmonella minnesota (Re 595) than control subjects. There was a significant correlation between concentrations of antibodies against Salmonella minnesota and concentrations of antibodies against a single strain of E coli. Sera from patients with bacteremia due to E coli or Klebsiella were tested against one strain of E coli and one strain of Klebsiella. The concentrations of antibodies against the homologous antigen were not higher than the concentrations of antibodies against the heterologous antigen. Sera from patients infected with 5 aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa did not have high concentrations of antibodies against S minnesota. Antibodies against common antigen(s) in Salmonella minnesota (Re 595) are useful in diagnosis of enterobacterial infections.
SMELTING OF IRON-OXY-SULFIDE MELTS USING SOLID CARBON

Several properties of liquid Fe-S-O at 1473 K provided the motivation for using iron-oxysulfide melts as smelting medium for iron oxides. Experiments were carried out to determine rates of smelting of Fe-S-O melts by solid carbon at temperatures in the range 1361-1525 K. Effect of oxygen concentration, bath agitation rates, and carbon reactivity on the smelting rates were examined. The smelting rates increased with increasing oxygen concentration, bath temperature, and carbon reactivity, but with decreasing bath agitation rates. Microscopic observations and chemical analysis of the melt samples collected after the experiments revealed that sulfur content of the product metal was around the thermodynamic equilibrium value and the metal was not saturated with carbon. It was proved based on a micro-mixing model that the transport of oxygen within the liquid boundary layer adjacent to carbon sample was not a rate limiting process. The reactivity of carbon gasification reaction at the liquid-solid interface was found to be the most likely rate limiting step.
Invasions Friendly & Unfriendly: The Dramaturgy of Direct Theatre

(1992). Invasions Friendly & Unfriendly: The Dramaturgy of Direct Theatre. South African Theatre Journal: Vol. 6, No. 1, pp. 4-24.
Sensor-property-NDE relationships of polymeric composites processed through resin infusion

Liquid molding manufacturing techniques including vacuum assisted resin infusion molding (VARIM) and resin transfer molding (RTM) offer low cost alternatives for producing composites. The cure characteristics of these composites are monitored by dielectric tool mount sensors in an RTM process, however embedded inter-digitated electrode sensors (IDEX) are becoming popular in the VARIM process. The IDEX sensors remain an integral part of the composite after cure. In this paper, first the response of the dielectric IDEX sensors to various resin systems in neat resin stage as well as in the resin matrix composite is presented. The paper then investigates the mechanical performance of the composites containing IDEX sensors for various loading situations involving interlaminar shear strength, low velocity impact and high strain rate testing. Ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation conducted is also presented.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A perspective on instructional uses of computing in medicine

Over the past two decades the use of computers for instructional purposes in the medical and health fields has grown in terms of both the numbers of users and the variety of material available. Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) was proposed as a cost-effective means of providing individualized instruction as well as an ideal medium for the presentation of complex problems. Applications have ranged from the primitive drill and practice mode to the fairly sophisticated processes of decision making and differential diagnosis. Although CAI may never fulfill the high expectations of early proponents, the medium appears to have found acceptance as a useful adjunct to the instructional process.
Strategies for scientific prototyping in Smalltalk

This paper describes the design of a scientific prototyping environment in Smalltalk and discusses implementation strategies to achieve high performance interactive modeling of computationally intensive physical problems. Classes for scientific visualization, including contour plotting and 3D surface representations which incorporate the model-view-controller paradigm are presented. Techniques for inclusion of user primitives written in C to support computationally intense methods are described in detail in their current implementation on advanced Smalltalk workstations (SUN4, Ardent Titan, Tektronix 4317).
Regulation of Motor Neuron Specification by Phosphorylation of Neurogenin 2

The mechanisms by which proneural basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) factors control neurogenesis have been characterized, but it is not known how they specify neuronal cell-type identity. Here, we provide evidence that two conserved serine residues on the bHLH factor neurogenin 2 (Ngn2), S231 and S234, are phosphorylated during motor neuron differentiation. In knockin mice in which S231 and S234 of Ngn2 were mutated to alanines, neurogenesis occurs normally, but motor neuron specification is impaired. The phosphorylation of Ngn2 at S231 and S234 facilitates the interaction of Ngn2 with LIM homeodomain transcription factors to specify motor neuron identity. The phosphorylation-dependent cooperativity between Ngn2 and homeodomain transcription factors may be a general mechanism by which the activities of bHLH and homeodomain proteins are temporally and spatially integrated to generate the wide diversity of cell types that are a hallmark of the nervous system.
Transferable Multiparty Computation With Applications to the Smart Grid

The smart grid offers an exciting way to better manage various aspects of a given utility. This comes with an increased threat of privacy due to fine-grained information reporting from each smart meter. Privacy preserving protocols have been proposed in the literature to deal with this problem. In this paper, we look at optimizing one technique, secure multiparty computation (MPC), for application to in-network, privacy preserving computation for smart meter networks. We propose a new construction for secure MPC, which we call transferable MPC. We present protocols for this construction, and show how this leads to more efficient and scalable multiparty computations in a smart metering application.
Zombie states: reconsidering the relationship between life and death instincts.

Where the dialectical relation of life and death instincts has become dissociated, zombie states result—in which individuals inhabit deadness as if it were a full experience of aliveness. Bypassing reservations about the speculative nature of these instincts, this paper reconsiders their relation in order to highlight certain types of clinical phenomenology that could otherwise be lost to current ways of conceptualizing aliveness and deadness. A clinical vignette illustrates particular countertransference difficulties associated with dichotomizing issues of psychic aliveness and deadness, as well as the powerful contagion associated with what the author terms zombie states.
Genes Expressed in a Turrid Venom Duct: Divergence and Similarity to Conotoxins

The toxoglossate mollusks are a large group of venomous animals (>10,000 species) conventionally divided into three groups, the cone snails, the auger snails, and the turrid snails; turrids account for >90% of the biodiversity of toxoglossans. Only the venoms of cone snails have been intensively investigated, with little work focused on turrids. We report the first broad characterization of genes expressed in venom ducts of any turrid species. Twenty-three different cDNA clones encoding putative toxins were characterized from the venom duct of the turrine species Lophiotoma olangoensis Olivera 2002 and belong to 16 different gene families. Of the 16 different Lophiotoma olangoensis gene families that encode putative toxins, for only 1 was there clear evidence of sequence similarity with any conotoxin gene family. The I-like gene family of Lophiotoma olangoensis was found to be related to the K channel-targeted I2 conotoxin superfamily. Most putative Lophiotoma toxins are cysteine-rich polypeptides, with a significant fraction much larger (>80 amino acids) than the toxins from cone snails. A small number were not cysteine-rich but had hydrophobic amino acid clusters interspersed with arginine residues. This is only 1 of >10,000 different turrid venoms that needs to be characterized. From this study, a common origin with Conus for one family of putative turrid toxins is indicated.
Preliminary training for RDA: A survey of cataloging department heads

This study examined the preliminary training that has occurred and will occur in the future, as well as the perceptions of cataloging department heads toward RDA (Resource Description and Access) in American academic libraries. Previous research indicates that the successful adoption of new cataloging rules relies on the strength and elements included in the training offered to and required of individuals in the library cataloging community. This study found that many of the essential components for RDA training have been included in preliminary training. Now that a decision has been made by the Library of Congress, this study identified room for improvement in some areas of RDA training prior to adoption.
Polyamine depletion inhibits the differentiation of L6 myoblast cells

Abstract Exposure to α-difluoromethylornithine, an enzyme-activated irreversible inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase, inhibited the insulin induced differentiation of L6 myoblast cells. Differentiation was assessed by measuring creatine kinase activity and by determining the percentage of nuclei in myotubes. The levels of putrescine and spermidine increased in stimulated cultures prior to their differentiation and these increases were blocked by α-difluoromethylornithine. Provision of exogenous putrescine was able to reverse the inhibitory effect of the drug. The anti-differentiative effect is observed only if α-difluoromethylornithine is added within twenty-four hours of insulin stimulation. In the experimental protocol used, α-difluoromethylornithine was added as the cultures approached confluence and had no effect on their ultimate DNA content. Therefore, the effect of α-difluoromethylornithine on myoblast differentiation is not secondary to an effect on cellular proliferation. These results indicate that polyamines may be involved in the mediation of muscle cell differentiation.
Genetic live vaccines mimic the antigenicity but not pathogenicity of live viruses.

The development of an effective HIV vaccine is both a pressing and a formidable problem. The most encouraging results to date have been achieved using live-attenuated immunodeficiency viruses. Howe...
Treatment of biliary colic with diclofenac: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been used to relieve biliary colic. Follow-up was limited in previous studies, and the role of NSAIDs in the natural history of biliary colic has not been clarified. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of diclofenac, a potent NSAID, in the the immediate symptomatic relief of biliary colic and the prevention of cholelithiasis-related complications. METHODS: Fifty-three patients with cholelithiasis and biliary colic were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. They received a single 75-mg (3 mL) intramuscular injection of diclofenac (n = 27) or similarly administered 3 mL of saline (n = 26). All patients were followed up for at least 3 days. The effect of either treatment was assessed by changes in the severity of pain and the development of cholelithiasis-related complications. RESULTS: Complete relief of pain was obtained in 21 diclofenac and in 7 placebo patients; progression to acute cholecystitis was observed in 4 and 11 patients, respectively. Fewer overall complications were observed in the diclofenac group. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with cholelithiasis who present with biliary colic, a single 75-mg intramuscular dose of diclofenac can provide satisfactory pain relief and decrease substantially the rate of progression to acute cholecystitis. (Gastroenterology 1997 Jul;113(1):225-31)
Radiation-induced mutations in Prunus avium L. CV Napoleon

Abstract Dormant scions of “Napoleon” (“Royal Ann”) sweet cherry were subjected to gamma rays from a 60 Co source. Primary (V 1 ) shoots are described and the frequency and types of mutations are reported for secondary (V 2 ) shoots, especially as related to exposure dosage and to bud position on the V 1 shoot from which V 2 trees originated. The most favorable exposure to induce mutations was 4.0–4.5 kR. Including all exposures (3.0–5.0 kR), there was an overall frequency of 6.72% partial plant mutants, 1.94% total plant mutants and 0.10% compact mutants. While the lowest buds (3rd–10th from the base of V 1 shoots) gave a significantly higher overall frequency of mutations in subsequent V 2 trees, the higher buds (11th–37th) gave a relatively higher frequency of total plant mutants. The genetic results are discussed in relation to the type of radiation damage reported for apical meristems in this species.
Modeling and Semi-active Predictive Control of a Magnetorheological Fluid Shock Isolation System

This paper presents the mathematical modeling and predictive control of a magnetorheological fluid damper system. For the development of an effective controller precise modeling of the force-velocity characteristics of the MR damper is needed. Based on experimental data first the mathematical model for the MR damper is developed. Then a predictive controller is designed for the shock isolation of the payload mass. The design of the predictive controller is based on the optimization of a judiciously chosen performance index. The control input (electric current) is assumed to be bounded and positive for all time. Simulation results are presented which show that the developed mathematical model is effective in characterizing the behavior of the MR damper and the designed predictive controller is effective in the shock isolation of the payload.
Vibrational assignments of six-coordinate ferrous heme nitrosyls: new insight from nuclear resonance vibrational spectroscopy

This Communication addresses a long-standing problem: the exact vibrational assignments of the low-energy modes of the Fe−N−O subunit in six-coordinate ferrous heme nitrosyl model complexes. This problem is addressed using nuclear resonance vibrational spectroscopy (NRVS) coupled to 15N18O isotope labeling and detailed simulations of the obtained data. Two isotope-sensitive features are identified at 437 and 563 cm−1. Normal coordinate analysis shows that the 437 cm−1 mode corresponds to the Fe−NO stretch, whereas the 563 cm−1 band is identified with the Fe−N−O bend. The relative NRVS intensities of these features determine the degree of vibrational mixing between the stretch and the bend. The implications of these results are discussed with respect to the trans effect of imidazole on the bound NO. In addition, a comparison to myoglobin-NO (Mb-NO) is made to determine the effect of the Mb active site pocket on the bound NO.
Current-voltage characteristic of a Josephson junction with randomly distributed Abrikosov vortices

We have developed a theory of the current-voltage characteristic of a Josephson junction in the presence of randomly distributed, pinned misaligned Abrikosov vortices oriented perpendicularly to the junction plane. Under these conditions the Josephson phase difference {var_phi} acquires an interesting stochastic dependence on the position in the plane of the junction. In this situation it is possible to define an average critical current which is determined by the spatial correlations of this function. Due to the inhomogeneity, we find that for finite voltage bias the electromagnetic waves propagating in the junction display a broad spectrum of wavelengths. This is at variance with the situation encountered in homogeneous junctions. The amplitude of these modes is found to decrease as the bias is increased. We predict that the presence of these excitations is directly related to a remarkable feature in the current-voltage characteristic. The dependence of the position and the magnitude of this feature on the vortex concentration has been determined. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
“What are you Representing?” Contesting Identities of Incarcerated Youth

This article explores how incarcerated youth and adult supervisors contest claims to identity via language of “representing”. Comparing how youth and adults “represent” in discussions of their own past and future selves sheds light on the constrained universe of discourse within which both groups work to express identities and on the basis of which we counsel, mentor, and educate young people. Acknowledging these constraints can contribute to understanding what I call exceptionalism—the idea that only exceptional poor and raced young men, through great personal effort and sacrifice, may resist the lure of the “street”. I conclude by discussing implications of this work for education and youth development work both inside and beyond the juvenile justice system as well as for research across lines of difference by committed “outsiders”.
Identification of spatiotemporal nutrient patterns in a coastal bay via an integrated k-means clustering and gravity model

This study presents an integrated k-means clustering and gravity model (IKCGM) for investigating the spatiotemporal patterns of nutrient and associated dissolved oxygen levels in Tampa Bay, Florida. By using a k-means clustering analysis to first partition the nutrient data into a user-specified number of subsets, it is possible to discover the spatiotemporal patterns of nutrient distribution in the bay and capture the inherent linkages of hydrodynamic and biogeochemical features. Such patterns may then be combined with a gravity model to link the nutrient source contribution from each coastal watershed to the generated clusters in the bay to aid in the source proportion analysis for environmental management. The clustering analysis was carried out based on 1 year (2008) water quality data composed of 55 sample stations throughout Tampa Bay collected by the Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County. In addition, hydrological and river water quality data of the same year were acquired from the United States Geological Survey's National Water Information System to support the gravity modeling analysis. The results show that the k-means model with 8 clusters is the optimal choice, in which cluster 2 at Lower Tampa Bay had the minimum values of total nitrogen (TN) concentrations, chlorophyll a (Chl-a) concentrations, and ocean color values in every season as well as the minimum concentration of total phosphorus (TP) in three consecutive seasons in 2008. The datasets indicate that Lower Tampa Bay is an area with limited nutrient input throughout the year. Cluster 5, located in Middle Tampa Bay, displayed elevated TN concentrations, ocean color values, and Chl-a concentrations, suggesting that high values of colored dissolved organic matter are linked with some nutrient sources. The data presented by the gravity modeling analysis indicate that the Alafia River Basin is the major contributor of nutrients in terms of both TP and TN values in all seasons. With this new integration, improvements for environmental monitoring and assessment were achieved to advance our understanding of sea–land interactions and nutrient cycling in a critical coastal bay, the Gulf of Mexico.
‘…and C is for Clioquinol’ – the AβCs of Alzheimer's disease

Abstract Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating age-related neurodegenerative disorder that has been intensively studied over the last several years. In vitro and in vivo studies have led to an understanding of some of the physico–chemical properties of amyloid, a well-characterized hallmark of AD. Clioquinol is a drug that acts on amyloid by perturbing amyloid's metallo-chemistry, and Clioquinol treatment has been shown to be beneficial in a mouse model of AD. This short review examines the recent studies relating to Clioquinol and AD, and anticipates the imminent results of a Phase II trial of Clioquinol in AD, due in March 2002.
Correlation filters that generalize well

Distortion-invariant correlation filters are used to detect and recognize distorted objects in image scenes. We describe a new way to design distortion-invariant correlation filters that ensures good generalization (same performance on training and test sets). The traditional way of designing correlation filters uses different types of frequency domain preprocessing and linear combination of training images. We show that these different approaches can be implemented in a framework using linear combination of eigen-images of preprocessed training data. Using eigen-domain data is shown to generalize well regardless of preprocessing used. We show results on SAR data using eigen-MINACE filters.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Comparison of valdecoxib and an oxycodone-acetaminophen combination for acute musculoskeletal pain in the emergency department: a randomized controlled trial.

UNLABELLED Oral opioids are potent analgesics that are used to treat acute pain in the emergency department (ED). However, they are associated with adverse events such as sedation that may delay safe patient discharge. OBJECTIVE To compare the safety and efficacy of a new cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, valdecoxib, with those of an oxycodone-acetaminophen combination in patients with acute musculoskeletal pain. METHODS This was a double-blind, randomized controlled trial at an immediate care section of a suburban university-based ED with an annual census of 75,000. Adults with acute musculoskeletal pain without contraindications to the study medications were included. After recording their initial pain scores, patients were randomized to either oral valdecoxib 40 mg or oxycodone 10 mg with acetaminophen 650 mg. Pain scores were recorded at 30 and 60 minutes, and patients who requested additional pain relief were given an oral analgesic at the physician's discretion. Twenty-four-hour telephone follow-up was performed. The pain severity was recorded at 0, 30, and 60 minutes using a validated 100-mm visual analog scale marked "most" at the high end. The need for rescue medications and the occurrence of adverse events were determined. Study outcomes were compared with Student's t-test, repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), and chi(2) tests as appropriate. RESULTS Fifty-one patients were randomized to valdecoxib (26) or oxycodone (25). Mean (+/- SD) age was 36 (+/- 14.7) years; 49% were women. Pain locations included extremities (49%), neck (29%), and back (22%). Baseline patient characteristics and pain severities were similar. There was no between-group difference in pain scores at 30 and 60 minutes. The changes in pain scores over time were also similar in the two study groups (repeated-measures ANOVA, p = 0.32). Patients treated with valdecoxib were less likely to experience sedation/dizziness (15% vs. 44%, p = 0.03) and to require rescue medications within the next 24 hours (44% vs. 74%, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS Valdecoxib is as effective as an oxycodone-acetaminophen combination in treating ED patients with acute musculoskeletal pain at 30 minutes and less likely to cause sedation or the need for rescue analgesia over the next day.
Two Y Genes Can Replace the Entire Y Chromosome for Assisted Reproduction in the Mouse

The Y chromosome is thought to be important for male reproduction. We have previously shown that, with the use of assisted reproduction, live offspring can be obtained from mice lacking the entire Y chromosome long arm. Here, we demonstrate that live mouse progeny can also be generated by using germ cells from males with the Y chromosome contribution limited to only two genes, the testis determinant factor Sry and the spermatogonial proliferation factor Eif2s3y. Sry is believed to function primarily in sex determination during fetal life. Eif2s3y may be the only Y chromosome gene required to drive mouse spermatogenesis, allowing formation of haploid germ cells that are functional in assisted reproduction. Our findings are relevant, but not directly translatable, to human male infertility cases.
High frequency microwave ablation for targeted minimally invasive cancer treatment

We demonstrate the feasibility of microwave ablation of tissue using much higher frequencies (e.g. 10 GHz) than those used in conventional MWA (e.g., <; 2.5 GHz). In this study we compare the performance of a 10 GHz microwave ablation system with that of a 1.9 GHz system. Two sets of floating sleeve dipole antennas operating at these frequencies were designed and fabricated for use in ex vivo experiments conducted with bovine livers at a power level of 42 W for 5 minutes. In all cases, the 10 GHz experiments resulted in comparable ablation zone dimensions and exhibited faster heating rates in the immediate vicinity of the antennas compared to the 1.9 GHz experiments. These experiments demonstrate that high-frequency microwave antennas may be used to create reasonably large ablation zones. Higher frequencies offer the advantage of smaller antennas, which potentially enables less intrusive interstitial devices and the development of more compact multi-element arrays with improved heating properties.
Quantitative ultrastructural investigations of mitochondrial development in Leishmania donovani during transformation.

SYNOPSIS. The ultrastructure of the mitochondrion during transformation of Leishmania donovani from amastigote to promastigote stages was studied by morphometric analysis. There was a slight but significant decrease in relative mitochondrial volume (Vvli) during transformation. This decrease was linear with time for at least 27 hr. No change in relative lipid inclusion volume (Vvli) was observed during transformation. The ratio of inner to outer mitochondrial surface membrane densities (Svmii:Svmio) also remained unchanged. Although the relative number of cristae remains unchanged after transformation, there is an increase in cristae number in the portion of the kinetoplast opposite the flagellum.
Simulation-assisted materials design for the concurrent design of materials and products

Engineering design has historically been taught using the paradigm of selecting materials on the basis of tabulated databases of properties (mechanical, physical, chemical, etc.). Recent trends have moved toward concurrent design of material composition and microstructure together with the component/system level. The goal is to tailor materials to meet specifi ed ranges of performance requirements of the overall system. Often these multiple performance requirements are in confl ict in terms of their demands on composition and microstructure. This paper explores the elements of a decision-based robust design framework for concurrent design of materials and products, focusing on enhancing the fraction of decisions supported by modeling and simulation.
Microwave assisted lipid extraction from microalgae using biodiesel as co-solvent

Abstract This study reports the solvent potential of biodiesel (methyl soyate) for microalgal lipid extraction while employing microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). Two co-solvent systems, BD20 and BD40 containing 20% and 40% of biodiesel in ethanol respectively, were experimented at 80 °C, 100 °C, and 120 °C in MAE. Results were compared to those of the MAE using chloroform and ethanol (1:2) as well as conventional 8 h Soxhlet extraction. Results indicated that approximately 66% and 78% of the oil within the cells were extracted with BD40 at 80 °C and 100 °C, respectively. Increase in temperature to 120 °C increased the efficiency of BD40 extraction to 115.5%, relative to conventional Soxhlet extraction. The BD20 co-solvent on the other hand extracted 27%, 34%, and 24% of oil at 80 °C, 100 °C, and 120 °C temperatures respectively. MAE using chloroform and ethanol showed 32%, 93%, and 108% of oil compared to Soxhlet. Data indicated that increase in biodiesel proportion in the co-solvent and increased temperature lead to more efficient extraction. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images were used to discern the cell structures before and after the extraction. This study was aimed at identifying benign alternatives for the traditional toxic solvents like n -hexane for extracting microalgal lipids.
Effect of Mode of Representation on Visual Humor

24 photographs representing four types of humor (aggression, superiority, incongruity, and the unexpected) were redrawn as cartoons and rated by 361 college students. Photographs were judged more humorous than cartoons, with additional effects related to type of humor and sex. The belief that an event really occurred, as found in photographs, may be important for effective visual humor.
Pseudoepidemic of streptococcal pharyngitis in a hospital pharmacy.

Abstract Context: Streptococcus pyogenes has recently re-emerged as a significant pathogen causing disease ranging from pharyngitis to lethal systemic infection. Six hospital pharmacy employees were diagnosed as having streptococcal pharyngitis during 1 week, and antibiotic prophylaxis was requested to halt the outbreak. Objective: Outbreak investigation. Design: Review of initial cases and prospective evaluation of the remaining pharmacy employees and the antigen detection test being used. Setting: Pharmacy and occupational health department of a university hospital. Population: Sixteen employees of the hospital pharmacy and 19 other employees of the hospital. Results: The 6 pharmacy employees who had positive streptococcal antigen detection tests did not have symptoms suggesting streptococcal pharyngitis. Of the 10 remaining pharmacy employees, none had a positive throat culture for S pyogenes. Specificity of the antigen detection test being used was 53% (95% CI, 30%-75%) in prospective evaluation. Conclusions: This was believed to represent a pseudoepidemic because none of the 6 cases had signs or symptoms typical of streptococcal pharyngitis, none of the remaining 10 pharmacy employees had positive throat cultures, and prospective evaluation found low specificity of the antigen detection test. Whereas use of an accurate test in such a low prevalence setting could have resulted in a higher percentage of results being false-positive, the low specificity of the antigen detection test being used also contributed to the pseudoepidemic. (AJIC Am J Infect Control 2001;29:104-8)
Diagnosis and Management of the Primary Headache Disorders in the Emergency Department Setting

Headache continues to be a frequent cause of emergency department (ED) use, accounting for 2% of all visits. Most of these headaches prove to be benign but painful exacerbations of chronic headache disorders, such as migraine, tension-type, and cluster. The goal of ED management is to provide rapid and quick relief of benign headache, without causing undue side effects, and to recognize headaches with malignant course. Although these headaches have distinct epidemiologies and clinical phenotypes, there is overlapping response to therapy; nonsteroidals, triptans, dihydroergotamine, and the antiemetic dopamine antagonists may play a therapeutic role for each of these acute headaches. This article reviews the diagnostic criteria and management strategies for the primary headache disorders.
Theory and validation of access flow measurement by dilution technique during hemodialysis

Access blood flow is currently measured by color-coded duplex sonography which has the ability to select groups of patients with higher risk of access failure [1]. There are also reports of operator errors [2] and of precision limitations arising from random uncertainties in the measurement of vessel diameter and Doppler angle [3]. Color-coded duplex sonography is an expensive technique and measurements are made only rarely. The onset of reduced flow can therefore be missed. We recently reported a modification of the indicator dilution method for measuring access flow during hemodialysis [4] and the initial clinical use of this method [5]. This paper presents the theory and bench validation for this new access flow measurement technique.
Number and Function of Bone-Marrow Derived Angiogenic Cells and Coronary Flow Reserve in Women without Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease: A Substudy of the NHLBI-Sponsored Women's Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation (WISE)

Background In women with ischemia and no obstructive coronary artery disease, the Women's Ischemic Syndrome Evaluation (WISE) observed that microvascular coronary dysfunction (MCD) is the best independent predictor of adverse cardiovascular events. Since coronary microvascular tone is regulated in part by endothelium, we hypothesized that circulating endothelial cells (CEC), which reflect endothelial injury, and the number and function of bone-marrow derived angiogenic cells (BMDAC), which could help repair damaged endothelium, may serve as biomarkers for decreased coronary flow reserve (CFR) and MCD.
Giant coercive forces in homogeneous bulk materials Sm0.167Co0.833−xAlx

Abstract The mechanism of magnetization of alloys Sm 0.167 Co 0.833− x Al x prepared by melting, is investigated from 2K to 280K on oriented powders and bulk materials. While the saturation moment decreases on Al substitution from 1.47μ B for Sm 0.167 Co 0.833 to 0.51μ B for Sm 0.167 Co 0.633 Al 0.20 the coercive force increases from 10.5kOe to 43kOe when measured on μ powders at 4.2K. Bulk materials Sm 0.167 Co 0.833 and Sm 0.167 Co 0.633 Al 0.2 show coercive forces of 1 and 33.5kOe at 4.2K respectively. The temperature dependence of coercive force, moreover, changes from linear to a Curie type behavior on Al substitution for Co in Sm Co 5 . These findings are understood as a result of the development of extremely energetic domain wall which at 4.2K are pinned at obstacles of atomic dimensions.
SU-E-T-21: A Novel Sampling Algorithm to Reduce Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) Optimization Time

Purpose: The IMRT optimization problem requires substantial computer time to find optimal dose distributions because of the large number of variables and constraints. Voxel sampling reduces the number of constraints and accelerates the optimization process, but usually deteriorates the quality of the dose distributions to the organs. We propose a novel sampling algorithm that accelerates the IMRT optimization process without significantly deteriorating the quality of the dose distribution. Methods: We included all boundary voxels, as well as a sampled fraction of interior voxels of organs in the optimization. We selected a fraction of interior voxels using a clustering algorithm, that creates clusters of voxels that have similar influence matrix signatures. A few voxels are selected from each cluster based on the pre-set sampling rate. Results: We ran sampling and no-sampling IMRT plans for de-identified head and neck treatment plans. Testing with the different sampling rates, we found that including 10% of inner voxels produced the good dose distributions. For this optimal sampling rate, the algorithm accelerated IMRT optimization by a factor of 2–3 times with a negligible loss of accuracy that was, on average, 0.3% for common dosimetric planning criteria. Conclusion: We demonstrated that a sampling could be developed that reduces optimization time by more than a factor of 2, without significantly degrading the dose quality.
Implementing responsibility centre budgeting

Recently, institutes of higher education (universities) have shown a renewed interest in organisational structures and operating methodologies that generate productivity and innovation; responsibility centre budgeting (RCB) is one such process. This paper describes the underlying principles constituting RCB, its origin and structural elements, and RCBs historical use by US universities. Its central focus is the organisational features that must be accounted for when making the decision to implement RCB. Included are the construction of responsibility centres from differing academic units, the allocation of revenues by function to centres, the allocation of unit operating costs according to the level of use, and a methodological base for allocating administrative and facility costs among the various centres. Focal considerations for implementation include an administration fully committed to the process, and an adequately sized, technically skilled, and motivated group of managers. Effective implementation...
Some Concerns about the Estimation of Learning Potential from the System of Multicultural Pluralistic Assessment.

After considering how an estimate of learning potential (ELP) is derived from the System of Multicultural Pluralistic Assessment, it was shown that most of the characteristics of ELP deemed to be important are generated by statistical artifacts. It was also noted that the fundamental assumption underlying ELP is without supportive evidence. ELP should not be used to make judgements about individual children or other educational decisions.
FRANZ WEIDENREICH, 1873–1948

FRANZ WEIDENREICH, who died at his home in New York City on July 11, 1948 after a relatively brief illness, had already contributed immeasurably to the advancement of the science of man and was then engaged in the completion of one of the most significant of all his monographs. His imperishable results were accomplished in spite of the anguish and distractions of two world wars. He, the flower of German science and true culture, was rejected by the monsters that ruled the land of his birth; but he lived to find, in China and in the United States of America, new and far greater opportunities for his indefatigable energy and constructive intellect.
Assessment of Nitrones as In Vivo Redox Sensors

Spin traps such as 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide, α-phenyl-tert-butyl nitrone, α-(4-pyridyl-1-oxide)-N-tert-butyl nitrone and newer generation 5-(diethoxyphosphoryl)-5-methyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide analogs have been known for years. What are the desired properties of good probes for measuring in vivo redox reactions in biological systems? These are specificity, sensitivity, rapid, high yield kinetics, low toxicity, high stability and easy to administer and target. Unfortunately, the nitrones perform poorly in almost all of these categories. Typical in vivo concentrations of spin trap approach 100 mM (assuming solubility and toxicity are not an issue), frequently yield 1% nitroxide or less stoichiometry, are typically unstable with time and frequently lack specificity. In vivo electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) experiments need to have strong signals that correlate with redox chemistry. The resultant signal should be stable and not rapidly interconvert to other diamagnetic species. Fortunately, some newer probes of in vivo redox reactions in biological systems have come upon the horizon. In fact some have been around for a long time, but their virtues are becoming increasingly appreciated. This paper summarizes the disadvantages of nitrones versus the clear advantages of other probes of free radicals, redox state and the like by EPR. It also expands on the properties of nitroxides and nitrones as therapeutics.
THE FACTOR STRUCTURE OF FORMAL OPERATIONS

Summary. Four Piagetian formal thought tasks, three formal operational reasoning tests, and a test of verbal intelligence were administered to 90 scholastically above-average adolescents, 30 at each of three age levels (13, 16 and 19). The formal reasoning tests provided scores indicating level of formal reasoning in each of three content areas—biology, history and literature, respectively. It was hypothesised that formal operational skills are unifactor. With the use of maximum likelihood factor analysis it was determined that the eight measures had a bifactor structure with a large general factor and a secondary factor which distinguished tasks from tests. Also formal thought was found to have a substantial verbal intelligence component as well as non-verbal intelligence components.