cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Human Zoonotic Infections Transmitted by Dogs and Cats

Dogs and cats are the 2 most common household pets. However, they may be a direct or indirect source of human infections. This article aims to familiarize physicians with some common and uncommon bacterial, rickettsial, parasitic, and fungal zoonotic infections of dogs and cats. Animal bites with or without infection continue to be a common problem. Treatment of infected animal bites must include early debridement and concern for organisms from the mouth flora of the animal. The diagnosis and treatment of cat-scratch disease have become easier since Bartonella henselae has been established as the main causal agent. Less common bacterial and rickettsial zoonotic infections are included to increase the reader's awareness. Parasitic infections, such as creeping eruptions, visceral larva migrans, cryptosporidiosis, and toxoplasmosis, are diseases associated with contact with dogs and cats. Pets can also be the source of dermatophyte infections. An increase in awareness that some of these diseases may be associated with animals could provide a better plan for the prevention and treatment of common and uncommon zoonotic infections.
Linking international technology transfer with strategy and management: a literature commentary

Abstract This article represents an attempt to link literature from diverse but fundamentally related areas: research on international technology transfer as well as on technology strategy and management. It argues that these literatures need to be linked because both treat problems inherent to managing technology development that must succeed at the level of the firm, not the level of the nation state or government facilities. The discussion here focuses on issues that frequently appear in recent writings on international technology transfer: the relationship between international technology transfer and cultivation of indigenous capabilities within the technology recipients; organizational options and their effectiveness for international technology transfer; the influence of external factors on the outcomes of international technology transfer process for technology recipients; and policies of host-country governments concerning transfer of foreign technology. We examine these issues from the viewpoints of both international technology transfer and technology strategy and management. The objective is to identify perspectives from research on technology strategy and management that might help solve basic problems in international technology transfer.
Towards a Social Ecological Framework for Social Entrepreneurship

This article: (1) reviews the literature on ‘social entrepreneurship’, with particular attention to its definition and distinguishing features; (2) develops a conceptual framework and typology of social entrepreneurial ventures based on social ecological principles; and (3) analyses the framework through a number of examples and cases. This typology has both theoretical and practical implications. It enables the classification of social entrepreneurial ventures and provides an understanding of their organisation and functioning. It can also guide emerging social entrepreneurial ventures in strategic decision making to achieve growth and financial sustainability and assist them in setting realistic criteria for evaluating their short and long-term performance.
Endothelin-1 stimulates cytosolic phospholipase A2 activity and gene expression in rat glomerular mesangial cells

Endothelin-1 stimulates cytosolic phospholipase A 2 activity and gene expression in rat glomerular mesangial cells. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) stimulates vascular smooth muscle and mesangial cells to release prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ), which can attenuate the vasoconstrictor and mitogenic effects of this peptide. Phospholipase A 2 (PLA 2 )-mediated release of arachidonic acid from the sn -2 position of membrane phospholipids is thought to be one of the rate-limiting steps in prostaglandin (PG) synthesis. We evaluated the role of ET-1 to regulate gene expression, protein synthesis and enzymatic activity of cytosolic PLA 2 (cPLA 2 ), an intracellular form of the PLA 2 enzyme family, in cultured rat mesangial cells using both acute and chronic incubation protocols. Acute ET-1-induced stimulation of cPLA 2 activity was maximal after 10 minutes (181.1 ± 6.84% of control), persisted for 40 minutes and did not require new protein synthesis. Heparin, a potent inhibitor of intracellular Ca 2+ increase as well as mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activation and cell proliferation, did not affect the rapid cPLA 2 stimulation by ET-1. Chronic incubation of glomerular mesangial cells with ET-1 (1 to 24 hr) led to time- and dose-dependent increases in cPLA 2 mRNA expression which was maximal after six hours, persisted up to 24 hours and which was accompanied by both cPLA 2 protein formation, as assessed by Western analysis, as well as by stimulation of enzymatic activity. Inhibition of protein synthesis by cycloheximide increased basal cPLA 2 mRNA accumulation in quiescent mesangial cells, and the combination of ET-1 and cycloheximide resulted in a greater induction of cPLA 2 gene expression when compared to ET-1 alone. Actinomycin D treatment blocked the effect of ET-1 on cPLA 2 mRNA accumulation. Herbimycin A, an inhibitor of cellular protein tyrosine kinases, abrogated the ET-1-induced cPLA 2 gene expression, while protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors (Calphostin, Sangivamycin) only slightly reduced cPLA 2 mRNA. We thus conclude that ET-1 is able to stimulate cPLA 2 in a biphasic manner: Acute stimulation starts after five minutes and does not require de novo protein synthesis, while long-term activation after three hours is most likely linked to cPLA 2 gene expression via a cellular tyrosine kinase pathway. ET-1-mediated acute and chronic stimulation of cPLA 2 could serve as an autocrine and/or paracrine negative regulator for vasoconstrictive and mitogenic effects of ET-1.
The Cinderella loop project

The solar loop that formed off the northeast limb of the Sun on 1999 November 6 (a.k.a. the Cinderella loop) is one of the few examples of a loop on the limb observed with all three of the following imaging instruments: the Transition Region and Coronal Explorer (TRACE), the SOHO Extreme-ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (EIT), and the Yohkoh Soft X-ray Telescope (SXT). In this project we investigate the temperature differences that result when examining the Cinderella loop with one instrument compared with another. For example, what temperature differences result from the increased spatial resolution between the two EUV imagers? More specifically, given that TRACE and EIT have almost identical temperature response to coronal plasma, does the different spatial resolution of TRACE (with 0.5″ pixels) and EIT (with 2.6″ pixels) produce statistically different results? We find that the answer is no, and that our results do not change after background subtraction. In addition, the spatial resolution of EIT and SXT is similar, but the temperature responses of the two instruments are quite different. The two instruments do not seem to be viewing the same loop strands, and the plasma temperature differences are significant.
Evaluation of glass-forming ability in metals using multi-model techniques

Abstract Prediction tools for metallic glass alloy design were created from several modeling techniques, with the goal of accurately describing all the critical physical phenomena that lead to vitrification in metals. This spectrum of phenomena described by the modeling tools includes both kinetic and thermodynamic aspects of amorphization in metals. It was found that using a liquidus-based model to determine the location of deep eutectics in combination with properly describing the local topology of an alloy in question was the most effective design protocol for metallic glasses optimization. Metallic glass compositions tend to be located on or near deep eutectics, but also must have an optimized structural topology. Two distinct topologic models were used, one considers the local structure as composed of solvent–solute clusters, and another is composed of an elastically strained solvent matrix, in which solute–solute clustering is dominant. The tendency for either structure can be determined by using a chemical short-range order (CSRO) model. The protocol outlined in this study has been used to successfully predict compositions in a variety of alloy systems and has been validated with examples from the literature in Mg-, Al-, Ti-, Fe-, Ni-, Cu-, and Zr-based systems.
A reexamination of Mishkin's neutrality test

Abstract Mishkin's 1982 paper is one of the most widely cited papers in empirical macroeconomics. His finding that anticipated money growth is not neutral in the US casts doubt on the policy ineffectiveness proposition. However, recent advances in econometrics suggest that Mishkin's model may be misspecified, thus raising questions concerning his findings. Given the influence of Mishkin's paper, we examine his model for specification problems and find several. However, we find that Mishkin's conclusions concerning money neutrality are robust for a number of alternative specifications and for an extended time period.
Local structural variability and the intermediate phase window in network glasses

Recent experimental work has shown that the width of the intermediate phase varies considerably in chalcogenide glasses containing $\mathrm{Ge}∕\mathrm{As}∕\mathrm{Se}$. As the chemical composition is varied within a series of glasses, three phases are observed. As the mean coordination of the glass is increased, the floppy phase evolves through the intermediate phase (rigid but unstressed) into the rigid and stressed phase. Here, using an extensive study of computer-generated networks, we show that the intermediate phase is caused by self-organization. This is only possible on networks where the single transition, from the floppy to the rigid and stressed phase, is second order in the absence of self-organization, which leads the network to be responsive to self-organization. This occurs when the structural variability---a measure of inhomogeneities within the glasses---exceeds a threshold value. The width of the intermediate phase is associated with the local structural variability. Above the threshold value, a large structural variability leads to a wider intermediate phase, which we refer to as the intermediate phase window.
Effects of Touch on Gratuities Received in Same‐Gender and Cross‐Gender Dyads1

This study examined whether or not a nonreciprocal brief shoulder touch would increase gratuities received by servers. Data from 400 patrons were collected by 4 servers who enacted the touch manipulation while working in 2 separate eating establishments. The findings revealed that servers who touched their patrons did receive larger gratuities than servers who did not touch their patrons. Further, in one setting, servers received larger tips from patrons who were of the opposite gender than from patrons who were of the same gender. These results support the ubiquitous influence of a fleeting touch on gratuities, and the possibility that, in certain situations, touch may be more advantageous when done by members of the opposite gender.
Eutrophication-Driven Shifts in Primary Producers in Shallow Coastal Systems: Implications for System Functional Change

Significant progress has been made recently towards a better understanding of the nature, causes, and consequences of anthropogenic eutrophication of shallow coastal systems. It is well established that, in pristine systems dominated by seagrasses, incipient to moderate eutrophication often leads to the replacement of seagrasses by phytoplankton and loose macroalgal mats as the dominant producers. However, less is known about the interactions between phytoplankton and loose macroalgae at intense eutrophication. Using a combination of original research and literature data, we provide support for the hypothesis that substantial macroalgal decline may occur at intense eutrophication due to severe water column shading. Our results suggest that such declines may be widespread. However, we also show that intense eutrophication is not always necessarily conducive to severe water column shading and large macroalgal declines, possibly due to short water residence time and/or elevated grazing on phytoplankton. Furthermore, we provide support to the hypothesis that the occurrence of hypoxic/anoxic conditions in eutrophication-driven shifts in dominant primary producer assemblages influences the nature and extent of functional change in the system. Focusing on the macroalgal blooms and seagrass decline that often occur at incipient/moderate eutrophication, we show the blooms have a positive effect on epifaunal abundance under well-oxygenated conditions, but a negative effect if pervasive anoxic/hypoxic conditions develop with the bloom. These findings provide support to prior suggestions that secondary productivity in shallow coastal systems may increase as seagrasses get replaced by loose macroalgal stands if the stands remain well oxygenated. In concert, our results contribute to an improvement of our current model of eutrophication of shallow coastal systems and suggest that further effort should be put on ascertaining the mechanisms that may prevent severe water column shading and large macroalgal decline at intense eutrophication, as well as thorough documentation of the impacts of anoxic/hypoxic conditions on system functionality at different stages of eutrophication.
Network structure, strategy evolution, and the game of Chicken

Abstract Cellular automata – lattice-like grids of interlinked cells – can be used to study system evolution. The cells are occupied by disputants with differing strategic interaction rules. After interacting, each disputant either retains its strategy or adopts that of a neighbor, depending on relative strategy success. In this article, we use networks to answer questions about strategy evolution in the game of Chicken. We identify the nodes of a network with cells of an automaton and consider nodes adjacent if they are neighboring cells in the automaton, allowing us to determine structural influences of strategy evolution.
Fourier interferometry with spectral fluorescence imaging for the study of mitochondrial distribution and function in living normal/malignant cells

The advantages of measuring both the excitation spectrum and emission spectrum of living cells' fluorescence are reviewed together with interferometric methods. Mitochondria in yeast cells are described as examples of Biomedical methods, also including mammalian cells. Mitochondria in human hepatic cells, murine mast cells and human keratinocytes are shown using the vital stains DASPMI, Mitotracker Green and TMRE. An example in Biotechnology is the study of photosynthetic algae, used in the production of hydrogen.
Effect of Temperature on the Accumulation Kinetics of PAHs and PCBs in the Zebra Mussel, Dreissena polymorpha☆

The role of temperature on the accumulation and elimination kinetics of selected poly-cyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners was examined for the zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha. Uptake and elimination rates were measured at intervals over a three year period in laboratory toxicokinetics studies in which zebra mussels were maintained at ambient field temperatures or acclimated to higher or lower temperatures. The uptake rate coefficients (ku) for benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) and 2,2’,4,4’,5,5’-hexachlorobiphenyl (HCBP) increased in proportion to temperature over a range from 4 to 20C when measured at the field-collected temperature. Both ku and the elimination coefficient (kd) also decreased with increasing organism size. However, no relationship with temperature was found for the ku of BaP in the following year nor was there a relationship between ku and temperature for pyrene and pentachlorophenol (PCP) when the kinetics were measured at field-collected temperatures. In laboratory acclimation studies, ku for three compounds (BaP, HCBP, and PCP) showed a significant positive relationship with temperature over the 4–20C range. Pyrene accumulation kinetics however, still exhibited no relationship with temperature. These results contradict the concept that uptake of contaminants changes over a season with temperature thereby, influencing contaminant toxicokinetics. Furthermore, the kd values observed for these compounds indicate that elimination was slow, and no relationship of kd was exhibited with water temperature, season, or year.
Picosecond coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) study of vibrational dephasing of carbon disulfide and benzene in solution

The vibrational dephasing of the 656/cm mode (nu1, a1g) of CS2 and the 991/cm mode (nu2, a1g) of benzene have been studied as a function of concentration in mixtures with a number of solvents using a ps time-resolved CARS technique. This technique employs two tunable synchronously-pumped mode-locked dye lasers in a stimulated Raman pump, coherent anti-Stokes Raman probe time-resolved experiment. Results are obtained for CS2 in carbon tetrachloride, benzene, nitrobenzene, and ethanol and for benzene nu2 in CS2. The dephasing rates of CS2 nu1 increase on dilution with the polar solvents and decrease or remain constant on dilution with the nonpolar solvents. The CS2/benzene solutions show a contrasting behavior, with the CS2 nu1 dephasing rate being nearly independent of concentration whereas the benzene nu2 dephasing rate decreases on dilution. These results are compared to theoretical models for vibrational dephasing of polyatomic molecules in solution.
Closing the Lifecycle of Rare Earth Magnets: Discovery of Neodymium in Slag from Steel Mills

Analysis of slag from steel mini-mills reveals that substantial amounts of the rare earth element neodymium (Nd, an average of 0.032 wt % in the tested samples) are present in this waste product. This provides insight into a currently unknown part of the rare earth lifecycle after the end-of-life for rare earth magnet motors. Furthermore, slag from steel mini-mills that reprocess steel scrap is therefore an important potential source of the rare earth element Nd especially in countries without established mining operations or direct access to rare earth ores.
One-electron reduction of arenediazonium compounds by physiological electron donors generates aryl radicals. An EPR and spin trapping investigation

Arenediazonium compounds (ArN2+) are strong oxidizing agents, which upon one-electron reduction decompose, releasing aryl radicals (Ar.). The present studies were undertaken to determine whether reductive fragmentation of ArN2+ can be induced by biologically relevant electron donors. We found that 4-X-Ph-N2+ (where X: -NO2, -Br, -Cl, -OMe and -N(Et)2) decomposes to the respective aryl radicals when reduced by ascorbate, NADH, potassium ferrocyanide, catechol or p-hydroquinone in aqueous solutions. Radical identification was based on analysis of the EPR spectra of spin adducts formed by reaction of these radicals with spin traps 2-methyl-2-nitrosopropane (MNP), 3,5-dibromo-4-nitrosobenzene sulphonate (DBNBS) or 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO). This study shows that reduction of arenediazonium ions can be a convenient method for generating aryl radicals in aqueous solutions. In addition, this investigation confirms that biological reducing agents are capable of inducing fragmentation of ArN2+ into aryl radicals. This reaction may be pertinent to some biological actions of arenediazonium compounds.
The “stipple sign” — Urographic harbinger of transitional cell neoplasms

The trapping of contrast material within the interstices of a papillary growth produces a stippled appearance when viewed end on. Since the majority of transitional cell neoplasms have a papillary configuration, the stipple sign is highly suggestive of the presence of this lesion.
Synthesis of CdSe Quantum Dots by Evaporation of Bulk CdSe using SMAD and Digestive Ripening Processes

Here we report synthesis of CdSe quantum dots (QDs) by evaporation of bulk CdSe using the solvated metal atom dispersion method (SMAD), followed by reflux in toluene and in t-butyltoluene (TBT). The as-prepared SMAD product exhibits broad photoluminescence spectra (PL), but upon reflux in toluene or t-butyltoluene, interestingly, the PL spectra become narrow with an increase in fluorescence intensity. The temporal evolution of quantum dots was monitored by in situ UV−vis spectroscopy. The XRD data reveal that the formed CdSe QDs retain the wurtzite structure of the starting bulk CdSe material. The merits of this synthesis procedure are the use of bulk CdSe as starting material, possibility of scale up, elimination of high-temperature injection and size-selective precipitation processes.
EFFECT OF OXIDE ADDITIONS ON THE POLYMORPHISM OF TANTALUM PENTOXIDE. II. ''STABILIZATION'' OF THE HIGH TEMPERATURE STRUCTURE TYPE.

The "low temperature structure type" of Ta2O5 has been found to occur in two distinct forms with the lowest temperature form having a unit cell 14 times the subcell and an intermediate temperature form with a unit cell 11 times the subcell. The two types form intermediate partially ordered mixtures which are apparently in thermal equilibrium at various temperatures between ~ 1000 and 1350 °C. The addition of MoO3, WO3, SiO2, GeO2, ZrO2, TiO2, B2O3 and Al2O3 each affect the multiplicity of the true unit cell in different ways. WO3, SiO2, GeO2, B2O3, and Al2O3 form phases structurally similar to "low-Ta2O5" which are stable up to the solidus temperatures of the corresponding systems.
Fit inside the work-family black box: An ecology of the life course, cycles of control reframing

Work-time and other labour market policies and practices were institutionalized in the 1940s and 1950s based on a middle-class, mid-20th century breadwinner workforce, creating a disjuncture between job demands/resources and home demands/resources for employees with family responsibilities. Scholars of both families and labour markets from a variety of disciplines began investigating this mismatch between the temporalities, demands, resources, expectations and goals of paid work and family life in the 1960s and 1970s (e.g., Hall, 1975; Kahn, Wolfe, Quinn, Snoek, & Rosenthal, 1964; Kanter, 1977; Pleck, 1977). Such scholarship has grown exponentially in tandem with the increasing proportion of the workforce that is female, related human resource policy initiatives addressing work-family concerns, and mounting media attention to work-family incompatibilities. The result? Considerable empirical and theoretical advances, along with greater public visibility of the strains employees experience, as well as of work-family (or work-life) issues more generally. Despite adoption of some limited flexibility benefits (Kelly & Moen, 2007), much of the contemporary structure and culture of human resource policies and practices in organizations are vestiges of the 1950s. And yet most 21st century workers – men as well as women – live and work without the back-up of a full-time homemaker. Obsolete work-time rules and regulations, together with advanced information and communication technologies, stagnant wages, a global economy, and households where all adults are in the labour market, have escalated rather than reduced employees' job and home demands, time pressures, and insecurities (Moen, 2003; Moen & Roehling, 2005). These converging social forces place the relationship between work and family front and centre for scientific understanding of either labour market or family issues, as well as the psychosocial, behavioural, and health impacts of both.
Studies of an InAs/GaAs Heterojunction by Total-Electron-Yield

Total electron yield (TEY) of an InAs/GaAs heterojunction due to soft x-ray excitation has been studied. This heterojunction was prepared by an overgrowth of a 600 A InAs layer on a GaAs substrate using molecular beam epitaxy. Experimental data are compared with theoretical analysis based on a modified Fresnel formulation to calculate the wave field distribution in stratified media with interfacial roughness. The TEY angular profiles obtained at a given x-ray energy reveal information on the interfacial roughness, secondary electron escape length, attenuation length of elastically scattered photo-electrons, and optical constants of the epilayer in the xray regime.
Privacy preserving data aggregating with multiple access channel

We consider the scenario in which a set of users want to compute an aggregate function of their messages at a message center. The users communicate with the message center over a multiple access channel with fading, where the fading states of the channels from individual receivers are unknown a priori to the message center. For privacy reasons, the users do not want disclose their message information to the message center. No computational limitations on the message center are assumed, and the message center may collude with a set of hidden eavesdroppers to retrieve the message information of the users. This paper proposes a scheme called MacPDA that leverages the multiple access properties of wireless signals to achieve privacy. It relies on fairly loose synchronization and does not require secret channels. MacPDA is shown to reveal no message information of the users other than the required function value. The estimation performance of MacPDA is investigated with numerical experiments, and theoretical bounds are given on the asymptotic performance.
Operational algorithm development and refinement approaches

Next-generation polar and geostationary systems, such as the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) and the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES)-R, will deploy new generations of electro-optical reflective and emissive capabilities. These will include low-radiometric-noise, improved spatial resolution multi-spectral and hyperspectral imagers and sounders. To achieve specified performances (e.g., measurement accuracy, precision, uncertainty, and stability), and best utilize the advanced space-borne sensing capabilities, a new generation of retrieval algorithms will be implemented. In most cases, these advanced algorithms benefit from ongoing testing and validation using heritage research mission algorithms and data [e.g., the Earth Observing System (EOS)] Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and Shuttle Ozone Limb Scattering Experiment (SOLSE)/Limb Ozone Retreival Experiment (LORE). In these instances, an algorithm's theoretical basis is not static, but rather improves with time. Once frozen, an operational algorithm can “lose ground” relative to research analogs. Cost/benefit analyses provide a basis for change management. The challenge is in reconciling and balancing the stability, and “comfort,” that today’s generation of operational platforms provide (well-characterized, known, sensors and algorithms) with the greatly improved quality, opportunities, and risks, that the next generation of operational sensors and algorithms offer. By using the best practices and lessons learned from heritage/groundbreaking activities, it is possible to implement an agile process that enables change, while managing change. This approach combines a “known-risk” frozen baseline with preset completion schedules with insertion opportunities for algorithm advances as ongoing validation activities identify and repair areas of weak performance. This paper describes an objective, adaptive implementation roadmap that takes into account the specific maturities of each system’s (sensor and algorithm) technology to provide for a program that contains continuous improvement while retaining its manageability.
Factor VIIIa A2 Subunit Shows a High Affinity Interaction with Factor IXa CONTRIBUTION OF A2 SUBUNIT RESIDUES 707-714 TO THE INTERACTION WITH FACTOR IXa

Factor (F) VIIIa forms a number of contacts with FIXa in assembling the FXase enzyme complex. Surface plasmon resonance was used to examine the interaction between immobilized biotinylated active site-modified FIXa, and FVIII and FVIIIa subunits. The FVIIIa A2 subunit bound FIXa with high affinity (Kd = 3.9 ± 1.6 nm) that was similar to the A3C1C2 subunit (Kd = 3.6 ± 0.6 nm). This approach was used to evaluate a series of baculovirus-expressed, isolated A2 domain (bA2) variants where alanine substitutions were made for individual residues within the sequence 707-714, the C-terminal region of A2 thought to be FIXa interactive. Three of six bA2 variants examined displayed 2- to 4-fold decreased affinity for FIXa as compared with WT bA2. The variant bA2 proteins were also tested in two reconstitution systems to determine activity and affinity parameters in forming FXase and FVIIIa. Vmax values for all variants were similar to the WT values, indicating that these residues do not affect cofactor function. All variants showed substantially greater increases in apparent Kd relative to WT in reconstituting the FXase complex (8- to 26-fold) compared with reconstituting FVIIIa (1.3- to 6-fold) suggesting that the mutations altered interaction with FIXa. bA2 domain variants with Ala replacing Lys(707), Asp(712), and Lys(713) demonstrated the greatest increases in apparent Kd (17- to 26-fold). These results indicate a high affinity interaction between the FVIIIa A2 subunit and FIXa and show a contribution of several residues within the 707-714 sequence to this binding.
Clinical comparison of sevoflurane and isoflurane when administered with nitrous oxide for surgical procedures of intermediate duration

The purpose of this study was to compare the haemodynamic effects and emergence times of anaesthesia with sevoflurane with those of isoflurane when the agents were administered with nitrous oxide to adult patients (ASA I and II) undergoing surgery of at least an hour in duration. Fifty patients were randomly assigned to receive either 0.65 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) (1.3%) sevoflurane or 0.65 MAC (0.8%) isoflurane together with 60% nitrous oxide following induction with thiopentone, fentanyl, and succinylcholine. Systemic blood pressure and heart rate trends were similar for both groups for the duration of anaesthesia. However, differences in systolic blood pressure measurements were noted at one minute after incision (99 +/- 3 mmHg, mean +/- SE, in the sevoflurane group compared with 109 +/- 4 mmHg for isoflurane), and at emergence (125 +/- 3 mmHg for sevoflurane, 134 +/- 3 mmHg for isoflurane), and in diastolic blood pressure measurements at five minutes after intubation (64 +/- 2 mmHg for sevoflurane, 73 +/- 3 mmHg for isoflurane). Recovery of response to command was more rapid after discontinuation of sevoflurane-nitrous oxide (9.9 +/- 1.1 min) than after isoflurane-nitrous oxide (13.9 +/- 1.3 min). Despite earlier emergence, patients who had received sevoflurane did not request postoperative analgesia sooner. We conclude that the purported advantages of sevoflurane, namely haemodynamic stability and rapid emergence, can be expected even when the agent is administered at 0.65 MAC (1.3%) in nitrous oxide to a typical adult surgical population undergoing procedures of intermediate duration (2.3 +/- 0.2 hr).
The half life and mass of Sc41

Abstract The half life and mass of Sc 41 have been determined by measurements utilizing resonances of the Ca 40 (p, γ)Sc 41 reaction. A value of 0.596±0.006sec was obtained for the half life. The Q value of the reaction was determined to be 1.083±0.006 MeV,corresponding to a Sc 41 mass excess of −28, 640±10 keV on the C 12 mass scale. These results lead to a log ft value of 3.443 for the Sc 41 position decay.
Toward a Conceptual Framework for the Cartographic Visualization of Network Information

Geographic information systems (GIS) are now widely used to manage and visualize transportation and other network information and to plan for changes in network infrastructure. As GIS technology becomes more portable and as planning styles evolve, these network data and derived analyses will be presented, sometimes interactively, not only to professional analysts but also to a wider audience of administrators, planners, and the general public. Such presentations require the effective communication of a combination of static and dynamic attributes of complex spatial networks to a diverse audience for a variety of purposes. A large quantity of data that describes the geometry and attributes of network infrastructures is already accumulated on a regular basis and is readily available in digital formats. Like most raw data, however, this massive digital resource is often not used to its fullest potential because methods for rendering it and synthesizing it for visual display are not well developed or implemen...
Setting of alaskite bodies in the northwestern Adirondacks, New York

Precambrian alaskite in the northwestern Adirondacks, New York, is a widely distributed and distinctive rock unit. Overlying the alaskite are, successively, a sequence of calcitic and dolomitic marbles, a sequence of biotitic and granitic gneisses, and a second sequence of carbonate-rich units. At least three periods of folding have deformed these rocks and have produced complex hook-shaped and elliptical interference structures. Understanding the elements involved in multiple folding and recognizing the setting of the alaskite relative to other rock units are essential to a regional understanding of the geology of the northwestern Adirondacks.
Selected Flight Test Results for Online Learning Neural Network-Based Flight Control System

The NASA F-15 Intelligent Flight Control System project team developed a series of flight control concepts designed to demonstrate neural network-based adaptive controller benefits, with the objective to develop and flight-test control systems using neural network technology to optimize aircraft performance under nominal conditions and stabilize the aircraft under failure conditions. This report presents flight-test results for an adaptive controller using stability and control derivative values from an online learning neural network. A dynamic cell structure neural network is used in conjunction with a real-time parameter identification algorithm to estimate aerodynamic stability and control derivative increments to baseline aerodynamic derivatives in flight. This open-loop flight test set was performed in preparation for a future phase in which the learning neural network and parameter identification algorithm output would provide the flight controller with aerodynamic stability and control derivative updates in near real time. Two flight maneuvers are analyzed - pitch frequency sweep and automated flight-test maneuver designed to optimally excite the parameter identification algorithm in all axes. Frequency responses generated from flight data are compared to those obtained from nonlinear simulation runs. Flight data examination shows that addition of flight-identified aerodynamic derivative increments into the simulation improved aircraft pitch handling qualities.
Some results on light penetration of an absorbing medium

Two results on light penetration of an absorbing medium are presented in this paper: (1) It is shown, using the general light penetration law of Mannet al. (1977), that a random distribution of absorbing bodies (cells, leaves, etc.) is most efficient at intercepting direct beam (parallel) light. (2) A transmission coefficient is added to the general law in a manner similar to Monteith's (1965). This leads to the partitioning of the radiation regime beneath an absorbing medium into unintercepted, once intercepted, twice intercepted, etc., components. We are thus enabled to calculate the mean radiation intensity beneath the absorbing medium.
Induced LH surges in the rhesus monkey: Strength-duration characteristics of the estrogen stimulus

The strength—duration characteristics of the increments in circulating estrogen required to elicit LH surges in the rhesus monkey were investigated by implanting (sc) Silastic capsules containing estradiol—17β for varying periods of time during the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. The magnitude of the resultant “square—wave” increments in serum estrogen concentration was varied by the number of capsules implanted. It was found that serum estrogen concentrations below 100 pg/ml were ineffective in eliciting LH surges, even when applied for as long as 120 hr. Serum estrogen concentrations of 100– 200 pg/ml had! to be maintained for approximately 42 hr to induce LH discharges, whereas 200–400 pg/ml were effective when applied for 36 hr. Supraphysiological estrogen levels of 1200 to 2000 pg/ml elicited LH surges when sustained for only 24 hr. In all instances, LH surges were initiated before the capsules were removed, showing that this response is not a consequence of estrogen withdrawal. The re...
Evaluation of Three Immunoassay Kits for Rapid Detection of Influenza Virus A and B

Influenza causes high morbidity and mortality in very young and elderly individuals, which can be controlled with antivirals and/or vaccines. The success of therapeutic measures is predicated on the rapid and precise diagnosis of the infection. We compared three rapid influenza immunoassay (RIIA) kits for the diagnosis of influenza virus A and B using 178 respiratory specimens submitted for routine testing. BD Directigen Flu A+B (Directigen), Directigen EZ Flu A+B (EZ), and NOW Flu A NOW Flu B (NOW; Binax) tests had comparable combined influenza virus A and B specificities, varying from 94 to 98%. In contrast, the sensitivity of EZ was significantly lower (39%) than that of NOW (76%) and marginally lower than that of Directigen (56%). The differences in sensitivity were most evident in patients who were >9 years old (Directigen, 53%; EZ, 32%; and NOW, 69%). Among specimens, bronchoalveolar lavage fluids yielded the most discrepant results, with sensitivities varying from 0 (EZ) to 100% (NOW), followed by nasopharyngeal swabs (sensitivities of 27 to 100%) and nasal washes (50 to 81%). The Directigen kit format allowed for faster completion but more cumbersome performance and more difficult interpretation compared with the other two kits. Overall, NOW provided the most accurate diagnoses and had user-friendly technical characteristics. However, the low overall sensitivity of the RIIAs indicates that these can be used as screening tools only.
Adnexal Masses: Role of Supplemental Imaging With Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Sonography is the primary and often the only imaging modality used for evaluation of an adnexal mass. Grayscale sonography with color and spectral Doppler imaging is able to accurately characterize most of the adnexal masses. Supplemental imaging with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful in selected cases. Computed tomography is preferred for evaluation of bowel-related pathology masquerading as an adnexal mass and for staging of gynecologic cancers. Owing to its superior contrast resolution and multiplanar imaging capability, MRI is helpful in characterizing an indeterminate adnexal mass, as well as determining the organ of origin of an adnexal mass. MRI thereby allows planning of appropriate surgical or nonsurgical management of neoplastic and nonneoplastic conditions affecting the adnexa. Imaging evaluation of adnexal masses and the supplemental role of MRI in the management of adnexal masses are discussed.
Some complexity aspects of the control of mobile robots

In an earlier work it was shown how the length of the specification of a control procedure is affected by the availability of sensory information. In particular, it was shown that this length can be reduced by a factor that depends on the ratio of the size of the entire state space to the size of the set of states for which feedback is locally effective. In this paper we modify this result to explain why landmark-based navigation through a series of intermediary goals can be beneficial from a complexity point of view. We furthermore show how to choose the resolution of the sensors, i.e. the size of the output space, in order to generate control procedures with short description lengths.
Endocannabinoid system and pathophysiology of adipogenesis: current management of obesity

The endocannabinoids are now known as novel and important regulators of energy metabolism and homeostasis. The endocrine functions of white adipose are chiefly involved in the control of whole-body metabolism, insulin sensitivity and food intake. Adipocytes produce hormones, such as leptin and adiponectin, that can improve insulin resistance or peptides, such as TNF-α, that elicit insulin resistance. Adipocytes express specific receptors, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ, which serve as adipocyte targets for insulin sensitizers such as thiazolidinediones. Recently, endocannabinoids and related compounds were identified in human fat cells. The endocannabinoid system consists primarily of two receptors, cannabinoid (CB)1 and CB2, their endogenous ligands termed endocannabinoids and the enzymes responsible for ligand biosynthesis and degradation. The endocannabinoids 2-arachidonylglycerol and anandamide or N-arachidonoylethanolamine increase food intake and promote weight gain in animals. Rimonabant, a selective CB1 blocker, reduces food intake and body weight in animals and humans.
Transient localized cyanosis of the newborn

Summary Three cases of transient localized cyanosis appearing in the newborn are reported. In two cases without asphyxia the face and anterior scalp only were cyanosed. In one case the head, neck, arms, and upper thorax were involved, also without asphyxia. In all three, the cyanosis cleared within five days without interference with the infants' normal progress. The cyanosis in each case is undoubtedly the result of interference with free venous drainage of the involved area. As to the nature of the partial or temporary venous obstruction or stasis, no explanation is given, other than to suggest the possibility of vasomotor disturbance of the veins.
A magnetic cell-based sensor

Cell-based sensing represents a new paradigm for performing direct and accurate detection of cell- or tissue-specific responses by incorporating living cells or tissues as an integral part of a sensor. Here we report a new magnetic cell-based sensing platform by combining magnetic sensors implemented in the complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) integrated microelectronics process with cardiac progenitor cells that are differentiated directly on-chip. We show that the pulsatile movements of on-chip cardiac progenitor cells can be monitored in a real-time manner. Our work provides a new low-cost approach to enable high-throughput screening systems as used in drug development and hand-held devices for point-of-care (PoC) biomedical diagnostic applications.
Feeding patterns and aggressive behavior in juvenile and adult american flamingos

We studied the feeding and aggressive behavior of adult and juvenile American Flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber ruber) at a coastal salina in Venezuela. Most birds fed in large flocks in early morning, roosted at mid-day, and resumed feeding in late afternoon- early evening. Flamingos rarely flew, except when disturbed. Adults in our study stepped at the same rates while feeding as did Chilean Flamingos (P. chilensis) feeding in the Chilean and Bolivian Andes. Paired observations of birds within mixed-age flocks revealed that adults stepped more during feeding bouts, but less between bouts, and spent more time overall with their bills in the water filter-feeding, than did juveniles. We calculate that the food-intake rate of juveniles was, at most, 82% that of adults. Both adults and juveniles walk-fed and stamp-fed. Juveniles, but not adults, were twice as likely to be supplanted when stamp-feeding than when walk-feeding. Juveniles were more often involved in ag- gression, especially as recipients, than were adults. Aggressive encounters significantly af- fected the amount of time flamingos spent filter feeding.
Teoria da estrutura a termo das taxas de juros

Este estudo usa um modelo intertemporal de equilibrio geral de precificacao de ativos para estudar a estrutura a termo das taxas de juros. Nesse modelo, expectativas, aversao ao risco, alternativas de investimento e preferencias quanto ao momento do consumo atuam na determinacao dos precos. Muitos fatores tradicionalmente mencionados como influentes sobre a estrutura a termo sao, assim, incluidos de uma maneira plenamente condizente com o comportamento maximizador e as expectativas racionais. O modelo leva a formulas especificas de precos de debentures que sao bastante adequadas a testes empiricos.
Therapeutic Engagement and Posttreatment Substance Use in Adolescent TC Clients Direct and Indirect Effects

The problem of adolescent drug use places a huge toll on society and a heavy burden on the criminal justice system. Despite the ability of therapeutic communities (TCs) to lower drug relapse, a great deal remains unknown in terms of how the process of treatment actually works for adolescents. Using data collected as part of the Drug Abuse Treatment Outcomes Studies–Adolescents, this study examines the direct and indirect relationship between therapeutic engagement and posttreatment substance use. Though there are few direct effects of therapeutic engagement on substance use, findings suggest that those more engaged in treatment are more likely to complete treatment and, therefore, less likely to use substances. This suggests that instruments that evaluate therapeutic engagement are important in assessing involvement in treatment, and that programming designed to engage the adolescents in TC treatment should be utilized to reduce the risk of posttreatment relapse.
Natural language processing and visualization in the molecular imaging domain

Molecular imaging is at the crossroads of genomic sciences and medical imaging. Information within the molecular imaging literature could be used to link to genomic and imaging information resources and to organize and index images in a way that is potentially useful to researchers. A number of natural language processing (NLP) systems are available to automatically extract information from genomic literature. One existing NLP system, known as BioMedLEE, automatically extracts biological information consisting of biomolecular substances and phenotypic data. This paper focuses on the adaptation, evaluation, and application of BioMedLEE to the molecular imaging domain. In order to adapt BioMedLEE for this domain, we extend an existing molecular imaging terminology and incorporate it into BioMedLEE. BioMedLEE's performance is assessed with a formal evaluation study. The system's performance, measured as recall and precision, is 0.74 (95% CI: [.70-.76]) and 0.70 (95% CI [.63-.76]), respectively. We adapt a JAVA(TM) viewer known as PGviewer for the simultaneous visualization of images with NLP extracted information.
Landau-level width : magnetic-field and temperature dependences

We calculate the effect of level broadening on the steady part of the magnetic moment and specific heat by deriving an analytic expression for the free energy of a two-dimensional electron gas in a uniform magnetic field, with an arbitrary Landau-level broadening and at a finite temperature. Measurements of these effects may provide a new way for gaining more information about the magnetic-field and temperature dependences of the Landau-level width. This in turn may lead to information about the density of states. In the particular case of Gaussian broadening, the broadening correction to the steady magnetic moment is as large as the steady magnetic moment itself.