cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anaphylaxis: a review of 601 cases.

Background The allergist usually sees patients with anaphylaxis after the event for the purposes of identifying the cause, establishing a prognosis, and preventing further episodes. Knowledge of the characteristics of such patients is essential to achieve these goals. Objective To examine the natural history, clinical manifestations, and factors that affect the patients' adherence to suggested treatment and preventive strategies of anaphylaxis. Methods A retrospective medical record review spanning 25 years (1978-2003) and follow-up questionnaires were used to obtain data on 601 patients who presented with anaphylaxis of unknown origin to a private university-affiliated allergy-immunology practice. Results Patients ranged in age from 1 to 79 years, with a mean age of 37 years. Females comprised 62% of cases. Causes of anaphylaxis were elucidated in 41% of cases. Known causes included foods in 131 patients (22%), medications in 69 cases (11%), and exercise in 31 cases (5%). Two hundred twenty-three patients (37%) were found to be atopic by history confirmed with skin prick testing. The most common manifestation was urticaria and/or angioedema, reported in 87% of patients. Systemic mastocytosis was found in 3 patients. Episodes tended to decline in frequency with time. Adherence to instructions to carry epinephrine can be improved with more effective teaching. Conclusions In most cases, the cause of anaphylaxis is undetermined. Women are affected more commonly than men. Systemic mastocytosis should be considered in cases of idiopathic anaphylaxis, and patients with a history of atopy are at an increased risk of developing anaphylaxis. Patients are more reliably carrying epinephrine as a result of changes in physician instructions. Finally, anaphylactic episodes tend to decrease in frequency and severity with time.
Field Testing and Analyses of a Batter Pile Group Foundation Under Lateral Loading

Much of the new I-10 Twin Span Bridge, built over Lake Pontchartrain between New Orleans and Slidell, Louisiana, is supported by driven batter pile group foundations. To assess the methodology used to design and analyze batter pile foundations and to evaluate their performance under lateral loading, a full-scale lateral load test was conducted on an M19 eastbound pier of the new bridge. The M19 pier foundation consisted of 24 precast, prestressed concrete 110-ft-long batter piles; eight piles were instrumented with in-place inclinometers (IPIs), and 12 piles were instrumented with strain gauges. The test was conducted by pulling the M19 eastbound and westbound piers toward each other with high-strength steel tendons. A maximum 1,870-kip lateral load was applied in increments. A high-order polynomial curve-fitting method was applied for each load increment to fit the measured rotation profiles from the IPIs, and the fitted rotation curves were used to deduce the bending moment, shear force, and soil reacti...
Considerations of Culture and Community in the Production of Hmong Health

Health is locally produced by individuals, families, and households through the interplay and strategic utilization of a variety of internal and external resources, yet distally influenced by the larger ecological environment within which these are situated. The specific environmental factors that influence health vary across time and space, but are important to understanding and addressing health disparities. Data for this project come from 33 Hmong women who participated in focus groups conducted as part of an exploratory community-based research study investigating cervical cancer screening disparities in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin Hmong community. Participants identified a number of factors broadly falling into two ecological contexts—culture (beliefs about disease causation, treatment seeking, and modesty) and community (collective decision making, health literacy, and language)—influencing screening decisions. Understanding of these factors is important for developing culturally embedded and locally relevant solutions aimed at effectively increasing cervical cancer screening rates and improving health outcomes for Hmong women.
Modified waxy wheat starch compared to modified waxy corn starch

Abstract Waxy wheat starch (WWS) and waxy corn starch (WCS) were cross-linked in an aqueous slurry at c. 37% starch solids with 0·013 to 0·050% phosphoryl chloride (starch basis) at pH 11·5 for 60 min in the presence of c. 2·1% sodium sulphate (starch basis). Increasing levels of phosphoryl chloride caused a steady decline in the final paste consistency of cross-linked WWS, but that of WCS proceeded through an optimum. Starch paste consistency was the resistance to stirring measured in a pasting instrument. WWS cross-linked at a low level gave a higher final paste consistency compared with cross-linked WCS. WWS and WCS were hydroxypropylated (HP) to low ( c. 2·0%) and medium ( c. 4·0%) levels by reaction with propylene oxide at pH 11·5 and 45 °C, and the HP starches were then cross-linked with 0·008 to 0·018% phosphoryl chloride. Again, cross-linked HP-WWS gave pasting curves with higher consistency at 6·25% starch solids compared with HP-WCS. WWS and its modified forms yielded pastes of lower clarity than those from WCS, but the pastes from HP/cross-linked WWS had better freeze-thaw stability. Cross-linking with phosphoryl chloride (0·025%) followed by acetylation with acetic anhydride (8·0%) yielded modified waxy wheat and waxy corn starches with similar paste consistencies, but a force-distance instrument indicated that the modified WCS was significantly stringier than the modified WWS.
Non adiabatic effects in electron-atom interactions

Abstract An expression for the distortion potential, which represents the leading non-adiabatic term in the interaction between an electron and an atom, is derived from many body perturbation theory.
Structural Modeling of Full Length Maguk Scaffold Proteins using Single Molecule FRET Restraints

By conjoining protein interaction domains, scaffold proteins form a framework to organize signaling. Synaptic MAGUK scaffold proteins contain three PDZ domains, an SH3 domain and an inactive Guanylate kinase (GK) domain, which are connected by flexible linkers. We used single molecule fluorescence to probe the structure of MAGUK proteins in their isolated “ground” state. We found that the five domains partition into two independent units with relatively fixed structures. From these findings, it is unclear how allosteric coupling between the PDZ domains would be possible. Comparative structural analysis showed a conservation of the PDZ domain organization but the differences within the PDZ3-SH3-GK module. Surprisingly, we found no signs of conformational heterogeneity, transitions or dynamics on the microsecond to second timescale. These findings provide the first unambiguous assignment of domain positioning in a full length scaffold protein.
A Golden Opportunity? Edward Bernays and the Dilemma of Ethics

In 1928, the Federal Trade Commission began a six-year-long investigation of the National Electric Light Association (NELA), who, for 15 years, had carried out a massive propaganda campaign intended to discourage public ownership of electric utilities, including, most notably, General Electric (GE). This article examines the relationship between Edward Bernays, NELA, and GE—especially given Bernays's involvement the following year in the GE-sponsored celebration of “Light's Golden Jubilee.” Bernays's defense of the techniques of propaganda on the one hand, and his belief in a new form of persuasion embodied in the ethical public relations counsel on the other, reveal both his idealism and his opportunism and, at the same time, call into question the ethicality of his actions.
Effect of methadone dose contingencies on urinalysis test results of polydrug-abusing methadone-maintenance patients.

Abstract Drug abuse outcomes were examined during 2 contingency management procedures in which the size of the methadone dose was determined by recent urinalysis test results. Twenty polydrug-abusing methadone-maintenance patients were exposed to one of two specific altered dose consequences: a positive incentive procedure in which dose could only increase above baseline levels as a result of drug-free urines and a negative incentive procedure in which dose could only decrease below original baseline levels as a result of drug-positive urines. About 13% of urinalysis test results were drug-free during a 10-week pre-study baseline period while about 40–50% of urines were drug-free for both treatment groups during an 18-week intervention period. About half of the subjects in each study condition showed marked improvement during the intervention, while the other half failed to improve their urine test results. Treatment failures in the dose decrease as compared with the dose increase condition were more likely to drop out of the study. The study showed that size of the methadone dose can be effectively used as a consequence to influence illicit drug use during treatment. The study suggests that positive reinforcement as compared with aversive control procedures can produce an equivalent number of successful cases while avoiding dropout among patients who fail to respond to treatment.
Parental and Family Factors as Predictors of Threat Bias in Anxious Youth

The present study examined the relative predictive value of parental anxiety, parents' expectation of child threat bias, and family dysfunction on child's threat bias in a clinical sample of anxious youth. Participants (N = 488) were part of the Child/Adolescent Anxiety Multi-modal study (CAMS), ages 7-17 years (M = 10.69; SD = 2.80). Children met diagnostic criteria for generalized anxiety disorder, separation anxiety and/or social phobia. Children and caregivers completed questionnaires assessing child threat bias, child anxiety, parent anxiety and family functioning. Child age, child anxiety, parental anxiety, parents' expectation of child's threat bias and child-reported family dysfunction were significantly associated with child threat bias. Controlling for child's age and anxiety, regression analyses indicated that parents' expectation of child's threat bias and child-reported family dysfunction were significant positive predictors of child's self-reported threat bias. Findings build on previous literature by clarifying parent and family factors that appear to play a role in the development or maintenance of threat bias and may inform etiological models of child anxiety.
Pharmacologic and genetic strategies to enhance cell therapy for cardiac regeneration

Abstract Cell-based therapy is emerging as an exciting potential therapeutic approach for cardiac regeneration following myocardial infarction (MI). As heart failure (HF) prevalence increases over time, development of new interventions designed to aid cardiac recovery from injury are crucial and should be considered more broadly. In this regard, substantial efforts to enhance the efficacy and safety of cell therapy are continuously growing along several fronts, including modifications to improve the reprogramming efficiency of inducible pluripotent stem cells (iPS), genetic engineering of adult stem cells, and administration of growth factors or small molecules to activate regenerative pathways in the injured heart. These interventions are emerging as potential therapeutic alternatives and/or adjuncts based on their potential to promote stem cell homing, proliferation, differentiation, and/or survival. Given the promise of therapeutic interventions to enhance the regenerative capacity of multipotent stem cells as well as specifically guide endogenous or exogenous stem cells into a cardiac lineage, their application in cardiac regenerative medicine should be the focus of future clinical research. This article is part of a special issue entitled “Key Signaling Molecules in Hypertrophy and Heart Failure.”
Social epistemology and social cognitive psychology

(1991). Social epistemology and social cognitive psychology. Social Epistemology: Vol. 5, Analytic Social Epistemology I, pp. 111-120.
Association schemes and quadratic transformations for orthogonal polynomials

Special cases of the Askey-Wilson polynomials are the eigenmatrices of the classical association schemes. Three constructions on the schemes — multiple polynomial structures, bipartite halves, and antipodal quotients — give quadratic transformations for the polynomials. It is shown that these transformations essentially follow from a quadratic transformation for the Askey-Wilson polynomials. Explicit formulas for the eigenmatrices of three related association schemes are given.
Screening discrimination and the determinants of wages

Abstract This paper tests for a type of statistical discrimination, referred to as “screening discrimination,” that assumes signals of worker productivity that employers receive at the time of hiring are noisier for one group than for another. Screening discrimination implies that starting wages depend less on initial productivity signals for women than for men, and that the influence of worker performance on wages increases faster with tenure for women. I test these predictions and find strong evidence suggesting that employers receive less-accurate initial signals from women than from men, even when comparing men and women in the same job.
Sodium-proton exchange in human ileal brush-border membrane vesicles.

This study examines the characteristics of Na+ and H+ transport as well as Na+H+ exchange in human ileal brush-border membrane vesicles from organ donor intestine. 22Na+ uptake into vesicles and the fluorescence quenching of Acridine orange were employed to measure Na+ and H+ transport, respectively. Concentrative uptake of 22Na+ (4-fold overshoot above equilibrium) was observed under conditions of an outward proton gradient (pHi 5.5; pHo 7.5). Voltage-clamping (Ki+ = Ko+ + valinomycin) reduced the uptake of 22Na+ by 40–50% indicating the presence of Na+ conductance. Dissipation of the Acridine orange fluoresence quench in ileal vesicles with a performed pH gradient (pHi 5.5; pHo 7.5) was accelerated by either external Na+ or voltage-clamping in the absence of Na+. The effects of Na+ and voltage-clamping were additive under the above conditions. In the absence of a pH gradient, Acridine orange quenching was induced by intravesicular Na+ as well as an interior negative K+ diffusion potential. In voltage-clamped BBMV, pH-driven Na+ uptake was inhibited by amiloride (Ki = 140 μM). The initial rate of pH-driven Na+ uptake was saturable and conformed to Michaelis-Menten kinetics with apparent Km and Vmax values of 27 ± 1 mM and 47 ± 1 nmol·(mg protein)−1·(3 s)−1, respectively. Li+ and NH4+, but not Cs+, K+, Rb+ or choline+ inhibited pH gradient-driven 22Na+ uptake. The results demonstrate in human ileal brush-border membrane vesicles the presence of an Na+/H+ exchanger and conductive transport pathways for Na+ and H+.
Organization Development in Community Contexts

Organization development (OD) is a field of management in which professionals assist organizations through planned change interventions and processes (Cummings & Worley, 2009). The application of O...
Algebraic classification of linking pairings on 3-manifolds

A linking is understood as a pair (G, ~b) such that G is a finite abelian group and ~b is a nonsingular, symmetric bilinear pairing G x G~Q/Z. It is convenient to identify a linking (G, ~) with a matrix which represents ~b relative to the generators of a cyclic splitting of G unless confusion might occur. The linking occurs often in the study of topology. For example, given a closed oriented 3-manifold M, we have a unique linking (~HI(M),q~M) defined by the Poincar~ duality, where "rHI(M ) is the torsion part of the integral homology group Hi(M). The purpose of this paper is to determine completely the structure of the abelian semigroup 9l of all linkings (up to isomorphism) under block sum and to observe that any linking is isomorphic to the linking ~b~ of a closed connected oriented 3-manifold M. To do this, we shall present a complete system of invariants of isomorphic linkings, which arises naturally from our purpose. Such a complete system had already been known by Seifert [ 11] in the case of odd-primary groups, and in general by Burger [2, Satz 5] in terms of Minkowski's beautiful theory. Though they are related directly or indirectly to each other (cf. Fox [5]), we do not discuss here any relation between them.
Alterations in the Body Composition of Adult Men during Selected Physical Training Programs

: Twenty-four adult men were assigned to an experimental weight-training group (N=10), or to an experimental jogging group (N=8), or to an active control group (N=6). Height, weight, skinfold thickness (ten sites), girth (four sites), and total body potassium (4 0 K) were assessed before and after the exercise programs. After eight weeks of training, the weight-training group had gained significantly more weight than the jogging group had lost, the jogging and weight-training groups had lost significantly more fat than the control group, and the weight-training group showed an increase in fat-free weight which was significantly different from the changes in fat-free weight for the other two groups. There were no differences between the three groups for any of the skinfold or girth measurements. Thus adults, given a constant diet, can favorably alter their fat-free weight and fat weight by participating in regular physical exercise, under adequate medical supervision.
Sensitivity and specificity of electrocardiographic evaluation of LVH in 364 unselected autopsy cases a criterion, RV6 ⪰ 18 mm., is proposed

Autopsy data and electrocardiographic findings in 364 unselected cases were studied; 163 cases were classified as having LVH on the basis of heart weight and ventricular wall thickness; 145 patients were classified into a control group, and 56 patients into an intermediate group. The mean age of the 364 patients was 68.5 years. This study compares the commonly used voltage criteria for LVH and evaluates them on the basis of sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of a positive or negative finding. Not a single previous voltage or intrinsicoid deflection criterion had a sensitivity greater than 20 per cent of the 163 cases with LVH. The criterion with the greatest sensitivity was that of the authors' where “R” in V6 ⪰ 18 mm. deflection. This criterion had a sensitivity of 24.6 per cent and a specificity of 93.1 per cent. When all the commonly used voltage criteria were combined with the authors' criterion, the diagnosis of LVH could be made in 46.5 per cent of the cases with a specificity of 89.6 per cent, a predictive value of a positive finding of 82 per cent and a predictive value of a negative finding of 62.3 per cent. We feel that RV6 ⪰ 18 mm. should be used with other criteria in order to increase the sensitivity and maintain specificity in making the diagnosis of LVH in the age group studied.
Real-world implementation of evidence-based dental practice.

Fear of the unknown is well acknowledged as a human response rooted in the instinct for self preservation. Although this reaction may serve its purpose in certain specific contexts, it historically has proven to be a hindrance to progress in certain social domains. Ignorance in any form poses as a major obstacle of human progress via its thwarting effect on the intelligent response to what is not known. To vanquish ignorance is to gain insight and do away with fear. As the profession of dentistry continues to overcome its fear of the evidence-based approach to clinical practice via improved understanding and appreciation of this concept, so will its ability to implement its fundamentals. It can be said that through this gained insight will flow improved clinical evidence that in turn will facilitate better outcomes and increased patient trust and satisfaction. The profession’s informal reticence of the concepts of evidence-based practice the last few years has given way to the formal adoption of resolutions by state dental organizations and specifically by the American Dental Association in 2002:
MAPLE-deposited polymer films for improved organic device performance

Matrix-assisted pulsed-laser evaporation (MAPLE) provides a mechanism for layer-by-layer growth to control the polymer–dielectric interface in organic metal–insulator–semiconductor (MIS) diodes and field-effect transistors (FETs). MAPLE-deposited copolymers of polyfluorene (PF) and polythiophene maintain their structural and optical properties, as determined by Raman spectroscopy, absorption, and photoluminescence. These films are further utilized in MIS and FET structures with SiO2 and other polymer dielectrics. Since common polymer dielectrics prevent spin coating of solution processable polymers due to solubility effects, MAPLE is one of the only deposition techniques for investigating all polymer semiconductor-insulator interfaces. In this paper we present optical and electrical studies of MAPLE-deposited PF and polythiophene films in FETs and MIS structures. The FET carrier mobilities of these devices compare well with spin-coated devices. Capacitance–voltage and conductance–voltage from MIS structures with MAPLE-deposited PF copolymer films yield interface trap densities in the low 1012 eV−1 cm−2 range.
Analysis of amphetamine in urine using TLC and interference refractometry

Abstract Urinary excretion of amphetamine has been examined in a number of male albino rats of the Wistar strain after intraperitoneal administration of d-amphetamine-HCl. The collected urine was rendered alkaline, extracted with chloroform, washed with water, dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and evaporated down to 10 ml; the excretion of unchanged drug was determined using (a) silica-gel thin-layer chromatography and a number of solvents and (b) interference refractometry. The effect on the excretion of the amine when urine was acidic or alkaline was also measured. Quantities smaller than 1 mg were measured with these techniques.
Pseudo-Cartesian product and Hamiltonian decompositions of Cayley graphs on Abelian groups

Abstract Alspach has conjectured that any 2 k -regular connected Cayley graph cay ( A , S ) on a finite abelian group A can be decomposed into k hamiltonian cycles. In this paper we generalize a result by Kotzig that the cartesian product of any two cycles can be decomposed into two hamiltonian cycles and show that any pseudo-cartesian product of two cycles can be decomposed into two hamiltonian cycles. By applying that result we first give an alternative proof for the main result in (Bermond et al., 1989), including the missing cases, and then we show that the conjecture is true for most 6-regular connected Cayley graphs on abelian groups of odd order and for some 6-regular connected Cayley graphs on abelian groups of even order.
Tougher: A user-friendly graphical interface for TOUGHREACT

TOUGHREACT is a powerful simulator for multiphase fluid, heat, and chemical transport, but has a steep learning curve and the creation of the input files is time intensive, particularly for heterogeneous and complex geometries such as those in mining rock pile formations. TOUGHER is an application developed by the acid rock drainage research group of the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Utah in order to develop TOUGHREACT models rapidly for two-dimensional problems and to be able to visualize the simulation results in an intuitive way. It also reduces errors when creating complex layered 2D models and makes debugging easier. The software is currently limited to 2D rectangular grids with constant spatial sizes. The application is written in C++ and can be used on any computer with a Windows or Linux operating system. This paper will describe the overall structure of the application and give some examples of how it interfaces with the TOUGHREACT program. In particular, it will be shown how the application can generate a grid system for a rock pile containing several distinct geological layers, how the properties of each layer are set, and how the input sections (ELEM and CONNE) for TOUGHREACT are generated automatically. In addition, visualizing the flow and chemical output files generated by TOUGHREACT for a particular rock pile will be demonstrated. This includes transient vector as well as transient scalar data. At the end of the paper, two case studies, one with a simplified geometry and another with more complex layered rock geometry, will be presented.
The impact of knowledge stickiness on knowledge transfer implementation, internalization, and satisfaction for multinational corporations

Improving the effectiveness of knowledge transfer from a parent firm to its subsidiary is one of the most critical issues confronting management at multinational companies (MNC). Since knowledge tends to be sticky and difficult to transfer, the success of knowledge transfer is contingent not only upon various kinds of contextual variables, but also upon the process of knowledge transfer implementation and internalization. Previous studies did not consider the process of implementation and internalization variables, and failed to provide a more comprehensive research framework for MNC knowledge transfer. This study attempts to assess the impact of knowledge stickiness on knowledge transfer implementation and internalization, as well as the performance of headquarter-subsidiary knowledge transfer. Results of this study suggest that an increase in knowledge stickiness may have a positive and significant influence on knowledge implementation, internalization, and knowledge transfer satisfaction. However, increases in knowledge stickiness beyond a certain point can also deter the success of transferring knowledge. Results also suggest a significant relationship between knowledge transfer implementation and internalization, innovation and satisfaction, and between knowledge innovation and knowledge transfer satisfaction.
The law of k/n: The effect of chamber size on government spending in bicameral legislatures

Recent work in political economics has examined the positive relationship between legislative size and spending, which Weingast et al. (1981) formalized as the law of 1/n. However, empirical tests of this theory have produced a pattern of divergent findings. The positive relationship between seats and spending appears to hold consistently for unicameral legislatures and for upper chambers in bicameral legislatures but not for lower chambers. We bridge this gap between theory and empirics by extending Weingast et al.'s model to account for bicameralism in the context of a Baron–Ferejohn bargaining game. Our comparative statics predict, and empirical data from U.S. state legislatures corroborate, that the size of the upper chamber (n) is a positive predictor of expenditure, whereas the ratio of lower-to-upper chamber seats (k) exhibits a negative effect. We refer to these relationships as the law of k/n, as the two variables influence spending in opposite directions.
Precipitation and determination of tantalum and niobium from homogeneous solution with 3:3' :4' :5:7-pentahydroxyflavanone

Abstract 3:3,:5:7-Pentahydroxyflavanone in fairly concentrated acidic solution (6-9 N ) does not precipitate tantalum and niobium ; however, on heating or boiling, in the presence of air, this flavanone is transformed into 3:3':4':5:7-pentahydroxyflavone, which precipitates any tantalum and niobium present in the solution. Under the precipitation conditions, racemisation of the flavanone also takes place. The racemised flavanone which is less soluble than the original d -form may accompany the tantalum and niobium precipitates without affecting the quantitative determination of these elements. The precipitation of the tantalum and niobium complexes can be controlled by regulating the acidity and the duration of boiling, as well as the concentration of the flavanone. Experimental data and procedures are given for the precipitation and determination from homogeneous solution of tantalum and niobium complexes. Zirconium and molybdenum do not interfere with the determination. Titanium must be absent or present only in minute quantity. Since the generation of the precipitating reagent, flavone, from the flavanone is comparatively slow, the precipitation of tantalum and niobium is uniform throughout the solution. By this technique, adsorption and co-precipitation of potassium and sulphate ions in the solution are shown to be negligible. This is in contrast to the less effective dropwise addition of the flavone reported by earlier investigators, in which adsorption and co-precipitation were pronounced. In the present study, tantalum and niobium oxides were fused with potassium bisulphate. There is no necessity using hydrofluoric acid to dissolve these oxides and therefore no polyethylene apparatus is required.
Progress toward THz antenna designs with high directivity and high efficiency

We present three linearly polarized photoconductive terahertz (THz) antenna designs for a THz imaging system that we are constructing. A bow-tie based antenna with a finite ground plane (on the side of the substrate opposite the bow-tie) and DC bias lines included, is the reference design. By making the ground plane larger, one is able to increase the directivity of the bow-tie design at 1.05 THz. On the other hand, by incorporating a metamaterial-inspired structure, which acts as an artificial magnetic conductor (AMC), the directivity is increased by almost 3 dB at 1.05 THz. The simulation results show that the radiation efficiency of this bow-tie AMC-augmented antenna is above 85% at 1.05 THz. A comparison of these three antenna designs is given.
Magnetic resonance imaging of cervical ectopic pregnancy in the second trimester.

OBJECTIVE To describe the magnetic resonance imaging findings of cervical ectopic pregnancy in the second trimester. CONCLUSIONS Magnetic resonance imaging findings of cervical ectopic pregnancy in the second trimester include intracervical location of the fetus, endometrial hyperplasia within an otherwise empty endometrial cavity, and irregular placentation in the cervix. Correct recognition of the condition is critical because of the potential for catastrophic and life-threatening maternal bleeding.
Nodulation and nitrogenase activity in nitrogen-fixing woody plants stimulated by CO2 enrichment of the atmosphere

The responses of three species of nitrogen-fixing trees to CO2 enrichment of the atmosphere were investigated under nutrient-poor conditions. Seedlings of the legume, Robinia pseudoacacia L. and the actinorhizal species, Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. and Elaeagnus angustifolia L. were grown in an infertile forest soil in controlled-environment chambers with atmospheric CO2 concentrations of 350 μl −1 (ambient) or 700 μl −1. In R. pseudoacacia and A. glutinosa, total nitrogenase (N2 reduction) activity per plant, assayed by the acetylene reduction method, was significantly higher in elevated CO2, because the plants were larger and had more nodule mass than did plants in ambient CO2. The specific nitrogenase activity of the nodules, however, was not consistently or significantly affected by CO2 enrichment. Substantial increases in plant growth occurred with CO2 enrichment despite probable nitrogen and phosphorus deficiencies. These results support the premises that nutrient limitations will not preclude growth responses of woody plants to elevated CO2 and that stimulation of symbiotic activity by CO2 enrichment of the atmosphere could increase nutrient availability in infertile habitats.
Emotional awareness and delusions in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder

Abstract Background and objectives Emotion plays a significant role in schizophrenia. Emotional awareness (i.e., attention to and clarity of emotions) is associated with a wide range of outcomes. Given that individuals with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder differ in the significance of their mood symptoms, the present research examined whether the association between emotional awareness and delusions differs for these two groups of patients. Methods Emotional awareness (i.e., attention to and clarity of emotions) was measured with self-report in a sample of 44 individuals diagnosed with either schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Clinical ratings of delusions were made using the Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms. Results For the sample as a whole, individuals with higher levels of attention to emotion tended to have more severe delusions. In addition, diagnostic group significantly moderated the relation between emotional clarity and delusions. Limitations Conclusions regarding causality cannot be drawn due to the cross-sectional design. Replication is particularly important given the small sample sizes. Conclusions The present research indicates that emotional awareness is associated with delusions. The results raise the possibility that the emotional factors that contribute to delusional beliefs among individuals with schizophrenia differ in at least some ways from the emotional factors that contribute to delusional beliefs among individuals with schizoaffective disorder.
Some novel features of the Gross-Neveu model

Abstract The dynamics of the O(2N) Gross-Neveu model seems to be liked to the O(2N) group by more than just O(2N) invariance. It is shown that the P3 symmetry of the O(8) Dynkin diagram leads to a triality symmetry in the dynamics that allows us to transform the ψ particles and the two kinds of kinks into each other. It is also pointed out that (i) particles appear in the spectrum only in the N basic representations that enter the Dynkin diagram, (ii) their masses squared (in units of kink mass) are just the eigenvalues of the Cartan matrix for the SU(N−1) subgroup, (iii) in bosonized form, the potential energy is of the form Σαexp(i√4πφ·α), where is the boson field and α are the roots of the O(2N) Lie algebra. Thus this model seems to be a field theory variant of a class of completely integrable systems (like the Toda chain) investigated by Kostant, and Perelomov and Olshanetsky.
Interactive effects of shock, insulin, and food pellet properties on operant behavior.

Summary.-Rats were trained on multiple and concurrent schedules of reinforcement to assess the interactive effects of shock, insulin, and food pellet properties. The intensities of shock were .4 ma. and .8 ma. The temporal intervals between pellet occurrence and shock onset were .O, .5, 1.0, and 2.0 sec. The doses of insulin were 4, 12, 20, and 28 units. The types of pellets were Noyes sucrose and Noyes standard. The effects of the parameters or these variables were studied in comparison to the steady state behavior of Ss under the multiple and concurrent schedules. Rates of responding changed systematically as a function of shock and pellet type. Insulin produced considerable variation in responding. The association of a punishing stimulus with distinctive food pellets affects the probability of occurrence of responses which follow the distinctive pellets when the punishing stimulus is removed. Vitulli (1969) found that when the onset of a shock of .4 ma. intensity and 50 msec. duration was paired, simultaneously, with one of two kinds of pellets in a multiple schedule of reinforcement the races of responding following the removal of shock were relatively higher. Behavioral contrast occurred in postshock sessions. The pellet type previously associated with shock was followed by higher rates of responding as compared with rates of responding following the pellet type never associated with shock in the multiple schedule. A single operandurn was used so that the rats could not control the occurrence of the type of pellet, Noyes sucrose or Noyes standard. Sucrose and standard pellets were response contingent in the multiple schedule, but pellets occurred in a random and proportionally stratified sequence, so that 50% of each were delivered in a session. One of the purposes of the present investigation was to provide Ss with a choice between pellet types after shock had been consistently associated with one of the types. The emotional respondents, which may have affected the resulrs of the previous study, could now be separated from the operant responses. This was done by the concurrent operants procedure. Ferster and Skinner 'A debt of gratitude is expressed to Mr. Daniel L. Koch for designing and building the experimental chamber used in this study and for the many helpful words of advice and observations. Mr. Koch was a student assistant while this research was being conducted and is now a graduate student at Memphis State University. Our appreciation also is extended to Mr. Robert Battles from the Work Study Program for assisting with the drug phases of the investigation. This research was funded in pact by Grant 01-8011 from the Research Committee of the University of South Alabama. The laboratory in which this research was conducted operates under the principle^ for the Care and Use of Animaj~, approved June 26, 1968, by the Council of Representatives, American Psychological Association.
On the role of ischemia in the pathogenesis of IBD: A review

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic intestinal disorder comprising 2 distinct but often overlapping diseases: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Although much research to identify the etiology of IBD has focused on genetic constitution, infectious causes, and immune dysregulation, its exact cause and pathogenesis remain incompletely understood. Mesenteric blood flow, the intestinal microcirculation, and intestinal ischemia also have been proposed as etiologic, although they remain less-explored themes despite evidence suggesting a contributory role in IBD pathogenesis. The anatomy, architecture, and function of the splanchnic microcirculation will be reviewed here with regard to the development of intestinal microvascular ischemia, a pathologic process that appears to precede the classic changes that characterize IBD.
Ectomesenchymal chondromyxoid tumor of the anterior tongue: A report of three cases

Ectomesenchymal chondromyxoid tumor is a newly described benign neoplasm that presents clinically as a firm, painless, slow-growing mass that typically involves the anterior dorsal tongue. It has been reported to occur over a wide age range (9 to 78 years) and has no apparent sex predilection. Histologically, the tumor is composed of a well-circumscribed, unencapsulated lobular proliferation of fusiform and polygonal cells in a chondromyxoid matrix. Features such as multilobulated nuclei, foci of cellular atypia, and infiltration may be present. Though disturbing, these do not appear to indicate malignant behavior. We report three cases of ectomesenchymal chondromyxoid tumors that confirm the previously described clinical, histologic, and immunohistochemical features. In addition, we describe the ultrastructural features of one of the cases.
The Reduction of Deformation Energy and Increase in Workability of Metals Through an Applied Electric Current

Many manufacturing processes (e.g., forging, rolling, extrusion, and sheet metal) rely on the application of heat to reduce the forces associated with fabricating parts. However, due to the negative implications associated with hot working, another more efficient means of applying energy is desired. This paper investigates the changes in the material properties of various metals (aluminum, copper, iron, and titanium based alloys) in response to electricity flow. Theory involving electromigration, and, more specifically, electroplasticity, is examined and the implications thereof are analyzed. It is shown that, using electrical current, the flow stresses in a material are reduced, resulting in a lower specific energy for open-die forging. It is also shown that an applied electrical current can increase the forgeability of materials, allowing greater deformation prior to cracking. Additionally, elastic recovery is shown to decrease when using electricity during deformation. Finally, For most materials, these effects were dependent on strain rate.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Interactions of NO2 with Zr-Based MOF: Effects of the Size of Organic Linkers on NO2 Adsorption at Ambient Conditions

Zirconium-based metal organic framework (Zr-MOF), UiO-66 and UiO-67, were synthesized and used as adsorbents of NO2 at ambient temperatures in either dry or moist conditions. The samples were characterized before and after exposure to NO2 by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, N2- adsorption at 77 K, thermal analysis, and infrared spectroscopy. The results indicate the important effect of a ligand size on the adsorption of NO2 on Zr-MOF materials. While the large size of the 4,4-benzenebiphenyldicarboxylic acid (BDPC) ligand has a positive impact on the adsorption of NO2 on UiO-67 in moist conditions, the opposite effect is found in dry conditions. The large pore volume of UiO-67 enhances the adsorption of moisture and formation of nitric and nitrous acids. The small pore sizes of UiO-66 favor the NO2 removal in dry conditions via dispersive forces. Upon interaction of NO2 molecules with the Zr-MOF in dry conditions, the bond between the organic linker and metallic oxide center is broken, lea...
2013 Special Issue: Methods for pattern selection, class-specific feature selection and classification for automated learning

This paper presents methods for training pattern (prototype) selection, class-specific feature selection and classification for automated learning. For training pattern selection, we propose a method of sampling that extracts a small number of representative training patterns (prototypes) from the dataset. The idea is to extract a set of prototype training patterns that represents each class region in a classification problem. In class-specific feature selection, we try to find a separate feature set for each class such that it is the best one to separate that class from the other classes. We then build a separate classifier for that class based on its own feature set. The paper also presents a new hypersphere classification algorithm. Hypersphere nets are similar to radial basis function (RBF) nets and belong to the group of kernel function nets. Polynomial time complexity of the methods is proven. Polynomial time complexity of learning algorithms is important to the field of neural networks. Computational results are provided for a number of well-known datasets. None of the parameters of the algorithm were fine tuned for any of the problems solved and this supports the idea of automation of learning methods. Automation of learning is crucial to wider deployment of learning technologies.
12‐crown‐4–ether and tri(ethylene glycol) dimethyl–ether plasma‐coated stainless steel surfaces and their ability to reduce bacterial biofilm deposition

It has been demonstrated that surfaces coated with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) are capable of reducing protein adsorption, bacterial attachment, and biofilm formation. In this communication cold-plasma–enhanced processes were employed for the deposition of PEG-like structures onto stainless steel surfaces. Stainless steel samples were coated under 1,4,7,10-tetraoxacyclododecane (12-crown-4)–ether and tri(ethylene glycol) dimethyl ether (triglyme)–radio frequency (RF)–plasma conditions. The chemistry and characteristics of plasma-coated samples and biofilms were investigated using electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and water contact angle analysis. ESCA analysis indicated that the plasma modification resulted in the deposition of PEG-like structures, built up mainly of –CH2CH2O– linkages. Plasma-coated stainless steel surfaces were more hydrophilic and had lower surface roughness values compared to those of unmodified substrates. Compared to the unmodified surfaces, they not only significantly reduced bacterial attachment and biofilm formation in the presence of a mixed culture of Salmonella typhimurium,Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Pseudomonas fluorescens but also influenced the chemical characteristics of the biofilm. Thus, plasma deposition of PEG-like structures will be of use to the food-processing and medical industries searching for new technologies to reduce bacterial contamination. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 81: 3425–3438, 2001
Autonomic and affective reactions of high and low socially-anxious individuals awaiting public performance.

The physical threat anticipation paradigm was modified for the study of anticipatory social anxiety responses. It was found that heart rate (HR) and skin conductance (SC) responses during anticipation of a socially threatening event (i.e., public speaking) were similar to those occurring prior to physical threat, with the largest changes taking place during the final portion of anticipation. Likewise, self-reports of cognitively experienced nervousness displayed a positively accelerating pattern of increase as the time of performance approached. The present findings suggest a psychological time-division process, such that the anticipation interval consists of an initial waiting period, followed by a briefer period of active preparatron. During the anticipation interval high and low socially-anxious subjects displayed similar HR and SC responses, but differed significantly in patterns of finger pulse volume (FPV) and self-reported nervousness. As performance became imminent, high socially-anxious subjects evidenced increased vasoconstriction and reported greater nervousness than low socially-anxious subjects. Taken together, these results indicate that, irrespective of psychometrically assessed anxiety, and/or type of threatening stimulus, the autonomic patterns during anticipation of threat are characterized by accelerating responsiveness. Thus, the temporal parameter of the anticipation situation (i.e., remaining time) is the primary determinant of reactions while awaiting threat.
Prepubertal genistein exposure suppresses mammary cancer and enhances gland differentiation in rats.

Genistein, a component of soy, was administered to prepubertal female Sprague-Dawley CD rats and investigated for chemoprevention against mammary cancer. Genistein, at 500 microgram/g body wt or an equivalent volume of the vehicle, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), was injected (s.c.) on days 16, 18 and 20 post-partum. At day 50 post-partum all animals were exposed to 80 microgram dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) per g body wt. Animals treated prepubertally with genistein as compared to DMSO had reduced incidence and significantly fewer adenocarcinomas per animal. Mammary whole mount analysis showed that prepubertal genistein treatment resulted in mammary glands of 50-day-old rats developing fewer terminal end buds and more lobules II. Cell proliferation studies with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) showed that terminal end buds from mammary glands of 50-day-old females treated prepubertally with genistein had significantly fewer cells in S-phase of the cell cycle. Serum genistein concentrations in 21- and 50-day-old females following prepubertal genistein treatment were 4.2 +/- 0.6 micromol and 102 +/- 30 nM, respectively. Animals treated prepubertally with genistein as compared to vehicle spent more time in the estrus phase of the estrus cycle, although all animals did cycle. In 50-day-old females, circulating estradiol-17 beta and progesterone concentrations were not significantly altered by the prepubertal genistein treatment. Oocyte/follicle counts and numbers of atretic follicles and corpora lutea were not significantly different between the genistein- and vehicle-treated animals. We conclude that genistein treatment during the prepubertal period can suppress the development of chemically-induced mammary cancer without significant toxicity to the endocrine/reproductive system.