cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of a bacteriocin produced by Streptococcus thermophilus ST134

A pH-dependent adsorption/desorption technique was used to screen Streptococcus thermophilus strains for the production of bacteriocins. Agar-diffusion tests with S. thermophilus strains as targets identified 13 out of 41 strains as producers of antibacterial activity. Thermophilin A, the bacteriocin-like substance present in the culture supernatant of S. thermophilus ST134 was purified to homogeneity by ammonium sulfate precipitation and ion-exchange chromatography, followed by ultrafiltration. Thermophilin A is a relatively heat-stable and apparently glycosylated bacteriocin with a bactericidal mode of action against sensitive cells.
Cross-Cultural Investigation of a New Set of Scales for the Suicide Opinion Questionnaire:

There are a number of alternate ways to score the Suicide Opinion Questionnaire (SOQ). Two methods were compared in this study, a set of eight scales developed by content analysis, and a set of fiv...
The Measurement of X-Ray Wavelengths by Large Ruled Gratings

A plane ruled grating was placed between the crystals of a precision double crystal spectrometer for the determination of the diffraction angles and the absolute wavelengths of x-ray lines. This arrangement has two important advantages: (1) A large grating surface is employed and (2) the ionization chamber method for recording intensities permits an accurate location of the peak of the diffracted lines. The gratings were 75 mm long and were ruled with 100 and 300 lines per mm, respectively. The results on the copper $K\ensuremath{\alpha}$ line (1.54A) are in good agreement with previous ruled grating measurements. The differences between the ruled grating and crystal wavelengths as obtained by Backlin, S\"oderman and the writer have been recalculated using as the "true" value of the calcite grating constant $d=3.02810A$ and the most recent determinations of the calcite diffraction angles. There is excellent agreement among the various observations and the difference between the grating and crystal values is independent of wavelength. The results of two independent methods of measuring x-ray wavelengths are included and these agree with the ruled grating values. Calculations of the "true" grating constant of calcite $d$, Avogadro's number $N$, the charge on the electron $e$, and Planck's constant $h$ were made. Some of the difficulties encountered if these values of $e$ and $h$ are used are pointed out.
The Slippery Sheet

An analysis is presented to describe how a sliding sheet might entrain air that lubricates the interface. Closed-form results are obtained for a wide, slightly curled, elastic sheet sliding on an incompressible layer of air. Example results are calculated for a paper sheet typically used in copiers, and an approximate model for mixed lubrication is developed
The orientation of (−)-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol in DPPC bilayers as determined from solid-state 2H-NMR

The orientation of the motional axis of (-)-delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol in dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine model membrane was calculated from the 2H quadrupolar splittings (delta nu Q) of individual deuterons strategically located on the cannabinoid tricyclic component. The molecule assumes an orientation in which its long axis is nearly perpendicular to the phospholipid chains and its most ordered axis is almost in the plane of the aromatic ring. This 'awkward' cannabinoid orientation in the membrane presumably occurs in order to allow the phenolic hydroxyl group to direct itself towards the polar bilayer interface.
Quantification of experimental subsurface fluid saturations from high‐resolution source zone images

Laboratory-scale aquifer cells are commonly used to investigate processes governing contaminant fate and transport in heterogeneous subsurface systems. In recent years, dramatic improvements in image processing methods have led to increasingly refined image resolution in these experiments. With these enhanced imagining methodologies, system parameters, such as nonaqueous phase liquid (NAPL) saturation, can now be quantified at the submillimeter scale. This fine level of resolution, however, is generally inconsistent with the typical scale of a representative elementary volume (REV), the averaging volume associated with property evaluation in continuum-based flow and transport models. Such inconsistency of scales calls into question the practice of directly comparing laboratory observations with continuum-based model simulations. This work explores the application of alternative approaches to image data processing for characterization of NAPL source zone architecture in aquifer cells and examines the implications of data processing on the interpretation of experimental-model comparisons. The utility of two alternative upscaling methods, a continuity-equation based (CB) and discrete-block based (DBB) approach are considered. Examination of the stability of point averages of saturation demonstrates that a REV length scale can be defined as ∼30 × d50 for the thickness-averaged, two-dimensional aquifer cell experiments examined. Quantification of upscaled source zone metrics, including the average saturation, the second spatial moment in the vertical direction, and the ganglia-to-pool (GTP) mass ratio reveals that the GTP is strongly sensitive to observation scale. Use of GTP values computed from upscaled images is shown to improve mathematical model predictions of experimental effluent concentrations by nearly 50%.
Experiments with solid 4He

Abstract The possibility of supersolid behavior in 4He was predicted many years ago, but negative experiments in the 1970’s removed motivation for further experimental efforts to explore the possibility until the work of Goodkind’s group renewed attention. Kim and Chan found unambiguous evidence for a period shift in a torsional oscillator filled with solid 4He and this observation and its interpretation have created substantial interest in the study of solid 4He. Here, recent work with an experimental design that allows for superfluid 4He to be in direct contact with solid 4He off the melting curve will be discussed and evidence for the flow of helium atoms through a cell filled with solid 4He, caused by an applied chemical potential difference will be briefly reviewed.
Finite state languages

A finite state language is a finite or infinite set of strings (sentences) of symbols (words) generated by a finite set of rules (the grammar), where each rule specifies the state of the system in which it can be applied, the symbol which is generated, and the state of the system after the rule is applied. A number of equivalent descriptions of finite state languages are explored. A simple structural characterization theorem for finite state languages is established, based on the cyclical structure of the grammar. It is shown that the complement of any finite state language formed on a given vocabulary of symbols is also a finite state language, and that the union of any two finite state languages formed on a given vocabulary is a finite state language; i.e., the set of all finite state languages that can be formed on a given vocabulary is a Boolean algebra. Procedures for calculating the number of grammatical strings of any given length are also described.
The origin of relation algebras in the development and axiomatization of the calculus of relations

The calculus of relations was created and developed in the second half of the nineteenth century by Augustus De Morgan, Charles Sanders Peirce, and Ernst Schroder. In 1940 Alfred Tarski proposed an axiomatization for a large part of the calculus of relations. In the next decade Tarski's axiomatization led to the creation of the theory of relation algebras, and was shown to be incomplete by Roger Lyndon's discovery of nonrepresentable relation algebras. This paper introduces the calculus of relations and the theory of relation algebras through a review of these historical developments.
Synthesis of highly mesoporous carbon pellets from carbon black and polymer binder by chemical activation

Abstract High surface area, highly mesoporous carbon granules in the form of pellets were prepared by first mixing a solution of polymer (phenolic resin, cellulose, or PAN) with water and a chemical reagent (NaOH or ZnCl2). Carbon black powder was then added to form a mixture, followed by molding into a pellet, drying and activating at a given temperature. The pore structures of the porous carbon binder and the resulting carbon pellets were characterized using N2 adsorption/desorption at 77 K and SEM. Chemical activation increases the BET surface area as well as the microporous and mesoporous volumes of the resulting carbon pellets. The effects of the weight ratio of the mixture and activation temperatures on the formation of pore structures of the carbon pellets were also investigated. The mesopore size and mesopore size distribution of the carbon pellets can also be adjusted by the molding pressure. SEM showed that highly mesoporous structures were formed by the free space in the aggregates and agglomerates of bonded carbon black particles.
Vemurafenib and ipilimumab: New agents for metastatic melanoma

Purpose The development and place in therapy of vemurafenib and ipilimumab for the treatment of metastatic melanoma are reviewed. Summary Vemurafenib is an adenosine triphosphate-competitive, reversible, and highly selective BRAF kinase inhibitor targeted at BRAF-V600E and is a first-line option for patients with BRAF-mutation-positive disease. Vemurafenib has clinically significant antitumor activity in metastatic melanoma, and response rates and overall and progression-free survival rates are improved when compared with dacarbazine. Responses also occur quickly, often within days to weeks of starting treatment. Disadvantages of vemurafenib include the short duration of response; significant skin toxicities, including skin cancers and severe photosensitivity; the need for long-term daily administration; and the potential for drug interactions. Ipilimumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that binds to the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 to enhance and prolong T-cell responses to elicit antitumor activity. Clinical trials have demonstrated the superiority of ipilimumab in terms of overall survival when compared with an immune stimulator and placebo. While the rate of response to ipilimumab is low, responses tended to be more durable than those achieved with vemurafenib. A disadvantage of ipilimumab is that a response may require months, making ipilimumab inappropriate as monotherapy for patients with symptomatic disease. Additional disadvantages are the adverse-effect profile and the requirement of enrollment in the risk evaluation and mitigation strategy program. Conclusion Vemurafenib and ipilimumab are important advances in the treatment of metastatic melanoma. Benefit is typically short lived for vemurafenib and uncommon for ipilimumab. Neither agent is curative, and clinical trials remain an alternative first-line treatment option.
Rocket FUV Observations of the Io Plasma Torus During the Shoemaker-Levy/9 Impacts

We observed the Io torus from 820-1140 A on universal time (UT) 20.25 July 1994 from a sounding rocket telescope/spectrograph. These observations serve as only the fourth published spectrum of the torus in this wavelength range, and the only far ultraviolet (FUV) data documenting the state of the torus during the Shoemaker Levy 9 Impacts.
Misuse of Human and Automated Decision AIDS in a Soldier Detection Task

Providing human operators with automated decision aids does not always improve performance. In this study, 24 students viewed terrain slides, half of which included a camouflaged soldier. After viewing each slide, participants could view the decision reached by a human or automated aid, or continue without the help of an aid. Some of the participants were led to believe their aids were experts; others were not. Significantly more participants showed a preference to view human rather than automated aid decisions. However, participants were as likely to misuse an automated aid as they were a human aid. These biases existed regardless of the perceived expertise of the aids. In addition, results of a linguistic analysis of open-ended descriptions of automated and human aids suggest human operators view automated and human aids differently and have implications for training and system development.
A note on velocity-related series expansions in the two-body problem.

The present note describes a few important series expansions in the two-body problem. They are related to the magnitudeV of the velocity vector and they are important for the treatment of atmospheric drag with the method of general perturbations. These series have been obtained with computerized Poisson series Manipulations. The results are given to order seven in the eccentricity, for both the Mean Anomaly and the True Anomaly.
Laptop Use, Interactive Science Software, and Science Learning among At-Risk Students

This year-long, quasi-experimental study investigated the impact of the use of netbook computers and interactive science software on fifth-grade students’ science learning processes, academic achievement, and interest in further science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) study within a linguistically diverse school district in California. Analysis of students’ state standardized science test scores indicated that the program helped close gaps in scientific achievement between at-risk learners (i.e., English learners, Hispanics, and free/reduced-lunch recipients) and their counterparts. Teacher and student interviews and classroom observations suggested that computer-supported visual representations and interactions supported diverse learners’ scientific understanding and inquiry and enabled more individualized and differentiated instruction. Finally, interviews revealed that the program had a positive impact on students’ motivation in science and on their interest in pursuing science-related careers. This study suggests that technology-facilitated science instruction is beneficial for improving at-risk students’ science achievement, scaffolding students’ scientific understanding, and strengthening students’ motivation to pursue STEM-related careers.
Basic properties of molybdenum and tungsten nitride catalysts

Abstract The basic and related properties of high surface area Mo2N and W2N catalysts were characterized using CO2-temperature programmed desorption (TPD), the decomposition and dehydration of 2-methyl-3-butyn-2-ol (MBOH), and changes in the reaction rates on the addition of CO2, a base site poison. The Mo2N and W2N catalysts were prepared using the temperature programmed reaction method and had surface areas of 135 and 45 m2/g, respectively. The CO2-TPD and MBOH decomposition rates to acetone and acetylene indicated significant densities of base sites. The CO2 poisoning study implicated the involvement of weak sites in MBOH decomposition. The density of base sites and the rate of acetone formation were functions of the reduction temperature. Results for the nitride catalysts were compared to those for MgO and ZnO, known base catalysts. Base sites on the nitrides were of similar strength and density as those on the ZnO catalyst, but were weaker and less dense than those on MgO. Estimated turnover frequencies for the Mo2N and W2N catalysts were (6.0 ± 1.0) × 10−3 and (1.8 ± 0.4) × 10−3 s−1, respectively at 180 °C, and were slightly lower than those for the MgO and ZnO catalysts.
New therapies, new directions: advances in the systemic treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer

Summary Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death and it is clear that patients with metastatic disease have better quality of life and survival when given treatment. Despite four decades of experience of treating patients with fluorouracil, there remains considerable controversy about the optimum dose and scheduling, as well as biomodulation with leucovorin and methotrexate. However, irrespective of the dose and schedule, overall survival times are poor - about 1 year. Disappointingly, oral agents with similar mechanisms to fluorouracil do not improve survival rates in comparison with fluorouracil and leucovorin treatment. Irinotecan and oxaliplatin are newer agents that have improved the response rates for patients with metastatic disease when they are added to flurouracil and leucovorin. The combination of irinotecan, fluorouracil, and leucovorin has also improved overall survival. These are small advances in the fight against colorectal cancer, and further drug development is necessary.
Sedimentology, stratigraphy, and geochronology of the Proterozoic Mazatzal Group, central Arizona

Quartzite, conglomerate, and shale of the Mazatzal Group record the filling of a Prot erozoic intra-arc basin in central Arizona. U-Pb ages of zircons from rhyolite ash-flow tuff indicate that deposition began at 1701 ± 2 Ma. Basal deposits of the newly defined Pine Creek Conglomerate formed in an alluvial-fan setting, synchronous with the final phase of extrusive rhyolite volcanism and active faulting. After volcanic activity ceased, shallower-slope braided-stream environments developed in early Deadman Quartzite time. Subsequent marine transgression produced shallow subaqueous deposits of the upper part of the Deadman Quartzite. These were overlain by prodelta sediments of the Maverick Shale, indicating a phase of basin deepening. Finally, the Mazatzal Peak Quartzite was deposited as the basin shoaled again, first to shallow- marine and subsequently to fluvial conditions. The quartzite is diagenetic quartz arenite, originally deposited as lithic arenite and lithic arkose. The provenance was initially restricted, and earliest sediment was derived mainly from the subjacent Red Rock Group. When tectonic activity ceased, how ever, the surrounding highlands were planed down by erosion, and detritus from a wider variety of source rocks was funneled into the basin. This included contributions from arc-related supracrustal rocks of the Payson Ophiolite and East Verde River Formation, and finally a granitic basement input. Detrital quartz in the lower part of the Mazatzal Group is largely monocrystalline, and volcanic in origin. Polycrystalline quartz, associated with detrital feldspar and of probable continental affinity, is concentrated in the uppermost parts of the sequence. The life span of the intra-arc basin was on the order of 30 m.y., from the formation of the Payson Ophiolite at 1.73 Ga to the deposition of the upper Mazatzal Peak Quartzite sometime after 1.70 Ga. The pre-Mazatzal Red Rock Group represents the last stages of volcanic arc activity, and the Mazatzal Group records the transition from orogenic to nonorogenic sedimentation in central Arizona.
Experimental Study of Reversed Cyclic Loading Test for Pile-to-Slab Bridge Connections

Slab bridge connections have not been as extensively discussed and tested as column-to-box-girder bridge connections have been. In a typical bridge configuration, multiple piles extend into the slab along the bent centerline. An interior pile-to-slab connection performs like a T-connection. Two full-scale, 24-in.-diameter pile-to-slab connections were tested. The first was designed on the basis of California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) criteria, which are based on box girder connection details. Current Caltrans standard pile connection details do not apply to 24-in.-diameter piles. The specimen had a flat slab and showed failure in the slab instead of the pile. The first problem with current joint design methods was the lack of longitudinal reinforcement in the slab near the pile. A second problem was the absence of any vertical stirrups or J-dowels into the joint to transfer force from the longitudinal reinforcement of the pile to the top mat of the slab reinforcement. The third problem was t...
Contemporary skull base reconstruction.

Purpose of review Tumors of the skull base that would have been considered inoperable thirty or forty years ago are now routinely resected with reliable results due to the advancement of modern reconstructive techniques. High mortality rates were common prior to the use of vascularized tissue for skull base repair. However, the advent of local flap reconstruction for skull base defects in the 1960s revolutionized skull base surgery. The use of regional flaps in the 1970s and 1980s allowed skull base surgeons to perform more extensive surgeries, but complication rates were still quite high. Recent findings Experience with free tissue reconstruction increased through the 1980s and 1990s and has become a reliable method to separate the intracranial from extracranial environments. Free tissue transfer has allowed surgeons to address the large volume defects created by extensive skull base resections and has provided dependable, vascularized tissue that is relatively resistant to adjuvant radiation. Local flaps have also become a powerful reconstructive tool in conjunction with free tissue transfer, and in some select cases, may be sufficient alone for reconstruction. Summary The prevention of serious complications after skull surgery has improved with the use of vascularized tissue. Depending on the anatomic site, the extent of the defect, and the quality of local tissues, either free tissue transfer and/or local flap reconstruction is preferred. Regional flap reconstruction should be reserved for cases where alternative reconstructive techniques are not available.
Nonmagnetic impurities in spin-gapped and gapless Heisenberg antiferromagnets

We discuss the effects of nonmagnetic impurities (static holes) in the $S=1/2$ Heisenberg model on a two-dimensional (2D) square lattice, and on two- and three-leg ladders. Results of quantum Monte Carlo simulations show that a free localized moment is induced around an isolated impurity only in the spin-gapped two-leg ladder, in agreement with previous theoretical expectations. The localization length of the $S=1/2$ impurity moment in a two-leg ladder with isotropic couplings is $\ensuremath{\approx}1.5$ lattice spacings. In gapless ladders (odd number of legs) and in the 2D lattice, no free moments are induced. However, in the 2D system, which has antiferromagnetic long-range order at $T=0$ and a gap for longitudinal fluctuations, the impurity leads to a localized distortion of the magnetization in the direction of the broken symmetry, with total ${S}^{z}=1/2.$ The shape of the distortion is in close agreement with previous spin-wave calculations. For all the systems, a staggered moment is induced by the impurity. For the gapped two-leg ladder this is exponentially localized within a length equal to the spin correlation length of the ladder ($\ensuremath{\approx}3.2$ lattice spacings). For the three-leg ladder, the integrated staggered moment diverges as the system size goes to infinity, but the staggered magnetization at a given site appears to vanish. In 2D, we discuss the behavior seen in finite systems both with and without additional symmetry-breaking mechanisms. We also discuss the effect of impurities on the NMR Knight shift and the bulk magnetic susceptibility.
Cost-effectiveness of inhaled corticosteroids in adults with mild-to-moderate asthma: results from the asthma policy model.

Abstract Background: Inhaled corticosteroids remain underused among United States–based clinicians in treating mild-to-moderate adult asthma. Objective: The purpose of this investigation was to estimate the clinical impact, health-related quality of life, cost, and cost-effectiveness of inhaled corticosteroid therapy in a population of patients aged 18 years and over with FEV 1 = 60% to 100% of predicted normal. Methods: We performed a cost-effectiveness analysis of quick relievers (eg, short-acting β-agonists) on an as-needed basis plus inhaled corticosteroid therapy versus quick relievers alone. A mathematical simulation model was developed to forecast symptoms, acute exacerbations, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), health care costs, and cost-effectiveness, measured in both dollars per QALY gained and dollars per symptom-free day gained. All evaluation outcomes were discounted at an annual rate of 3% and measured over a 10-year planning horizon. Data on the natural history of disease, drug efficacy, patient preferences, and economic costs were obtained from a variety of observational cohorts, randomized trials, and patient surveys. Results: Over a 10-year period, use of inhaled corticosteroids increases total health costs from roughly $5,200 to $8,400 and improves QALYs from 6.8 to 7.0, implying an incremental cost of $13,500 per QALY gained. Costs per symptom-free day gained are $7.50. Both per-person acute exacerbations and hospitalizations are reduced by 33%. The cost-effectiveness findings are sensitive to the assumed efficacy and side-effects of inhaled corticosteroid therapy. Conclusions: Inhaled corticosteroids appear to deliver good comparative value in adults with mild-to-moderate asthma. Although more research is needed to understand their impact on preferences regarding side effects and compliance, these findings might be useful for priority-setting in limited resource situations. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2001;108:39-46.)
Interactions of dietary lead with fish oil and antioxidant in chicks

Two experiments were conducted with day-old broiler chicks reared to 18 or 19 d of age. The objectives were: (1) to examine the effects of the antioxidant ethoxyquin (EQ) on peroxidation in feeds containing fish oil (FO) or lead (Pb), and (2) to determine whether systemic effects of Pb, which are attributed to tissue peroxidation, can be reversed by dietary EQ. Experiment 1 was a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with the factors being 4% dietary cottonseed oil (CSO) vs FO and dietary Pb as lead acetate trihydrate (0 vs 1000 ppm). Feed was mixed 1 d prior to initiation of the experiment and stored at 4°C until it was placed in the feeders. Experiment 2 was a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with the factors being 3.5% dietary oil (CSO vs FO), dietary Pb (0 vs 1000 ppm), and EQ (0 vs 75 ppm). Feed was mixed 1 d prior to initiation of the experiment and held at room temperature thereafter. Growth depression by FO and Pb was less pronounced in Experiment 1 than in Experiment 2. In Experiment 2, FO and Pb increased the concentration of feed peroxide, and the increases were prevented by EQ. The growth depression by FO was completely reversed by EQ. EQ reversal of Pb-induced growth depression, although substantial, was not complete. The FO diet without Pb had a peroxide content (12.4 meq/kg feed) similar to the CSO +Pb diet (12.3 meq/kg feed); however, growth was not similar (407 vs 213 g body weight at 19 d respectively). The results suggest that the toxic effects of Pb are mediated by peroxidative alterations both in the feed and in tissues. The ability of EQ to reverse significantly Pb effects on growth suggests a systemic action of this antioxidant.
Medical student-developed obesity education program uses modified team-based learning to motivate adolescents.

Background: Childhood obesity is reaching epidemic proportions and requires intervention.Aims: To educate high school (HS) students on the effects of obesity and implement small healthy changes. Train medical students to educate and motivate adolescents and utilize a modified team-based learning format.Methods: A medical student-created HS-based module was developed to educate adolescents on obesity's effects on health. Over 2 years, 25 medical students from each semester were trained and presented to 1590 freshmen and sophomores at suburban HSs in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The program included an interactive power point and a 30-day challenge to make small measurable changes in their current health behaviors. A modified team-based learning format was included to engage students and increase classroom interaction.Results: Medical students reported the program improved their ability to communicate with adolescents and enhanced their training as future physicians. Teachers felt students had sustained retention ...
Composite Silicon Nanowire Anodes for Secondary Lithium-Ion Cells

A composite anode with active materials including 15% (w/w) silicon nanowires and graphite is demonstrated for use in secondary lithium-ion cells. The electrochemical behavior of the composite anode including voltammetry and charge/discharge capacities over the first 15 cycles is shown and compared with an equivalent graphite anode. Electrolessly etched nanowires swell in diameter upon lithiation and undergo reversible cycling without pulverization or agglomeration. Experimental results reveal high initial capacities (approximately 811 mA hg ―1 ) near theoretical predictions and a reversible capacity of 512 mA hg ―1 after 10 cycles with a capacity fade of approximately 1.4%/cycle. Capacity loss mechanisms are considered in comparison with other silicon-containing anodes.
Value and limitations of technetium-99m stannous pyrophosphate in the detection of acute myocardial infarction☆

Technetium-99m stannous pyrophosphate (99mTc-PYP) myocardial imaging was performed in 436 consecutive patients for the evaluation of chest pain and suspected acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Scintigrams were assessed independently by three observers with a 90% interobserver agreement. In 134 patients with documented AMI (97 TRANSMURAL, 37 NONTRANSMURAL), THE SENSITIVITY OF 99MTc-PYP imaging was significantly lower in patients with nontransmural AMI (41%) than in patients with transmural AMI (78%), 99mTc-PYP imaging correctly localized the site of transmural infarction in 53 patients (70%). A diffuse 99mTc-PYP uptake was found in nine (10%) of 91 patients with positive scintigrams: six of these had a transmural AMI and three nontransmural AMI. In 226 patients without AMI, the specificity of infarct imaging was 95%. A false-positive scintigram was found in 0%, 8%, 9%, and 2% of patients with unstable angina, progressive angina, stable angina, and noncardiac chest pain, respectively. A diffuse uptake was found in six (54%) of 11 patients with false-positive scintigrams. No patient with the clinical diagnosis of noncardiac chest pain showed discrete uptake. In 76 patients with uncertain diagnosis for AMI, 99Tc-PYP imaging was considered of value in 11 patients with ventricular conduction defects (two patients with WPW syndrome, nine patients with LBBB). These data suggest that: 1. 99mTc-PYP imaging is moderately sensitive in detecting and localizing transmural AMI and is insensitive in detecting nontransmural AMI; 2. A discrete 99mTc-PYP uptake is highly specific for AMI; 3. a diffuse uptake is neither sensitive to, nor specific for AMI. Myocardial imaging with 99m-Tc-PYP is of clinical value when the standard electrocardiographic and enzymatic techniques are inadequate for an accurate diagnosis of AMI.
Heavy Alkali Metal Tris(trimethylsilyl)silanides: A Synthetic and Structural Study

Treatment of lithium tris(trimethylsilyl)silanide, Li(THF)3Si(SiMe3)3, with heavier alkali metal tert-butoxides yielded the alkali metal silanides MSi(SiMe3)3 (M = K, Rb, or Cs) in a simple, high-y...
Novel bone adhesives: a comparison of bond strengths in vitro

Fracture fixation using adhesive is a promising alternative in craniofacial surgeries, replacing the plates and screws system. The advantages include the ease of application and avoidance of drilling holes that may weaken the bone and cause fractures. In this study the bond strengths of selected adhesives were evaluated and compared with resorbable plates and screws. Four adhesives, octyl-cyanoacrylate, N-butyl-cyanoacrylate, a novel methyl-methacrylate, and a novel cyanoacrylate derivative, were tested for their microtensile and shear bond strengths. The bone samples were cut into rectangular bars and bonded with selected adhesives for microtensile testing. For the shear bond test, paired bars were bonded at the overlap, while two other sets of bars were attached by a Lactosorb plate using either adhesive or screws. Data were analysed by analysis of variance (ANOVA). The microtensile bond strengths of N-butyl-cyanoacrylate, novel cyanoacrylate derivative, and novel methyl-methacrylate derivative were significantly greater than octyl-cyanoacrylate. When bone sections were fixed with resorbable plates and adhesives, shear bond strength was significantly greater for N-butyl-cyanoacrylate than plate and screws, while the bond strengths of other adhesives were comparable with the plate and screws. N-Butyl cyanoacrylate was shown to have the greatest potential for fixation of fractured bone in craniofacial surgical applications.
Order Flow Distribution, Bid–Ask Spreads, and Liquidity Costs: Merrill Lynch's Decision to Cease Routinely Routing Orders to Regional Stock Exchanges☆☆☆

Abstract Merrill Lynch's decision to redirect order flow in exchange-listed equity securities from regional exchanges to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) provides an opportunity to examine (1) whether order flow affects market makers' spread-setting behavior and (2) whether brokers can capture liquidity-cost differences between market centers for their customers. Merrill's market-order customers appear to obtain better prices on the NYSE than on the regionals. Consistently with market microstructure theory, the NYSE's quoted spread for stocks affected by Merrill's decision falls relative to a control sample and decreases absolutely for a subsample of stocks we believe most sensitive to order-flow distribution. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Numbers: D40, G10.
Plasma levels of tumour necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6 predict progression-free survival following thalidomide therapy in patients with previously untreated multiple myeloma

Summary. We studied marrow angiogenesis and plasma levels of angiogenic cytokines in 38 patients receiving thalidomide therapy for previously untreated myeloma. The effect of therapy and the relationship of cytokine levels to myeloma cell proliferation, bone marrow microvessel density and progression-free survival (PFS) were studied. High pretreatment tumour necrosis factor-α (TNFα) levels (> 11 pg/ml) and increased interleukin (IL)-6 of > 2 pg/ml predicted for poorer PFS (TNFα, 48% versus 74% at 2 years, P = 0·01; IL-6, 24% versus 70% at 2 years, P = 0·01). None of the other parameters predicted response or PFS, and no significant changes in cytokine levels occurred with therapy.
The Emotional Climate of Nations and Their Culture of Peace

Societies seem to have emotional climates that affect how people feel and act in public situations. Unlike the emotions experienced in an individual's personal life, these modal feelings reflect a collective response to the socio-economic-political situation of the society and influence how most people behave toward one another and their government. A government may foster a climate of fear to ensure social control, or it may encourage the formation of heterogeneous social groups to facilitate a climate of trust between people from different groups. On one hand, emotional climates may be viewed as reflecting the relative peacefulness or violence of a society. Thus, an assessment of emotional climate may provide a subjective index of human security to complement objective measures of democracy, human rights, equality, and other factors that we presume are beneficial to human welfare. On the other hand, we may view emotional climates as influences that act to further or to impede the development of the culture of peace advocated by the General Assembly of the United Nations. Thus, their assessment may have predictive power, and measuring a society's emotional climate may help us to create desirable policy. In this article we show that it is possible to measure some important aspects of the emotional climates of three nations that have different degrees of a culture of peace: Norway, the United States, and India. We show that estimates of the collective emotions that constitute climate can be distinguished from reports of personal emotions in that the former are more influenced by nation and the latter by social class. It is the subjective experience of national emotional climate, rather than personal emotional experience, that appears most related to objective indices for the culture of peace in the different nations.
Chromosome manipulation: A systematic approach toward understanding human chromosome structure and function

in the context ofgenes orchromosomalregions that are too extensive to be easily handled withcurrentlyavailablevectors. Lastly,fromapracticalstandpoint,such chromosomes could provide a basis for novel nonviralgene therapy approaches (8).Twofundamentallydifferentapproacheshavebeentakentoaddress the requirementsnecessaryto manipulate eukaryoticchromosomes (Fig. 1). Oneinvolves
Alternating Multiblock Amphiphilic Copolymers of PEG and Tyrosine-Derived Diphenols. 1. Synthesis and Characterization

We describe the synthesis and characterization of a new family of strictly alternating multiblock polyethers based on poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and the tyrosine-derived diphenols, desaminotyrosyl...
Homogeneous three-cell networks

A cell is a system of differential equations. Coupled cell systems are networks of cells. The architecture of a coupled cell network is a graph indicating which cells are identical and which cells are coupled to which. In this paper we continue the work of Stewart, Golubitsky, Pivato and Torok by classifying all homogeneous three-cell networks (where each cell has at most two inputs) and classifying all generic codimension one steady-state and Hopf bifurcations from a synchronous equilibrium. We use combinatorial arguments to show that there are 34 distinct homogeneous three-cell networks as opposed to only three such two-cell networks.We show that codimension one bifurcations in homogeneous three-cell networks can exhibit interesting features that are due to network architecture. Indeed, network architecture determines, even at linear level, the kind of generic transitions from a synchronous equilibrium that can occur as we vary one parameter and plays a crucial role in establishing how the solutions on the bifurcating branches manifest themselves in each cell.
Cramer-Rao bounds for deterministic modal analysis

Cramer-Rao bounds are computed for any unbiased estimator of the mode parameters that characterize an autoregressive moving average impulse response. The bound can be computed for any of the standard parametric descriptions, including autoregressive moving average parameters, poles and residues, and poles and zeros. It is demonstrated that the bounds for any characterization can be obtained from any other characterization via simple transformations. Asymptotic, frequency domain versions of the Cramer-Rao bounds are also derived. The bound is computed for a fourth-order system to illustrate the coupling between estimation errors and illuminate the influence of mode locations on the ability to identify mode parameters. >
Cell and receptor requirements for streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin T-cell mitogenicity.

Abstract Streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins (SPEs) A, B, and C, like other members of the pyrogenic toxin family, are able to cause toxic shock-like syndromes. One of the major properties of these toxins is the ability to induce T-cell proliferation. Characterization of T cell mitogenicity associated with SPEs A, B, and C was undertaken. SPEs A, B, and C were mitogenic for C57BL10/SnJ and BALB/cWAT T cells, with activities differing in intensity depending on the mouse strain and toxin employed. SPE-induced, T-cell-proliferative activity was dependent on class II major histocompatibility complex molecules expressed on antigen-presenting cells. The abilities of SPEs A, B, and C to preferentially stimulate murine cells with certain T-cell receptor V beta s were investigated by fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis. SPE A preferentially activated T cells expressing V beta 8 but not V beta 3, 6, or 11, while SPEs B and C preferentially stimulated T cells which did not express any of the tested V beta s.
Influence of embedding parameters and noise in center of pressure recurrence quantification analysis

Recurrence quantification analysis (RQA) can extract the dynamics of postural control from center of pressure (CoP) data by quantifying the system's repeatability, complexity, and local dynamic stability through several variables. Computation of these variables requires the selection of suitable embedding parameters for state space reconstruction (i.e. time delay and embedding dimension); however, it is unclear how the parameters influence RQA variables when examining noisy CoP data. This study evaluated the sensitivity of RQA variables to embedding parameter values and noise level, and assessed methods of selecting embedding parameters for CoP data. Five healthy male subjects maintained quiet stance for 30s while the anterior-posterior CoP was measured. The effect of noise was evaluated by adding uniform white noise of increasing amplitude to the raw CoP signal. The magnitude of all RQA variables decreased with increasing noise amplitude for all subjects. A sensitivity analysis was performed by systematically altering the embedding parameters for the raw data with and without a selected level of added noise. The key result was that, for all subjects, the RQA variables were sensitive to the embedding parameter values and the level of noise in the CoP data. Finally, the performance of false nearest neighbors and average displacement algorithms for choosing embedding parameters was evaluated. Both methods gave clear and consistent results for all subjects with either raw or noisy data. The results suggest that careful selection of embedding parameters is essential when using RQA to examine postural control based on noisy CoP data.
Pollution of the oceans: an international problem

Abstract In order to assess the degree of seriousness of pollution of the marine environment, much research still needs to be done about the sources, the routes to the sea, and the fate and effects of pollutants in the oceans. However, it is already clear that at least on a local scale marine pollution can cause considerable harm. Because the capacity of the ocean to assimilate and render harmless the waste matter poured into it has rightly been questioned, because these pollutants do not respect political boundaries, and because the major part of the marine environment lies outside national jurisdiction, marine pollution is fundamentally an international problem, calling for international action. Because national action will come first, it is essential to coordinate this work at an international level. It should be ensured that the same standards are used everywhere, and that the information which is gathered in this way will be made available internationally. Finally, it will be necessary to develop appropriate international laws, establishing the responsibility of individual states for the preservation of the marine environment.
Elderly Diabetics With Peripheral Arterial Disease and No Coronary Artery Disease Have a Higher Incidence of New Coronary Events Than Elderly Nondiabetics With Peripheral Arterial Disease and Prior Myocardial Infarction Treated With Statins and With No Lipid-Lowering Drug

Background. We report data showing the incidence of new coronary events in diabetics with prior myocardial infarction (MI), nondiabetics with prior MI, diabetes with no coronary artery disease (CAD), and nondiabetics with no CAD who were treated with and without statins. Methods. We investigated—in an observational prospective study of 274 diabetics and 386 nondiabetics with peripheral arterial disease, mean age 80 6 9 years, and a serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level of � 125 mg/dl— the incidence of new coronary events in diabetics with prior MI, nondiabetics with prior MI, diabetics with no CAD, and nondiabetics with no CAD who were treated with and without statins. Follow-up was 39 6 23 months. Results. In patients treated with statins, the incidence of new coronary events was 73% in diabetics with prior MI (group 1), 37% in nondiabetics with prior MI (group 2), 57% in diabetics with no CAD (group 3), and 27% in nondiabetics with no CAD (group 4). In patients treated with no lipid-lowering drug, the incidence of new coronary events was 91% in diabetics with prior MI (group 5), 72% in nondiabetics with prior MI (group 6), 86% in diabetics with no CAD (group 7), and 52% in nondiabetics with no CAD (group 8). Significant p values were p , .0001 for group 1 versus 2, group 7 versus 8, and group 2 versus 6; p ¼ .0006 for group 3 versus 4; p ¼ .0007 for group 3 versus 7; p ¼ .001 for group 5 versus 6; p ¼ .002 for group 4 versus 8; p ¼ .003 for group 1 versus 5; p ¼ .015 for group 2 versus 3; and p ¼ .047 for group 6 versus 7. Conclusions. In patients treated with and without statins, diabetics with no CAD had a higher incidence of new coronary events than did nondiabetics with prior MI.
Peripheral Circadian Clocks in the Vasculature

Living organisms have adapted to the daily rotation of the earth and regular changes in the light environment. Life forms anticipate environmental transitions, adapt their own physiology, and perform activities at behaviorally advantageous times during the day. This is achieved by means of endogenous circadian clocks that can be synchronized to the daily changes in external cues, most notably light and temperature. For many years it was thought that neurons of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) uniquely controlled circadian rhythmicity of peripheral tissues via neural and humoral signals. The cloning and characterization of mammalian clock genes revealed that they are expressed in a circadian manner throughout the body. It is now accepted that peripheral cells, including those of the cardiovascular system, contain a circadian clock similar to that in the SCN. Many aspects of cardiovascular physiology are subject to diurnal variation, and serious adverse cardiovascular events including myocardial infarction, sudden cardiac death, and stroke occur with a frequency conditioned by time of day. This has raised the possibility that biological responses under the control of the molecular clock might interact with environmental cues to influence the phenotype of human cardiovascular disease.
A Validation Study of the Instrument Timbre Preference Test

The purpose of this series of studies was to investigate aspects of the validity of the Instrument Timbre Preference Test (ITPT) (Gordon, 1984). Subjects for different phases of the study were draw...
Larimer County Alliance for Grandfamilies A Collaborative Approach to Meeting a Community Need

Grandparents who raise grandchildren have needs that often are not met by service providers. In an effort to meet these needs in northern Colorado, a team of community members and grandparents established the Larimer County Alliance for Grandfamilies (LCAG). The LCAG’s mission is to support the health and well-being of grandfamilies through community education, development of support systems, and advocacy for change. To better understand the LCAG’s collaborative approach, an evaluation was conducted 13 months after the initiation of the Alliance. Responses to survey questions indicate that LCAG has benefited individuals who serve grandfamilies, the community, and grandparent providers by increasing community awareness and partnerships. Conclusions and suggestions are made for professionals seeking assistance to build sustainable community partnerships to support contemporary aging issues.