cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Initial Results of the OneDimensional XAFS DebyeWaller Models for Active Sites of Cu Histidine and Cystein Metalloproteins

The mean square variation of the halfscattering path length in x-ray absorption fine structure Debye–Waller factors has been expressed as a function of the first shell radial distance and an angle (where applicable) for Zn+2 active sites of metalloproteins enabling direct and accurate calculation of the single and multiple scattering Debye–Waller factors at arbitrary temperatures. The local character of the filled d-orbital Zn+2 element does not obstruct us from extending this technique to other metals with unfilled d-orbital. In this report we present initial results based on one-dimensional radial models applicable to the d9 Cu(I) and Cu(II) histidine/imidazole and cystein complexes. Results from these new models are compared with large reference structures of homogeneous and heterogeneous Cu metal ligation built and optimized by non-local Density Functional Theory.
Optimization of feedrate in planar translational motions of robot manipulators

Abstract Optimal trajectory planning is concerned with the derivation of optimum parameters for the execution of a given task under constraints imposed by both the design of the robot and characteristics of the task. The problem of optimal trajectory planning for applications—such as sheet metal contouring—which is characterized by planar, translational motion of end effector at constant speed, is studied in this paper. Under the described conditions, it is theoretically established that the joint velocities are directly proportional to the feedrate and that the joint accelerations are directly proportional to the square of the feedrate at any position along the contour. Based on this information, a simple, efficient algorithm is developed to determine the optimal feedrate that would maximally utilize the capacities of the robot. As an example, the method is applied to a six-link articulate type robot using computer simulation.
REM Sleep Deprivation and Exploration in Young Rats

Four studies (1 , 2, 8, 10) have measured the effects of REM sleep deprivation (REMd) on exploration in tats and have reported conflicting results. Albert, ec al., using the youngest animals, noted REMd significantly increased explorarion. The other studies did not find significant REMd-exploration effects, i.e.. they reported nonsignificant differences between their small and large platform treatments. Recenrly, Hicks, et al. ( 6 ) discussed the ~ossibility that this set of conflicting data might be the result of a systematic age X REMd method confounding. The results of several srud~es (3. 4, 5, 11) have demonstrated a complex non-linear relationship berween age snd exploration in racs. Therefore, since age has varied between the REMd-explora. tion studies, the non-significant findings noted may not constirute critical tests of rho reliability of the relationship first reported ( 1 ) . The purpose of this research was to attempt to replicate that study using appropriately aged, i.e., young, rats. The subjecrs were 45, 30-day-old Sprague-Dawley female rats. These animals were assigned to one of three REMd treatments, i.e., 0, 2, or 4 days. REMd was achieved using the platform-in-the-water technique ( 9 ) . The specifics of the REMd apparatus and procedure used here have been detailed elsewhere ( 7 ) . First, the rats were placed in the REMd apparatus for the proscribed large-small plarform sequence. Next the subjects were towel dried, and then, as a measure of exploration, the number of grid crossings during a 20-min. period in an activity box ( 8 ) were recorded by a person naive to the treatment conditions. The mean number of grid crossings for each group were: 0-day = 68.7 2 36.8; 2-day = 136.7 f 98.3; 4-day = 72.0 & 175.4. The differences between the means were significant; F = 8.29 ( d f = 2/42, f i < .01). The over-all effects of REMd on exploration, reported above, replicate Albert, et al.'s results. Apparently, REMd affects the exploratory behavior of young rats but is much less salient for older animals. Both a comprehensive examination of the age parameters of the REMd-exploration relationship and the reasons for the differential effects of age on this relationship should be the topics of future research.
Detection of leukemic cell colonies in agar plates by immunostaining for human malignancy-associated nucleolar antigen.

Abstract We have developed an indirect immunofluorescence technique to stain individual colonies in situ in agar to detect the presence of a human malignancy-associated nucleolar antigen. Bone marrow and peripheral blood cells from leukemia patients who were untreated or suffering relapse were used as a source for colony formation. The agar layer containing the colonies was stabilized by overlayering it with an additional agar layer. Cells in the colonies were fixed with methanol, rehydrated, and incubated for prolonged periods in both the primary and the secondary antibodies. The agar was then transferred onto a glass slide, air dried, and examined using a fluorescence microscope. The method is widely applicable for staining colonies in situ in agar with both polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies.
Creating an Excel-based executive support system

Executive support systems (ESS) are designed to give top executives vital information for their work as high-level managers. The author gives step-by-step instructions for creating a spreadsheet-based ESS for financial officers and accountants. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Coolness in the tropical Pacific during an El Nino episode

The response of radiation budgets to changes in water vapor and clouds in an El Nino episode is investigated using the analyzed sea surface temperature (SST) and satellite-derived clouds and the earth radiation budgets for the tropical Pacific (30 deg N-30 deg S, 100 deg E-100 deg W). Analyses are performed for April 1985 and April 1987. The former is a non-El Nino year and the latter is an El Nino year. Compared to April 1985, when the SST over the central and eastern equatorial Pacific is approximately 2 C lower, the high-level cloudiness in April 1987 increases in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific. Corresponding to the increase in cloudiness, the outgoing longwave radiation and the net downward solar radiation at the top of the atmosphere decrease. The patterns of these changes are reversed in the western tropical Pacific and the Northern Hemispheric (NH) subsidence region centered at approximately 20 deg N, indicating an eastward shift of the convection center from the maritime continents to the central equatorial Pacific and a strengthened NH Hadley circulation. The earth-atmosphere system in the region receives less radiative energy by 4 W/sq m in the warmer month of April 1987 than in the month of April 1985, which is primarily caused by a reduced atmospheric clear sky greenhouse effect in the NH tropical Pacific in April 1987. Clouds have strong effects on both the IR and solar radiation, but the net effect on the radiation budget at the top of the atmopshere changes only slightly between April 1985 and April 1987. The results are consistent with Lindzen's hypothesis that reduced upper-tropospheric water vapor in the vicinity of the enhanced convection region produces cooling that counteracts warming in the Tropics.
The Effect of Mach Number and Aspect Ratio on the Interfacial Characteristics of a Submerged Rectangular Gas Jet

Gas jets formed by rectangular nozzles submerged in water were studied using a non-invasive photographic technique which allowed simultaneous measurements of the entire interface. Three aspect ratios were considered corresponding to 2, 10, and 20 with all nozzles sharing a common width. As far as the authors know this study represents the first time the effects of aspect ratio and Mach number on a submerged gas jet have been studied. The results indicate aspect ratio and Mach number play a large role in dictating both the unsteadiness of the interface and the penetration of the gas jet into the surrounding liquid medium. The jet pinch-off is shown to have a logarithmic decay with increasing Mach number and when appropriately scaled by the total viewing length and a geometric length scale (LQ ) is relatively constant across all aspect ratio nozzles. The location of pinch-off is also a function of aspect ratio, with the subsonic aspect ratio 2 nozzles showing maximum pinch-off at y/LQ ≈ 23–26 while sonic and supersonic Mach numbers have peaks over the range y/LQ ≈ 11–14. The AR 10 and 20 nozzles show no dependence on Mach number with the maximum number of pinch-off events observed over the interval y/LQ ≈ 3–5. Jet spreading which is indicative of liquid entrainment is also shown to increase with Mach number and aspect ratio. The jet penetration also increases with increasing Mach number and aspect ratio. The spatial instability growth rate was deduced from the downstream evolution of the interfacial unsteadiness and it is shown that the nozzle with aspect ratio of 2 follows a different trend than the aspect ratio 10 and 20 nozzles, suggesting a fundamentally different mechanism dominates the stability of large aspect ratio rectangular gas jets.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Do liquidity induced changes in aggregate dividends signal aggregate future earnings growth

Extant empirical literature does not provide abundant evidence for the information content hypothesis regarding firm-level dividend signaling. Although this is consistent with the argument against an optimal firm-level dividend policy, this does not imply an absence of an optimal aggregate dividend level. Aggregate dividends and earnings may exhibit stronger associations if aggregation filters out firm-specific earnings information and indicates macroeconomic trends. Using macroeconomic data, we show that aggregate payout ratios signal aggregate future earnings growth for horizons up to 4 years, and that excess aggregate liquidity plays an important role in this relationship.
Kinetics and CIDEP of radicals during photoreduction of acetone with 2-propanol by effect modulated ESR spectroscopy

Abstract ESR spectroscopy with modulated radical initiation is used to analyze quantitatively chemical lifetimes and CIDEP enhancements of 2-propyl-2-ol radicals, formed by photoreduction of acetone with 2-propanol in aqueous solution at T = 16°C. The bimolecular termination rate constant of the radicals is found to be diffusion controlled and to depend on the hyperfine state as a consequence of T 0 S mixing in F-pairs. CIDEP enhancements built up in geminate and in F-pairs are separated. Their relative dependence on the hyperfine state agrees with microscopic theory, which however, fails to reproduce the absolute enhancements by a factor of 4. The polarizations indicate equal reactivities towards photoreduction for the three sublevels of the 3 nπ* state of acetone, and conservation of the electron spin polarization upon radical formation. The initial separation of the species in the geminate pair is found to lie within the strong exchange region, since geminate and F-pairs show equal RPM polarizations. The CIDEP enhancements limit the rate constant k 22 for abstraction of the hydroxylic hydrogen of 2-propanol by 3 nπ* acetone to k 22 5 dm 3 mol −1 s −1 .
Anammox in Tidal Marsh Sediments: The Role of Salinity, Nitrogen Loading, and Marsh Vegetation

Anammox bacteria are widespread in the marine environment, but studies of anammox in marshes and other wetlands are still scarce. In this study, the role of anammox in nitrogen removal from marsh sediments was surveyed in four vegetation types characteristic of New England marshes and in unvegetated tidal creeks. The sites spanned a salinity gradient from 0 to 20 psu. The impact of nitrogen loading on the role of anammox in marsh sediments was studied in a marsh fertilization experiment and in marshes with high nitrogen loading entering through ground water. In all locations, nitrogen removal through anammox was low compared to denitrification, with anammox accounting for less than 3% of the total N2 production. The highest relative importance of anammox was found in the sediments of freshwater-dominated marshes, where anammox approached 3%, whereas anammox was of lesser importance in saline marsh sediments. Increased nitrogen loading, in the form of nitrate from natural or artificial sources, did not impact the relative importance of anammox, which remained low in all the nitrogen enriched locations (<1%).
Increased Growth and Life-span with Lowered Ambient Temperature in the Annual Fish, Cynolebias adloffi

FROM observations based primarily on natural populations, Bourliere1 was able to present evidence that lowered environmental temperatures slow the rate of growth and prolong the life-span of various fishes, amphibians and reptiles. No experiments, however, have been carried out to test the effect of ambient temperatures on both growth rate and life-span in poikilothermic vertebrates under controlled laboratory conditions. For such experiments it is desirable to have populations of short-lived animals which show senescence, and thus “annual” fishes would be suitable test subjects2.
Currency areas, volatility and intervention

Abstract On January 1, 1999, the euro was launched with eleven members and it instantly became the second most important currency in the world. It may prove to be the most important event in the history of the international monetary system since the dollar took over from sterling the role of dominant international currency. For the time being the mainstream of the world economy will be characterized by a tripolarism based on the dollar, euro and yen. The new situation raises some old questions: Is the currency configuration of the world economy optimal? How many currencies does the world need? Which countries belong in a currency area? What is the optimum currency area? This article will discuss the currency composition of the world economy today. It will discuss the prospects for expansion of the major currency areas and the problems arising from the volatility of exchange rates between them. It will argue that a restoration of a system of fixed exchange rates would have to begin with stabilization of the exchange rates between the dollar, euro and yen, and that a step in the right direction would be to evolve policies that provide for intervention in the foreign exchange market.
Effect of Sizing Removal Method and POSS Coating on Flexural Properties of Carbon Fiber Epoxy Composites

Effects of sizing and surface modification on flexural properties of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites have been investigated. Carbon fiber was desized using three types of treatments, namely heat, acetone, and acetone-acid. In addition, these fibers were coated with three different types of Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane (POSS) molecule. Composite panels were fabricated using the vacuum assisted resin transfer molding and samples were tested in flexure. Scanning electron microscopy analysis was performed to investigate the surface morphology and failure mechanisms. It was found that removal of sizing significantly reduced the flexural strength. About 19% and 29% reduction of flexural strength was reported for acetone treatment and heat treatment, respectively. Composites with POSS coated fibers showed improved properties, except for the heat treated fibers. Among POSS molecules investigated, the S10455 was found to be the best for improving the flexural properties of carbon fiber composites.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
A Diabetic Newborn

A sample submitted for hemoglobin (Hb) evaluation on a 5-day-old premature male infant with intestinal perforation, intraventricular hemorrhage, anemia, and sepsis contained 61.1% Hb A, 23.7% Hb F, 2.1% Hb A2, and peaks of 8.2% and 5.2% in the P2 and P3 regions of the Bio-Rad Variant II HPLC β thalassemia assay (Fig. 1). Isoelectric focusing …
Ukraine's Geopolitical Choice, 2009

A noted specialist in international affairs and former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine reviews and analyzes the history of independent Ukraine's relations with Russia and the West following the disintegration of the Soviet Union. The author proceeds to examine the multifaceted Western position toward Kyiv as it has evolved through June 2009, paying due attention to the European Union and NATO. He then discusses the factors contributing to the volatility of Ukrainian-Russian relations following the Orange Revolution of 2004, including a range of specific concerns as well as more general Russian desires for a compliant government that would pay deference to key Russian interests. Concluding sections focus on Ukraine's future geopolitical trajectory in the run-up to the country's presidential elections in early 2010 and on internal problems (constitutional, market, and energy reform) that will command urgent attention once the political situation stabilizes and the outlines of a constructive engagement that could...
Automatic atrial tachycardia in an infant following general anesthesia

Automatic atrial tachycardia (AAT) is a rare supraventricular tachyarrhythmia (<10% of all supraventricular tachycardias), which can present in infants or young children. There are no published reports of AAT occurring in an infant or child following noncardiac surgery and general anesthesia. This report describes the management of a previously healthy 5-month-old infant, who developed AAT in the postanesthesia care unit following an uneventful circumcision under general anesthesia.
Elementary photoprocesses in benzene clusters

This article reports the use of the resonant two-photon ionization technique to selectively excite a molecular ion within a cluster and observe the dynamical outcome. The authors have excited clusters containing up to 14 benzene molecules to energies of 10.00 or 12.84 eV and measured the probability that an initially formed C/sub 6/H/sub 6//sup +/ attacks a neighboring benzene unit of the cluster according to the vapor-phase reaction C/sub 6/H/sub 6//sup +/ + C/sub 6/H/sub 6/..-->.. C/sub 7/H/sub 7//sup +/ + C/sub 5/H/sub 5/, ..delta..H = 0.63 eV. The C/sub 5/H/sub 5/ radical is expelled from the cluster. At either energy excitation proceeds through an X/sup 12/ vibrational level of benzene (XX = 6 or 8) but in the latter case the benzene cation is also produced electronically excited. Accordingly, at low-energy excitation the above pathway is entirely absent, while the 12.84-eV excitation leads to reaction with a probability increasing with cluster size, as predicted by solvation models. This result makes it appear quite likely that > 12-eV excitation of condensed benzene will lead to transient tropylium ion centers for conduction electrons, accompanies by variable trapping of C/sub 5/H/sub 6/.
Drug use in academic medical centres in an era of ferment.

The causes and implications of streamlining and consolidation in academic medical centres in the US have a number of parallels in the research-intensive pharmaceutical industry. In both cases there is increasing competition between institutions (centres or companies), and the costs of research and innovation are rising sharply. However, with increasing emphasis on cost reduction in healthcare, fewer and fewer payers are willing to help underwrite the costs of research and innovation within academic health centres or for new drug development.
Tyrosinase-catalyzed melanin as a contrast agent for photoacoustic tomography

It is difficult to distinguish between tumor cells and surrounding cells without staining as is done in histology. We developed tyrosinase-catalyzed melanin as a reporter gene for photoacoustic tomography. Tyrosinase is the primary enzyme responsible for the production of melanin and alone is sufficient to produce melanin in non-melanogenic cells. Two cell lines were created: a stably transfected HeLa line and a transiently transfected 293 line. A phantom experiment was performed with the 293 transfected cells 48 hours post transfection and the results compared with oxygenated whole blood, B16 melanoma and 293 control cells. An in vivo experiment was performed using the transfected HeLa cells xenografted into a nude mouse ear, and then imaged. The results show strong contrast for tyrosinase-catalyzed melanin in both the 293 cells in the tube phantom as well as the in vivo result showing melanin in a nude mouse ear. Transfection increased expression in 293 cells 159 fold and image contrast compared to blood by as much as 50 fold. Due to the strong signal obtained at longer wavelengths and the decrease of blood signal at the same wavelengths, tyrosinase catalyzed melanin is a good candidate as a molecular imaging contrast agent for photoacoustic tomography.
Incorporation of cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine) into ribonucleic acid and deoxyribonucleic acid of human tumor cells.

Abstract Cordycepin (3′-deoxyadenosine), a nucleoside analog, is inhibitory to growing human tumor cells in culture. When these tumor cells were incubated with [3H]-cordycepin, the acid-soluble pool, the RNA and the DNA were radioactive. The RNA and DNA were hydrolyzed. The radioactive cordycepin was then isolated and crystallized to constant specific activities from the terminal and internal positions of the RNA. The cordycepin was also isolated and crystallized to constant specific activity from the DNA. In addition, the [3H]cordycepin, isolated after hydrolysis of the RNA (internal position) and the DNA, was further hydrolyzed to adenine and 3-deoxyribose. The 3-deoxyribose from the RNA (internal position) and the DNA was radioactive. No radioactivity was present in the 2-deoxyribose from the 2′-deoxyadenosine in the DNA. These results provide evidence that cordycepin is incorporated into the internal and terminal positions of RNA and the DNA and that 3-deoxyribose is not converted to 2-deoxyribose in H.Ep. No. 1 cells. The isolation of radioactive 3-deoxyribose from the cordycepin located in the internal position of the RNA indicates that a 2′,5′-phosphodiester bond is formed. The location (terminal or internal position) of the cordycepin in the DNA is not known.
A MRI study of fusiform gyrus in schizotypal personality disorder

The fusiform gyrus is important for face and object recognition, is abnormal in schizophrenia, but has not been studied in schizotypal personality disorder (SPD). Thin-slice MR images showed no differences, either in right, left or total fusiform gyri volumes, between subjects with SPD (N=21) and normal controls (N=19). However, there was a correlation between severity of illusions and magical thinking suffered by the SPD subjects and smaller right fusiform gyrus volumes. This suggests that future studies may be useful in determining the functional competence of this gyrus in SPD.
EXPERIMENTAL NEPHRITIS IN THE FROG : II. PERFUSION METHODS OF TESTING THE KIDNEY BY DISSOCIATION OF ITS FUNCTIONS.

1. A method of testing the frog's kidney by means of perfusion is described. 2. This is made possible by dissociating, as far as possible, from the total function of the organ the functions of its constituent parts. 3. The characteristics by which tubular, glomerular, and combined tubular-glomerular lesions may be recognized are described.
Preliminary analysis of cell and serum-induced demyelination in vitro using a syngeneic system.

– Previous studies on immune-mediated demyelination in vitro have usually tested sera and lymphoid cells in heterologous systems. The present study involved the examination of CNS cultures of SJL/J mouse spinal cord exposed to sera and lymphoid cells isolated from animals of the same strain previously injected with syngeneic spinal cord homogenate (SSCH) to induce acute experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Examination of treated versus control cultures by light and electron microscopy at varying time points after exposure showed that spleen cells from animals with EAE produced significant demyelination and oligodendroglial cell destruction. Lymph node cells and sera from the same animals showed the same type of demyelination without marked oligodendroglial cell damage. The degree of myelin damage induced by spleen cells and sera did not correlate with the clinical ctatus of the animal but a slight positive correlation was noted with lymph node cells. Cells and-sera from control animals did not induce significant demyelination. These results suggest that in this syngeneic mouse system, there was a differential effect among cells from spleens and lymph nodes, and serum. This syngeneic system might allow for more meaningful pathologic and genetic analyses of immune-mediated demyelination.
The neuroanatomy of panic disorder: The emerging role of the right parahippocampal region

Abstract Recent brain imaging and case report data suggest that a right temporal lobe abnormality, specifically involving the right parahippocampal region, may play an important role in the pathogenesis of some forms of panic disorder. The authors explore the interesting link between ictal fear in complex partial epilepsy, case reports of panic patients with focal temporal lobe pathology, and cocaine-induced panic. This is systematized into a proposed neuroanatomic theory of the pathogenesis of panic disorder involving the right temporal lobe and other brain regions.
Myotactin, a Novel Hypodermal Protein Involved in Muscle–Cell Adhesion inCaenorhabditis elegans

In C . elegans , assembly of hypodermal hemidesmosome-like structures called fibrous organelles is temporally and spatially coordinated with the assembly of the muscle contractile apparatus, suggesting that signals are exchanged between these cell types to position fibrous organelles correctly. Myotactin, a protein recognized by monoclonal antibody MH46, is a candidate for such a signaling molecule. The antigen, although expressed by hypodermis, first reflects the pattern of muscle elements and only later reflects the pattern of fibrous organelles. Confocal microscopy shows that in adult worms myotactin and fibrous organelles show coincident localization. Further, cell ablation studies show the bodywall muscle cells are necessary for normal myotactin distribution. To investigate myotactin9s role in muscle-hypodermal signaling, we characterized the myotactin locus molecularly and genetically. Myotactin is a novel transmembrane protein of ∼500 kd. The extracellular domain contains at least 32 fibronectin type III repeats and the cytoplasmic domain contains unique sequence. In mutants lacking myotactin, muscle cells detach when embryonic muscle contraction begins. Later in development, fibrous organelles become delocalized and are not restricted to regions of the hypodermis previously contacted by muscle. These results suggest myotactin helps maintain the association between the muscle contractile apparatus and hypodermal fibrous organelles.
Functionally important conformations of the Met20 loop in dihydrofolate reductase are populated by rapid thermal fluctuations.

Conformational changes in enzymes are well recognized to play an important role in the organization of the reactive groups for efficient catalysis. This study reveals atomic and energetic details of the conformational change process that precedes the catalytic reaction of the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase. The computed free energy profile provides insights into the ligand binding mechanism and a quantitative estimate of barrier heights separating different conformational states along the pathway. Studies show that the ternary complex comprised of NADPH cofactor and substrate dihydrofolate undergoes transitions between a closed state and an occluded state via an intermediate “open” conformation. During these transitions the largest conformational change occurs in the Met20 loop of DHFR and is accompanied by the motion of the cofactor into and out of the binding pocket. When the cofactor is out of the binding pocket, the enzyme frequently samples open and occluded conformations with a small (≈ 5 kBT) free energy barrier between the two states. However, when the cofactor is in the binding pocket, the closed conformation is thermodynamically most favored. The determination of a profile characterizing the position-dependent diffusion of the Met20 loop allowed us to apply reaction rate theory and deduce the kinetics of loop motions based on the computed free energy landscape.
Assessing the perceived utility of wood resources in a protected area of Western Tanzania

To identify factors associated with interest in gaining access to protected wood resources in western Tanzania, I collected demographic, socio-economic and wood-use data for 240 households in three villages bordering Katavi National Park. Interest in accessing the protected wood resources was not associated with fuelwood needs, and did not fall along ethnic or demographic lines. Instead, logistic regression analysis identified material and land wealth as variables that increase households' interest in accessing wood resources in the Park, whereas intent to move in the near future and the interaction of material and land wealth were negative influences. These results suggest that resource-use interests are largely dependent upon expected individual gains, which vary according to household needs and ability to process resources for potential local sale or trade. This study considers the importance of distinguishing between people's conservation attitudes and their interest(s) in using specific resources, emphasizing the need to recognize intra-community variation in use interests.
Direct condensation of steam on a modified oil coolant

Abstract While steam will condense on cooler water with a rate coefficient of unity, condensation on hydrophobic oil is substantially zero at useful intervals of τT and τP. For this reason processes for sea water distillation which would substitute a stream of oil for the usual metallic heat transfer have generally required that the oil on the condensing part of the cycle shall precool a stream of product water which can then condense new steam. There is thus considerable incentive to find an immiscible liquid which will accept steam directly or for additives to confer condensing powers on oils already considered. Using the methods of jet tensimetry we have found inexpensive sensitizers which when added to the oil in proportions of ≦ 1% promote direct condensation of steam with low intervals of τP and τT. The potential simplification of flow chart invites revival of interest in the “vapor reheat” process.
Effect of soil ph modification on DTPA‐extractable copper, manganese, and zinc in a northern Idaho soil

Abstract Soils in the Kootenai River Valley of northern Idaho are both high in organic matter and pH (>7.0). This combination causes a tendency for crops to exhibit micronutrient deficiencies. Since soil pH is a dominant factor affecting micronutrient availability in soils, this study was designed to: (1) evaluate the effect of amendments [elemental S and Ca(OH)2] on soil pH modification and resulting changes in DTPA‐extractable Cu, Mn, and Zn; (2) determine the effect of soil water potential on Cu, Mn, and Zn availability; and (3) develop a prescription for enhancement of Cu, Mn, and Zn availability in these soils. Elemental S rates of 0, 2, 4, and 6 Mg/ha and Ca(OH)2 rates of 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 Mg/ha were amended into soil from the Ap horizon of a Ritz silt loam [coarse‐silty, mixed (calcareous), frigid Typic Fluvaquent]. Soils were incubated at water potentials of ‐0.03 and ‐0.20 Mpa at 25°C over a 10‐week period. The study design was a randomized block factorial with repeated measures. Soils were sampl...
Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung metastatic to the cauda equina.

Abstract Background Context Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung is an aggressive tumor with unique histopathological features. It is not known to metastasize to the spine. Purpose To report a metastatic case of this rare tumor to the cauda equina. Study Design Case report. Methods Retrospective case review and review of the literature. Results The authors report a rare case of a large cell neuroendocrine lung metastasis to the lumbar spine, causing right foot drop. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a heterogeneously enhancing intradural extramedullary mass at L2/L3 level compressing the surrounding nerve roots. During surgery, the identified nerve roots were encased by the tumor, and the dissection was tedious. Postoperatively, the patient reported significantly improved back pain and he had severe foot weakness. The functional outcome was poor because the patient lost entirely his foot function; however, his back pain improved significantly after surgery. Conclusions This is the first published study in which the authors described a metastasis of a rather uncommon lung cancer to the cauda equina. When a lesion of the cauda equina presents with a rapid progressive neurological deficit, leptomeningeal metastasis should be in the differential diagnosis.
Ileal Pouch Anal Anastomosis and Crohn’s Disease

Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch–anal anastomosis is the surgical treatment of choice in ulcerative colitis and the majority of patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. The indication for restorative surgery in Crohn’s disease, however, is controversial. When ileal pouch–anal anastomosis is performed in a patient with Crohn’s disease, significant morbidities such as peripouch abscess, pouchitis, chronic fistulae, and strictures can develop and lead to pouch failure. However, some reports suggest that ileoanal pouch procedures can successfully treat certain cases of colonic Crohn’s disease, mainly patients without perianal and small intestinal diseases. Efforts continue to identify the clinical, histological, and endoscopic features that represent these Crohn’s patients who will benefit from restorative surgery.
Travail rémunéré des élèves et résultats scolaires: une étude internationale

Resume. Partant des resultats de l'Etude internationale de mathematiques et de sciences, les auteurs observent que l'association negative entre emploi des eleves et resultats scolaires est plus forte dans certains pays, ce qui peut s'expliquer par les possibilites et besoins de travailler. Pour ce qui est de la causalite, les resultats de l'Enquete longitudinale sur l'education aux Etats-Unis montrent une relation curvilineaire entre emploi et resultats: travailler jusqu'a 10 heures par semaine a un leger effet positif, de 10 a 19 heures est sans effet, au-dela l'effet negatif est manifeste. L'endogeneite du travail est enfin testee au moyen de variables instrumentales.
Allergic reactions to isosulfan blue during sentinel node biopsy--a common event.

Abstract Background. Sentinel lymph node (SLN) dissection in the management of high-risk melanoma and other cancers, such as breast cancer, has recently increased in use. The procedure identifies an SLN by intradermal or intraparenchymal injection of an isosulfan blue dye, a radiocolloid, or both around the primary malignancy. Methods. At the time of selective SLN mapping, 3 to 5 mL of isosulfan blue was injected either intradermally or intraparenchymally around the primary malignancy. From October 1997 to May 2000, 267 patients underwent intraoperative lymphatic mapping with the use of both isosulfan 1% blue dye and radiocolloid injection. Five cases with adverse reactions to isosulfan blue were reviewed. Results. We report 2 cases of anaphylaxis and 3 cases of “blue hives” after injection with isosulfan blue of 267 patients who had intraoperative lymphatic mapping by the procedure described above. The 2 patients with anaphylaxis experienced cardiovascular collapse, erythema, perioral edema, urticaria, and uvular edema. The blue hives in 3 patients resolved and transformed to blue patches during the course of the procedures. Conclusions. The incidence of allergic reactions in our series was 2.0%. As physicians expand the role of SLN mapping, they should consider the use of histamine blockers as prophylaxis and have emergency treatment readily available to treat the life- threatening complication of anaphylactic reaction. (Surgery 2001;130:439-42.)
Nifedipine: Effects on fetal and maternal hemodynamics in pregnant sheep

We investigated the effects of nifedipine, a calcium entry blocker, on the fetal and maternal circulation. Nifedipine was administered intravenously for 30 minutes to chronically instrumented pregnant ewes. Infusion of 5 µg·kg −1 ·kg min −1 resulted in a 30% to 50% increase in total and regional fetal cerebral blood flow to the brain stem, watershed, and subcortical regions (p −1 ·kg·min −1 decreased uterine blood flow by 21 (p
Electromagnetic-to-seismic conversion A new direct hydrocarbon indicator

We present novel methods that directly detect hydrocarbons based on conversions between electromagnetic and seismic energy. We first introduce the subject and then discuss the experimental methods in three field tests. Next, we present the results of the tests and then end with a few model results and thoughts about future applications.
Character Intimacy Influences the Processing of Metaphoric Utterances During Narrative Comprehension

Speakers appear to use metaphor and other types of figurative language as a means to create and reinforce social intimacy between themselves and their addressees. Additionally, when metaphoric utterances appear in narrative contexts, readers readily judge story characters as having a closer relationship (Horton, 2007). The present work tests whether the relationship implied to exist between characters can influence how readers process metaphoric utterances during narrative comprehension. In two experiments, participants read brief stories that described interactions between two characters portrayed as being familiar with one another to varying degrees. Critical utterances contained either a literal or metaphoric expression that commented on an aspect of the previous story context. In both experiments, readers were as fast to read metaphoric utterances as literal utterances in the context of close, familiar relationships, but were slower to read metaphoric utterances in the context of unfamiliar relationsh...
Predicting angiography-induced acute renal function impairment: clinical risk model

Two hundred sixty-six patients were evaluated for development of acute renal function impairment after renal angiography. Forty-five (16.9%) had a significant increase in serum level of creatinine (sCr), six developed oliguria or anuria, and one required permanent dialysis. Age, proteinuria, abnormal baseline sCr, use of Renografin 76, and preexisting renal disease were the five independent risk factors in the series. An odds-ratio analysis establishes the relative risk (i.e., likelihood) of developing acute renal insufficiency when a given risk factor is present. For example, patients with underlying renal disease were 6.6 times more likely to develop a transient increase in sCr than those with no renal disease. A clinical test model was devised to predict the likelihood that a given individual would develop acute renal insufficiency after renal angiography on the basis of the number of risk factors present. An increasing relation was demonstrated; the more factors present, the more likely it becomes tha...
Virus Transmission Through Compromised Synthetic Barriers: Part II—Influence of Pore Geometry

When stressed during normal use, synthetic barriers such as gloves and condoms can develop tears that are undetectable by the user. It is of considerable public-health importance to estimate the quantity of virus transmitted through the tear, in the event of viral contamination of the fluid medium. A mathematical model that accounts for virus adsorption to the barrier material was used to compute the quantity of virus transmitted through defects of various geometries. Slits were modeled as cylinders of elliptic cross section, and upper and lower bounds for the transmission rate of HIV and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) were calculated for barrier-use scenarios such as coitus and gripping of surgical instruments. For a 1-microm high slit, HIV transmission was found to be negligible for all likely use scenarios. HIV transmission became potentially significant for a 5-microm slit. Due to its high titer, HBV transmitted at potentially important levels even through the 1-microm slit. The dependence of the transmission rate upon pore aspect ratio was determined and found to be very strong for high-adsorption situations and near-circular pores. Numerical predictions of virus transport through a laser-drilled hole in a condom matched experimental measurements well, even when the tapered nature of the geometry is ignored.
Late Wisconsin iceberg-calving rates and ice-sheet mass balance reconstructed from paleo-sea levels, Mount Desert Island, Maine

Ice sheets terminating in water may provide geologic evidence to reconstruct iceberg-calving rates and hence provide insight to ice-sheet mass balance at certain locations. Recent work reported an empirical relation for 12 modern tidewater glaciers in Alaska in which iceberg-calving rate is directly related to the average water depth. The former Laurentide ice sheet split into tidewater glaciers in the troughs of Mount Desert Island, Maine, and deposited moraine banks as sea level transgressed onto the island. Paleoshorelines were at least 65 m and probably as high as 90 m above present-day sea level. With 75 m shoreline elevation, the average water-depth values correspond to iceberg calving rates of 650 to 2100 m/yr. The total ice-volume flux minus the iceberg-calving flux is equal to the rate of change in terminus position times the terminus area. Because the terminus is stationary when moraines are deposited, the calving flux is equal to the discharge flux at that time. Calculated discharge fluxes for Mount Desert Island range from 0.65 to 2.9 x 10 5 m 3 /yr; the average is 1.7 x 10 5 m 3 /yr across a unit width of the terminus. Consideration of the ice-sheet geometry and estimated precipitation and temperature conditions indicates that most of this flux must come from ice-sheet thinning rather than mass accumulation. The geometry of this analysis dictates that all of these estimates are minimum values.
Melted flux liquids in high-Tc superconductors

Abstract A theory of the entangled appears because of the weak interplanar couplings and high critical temperatures in these materials. Flux line wandering melts the conventional Abrikosov flux lattice over large portions of the phase diagram, and leads to a novel entangled vortex state. We suggest that a heavily entangled flux liquid could exhibit glassy behavior on experimental time scales, in analogy with viscoelastic behavior in dense polymer melts.
Employers: Quality Takers or Quality Makers?

This article provides a synthesis of past research to help understand the extent to which employers are using their considerable market power to drive health care quality. Are employers quality takers or quality makers? The literature provides some clues about aspects of quality employers are attempting to influence, strategies they are pursuing to influence quality, and their impact. Some employers are interested in some indicators of quality and are incorporating them in a variety of different purchasing strategies. The indicators most frequently used by employers, however, probably are not the ones that clinical experts and policy makers would select as most reflective of clinical quality. It appears that employers as a group are becoming more informed quality takers but are not yet quality makers--with the exception of a few well-resourced outliers. Recent events provide mixed signals about whether the future employer role in influencing quality will diminish, stall, or flourish.
‘Personalized Medicine’ To Identify Genetic Risks For Type 2 Diabetes And Focus Prevention: Can It Fulfill Its Promise?

Public health measures are required to address the worldwide increase in type 2 diabetes. Proponents of personalized medicine predict a future in which disease treatment and, more important, prevention will be tailored to high-risk individuals rather than populations and will be based on genetic and other new biomarker tests. Accurate biomarker tests to identify people at risk for diabetes could allow more-targeted and perhaps individualized prevention efforts. DNA variants conferring higher risk for type 2 diabetes have been identified. However, these account for only a small fraction of genetic risk, which limits their practical predictive value. Nor has identification of these variants yet led to new, individualized prevention methods. Further research is needed to identify genomic and other types of biomarkers that could accurately predict risk and facilitate targeted prevention.
Interleukin-33 Prevents Apoptosis and Improves Survival After Experimental Myocardial Infarction Through ST2 Signaling

Background—ST2 is an interleukin (IL)-1 receptor family member with membrane-bound (ST2L) and soluble (sST2) isoforms, and sST2 is a biomarker for poor outcome in patients with myocardial infarction (MI). IL-33, the recently discovered ligand for ST2, activates nuclear factor B and thus may regulate apoptotic cell death. We tested the hypothesis that IL-33 is cardioprotective after MI through ST2 signaling. Methods and Results—IL-33 protected cultured cardiomyocytes from hypoxia-induced apoptosis, and this cardioprotection was partially inhibited by sST2. IL-33 induced expression of the antiapoptotic factors XIAP, cIAP1, and survivin. To define the cardioprotective role of IL-33 in vivo, we performed a blinded and randomized study of ischemia/reperfusion in rats. IL-33 reduced cardiomyocyte apoptosis, suppressed caspase-3 activity, and increased expression of IAP family member proteins. IL-33 decreased both infarct and fibrosis volumes at 15 days; furthermore, both echocardiographic and hemodynamic studies revealed that IL-33 improved ventricular function. To determine whether cardioprotection by IL-33 is mediated through ST2 signaling, a randomized and blinded study of ST2 / versus wild-type littermate mice was performed in 98 mice subjected to MI. At 4 weeks after MI, IL-33 reduced ventricular dilation and improved contractile function in wild-type mice but not in ST2 / mice. Finally, IL-33 improved survival after MI in wild-type but not in ST2 / mice. Conclusion—IL-33 prevents cardiomyocyte apoptosis and improves cardiac function and survival after MI through ST2 signaling. (Circ Heart Fail. 2009;2:684-691.)
Building boundaries: A case study of the use of news photographs and cultural narratives in the coverage of local crime and in the creation of urban space

This case study of two Iowa cities argues that news images hold cultural representations that can easily be defined within dominant society and the news institution itself. News narratives, the telling of a common story to help readers and journalists alike understand a current news event, have traditionally been identified within the words of news texts. This paper furthers the understanding of news narratives by looking through the lens of an event framed by news images.