cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of clozapine, fluphenazine, and placebo on reaction time measures of attention and sensory dominance in schizophrenia

Two reaction time (RT) paradigms were used to study clozapine's effects on sustained and selective attention compared to fluphenazine and placebo in 25 chronic schizophrenic patients. Sensory dominance was studied via simple and choice RTs to lights and tones, and on double-stimulus trials in which the two stimuli were presented simultaneously. Although 8 of the 25 patients could not perform the RT tasks when taking placebo, there were no effects of clozapine on simple or choice RT compared to placebo or fluphenazine. Subjects on all 3 treatments showed visual dominance: faster RT to lights than to tones on choice and double-stimulus trials. However, clozapine reduced this by means of a selective increase in RT to lights. Clozapine reduced failures to respond to the tone on double-stimulus trials. This was shown to be due to reductions in hallucinations. Clozapine does not generally improve attention, but it may increase the ability of schizophrenic persons to process nondominant or unattended stimuli possibly by increasing the efficiency of resource allocation. This may be partially mediated by a reduction in hallucinations.
The prospective association of Chlamydia pneumoniae and four other pathogens with development of coronary artery calcium: the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis (MESA).

Objective Previous basic and cross-sectional studies obtained conflicting results regarding the association of pathogens with coronary artery calcium (CAC). The aim of this study is to prospectively evaluate this association in a population-based cohort.
Punishment learning and self-mutilation in Lesch-Nyhan disease

THE self-injurious behaviours (SIB) of Lesch–Nyhan children were studied during three learning paradigms: punishment, positive reinforcement and time-out from reinforcement following an attempt at self-injury. Punishment of self-injury by contingent electric finger shock failed to suppress these behaviours but positive reinforcement of non-self injury and time-out procedures were effective. The results stress the importance of environmental factors in the development and control of SIB and suggest the presence of an unusual learning defect which may be related to the specific enzyme deficiency in Lesch–Nyhan disease.
Regular and normal closure operators and categorical compactness for groups

For a class of groupsF, closed under formation of subgroups and products, we call a subgroupA of a groupG F-regular provided there are two homomorphismsf, g: G » F, withF eF, so thatA = {x eG |f(x) =g(x)}.A is calledF-normal providedA is normal inG andG/A eF. For an arbitrary subgroupA ofG, theF-regular (respectively,F-normal) closure ofA inG is the intersection of allF-regular (respectively,F-normal) subgroups ofG containingA. This process gives rise to two well behaved idempotent closure operators.
Interfacial Characterizations of Fiber-Reinforced Sic Composites Exhibiting Brittle and Toughened Fracture Behavior

A process has been developed for the fabrication of a ceramic composite of SiC fibers in a chemical vapor infiltrated (CVI) SiC matrix. Early specimens produced by this technique exhibited nonuniform fracture toughness behavior; regions of brittle fracture with no fiber pullout were interspersed with regions of good toughness where fiber pullout predominated. Microscopic and spectroscopic analyses of fiber surfaces revealed that this behavior may have been related to a thin, discontinuous layer of predominantly silica which, when present, prevented tight bonding of fibers and CVI matrix. Consequently, efforts to control interfacial bond strengths and enhance fracture toughness via fiber pretreatment with CVI overcoatings have had mixed success depending upon the overcoating specie. Chemical and microstructural characterizations by analytical electron microscopy of these composites are presented and correlated with composite mechanical property data.
Hepatobronchial Fistula with Percutaneous Pyogenic Abscess Drainage of the Liver

Percutaneous abscess drainage has been successfully used in the treatment of hepatic abscesses. We present a case of a posttraumatic pyogenic liver abscess treated by CT-guided percutaneous catheter drainage with an unusual complication of a hepatobronchial fistula. Patient management and the subtle roentgenographic features of this case are presented. Early signs of hepatobronchial fistula including paroxysms of coughing and a peculiar metallic taste during the performance of an abscessogram are reported.
True hermaphroditism. A review of 41 cases with observations on testicular histology and function.

Summary— Thirty-six children and five adults with true hermaphroditism have been reviewed. Twenty-five were raised as males and 16 as females. Those assigned as males had all ovarian tissue excised, leaving either a single testis or the testicular portion of one or both ovotestes. Postoperative testicular function was studied in 15 males. Basal testosterone levels were low in all four post-pubertal patients. Eleven children had plasma testosterone measured before and after stimulation with HCG. Response was poor in eight and normal in only three. Although social factors in South Africa usually result in true hermaphrodites being raised as males, the functional outcome of this decision is often disappointing
A weak Hopf lemma for holomorphic mappings

Abstract We obtain a weak Hopf lemma for holomorphic maps of one complex variable into a space of one or more complex variables. This is an estimate at the boundary for maps which take the boundary of their domains into certain prescribed sets. As a consequence we recover and extend some known results on unique continuation at the boundary.
Psychometric instruments to assist in alcoholism treatment planning

The clinical practice of alcoholism treatment can be enhanced by the judicious use of standardized psychometric instruments to characterize clients during the course of treatment. Knowledge of key behavioral, personality, and alcohol-specific factors will increase the clinician's ability to select the most appropriate treatment option, or, even if treatment options are limited, at least to develop a treatment plant with the patient's unique needs in mind. Monitoring of progress towards treatment goals can also be facilitated by the use of selected assessment tools. Seven examples of well-validated instruments are discussed, with suggestions on how data derived from them may be applied in the treatment planning process.
On the sensitivity of Coherent Gradient Sensing: Part I—A theoretical investigation of accuracy in fracture mechanics applications

Abstract The sensitivity of lateral shearing interferometers, in particular of a technique known as ‘Coherent Gradient Sensing’ (CGS), is investigated in relation to the study of crack tip deformation fields in three-point bend specimens. A theoretical comparison of the accuracy in interpreting fringe data as gradients (geometric interpretation) and finite differences (physical interpretation) of deformations associated with a K-dominant stress field near the tip of a stationary crack is conducted. From the investigations outlined in this paper, it was determined that the gradient approximation has less than 5 % error for r > 3 Δθ G , where r is the radial distance from the crack tip and Δθ G is approximately the lateral shearing distance.
On Pricing of Spectrum in Secondary Markets

Optimal price of spectrum in secondary markets is studied. We consider a primary license holder who aims to lease the right to provide service in a given subset of its coverage area. Such a transaction has two contrasting economic implications for the seller: on the one hand the seller obtains a revenue due to the exercised price of the region. On the other hand, the seller incurs a cost due to (i) reduced spatial coverage of its network and (ii) possible interference from the leased region into the retained portion of its network. We formulate an optimization problem with the objective of profit maximization, and characterize its solutions based on a reduced load approximation. The form of optimal price suggests charging each admitted call in proportion to the attendant revenue loss due to the generated interference.
Surface Papillary Epithelial Hyperplasia (Rough Mucosa) is a Helpful Clue for Identification of Polymorphous Low-Grade Adenocarcinoma

The purpose of this study is to evaluate surface papillary epithelial hyperplasia, a microscopic finding that corresponds to the clinical finding of rough or stippled mucosa, as a predictor of polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma (PLGA). We conducted a retrospective review of minor salivary gland neoplasms submitted to our biopsy service from 1991 to 2013. Our review was limited to lesions involving the oral cavity/soft palate with the following diagnoses: PLGA, pleomorphic adenoma (PA), mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), and adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). A total of 202 minor salivary gland neoplasms were included in the study. Among cases in which surface epithelium was present for evaluation (n = 112), surface papillary epithelial hyperplasia was evident in 30 % of PLGA and 1 % of non-PLGA (i.e., MEC, ACC, PA). The greater frequency of surface papillary epithelial hyperplasia in the PLGA versus non-PLGA cases and in the benign versus malignant cases was significant (p = .0001 and p = .041, respectively). The sensitivity and specificity of papillary epithelial hyperplasia for PLGA were 30 % (95 % confidence interval (CI) 11.97–54.27 %) and 99 % (95 % CI 94–99.82 %), respectively. The clinical presentation of PLGA appeared relatively nonspecific, with all analyzed tumor types exhibiting a predilection for females, middle-aged to older adults, palatal location, pink/tan/normal color, and firm consistency. In conclusion, papillary epithelial hyperplasia was evident in only a minority of PLGA. However, when present within the context of a palatal salivary gland neoplasm, it appears to indicate a high probability of PLGA. Accordingly, rough mucosa may be a useful clinical pearl for identification of PLGA.
The importance of pheromone trap density and trap maintenance for the development of standardized monitoring procedures for the codling moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae).

Pheromone trap density is one factor which influences the magnitude of catch and therefore, should be standardized in a monitoring program. Trap catch increased with the area served by a trap, but reached a plateau when the trap density fell below one trap per 7 ha. From these data a quadratic regression was developed which relates the relative increase in trap catch to trap area. This relationship can be used to compare monitoring data obtained with different trap densities.The number of moths previously caught in a sticky trap can affect its future performance. In the Pherocon® 2 trap catches began to decline after a cumulative total of 20 to 30 moths and in the Pherocon 1CP after 50 to 70 moths. The catch totals causing a drop in trapping efficiency were correlated with the size of the adhesive catch surface. The cause for the loss in trapping efficiency appeared to be physical deterioration of the adhesive due to moth scales, other insect parts, or dust rather than an olfactory repellent factor. Trapping efficiency was restored by thoroughly stirring the soiled adhesive. Standard maintenance procedures should be followed to keep the adhesive quality of the catch surface constant and thereby prevent a reduction in catches. Tests with two pheromone dispensers, the Codlemone® rubber septum and the Conrel® microfibres, indicated that both are effective for at least 6 weeks. Codlemone septa resulted in higher catches during the first week of field use. During subsequent weeks there was no difference in attractiveness between the two pheromone lures.
ACE inhibitors in non-ischaemic heart failure: results from the MEGA trials.

Large-scale trials have demonstrated a consistent mortality reduction from angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor therapy for chronic heart failure. Nonetheless, the pharmacologic and physiologic mechanisms of this favourable affect and the appropriate target population remain controversial. ACE inhibitors exert vasodilator, neurohormonal inhibiting and growth inhibiting effects that may contribute to the clinical response. They improve pump function and prevent ventricular remodelling, but they also may exert an antiarrhythmic effect. They may prevent coronary ischaemic events but appear to reduce cardiovascular event rates even more in non-ischaemic than in ishcaemic heart diseaes. Their efficacy in early stages of asymptomatic heart disease and the optimal dose of the drugs for long-term benefit require further study.
Parsimony and Model Evaluation

Abstract Marsh and Hau (1996) argued that certain models should not be penalized for having low parsimony because an appropriate model for the data may require estimating more parameters. Mulaik argues that Marsh and Hau misunderstand the concept of parsimony, particularly its role in testing a hypothesis about an incompletely specified model to establish its objective validity. More parsimonious models represent more complete hypotheses having more ways of being tested and possibly being disconfirmed. Mulaik also shows that even within the context of the models used in Marsh and Hau's examples, there are much more parsimonious versions of those models that could have been hypothesized and tested, with good fit.
Densities of the Milfoil Weevil (Euhrychiopsis Iecontei) on Native and Exotic Watermilfoils

ABSTRACT We compared the densities of the milfoil weevil (Euhrychiopsis lecontei) on Eurasian (Myriophyllum spicatum, exotic host) and northern watermilfoil (M. sibiricum, native host). Two lakes in Washington, Corral Lake (northern watermilfoil) and Sawyer Lake (Eurasian watermilfoil), were surveyed throughout the summer in 1998. In addition, we surveyed 17 lakes once during the summer of 1999 to determine instantaneous densities of the weevil. Summer densities (all life stages) in Corral Lake ranged from 0.2 to 0.6 weevils/stem in 1998, with the greatest numbers of weevils observed the end of June and mid August. In Lake Sawyer, summer densities ranged from 0.0 to 0.8 weevils/stem in 1998; density was highest in June and declined during the summer. The weevil appears to have at least two generations during the summer on Eurasian and northern watermilfoil. The instantaneous density of weevils (all life stages) ranged from 0.0 to 0.6 weevils/stems in 1999. Densities were greater on northern than on Eurasi...
P300 and Stimulus Categorization: Two Plus One is not so Different from One Plus One

Event related brain potentials (ERPs) were recorded from subjects who were instructed to count one of three, equally probable tones presented in a random sequence. In another condition, the subjects had to count one of two stimuli, one of which was presented with a probability of .33. The data support the view that the pattern of variation of P300 amplitude with the sequential structure of the series depends on the category to which events are assigned, rather than on the individual stimuli eliciting the P300. Furthermore, the data support the idea that the amplitude of P300 elicited by task-relevant stimuli is determined by the subjective probability associated with the eliciting event. DESCRIPTIONS: ERP, P300, Subjective probability. Stimulus categorization. The assessment of subjective probabilities is of 1979; K. Squires, Petuchowski, Wickens, & Donconsiderable importance in the study of the P300 chin, 1977; K. Squires, Wickens, N. Squires, & component ofthe human event-related brain poten- Donchin, 1976), it has been demonstrated that the tial (ERP). When subjects are presented with a P3(X) elicited by a sequence of Bernoulli events series of Bernoulli events, the magnitude of the varies from trial to trial despite constant prior probP300 elicited by each stimulus is inversely related to ability. These studies further showed that this variits prior probability (Duncan-Johnson & Donchin, ability can be attributed to the specific sequence of 1977; Roth, Ford, Lewis, & Kopell, 1976; Tueting, stimuli presented on the trials immediately precedSutton, & Zubin, 1970). In these studies, the vari- ing each stimulus. able controlling the magnitude of P300 amplitude To account for this variability in P300 amplitude, was assumed to be the prior probabilities of the K. Squires et al. (1976) proposed a model which stimuli. Yet, the prior probability of a stimulus assumes that the subjective probability (or "expecaccounts for only part of the variance of P300. In a tancy'') associated with the outeome of each event series of reports (Duncan-Johnson, 1978; Duncan- varies from trial to trial. According to this model, Johnson & Donchin, 1977; Johnson & Donchin, the effect of prior probability on P300 is modulated
Effect of blockade of angiotensin-I converting enzyme on the blood pressure of renal hypertensive rabbits.

A peptide converting enzyme inhibitor given intravenously to rabbits was shown to abolish the pressor response to injections of rabbit renin and of angiotensin-I and to augment the depressor response of bradykinin. In rabbits with acute two-kidney Goldblatt hypertension (2-KGH [one renal artery clamped, the other intact]) a total dose of 36 mg/kg infused for one hour lowered the blood pressure but not to a normal level. One week after removal of the intact kidney (acute one-kidney Goldblatt hypertension [1-KGH]) infusions of the peptide were still antihypertensive. Thirty to 60 days after removal of the intact kidney (chronic 1-KGH) the decapeptide had no antihypertensive effects. It is suggested that in the first two models hypertension is dependent on the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), but not in the chronic 1-KGH animal. Since the response to the new agent is not species specific and is well tolerated, it may become a valuable tool in investigating the role of the RAS in various forms of clinical hypertension.
A transcription-factor-binding surface of coactivator p300 is required for haematopoiesis

The coactivators CBP (Cre-element binding protein (CREB)-binding protein) and its paralogue p300 are thought to supply adaptor molecule and protein acetyltransferase functions to many transcription factors that regulate gene expression1. Normal development requires CBP and p300, and mutations in these genes are found in haematopoietic and epithelial tumours2,3,4,5,6. It is unclear, however, which functions of CBP and p300 are essential in vivo. Here we show that the protein-binding KIX domains of CBP and p300 have nonredundant functions in mice. In mice homozygous for point mutations in the KIX domain of p300 designed to disrupt the binding surface for the transcription factors c-Myb and CREB7,8,9, multilineage defects occur in haematopoiesis, including anaemia, B-cell deficiency, thymic hypoplasia, megakaryocytosis and thrombocytosis. By contrast, age-matched mice homozygous for identical mutations in the KIX domain of CBP are essentially normal. There is a synergistic genetic interaction between mutations in c-Myb and mutations in the KIX domain of p300, which suggests that the binding of c-Myb to this domain of p300 is crucial for the development and function of megakaryocytes. Thus, conserved domains in two highly related coactivators have contrasting roles in haematopoiesis.
über die Beziehungen des Epithelkörperchenhormons zum Kalkgehalt des Blutes und zur Blutgerinnung unter Besonderer Berücksichtigung der Gelbsucht

Die Ergebnisse meiner Untersuchungen haben zu folgenden Schlussen gefuhrt: 1. Der Collipsche Parathyreoidextrakt hat die Fahigkeit, regelma\ig den Blutkalkspiegel zu erhohen. 2. Bedrohliche Symptome wurden nach den verwendeten Hormongaben nicht gesehen. 3. Die Erhohung des Kalkgehaltes im Blute hat keinen EinfluΒ auf die Gerinnungszeit sowohl beim Normalen wie auch bei ikterischen Menschen und Tieren. 4. Veranderungen des Blutkalkspiegels als Folge der Gelbsucht konnte nicht beobachtet werden. 5. Bei Verwendung des Epithelkorperchenhormons sah man an ikterischen Individuen keinerlei klinische Besserung des Zustandes, die man auf die Erhohung des im Blute gelosten Kalkes beziehen konnte. 6. Im Hinblick auf die Ergebnisse dieser Experimente halte ich die Zufuhr von Kalk bei normalen und ikterischen Patienten, in der Absicht, die Gerinnungsfahigkeit zu steigern, nicht fur erfolgversprechend. Die klinisch beobachtete Wirkung der Kalklosung ist wahrscheinlich lediglich auf Konto ihrer hypertonischen Eigenschaften zu setzen (analog hypertonischer NaCl-Losung).
Fracture behavior of monofilament-reinforced multicrystalline copper composites

Studies on monotonic tensile fracture and fatigue fracture have been performed on tungsten monofilament-reinforced multicrystalline copper composites and the failure modes are reported. Monotonic tensile fracture is not very sensitive to the initial fiber breaks and grain boundaries in tungsten monofilament-reinforced multicrystalline copper composites. Multiple breaks of the fiber and multiple necking of the matrix near the fiber segment breaks, commonly observed in tensile tests of composites, are reported here. However, the fatigue fracture is very sensitive to a fiber break, and to microstructural features such as grain boundaries and dislocation structures. Once the fiber breaks into two segments, the composite will quickly fail. The fatigue fracture mechanism of the composites depends on applied plastic strain amplitudes. Most cracks initiate at grain boundaries in the matrix at low and intermediate plastic strain amplitudes and the fiber greatly improves the fatigue behavior. At a high plastic strain amplitude, fatigue cracks initiate at the fiber, and the fiber seems ineffective for improving the fatigue life.
Protective effect of thyrocalcitonin against nephrocalcinosis induced by parathyroid hormone in rats.

Abstract A single sc injection of PTH (150 USP U/100 g body wt) caused renal calcification in thyroidectomized but not in intact rats. Nephrocalcinosis occurred as early as 11 h after PTH and was associated with hypercalcemia. Treatment with levothyroxine failed to prevent renal calcification, but a single sc injection of salmon calcitonin completely prevented hypercalcemia and nephrocalcinosis after PTH. It is concluded that, in thyroid-intact rats, endogenous thyrocalcitonin, secreted in response to hypercalcemia produced by administration of PTH was able to prevent nephrocalcinosis by virtue of its antihypercalcemic effect. Histological examination with light microscopy in thyroidectomized rats revealed that calcium deposits were confined mainly to the inner cortex and the outer medullary region of the kidney. Small calcified areas also were occasionally observed in the outer cortex. With electron microscopy, ultrastructural changes in renal proximal tubules could also be detected as early as 11 h; abundant swollen mitochondria, found clustered in the tubular lumen, appeared clear with their matrices dilated. X-ray microanalysis revealed the presence of elemental calcium and phosphorus in the lumen of the proximal tubules, indicating that the calcified material in the renal lesions observed by microscopy most likely included a calcium phosphate complex.
Relationships between maturity of moral judgment and measures of cognitive abilities.

Consistent with Kohlberg's stage theory, maturity of moral judgment was related to process or structural aspects of cognitive functioning, e.g., reasoning and analysis, but not to content, e.g., interests and Rotter's scale.
New Local Anesthetics II: Lidocaine Analogs Embodying Pyrazolidine as the Basic Moiety

The synthesis of a number of novel pyrazolidinylacylanilides and their precursors is reported. In the course of molecular modification, the anilinocarbonyl or anilinocarbonylmethyl group has been attached to the 1-, 3-, and 4-positions of the pyrazolidine ring. These anilides exhibited varying degrees of local anesthetic activity.
Semantic information and consistency in distributed realtime systems

Abstract Considerable research effort has been devoted to the problem of developing techniques for achieving high availability of critical data in distributed realtime systems. One approach is to use replication. Replicated data is stored redundantly at multiple sites so that it can be used even if some of the copies are not available due to failures. This paper presents an algorithm for maintaining consistency and improving the performance of databases with replicated data in distributed realtime systems. The semantic information of read-only transactions is exploited for improved efficiency, and a multiversion technique is used to increase the degree of concurrency. Related issues including version management and consistency of the states seen by transactions are discussed.
Notch size effects on high cycle fatigue limit stress of Udimet 720

Abstract Notch size effects on the high cycle fatigue (HCF) limit stress of Ni-base superalloy Udimet 720 were investigated on cylindrical specimens with three notch sizes of the same stress concentration factor Kt=2.74. The HCF limit stress corresponding to a life of 106 cycles was experimentally determined at a stress ratio of 0.1 and a frequency of 25 Hz at room temperature. The stresses were calculated using finite element analysis (FEA) and the specimens analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Test results show that at the same Kt value, notch size can slightly affect the HCF limit stress of U720 when notch root plasticity occurs. FEA and SEM results reveal that the notch size effects are influenced by a complicated combination of the stress and plastic strain fields at the notch tip, the nominal stress, and the effects of prior plastic deformation on fatigue crack initiation.
Response Surface Analysis of Effects of Situation Constraints on Communications Media Choice in Organizations

Past research on communications media use in organization has frequently focused on conditions such as the technical, economic, psychological, and social factors that influence use of media in organizations. However, few studies deal with situation factors. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between situation factors and utilization of communication media in organizations. These relationships between situation variables and media use are contrasted against previous media choice theoretical models (Social Presence, Information Richness, and Social Information Processing). In order to investigate the main and interaction effects of three situation constraints (urgency of message, the amount of message content, and distance between communicators), eight situations were analyzed through response surface methodology, using surveys collected from 1072 voice mail users in Wisconsin. The results strongly indicate the necessity of integrating situation factors into media choice models.
Identity of myelinated cutaneous sensory neurons projecting to nocireceptive laminae following nerve injury in adult mice

It is widely thought that, after peripheral injury, some low-threshold mechanoreceptive (LTMR) afferents "sprout" into pain-specific laminae (I-II) of the dorsal horn and are responsible for chronic pain states such as mechanical allodynia. Although recent studies have questioned this hypothesis, they fail to account for a series of compelling results from single-fiber analyses showing extensive projections from large-diameter myelinated afferents into nocireceptive layers after nerve injury. Here we show that, in the thoracic spinal cord of naive adult mouse, all myelinated nociceptors gave rise to terminal projections throughout the superficial dorsal horn laminae (I-II). Most (70%) of these fibers had large-diameter axons with recurving flame-shaped central arbors that projected throughout the dorsal horn laminae I-V. This morphology was reminiscent of that attributed to sprouted LTMRs described in previous studies. After peripheral nerve axotomy, we found that LTMR afferents with narrow, uninflected somal action potentials did not sprout into superficial laminae of the dorsal horn. Only myelinated noiceptive afferents with broad, inflected somal action potentials were found to give rise to recurving collaterals and project into superficial "pain-specific" laminae after axotomy. We conclude that the previously undocumented central morphology of large, myelinated cutaneous nociceptors may very well account for the morphological findings previously thought to require sprouting of LTMRs.
Density and ultrastructure of mast cells in lung vessels of aging rats exposed to and recovering from chronic hypoxia.

A decrease in pulmonary vascular responsiveness in aging animals during exposure to chronic hypoxia has been previously reported; however, morphological documentation is lacking. Lungs from young (3–5 months) and aging (12–14 months) Sprague-Dawley rats, exposed to and recovering from chronic hypoxia, were morphometrically analyzed at the light-microscopic level for changes in perivascular mast cells, and at the electron-microscopic level for cellular alterations. While young rat lungs showed proliferation of mast cells around elastic and muscular pulmonary arteries and arterioles, perivascular mast cell density in lungs of aging rats was significantly greater than in young rat lungs. At the ultrastructural level, perivascular mast cells in aging hypoxic rats showed numerous profiles of cellular extensions that contained remnants of discharged secretory vesicles. The results suggest that increased proliferation of perivascular mast cells as well as increased secretory activity of vasoactive substances in aging animals might represent a humoral determinant of the hyporesponsiveness of pulmonary vessels that occurs with increasing age during chronic hypoxia.
Multistage Portfolio Model Based on Capital Growth with Security

The multistage portfolio model is established based on capital growth with security. Empirical research on multistage asset allocation is carried out in the background of domestic equity market. The uncertainty of future economic environment is considered and the scenario generation method is used to deal with the future uncertainty of the returns of risky assets. The asset allocations are rebalanced at the beginning of every stage. Considering the risk constraints and using genetic algorithm, the asset allocation strategy which gives the final maximum wealth under the risk constraints is obtained.
Damping and modal structure of patterned magnetic nanoarrays

A number of studies have shown that ferromagnetic resonance linewidths in magnetic thin films contain a significant contribution due to processes, such as inhomogeneous broadening and two-magnon scattering followed by decay to the phonon thermal bath. We present a classical theoretical approach that permits the calculation of such processes for arrays of arbitrarily shaped magnetic nanoparticles and, by comparison with experimental results, demonstrates that the linewidth broadening and damping are dominated by inhomogenities that strongly depend on the equilibrium state of magnetization and can be used to identify the latter.
Optimal broadcasting on SIMD hypercubes without indirect addressing capability

Abstract We give an optimal algorithm for broadcasting on SIMD hypercubes without the hardware support for indirect addressing; i.e., an indirect memory reference takes as many cycles as the number of different memory locations (offsets) accessed by all active processors. With communication restricted to one dimension at a time, our algorithm broadcasts m elements in m + n − 1 communication steps and 2m direct memory references in an n-cube. The well-known algorithm based on the spanning binomial tree needs mn communication steps and 2m direct memory references. A previous algorithm based on the n edge-disjoint spanning trees takes m + n − 1 communication steps but needs at least 2 mn direct memory references. We then give a reduction algorithm on SIMD hypercubes, which is optimal in terms of the communication times and memory references and nearly optimal (about a factor of n (n − 1) when m ⪢ n) with respect to arithmetic time. We also generalize our algorithms to the case in which communication is restricted to k dimensions at a time, for any integer k in the range of 1 ⪕ k ⩽ n , with their optimality preserved.
TiO2-supported metal oxide catalysts for low-temperature selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH3. I. Evaluation and characterization of first row transition metals

Low-temperature SCR of NO with NH3 in the presence of excess oxygen on the oxides of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu supported on anatase TiO2 has been studied. Among the catalysts tested, Mn/TiO2 supported on Hombikat TiO2 provided the best performance with 100% N2 selectivity and complete NO conversion at temperatures as low as 393 K under numerous conditions. The catalytic performance for various transition metal oxides supported on TiO2 decreased in the following order: Mn > Cu ⩾ Cr ⪢ Co > Fe ⪢ V ⋙ Ni. For Mn-based catalysts the activity increases with an increase in Mn loading and the reaction temperature. TiO2 alone did not give any NO conversion at ⩽573 K, and calcination at low temperature (⩽673 K) is preferable. XRD coupled with XPS confirmed the presence of MnO2 as a major phase (peak at 642.2 eV) with Mn2O3, and partially undecomposed Mn-nitrate as the minor phases for supported manganese catalysts. It is proposed that MnO2 contributes to the high activity of Mn/TiO2. XPS results also confirmed a higher concentration of active metal oxides on the surface of Mn/TiO2 compared to the other catalysts. The NH3 FT-IR study showed the presence of Lewis acid sites for the most active catalysts, while the peak corresponding to Bronsted acid sites was weak or absent. This strongly suggests that Bronsted acid sites are not necessary for the reaction to occur at low temperatures. The H2 TPR study indicated the difficulty of reducing Mn oxide when the metal loading is low and/or the catalysts are calcined at temperatures higher than 773 K. It is concluded that lower catalyst calcination temperatures, Lewis acidity, the redox properties of metal oxides and their higher surface concentration are important for very high SCR activity at low temperatures. Mn/TiO2 provided the best performance at 50,000 h−1 when the catalysts were tested in the presence of 11 vol% H2O. Under these conditions, the catalytic activity of the transition metal oxides decreases in the following order: Mn > V ⪢ Co > Cu > Cr > Fe ⪢ Ni.
Non-parametric and least squares Langley plot methods

Abstract. Langley plots are used to calibrate sun radiometers primarily for the measurement of the aerosol component of the atmosphere that attenuates (scatters and absorbs) incoming direct solar radiation. In principle, the calibration of a sun radiometer is a straightforward application of the Bouguer–Lambert–Beer law V = V0e−τ ⋅ m, where a plot of ln(V) voltage vs. m air mass yields a straight line with intercept ln(V0). This ln(V0) subsequently can be used to solve for τ for any measurement of V and calculation of m. This calibration works well on some high mountain sites, but the application of the Langley plot calibration technique is more complicated at other, more interesting, locales. This paper is concerned with ferreting out calibrations at difficult sites and examining and comparing a number of conventional and non-conventional methods for obtaining successful Langley plots. The 11 techniques discussed indicate that both least squares and various non-parametric techniques produce satisfactory calibrations with no significant differences among them when the time series of ln(V0)'s are smoothed and interpolated with median and mean moving window filters.
Structure dependent wavelength shifts in AlFaAs lasers near threshold, and their application to a wavelength-stable source

Abstract High resolution measurements of emitted wavelength versus temperature and current are reported, in four different laser structures. In the region from below to well above threshold, varying degrees of wavelength clamping through carrier density effects are seen for the first time. The anomalous wavelength shifts are explained on the basis of lateral optical field nonuniformities and this hypothesis is tested through fabrication of a specially chosen laser structure. The results are important to optical communication and especially to the construction of laser sources which are intrinsically wavelength stable.
Gentamicin and Tobramycin Penetration into Synovial Fluid

The penetration of gentamicin and tobramycin into the synovial fluid of 12 patients with nontraumatic joint effusions was studied. Simultaneous serum and synovial fluid specimens taken after the intramuscular or intravenous administration of an antimicrobial agent were assayed. Synovial fluid levels of antibiotic were >50% of serum levels in all subjects studied. In five patients, synovial fluid levels were equal to or exceeded simultaneous serum values. These results suggest that intra-articular injection of aminoglycoside antibiotics is not necessary in the treatment of infectious arthritis.
Nurses' responses to do-not-resuscitate orders in the neonatal intensive care unit

A statewide survey of nurses in perinatal centers was conducted to assess the prevalence of do-not-resuscitate (DNR) policies in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and to examine factors influencing nurses in those centers in their compliance with DNR orders. Three nurses in each of 10 perinatal centers were asked to complete a questionnaire on DNR policies and nurses' compliance and to respond to four hypothetical clinical situations. Eighteen of the 27 responding nurses reported the existence of a DNR policy. Factors affecting compliance with DNR orders were agreement that the infant should not be resuscitated (n = 24) or respect for the parents' wishes (n = 19). Nurses' intention to resuscitate despite a DNR order varied, depending on the description of the infant. Multiple regression analyses showed that subjective norms (beta = .41 to .82) rather than attitudes (beta = .17 to .39) exerted a more powerful influence on nurses' decisions not to resuscitate.
A Review of Docetaxel: Its Use in the Treatment of Gastric Cancer

Docetaxel, a member of the taxane family, promotes cell death by binding β-tubulin and has demonstrated activity against several human malignancies, both as a single agent and in combination therapy. It has been approved in Europe and the US as front-line treatment for advanced gastric cancer in combination with cisplatin and fluorouracil (DCF regimen). This approval was based on the results of a pivotal study (V325) which demonstrated that the addition of docetaxel to the reference regimen of cisplatin and fluorouracil improves overall survival and progression-free survival with a better quality of life despite increased toxicity (mainly haematological). Modifications of DCF regimen have been successfully investigated as a means of making the treatment more tolerable and suitable also for elderly patients or patients with poor performance status. Emerging data from several phase II studies suggest that other docetaxel-based combination regimens with anthracyclines or irinotecan have interesting activity with acceptable toxicity profiles, but the true efficacy of these regimens needs to be assessed in large randomized phase III studies. Thus, the best docetaxel-containing regimen has yet to be identified. Docetaxel also represents a good candidate for combination with novel molecular target agents. In light of the high response rates observed in phase II-III studies, a docetaxel-based chemotherapy regimen might also be considered a treatment option as perioperative or adjuvant therapy in potentially curable gastric cancer and further studies with or without biological agents are eagerly awaited in this setting.
Quantifying Ostreid Herpesvirus (OsHV-1) Genome Copies and Expression during Transmission

Understanding the pathogenic potential of a new pathogen strain or a known pathogen in a new locale is crucial for management of disease in both wild and farmed animals. The Ostreid herpesvirus-1 (OsHV-1), a known pathogen of early-life-stage Pacific oysters, Crassostrea gigas, has been associated with mortalities of juvenile oysters in many locations around the world including Tomales Bay, California. In two trials, the California OsHV-1 strain was transmitted from infected juvenile C. gigas to naive C. gigas larvae. Survival of control larvae was high throughout both trials (97–100%) and low among those exposed to OsHV-1. No OsHV-1-exposed larvae survived to day 9 in trial 1, while trial 2 was terminated at day 7 when survival was 36.90 ± 8.66%. To assess the amount of OsHV-1 DNA present, we employed quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays based on the A fragment and OsHV-1 catalytic subunit of a DNA polymerase δ (DNA pol) gene. Viral genome copy numbers based on qPCR assays peaked between 3 and 5 days. To measure the presence of viable and actively transcribing virus, the DNA pol gene qPCR assay was optimized for RNA analysis after being reverse transcribed (RT-qPCR). A decline in virus gene expression was measured using RT-qPCR: relative to earlier experimental time points copy numbers were significantly lower on day 9, trial 1 (p < 0.05) and day 7, trial 2 (p < 0.05). Peaks in copies of active virus per genome occurred during two periods in trial 1 (days 1 and 5/7, p < 0.05) and one period in trial 2 (day 1, p < 0.05). Transmission electron microscopy confirmed OsHV-1 infection; herpesvirus-like nucleocapsids, capsids, and extracellular particles were visualized. We demonstrated the ability to transmit OsHV-1 from infected juvenile oysters to naive larvae, which indicates the spread of OsHV-1 between infected hosts in the field and between commercial farms is possible. We also developed an important tool (OsHV-1-specific RT-qPCR for an active virus gene) for use in monitoring for active virus in the field and in laboratory based transmission experiments.
Reduced crosstalk semiconductor optical amplifiers based on Type-II quantum wells

It is shown theoretically that semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs) with type-II quantum-well active regions in SOAs will have up to 10 dB lower interchannel crosstalk at high (>2.5 Gb/s) data rates. That reduction is attained via the corresponding increase in saturation energy without any reduction in the efficiency.
The Quantification of Plant Biodiversity through Time

Existing quantitative summaries of the taxonomic diversification of vascular plants are not in numerical agreement, although they permit similar broad evolutionary interpretations of the history of land plants. We examine three aspects of the collection and analysis of such data which demonstrate that quantitative studies are still in their infancy. Comparisons among diversification patterns reflected in two data sets reveal that comparatively minor taxonomic and stratigraphic revisions result in statistically significant quantitative changes as well as qualitative differences in the patterns of diversity change over geological time. Two mathematical models based on three data sets are used to estimate the `unsampled' diversity of fossil plant species. These techniques indicate that considerably more data need to be collected before disparities among vascular plant diversification patterns obtained by different authors can be brought to closure. The question of what constitutes the smallest sampling unit of morphological diversity (i.e. the taxonomic level that yields statistically independent observations) remains unresolved for vascular plants. Nested analysis of the percent distribution of variance for three plant morphological variables (height, tracheid diameter, and xylem cross-sectional area) indicate that the taxonomic level at which major evolutionary innovations become apparent has shifted from the species-genus level to higher taxonomic levels during the early radiation of pteridophytes. Such shifts may have occurred during the taxonomic radiation of other broadly defined plant groups (gymnosperms and angiosperms), and thus may have altered the taxonomic level on which selection pressures have operated. This may influence our interpretation of the mechanisms of diversity response to environmental variation.
Achievements of Japanese micromachine projects

As part of an Industrial Science and Technology Frontier Program, the National R&D Project "Micromachine Technology" is planned for ten years and divided into two phases. At the first phase that ended on March in 1996, multidisciplinary micromachine technology has been subjected to a basic examination to improve peripheral technologies including fabrication and assembling technologies, micromechanism technologies, sensor technologies and energy supply. At the subsequent phase, micromachine systems were produced on an experimental basis using those technologies so that the potential task of the systematization technology is identified. Such tasks identified through production of the micromachine systems have been studied for further development.
Increased suicide risk among workers following toxic metal exposure at the Paducah gaseous diffusion plant from 1952 to 2003: a cohort study.

Background: Suicide is a problem worldwide and occupation is an important risk factor. In the last decade, 55 200 deaths in the US were attributed to occupational risk factors. Objective: To determine if toxic metal exposure was associated with suicide risk among Paducah gaseous diffusion plant (PGDP) workers. Methods: We assembled a cohort of 6 820 nuclear industry workers employed from 1952 to 2003. A job-specific exposure matrix (JEM) was used to determine metal exposure likelihood. Uranium exposure was also assessed by urinalysis. All suicide/self-injury International Classification for Disease (ICD) codes were used to identify suicides. Standardized mortality ratios (SMR), odds ratios (OR), and hazard ratios (HR) were used to estimate suicide risk. Results: PGDP suicide victims typically were younger white men. Within exposure likelihood categories, several suicide SMRs were typically elevated for several metals. Only beryllium exposure likelihood was associated with an increased HR. Uranium urine concentration was associated with an elevated suicide risk after stratification by urinalysis frequency. Conclusion: Suicide risk is associated with uranium exposure.
Evaluation of the pharmacologic basis for the therapy of circulatory shock.

Abstract In circulatory shock, pathogenesis of severe irreversible shock is partly due to activation of the sympathoadrenal system as a reflex compensatory response to hypotension or hypovolemia, and if sustained and ineffective in restoring adequate tissue perfusion, it results in tissue hypoxia resulting in further hypotension and hypovolemia. Objectives of therapy are: (1) to restore blood volume; (2) to open channels for perfusion of certain critical tissues; and (3) to augment the head of perfusion pressure. If the first objective is not met, drugs may be ineffective. Objectives 2 and 3 are contradictory if only generalized vasodilatation or only generalized vasoconstriction is considered without regard to the balance of flow and pressure head. If reflex sympathetic vasoconstriction is deleterious, then it is not reasonable to produce greater generalized vasoconstriction but to inhibit ongoing vasoconstriction selectively by the use of an alpha adrenergic blocking drug. A combination of actions is theoretically desirable in which blood flow to “essential” organs (such as kidneys, myocardium and brain) is augmented (vasodilatation), and the head of pressure is raised by increased cardiac output or by vasoconstriction in less essential organs (such as skin and skeletal muscle). If restoration of blood volume is not sufficient, drugs should be used according to their selective actions, such as alpha adrenergic blocking agents, beta adrenergic vasodilators, other adrenergic and non-adrenergic vasodilators, and vasoconstrictors (both alpha adrenergic and nonadrenergic). The value of glucocorticoid drugs in the treatment of shock has not yet been definitely established.