cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Folic acid improves acetylcholine‐induced vasoconstriction of coronary vessels isolated from hyperhomocysteinemic mice: An implication to coronary vasospasm

Human atherosclerotic coronary vessels elicited vasoconstriction to acetylcholine (Ach) and revealed a phenomenon of vasospasm. Homocysteine (Hcy) levels are elevated in the atherosclerotic plaque tissue, suggesting its pathological role in endothelial damage in atherosclerotic diseases. Accordingly, we examined the role hyperhomocysteinemia in coronary endothelial dysfunction, vessel wall thickness, lumen narrowing, leading to acute/chronic coronary vasospasm. The therapeutic potential and mechanisms of folic acid (FA) using hyperhomocysteinemic cystathionine beta synthase heterozygote (CBS−/+) and wild type (CBS+/+) mice were addressed. The CBS−/+ and CBS+/+ mice were treated with or without a Hcy lowering agent FA in drinking water (0.03 g/L) for 4 weeks. The isolated mouse septum coronary artery was cannulated and pressurized at 60 mmHg. The wall thickness and lumen diameters were measured by Ion-Optic. The vessels were treated with Ach (10−8–10−5 M) and, for comparison, with non-endothelial vasodilator sodium nitroprusside (10−5 M). The endothelium-impaired arteries from CBC−/+ mice constricted in response to Ach and this vasoconstriction was mitigated with FA supplementation. The level of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was lower in coronary artery in CBS−/+ than of CBS+/+ mice. Treatment with FA increased the levels of Ach-induced NO generation in the coronary artery of CBS−/+ mice. The results suggest that Ach induced coronary vasoconstriction in CBS−/+ mice and this vasoconstriction was ameliorated by FA treatment. The mechanisms for the impairment of vascular function and therapeutic effects of FA may be related to the regulation of eNOS expression, NO availability and tissue homocysteine. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 2712–2720, 2011. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Field-Induced Changes in the Band Structure and Fermi Surface of Nickel

The de Haas-van Alphen effect has been studies in spherically shaped crystals of nickel. The unusual angular variations in the frequencies arising from the ${X}_{5}$ hole pockets can be accounted for in terms of an interpolation scheme which includes the effect of spin-orbit coupling. The sizes of the hole pockets depend markedly on the axis of spin quantization, i.e., on the direction of the applied magnetic field.
Testing the means of independent normal random variables

Abstract Suppose one has available Z 1 ,…, Z M which are independent and Z i ≈ N( μ i , σ 2 i ) where σ 2 i is known. It is desired to test H 0 : μ i = μ 0 , i = 1,…, M . versus H a : μ i ≠ μ 0 for some i , where μ 0 is a known value. Such problems arise in nonparametric component analyses and in time series analysis. A new test, the subset chi-square test method (SCSM), is proposed for this framework. The method examines the sums of squares of all subsets of the normalized random variables. The test is easily calculated and produces a criterion, similar in spirit to Akaike's (1974) AIC, which indicates the means judged to differ from μ 0 . This new test is found to compare favorably to existing methods in terms of power.
The hypocrisy of US tobacco policy

The US government sends a perverse message through its newly announced policy of supporting tobacco exports to developing nations while pontificating about the dangers of teenage smoking.
Repeatability Limits for Measurement of Coronary Artery Calcified Plaque with Cardiac CT in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

OBJECTIVE. The purposes of this study were to examine the repeatability of the findings of coronary artery calcification (CAC) measured with CT on repeated scans, to estimate 95% repeatability limits for CAC, and to use these limits to quantify detectable change in CAC over time.SUBJECTS AND METHODS. The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis is a prospective cohort study with 6,814 participants 45–84 years old and free of clinical cardiovascular disease at enrollment. Agreement for presence of CAC was assessed for 6,742 participants who had baseline replicate scans on which a CAC score of 0 indicated no coronary calcification. Among 3,380 participants with baseline CAC, the 95% repeatability limits were established with a quantile regression model. Detectable change in CAC during follow-up was defined by an increase or decrease beyond the baseline repeatability limit.RESULTS. At baseline, 274 (4.1%) of the rescan pairs were discordant (presence or absence of CAC). Greater body mass index was associated wi...
Stark quenching of metastable 2S states in hydrogen and helium at high fields

The time-dependent theory of the Stark quenching of $2S$ states in hydrogen and helium is developed for high electric fields, fields for which the Stark matrix element is large compared to the state separations. The metastable $2S$ state of an atom is mixed with two $P$ states by the field, and the subsequent decay is described.
Some small ramsey numbers

In previous work, the Ramsey numbers have been evaluated for all pairs of graphs with at most four points. In the present note, Ramsey numbers are tabulated for pairs F1, F2 of graphs where F1 has at most four points and F2 has exactly five points. Exact results are listed for almost all of these pairs.
Enantiomeric separation of mineralocorticoid receptor (hMR) antagonists using the Chiralcel® OJ‐H HPLC column with novel polar cosolvent eluent systems

This study demonstrates the increased versatility of the Chiralcel OJ-H stationary phase when using various alcohol/acetonitrile mobile phases. This chiral stationary phase has traditionally been employed in the normal phase mode and more recently with neat alcohols as eluents. Selected isomeric human mineralocorticoid receptor (hMR) antagonist pharmaceutical candidates and synthetic intermediates were separated using the Chiralcel OJ-H HPLC column with novel polar cosolvent eluent systems. The capacity factors, resolution, and selectivity of the chiral separations were assessed while varying the alcohol/acetonitrile composition and alcohol identity. The mixed polar eluents provide separations that are nearly always superior to both the traditional hexane-rich and single-alcohol "polar organic" eluents for the compounds tested in this article.
Nuclear magnetic resonance survey of hydrogen motion and electronic structure in α-phase (NbMo)-H alloys

Abstract The results of a proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) survey of hydrogen motion and electronic structure in the solid solution (α) phase of niobium rich Nb1−yMoyHx alloys are reported (y ⩽ 0.2, x ⩽ 0.2). Measurements of the temperature dependence of the proton spin-lattice relaxation time T1 over the range 20 ⩽ T ⩽ 800 K were analyzed to yield values of the activation energy Ea and jump attempt frequency v0 for hydrogen diffusive hopping and of the product T1eT = Ce indicative of the electronic density-of-states at the Fermi level, N(EF), where T1e is that contribution to T1. The T1vs. T behavior shows features characteristic of hydrogen in random alloys, reflecting a distribution of Ea and v0 values. At high temperatures (~ 500 K), T1 exhibits anomalous behavior, passing through a maximum and decreasing again at higher temperatures in the same manner found in the NbH and (NbV)-H systems.
Method for laser-beam cleaning

A simple method for removing irregularities in laser output-intensity distributions caused by internal reflections in the output mirror is described. The design equations for a lens and iris combination are given, and experimental results for one type of laser are shown.
Extensible/rule based query rewrite optimization in Starburst

This paper describes the Query Rewrite facility of the Starburst extensible database system, a novel phase of query optimization. We present a suite of rewrite rules used in Starburst to transform queries into equivalent queries for faster execution, and also describe the production rule engine which is used by Starburst to choose and execute these rules. Examples are provided demonstrating that these Query Rewrite transformations lead to query execution time improvements of orders of magnitude, suggesting that Query Rewrite in general—and these rewrite rules in particular—are an essential step in query optimization for modern database systems.
Survival of the Q fever agent Coxiella burnetii in the phagolysosome

The Q fever agent, Coxiella burnetii, thrives in the acidic environment of the phagolysosome of the host cell. How this obligate intracellular agent manages to survive within this hostile milieu is unknown; however, several of its enzymes may eliminate or prevent the formation of toxic oxygen metabolites by the host cell. Also implicated as virulence factors are its surface lipopolysaccharide and plasmids.
Osteosarcoma of the mandible of a baboon (Papio papio): Morphological and virological (oncornavirus) studies, with a review of neoplasms previously described in baboons

Abstract A mature male baboon ( Papio papio ) which had been held in captivity for 6 years developed a hard mass arising from the left ramus of its mandible. Necropsy revealed that the tumour was an osteosarcoma that had metastasized to the lung and implanted onto pleural surfaces. No evidence of an associated oncornavirus could be found by electron or fluorescence microscopic analyses of primary and secondary sarcomas, and RNA-dependent DNA polymerase activity could not be detected in the supernates of primary explant cultures of the neoplastic cells. Neoplasms that have been reported as arising in the various species of baboon are reviewed.
Automatic image conversion to tactile graphic

Currently, individuals who are blind or visually impaired have limited resources to allow them to interpret information contained in images. The aim of this project is to provide an accessible system to automatically generate tactile graphics for those who need to interpret information contained in visual images. The fundamental steps to accomplish this are to segment and simplify the image. The focus of this paper will be on several methods to segment an image.
Ventricular assist devices as a bridge to cardiac transplantation. A prelude to destination therapy.

Objective and Background Ventricular assist devices (VADs) have been used for temporary circulatory support pending transplantation or recovery of the native heart. Outcome in 38 patients treated at the authors' institution with VADs pending transplantation was analyzed to provide information relevant to the future use of VADs as permanent implants. Methods Thoratec thoratec Laboratories, Pleasanton, CA) or HeartMate (Thermo Cardiosystems, Woburn, MA) VADs were used in all cases. Patients were considered for VAD placement if they were candidates for cardiac transplantation and fulfilled the criteria for the Food and Drug Administration Investigational Device Exemption trials. The following adverse events were included in the analysis: death during VAD support, device malfunction, bleeding, neurologic events, support-related events that preclude transplantation, and device-related infections. Patient survival and complication rates were quantified using the Kaplan-Meier method, competing risk analysis, and hazard functions. Results Nineteen patients had transplantation. Three patients had VAD removal after cardiac recovery and 16 died without transplantation. The duration of VAD support ranged from 0 to 279 days. The hazard function for death during VAD support had an early phase that lasted for 2 weeks after VAD placement, and early death was related to the preimplant condition of the patient. Device-related infections were noted in 11 patients. Seven of these patients had transplantation after clearing the infection, whereas four died without transplantation. Neurologic events occurred in seven patients. There were no device malfunctions that led to patient death. Conclusions The absence of fatal device malfunctions suggests that longer term support with current VAD designs is feasible. Appropriate patient selection, infection control, and avoidance of thromboembolic neurologic complications will be crucial to the success of permanent VAD use.
Near-IR Spectrophotometry of Jovian Aerosols—Meridional and Vertical Distributions☆

Abstract Photometrically calibrated grism spectra of Jupiter in the H (1.45–1.8 μm) and K (1.95–2.5 μm) bands with a resolution of about 100 were taken with the 5-m Hale telescope at Palomar in August of 1995. The spectra were obtained as meridional cuts at six different longitudes on the planet, with one cut crossing the Great Red Spot. The technique outlined in D. Banfield et al. (1996, Icarus 121, 389–410) for the retrieval of scatterer density with altitude from near-infrared spectra is used and refined. It is expected that this retrieval technique will find use in the interpretation of many atmospheric near-infrared reflection spectra, especially those from Galileo NIMS and Cassini VIMS. For the wavelengths and spectral resolution used in this study, the sensitivity of the inversions extends from pressure levels near 400 mbar up to about 20 mbar. Employing this inversion technique on the spectra yields well-resolved jovian cloud densities for τ ≲ 0.1, as a function of latitude and altitude. The density of scatterers is minimum at a height where the pressure is about 100 mbar and increases both upward and downward from this level. The minimum near 100 mbar can be explained by coagulation of settling particles, leading to an increase in fall speed. The results indicate that stratospheric haze particles are generated at heights where p ≲ 20 mbar.
The synthesis of alanine multilabeled with stable isotopes

The work presented illustrates a practical sequence requiring relatively simple and inexpensive aoparatus, and using the commercially available isotopic sources, to produce L-alanine from M+3 (13C2, 15N) to M+12 (13C3, 15N, D4, 18O2).
The psychological basis of contextual effects

Abstract How do the attributes of a particular geographic location, such as the class composition of a community, affect the political orientation of individuals? My study addresses this question by developing and testing a micro-level explanation for how people learn about their social environment. Unlike existing explanations which rely on social interaction as a mechanism, my model sets out an explicitly psychological process by which contextual influences are transmitted. The empirical evidence supports the central tenets of the model that the social environment can influence individual partisan cognition and, in turn, partisan cognition facilitates learning about the partisan nature of the social environment.
The True Cost-of-Living Index With Changing Preferences

This article investigates the theoretical and empirical properties of a true cost-of-living index under conditions of changing preferences. A family of true indexes is defined based on the notion o...
The Lewis-base behaviour of some hexa-n-alkylamino triphosphonitriles

Abstract Infra-red—and proton magnetic resonance—data indicate that the acidic proton in the hexa-amino triphosphonitrile hydrohalides, N3P3(NHR)6·HX (X = Cl, Br), is bonded to a ring imido nitrogen atom rather than to the ring as a whole or to the nitrogen atom of a substituted amino group. Additional Lewis-base character is shown by the formation in acetonitrile of specific adducts of the general type [MII{N3P3(NHR)6}x]2+ (R = n-C3H7, n-C4H9; x = 1, 2, 6; MII = Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+). Furthermore, charge-transfer induced alterations in visible and ultraviolet spectra suggest comparable interaction between the Lewis acid iodine and various hexa-amino triphosphonitriles.
Effects of graphene on seed germination and seedling growth

The environmental impact of graphene has recently attracted great attention. In this work, we show that graphene at a low concentration affected tomato seed germination and seedling growth. Graphene-treated seeds germinated much faster than control seeds. Analytical results indicated that graphene penetrated seed husks. The penetration might break the husks to facilitate water uptake, resulting in faster germination and higher germination rates. At the stage of seedling growth, graphene was also able to penetrate root tip cells. Seedlings germinated from graphene-treated seeds had slightly lower biomass accumulation than the control, but exhibited significantly longer stems and roots than the control, which suggests that graphene, in contrast with other nanoparticles, had different effects on seedling growth. Taken together, our results imply that graphene played complicated roles in affecting the initial stage of seed germination and subsequent seedling growth.
Pet owner behaviors and attachment to yard versus house dogs

The majority of research on the human–nonhuman animal bond has considered its advantages for the human. Research investigating the benefits of the bond for the companion animal has focused primaril...
The relative rate of maturation and its psychological effect.

Growth and psychological data for 74 participants in the Fels Longitudinal Study are analyzed to determine the influence of the relative timing of maturation upon psychological attributes related to interests abilities self-confidence peer relationships and future goals. It is suggested that neither age at peak height velocity for either sex nor age of menarche for girls represents an adequate measurement of relative maturity status. A new variable that can be used for both sexes relative maturity is suggested and computed using peak height velocity as well as the additional information gained from the percentage of adult stature achieved at that time. Results of separate significance tests using peak height velocity and relative maturity as independent variables reveal early maturers to be more self-confident in specific abilities and also more gregarious during adolescence with higher educational and vocational expectations for the future while the later maturer is less likely to be influenced by his peers and to have less ambitious long-range goals. (authors)
Blood glucose management in the patient undergoing cardiac surgery: A review

Both diabetes mellitus and hyperglycemia per se are associated with negative outcomes after cardiac surgery. In this article, we review these associations, the possible mechanisms that lead to adverse outcomes, and the epidemiology of diabetes focusing on those patients requiring cardiac surgery. We also examine outpatient and perioperative management of diabetes with the same focus. Finally, we discuss our own efforts to improve glycemic management of patients undergoing cardiac surgery at our institution, including keys to success, results of implementation, and patient safety concerns.
Tracking Value Created by Efficiency Improvements in a Traditional Overhead Cost Management System

Abstract:Traditional manufacturing overhead cost and variance reports provide little information to support engineering efficiency initiatives. The objective of this article is to describe overhead cost variance calculations that can provide explicit measures of engineering efficiency changes and the value, including additional capacity, that engineering changes provide to the organization.
Challenges to school-located vaccination: lessons learned.

School-located vaccination (SLV) has a long history in the United States and has successfully contributed to lower morbidity and mortality due to vaccine-preventable diseases.1 Historically, SLV efforts, which tended to be single-vaccine programs intended to provide catch-up immunization to a defined school-age cohort or were implemented in response to an outbreak, were unfunded, funded by local health department, or were funded by industry or federal grants. The growing palette of vaccines recommended for routine use in adolescents along with limited success of office-based adolescent immunization create a compelling argument for the creation of financially sustainable SLV programs. An arguably significant barrier to both office-based and school-located adolescent immunization is the modest reimbursement rates afforded to immunizers. Because the immunization promotion and consent process is expensive, these costs must be reduced to a minimum to reach financial viability. Although there are challenges to creating a financially sustainable SLV program coordinated by an academic medical center, (AMC), the ability of AMCs to bill private and public insurers, the nonprofit status of medical centers, the allowances for faculty for academic pursuit, and the substantial infrastructure already present make AMCs a potentially practical site for the administration of SLV programs. Alternatively, as health departments throughout the nation continue to explore methods for billing private insurance, we may find health departments to be uniquely suited for coordinating the administration and billing of these services.
Isolation and quantification of dissolved lignin from natural waters using solid-phase extraction and GC/MS.

Solid-phase extraction (SPE) was tested for the isolation of dissolved lignin from diverse natural waters (fresh, estuarine, and marine) in preparation for CuO oxidation. Capillary GC coupled to selected-ion monitoring mass spectrometry (SIM-MS) of CuO oxidation products provides the high sensitivity and precision required for the identification and quantification of trace levels of lignin in seawater. The low blanks and quick cleanup of C18 cartridges support SPE for processing such samples. Comparison of SPE with other isolation procedures (direct dry-down and ultrafiltration) has shown that this method quantitatively recovers dissolved lignin and preserves its compositional parameters. The concentration and nature of dissolved organic matter appear to be primary factors that constrain the amount of water that should be processed to obtain quantitative and reproducible recoveries of dissolved lignin using SPE. Highest recoveries of dissolved lignin were obtained at low pH (1.5−4.0) with substantial decr...
Separation of satellite DNA chromatin and main band DNA chromatin from mouse brain

Using restriction endonucleases which preferentially digest mouse main band DNA and leave satellite DNA intact, we have isolated highly purified chromatin fractions containing only mouse satellite or main band DNA. Following the digestion of mouse brain nuclei with EndoR Alu I, main band DNA chromatin is selectively extracted with 10mM Tris, 10mM EDTA. Satellite DNA chromatin is subsequently extracted from the nuclear pellet with Tris-3M urea and further purified on sucrose gradients. Chromatin extracted from digested nuclei with Tris-EDTA contains only main band DNA and has a molecular weight lower than 2 x 10(6). Chromatin fractions obtained from the lower regions of sucrose gradients of the Tris-Urea extracts contain 40--95% satellite DNA and have a molecular weight of 6 to 8 x 10(6). Both the satellite DNA and main band DNA chromatins contain all five histones and have a protein to DNA ratio of 1.3 to 1.
THE STATE VARIABLE DIAGRAM OF A HYDRAULIC CONTROL SYSTEM

This paper suggests a new method of pictorially describing the mathematical model of a hydraulic system by combining the advantages of block diagram and bond graph. The fundamental components are equal flow junction, equal effort junction, power transmission line, control line and various elements. The relationships between the variables are written in the block of every element. The differential relationship is used, so that is convenient to list the state equations from the diagram. A valve controlled motor system is used as an example so as to illustrate the procedures of drawing the state variable diagram.
Loosening of elastic inclusions

Abstract A numerical method is presented for simulating the occurrence of localized slip and separation along the interfaces of multiple, randomly distributed, circular elastic inclusions in an infinite elastic plane. The method is an extension of a direct boundary integral approach previously described elsewhere for solving problems involving perfectly bonded circular inclusions. Here, we allow displacement discontinuities to develop along the inclusion/matrix interfaces in accordance with a linear Mohr–Coulomb yield condition combined with a tensile strength cut-off. The displacements, tractions, and displacement discontinuities on the inclusion boundaries are all represented by truncated Fourier series, and an explicit iterative algorithm is adopted to determine zones of slip and separation under the prevailing loading conditions. Several examples are given to demonstrate the accuracy and generality of the approach.
On the detection of magnetic microstructures with charged particles

Abstract The classical limit of detectability of magnetic field inhomogeneities with particles of charge q is set by the flux quantity Δϕ = h/2q. The possibility of resolution of field structures beyond this limit is discussed.
Conflict in consultation-education

The controversial and conflict-ridden component in community mental health centers can he frequently located in the consultation-education service. Since the social worker trained as a community organizer is a key professional in this arena, it is important that the nature of the relationship and the nature of the conflict be examined. The dual objectives of the program, treatment versus prevention, require a differential use of professionals. This paper will attempt to discuss these elements in order to clarify the appropriate utilization of the community organization method in community mental health centers.
On the Formation of Dipeptides in Interstellar Model Ices

The hypothesis of an exogenous origin and delivery of biologically important molecules to early Earth presents an alternative route to their terrestrial in situ formation. Dipeptides like Gly-Gly detected in the Murchison meteorite are considered as key molecules in prebiotic chemistry because biofunctional dipeptides present the vital link in the evolutionary transition from prebiotic amino acids to early proteins. However, the processes that could lead to the exogenous abiotic synthesis of dipeptides are unknown. Here, we report the identification of two proteinogenic dipeptides?Gly-Gly and Leu-Ala?formed via electron-irradiation of interstellar model ices followed by annealing the irradiated samples to 300?K. Our results indicate that the radiation-induced, non-enzymatic formation of proteinogenic dipeptides in interstellar ice analogs is facile. Once synthesized and incorporated into the ''building material'' of solar systems, biomolecules at least as complex as dipeptides could have been delivered to habitable planets such as early Earth by meteorites and comets, thus seeding the beginning of life as we know it.
Investigating and comparing the dynamic patterns of the business value of information technology over time

Abstract The long-debated issue of the business value of information technology (IT) to the firm (country) has received a great deal of attention in the literature. But the studies have rarely examined the dynamic patterns of the IT value as measured by the firm’s productive efficiency over time. The objective of this paper is to apply the three-factor constant elasticity of substitution (CES) time-varying stochastic production frontier models and use the same data set as used in several previous studies to investigate the dynamic patterns of IT value over time in connection with the issues of inputs substitution and complement and the productivity paradox. This paper adopts two analytical skills, collective and individual, to analyze the empirical results. Collectively, we find that the dynamic patterns of IT value are closely related to the substitution and complement of three inputs and the IT productivity paradox. Individually, we identify five common dynamic patterns of the IT value measured by productive efficiency and interpret their implications for the productivity paradox as summarized in a two by two matrix of practical applications and strategies. This matrix accounts for four different scenarios of the relationship between the average productive efficiency and the IT productivity paradox, illustrates some practical applications by the analytical results, and provides some business insights and managerial strategies for IT decision makers and PO/IS managers. This represents a new contribution to the understanding of the dynamic influence of IT investments upon the value of IT over time.
Quantification of Tooth Displacement From Dental Casts

In orthodontics, patients are treated by moving teeth to improve esthetics and occlusion. Tooth displacement is one of the most important outcomes, and can be used to evaluate treatment strategies and orthodontic appliances. Thus, an accurate and reliable method for quantification of the three dimensional (3D) tooth displacements is of high interest [1].Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Patterns and predictors of symptom incongruence in older couples coping with prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer survivors (PCSs) may experience persistent symptoms following treatment. If PCSs and spouses differ in their perceptions of symptoms, that incongruence may cause mismanagement of symptoms and reduced relationship quality. The purpose of this study was to examine symptom incongruence and identify the PCS and spouse characteristics associated with symptom incongruence in older couples coping with prostate cancer. Participants in the study were older PCSs (>60 years) and their spouses (N = 59 couples). Symptom incongruence was determined by comparing patient and spouse independent ratings of the severity of his cancer-related symptoms. Predictor variables included PCS age, time since diagnosis, PCS comorbidity, PCS and spouse depressive symptoms, and spouse caregiving strain. PCS and spouse ratings of his symptom severity and the amount of incongruence over his symptoms varied significantly across couples. Overall, couples rated a moderate level of PCS symptom severity, but PCSs and their spouses significantly differed in their perceptions of PCS symptom severity with spouses rating severity higher (t = −2.66, df = 51, p < 0.01). PCS younger age and high spouse caregiver strain accounted for 29 % of incongruence in perceptions of PCS symptom severity. This study is among the first to show that PCSs and spouses may perceive cancer-related persistent symptoms differently. Among this older sample, younger PCS age and spouse caregiver strain were associated with incongruence in symptoms perceptions in couples. These and other factors may inform future interventions aimed at preserving relationship quality in older couples who have experienced prostate cancer.
A method for systematically observing and recording collective action

The authors provide a set of criteria and procedures for systematically observing and recording collective action across temporary gatherings such as political demonstrations. Their method uses trained observers, distributed across a gathering, who complete a code sheet during time interval samples. The code sheet allows observers to record the extent of participation in 40 or more elementary forms of collective action by members of six actor categories. These elementary forms were inductively generated from extensive prior observations of temporary gatherings. The data collected provide a rich record of collective action across space and time. The method can be used to investigate a number of problems facing students of collective action and social movements.
Planning for a non-profit service: A study of U.S. credit unions

Abstract This article focuses on formal planning within U.S. credit unions. It provides an overview of credit unions within the U.S. financial services industry, and the result of a recent study of 283 such institutions. Results indicate that the propensity to plan is related to key organizational processes, structural configurations, administrative procedures, managerial perceptions of environmental predictability, and multiple performance measures. It was found that formal planning has different roles among various types of organizations and that managers should bear this in mind as they engage in planning processes within non-profit institutions. The results also suggest that formal planning facilitates communication between management and the board, directs the organization to focus on critical success factors, and results in superior performance along important criteria.
Conjoined Twins: Developmental Malformations and Clinical Implications

This book represents many years of dedicated study by a respected pediatric surgeon with a passionate interest in conjoined twinning. Her extensive clinical experience and unparalleled familiarity with 20th century case reports led me to expect a superb treatise on clinical and anatomical aspects of this subject. It was disappointing to find the book to be centered primarily upon her controversial theory of embryogenesis. Embryological speculation occupies many pages that could have been devoted to topics relevant to the expertise of the author and the needs of her clinical colleagues. Many challenging technical and ethical problems involved in the management of conjoined patients are ignored, and most of the others are given only brief attention. Illustrations, an indispensable feature of any treatise on conjoined twinning, are relatively sparse and unhelpful, with virtually no illustrations of internal anatomy. Most of the figures are diagrams based upon her embryological speculations, or drawings and photos of external features. The surgeon, pathologist, or radiologist puzzling over the anatomical peculiarities of a case of conjoined twins will likely be disappointed by the relative paucity of detailed anatomical description and useful illustrations in this book.
Compression of Jupiter's magnetosphere by the solar wind: Reexamination via MHD simulation of evolving corotating interaction regions

Major changes in the solar wind before, during and after the Pioneer 10 and 11 missions' encounter with the Jovian magnetosphere are considered. A numerical simulation of the multiple corotating interaction region (CIR) evolutions from one spacecraft to its sister spacecraft is shown to have confirmed the suggestion by Smith et al (1978) that Jupiter's magnetosphere was compressed by interplanetary CIRs during three out of four of the observed events. The MHD simulation presented suggests that the Jupiter magnetosphere reacts to solar wind rarefactions by expanding. A pair of previously unexplained magnetopause crossings of the Pioneer 11 outbound pass may be due to a delayed reexpansion of the Jupiter magnetosphere from a compression that occurred during the inbound pass.
Diffraction of water waves by breakwaters

Application is made of a solution of the water-wave diffraction problem of Penny and Price to diffraction by a semi-infinite impermeable breakwater. Approximations are introduced to simplify application of the theory. Comparison of complete and simplified solutions is made with results obtained from a laboratory investigation. Best agreement between theory and experiment occurred in the lee of the breakwater. The simplified solution is shown to be adequate for most practical applications.
Topotactic routes to layered calcium cobalt oxides

Abstract Four CaxCoO2(0.26≤x≤0.50) oxides have been synthesized by the low-temperature ion exchange of layered NaxCoO2oxides. The CaxCoO2structures all consist of [CoO2]nsheets of edge-sharing octahedra with Ca2+ions between layers in trigonal prismatic coordination. Different packing sequences of the close-packed oxygen layers can be obtained. Ca0.50CoO2(a=4.881(2) A,b=2.826(1) A,c=5.654(3) A,β=105.86(5)°) and Ca0.26CoO2(a=4.961(7) A,b=2.805(3) A,c=5.671(6) A,β=106.7(1)°) assume the monoclinicP′3 structure, while Ca0.35CoO2(a=2.812(3) A,c=10.872(2) A) and Ca0.27CoO2(a=2.812(1) A,c=10.874(5) A) take the hexagonalP2 structure. The structural relationships between the CaxCoO2products and their NaxCoO2precursors are discussed, and the relationship between composition and [CoO2]nlayer-spacing in variousAxCoO2systems is illustrated.
Active manipulation of a particle-laden jet

Abstract The interaction of a particle-laden jet ( Re U e = 6600 ) with a single synthetic jet or a continuous control jet located upstream of the main jet exit (i.e., within the main jet nozzle) was examined experimentally using PIV and PTV. A reduction technique was used to calculate 3-D flow fields from multiple 2-D measurement planes to study the complex 3-D interactions. The synthetic jet was shown to influence the particles both directly and indirectly through the manipulation of the carrier fluid’s drag force on the particles. The synthetic jet impulse directly vectors the particles away from the synthetic jet, while the formation of large vortical structures indirectly affects the particles, spreading throughout the measurement domain. By comparison, a continuous control jet only vectors the particles away from itself. The lowest Stokes number particles respond similarly to the carrier fluid, while higher Stokes number particles are less responsive to the control and only follow the strong vortical structures (i.e., higher circulation), which suggests that the preferential concentration concept depends on both the Stokes number as well as the strength of the coherent structures.
Intracerebroventricular naloxone produces a dose-dependent, monotonic increase in nociceptive threshold in the rat

Abstract The intrathecal administration of the opiate antagonist naloxone produced a dose-dependent biphasic change in mechanical nociceptive threshold, in the rat hindpaw. Lower doses (50 pg to 500 ng) produced analgesia while higher doses (5 to 50 μg) resulted in successively less analgesia. In contrast, the intracerebroventricular administration of naloxone up to a dose of 5 μg (i.e. a dose 10,000 times greater than that required to produce a maximal analgesic effect) only produced analgesia. The ability to differentiate between the analgesic and pain-enhancing properties of naloxone by administration at different anatomical sites is compatible with the suggestion that the analgesic and pain-enhancing effects of naloxone are produced by separate mechanisms of action.
Laboratory study of coherent curvature radiation as a pulsar emission mechanism

To simulate some of the major physical processes occurring in pulsars, we performed experiments using a relativistic electron beam propatating helically through a magnetized plasma. Microwave radiation with λ≈1 cm emerged when the predicted resonance conditions were satisfied. Power exceeded 1 MW and radiation lasted as long as the electron beam pulse. The spectrum, harmonics, power and scalings were consistent with a model of coherent curvature radiation from electrons which are bunched by a beam-plasma streaming instability. Brightness temperature was ∼1020 degrees. Polarization was that of single-particle emission, but with some evidence for diffraction patterns due to the beam bunches themselves. The Razin effect does not apply to our experiments and was not observed. The fundamental two-step process of electrostatic bunching followed by curvature emission describes well all our results.
Electrolyte-Dependent Photovoltaic Responses in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Based on an Osmium(II) Dye of Mixed Denticity

This work focuses upon the effects of electrolyte composition, specifically the role of Li+ and I− ions, on the resultant photovoltaic performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) based on a new Os(II) polypyridine complex of mixed denticity, [Os(tBu3tpy)(dcbpyH2)(NCS)]PF6 (1). Photophysical and electrochemical characterization of 1 confirmed the suitability of this dye to serve as a sensitizer for regenerative DSCs on mesoscopic titania films. Device photovoltaic performances were assessed by measuring external quantum efficiencies as a function of wavelength, and current−voltage curves, the latter under simulated AM1.5G one-sun illumination. Varying the concentration of LiI in the redox electrolyte affects the short-circuit photocurrent (JSC), open-circuit voltage (VOC), fill factor (ff), power conversion efficiency (η), and external quantum efficiency (EQE) of the individual devices. Increasing the concentration of LiI results in enormous increases in JSC in the Os(II)-based devices accompanied by ...
Like-Minded communities: bringing the familiarity and similarity together

Community detection in social networks is a well-studied problem. A community in social network is commonly defined as a group of people whose interactions within the group are more than outside the group. It is believed that people's behaviour can be linked to the behaviour of their social neighbourhood. While shared characteristics of communities have been used to validate the communities found, to the best of authors' knowledge, it is not demonstrated in the literature that communities found using social interaction data are like-minded, i.e., they behave similarly in terms of their interest in items (e.g., movie, products). In this paper, we propose a method for finding communities wherein like-mindedness is an explicit objective. We find small tight groups with many shared interests using a frequent item set mining approach and use these as building blocks for the core of these like-minded communities. We show that these communities have higher similarity in their interests compared to communities found using only the interaction information. We also compare our method against a baseline where the weight of edges are defined based on similarity in interests between nodes and show that our approach achieves far higher level of like-mindedness amongst the communities compared to this baseline as well.
Variability in RF-induced heating of a deep brain stimulation implant across MR systems.

Purpose To compare the MRI-related heating per unit of specific absorption rate (SAR) profile of a conductive implant between two 1.5-Tesla/64 MHz MR systems using a transmit/receive (t/r) head coil configuration. Materials and Methods Deep brain stimulation (DBS) leads were configured within a gel-filled phantom of the human head and torso. Temperature variation at each of four contacts of the bilaterally-placed leads was monitored using fluoroptic thermometry. MRI was performed using the t/r head coils of two different-generation 1.5-Tesla MR systems from the same manufacturer. Temperature changes were normalized to SAR values for the head (ΔT/SAR-H), and the slope of this ΔT/SAR-H by time relationship was compared between the two scanners. Results The ΔT/SAR-H for the implant ranged from 3.5 to 5.5 times higher on one MR system as compared to the other (P < 0.01) depending on the measurement site. Conclusion The findings support previous observations that console-reported SAR does not constitute a reliable index of heating for elongated, conductive implants, such as the DBS hardware system tested. In contrast to our previous findings using a t/r body coil, the data presented here reveal marked differences between two MR systems using t/r head coils (the coil configuration was consistent with the implant manufacturer's imaging guidelines). J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Inhibition of mammary gland acetyl CoA carboxylase by fatty acids

Abstract It has been suggested that accumulation of milk in the lactating rat mammary gland following weaning may contribute toward the rapid cessation of fatty acid synthesis which ensues (Levy, 1963a; 1963b) . The strong inhibition of fatty acid synthesis in rat mammary extracts produced by the addition of small quantities of rat milk provides support for this concept (Levy, 1963a; 1963b) . Examination of acetyl CoA carboxylase in mammary extracts revealed that this enzyme was markedly inhibited by rat milk (Levy, 1963b) . The inhibitory activity was located entirely in the residue (R105) obtained upon centrifuging the milk at 105,000 × g; none was found in the fat layer or in the clear supernatant solution (Levy, 1963b) . This communication describes attempts to elucidate the nature of the inhibitor and the mechanism of inhibition of acetyl CoA carboxylase.
Conservatism and Tradition in Danish Social Welfare Legislation, 1890–1933: A Comparative View

Before Denmark finally achieved parliamentary democracy in 1901, it was already well on the way to becoming a thorough-going welfare state and was, until about the Second World War, a leader in developing the institutions and ideology of welfare capitalism. The contrast with the United States, where democratic political institutions are much older, but where welfare institutions have developed more slowly and in very different form, is striking. The two countries, of course, vary enormously in size and circumstances, but as with any industrializing nation, they have some things in common: cities, an urban poor, an organized demand for the passage of social welfare legislation. A comparative view may reveal aspects of each country in sharper perspective than an examination of either in isolation. The question is: How is it that welfare institutions were so much more intellectually available in Denmark than in the United States? The conclusion is that institutions of modern welfare capitalism in Denmark were designed to resemble as much as possible traditional pre-democratic-and pre-socialist-Danish institutions, and that the institutions were successful precisely because they did not require any break with historical continuity and fit so well into long-familiar traditions and habits of thought. Rather than emphasizing the differences between various groups and political parties, this article is an attempt to define the framework within which Danish social legislation was worked out;1 that is, the fundamental social assumptions which the various groups held in common. These ideas, moreover, remained essentially constant from the 1890s to the 1930s. Social legislation was particularly important at the beginning and end of the period, c. 1890-92 and c. 1924-33. There were no significant ideological changes from the early to the later period, so that both horizontally and vertically, as it were, one can speak of national values, or ideological foundations, or a fundamental mind-set which lay behind Danish social legislation 1890-1933. The reasons for interest in welfare questions during the economic crises 54
2nd International Symposium on Triglycerides and HDL Metabolic syndrome

This is the first of two articles summarizing the 2nd International Symposium on Triglycerides and HDL, organized by the Giovanni Lorenzini Medical Foundation and held in New York, New York, 14–17 July 2005. Anthony Gotto (New York, NY) gave an overview of the “evolving story” of HDL and triglycerides in cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention. He noted that statins only reduce clinical events by approximately one-third (although subsequent speakers suggested that with more aggressive LDL targets events may be reduced by half), and recommended targeting HDL and triglyceride in addition to LDL cholesterol to achieve greater degrees of risk reduction. There is as yet, however, no direct evidence of clinical benefit with this approach. In the early 1950s, the higher level of HDL cholesterol in women and the association of low HDL with CVD was first described, with the Framingham Heart Study recognizing low HDL as the “major potent lipid risk factor” in 1977 (1), and with recognition that each 1-mg/dl decrease in HDL is associated with a 2–3% increase in CVD risk later proposed by this group. Triglyceride also has been shown to be associated with CVD, although this is more controversial. In a meta-analysis of 17 population-based prospective studies of 46,413 men and 10,864 women, adjusting for HDL cholesterol and other risk factors, there were increases of 16 and 42% in CVD end points in men and in women, respectively, for every 100-mg/dl increase in triglyceride level (2). The National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) recommended use of non-HDL cholesterol as a target of therapy if the triglyceride level exceeded 200 mg/dl. Triglycerides were recommended as a “secondary target” if levels exceeded 200 mg/dl, with nicotinic acid and fibrates useful pharmacologic approaches, and specific HDL cholesterol targets were not recommended (3). Using the ATP III …