cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Do Clinical Outcomes in Chronic Hemodialysis Depend on the Choice of a Dialyzer

Nephrologists are presented with a range of choices when selecting a dialyzer for chronic hemodialysis. Dialyzers differ in the material, structure, permeability and surface area of their membrane, and how the dialyzer is sterilized. Opinions vary regarding the impact of dialyzer characteristics on patient outcomes and which, if any, of these properties to take into account when choosing a dialyzer can be confusing. In the general dialysis population, there is no compelling evidence that the choice of a membrane material from among those materials currently in clinical use has a significant impact on morbidity or mortality (although there are rare patients who will react adversely to a given dialysis membrane). Similarly, most dialyzers are capable of adequately removing small solutes, such as urea, provided they are used with an appropriate blood flow rate and treatment time to ensure delivery of a single-pool Kt/V(urea) of at least 1.25 for men and 1.65 for women. However, in some dialysis patient subpopulations, the results of randomized clinical trials suggest that use of dialyzer containing high-flux membranes confers an outcome advantage. The extent to which this advantage is realized might also depend on how the dialyzer is used, with application in convective therapies such as hemodiafiltration being superior to diffusive therapies such as hemodialysis. This possibility is currently the subject of several large clinical trials.
Genetic basis of histidine degradation in Bacillus subtilis.

Abstract Mutants of Bacillus subtilis deficient in urocanase or in imidazolonepropionate hydrolase were isolated. These mutants are unable to use l-histidine as source of carbon or nitrogen for growth. The enzymes are thus essential for the metabolism of histidine. The structural genes specifying these enzymes are closely linked to those specifying the other two enzymes essential for histidine degradation, histidase, and formiminoglutamate hydrolase. The response of these enzymes to induction and catabolite repression is specified by a region of the chromosome closely linked to one end of the cluster of structural genes. The gene cluster presumably constitutes an operon.
Interplay of Behavioral and Physiological Mechanisms in Adaptation

The sections in this article are: 1 Homeostasis and Negative Feedback 2 Prediction and Homeorhesis 3 Relationships between Physiology and Behavior 3.1 Sleep 3.2 Feeding 4 The Search for Neurobiological Mechanisms
On D. Peterson's comparison formula for Gromov-Witten invariants of G/P

We prove a formula of Dale Peterson comparing Gromov-Witten (GW) invariants of G/P to those of G/B using canonical reductions of bundles.
Tunable photonic crystals based on ferroelectric and ferromagnetic materials by focused ion beam

By making photonic crystals in ferroelectric and ferromagnetic materials, field-provoked tunability of photonic crystals is broadening the interest in new applications of on-chip photonic devices. We report a nano-precise fabrication of various designs of photonic crystals in these non-conventional materials using the focused ion beam milling technique. Standard methods are developed and parameters for different materials are calibrated. Optical responses such as bandgaps and polarization status changing from planar film waveguide system with these patterns have been examined on ferromagnetic materials.
Antiplatelet therapy: Defining the optimal duration of DAPT after PCI with DES.

Dual antiplatelet therapy is the cornerstone of treatment after drug-eluting stent implantation. Although treatment for 12 months is the standard of care in many parts of the world, the optimal duration of treatment is still being determined. Meta-analysis data now suggest that shorter or longer durations might yield preferred outcomes in different patient subgroups.
Mechanisms regulating the specificity and strength of muscle afferent inputs in the spinal cord

We investigated factors controlling the development of connections between muscle spindle afferents, spinal motor neurons, and inhibitory Renshaw cells. Several mutants were examined to establish the role of muscle spindles, muscle spindle-derived NT3, and excess NT3 in determining the specificity and strength of these connections. The findings suggest that although spindle-derived factors are not necessary for the initial formation and specificity of the synapses, spindle-derived NT3 seems necessary for strengthening homonymous connections between Ia afferents and motor neurons during the second postnatal week. We also found evidence for functional monosynaptic connections between sensory afferents and neonatal Renshaw cells although the density of these synapses decreases at P15. We conclude that muscle spindle synapses are weakened on Renshaw cells while they are strengthened on motor neurons. Interestingly, the loss of sensory synapses on Renshaw cells was reversed in mice overexpresssing NT3 in the periphery, suggesting that different levels of NT3 are required for functional maintenance and strengthening of spindle afferent inputs on motor neurons and Renshaw cells.
Femtosecond interactions in semiconductor quantum dots

Colloidal synthesis allows preparation of almost monodisperse semiconductor nanoparticles with sizes from 1 to 10 nm and size dispersions as small as 5%. These nanoparticles are also known as nanocrystals or colloidal quantum dots (QDs). The sub-10-nm size range corresponds to a regime of strong quantum confinement for which electronic energies exhibit a pronounced dependence on particle size. Tunable electronic structures combined with the ease of chemical manipulation, make colloidal QDs ideal building blocks for electronic and optical nanodevices. An important step towards realization of such devices is development of understanding of carrier relaxation processes in QDs and in particular the effect of QD size and surface properties on intra-band energy relaxation, competition between radiative and nonraditive decay channels, and multiparticle dynamics. In the present work, we apply femtosecond photoluminescence and transient absorption spectroscopies to investigate carrier relaxation in strongly-confined CdSe QDs.
Older Adult Readers and Nonreaders.

A study of 69 older adults interviewed in diverse settings revealed that high readers could be distinguished from low readers on the amount of time spent reading, the level of understanding of the material read, and the perception of change by the subjects in their reading ability. High readers tended to have more schooling, were more likely to participate in educational activities, and were more likely to be positive toward others and have a greater sense of achievement toward their life goals. They were also more likely to be active, younger, healthier, and to live in their own homes. In response to an open‐ended question, “What do you read the most?” subjects identified the newspaper, a magazine, and a book as most frequently read items. From a 27‐item reading inventory, the calendar, newspaper, and street or traffic signs were read most frequently on a daily basis and a letter received in the mail, a bulletin board notice, and the price, weight, or size of a product in a store were read most frequentl...
A note on the crystal growth of hydroxyapatite precipitated from aqueous solutions

Abstract When the formation of hydroxyapatite in aqueous solution proceeds from the dissolution of non-crystalline calcium phosphate, the crystal growth of the apatite can be divided into two distinct stages. In the presence of the non-crystalline salt, the crystals grow by a diffusion-controlled dendritic mechanism which results in the production of colloidal apatite particles. When the dissolution of the non-crystalline precursor has gone to completion, the apatite crystals continue to grow but now through a consolidation process known as Ostwald ripening. This changeover in growth mechanisms is the result of a decrease in the level of supersaturation occurring concomitantly with the disappearance of the non-crystalline calcium phosphate from the aqueous reaction system.
Theories of Analytical Videography

Traditionally movie film has been the major medium by which investigators have analyzed, described and quantified the temporal and spatial characteristics of human motion. In addition, movie film has been used to estimate the forces resulting from the acceleration of the human body and its parts. Predictions of muscle force and reactive forces at the joints have also been made based upon film analysis. Although high speed filming was described as early as 1910, its use in the study of human motion was primarily from the 1960's onward. Filming at rates greater than 24 frames per second (fps) technically can be considered high speed. Most of the early human motion analysis was conducted using cameras operating at not greater than 128 fps, usually at 64 fps. These were relatively inexpensive cameras. The ultra-high speed cameras, however, were used to some extent during the early 1960's and became standard equipment in the well equipped University Biomechanics Laboratories for human motion analysis in the 1970's. As early as 1970 there were no fewer than four cameras capable of operating at speeds greater than 1000 fps. Cost, lack of comparable sophistication in analysis techniques, and operating complexities were primary factors in these ultra high speed cameras not being used to study human motion prior to the late 1970's. Human motion, even now, is usually recorded with cameras operating between 60 and 250 frames per second.
Temporary negative-ion states of Na, K, Rb, and Cs

Electron-transmission spectroscopy is used to observe structure in the electron-scattering cross section associated with the formation of temporary negative ions and channel-opening effects. A strong ``family'' resemblance is apparent among the resonances of the alkali metals. From published calculations and angular scattering studies, the lower-lying features are known with some confidence. Based on these, plausible assignments for some of the higher-lying resonances are put forth. We propose that the absence of resonances near the Cs 5 $^{2}$D and possibly the Na 4 $^{2}$P and 5 $^{2}$P thresholds is associated with the negative polarizabilities of these excited states.
TRANSFER OF STIMULUS CONTROL FROM MOTOR TO VERBAL STIMULI

A transfer of stimulus control procedure was used to teach three profoundly retarded adolescents a series of specific responses to specific verbal instructions. After imitative control of a behavior was established, a verbal instruction was presented immediately before the behavior was modelled. Each correct response was followed on the next trial by inserting a delay between the verbal instruction and the modelling of the behavior. The delays increased from trial to trial. Transfer of stimulus control was indicated when a subject responded correctly on five consecutive trials before the behavior was modelled. All three subjects responded correctly to each verbal instruction after that item was trained in a multiple-baseline order. Generalization did not occur to items that had not been trained. Probe data revealed that some variations of the verbal instructions controlled responses after training was completed.
Shrinkage fisher information embedding of high dimensional feature distributions

In this paper, we introduce a dimensionality reduction method that can be applied to clustering of high dimensional empirical distributions. The proposed approach is based on stabilized information geometrical representation of the feature distributions. The problem of dimensionality reduction on spaces of distribution functions arises in many applications including hyperspectral imaging, document clustering, and classifying flow cytometry data. Our method is a shrinkage regularized version of Fisher information distance, that we call shrinkage FINE (sFINE), which is implemented by Steinian shrinkage estimation of the matrix of Kullback Liebler distances between feature distributions. The proposed method involves computing similarities using shrinkage regularized Fisher information distance between probability density functions (PDFs) of the data features, then applying Laplacian eigenmaps on a derived similarity matrix to accomplish the embedding and perform clustering. The shrinkage regularization controls the trade-off between bias and variance and is especially well-suited for clustering empirical probability distributions of high-dimensional data sets. We also show significant gains in clustering performance on both of the UCI dataset and a spam data set. Finally we demonstrate the superiority of embedding and clustering distributional data using sFINE as compared to other state-of-the-art methods such as non-parametric information clustering, support vector machine (SVM) and sparse K-means.
Epicardial fat in atrial fibrillation and heart failure.

Obesity is a well-known risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF). Epicardial fat, the true visceral fat depot of the heart, has been associated with changes in both cardiac function and morphology. In this study, we evaluated whether ultrasound-measured epicardial fat thickness is related to AF and HF. A cross-sectional study was performed in 84 consecutive subjects with clinical and ECG-documented history of permanent (AF) or paroxysmal AF (PAF) who underwent echocardiographic epicardial fat thickness measurement. Sixty-four subjects had AF and 20 showed PAF. AF subjects had higher prevalence of heart failure (HF), defined by ejection fraction (EF)
Packing arrangements of copper-seamed C-alkylpyrogallol[4]arene nanocapsules with varying chain lengths

The syntheses and single-crystal XRD structures of copper-seamed C-alkylpyrogallol[4]arene (PgCnCu, n = 3, 7, 9) hexamers with different tail lengths are reported. Differences in the packing arrangements as a function of tail length are revealed. The progression in the size of the hexamers in the solid state is in agreement with that in the solution phase.
Karl Barth, the Church and the Churches – Edited by William G. Rusch (ed.)

Book reviewed: Karl Barth, the Church and the Churches, William G. Rusch (ed.), William B. Eerdmans 2005 (0-8028-2970-8), xi + 59 pp., pb $12.00
Consultant’s corner: the “breakthrough” seizure

Abstract Seizures are a common cause of emergency department visits. This article provides an algorithm for evaluation and management of the patient with a known seizure disorder who presents with a breakthrough event. If the seizure represents a significant deviation from the usual pattern or the patient has an established pattern of episodes of status epilepticus, early involvement of the consultant neurologist is warranted. Otherwise, the first step is to search for provocative influences such as fever, intercurrent illness, or non-compliance with prescribed anti-epileptic drugs. Measurement of drug levels will guide the next rational phase of management. The overwhelming majority of patients can be managed following this logical framework.
Measurements in the bottom boundary layer on the Amazon subaqueous delta

Abstract An instrumented bottom tripod ( geoprobe ) recorded flow and suspended sediment data in the bottom boundary layer above the lower foresets of the Amazon subaqueous delta in 65 m mean water depth in February, 1990. After about two weeks of operation the apparent seafloor at the tripod site rapidly elevated over a 14-hour period by about 44 cm. This sudden change, which was detected by an acoustic altimeter and which caused the loss of signals from the lowermost geoprobe current and optical sensors, is thought to have been caused by the incursion of a dense bottom layer of fluid mud that migrated downslope from shallower sections of the foresets. The fluid-mud migration across the outer part of the foresets, if a repetitive and occasional process in this region, could be a major mechanism for episodic seaward growth of the delta. Current velocity profiles are used to estimate shear velocities, u∗, and roughness lengths, zo, during the first two weeks of measurements. The extremely energetic semi-diurnal tidal motion required correction of the estimates of u∗ and zo for acceleration. Average values of u∗ and zo for the two-week period were 1.7 cm/s and 0.3 cm, respectively. The effects of strong stratification due to flocculated, near-bottom suspended sediment on the estimates of u∗ are significant for the lower values of u∗ (u∗
Ubiquinol:Cytochrome c Oxidoreductase THE REDOX REACTIONS OF THE BIS-HEME CYTOCHROME b IN UNENERGIZED AND ENERGIZED SUBMITOCHONDRIAL PARTICLES

The redox reactions of the bis-heme cytochromeb of the ubiquinol:cytochrome c oxidoreductase complex (complex III, bc 1 complex) were studied in bovine heart submitochondrial particles (SMP). It was shown that (i) when SMP were treated with the complex III inhibitor myxothiazol (or MOA-stilbene or stigmatellin) or with KCN and ascorbate to reduce the high potential centers of complex III (iron-sulfur protein and cytochromes c + c 1), NADH or succinate reduced heme b L slowly and incompletely. In contrast, heme b H was reduced by these substrates completely and much more rapidly. Only when the complex III inhibitor was antimycin, and the high potential centers were in the oxidized state, NADH or succinate was able to reduce bothb H and b L rapidly and completely. (ii) When NADH or succinate was added to SMP inhibited at complex III by antimycin and energized by ATP, the bis-heme cytochromeb was reduced only partially. Prereduction of the high potential centers was not necessary for this partial breduction, but slowed down the reduction rate. Deenergization of SMP by uncoupling (or addition of oligomycin to inhibit ATP hydrolysis) resulted in further b reduction. Addition of ATP afterb was reduced by substrate resulted in partialb oxidation, and the heme remaining reduced appeared to be mainly b L. Other experiments suggested that the redox changes of cytochrome b effected by energization and deenergization of SMP occurred via electronic communication with the ubiquinone pool. These results have been discussed in relation to current concepts regarding the mechanism of electron transfer by complex III.
Local bone formation due to combined mechanical loading and intermittent hPTH-(1-34) treatment and its correlation to mechanical signal distributions.

We evaluated the local response of cortical bone in the rat tibia due to combined treatment with synthetic parathyroid hormone, hPTH-(1-34), and mechanical stimulation by four-point bending. Forty-eight female retired breeder Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into six groups. Mechanically stimulated animals included the following groups: (1) Bend+PTH, (2) Sham+PTH, (3) Bend+Vehicle, (4) Sham+Vehicle. Non-mechanically stimulated animals included a (5) Control group that received neither loading nor injections, and a (6) PTH group that received only hPTH-(1-34) injections. The right limbs of mechanically loaded animals were exposed to a peak force of 50 N for 36 cycles at 2 Hz, three days per week for four weeks, and PTH-treated animals received injections equivalent to 50 μg/kg BW. Fluorochrome labeling was used to measure local formation at 12 sectors about the endocortical periphery. The distributions of endocortical bone formation were compared to the local formation differences between treatment groups and to a variety of potential mechanical stimuli signals. Results indicated that hPTH-(1-34) exerted a potent anabolic effect with near-uniform formation about the endocortical surface, and that localized formation peaks due to bending were further augmented in the presence of hPTH-(1-34) treatment. Correlation of formation patterns to mechanical signal distributions highlighted several candidate signals including the mid-principal stress, the dilatational strain, and the radial gradient of the local radial strain.
SÉMIOTIQUE DU LIMINAIRE CAMUSIEN

O texto de O estrangeiro constitui, no fim de contas, uma inesgotavel retomada - implicita, ludica, por vezes insidiosa - de um unico e mesmo inicio, pois a matriz (de-) ge(ne)radora que se forma e se elabora a partir da primeira frase sera determinante ate a ultima palavra da narrativa. E um texto destinado, por extensao, a hesitar, a flutuar; um texto que resiste a significar enquanto se permite a vertigem de sua inadmissivel exclusao, e cuja resistencia nao cessa claramente de ressoar. Perfida emboscada: nao nos deixemos cair na armadilha.
Cyclic Energy Loss of Honeycombs Under In-Plane Shear Loading

In an effort to develop an elastomer-like material with low hysteretic energy loss associated with an energy efficient structural design, a cyclic energy loss model of honeycombs is investigated. In-plane viscoelastic constitutive relations of a honeycomb are developed based on honeycomb geometries and a base material’s viscoelastic properties. Using Prony series parameters for the stress-relaxation of a material, a numerical study on hysteretic energy dissipation is conducted for regular and auxetic honeycombs. Finite element (FE) simulation is carried out to validate the numerical study. Preferred cell geometries of honeycombs are also discussed in terms of minimizing the hysteretic energy loss.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Optically activated switching in a ZnS/CdTe heterostructure for high-power frozen-wave generation

The design of an integrated monolithic microwave and photonic frozen-wave generator is described. The photonic circuit consist mainly of a number of semiconductor photoconductive switches, actuated by picosecond laser pulses. A pig-tail fiber optic cable bonded to the switches helps to direct the laser pulses to their desired locations. Each switch can hold 10kV, with an on-resistance of less than 1ohm and has a rise time of 50 picoseconds. The switches are designed as ZnS/CdTe double heterostructure photoconductive devices on a semi-insulating CdTe substrate. The microwave circuit components are also designed on the same substrate thereby allowing for monolithic integration of the microwave and photonic circuits. The microwave subsystem uses mainly lumped components and it is designed to support the propagation of transverse electromagnetic (TEM) waves at 20GHz.
Mechanisms of 5-(3,3-dimethyl-1-triazeno)imidazole-4-carboxamide (Dacarbazine) cytotoxicity toward Chinese hamster ovary cells in vitro are dictated by incubation conditions.

Summary Decomposition of the antitumor agent 5-(3,3-dimethyl-1-triazeno)imida-zole-4-carboxamide (DTIC, Dacarbazine) produces several potentially toxic compounds, the concentration of which depend on incubation parameters such as pH, temperature and illumination. The action of DTIC on Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell clone formation in the dark (7–8-day incubation) reflects the slow formation of 2-azahypoxanthine. Hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT, EC 2.4.2.8)-deficient cells are resistant to DTIC under these conditions, reflecting their inability to utilize 2-azahy-poxanthine. The toxicity of DTIC in conventional survival experiments (1–2-h exposure to drug) is dependent upon illumination and is highly influenced by the pH of the medium. Toxicity of DTIC in these experiments appears to reflect rapid accumulation of the immediate photodecomposition product of the drug, 4-diazoimidazole-5-carboxamide (DZC), since HGPRT-deficient cells are not resistant to DTIC under these conditions. The biologically initiated pathway of DTIC action (enzymatic hydroxylation) has little, if any, role in the action of this agent toward cultured CHO cells.
Pore stability and dynamics in polymer membranes

Vesicles self-assembled from amphiphilic diblock copolymers exhibit a wide diversity of behavior upon poration, due to competitions between edge, surface and bending energies, while viscous dissipation mechanisms determine the time scales. The copolymers are essentially chemically identical, only varying in chain length (related to the membrane thickness d). For small d, we find large unstable pores and the resulting membrane fragments reassemble into vesicles within minutes. For large d, however, submicron pores form and are extremely long-lived. The results show that pore behavior depends strongly on d, suggesting that the relevant energies depend on d and pore size r in a more complex manner than what is generally assumed. Further control over these systems would make them useful for numerous applications.
Development of a staff recall system for mass casualty incidents using cell phone text messaging

BACKGROUND: After a mass casualty incident (MCI), rapid mobilization of hospital personnel is required because of an expected surge of victims. Risk assessment of our department's manual phone tree recall system revealed multiple weaknesses that would limit an effective response. Because cell phone use is widespread within the department, we developed and tested a staff recall system, based in our anesthesia information management system (AIMS), using Short Message Service (SMS) text messaging. METHODS: We sent test text messages to anesthesia staff members' cell phone numbers, determined the distance from their home to the hospital, and stored this information in our AIMS. Latency testing for the time from transmission of SMS test messages from the server to return of an e-mail reply was determined at 2 different times on 2 different dates, 1 of which was a busy holiday weekend, using volunteers within the department. Two unannounced simulated disaster recall drills were conducted, with text messages sent asking for the anticipated time to return to the hospital. A timeline of available staff on site was determined. Reasons for failure to respond to the disaster notification message were tabulated. RESULTS: Latency data were fit by a log-normal distribution with an average of 82 seconds from message transmission to e-mail reply. Replies to the simulated disaster alert were received from approximately 50% of staff, with 16 projecting that they would have been able to be back at the hospital within 30 minutes on both dates. There would have been 21 and 23 staff in-house at 30 minutes, and 32 and 37 staff in-house at 60 minutes on the first and second test date, respectively, including in-house staff. Of the nonresponders to the alert, 48% indicated that their cell phone was not with them or was turned off, whereas 22% missed the message. CONCLUSIONS: Our SMS staff recall system is likely to be able to rapidly mobilize sufficient numbers of anesthesia personnel in response to an MCI, but actual performance cannot be predicted with confidence. Using our AIMS as the source for contact information and from which to send messages was simple, inexpensive, and easy to implement. Updating contact information, periodic testing, and analysis of responses to simulated disaster alerts are essential for the effective functioning of such a system. However, maintenance of alternative methods of communication is recommended, because there may be more significant message transmission delays and failures during an actual MCI, and not all staff will receive the text message in a timely fashion. Language: en
Immature Host for Xenotransplantation

The overall shortage of appropriate donor organs has prompted transplant physicians and surgeons to consider using organs from other nonhuman species. The shortage of appropriate human donor hearts for newborn recipients is especially severe. Presently, the pig appears to be the most appropriate source for organs. Humans and baboons uniformly develop high titers of complement-fixing (IgM) anti-pig xenoantibodies, resulting in complement-mediated hyperacute rejection (HAR) of pig organs transplanted into mature baboons within minutes to hours. In contrast, newborn humans and baboons do not have high titers of anti-pig IgM xenoantibody, and consequently pig cardiac xenografts transplanted into newborn baboons do not undergo HAR. Rather, these organs are rejected at days 3 to 4 by a distinctive immunologic process that involves natural killer cells and macrophages. With the addition of cyclosporine-based triple immunosuppression, this process is reduced and graft life is prolonged to 6 to 7 days. This therapy, however, is not sufficient to prevent the induced humoral response to the graft, and the organs are rejected by antibody- and complement-dependent mechanisms. Future treatment strategies to reduce this humoral response must incorporate immunodepletion columns, soluble complement-inhibiting agents, and additional anti-B lymphocyte agents. These strategies, in conjunction with the use of transgenic pig organs that express human membrane-bound complement regulatory proteins or reduced xenoantigenic epitopes could further prolong graft life. Clinical trials are being formulated that would utilize pig organs as a "bridge," sustaining a newborn human in need of a heart transplant until an appropriate donor is located.
Semantical Questions in Carnap's Inductive Logic

Rudolf Carnap's last writings on the theory of inductive logic are now in the process of publication. Volume I of Studies in Inductive Logic and Probability was issued over four years ago; Volume II is close to being published. It is time to consider once again (as Wesley C. Salmon did in a series of articles in the 1960s) some of the issues raised by this protean philosopher of induction. One could argue that consideration should await the publication of Volume II. But I think there are enough themes of importance in Volume I to warrant inspection and criticism. Much of the work in Volume I is a recapitulation of themes which were present in embryo in the Logical Foundations of Probability and which were developed by Carnap in the post-Foundations period from 1950 until his death. Most of these results were published in a number of papers. In addition to these papers, Carnap provided to a circle of students and associates a great deal of mimeographed materials. The article, 'A Basic System of Inductive Logic, Part I', is an editing of part of this material. Part II of the 'Basic System' will be published in Volume II. The latter contains material on analogical inference which, in my opinion, represents a new departure in Carnap's thinking. Salmon has investigated some of the developments in Carnap's inductive logic, developments which had already become apparent by the middle sixties. But there are themes in Carnap's work to which Salmon did not pay enough attention. I will not presume to offer an extended critique of Carnap's last system. Instead, I shall take my text from a remark which Salmon makes in one of his papers:
Intercalation of 7,8-Dihydroxy-9,10-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[α]pyrene Enantiomeric Isomers with Dinucleoside Dimers: A Basis for Alkylation of the 2-Amino Group in Guanine

Abstract The mimmum-energy intercalation-complex geometries of the (±)enantiomers of 7,8-dihydroxy-9,10-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[α]pyrene (I) with two dinucleoside dimers were determined. The purpose of these calculations was to see if I could intercalate into DNA in such a way that the observed alkylation of the 2-amino group of guanine could occur subsequent to intercalation. For both dinucleoside dimer sequences, it was found that the (+)-(9a,10a) isomer could form a stable intercalation complex in which the orientation and distance of the epoxide of I to the 2-amino group of guanine was close to the calculated critical transition-state geometry for the alkylation reaction. The (–)enantiomers can intercalate, but not in a manner close to the transition-state geometry necessary for the alkylation of the 2-amino group of guanine.
Trace Element Concentration and Speciation in Selected Mining-Contaminated Soils and Water in Willow Creek Floodplain, Colorado

Long-term mining activities in the mountains around Creede, Colorado have resulted in significant contamination in soils and water in the Willow Creek floodplain. Total major and trace were determined for soils and water and sequential chemical extraction for soils. Objectives were to determine concentrations and potential reactivity of trace elements and investigate their relationship with other soil and water properties. Water trace elements showed significant variability among sites, ranging from 347 to 12108 μg/L. Relative trend showed (Zn > Sr > Ba) > (Mn > W > Cd) > (Sn > V ≈ Ni ≈ Cu > Co) > (Ag). Soil trace elements showed significant short-range spatial variability, ranging from 2819 to 19274 mg/kg. Relative trend showed (Pb ≈ Zn > Mn > Ba > P) > (As > Cu > Sr > V > Cd > Sb ≈ Ag) > (Co ≈ Cr > Mo ≈ Sn ≈ Ni) > (Be ≈ W > Se ≈ Hg). Predominant fractions were oxide, specifically-sorbed/carbonate bound, and residual. Water soluble and exchangeable fractions showed (Zn ≈ Cd) > Pb and Cd > Zn > Pb, respectively. Mobility factors for highly contaminated soils showed Cd ≈ Zn > Pb > Cu > As.
Preschool Children′s Responses to Affective Information about Anticipated Events

Abstract Children′s reactions to an event that had been described as fearful, positive, or neutral or that was not described at all were compared. Forty-five children from 27 to 95 months of age participated in an experimental study of four informational presentations delivered by an experimenter before the onset of an ambiguous stimulus: fearful descriptive, positive descriptive, neutral descriptive, and no information. Results indicated that for younger children fearful social information totally inhibited proximal stimulus behavior, whereas older children responded less fearfully in the fearful condition than in the two neutral comparison conditions. Positive inductions did not promote positive behavior. Thus, an asymmetry existed in the effects of positive and negative expectations. Results are discussed in terms of appraisal theories of emotion.
A conspecific attenuates prolactin responses to open-field exposure in rats

Acute exposure to a novel environment, such as an open field, generally results in a prolactin surge, while several days of exposure to the open field is often characterized by a decline in prolactin. As exposure to the open field is a psychological stressor, altering the animal's interpretation of the event should alter prolactin levels. In the present study, juvenile male and female rats were habituated to the open field for 1 or 5 days prior to testing in the chamber alone or with a same-sex conspecific. Levels of prolactin were measured across all rats, and play (pins) was recorded for animals tested with a conspecific. Five days of habituation to the chamber resulted in lower levels of prolactin and more play than 1 day of habituation. Across both conditions of habituation, testing with a conspecific caused lower levels of prolactin than testing alone. In addition, play and prolactin were negatively correlated. The presence of a conspecific in a stressful situation may have reduced stress by altering the animal's negative interpretation of the open field. Further, as the intensity of the social interaction increased (more play), prolactin levels decreased.
Large-area conditioning of optics for high-power laser systems

This paper presents the procedure and apparatus used to laser condition meter-scale HfO 2 /SiO 2 multilayer polarizers which will be used in the Beamlet laser system. A study of different conditioning techniques, the effects of conditioning, and the determination of a practical process for conditioning large-area optics is presented.
Comparison of fluid absorption during transurethral resection of prostate and Holmium-Yag laser enucleation of benign adenoma of prostate using breath ethanol concentration.

Objective: We conducted a study to detect, quantify and compare irrigation fluid absorption in transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), using BEC. Materials and Methods: The study included 50 patients of lower urinary tract symptoms, secondary to benign enlargement of prostate. The patients were nonrandomly allocated to undergo TURP and HoLEP. Twenty-six patients underwent TURP and the remaining 24 underwent HoLEP. Sterile water tagged with 1% ethanol w/v was used for irrigation. Absorption was detected and quantified every 10min by BEC levels. Data was analyzed using standard nomograms. Results: In HoLEP, 14/24 had no fluid absorption. The remaining 10/24 showed fluid absorption ranging from 95 ml to 300 ml. In TURP, all had fluid absorption ranging from 250-980 ml. Three TURP patients developed overt symptoms, while none did in the HoLEP group. Conclusions: Fluid absorption observed in our study in the HoLEP group was lower than in the TURP group.
The zero-error side information problem and chromatic numbers (Corresp.)

A discrete random variable X is to be transmitted by means of a discrete signal. The receiver has prior knowledge of a discrete random variable Y jointly distributed with X . The probability of error must be exactly zero, and the problem is to minimize the signal's alphabet size. In the case where the transmitter also has access to the value of Y , the problem is trivial and no advantage can be obtained by block coding over independent repetitions. If, however, Y is not known at the transmitter then the problem is equivalent to the chromatic number problem for graphs, and block coding may produce savings.
Pontine cholinergic neurons depend on three neuroprotection systems to resist nitrosative stress

Abstract Brainstem cholinergic populations survive in neurodegenerative disease, while basal forebrain cholinergic neurons degenerate. We have postulated that variable resistance to oxidative stress may in part explain this. Rat primary cultures were used to study the effects of several nitrosative/oxidative stressors on brainstem (upper pons, containing pedunculopontine and lateraldorsal tegmental nuclei; BS) cholinergic neurons, comparing them with medial septal (MS), and striatal cholinergic neurons. BS cholinergic neurons were significantly more resistant to S -nitro- N -acetyl- d , l -penicillamine (SNAP), sodium nitroprusside (SNP), and hydrogen peroxide than were MS cholinergic neurons, which in turn were more resistant than striatal cholinergic neurons. Pharmacological analyses using specific inhibitors of neuroprotective systems also revealed differences between these three cholinergic populations with respect to their vulnerability to SNAP. Toxicity of SNAP to BS neurons was exacerbated by blocking NF-κB activation with SN50 or ERK1/2 activation by PD98059, or by inhibition of phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K) activity by LY294002. In contrast, SNAP toxicity to MS neurons was augmented only by SN50, and SNAP toxicity to striatal cholinergic neurons was not increased by any of these three pharmacological agents. In neuron-enriched primary cultures, BS cholinergic neurons remained resistant to SNAP while MS cholinergic neurons remained vulnerable to this agent. Immunohistochemical experiments demonstrated nitric oxide (NO)-induced increases in nuclear levels of phospho-epitopes for ERK1/2 and Akt, and of the p65 subunit of NF-κB, within BS cholinergic neurons. These data indicate that the relative resistance of BS cholinergic neurons to toxic levels of nitric oxide involves three intrinsic neuroprotective pathways that control transcriptional and anti-apoptotic cellular functions.
Cost evaluation of alternative pharmaceutical tableting processes by simulation

A simulation model and a subsequent computer program were developed as experimentation methods for evaluating tableting processes with respect to cost. These methods also allow estimation of the various times involved in a tableting operation (e.g., the processing time). The model was programmed in FORTRAN using the GASP IV simulation language. After verification of the program, experiments were run that involved comparing different levels of specific input variables to determine which variable had an effect on the cost–time relationships of a particular processing method. Among the possible input variables chosen for evaluation were the drying method, the type of tableting machine, the batch size, the labor rate, and the operation of the equipment in the process. An analysis of variance was made, and three separate regression equations were developed that described the relationship between the input variables and the dependent variables of processing cost and time. Graphs were developed from the regression equations by manipulating them through series of different independent variables. These graphs then were used in determining minimum costs and times, breakeven points, and rates of change, as well as in simple evaluation of processes through graphic representation. By using the simulation program to run experiments and then by analyzing them, results can be obtained to help in making intelligent decisions about the cost–time relationships of a particular tableting procedure before it is implemented.
Occurrence and diversity of epiphytic bacterial communities on two native plant species in a Michigan Creek

We examined the occurrence and diversity of bacteria of different phylogenetic groups in epiphytic assemblages on two native Michigan plant species mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) and cow parsnip (Heracleum maximum) when the plant leaves were submerged in fresh water. Fresh leaves were incubated in triplicate for about a week within a creek in Hasting, Michigan, and in laboratory microcosm to develop mature epiphytic assemblages. We enumerated bacteria in these assemblages by nucleic acid staining (i.e., total direct counts using 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenyllindole) and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), while community diversity was determined based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing. FISH indicated the dominance of members of the γ-Proteobacterial subclass (20%) on both plant species, while the 16S rRNA gene analysis revealed the predominance of the β-Proteobacteria (51%) on mayapple and the Fermicutes (26%) on cow parsnip, with the Bacteroidetes present equally within the epiphytic assemblages on both plants.
The uniqueness of the adjoint operation I

Let H be a complex, infinite-dimensional Hilbert space. Let B(H) denote the set of bounded linear operators on H. This paper contains a nonlinear characterization of the adjoint operation on B(H). The statement of this result is: THEOREM:Let h: B(H) → B(H)be a function such that h(I)≠0.Then h(ST)=h(T)h(S)and h(S)S≥0for all elements Sand Tof B(H)if and only if h(S)=S* for all S ∈ B(H).
“Say It Straight” Training with Mothers in Chemical Dependency Treatment

ABSTRACT Effectiveness of Say It Straight communication training as a treatment component was evaluated with 36 mothers in residential chemical dependency treatment. All were indigent, 32 had previous criminal offenses and 14 were on probation or parole at the time of treatment. Self-reported, disempowering behaviors showed highly significant decreases after SIS training (p < 0.001). Empowering behaviors, quality of family and group life showed significant increases (p = 0.001, p = 0.008, p = 0.015, respectively). Self-esteem, assessed with one group of eight mothers, showed a highly significant increase after training (p = 0.009). Statistically significant differences between mothers in treatment an average of 40 days compared to those in treatment 141 days prior to training disappeared after 10-16 hours of training, although the latter group also showed positive changes. Reports regarding training effectiveness were very positive. Results indicate this training is an important addition to treatment and ...
Antimicrobial proteins and peptides: anti‐infective molecules of mammalian leukocytes

Phagocytic leukocytes are a central cellular element of innate-immune defense in mammals. Over the past few decades, substantial progress has been made in defining the means by which phagocytes kill and dispose of microbes. In addition to the generation of toxic oxygen radicals and nitric oxide, leukocytes deploy a broad array of antimicrobial proteins and peptides (APP). The majority of APP includes cationic, granule-associated (poly)peptides with affinity for components of the negatively charged microbial cell wall. Over the past few years, the range of cells expressing APP and the potential roles of these agents have further expanded. Recent advances include the discovery of two novel families of mammalian APP (peptidoglycan recognition proteins and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin), that the oxygen-dependent and oxygen-independent systems are inextricably linked, that APP can be deployed in the context of novel subcellular organelles, and APP and the Toll-like receptor system interact. From a clinical perspective, congeners of several of the APP have been developed as potential therapeutic agents and have entered clinical trials with some evidence of benefit.
Pharmacodynamic Effects During the Transition Between Cangrelor and Ticagrelor

Objectives This study sought to determine pharmacodynamic effects during transition from intravenous cangrelor to oral ticagrelor and from oral ticagrelor to intravenous cangrelor. Background Cangrelor is an intravenous antagonist of P2Y12 and its use will require transition to and from oral agents. Methods Patients (n = 12) with stable coronary artery disease who were taking aspirin 81 mg daily were recruited. On study day 1, they received a bolus plus 2-h infusion of cangrelor plus a 180-mg dose of ticagrelor at either 0.5 h (n = 6) or 1.25 h (n = 6). Pharmacodynamic effects (light transmission platelet aggregation in response to 20 and 5 μmol/l adenosine diphosphate, VerifyNow, P2Y12 assay (Accumetrics, San Diego, California), vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein index, and flow cytometry) were assessed during and after the cangrelor infusion. Patients took 90 mg of ticagrelor twice daily for either 6 (n = 6) or 7 (n = 6) doses. On study day 5, pharmacodynamic effects were assessed before and during a bolus plus 2-h infusion of cangrelor. Results During cangrelor infusion, extensive inhibition of platelet function reflected by limited residual platelet reactivity was apparent. After cangrelor was stopped, the antiplatelet effects of ticagrelor were preserved despite a modest increase in platelet reactivity. Conclusions Ticagrelor given before or during infusion of cangrelor did not attenuate the pharmacodynamic effects of cangrelor. The pharmacodynamic effects of ticagrelor were preserved when ticagrelor was given during infusion of cangrelor. Consistent with the reversible binding of ticagrelor, this oral P2Y12 antagonist can be administered before, during, or after treatment with cangrelor.
Evaluating Forestry Camps With National Standards in Environmental Education: A Case Study of the Junior Forester Academy, Northern Arizona University

The Junior Forester Academy (JFA) is a summer forestry camp that provides environmental education (EE) in the context of an outdoor education program. The JFA was established in 2004 and is located at Northern Arizona University's Centennial Forest site. The JFA's goal is to increase a campers' understanding of forest ecology and forestry skills through fieldwork and games. The formative evaluation in this document incorporates professional standards from the North American Association of Environmental Education and the Association of Nature Center Administrators. Using these standards, and collaborative observations and interviews of participants, the JFA will determine if it is expanding within the scope of established standards.
Buckling studies of single human trabeculae.

The nonideal inelastic buckling behavior of single trabeculae from the subchondral region of the human medial tibial plateau was investigated. Wet specimens exhibited ductile buckling, whereas dry specimens buckled in a brittle manner. Extrapolation to ideal slenderness ratios showed Young's modulus to be 1·65 × 106 psi in the wet state and 2·05 × 106 psi in the dry state, reasonably similar to cortical bone.
Impartial division of a dollar

For impartial division, each participant reports only her opinion about the fair relative shares of the other participants, and this report has no effect on her own share. If a specific division is compatible with all reports, it is implemented. We propose a family of natural methods meeting these requirements, for a division among four or more participants. No such method exists for a division among three participants.