cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structure properties of heavily cold-drawn niobium

The mechanical properties and microstructural evolution were evaluated for wires of niobium, cold drawn to true strains η up to 11.9. The ultimate tensile stress and fracture stress of niobium increases exponentially after drawing to η = 8.9. At larger true strains, up to η = 11.9 saturation hardening is observed in niobium as it is at much lower deformation strains (η > 5.3) in copper. Niobium remains ductile after deformation processing to true strains up to η = 11.9, but at η ⩾ 10.3, failure occurs by ductile shear. Previous studies on heavily deformation-processed b.c.c. metals usually have been restricted to η<8.9, which is the most likely reason why saturation hardening was not previously observed in b.c.c. metals (J. Gil Sevillano et al., Progr. Mater., Sci., 25 (1981) 69; J. Gil Sevillano, Acta Metall., 34 (1986) 1473). Comparison of hardening in identically wire-drawn niobium and copper shows that the predominant difference between them was that copper exhibited saturation hardening after smaller draw ratios. Hardening in both metals appeared to be exponential in nature prior to the onset of saturation hardening. Analyses of the substructural development in niobium with increasing degree of deformation processing by wire drawing showed that grains and cells on transverse sections start with equiaxed shapes becoming ribbon-like and curled about the wire axis, tending toward a more equiaxed shape again with increasing deformation processing. The dislocation structures observed for niobium are typical of those observed in stage IV hardening and the substructural development with increasing deformation processing appears similar to previously reported observations on other b.c.c. metals.
All Things to All People or Nothing for Some: Justice, Diversity, and Democracy in Sociological Societies

This presidential address first explores the increasingly popular position known as racial realism, which argues that the problem of racism has largely been solved, and places blame for any tenacious remnants of racism on a small group of intransigent white extremists and on people of color themselves. The racial realist perspective is not difficult for sociologists to dispute, using the extant research on institutional racism and its effects on people of color. However, the address then examines how white privilege is ingrained not only in the society at large, but also in the discipline of sociology itself and, more particularly, in sociological professional societies, including the Society for the Study of Social Problems (SSSP), both historically and contemporaneously. The address concludes with suggestions for improving the culture and practices of SSSP with regard to issues of privilege, race, and ethnicity.
Magnetic studies on tetrasodium tetramminecopper(II) di-catena-di-μ-thiosulfatocuprate(I) monoammoniate

Abstract The magnetic susceptibility of tetrasodium tetramminecopper(II) di-catena-di-μ-thiosulfatocuprate(I) monoammoniate has been measured in the temperature range 1·6 to 294°K. The data obey the Curie-Weiss law yielding μ eff = 1·80 ± 0·02 B.M. There is a slight deviation from the Curie-Weiss law below 2°K which suggests a weak copper(II)-copper(II) interaction. The interaction is confirmed by the EPR spectrum.
D4cpv-calsequestrin: a sensitive ratiometric biosensor accurately targeted to the calcium store of skeletal muscle.

Current fluorescent monitors of free [Ca2+] in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of skeletal muscle cells are of limited quantitative value. They provide either a nonratio signal that is difficult to calibrate and is not specific or, in the case of Forster resonant energy transfer (FRET) biosensors, a signal of small dynamic range, which may be degraded further by imperfect targeting and interference from endogenous ligands of calsequestrin. We describe a novel tool that uses the cameleon D4cpv, which has a greater dynamic range and lower susceptibility to endogenous ligands than earlier cameleons. D4cpv was targeted to the SR by fusion with the cDNA of calsequestrin 1 or a variant that binds less Ca2+. “D4cpv-Casq1,” expressed in adult mouse at concentrations up to 22 µmole/liter of muscle cell, displayed the accurate targeting of calsequestrin and stayed inside cells after permeabilization of surface and t system membranes, which confirmed its strict targeting. FRET ratio changes of D4cpv-Casq1 were calibrated inside cells, with an effective KD of 222 µM and a dynamic range [(Rmax − Rmin)/Rmin] of 2.5, which are improvements over comparable sensors. Both the maximal ratio, Rmax, and its resting value were slightly lower in areas of high expression, a variation that was inversely correlated to distance from the sites of protein synthesis. The average [Ca2+]SR in 74 viable cells at rest was 416 µM. The distribution of individual ratio values was Gaussian, but that of the calculated [Ca2+]SR was skewed, with a tail of very large values, up to 6 mM. Model calculations reproduce this skewness as the consequence of quantifiably small variations in biosensor performance. Local variability, a perceived weakness of biosensors, thus becomes quantifiable. It is demonstrably small in D4cpv. D4cpv-Casq1 therefore provides substantial improvements in sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility over existing monitors of SR free Ca2+ concentration.
Property taxation and rural land values: Their effect on private forestland ownership structure in Texas

The objective of this study was to estimate the effect of property tax and rural land market value on the ownership structure of private forestland in Texas. Using county-level panel data in an Instrumental Variable regression framework, we estimated the effect of property tax rate and rural land value on two measures of ownership fragmentation: the total number of private forest landowners and the average size of private forest holdings. The results indicate that after controlling for the total amount of private forest area in a county, both property tax rates and rural land values increased ownership fragmentation. However, the rate of ownership fragmentation was relatively inelastic in both property tax rate and rural land value. While further restructuring local property tax rates might minimize the negative effect on private ownership dynamics, policy instruments that decrease the disparity between productivity value and market value of rural forestland might be needed to check the ongoing ownership fragmentation in Texas and elsewhere in the United States.
Estimation of causal effects of binary treatments in unconfounded studies with one continuous covariate

The estimation of causal effects in nonrandomized studies should comprise two distinct phases: design, with no outcome data available; and analysis of the outcome data according to a specified protocol. Here, we review and compare point and interval estimates of common statistical procedures for estimating causal effects (i.e. matching, subclassification, weighting, and model-based adjustment) with a scalar continuous covariate and a scalar continuous outcome. We show, using an extensive simulation, that some highly advocated methods have poor operating characteristics. In many conditions, matching for the point estimate combined with within-group matching for sampling variance estimation, with or without covariance adjustment, appears to be the most efficient valid method of those evaluated. These results provide new conclusions and advice regarding the merits of currently used procedures.
Removal of ammonia toxicity in marine sediment TIEs: a comparison of Ulva lactuca, zeolite and aeration methods

Abstract Toxicity Identification Evaluations (TIEs) can be used to determine the specific toxicant(s), including ammonia, causing toxicity observed in marine sediments. Two primary TIE manipulations are available for characterizing and identifying ammonia in marine sediments: Ulva lactuca addition and zeolite addition. In this study, we compared the efficacy of these methods to (1) remove NHx and NH3 from overlying and interstitial waters and (2) reduce toxicity to the amphipod Ampelisca abdita and mysid Americamysis bahia using both spiked and environmentally contaminated sediments. The utility of aeration for removing NHx and NH3 during a marine sediment TIE was also evaluated preliminarily. In general, the U. lactuca and zeolite addition methods performed similarly well at removing spiked NHx and NH3 from overlying and interstitial waters compared to an unmanipulated sediment. Toxicity to the amphipod was reduced approximately the same by both methods. However, toxicity to the mysid was most effectively reduced by the U. lactuca addition indicating this method functions best with epibenthic species exposed to ammonia in the water column. Aeration removed NHx and NH3 from seawater when the pH was adjusted to 10; however, very little ammonia was removed at ambient pHs (∼8.0). This comparison demonstrates both U. lactuca and zeolite addition methods are effective TIE tools for reducing the concentrations and toxicity of ammonia in whole sediment toxicity tests.
Impacts of mid- to late-Holocene land use on residual hill geomorphology: A remote sensing and archaeological evaluation of human-related soil erosion in Central Karnataka, South India

This paper describes the impacts of Neolithic Period (c. 5000–3200 cal. BP) and Iron Age (c. 3200–2300 cal. BP) occupation and land use on the geomorphology of residual hills that punctuate an expa...
The link between family history and early onset alcoholism: earlier initiation of drinking or more rapid development of dependence?

Objective: This study examines the association between early onset alcoholism and family history to determine whether family history of alcoholism is predictive of earlier initiation of drinking, more rapid onset of dependence once drinking has begun, or both. Method: Using cross-sectional, retrospective data from a large, nationally representative sample of U.S. adults, discrete time proportional hazards models were used to assess the effects of family history saturation (% of alcoholic first- and second-degree relatives) on: ( 1) the risk of initiating drinking among all adults (N = 42,862; 58.4% female) and (2) the risk of progressing from initiation of drinking to onset of dependence among lifetime drinkers (n = 27,616; 50.7% male). Models were estimated for different time periods, to see if the effect of family history saturation varied over time in a manner suggestive of a stronger association with early onset dependence. Results: The positive effect of family history saturation on the risk of initi...
Pyridone annulation via tandem Curtius rearrangement/6π-electrocyclization: total synthesis of (-)-lyconadin C.

A concise, enantioselective total synthesis of the Lycopodium alkaloid (−)-lyconadin C was achieved in 12 steps and high overall yield. Key features include construction of a luciduline congener through Mannich-type cyclization and a one-pot, tandem Curtius rearrangement/6π-electrocyclization to fashion the 2-pyridone system of lyconadin C.
On the Development of Antifungal Agents: Perspective of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration

As medical advances have prolonged the lives of patients with cancer, recipients of organ transplants, and patients with AIDS, there has been a marked increase in the number of fungal infections. Because of the known toxicity associated with amphotericin B, which has been the mainstay of therapy for systemic fungal infections, there has been a pressing need for regimens that are more effective and less toxic and that are more easily complied with by patients. This article provides a brief overview of the regulatory process of drug approval and discusses issues specific to the design of clinical trials for the treatment of systemic fungal diseases.
The solid-vapor equilibrium of CdTe☆

Abstract The solid-vapor equilibrium of CdTe and its gaseous component species was investigated from 812 to 1051°C. From the temperature dependence of the standard free energy change a ΔH0 of 68·5 kcal mole and ΔS0 of 45·8 cal deg mole was evaluated. Extrapolation to the maximum melting point indicates a minimum pressure of 0·287 atm Cd and 0·144 atm Te2 near 1092°C for the three phase equilibrium.
Time course of the regression of asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy with and without treatment

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of treatment over time for bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy and the probability of spontaneous resolution with placebo. Study design Women with asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis on Gram stain were assigned randomly at 16 to 23 weeks of gestation to receive two 2-g doses of metronidazole or placebo 48 hours apart and were re-evaluated for changes in Gram stain score on one occasion ≥2 weeks later. Results Of 658 women who underwent metronidazole therapy, treatment was successful (score, Conclusion The effectiveness of metronidazole therapy of bacterial vaginosis persists for ≥10 weeks. Women who underwent placebo therapy had significant remission of bacterial vaginosis over ≥10 weeks. Remission was more common when the initial vaginal microbiologic disturbances were less severe.
Comparison of accelerator and cosmic ray data

The final results of the MiniMax experiment at Fermilab where a search was made for evidence of Disoriented Chiral Condensates is reported; the negative conclusions are in contrast with the recent positive results reported by the Brazilian cosmic ray group. Accelerator results relating to the Pomeron and to hard diffraction are noted. Attention is drawn to the conspicuous lack of forward production data from accelerators which are particularly relevant to both the interpretation of cosmic ray physics and to non-perturbative QCD Strong Interaction physics.
Crystallization of accessory phases in magmas by local saturation adjacent to phenocrysts

Abstract Accessory minerals commonly occur attached to or included in the major crystalline phases of felsic and some intermediate igneous rocks. Apatite is particularly common as inclusions, but Fe-Ti oxides, pyrrhotite, zircon, monazite, chevkinite and xenotime are also known from silicic rocks. Accessories may nucleate near the host crystal/ liquid interface as a result of local saturation owing to formation of a differentiated chemical boundary layer in which accessory mineral solubility would be lower than in the surrounding liquid. Differentiation of this boundary layer would be greatest adjacent to ferromagnesian phenocrysts, especially Fe-Ti oxides; it is with oxides that accessories are most commonly associated in rocks. A boundary layer may develop if the crystal grows more rapidly than diffusion can transport incorporated and rejected elements to and from the phenocryst. Diffusion must dominate over convection as a mode of mass transfer near the advancing crystal/liquid interface in order for a boundary layer to exist. Accumulation of essential structural constituent elements of accessory minerals owing to their slow diffusion in evolved silicate melt also may force local saturation, but this is not a process that applies to all cases. Local saturation is an attractive mechanism for enhancing fractionation during crystallization differentiation. If accessory minerals attached to or included in phenocrysts formed because of local saturation, their host phenocrysts must have grown rapidly when accessories nucleated in comparison to lifetimes of magma reservoirs. Some inconsistencies remain in a local saturation origin for accessory phases that cannot be evaluated without additional information.
Compiling nested data-parallel programs for shared-memory multiprocessors

While data parallelism is well suited from algorithmic, architectural, and linguistic considerations to serve as a basis for portable parallel programming, its characteristic fine-grained parallelism makes the efficient implementation of data-parallel languages on MIMD machines a challenging task. The design, implementation, and evaluation of an optimizing compiler are presented for an applicative nested data-parallel language called Vcode targeted at the Encore Multimax, a shared-memory multiprocessor. The source language supports nested aggregate data types; aggregate operations including elementwise forms, scans, reductions, and permutations; and conditionals and recursion for control flow
Predictors of delay in each step leading to an abortion.

Abstract Background Approximately 1 out of 10 abortions in the United States occurs in the second trimester of pregnancy. This study uses survival analysis to identify the factors which delay each step of the process of obtaining an abortion. Study Design This is a secondary data analysis of a cross-sectional study investigating a sample of 398 women who presented for elective abortion at an urban hospital. Respondents completed a survey using an audio-assisted self-interviewing program and provided a timeline for their process of obtaining an abortion. Results In our analysis, we divided the abortion process into three steps ending in three distinct events (first pregnancy test, calling a clinic, getting an abortion). Factors associated with delay during the first step include obesity [hazard ratio (HR) 0.8, 95% CI 0.6–1.0], abuse of drugs or alcohol (HR 0.7, 95% CI 0.6–1.0), prior second-trimester abortion (HR 0.6, 95% CI 0.4–0.8) and being unsure of last menstrual period (HR 0.6, 95% CI 0.4–0.7) and emotional factors such as being in denial (HR 0.8, 95% CI 0.6–1.0) and fear of abortion (HR 0.7, 95% CI 0.5–1.0). Conclusion This study identified key factors associated with delay in obtaining abortion care. Interventions which seek to address these factors, especially those factors associated with later pregnancy suspicion and testing, may reduce abortion delay and facilitate women obtaining their abortions when medical risk and overall cost are lower.
Determination of Optimal Counter-Mass Location in Active Prostheses for Transfemoral Amputees to Replicate Sound Limb Swing

Transfemoral amputees suffer the loss of the knee and ankle joints, as well as partial or complete loss of many of the lower extremity muscle groups involved in ambulation. Recent advances in lower limb prostheses have involved the design of active, powered prosthetic knee and ankle-foot components capable of generating knee and ankle torques similar to that of normal gait. The associated onboard motors, conditioning/processing, and battery units of these active components result in increased mass of the respective prosthesis. While not an issue during stance, this increased mass of the prosthesis affects swing. The goal of this study is to develop and validate mathematical models of the transfemoral residual limb and prosthesis, expand these models to include an active ankle-foot, and investigate counter-mass magnitude(s) and location(s) via model optimization that might improve kinematic symmetry during swing. Single- (thigh only, shank only) and multi-segment (combined thigh and shank) optimization of counter-mass magnitudes and locations indicated that a 2.0 kg counter-mass added 8 cm distal and 10 cm posterior to the distal end of knee unit within the shank segment approximated knee kinematics of able-bodied subjects. This location, however, induced artificial hip torques that reduced hip flexion during swing. While such a counter-mass location and magnitude demonstrated theoretical potential, this location is not clinically realistic; mass can only be added within the prosthesis, distal to the residual limb. Clinically realistic counter-masses must also keep the total prosthetic mass to less than 5 kg; greater mass requires supplemental prosthetic suspension, would likely increase energy expenditure during ambulation, and contribute to increased likelihood of fatigue even with active prosthetic components. The ability to simulate the effects of active prosthetic components inclusive of varying placement of battery and signal conditioning units may advance the design of active prostheses that will minimize kinematic asymmetry and result in greater patient acceptance.
Effects of long‐term growth hormone releasing hormone 1 ‐29 in significantly short children

Seven children with significant idiopathic short stature (SISS) whose heights were significantly below the third percentile (SD score for height -2.5 to -3.5) and who had normal levels of growth hormone (GH) were treated with growth hormone releasing hormone (GH-RH) in a dose of 30 micrograms/kg/day. Therapy was discontinued if patients failed to increase their rates of growth by more than 2.0 cm/year over their pre-therapy growth rate. Treatment was discontinued in two of the patients after 12 months but was continued in the other five for 24 months. These data demonstrate that some patients with SISS grow well during the first 2 years of treatment with GH-RH.
A quantitative analysis of I-123 BMIPP uptake in the heart and surrounding tissues

Abstract Background: After an exercise-induced ischemia, recent studies have shown prolonged disturbances in myocardial fatty acid metabolism, termed “ischemic memory”, which can be successfully imaged by [ 123 I] BMIPP at rest. A potential advantage of BMIPP is that it permits uncoupling of the treadmill stress from tracer injection. In this study, we determined the cardiac image quality of BMIPP by quantifying regional tracer uptake in the heart and surrounding tissues in coronal slices. The results were compared with thallium images obtained in the same patients. Methods: 13 pts with documented reversible thallium defects during exercise underwent subsequent rest BMIPP SPECT imaging within 30 hours of the thallium study. The mean thallium dose injected was 5.2 ± 0.4 mCi while the mean BMIPP dose injected was 3.6 ± 0.4 mCi. After BMIPP injection, two sets of SPECT images were acquired; a 10-minute acquisition obtained 10 minutes after BMIPP injection and a 20-minute acquisition obtained 35–60 minutes after injection. A circular region of interest (ROI) was drawn around the heart, which was then duplicated and repositioned over the lung, liver, and left upper quadrant bowel in coronal slices. Mean counts in each ROI were expressed as lung/heart, liver/heart, and bowel/heart region ratios for thallium, 10-minute BMIPP and 35–60 minute BMIPP images (table). Results: BMIPP images showed excellent cardiac tracer uptake by quantitative SPECT analysis without lung or abdominal visceral interference. The lung/heart and bowel/heart ratios were similar for thallium and BMIPP images. However, the liver/heart ratio was higher for BMIPP images than thallium. Conclusion: The cardiac imaging characteristics of BMIPP are excellent with greater tracer uptake in the heart than the surrounding tissues of lung, liver and bowel. Compared to thallium, BMIPP shows higher liver/heart but similar lung/heart and bowel/heart ratios. However, when the more favorable physical properties of I-123 are taken into consideration, [ 123 I] BMIPP becomes an excellent “ischemic memory” cardiac agent. * . lung/heart liver/heart bowel/heart BMIPP 10 minute .30 ± .03 .65 ± .18 .25 ± .09 BMIPP 35–60 minute .33 ± .06 .61 ± .15 .30 ± .10 thallium .23 ± .14 .22 ± .07 * .21 ± .06 * different from BMIPP (10 and 35–60 minute) p
Monopolar radiofrequency tissue tightening--how we do it in our practice.

Background and Objectives Monopolar radiofrequency has emerged as the standard for non-surgical tissue tightening. However, its role, usefulness, and value remains unclear to many clinicians. Techniques and treatment parameters used by various practitioners can also be highly variable. Study Design/Materials and Methods The role of monopolar radiofrequency in our cosmetic plastic surgery practice will be defined and discussed. Our treatment algorithm will also be outlined. Results Treatment guidelines and reasonable expectations will be offered based on over 5 years of clinical and research experience with monopolar radiofrequency technology. Conclusions Monopolar radiofrequency technology plays a unique and well-defined role in our practice. Strict patient selection in conjunction with detailed, honest, informed consent are the keys to successful treatments and patient satisfaction. Lasers Surg. Med. 38:575–579, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Visual capture influences body-based indications of visual extent.

Visual information regarding limb location can override proprioceptive information when there is conflict between the two—a phenomenon referred to as visual capture. In three experiments, we employed the “mirror illusion,” in which the perceived location of one’s hand is influenced by the visual information specified by the mirror reflection of the other hand, to test whether visual capture influences body-based indications of the extent of objects. Participants viewed their visible hand and its reflection in a mirror after the unseen hand was positioned at one of four locations on a tabletop. The unseen hand’s location appeared to be the same distance from the mirror as the visible hand’s location. After viewing the visible hand and its reflection while simultaneously performing simple finger movements with both hands, participants viewed a block and had to move their unseen hand to a position that would allow them to grasp the block between their two hands. Movements of the unseen hand relative to the visible hand were biased by the visual information, reflecting errors in moved hand position given visual–proprioceptive conflict. In Experiment 1, visual capture influenced the indications of object extent for objects within reach and aligned with the viewer’s midline. Experiments 2 and 3 extended these findings to indications of extent for objects outside the viewer’s reach (Experiment 2) and misaligned with the viewer’s midline (Experiment 3). These results suggest that visual body information has a generalizable effect on actions used to indicate space perception that extends beyond egocentric spatial localization tasks.
Predictions of the sign of μ from supersymmetry breaking models

The sign of the supersymmetric Higgs boson mass \ensuremath{\mu} is usually taken as an independent input parameter in analyses of the supersymmetric standard model. I study the role of theories of supersymmetry breaking in determining the sign of \ensuremath{\mu} as an output. Models with vanishing soft scalar couplings at the apparent gauge coupling unification scale are known to predict a positive \ensuremath{\mu}. I investigate more general results for the sign of \ensuremath{\mu} as a function of the holomorphic soft scalar couplings, and compare to predictions of models with gaugino mass dominance at higher scales. In a significant region of the ${B}_{0}{/m}_{1/2}$ versus ${A}_{0}{/m}_{1/2}$ plane including ${A}_{0}{=B}_{0}=0, \ensuremath{\mu}$ must be positive. In another region, \ensuremath{\mu} is definitely negative. Only in a smaller intermediate region does knowledge of the supersymmetry breaking mechanism not permit a definite prediction of the sign of \ensuremath{\mu}. The last region will shrink considerably as the top quark mass becomes more accurately known.
Local economic development in the twenty-first century: quality of life and sustainability

Greenwood and Holt are rogue economists who, like some of their colleagues, have escaped the disciplinary box of traditional economics to acknowledge that sustainable economic development is more t...
Efficient resource arbitration in reconfigurable computing environments

In a multi-FPGA synthesis system, ideally the designer has only an abstract view of the board architecture. This abstract modeling of the underlying reconfigurable computer poses complex challenges to the synthesis and partitioning tools. Since the design specification is not constrained by the number of memory segments on the board or the number of pins between FPGAs, it is difficult for the CAD tools to transform the design into one that maps onto the multi-FPGA board. This paper describes an arbitration mechanism that bridges the abstraction between the implicit design and the reconfigurable architecture. Since this mechanism allows such architecture abstraction between the design and the board, it becomes easier to port a design from one target architecture to another. This arbitration mechanism introduces very little overhead in terms of area and delay. It has been used in data-dominated applications; in this paper fast Fourier transform (FFT) is shown as an illustrative example.
A guide to the recognition of skeletal disorders in the fetus

The discovery of fetal skeletal abnormality on prenatal US mandates an extended study of the fetus. This extended examination includes specific views and measurements of the fetal skeleton. Lethality can be predicted if severe pulmonary hypoplasia is present. Specific diagnosis of a fetal osteochondrodysplasia is difficult; a collaborative approach among obstetric, neonatal and genetic services is necessary to provide the parents with all available information regarding the pregnancy. Pediatric radiologists who have experience in radiologic assessment of osteochondrodystrophies of infants and children can provide expertise in this area.
Delineation of pilin domains required for bacterial association into microcolonies and intestinal colonization by Vibrio cholerae

The toxin-co-regulated pilus (TCP), a type 4 pilus that is expressed by epidemic strains of Vibrio cholerae O1 and O139, is required for colonization of the human intestine. The TCP structure is assembled as a polymer of repeating subunits of TcpA pilin that form long fibres, which laterally associate into bundles. Previous passive immunization studies have suggested that the C-terminal region of TcpA is exposed on the surface of the pilus fibre and has a critical role in mediating the colonization functions of TCP. In the present study, we have used site-directed mutagenesis to delineate two domains within the C-terminal region that contribute to TCP structure and function. Alterations in the first domain, termed the structural domain, result in altered pilus stability or morphology. Alterations in the second domain, termed the interaction domain, affect colonization and/or infection by CTX-bacteriophage without affecting pilus morphology. In vitro and in vivo analyses of the tcpA mutants revealed that a major function of TCP is to mediate bacterial interaction through direct pilus-pilus contact required for microcolony formation and productive intestinal colonization. The importance of this function is supported by the finding that intragenic suppressor mutations that restore colonization ability to colonization-deficient mutants simultaneously restore pilus-mediated bacterial interactions. The alterations resulting from the suppressor mutations also provide insight into the molecular interactions between pilin subunits within and between pilus fibres.
Counseling and Decision Making for Very Low Birthweight (VLBW) Infants: Maternal Perspectives

Counseling and Decision Making for Very Low Birthweight (VLBW) Infants: Maternal Perspectives
Cerebral air embolism in a neonate following cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Sir, We would like to comment on our analysis of the case reported as a Clinical Image titled “Cerebral air embolism in the neonate following cardiopulmonary resuscitation” [1]. It was stated that the patient had a sudden cardiopulmonary arrest and then resuscitation was started but without success; subsequently head CT demonstrated extensive vascular air. The submitted CT scan demonstrated, by our analysis, air largely in intracranial veins (sphenoparietal sinus, superior ophthalmic vein, probable cavernous sinuses, straight sinus). A small amount of arterial air was likely present additionally. The air embolism was attributed to the cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Our review of neonatal systemic air embolization [2] indicated that most of these children have neonatal cerebral air embolism as the initiating feature, which subsequently causes the cardiopulmonary arrest. It is likely that this was the sequence of events in this particular submitted case. Review of chest radiographs from this case likely demonstrated air in the right-side cardiac structures, systemic veins (inferior vena cava, hepatic veins, internal jugular veins, subclavian veins, etc.), and the patient may have had interstitial emphysema in the lungs. This would fit the observations we made in 25 similar cases. We do not feel that this case as presented proved that cardiopulmonary resuscitation can cause air embolism by itself, and we consider that the cardiopulmonary resuscitation is not needed to explain the air embolism and the abrupt demise with intravascular air in this patient. The intravascular air was likely related to lymphatic air embolism into the systemic venous circulation as described in our article. The intracranial venous air likely refluxed retrograde from the intracardiac air, and the small amount of intraarterial air likely reached there through a patent foramen ovale or ductus arteriosus.
Counterfeit Courage: Toward a Process Psychology Paradigm for the “Heroic Rescue Fantasy”

On the basis largely of interview data, this article outlines a working model for a process psychology paradigm for the heroic rescue fantasy and contrasts a prototypi-cal sequence therefore with corresponding sequences in antisocial, asocial, and prosocial risk-taking. It proposes that the heroic rescue fantasy emerges from the interplay between (a) neurologic anomaly affecting realistic assessment of costs, risks, and benefits associated with behavior of various sorts, (b) perpetuating as impulsivity expressed as persistent underestimation of costs and risks and perhaps supported by a condition of alexithymia or verbal deficit in cognitive functioning, interacting with (c) a persistent need for self-aggrandizement likely born of psychosocial developmental experiences, leading to (d) sensitization to interpersonal environments that provide role models for and positively reinforce prosocial risk-taking behavior, yielding to (e) the manipulative creation of an opportunity to behave in such fashion as to engender risk to others and to the self, and eventuating (f) in the enactment of a heroic rescue that prevents harm to others and thus elicits praise, admiration, adulation, and possibly formal reward. The conjunction between impulsivity expressing itself in the underesti-mation of costs (neurogenic or not) and need for self-aggrandizement is proposed as necessary in the heroic rescue fantasy, the manipulative creation of an opportunity to behave that engenders risk to others and to the self is proposed as the defining behavior, and a rescue that prevents harm to others is proposed as the defining crite-rion.
IMMUNOGENICITY OF A PNEUMOCOCCAL PROTEIN CONJUGATE VACCINE IN INFANTS WITH SICKLE CELL DISEASE. ▴ 946

Pneumococcal infections are an important cause of morbidity/mortality in children with sickle cell disease (SCD). Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines linked to protein carriers are immunogenic in healthy infants < 2 yrs of age, but have not been evaluated in children with SCD. Infants with SCD were immunized with a 7-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccine (CRM; cross-reacting diphtheria mutant) at 2, 4, and 6 mos. Type specific antibodies were measured by ELISA after pre-absorption with C-polysaccharide. No side effects have been observed. This vaccine appears to be safe and immunogenic, and should provide protection against pneumococcal infections in infants with SCD. (Funded in part by Lederle-Praxis Biologicals.) Table
SNR and Noise Variance Estimation for MIMO Systems

Accurate signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and noise variance estimation are extremely important aspects of receiver design in multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems. Typically, these parameters are estimated using known pilot/training symbols. However, significant improvements may be made by using both the known pilot symbols as well as the unknown data symbols. In this paper, we address SNR and noise variance estimation of MIMO systems for both a data aided (DA) model, a non-data aided (NDA) model, as well as a mixed model that uses known and unknown data symbols. The Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB) and modified Cramer-Rao lower bound (MCRLB) for MIMO SNR and MIMO noise variance estimation are determined for digital constellations such as BPSK, QPSK, 8PSK, and 16QAM. Maximum-likelihood estimators are derived in closed form for the DA model. For the NDA model, closed form approximations are derived in addition to iterative expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm based estimators, all of which are demonstrated to perform very close to the CRLB.
Pulse-burst operation of standard Nd:YAG lasers

Two standard commercial flashlamp-pumped Nd:YAG lasers have been upgraded to "pulse-burst" capability. Each laser produces a burst of up to fifteen 2 J Q-switched pulses (1064 nm) at repetition rates 1–12.5 kHz. Variable pulse-width drive (0.15–0.39 ms) of the flashlamps is accomplished by IGBT (insulated gate bipolar transistor) switching of electrolytic capacitor banks. Direct control of the laser Pockels cell drive enables optimal pulse energy extraction, and up to four 2 J laser pulses during one flashlamp pulse. These lasers are used in the Thomson scattering plasma diagnostic system on the MST reversed-field pinch to study the dynamic evolution of the electron temperature.
Asymptotic analysis for a rarefied gas with molecular interactions of infinite range

Abstract The limit of small rarefaction is considered for linearized plane Couette flow of a rarefied gas with molecular interactions of infinite range. The governing equation is the linearized Boltzmann equation and the kernel of this integrodifferential equation is strongly singular. The zeroth and first order approximations to the distribution function or the defining equations for the approximations are systematically derived by the method of matched inner and outer asymptotic expansions along with suitable error estimates. The mean velocity and other relevant moments of the distribution function are given up to the order corresponding to the first order inner and outer approximations to the distribution function. The order of the leading term for the mean velocity is verified to be of order αβ where α is the degree of rarefaction, β = (a + 1)/(s − 1) and s is the exponent in the intermolecular force law. The first order corrections are derived and are found to be of order α In α and α.
Resistive n-port synthesis

Abstract A set of equations describing the behavior of an n-port at its ports is derived. It is then shown that the synthesis procedure consists in trying to fix some parameters so that a set of vectors, that generate a cone, become such that a given vector is included in the cone. This leads to a set of bilinear inequalities, that cannot be solved analytically, and to one necessary and one sufficient condition for the existence of a realization. It is also shown that a solution of the problem, when formulated in this way, would also yield a solution to the equivalence problem.
Method for Checking the Stability of a Setup for White Light Holograms

Checking method for reflection-type holographic system behavior, emphasizing critical stability of glass plate
Inhibition by somatostatin on the release of TSH induced in man by thyrotropin-releasing factor.

ABSTRACT Concomitant administration of somatostatin and thyrotropin-releasing factor (TRF) significantly inhibited the release of TSH induced by TRF without affecting the simultaneous secretion of prolactin (PRL) in normal adult subjects. However, within our experimental design (iv bolus of 250 μg TRF plus 500 μg somatostatin followed by constant infusion of 500 μg somatostatin over 45 min) the inhibition of TSH release by somatostatin was incomplete. The present study demonstrates that somatostatin in humans not only exerts an inhibitory effect on growth hormone secretion but also on TSH release in response to TRF. These findings suggest an interrelationship between the regulation of growth hormone and TSH secretion.
Intracerebroventricular porcine corticotropin-releasing hormone and cortisol effects on pig immune measures and behavior.

Abstract The effects of intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of porcine corticotropin-releasing hormone (pCRH) and cortisol on the immune system and behavior were examined in domestic pigs. In Experiment 1, 50 μg of pCRH in 200 μl of saline or 200 μl of vehicle was administered ICV at 0600 h. Blood samples were obtained at 0600 (prior to injection), 0700, and 0800 h. Plasma cortisol concentrations were higher at 1 and 2 h after pCRH than after saline. Generally, pCRH failed to effect NK cytotoxicity or lymphocyte proliferation in response to phytohemagluttin (PHA). However, 1 h postinjection, pigs administered pCRH ICV had marginally lower NK activity than control pigs. Pigs injected with pCRH had substantially lower neutrophil chemotaxis (CHTX) than the control pigs at 1 and 2 h postinjection. As blood cortisol concentration increased, neutrophil CHTX decreased. Pigs injected ICV with pCRH had higher neutrophil numbers and neutrophil: lymphocyte ratios than control pigs. Percentage of lymphocytes was higher among control than treated pigs. Central pCRH increased overall activity, particularly walking, standing, licking, rooting, and increased activity-related sequences (e.g., sit, walk and stand, walk), but reduced complex oral/nasal sequences (e.g., root, lick). In Experiment 2, pigs were injected ICV with 10 μg of cortisol in 200 μl of saline or with vehicle at 0600 h. Administration of cortisol failed to effect NK cytotoxicity, lymphocyte proliferation, CHTX, or leukocyte distribution. Pigs given cortisol had no apparent change in behavior. These data indicate leukocyte distribution and specific neutrophil function in pigs were significantly modulated by stress-related hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and complexity of behavioral sequences (pigs repeating certain behavioral sequences) associated with increased activity was reduced. Oral/nasal stereotypies (as seen among confined sows) were not elevated among pigs given ICV pCRH. CRH given by ICV administration may serve as a better model for acute rather than chronic stress.
Developmental and psychodynamic aspects of childhood depression

Twelve depressed children, ranging in age from seven to seventeen, were studied in terms of clinical presentation, familial and situational circumstances, and psychodynamics factors All children had been fully evaluated as outpatients and subsequently seen in treatment at the Massachusetts Mental Health Center. It was found that the symptomatic picture of depression varied with the developmental level of the child according to the unfolding of cognitive, social, and emotional abilities. Each child had been under severe stress for a considerable period of time and when a precipitant could be found, it appeared to be the last in a long series of frustrations and deprivations. Relevant familial characteristics were depressed parents, marital disharmony, and social isolation. The fathers were either absent or uninvolved, while the mothers were alternately rejecting and overinvolved, often using the depressed child to fulfill her needs for parenting, company, or emotional support. In contrast, to a small group of nondepressed but equally stressed control children, differences were found in early mother-child relationships, the emotional bonding of the child to the parent, the use of the child to assume a precocious role, and in restriction of peer contact. Within the depressed group of children two predominant personality types were found-those who felt guilty for not living up to the parental standards and those who believed themsleves unworthy because they had been scapegoated by the parent. In both groups, however, the depressed child felt responsible for the parent and actively sought approval from family members. Conclusions are that (1) depression in childhood varies in its expression with the development level of the child, (2) depression is different from transient sadness and reflects an ingrained manner of reacting to and processing experience, and (3) adverse environmental circumstances provoke depressive reactions but that the choice of the this type of response among others may result from particular parent-child interactions.
Renormalizable top-quark condensate models

Recently it has been suggested that electroweak symmetry is broken by a top-quark vacuum condensate. We discuss the prospects for making a renormalizable version of this ``top bootstrap'' scenario using a strongly coupled spontaneously broken gauge interaction. Several specific models are considered. We argue that these models are somewhat similar to the extended technicolor models, but with a ``technicolor'' force which is broken, providing the mass-generation mechanism for the top quark. From this point of view, the top quark plays the role of a techniquark.
THE MEASUREMENT OF WIND VELOCITY BY SONIC MEANS

Abstract The theory of the measurement of wind velocity by sonic meansis presented. Two methods are discussed for determination of the rectangular components of the wind vector by use of the sonic principle. The response characteristics and application of sonic anemometers are discussed. A sonic anemometer for the measurement of the horizontal wind vector is described.
Conversion and equilibrium between F- and F2-centers in X-irradiated KCl. I. Slow warm up experiments

Measurements are reported in which the number of F2-centers produced by warming crystals previously X-irradiated at liquid nitrogen temperatures is studied as a function of temperature and crystal purity. These data are analysed in terms of a diffusion model in which the energy of migration and the initial F+-center distribution are adjustable parameters. It is shown that the best fit is obtained with an energy of motion of negative ion vacancies (F+-centers) of 0.66 eV and a vacancy distribution such that the F+-centres tend to be within five nearest neighbor distances of the F-centers. Nous avons fait une etude experimentale du nombre de centres F2 produits lors du recuit de cristaux ayant ete auparavent irradies aux rayons X a la temperature de l'azote liquide, en fonction de la tempeture et de la purete cristalline. Ces resultats sont etudies a l'aid d'un modele de diffusion pour lequel l'energie de migration et la distribution initiale des centres F+ sont des parametres ajustables. Nous montrons que la meilleure concordance est obtenue pour une energie de motion des lacunes d'ions negatifs (centres F+) de 0,66 eV et une distribution de lacunes telle que les centres F+ ont tendance a ětre a une distance des centres F inferieure a cinq fois la distance des plus proches coisins.
The Analysis of Fire Debris Samples by GC/MS/MS

This article looks at a documented case where the analysis of fire debris by GC/MS was not sensitive or specific enough to confidently identify the presence of a suspected flammable liquid. GC/MS/MS was then used as a highly sensitive, gasoline specific, detector.
Fiber optic pH sensor for gastric measurements: preliminary results

This paper describes preliminary results on the development of a fiber optic pH sensor for gastric measurements. As the pH values in the gastric system vary from approximately 1 to 7, a combination of appropriate dyes to cover this broad range should be used. pH colorimetric indicators bound in polyacrylamide microspheres and light scattering particles are packed in a cellulosic dialysis tubing at the end of a pair of plastic optical fibers. The experimental setup uses a CCD spectrometer as a detector and a 386 compatible personal computer. All parameters can be set by software. Results with both one-dye and two-dye pH sensors are presented.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.