cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Detection of supernova neutrinos with neutrino-iron scattering

The ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{e}$-$^{56}\mathrm{Fe}$ cross section is evaluated in the projected quasiparticle random phase approximation (PQRPA). This model solves the puzzle observed in RPA for nuclei with mass around $^{12}\mathrm{C}$, because it is the only RPA model that treats the Pauli Principle correctly. The cross sections as a function of the incident neutrino energy are compared with recent theoretical calculations of similar models. The average cross section weighted with the flux spectrum yields a good agreement with the experimental data. The expected number of events in the detection of supernova neutrinos is calculated for the LVD detector, leading to an upper limit for the electron neutrino energy of particular importance in this experiment.
A Benchmarking Model for Management of Knowledge-Intensive Service Delivery Networks

Effective management of information technology (IT) and IT-enabled services is becoming increasingly important due to the growing complexity of their context. These services are often delivered by employees who work at widely dispersed locations and interact with each other to constitute knowledge-intensive service delivery networks (KISDNs). This paper contributes to the effective design and management of KISDNs by presenting a mixed-integer programming model that integrates disparate streams of research. This model facilitates analysis and managerial benchmarking of KISDN performance. It captures how the performance of such networks depends on the interaction between workflow decisions, structure of information flow networks (IFNs), and knowledge management decisions. We propose that knowledge about IFNs and worker competence can be effectively used to make workflow decisions. Our results, based on the study of different IFN archetypes, illustrate practices for effective management of KISDNs. Managers can enhance business value by recognizing existing IFNs, increasing randomness in IFNs, nurturing weak or performative ties depending on the archetype, assigning tasks based on effective worker competence, and selectively delaying assignment of tasks to workers. In addition, our results illustrate the impact of training and network density on KISDN performance.
Fire exclusion effects on riparian forest dynamics in southwestern Oregon

Abstract Euro-American settlement and organized fire suppression have been associated with structural and compositional changes in many upland forests of the western United States, but little is known about the impacts on riparian forests, portions of the landscape protected for habitat and water quality. In this study, we used dendro-ecological methods to characterize the pre-settlement disturbance and tree recruitment processes of riparian forests in the Rogue River basin of southwestern Oregon and to identify changes to the forest structure and composition post-settlement. Our results suggest riparian forests in our study area developed with frequent disturbance by fire and that Euro-American land management shifted these forests onto a new successional trajectory. Our findings indicate the current hands-off management regime for riparian forests under the Northwest Forest Plan will continue along this altered trajectory and have ecologically undesirable consequences. We suggest that the restoration of pre-settlement forest dynamics in fire-prone forests of southwestern Oregon will be most effective where it includes density reductions in overstory trees and prescribed fire in both upland and riparian forests.
Intercomparisons of temperature, density and wind measurements from in situ and satellite techniques

Atmospheric temperature, density, and wind data retrieved by various means are intercompared, covering the 1980-1984 period. The study encompasses such data sources as radiosonde, rocketsonde, in situ measurements, remote measurements, satellites, and NOAA-6 and 7 TOVS data. Larger temperature differences (up to 7-8 K) are noted for the rocketsonde/satellite comparison than for the radiosonde/satellite comparison (less than 1 K). The rocketsonde measurements were found to be internally consistent to less than 1 K up to 50 km and to less than 3 K up to 60 km. A general agreement of the density data obtained from small rocketsondes and large sounding rocket systems is suggested to be within 15 percent up to 85 km of altitude. The usefulness of intermixing the measurements of the various atmospheric parameters obtained from different instruments is emphasized, and some suggestions are made concerning the approaches to such intermixing.
Research strategies for functional neuroimaging: A comment on the interview with r.g. shulman

as the same, given a hypothesis that says they should be the same); another of Shulman’s objections focuses on the lack of grounding of cognitive concepts compared to concepts in the hard sciences. It is not clear what anyone can do about either of these problems. But the major problem that Shulman raises concerns a popular research strategy in functional neuroimaging, and this problem is one that can be addressed. Let me first describe the strategy problem, and then propose some solutions to it. The problem at issue stems from the following research strategy:
A Minimally Invasive, Algorithm-Based Approach for Anomalous Aortic Origin of a Coronary Artery:

ObjectiveOperative repair for anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery (AAOCA) has been described using various innovative techniques. Common to each series is the use of a full sternotomy. As ...
Sampling of Malodorous Compounds in Air Using Stir Bar Sorbtive Extraction

Twisters, (poly)-dimethylsiloxane-coated magnetic stir bars, were used to measure compounds typical of swine manure malodor in air. In initial experiments, a time to achieve equilibrium was determined by preloading the stir bars with ten compounds with a range of volatilities and polarities and then monitoring their loss. The rate of loss was dependent on compound volatility, and the time for equilibrium to be attained varied widely, from 22 min for phenol to 210 min for skatole. To test whether the Twisters would respond linearly over a range of concentrations, the stir bars were placed in vented jars with solutions of compounds containing 100 to 4,000 µg each of five target malodorous compounds. Response was reasonably linear, with average coefficients of variations of 40% and coefficients of determination over 0.80 except for phenol, the most polar of the tested compounds. The Twisters were deployed on portable magnetic stir plates 0.5 and 1.5 m above the surface of a wastewater lagoon serving as the primary waste receptacle of a 2,000-head farrowing operation. Two to three times as much of each compound was absorbed at 0.5 m than at 1.5 m. As the lagoon cooled, malodorous compounds accumulated in the lagoon, and as a consequence, greater amounts of malodors were retained on the samplers despite the cooler temperatures. These results indicate that Twisters can be used to sample malodorous compounds above air from swine waste lagoons.
Surface roughness optimization in an end-milling operation using the Taguchi design method

Abstract This paper presents a study of the Taguchi design application to optimize surface quality in a CNC face milling operation. Maintaining good surface quality usually involves additional manufacturing cost or loss of productivity. The Taguchi design is an efficient and effective experimental method in which a response variable can be optimized, given various control and noise factors, using fewer resources than a factorial design. This study included feed rate, spindle speed and depth of cut as control factors, and the noise factors were the operating chamber temperature and the usage of different tool inserts in the same specification, which introduced tool condition and dimensional variability. An orthogonal array of L9(34) was used; ANOVA analyses were carried out to identify the significant factors affecting surface roughness, and the optimal cutting combination was determined by seeking the best surface roughness (response) and signal-to-noise ratio. Finally, confirmation tests verified that the Taguchi design was successful in optimizing milling parameters for surface roughness.
Subtidal currents from a shipboard acoustic Doppler current profiler in tidally dominated waters

Abstract As part of a comprehensive study of inner shelf dynamics in the vicinity of a major estuary, we test the performance of a shipboard acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP). We compare velocities from the ADCP with those from current meters located 6 and 10 m below the surface in water shallower than 30 m. We find the ADCP suitable to estimate subtidal currents of O(10 cm s−1) embedded in a tidal flow exceeding 100 cm s−1. We obtain the former currents by subtracting predicted tidal currents which we computed from empirical models. Three different models all result in similar subtidal flows; none of them appears superior. However, spatial and temporal averaging of the velocity data are necessary to reduce noise in the ADCP record to acceptable levels. Our subtidal flow estimates are reliable, robust and physically meaningful. We find that bottom friction influences the tidal currents over the entire water column. We also find a narrow, baroclinic, subtidal jet exiting the estuary on the right looking seaward. This jet is the source of the local buoyancy-driven coastal current.
A technique for measuring interfacial tension by quadrupole oscillation of drops

Abstract A technique for measuring interfacial tension is presented. A drop of one liquid is acoustically levitated in another liquid (host) and is also acoustically driven into quadrupole shape oscillations. The interfacial tension is inferred from the resonance properties of the drop, provided that the size of the drop and the densities of the two liquids are known. The relevant results of theories are mentioned. The apparatus and procedure are described. Some special features of this technique are discussed; for example, the drop has an indefinite lifetime, the interface has no contact with any solid surface, and any changes of the interfacial tension can be tracked automatically. Data for the interfaces such as water-hexane, water-propane (superheated by 65°C), and water-hexane-surfactant are reported.
New Hardware Solutions for Cardiac SPECT Imaging

Over the past decade, there has been intense interest in the modernization of scanners for cardiac SPECT imaging, with major changes in the design and functionality of hardware and software. This article aims at concisely reviewing recent developments in the field of detector materials, collimators, scanner configuration, and data acquisition strategies, as well as the new software reconstruction techniques typically associated with the new hardware. Since the new equipment and techniques can be employed either to reduce study acquisition time or to decrease radiation dose to the patient, the trade-off between these 2 desirable outcomes is also explored.
A rapid method for the purification of S-adenosylmethionine: Protein-carboxyl O-methyltransferase by affinity chromatography

Abstract A simple method to purify S-adenosylmethionine: protein-carboxyl O-methyltransferase (protein methylase II, EC 2.1.1.24) from calf brain has been developed using affinity chromatography. The product of the reaction, S-adenosyl- l -homocysteine, which is a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme, was covalently linked to Sepharose beads. This gel proved to be an effective binder for protein methylase II at pH 6.2 and allowed for specific removal of the enzyme by the addition of the methyl donor substrate, S-adenosyl- l -methionine to the elution buffer. One step using this affinity chromatography column resulted in 377-fold purification of the enzyme and 71% recovery of the activity. Subsequent Sephadex G-100 chromatography enabled the enzyme to be purified 3000-fold from the calf brain whole homogenate. The purified enzyme showed a number of protein methylase II activity peaks following preparative gel electrophoresis with one major enzyme peak.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Collisional Cooling of Highly Charged Ions in a Penning Trap

Molecular dynamics simulations of the cooling of highly-charged ions captured into a Penning ion trap (RETRAP) along with Be+ ions are described. Experimentally, the Be+ ions were directly cooled continuously using a laser, and collisional coupling to these laser-cooled ions cooled the highly-charged ions. The simulation is described as a tool for experimental interpretation and refinement. Under conditions closely related to the experimental parameters, the highly charged ions were found to form ordered structures, and to exhibit characteristics of a magnetized non-neutral plasma.
Formal specification of natural language syntax using two-level grammar

The two-level grammar is investigated as a notation for giving formal specification of the context-free and context-sensitive aspects of natural language syntax. In this paper, a large class of English declarative sentences, including post-noun-modification by relative clauses, is formalized using a two-level grammar. The principal advantages of two-level grammar are: 1) it is very easy to understand and may be used to give a formal description using a structured form of natural language; 2) it is formal with many well-known mathematical properties; and 3) it is directly implementable by interpretation. The significance of the latter fact is that once we have written a two-level grammar for natural language syntax, we can derive a parser automatically without writing any additional specialized computer programs. Because of the ease with which two-level grammars may express logic and their Turing computability we expect that they will also be very suitable for future extensions to semantics and knowledge representation.
Responses of CD8+ T cells to intracellular bacteria

Recent studies of CD8(+) T cell responses against intracellular bacteria have provided insights into the relevance of the exogenous and endogenous MHC class I presentation pathways during the priming and effector stages. The capacity of these organisms to deliver vaccine antigens, either as bacterial protein or as plasmid DNA expressed by host antigen-presenting cells, has been investigated. Ongoing studies of CD8(+) T cell effector functions suggest the existence of novel pathways of resistance to bacterial infection. These results, together with advances in our understanding of nonclassical MHC class I presentation, reveal the impact of pathogen biology on host immunity to infection.
Quasilinearization and the estimation of time lags

Abstract Nonlinear differential-difference equations occur in the mathematical theories of cancer chemotherapy, in the theories of control mechanisms in the heart-lung system, and elsewhere in engineering and operations research. The authors show how to determine the parameters in a nonlinear differential-difference operator so as to obtain the best fit (in the sense of the least-squares method) to certain given experimental data. This hinges on reducing the differential-difference equation to a system of ordinary differential equations and using quasilinearization to solve the resulting multipoint boundary-value problem. Results of some numerical experiments are given.
THE INDUCTION OF ATP ENERGIZED MITOCHONDRIAL VOLUME CHANGES BY THE COMBINATION OF THE TWO ANTITUMOR AGENTS SHOWDOMYCIN AND LAPACHOL

The plant substance, lapachol, which is a hydroxyquinone, an antitumor agent, and an uncoupling agent, mimics the behaviour of the classical uncoupling agent 2, 4-dinitrophenol in the following manner. Firstly, an ATP energized mitochondrial volume change is induced by the combination of lapachol with showdomycin (a nonmercurial thiol reagent which is an antibiotic and also an antitumor agent). Secondly, an appropriate concentration of lapachol is capable of inhibiting the ATP energized mitochondrial volume change induced by gramicidin in the presence of the permeant ions potassium and L-malate. The further addition of showdomycin reinstates an effect of gramicidin. Thus lapachol exposes a strategically located mitochondrial thiol group which occupies a pivotal position between a cycle which meshes with the respiratory chain and a cycle which meshes with ATP. This role for lapachol is in agreement with our previous hypothesis that the cycle meshing with the respiratory chain involves quinones, hydroxyquinones and hydroquinones and that lapachol acting as a foreign hydroxyquinone interferes with this cycle and exposes the mitochondrial thiol group normally meshing with the cycle. The hydroxyquinone lawsone also mimics 2, 4-dinitrophenol. Lawsone is decidedly less effective than lapachol. Lawsone unlike lapachol does not possess an isopentenyl side chain. A simple test has been devised for selecting combinations of antitumor agents which act against a single intracellular target, such as mitochondria.
Age of onset evidence for anticipation in familial non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Anticipation, a phenomenon in which an inherited disease is diagnosed at an earlier age in each successive generation of a family, has been demonstrated in certain neurological and haematological disorders. This study was conducted to determine whether anticipation occurs in familial non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Eleven published reports of multigenerational familial NHL were analysed for evidence of anticipation, together with 18 previously unreported families with familial NHL. Differences in disease-free survival between generations were determined. The difference between age at onset for each affected parent–child pair was tested against the null hypothesis that there was no difference in age at onset. These analyses were also performed separately using only parent–child pairs with age of onset > 25 years to avoid ascertainment bias. In addition, the age at onset distribution of the studied cases was compared with that of the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Program using data for 1973–98. The median ages at onset in the child and parent generations of all families (48.5 and 71.3 years respectively) and in the selected pairs (52.5 and 71.5 years respectively) were significantly different (P < 0.000002 and P < 0.000001 respectively). The null hypothesis was rejected for all (P < 0.000001) as well as selected pairs (P < 0.000003). A significant difference was observed between the ages of onset of the child generation and the SEER population (P < 0.009), but not between the parent generation and the SEER population. Anticipation occurs in familial NHL, which suggests a genetic basis for it.
ERYTHROPOIETIN, ITS NATURE AND MECHANISM OF ACTION.

The hormone erythropoietin is a substance that regulates the formation of red cells in the hemopoietic tissues of the body. It has been shown that under conditions of anoxic stress due to anemia, low atmospheric O2 tension or any other cause an erythropoietic factor is demonstrable in the plasma of animals. Carnot and Deflandee 1 made the first claim to this effect as long ago as 1906. It was only relatively recently however that several groups of investigators presented evidence supporting the hypothesis that erythropoietin is part of the regulatory system for red cell formation in the normal organism. For instance the presence of small amounts of erythropoietin can now be demonstrated in both the plasma2,3 and urine4,5,6 of normal unstressed animals and human beings. Moreover, antibodies to erythropoietin injected into normal animals cause them to become anemic7.
Who should treat familial hypercholesterolemia

Abstract The treatment of various manifestations of familial hypercholesterolemia can involve a variety of health professionals over the lifetime of a given patient. The first task is to diagnose the condition. This should be done by primary physicians, i.e., pediatricians, family practitioners and internists. The same professionals, with help from dietitians as necessary, should treat the hypercholesterolemia in most cases. Homozygotes and difficult to treat heterozygotes should be referred to endocrinologists or lipidologists. The various cardiovascular manifestations, at one time or another, may require consultation with cardiologists, neurologists, radiologists, and cardiac or vascular surgeons. Physiatrists and physical and occupational therapists also may contribute to patient care.
Genetically mediated induction of drug‐metabolizing enzymes associated with congenital defects in the mouse

Various polycyclic aromatic compounds induce certain monooxygenase activities, including aryl hydrocarbon (benzo[a]pyrene) hydroxylase (EC 1.14.14.2), and cytochrome P1-450 in the liver and many nonhepatic tissues of the mouse. This induction process is controlled by the Ah locus. Genetic differences that have been shown in the past to be associated with the Ah locus include an increased susceptibility to chemical carcinogenesis, mutagenicity in vitro, and drug toxicity – manifested as hepatic necrosis, aplastic anemia, or shortened survival time. Pregnant mice received a single injection of 3-methylcholanthrene or 7,12-dimethylbenz[a] anthracene between day 5 and day 13 of gestation, and the uterine contents were examined on day 18. Striking increases were observed in the incidence of MC-1 and DMBA-induced resorptions and congenital malformations in the aromatic hydrocarbon “responsive” C57BL/ 6N inbred strain, and of DMBA-induced resorptions in the “responsive” C3H/HeN and BALB/cAnN strains – when compared with the similarly treated genetically “nonresponsive” AKR/N strain. These data suggest but do not prove that an association exists between the Ah locus and developmental toxicity, i.e., teratogenesis. Although numerous teratogenic differences among inbred mouse strains have previously reported, this study is unique in that the genetic differences in teratogenicity observed were predicted in advance on the basis of known differences among these strains in polycyclic hydrocarbon metabolism regulated by the Ah locus.
Broadband microwave dielectric properties of lithium niobate

The anisotropic microwave refractive index and loss of lithium niobate, in the 15–140GHz range, are measured using the coherent microwave transient spectroscopy technique. The frequency-dependent complex transmission function of a 5.98 mm thick crystal is studied as a function of the angle between the electric field and the optic axis.
The Role of Fusion for Recurrent Disk Herniations

For patients with symptomatic recurrent disk herniations that have failed nonoperative treatment, surgical treatment can be considered. Although simple repeat diskectomy can be an effective treatment for first time recurrences, many surgeons would consider the addition of fusion, particularly for second or third recurrences. With a lack of high-level evidence, decision making concerning when and how to fuse for a recurrent lumbar disk herniation remains largely surgeon-dependent because a variety of options are available. Although there are limited data, both posterolateral and interbody fusion can be effective. Future study is needed to better define the indications and ideal method of fusion for recurrent disk herniations.
Cataloguing Electronic Cartographic Materials: Standard Cataloguing

The author describes the cataloguing of electronic cartographic materials according to the international standards published in the Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules, 2nd revised edition, and the MARC21 format. Guidance on the special interpretation of fields found in records for all cartographic materials, as well as instructions for completing those fields used specifically for electronic formats are given. The different MARC21 fields are itemized and an example of a complete catalogue record for an electronic resource are provided.
Articulatory-to-acoustic relations in response to speaking rate and loudness manipulations

Purpose In this investigation, the authors determined the strength of association between tongue kinematic and speech acoustics changes in response to speaking rate and loudness manipulations. Perf...
Effects of Taurine and Taurine Analogues on the Phosphorylation of a 44 kDa Protein Present in a Mitochondrial Subfraction of the Rat Heart: Partial Characterization of the 44 kDa Phosphoprotein

Abstract Recent studies suggest that taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) is involved in the regulation of protein phosphorylation in excitable tissues such as the retina, brain and heart. In order to determine the structural requirements for the effect of taurine on the phosphorylation of a 44 kDa protein(s), a series of taurine analogues were tested in an in vitro assay using a subcellular mitochondrial fraction of rat heart. Inhibitors of the phosphorylation of the 44 kDa protein include taurine and close structural analogues of taurine such as aminoethylhydrogen sulfate and α-sulfo-β-alanine. Secondary amines with the taurine structure partially locked into a saturated 5-membered ring such as (±) piperidine-3-sulfonic acid and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline-8-sulfonic acid also possess inhibitory activity. Sulfone analogues of taurine such as 2-aminoethylmethylsulfone, a non-restricted taurine analogue with maximal conformational flexibility about its amino and sulfone moieties, and (±) 3-aminotetrahydrothiopyran-1.1-dioxide, an analogue containing the sulfone moiety in a six-membered ring structure, were found to be more potent inhibitors of phosphorylation than taurine despite the fact that the sulfone moiety is neither an isosteric nor isoelectronic substitution for the sulfonic acid moiety. The results of this study indicate that the inhibition of the phosphorylation of the 44 kDa protein in a rat heart mitochondrial fraction is relatively specific for the taurine structure. Two analogues of taurine with unsaturated rings containing a primary sulfonic acid and a secondary amine, pyridine-3-sulfonic acid and quinoline-8-sulfonic acid, were observed to be stimulators of the phosphorylation of the 44 kDa protein. In addition, 2-aminobenzenesulfonic acid also stimulated phosphorylation. Phase separation experiments with Triton X-114 suggest that the 44 kDa phosphoprotein is a soluble protein and not an integral membrane protein of the mitochondria. Phosphate incorporation into specific amino acids was determined by two-dimensional electrophoresis on celluloses plates and was found exclusively in the serine residues.
Overview of the Planetary Observer Program

An overview of the Planetary Observer Program formulated by the Solar System Exploration Committee, including the key assumptions intended to constrain the cost of each program mission, is presented. Several candidate missions for the program and their scientific objectives and launch opportunities are described. A missions operations concept for controlling the operations costs of these projects is presented.
Spatial and temporal resolution of aortic Doppler blood velocity signals in normal human subjects.

Abstract We have used digital, microcomputer-based methods for the numerical analysis of pulsed, rangegated, ultrasonic Doppler blood velocity signals recorded with an axially aimed transducer from the ascending aorta of normal subjects. We investigated the spatial, temporal and amplitude resolution of our methods for recording and analysis, comparing aortic signals with test signals from a sine wave function generator. The spatial resolution of our system was found to be adequate in spite of the use of a relatively large sample volume. The temporal resolution was significantly influenced by the rate of change of velocity which affected the results of discrete fast Fourier transform analysis. The rate of increase in aortic blood velocity at the start of ejection was linear, following an initial jump in velocity. The amplitude resolution was affected by fluctuations in the amplitude of the Doppler signals. We conclude that our methods do not exaggerate the bluntness of the aortic velocity profile or the linearity of the increase in blood velocity at the start of left ventricular ejection.
Measurements of Equilibrium Pressures and Temperatures for Propane Hydrate in Silica Gels with Different Pore-Size Distributions

Equilibrium pressures for the dissociation of propane hydrate confined in silica gel pores of nominal radii 7.5, 5.0, 3.0, and, 2.0 nm were measured across a wide temperature range, and were higher...
Time-dependent Monte Carlo Radiative Transfer Calculations for Three-dimensional Supernova Spectra, Light Curves, and Polarization

We discuss Monte Carlo techniques for addressing the three-dimensional time-dependent radiative transfer problem in rapidly expanding supernova atmospheres. The transfer code SEDONA has been developed to calculate the light curves, spectra, and polarization of aspherical supernova models. From the onset of free expansion in the supernova ejecta, SEDONA solves the radiative transfer problem self-consistently, including a detailed treatment of gamma-ray transfer from radioactive decay and with a radiative equilibrium solution of the temperature structure. Line fluorescence processes can also be treated directly. No free parameters need be adjusted in the radiative transfer calculation, providing a direct link between multidimensional hydrodynamic explosion models and observations. We describe the computational techniques applied in SEDONA and verify the code by comparison to existing calculations. We find that convergence of the Monte Carlo method is rapid and stable even for complicated multidimensional configurations. We also investigate the accuracy of a few commonly applied approximations in supernova transfer, namely, the stationarity approximation and the two-level atom expansion opacity formalism.
Depressive sequelae of recent criminal victimization

In a community sample of 2700 adults, 14.6% reported that in the previous 6 months they themselves or someone important to them were the victim of a crime (mugged or personally assaulted; burglarized, robbed, or swindled; or sexually assaulted). Men and women reported roughly equal rates of victimization; Hispanics reported fewer victimizations than non-Hispanic whites. History of criminal victimization during the previous 6 months and certain crime characteristics were used to predict concurrent depression (assessed by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale) and suicidality (self-report of suicide ideation or attempt). Being a crime victim was associated with increased suicidality and depression. Increased risk of suicidality following criminal victimization occurred irrespective of race, gender, education, and current mental disorder. Those who were mugged, sexually assaulted, or experienced multiple victimization were at greatest risk for depression. Those who were mugged were at greatest risk of suicidality.
Common factors of spontaneous self-extubation in a critical care setting

Abstract A prospective, concurrent study was conducted of all patients who self-extubated in a mixed critical care setting during a 14-month period. The purpose of the study was to identify the incidence and common factors associated with spontaneous self-extubation (SSE). A total of 75 cases of SSE occurred in 68 patients who had an incidence of 38.5 SSEs per 100 intubated days. The analysis of common factors of the total population found the following: 60 cases (80%) were restrained; 44 cases (59%) required reintubation; 66 cases (88%) followed commands or localized painful stimuli at the time of SSE; and 67 cases (89%) elicited spontaneous eye opening or opened eyes to verbal command at the time of SSE. Only 18 cases (24%) had analgesia administered within 1 to 2 hours of SSE. Twenty-four cases (32%) had anxiolytics administered within 4 hours of SSE. Of the 56 cases of SSE that were witnessed, 43 cases (73% of those observed) were considered deliberate rather than accidental. The practice of using intravenous boluses on an "as needed" dosing frequency for administering sedation and analgesia was a common factor in SSE. Adequate doses of sedation and analgesia delivered by continuous infusion may prevent SSE in alert, intubated patients. (Int J Trauma Nurs 2001;7:93-9.)
Chronic psychosocial stress decreases calcineurin in the dentate gyrus: a possible mechanism for preservation of early ltp

Chronic psychosocial stress impairs early long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampal CA1 region but not in the dentate gyrus of anesthetized rats. Analysis of putative signaling molecules involved in the expression of LTP was performed to determine the possible reason(s) for the apparent resistance of the LTP of the dentate gyrus to chronic psychosocial stress. Immunoblotting was used to determine possible changes in the basal levels of various fractions of calcium-dependent calmodulin kinase II (CaMKII), phosphorylated CaMKII (P-CaMKII), calmodulin, protein kinase C gamma (PKCgamma) and calcineurin in the dentate gyrus of chronically stressed rats. Western blot analysis revealed that chronic stress significantly decreased the levels of the total CaMKII without affecting P-CaMKII levels. No significant change was detected in the levels of the upstream effectors, calmodulin and PKCgamma. However, chronic stress produced a significant decrease in calcineurin levels. The data suggest that the dentate gyrus of chronically stressed rats may have developed a compensatory mechanism whereby calcineurin levels are reduced to maintain normal P-CaMKII levels, which may be responsible for the normal early LTP of the dentate gyrus of chronically stressed rats. The results of this work will increase understanding of why certain brain regions are more resistant to deleterious effects of conditions that deteriorate learning and memory.
Periodic Flooding and Water Table Effects on Two Sugarcane Genotypes

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) in Florida is increasingly exposed to periodic floods and high water tables for extended durations. We evaluated the effects of periodic flooding, followed by drainage, on morphological characteristics and cane and sugar yields of two sugarcane genotypes. From 2000-2002, experiments were conducted in lysimeters filled with Pahokee muck soil. Flooding was imposed for 7 d during five, nine, and nine 21-d cycles in 2000, 2001, and 2002, respectively. Cycles commenced when sugarcane leaves covered the rows and were discontinued in mid-October. Water table depths during the 14-d drainage period of each cycle were 16, 33, or 50 cm. A fourth treatment was maintained continuously at a 50-cm water table depth. Genotype CP 95-1429 yields were not affected by water table or flooding. For CP 95-1376 in periodic-flooding treatments, lowering the water table in 1-cm increments increased cane and sugar yields by 0.16 and 0.02 kg m -2 , respectively, in 2000 and 0.25 and 0.03 kg m -2 , respectively, in 2001. Water table depth during drainage did not affect CP 95-1376 yields in 2002, perhaps because of a longer duration between planting and initial flooding in 2002. Each day of flooding reduced cane and sugar yields of CP 95-1376 by 0.17 and 0.02 kg m -2 , respectively, in 2000 and by 0.21 and 0.03 kg m -2 , respectively, in 2002. Flooding might not have reduced yields of CP 95-1429 because of its ability to form aerenchyma in the stalks before exposure to flooding. Such genotypes should be able to tolerate flooding for at least 1 wk.
Depressive episodes in children and adolescents with bipolar disorders

Abstract Despite the severe morbidity and mortality associated with bipolar depression, there has been very little research on this phase of bipolar disorders in adolescents or children. Pediatric bipolar disorders often present with a depressed or mixed state that may be initially diagnosed as a major depressive disorder. The treatment of a pediatric bipolar depressive episode is complicated due to the often necessary use of combinations of medication and the potential for inducing mania, hypomania or rapid cycling particularly with antidepressant agents. There are no published prospective controlled treatment studies of bipolar children or adolescents with depression and this research is much needed. In this article, we review what is known about the clinical characterisitcs and treatment of bipolar depression in children and adolescents.
One Hundred Years of Canadian Cinema by George Melnyk (Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2004)

For a land as vast as Canada, and particularly in view of the enormous levels of government support poured into the industry, it is surprising that Canada does not have more of a presence in the in...
House Panel comments on science budget

A recent report from the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee entitled ‘Views and Estimates … on the Fiscal Year 1993 Budget for Civilian R&D” proposes new approaches to federal science policy and a shift in funding from defense to civilian R&D to stimulate economic growth. In this report the committee's Democratic members recommend increasing civilian R&D spending by an additional $2 billion in fiscal year 1993, followed by a $3 billion transfer in each of the next four years. The increase would be funded by cutting weapons programs and the Strategic Defense Initiative request.
Relation of body mass index to mortality after development of heart failure due to acute coronary syndrome.

Several studies have suggested that obesity may be associated with a survival advantage in heart failure (HF). The duration of HF likely influences disease severity and may introduce lead-time bias into analyses of outcomes. The aim of this study was to analyze a cohort in which the exact time of HF onset could be determined: patients in the University of Michigan subset of the acute coronary syndromes (ACS) database of the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) who developed new-onset HF (no history of HF and left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40% or qualitatively diminished) with their index ACS events from January 1999 to March 2006 (n = 446). For analysis, body mass index (BMI) was categorized as normal (18.5 to 2 ), overweight (25 to 2 ), and obese (≥30 kg/m 2 ). Underweight patients (BMI ≤18.5 kg/m 2 ) were excluded. Separate multivariate Cox regression models were performed to examine the effect of BMI group and other potential confounders on all-cause mortality and on the combined outcome of all-cause death, cardiac transplantation, or ventricular assist device implantation. BMI groups were not associated with different risks for the combined outcome, although overweight BMI approached statistical significance for lower risk for the combined outcome. Overweight BMI was significantly associated with lower risk for all-cause death (hazard ratio 0.63, 95% confidence interval 0.42 to 0.94, p = 0.02), although obese BMI was not (hazard ratio 1.06, 95% confidence interval 0.69 to 1.64, p = 0.8). In conclusion, these findings suggest a U-shaped relation between mortality and BMI in the setting of new-onset HF after ACS.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Pyridinediol-Fermenting Bacterium Synergistes jonesii 78-1

Here we present the draft genome of Synergistes jonesii 78-1, ATCC 49833, a member of the Synergistes phylum. This organism was isolated from the rumen of a Hawaiian goat and ferments pyridinediols. The assembly contains 2,747,397 bp in 61 contigs.
A note on the performance of limited entry queuing systems

This note compares the performance of a queuing system in which customers can enter service only at multiples of the service time to the ordinary counterpart for both G/D/1 and M/D/1 systems. We show that the two modes of operation differ by at most one customer at any point in time. We give motivation for the use of a limited entry queuing system as a model for use in material handling analysis.
High frequency resonant bidirectional SEPIC converter suitable for battery equalization and charger applications

This paper proposes a DC-DC converter that can be used in battery equalization and charging and discharging applications. The proposed topology is a high frequency (≥ 5 MHz) resonant bidirectional SEPIC DC-DC converter. The resonant technology and high frequency operation will allow the size and cost of a battery equalizer to be reduced because of the ability to reduce the size of the magnetic components. The topology of the DC-DC converter is proposed, analyzed, and realized, and then verified by simulation and experimental results. It is shown that this converter can obtain an efficiency that is greater than 81%.
Cognitive penetration of the mechanisms of perception: Compensation for coarticulation of lexically restored phonemes

An important question in language processing is whether higher-level processes are able to interact directly with lower-level processes, as assumed by interactive models such as the TRACE model of speech perception. This issue is addressed in the present study by examining whether putative interlevel phenomena can trigger the operation of intralevel processes at lower levels. The intralevel process involved the perceptual compensation for the coarticulatory influences of one speech sound on another. TRACE predicts that this compensation can be triggered by illusory phonemes which are perceived as a result of topdown, lexical influences. In Experiment 1, we confirm this prediction. Experiments 2 to 4 replicate this finding and fail to support several potential alternative explanations of the results of Experiment 1. The basic finding that intralevel phenomena can be triggered by interlevel processes argues against the view that aspects of speech perception are encapsulated in a module impervious to influences from higher levels. Instead, it supports a central premise of interactive models, in which basic aspects of perceptual processing are subject to influences from higher levels.
Simple method for obtaining saturated compounds from a mixture using a micro column of palladium chloride on silicic acid

Abstract In a relatively simple procedure, a melting point capillary containing a small bed of palladium chloride on silicic acid is used to complex completely microgram amounts of unsaturated components from a mixture brought in contact with it. This permits the facile recovery of fully saturated compounds in the effluent from the column in near quantitative yield. It was not found possible (with methyl esters of fatty acids) to obtain unsaturated members from the complex in an unchanged condition and in satisfactory yield; consequently, the method is advocated only as a rapid means to recover saturates from a mixture. Besides methyl esters of fatty acids, hydrocarbons, was esters, glyceryl-1-alkyl ethers, unesterified fatty acids, fatty alcohols, cholesteryl esters, triglycerides, fatty aldehydes, and sterols were studied.
An expert system framework based on a simulation generator

Expert Systems (ES) implementations automatically perform tasks for which specially trained or talented people have been re quired. Fifth generation simulation systems integrate the tools developed in the fourth generation and capture the knowledge of the expert programmer as well as that of the simulation model ing expert. Haddock has programmed a user- oriented simula tion generator for the design and control of flexible manufac turing systems (FMS). The development of an ES based on the generator is described in this paper.The system to be described solely requires knowledge of the system to be simulated from the user. FORTRAN written sub routines, incorporated within the software structure of SIMAN, interpret the results of experimental runs and make statistical inferences about the performance measure.Simulation generators can assist simulationists in model develop ment and update, as well as in the analysis of alternative sce narios. A very desirable feature of Intelligent Front Ends (IFEs) is to ha...
The stiffening of ultrathin polymer films in the rubbery regime: The relative contributions of membrane stress and surface tension

We have previously reported on a new nanobubble inflation technique we have developed to measure the absolute creep compliance of polymer films at thicknesses down to ∼10 nm (1-5). One of the more surprising results to come out of these studies was the observation that as the film thickness decreased the rubbery plateau compliance was seen to decrease dramatically. At the thinnest film thickness (∼10 nm) the compliance decreased (or conversely the stiffness increased) by some 3 orders of magnitude from the bulk value. It is known that, at the nanometer scale, surface tension effects can become significant. We examine here the contribution of surface tension to the observed stiffening and show that, while the contribution is important, it does not account for the degree of stiffening observed. This suggests that molecular or confinement induced stiffening is the major factor.
Relationship marketing: An agenda for inquiry

The impetus of this special issue of Industrial Marketing Management is the importance of relationship marketing in the effective functioning of marketing organizations. The objective of the special issue is to integrate the conceptual and empirical research in the area of business markets. The issue sought research that looked beyond the current thinking in business marketing. © Elsevier Science Inc., 1997
Light Activated Flavor in Milk

Abstract An expert panel was used to determine the frequency and severity of light activated flavors in milk packaged in plastic jugs. Samples were evaluated weekly (different day each week) with a total of 90 samples being examined. Fifty-three samples (59%) of the total were rated as having a moderate to strong light-activated flavor. After establishing the existence of a severe problem, large consumer panels were run at two shopping centers. The triangle test was used to determine whether panelists could distinguish between milk and light activated flavor and milk with no noticeable off-flavor. In addition, preference was obtained from those respondents correctly identifying the odd sample. Consumers could distinguish between samples. The age group 25 yr and younger was the most successful in correctly detecting differences; therefore, a survey also was conducted at a local college with 69 of 132 respondents correct. Preference testing over all portions of the study indicated that 63% preferred the milk with no off-flavor, 27% preferred the light activated flavor, and 10% had no stated preference. Results from one of the malls (identified as a "blue collar" mall) brought the average down for those preferring milk with no light activated flavor.
Effect of Dialysis on Hearing Acuity

In order to determine the effect of dialysis on hearing acuity, 20 patients on chronic maintenance hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis were followed with hearing examinations every 6 months over a fol