cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improving the Understanding of Intake and Charge Effects for Increasing RCCI Engine Efficiency

The present experimental engine efficiency study explores the effects of intake pressure and temperature, and premixed and global equivalence ratios on gross thermal efficiency (GTE) using the reactivity controlled compression ignition (RCCI) combustion strategy. Experiments were conducted in a heavy-duty single-cylinder engine at constant net load (IMEPn) of 8.45 bar, 1300 rev/min engine speed, with 0% EGR, and a 50% mass fraction burned combustion phasing (CA50) of 0.5 CA ATDC. The engine was port fueled with E85 for the low reactivity fuel and direct injected with 3.5% 2-ethylhexyl nitrate (EHN) doped into 91 anti-knock index (AKI) gasoline for the high-reactivity fuel. The resulting reactivity of the enhanced fuel corresponds to an AKI of approximately 56 and a cetane number of approximately 28. The engine was operated with a wide range of intake pressures and temperatures, and the ratio of low- to high-reactivity fuel was adjusted to maintain a fixed speed-phasing-load condition. This allowed for the investigation of several combinations of intake temperature, intake pressure, and charge stratification at otherwise constant thermodynamic conditions. The results show that sources of engine inefficiency compete as functions of premixed and global equivalence ratios. Losses are minimized through proper balancing of intake pressure and temperature,more » such that the global equivalence ratio ( global) is as lean as possible without overly lean regions of the stratified charge causing an increase in incomplete combustion. The explored speed-load-phasing combination shows that losses are minimized at conditions where approximately 2/3 of the fuel is fully premixed. The results exhibit a pathway for achieving simultaneous increases in combustion and fuel efficiency through proper fuel reactivity and initial condition management.« less
Phase II study of gemcitabine and cisplatin in the treatment of patients with advanced pancreatic carcinoma.

BACKGROUND Pancreatic carcinoma is considered among the most chemoresistant of human malignancies. The most commonly used cytotoxic single agents, 5-fluorouracil and 2′-deoxy-2′,2′-difluorocytidine (gemcitabine), have objective response rates of less than 10% in large studies. Hypothesizing noncross resistance and a synergistic interaction between gemcitabine and cisplatin, early clinical studies have demonstrated significant activity with this combination in patients with several types of malignant disease. A Phase II study was undertaken to determine the efficacy of gemcitabine in combination with cisplatin in patients with locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic carcinoma based on these considerations. METHODS The eligibility criteria included histologically confirmed, locally advanced, unresectable or metastatic exocrine carcinoma of the pancreas with no prior gemcitabine therapy; prior adjuvant therapy was allowed provided the last day of therapy was at least 6 months prior to starting treatment; clinically measurable or evaluable disease; a Southwest Oncology Group scale performance status of 0–2; a life expectancy of > 12 weeks; and adequate bone marrow, hepatic, and renal function. A total of 42 patients, 4 patients with locally advanced, unresectable disease and 38 patients with metastatic disease, were treated and received a total of 211 cycles of therapy between May 1997 to March 1999. The median age of patients was 61.5 years. The patients were treated in the outpatient setting with a combination of gemcitabine 1,000 mg/M2 intravenously over 30 minutes administered on Days 1, 8, and 15 of each cycle and cisplatin 50 mg/M2 intravenously administered after gemcitabine infusion on Days 1 and 15 with adequate prehydration accompanied by adequate urinary output. Cycles were repeated every 28 days. Response and toxicity were assessed according to World Health Organization and standard criteria. RESULTS The complete and partial response rate among all 42 registered patients was 11 of 42 patients (26%; 95% confidence interval, 0.14–0.42). Stabilization of disease was seen in 15 patients (38%). Two additional patients with metastatic disease who achieved major responses to chemotherapy were rendered free of disease surgically, achieving a complete response status. The median overall survival was 7.1 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.3–9.1 months), with 64% of patients alive at 6 months and 19% of patients alive at 12 months. The median time to disease progression was 5.4 months (range, 0.9–20.8 months). Major toxicities were neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, with one episode of neutropenic fever. CONCLUSIONS The combination of gemcitabine and cisplatin appeared to have significantly greater activity than single-agent gemcitabine in this Phase II study, with tolerable toxicity. The antitumor activity of this combination needs to be confirmed in multi-institutional or comparative trials. Cancer 2001;92:569–77. © 2001 American Cancer Society.
Efficiency and entry in a simple airline network

Abstract Network economies in air transportation raise questions about the scope of the firm, the allocation of costs across passengers, and the susceptibility of a given system to entry. A network that transports given numbers of passengers between three equidistant cities can be defended against entry with constant unit prices. However, if demand is downward sloping, the resulting Ramsey prices may call for passengers flying through a hub to pay more, and these Ramsey-optimal prices may be vulnerable to entry.
THE EFFECT OF ALCOHOL AND POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE CONCENTRATION ON THE REACTION OF 17-KETOSTEROIDS WITH M-DINITROBENZENE1

URINARY EXTRACTS containing a mixture of 17-ketosteroids are assayed colo.rimetrically by the Zimmermann reaction using a single 17-ketosteroid as a reference standard. If the standard and the other urinary 17-ketosteroids produce significantly different color intensities, per unit weight, such assays will be subject to error. Hence it is important to ascertain whether appreciable differences in the chromogenic values of the various urinary 17-ketosteroids exist, and if these differences can be minimized. The authors have shown that the relative chromogenic values of several 17-ketosteroids depend on the alcohol and the potassium hydroxide concentration as well as the time used in the Zimmermann reaction. Essentially equivalent colors were produced under some conditions whereas large discrepancies occurred under others (Nathanson and Wilson, 1943). This work has now been expanded to include a larger number of 17-ketosteroids. Observations have been made with a series of reaction mixtures containing select...
Blind identification of post-translational modifications via dynamic time warping model

Post-translation modification (PTM) plays a significant role in the understanding of protein functions. However, PTM identification is a very challenging problem in proteomics research field. In this paper, a dynamic time warping (DTW) model is introduced to find the optimal match between an experimental tandem mass spectrum (MS/MS) and a theoretical spectrum generated from a peptide sequence in a peptide database. Our approach can identify all types of PTMs in a blind mode. The test results on experimental spectra that contain no PTM, one PTM and two PTMs show that our approach can identify 95%, 93%, and 34% correct peptide sequences as the top 1 candidates, respectively, which is much better than other blind search methods
Model-assisted feedback control for liquid composite molding

A model-assisted feedback control algorithm, a type of generic model control, is implemented to control cure in resin transfer molding. This control algorithm calculates an apparent temperature of reaction based on the cure data input form a sensor, and this temperature is used to compare the actual rate of reaction to the desired rate and to calculate the mold set-point temperature. The model input into the control algorithm is an empirical cure model of a pre-ceramic polymer with an Arrhenius temperature dependence from 55 to 95 °C. In this work, the effect of varying control parameters is evaluated through cure simulations and experiments. Also, the effect of noise on the controller robustness is evaluated through simulation and experiment. Control parameters are evaluated for 55 and 95 °C.
Theory building in the human resource development profession

Theory building and theory-building research are starting to draw increased attention from HRD scholars. There is a growing recognition of the importance of theory building in maturing thought and practice in HRD. This article examines what is meant by good theory and theory-building research in HRD through a synthesis of the existing literature and a discussion of the core concepts, issues, and challenges associated with theory building in an applied field. It also highlights the importance of embracing multiparadigm research perspectives for stepping up to the task of theory building in the HRD profession. © 2000 by Jossey-Bass, A Publishing Unit of John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Therapeutic burnout among borderline personality disordered clients and their therapists: Development and evaluation of two adaptations of the maslach burnout inventory

Providers of psychotherapy services are likely to become emotionally exhausted, to depersonalize their clients, and to have diminished personal accomplishment as a consequence of treating “difficult” clients. This pattern, termed burnout, has recently received considerable empirical attention. Whereas previous researchers have explored burnout as an occupational phenomenon, we propose that both therapists and clients experience burnout reciprocally; that is, both providers and recipients can become burned out from the therapy process. We administered a modified client version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI; Maslach & Jackson, 1986) to clients receiving psychosocial treatment for borderline personality disorder (BPD) both prior to therapy and 4 months into treatment and a modified therapist version of the MBI to their therapists. We predicted that client difficulty (depression, anger, and suicidality) would be related to therapist burnout, and that high expectancies of therapy would be related to increased burnout for both clients and therapists at 4 months. Whereas the first prediction was not supported, we did find some support for the relationship between expectancies and burnout. Post hoc analyses also revealed an interesting pattern: The most reliable predictor of therapist burnout at 4 months was client burnout at pretreatment. Implications of this interaction between client burnout and the therapists' responses are discussed.
Sexual Compulsivity and HIV Serostatus Disclosure Among Men Who Have Sex with Men

To explore associations among sexual compulsivity, HIV serostatus disclosure, and sexual risk behaviors, data were collected from 180 gay and bisexual men living with HIV upon their self-enrollment into mental health care at an inner-city clinic. Results indicated associations among level of sexual compulsivity and a participant s likelihood of participation in high-risk sexual behavior, their perceived level of responsibility to disclose HIV serostatus to sexual partners, and whether they had disclosed their HIV status to a sexual partner in their most recent act of unprotected intercourse. These findings suggest the need to include, across the continuum of HIV care, activities related to the assessment of, and response to, sexual compulsivity and its association with behaviors likely to sustain the HIV epidemic.
Pathways of glutathione metabolism and transport in isolated proximal tubular cells from rat kidney

Cellular uptake and metabolism of exogenous glutathione (GSH) in freshly isolated proximal tubular (PT) cells from rat kidney were examined in the absence and presence of inhibitors of GSH turnover [acivicin, L-buthionine-S,R-sulfoximine (BSO)] to quantify and assess the role of different pathways in the handling of GSH in this renal cell population. Incubation of PT cells with 2 or 5 mM GSH in the presence of acivicin/BSO produced 3- to 4-fold increases in intracellular GSH within 10-15 min. These significantly higher intracellular concentrations were maintained for up to 60 min. At lower concentrations of extracellular GSH, an initial increase in intracellular GSH concentrations was observed, but this was not maintained for the 60-min time course. In the absence of inhibitors, intracellular concentrations of GSH increased to levels that were 2- to 3-fold higher than initial values in the first 10-15 min, but these dropped below initial levels thereafter. In both the absence and presence of acivicin/BSO, PT cells catalyzed oxidation of GSH to glutathione disulfide (GSSG) and degradation of GSH to glutamate and cyst(e)ine. Exogenous tert-butyl hydroperoxide oxidized intracellular GSH to GSSG in a concentration-dependent manner and extracellular GSSG was transported into PT cells, but limited intracellular reduction of GSSG to GSH occurred. Furthermore, incubation of cells with precursor amino acids produced little intracellular synthesis of GSH, suggesting that PT cells have limited biosynthetic capacity for GSH under these conditions. Hence, direct uptake of GSH, rather than reduction of GSSG or resynthesis from precursors, may be the primary mechanism to maintain intracellular thiol redox status under toxicological conditions. Since PT cells are a primary target for toxicants, the ability of these cells to rapidly take up and metabolize GSH may serve as a defensive mechanism to protect against chemical injury.
ATF4 Gene Network Mediates Cellular Response to the Anticancer PAD Inhibitor YW3-56 in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells

We previously reported that a pan-PAD inhibitor YW3-56 activates p53 target genes to inhibit cancer growth. However, the p53-independent anticancer activity and molecular mechanisms of YW3-56 remain largely elusive. Here, gene expression analyses found that ATF4 target genes involved in ER stress response were activated by YW3-56. Depletion of ATF4 greatly attenuated YW3-56 mediated activation of the mTORC1 regulatory genes, SESN2 and DDIT4. Using the ChIP-exo method, high-resolution genomic binding sites of ATF4 and CEBPB responsive to YW3-56 treatment were generated. In human breast cancer cells, YW3-56 mediated cell death features mitochondria depletion and autophagy perturbation. Moreover, YW3-56 treatment effectively inhibits the growth of triple negative breast cancer xenograft tumors in nude mice. Taken together, we unveiled the anticancer mechanisms and therapeutic potentials of the pan-PAD inhibitor YW3-56.
Correlation between the bicycle drawing task and neuropsychological variables in patients referred for a dementia evaluation

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between the Bicycle Drawing Task and a number of neuropsychological variables, including the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status, in a heterogeneous group of older adults referred for a dementia evaluation. The sample consisted of 91 participants with a mean age of 77.0 yr. (SD = 6.4). The correlations between scores on the Bicycle Drawing Task and the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status and supplemental cognitive measures were generally in the moderate range. The Bicycle Drawing Task was not significantly related to premorbid IQ or education. As a neuropsychological measure, the task is brief, easily explained, easily scored, and well-tolerated by patients. Results suggest the Bicycle Drawing Task may be a useful screening procedure for cognitive impairment that is not significantly related to education or premorbid ability.
Aerodynamical Mechanisms Producing Electronic Density Fluctuations in Turbulent Ionized Layers

Various radio effects of the turbulence in the low ionosphere are discussed with a view toward determining the order of magnitude of the turbulence parameters in this region. These effects include vhf scattering, sporadic E-layer phenomena, and diffraction patterns in reflection. The required electron density fluctuations (?N/N)2 fluctuate around 10-4 and the scale of the turbulence I is roughly 100 to 200 meters. The latter quantity measured directly in the troposphere is of about the same order of magnitude. The underlying purpose of the paper is to study the aerodynamical mechanisms of turbulence. Pressure fluctuations result from the "collisions and extensions between turbulent eddies" in a uniform gas, or from vertical transport in the atmosphere with its varying pressure. It is shown that such pressure fluctuations are too small, by a factor of about 10-4, to produce the observed density fluctuations. However, the vertical transport mechanism produces two other effects which are independent of the energy of the turbulence and are of the right order of intensity. First, in a nonadiabatic atmosphere the vertical transport of air masses produces fluctuations of temperature. These, in turn, give rise to air density fluctuations, and proportional electron density fluctuations. Second, fluctuations of electron density result directly from transport in the presence of a gradient of electron density. These two effects, for the same uniform turbulence, occur at different levels in an ionospheric layer. They are sufficient to explain the stratification properties of sporadic E.
Electric power requirement for large-scale production of hydrogen fuel for the world vehicle fleet

Abstract Replacement of fossil fuels by hydrogen in motor vehicles throughout the world is postulated to occur over the next 50 years as mass production of fuel-cell engines accelerates. For the estimated size of the world vehicle fleet by 2050, large-scale electrolysis of water may become the primary means to produce hydrogen in sufficient quantity. Unlike petroleum production, which is concentrated in only a few well-endowed countries in the world, electrolytic production of hydrogen can be carried out in all countries as an indigenous supply of fuel. However, each nation will require a significant increase in the rate of electric energy consumption and a concomitant increase in electric power generating facilities. A dynamic model was used to estimate the annual total electric energy requirement to sustain long-term growth of hydrogen fuel production in two time sequences. In the first sequence, from 2000 to 2010, when a fuel-cell engine industry is likely to expand rapidly, extrapolation of historic data on world population, vehicle, traffic, and energy statistics from official agencies provides the initial conditions in year 2010 for the second time sequence. In the second sequence, the model examines a range of growth scenarios to the year 2050, when a significant fraction of the total world vehicle fleet could be operated with hydrogen fuel. The model calculations show that even with improved energy consumption efficiency of electrolytic production facilities, the additional electric energy demand to sustain growth of hydrogen fuel production will require installation of significant additional electric power generating capacity throughout the world.
Diabetic hand syndrome

Abstract In this study two findings in diabetic neuropathy of the upper extremities are emphasized: flexion contractures of the fingers that may or may not be of the Dupuytren type, and delays in the transmission of median nerve motor impulses from the wrist to the hand of the degree usually considered to be diagnostic of a carpal tunnel syndrome. Such flexion contractures of the fingers correlate positively with the interval since the diagnosis of diabetes and are associated with slower transmission of motor nerve impulses in the forearm, variable delays in transmission of median and ulnar motor impulses from the wrist to the fingers, and decreased vibration perception. Delays in transmission of median nerve motor impulses from the wrist to the fingers of diabetic patients are accompanied about one-half of the time by similar delays in transmission of ulnar nerve motor impulses in the same hand. This suggests that findings in the median nerve suggestive of entrapment in the carpal tunnel are attributable at least in part, and perhaps entirely, to intrinsic median nerve neuropathy or myoneural dysfunction.
The Treatment of Decayed Wood from Dead Trembling Aspen Trees for Growth-Ring Analysis

This paper elaborates certain procedures briefly outlined in an earlier article. Although dry wood from dead trembling aspen has been found best suited to growth-ring analysis, in its absence use has been made of water-saturated wood from the underside of fallen trunks. A technique of wax impregnation, adaptable to wood in both early and advanced stages of decay, is described. Rapid impregnation with near-boiling wax is sufficient to facilitate transverse sectioning of relatively sound wood; advanced decays require a slower impregnation with cooler paraffin. Hot xylol is used to remove the wax and flatten the section. Successive, overlapped sections provide an extended series of measurements to establish the orientation in time of mortality. Incomplete rings for the years just prior to death are checked by measurement of the outer growth at additional points.
Frank Elastic Constants and Leslie-Ericksen Viscosity Coefficients of Nematic Solutions of a Rodlike Polymer

The formation of a monodoraain nematic liquid crystal with a solution of the rodlike poly[1,4-phenylene-2,6-benzobisthiazole] will be described, along with the results of elastic and quasi-elastic ...
Laser Processes in Preventive Dentistry

The potential use of the laser as a heat source in preventive dentistry is very promising. However, the tooth is a very complex organism which is easily damaged. This paper surveys several factors that are known regarding the interaction of lasers with human teeth. The status of two of the more promising preventive techniques currently under development is discussed: the enhancement of fluoride uptake and the application of durable pit and fissure sealants. Areas where additional work is required to bring the laser into the dental clinic are outlined.
Applications of MEMS in surgery

In the past few decades, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) have found themselves being adopted into a wide variety of fields and disciplines. Recently there has been an increased interest in the use of MEMS for surgical applications. MEMS technology has the potential to not only improve the functionality of existing surgical devices, but also add new capabilities, which allow surgeons to develop new techniques and perform entirely new procedures. MEMS can improve surgical outcomes, lower risk, and help control costs by providing the surgeon with real-time feedback on the operation. This paper discusses the challenges MEMS face in the medical device market along with current applications and future directions for the technology.
Mutual fund performance and fund prospectus clarity

We conduct a cross-sectional examination of the writing clarity (readability) of mutual fund prospectuses from 20 major US mutual fund families. We focus on the language in the objective/strategy and principal risks sections, using Flesch scores and word counts to measure writing clarity. There is considerable variation in readability among funds and fund families. Flesch readability scores do not vary across fund objective, but within funds, risk discussions are more clear than are discussions of objective/strategy. Generally, the readability of a fund's risk discussion is lower for load funds than no-load funds, and readability increases with fund size and beta and decreases with raw and risk-adjusted three-year returns.
Adversarialism versus legalism: Juridification and litigation in corporate governance reform

Recent reforms of corporate governance law and related litigation rules in the US and in Germany indicate that reports of the spread of adversarial legalism are greatly exaggerated. Politics and legislation in the US since the mid-1990s have turned quite decisively against shareholder litigation even as corporate governance and securities law reforms have expanded the role and scope of the regulatory state. Germany's extraordinary expansion of financial and corporate governance regulation since the early 1990s exemplifies juridification. Although these reforms included some liberalization of shareholder litigation rules, the changes reflected skepticism towards private litigation and imposed new constraints on the most prevalent forms of shareholder suits. Marketization of economic relations and the era of finance capitalism have produced far more legalism than adversarialism, more regulation than judicialization, and more ex ante transparency rules than ex post litigation remedies.
Blends of a liquid crystalline polymer with polyether ether ketone

Blends of Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and a thermotropic liquid crystalline Polymer (LCP) based on paraoxy-benzoyl and oxy-biphenylene terepthaloyl units were prepared using a static mixer attached to a single screw extruder at 420°C. Rheological studies indicated an increase in the viscosity of the blends upon the addition of LCP. Thermal studies on these blends demonstrated their poor thermal stability compared to the parent materials. The mechanical properties indicated improvement in Young's tensile and flexural modulus but no improvement in the break strength with the addition of the LCP. Morphological studies indicated the formation of ellipsoids of LCP at low LCP concentration in the matrix of PEEK, with extended ellipsoids being observable at 25 percent LCP composition. Phase inversion was noticeable at higher LCP content blends with the formation of PEEK fibrils in the matrix of the LCP. Dynamic studies on these blends showed an increase in the storage modulus with the addition of LCP.
Quality of colonoscopy reporting: a process of care study.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Several groups have developed guidelines for specific content necessary in endoscopic procedure reports. Little information is available assessing adherence to reporting recommendations, and little is known about common reporting errors. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of colonoscopy reporting and to identify possible areas of improvement. METHODS: Using the 1997 American Society for GI Endoscopy guidelines for endoscopy reporting, we created operational definitions for adherence to each guideline. We then created 31 specific process of care criteria to assess adherence to each of these operational definitions. We subdivided the 31 specific process of care criteria into six domains: demographic information, patient history, sedation procedure, adequacy of preparation/visibility, lesion identification/removal, and procedure interpretation. Reports obtained from 122 separate endoscopy centers were reviewed for adherence to the guidelines. Adequate performance for any criterion was defined as 70% or better compliance. RESULTS: Performance varied widely across the domains. Clinicians demonstrated adequate performance on sedation procedure (75%) and lesion identification/removal (84%). Clinicians scored poorly on demographic data (69%), patient history (57%), procedure quality (40%), and procedure interpretation (58%). CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians’ colonoscopy reporting practices are widely variable and often suboptimal. There is an opportunity to improve the quality of care in colonoscopy reporting by improving physicians’ adherence to established standards.
Ultrastructural studies of the bovine Graafian Follicle and corpus luteum

Ovaries were obtained from normal adult dairy cows at all days of the estrous cycle. The largest Graafian follicle and corpus luteum were excised and prepared for electron microscopic study. In the follicle wall, membrana granulosa cells contained granular endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria with villous or lamellar cristae. The theca interna cells during proestrus and estrus contained ribosomes separated from endoplasmic reticulum. The latter during these periods assumed tubular and tortuous shapes. Mitochondria during these periods assumed rounded shapes, were occasionally cup-shaped, and developed tubular cristae. In the corpus luteum, the large luteal cells during metestrus and diestrus contained an abundance of agranular, tubular, branching membranes of endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. Mitochondria were large, with tubular cristae, but smaller mitochondria, with irregular or villous cristae, were also present. ‘Transitional bodies’ of the latter mitochondria to another form were observed. Cup-shaped and annular mitochondria were present during diestrus. In the small luteal cells, large vesicular membrane formations were present and often associated with lipid bodies. The cells were lipid-laden. Lysosomes and granular bodies were present during luteal regression. The observed features of the granulosa cells are related to protein synthesis, those of the pre-ovulatory theca interna cells and metestrus-diestrus large luteal cells to steroid synthesis, and those of the small luteal cells to lipid storage.
Dispersal in Female White-Tailed Deer

Seven of 35 yearling female white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ) in a migratory herd in northeastern Minnesota dispersed 18–168 km from natal ranges during late May through June. Dispersal as a proximate event appears voluntary and independent of deer density.
Social Criticisms Reflected in TV Commercial Parodies: The Influence of Popular Culture on Advertising

Abstract Advertising has long been criticized for its role in selling products and for its influence on society. Regardless of the viewpoint one takes on advertising, criticism remains a constructive tool for understanding the nature of the discipline. Although the literature is replete with various scholarly criticisms, one viewpoint has been neglected — that of pop culture's perception of advertising. To address this gap, an interpretive analysis of Saturday Night Live commercial parodies aired on prime time television was investigated. Since parody is a form of criticism, an analysis of these commercial parodies can help our discipline to better understand another important view of TV advertising. Further, the potential consequences of advertising parody will be discussed.
LASER-INDUCED BREAKDOWN SPECTROSCOPY FOR DETECTION OF LEAD IN CONCRETE

Time-resolved laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy was applied for quantitative measurement of lead content in concrete at levels down to 10 ppm. The breakdown was formed at the sample surface by a Q-switched ND: YAG laser operating at a 1.06-μm wavelength and a repetition rate of 10 Hz. Contamination levels were inferred from the ratio of the integrated emission line of lead to a known reference line of the matrix. The lead contamination can be determined on an absolute scale down to 10 ppm at an optimum delay time of 3.0 μs. These results were derived from analysis of the temporal evolution of the calibration function within a 0.1- to 19.0-μs time range. The calibration function exhibits no dependence on the incident laser pulse energy, which was varied from 250 to 400 mJ.
Suppressing Klein tunneling in graphene using a one-dimensional array of localized scatterers

Graphene's unique physical and chemical properties make it an attractive platform for use in micro- and nanoelectronic devices. However, electrostatically controlling the flow of electrons in graphene can be challenging as a result of Klein tunneling, where electrons normally incident to a one-dimensional potential barrier of height V are perfectly transmitted even as V → ∞. In this study, theoretical and numerical calculations predict that the transmission probability for an electron wave normally incident to a one-dimensional array of localized scatterers can be significantly less than unity when the electron wavelength is smaller than the spacing between scatterers. In effect, placing periodic openings throughout a potential barrier can, somewhat counterintuitively, decrease transmission in graphene. Our results suggest that electrostatic potentials with spatial variations on the order of the electron wavelength can suppress Klein tunneling and could find applications in developing graphene electronic devices.
Instabilities in the slit-jet flow field

Three modes of instabilities in the slit-jet flow field are recognized. Additional evidence for the universality of the Strouhal number for the second mode ST = fw/U0 ≈ 0.43 and additional information on the wavelength (λ) between, and convection speed uc of the symmetrically placed, large-scale motions that result from this instability are presented. Specifically λ/w ≈ 1.2 and uc/U0 ≈ 0.51. The third instability mode is initiated at a Reynolds number U0w/v of approximately 1600; this instability results in a loss of the regular pattern associated with the large-scale motions.
Influence of dietary supplements of fresh lettuce on ovariectomized Microtus montanus.

Juvenile Microtus montanus were ovariectomized and fed a standard laboratory diet supplemented in experimental groups with daily fresh lettuce. At sacrifice the uteri were removed and weighed. Intact and sham-operated control groups with and without the lettuce supplement had significantly heavier uteri than the ovariectomized animals. Intact animals receiving the dietary supplement had significantly heavier uteri than intact animals receiving only the standard diet. This would indicate that uterine hypertrophy in M. montanus is caused by substances in plant foods and that these substances are not estrogenic in nature.
Physical and chemical properties of hydroxyflavones. IV. Infrared absorption spectra of dihydroxyflavones containing the 5-hydroxyl group

Solid state infrared curves (O-H and C-H stretching region) are given for 5, n-dihydroxyflavones, where n is 2′, 3′, 4′, 6, 7 and 8. In chloroform solution spectra of 3,5-dihydroxyflavone and 3-hydroxy-5-methoxyflavone, the 3-OH stretching band appears at 3400 and 3334 cm−1, respectively, indicative of a stronger hydrogen bond in the latter substance. Solid state and solution carbonyl bands are presented for twenty-six flavone derivatives which contain a hydroxyl, methoxyl or acetoxyl group at the 5-position. The solution spectra (dioxane or carbon tetrachloride) of fourteen flavone derivatives containing a free 5-hydroxyl group show carbonyl bands at 1655±2 cm−1. Eleven flavones in which the 5-hydroxyl is blocked (carbon tetrachloride solution) give spectra with flavone carbonyl bands at 1653±3 cm−1. The high resolution chloroform solution spectrum of 3, 5-dihydroxyflavone possesses a multi-peaked carbonyl band with midpoint at 1641 cm−1. The chloroform solution spectrum of 3-hydroxy-5-methoxyflavone has a very strong band at 1616 cm−1, with shoulder at 1646 cm−1. Spectral data of this and a previous paper support the postulate that in 4′-hydroxyflavone the flavone carbonyl oxygen is the donor atom in an intermolecular hydrogen bond. Certain details of synthesis, and analytical data, are given for 3, 5-dihydroxyflavone.
Novel technique of Vest suture vesicourethral anastomosis in morbidly obese patient undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy.

ABSTRACTPurpose: The urethrovesical anastomosis can be a technically challenging procedure in the morbidly obese patient. We successfully overcame this challenge using a Vest suture technique.Materials and Methods: After the completion of radical prostatectomy a Stamey needle is passed through the perineum under bimanual control. Vest sutures are placed and tied with a Foley catheter in place.Results: This technique was used in a morbidly obese patient. Postoperatively continence was excellent.Conclusions: In the morbidly obese patient this novel technique of Vest suture placement should be considered to facilitate urethrovesical anastomosis after the completion of radical prostatectomy.
Coping with daily stress: The role of conscientiousness

The current study examined how specific coping strategies mediate the relationship between Conscientiousness (C) and positive affect (PA) in a large, multiethnic sample. Using an internet-based daily diary approach, 366 participants (37.6% Caucasian, 30.6% Asian American, 20.7% Hispanic, 9.1% African American) completed measures that assessed daily stressors, coping strategies used to deal with those stressors, and PA over the course of five days. In addition, participants completed a measure of the Five-Factor Model of Personality. Problem-Focused coping partially mediated the relationship between C and PA. Individuals higher in C used more problem-focused coping, which, in turn, was associated with higher PA. The findings of the current study suggest C serves as a protective factor from stress through its influence on coping strategy selection. Other possible mediators in the C-PA relationship are discussed.
Mitogen-activated protein kinase upregulation reduces renal D1 receptor affinity and G-protein coupling in obese rats

Reactive oxygen species play a key role in pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases by modulating G-protein-coupled receptor signaling. We have shown that treatment of animal models of diabetes and aging with tempol decreases oxidative stress and restores renal dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) function. In present study, we determined whether oxidation of D1R and upregulation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) were responsible for decreased D1R signaling in obese animals. Male lean and obese Zucker rats were supplemented with antioxidants tempol or lipoic acid for 2 weeks. Compared to lean, obese animals were hyperglycemic and hyperinsulinemic with increased oxidative stress, D1R oxidation and decreased glutathione levels. These animals had decreased renal D1R affinity and basal coupling to G-proteins. SKF-38393, a D1R agonist failed to stimulate G-proteins and adenylyl cyclase. Obese animals showed marked increase in renal MAPK activities. Treatment of obese rats with tempol or lipoic acid decreased blood glucose, reduced oxidative stress, and restored the basal D1R G-protein coupling. Antioxidants also normalized MAPK activities and restored D1R affinity and SKF-38393 induced D1R G-protein coupling and adenylyl cyclase stimulation. These studies show that D1R oxidation and MAPK upregulation contribute to D1R dysfunction in obese animals. Consequently, antioxidants while reducing the oxidative stress normalize the MAPK activities and restore D1R signaling.
Recycling Turkey Hens

Abstract Following a laying cycle of 100 days, turkey hens received one of the following treatments: (1) darkhouse-molted, (2) darkhouse-nonmolted, and (3) conventional house-molted. After an 8 week darkhouse treatment, the hens were caged for another 100 day production period. Birds in groups which were darkhoused laid at approximately 80% of that observed in the first cycle. Highly significant (P ≦ .01) positive correlations for production were obtained in the darkhoused groups between cycles. Those darkhouse hens not molted had the highest between cycle correlation. Those maintained in a conventional house and molted did not lay as well in the second cycle. The correlation between individual hen records for this group was −0.03 and nonsignificant statistically.
Plumbing the mysteries of vascular development using the zebrafish.

Abstract The zebrafish has recently emerged as an advantageous model organism for studying how the stereotypic and evolutionarily conserved network of vertebrate blood vessels arises during development. The ability to screen for vascular-specific mutants and to image and experimentally manipulate blood vessels throughout living embryos has already yielded new insights into the anatomy of the early vasculature, the dynamics of growing blood vessels, the specification of early vascular progenitors, and arterial–venous differentiation of blood vessels.
Radar Beam Occultation Studies Using GIS and DEM Technology: An Example Study of Guam

Geographic information systems (GISs) combined with digital elevation models (DEMs) provide opportunities to evaluate weather radar beam blockage and other ground clutter phenomena. The authors explore this potential using topographic information and a simple beam propagation model for the complex terrain of Guam. To evaluate the effect of different DEM resolutions, they compare the simulated patterns of complete and partial beam blockage with probability of detection maps derived from a large database of level II radar reflectivity for the U.S. Air Force Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) on Guam. The main conclusion of the study is that the GIS approach provides useful insight into the actual pattern of blocked areas. The DEM resolution plays a role in resolving the blocked patterns. In general, higher DEM resolution provides better results although widely available lower-resolution DEMs can provide valuable information about beam-blocking effects.
Abdominal Contour Procedures: Evaluating the Options

Surgical science continues to increase the options available to an individual seeking an improved abdominal contour. Appropriately applied, abdominal-contouring procedures offer significant aesthetic improvements and result in a high level of patient satisfaction. Liposuction is one procedure in a continuum of techniques available for addressing abdominal contour, and it is the one with which patients are most familiar and most likely to request. Advising patients of the many available methods involves an understanding of the scope of each technique and an accurate assessment of individuals' anatomy and their expectations and perceptions of what a successful result represents. This article outlines the various surgical methods of abdominal contouring and fosters an understanding of how to select the appropriate procedure.
Rotation And Scale Invariant Object Recognition Using A Distributed Associative Memory

This paper describes an approach to 2-dimensional object recognition. Complex-log conformal mapping is combined with a distributed associative memory to create a system which recognizes objects regardless of changes in rotation or scale. Recalled information from the memorized database is used to classify an object, reconstruct the memorized version of the object, and estimate the magnitude of changes in scale or rotation. The system response is resistant to moderate amounts of noise and occlusion. Several experiments, using real, gray scale images, are presented to show the feasibility of our approach.
Intergenerational and community responsibility: Race uplift work in the retirement activities of professional African American women

Abstract Drawing on quantitative and qualitative data with an overall sample of 50 retired African American professional women, this article examines their unpaid community work on behalf of disadvantaged Blacks. Using both feminist and life course perspectives, the article demonstrates how location and historical forces shaped their activities and their retirement scripts. Like educated women in previous generations, these Black retirees felt an obligation to do race uplift work and to give back to their communities, especially to Black youth. The resulting tension between retirement as a time of “freedom” and their sense of obligation to work on behalf of the needy contradicts middle-class male, white notions of retirement and highlights the need to recognize that there is not just one but multiple modes of retirement.
Should Reimbursement Be Denied for Liver Transplantation in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma

To the Editor. —On July 15, 1996, the US Department of Health and Human Services expanded financial coverage of liver transplantation to all end-stage liver disease diagnoses except for hepatitis B or malignancies. 1 Since the most common malignancy for which financial coverage of liver transplantation is offered is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we reviewed our experience with patients receiving transplants in the presence of HCC to determine if this refusal of financial coverage for all patients with HCC is justifiable. Patients who received their first or subsequent liver transplant between January 1, 1981, and June 30, 1995, were eligible for inclusion in this study. In keeping with current Medicare guidelines, patients who were hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive as well as those whose HBsAg status was unknown were excluded, as were patients with any malignancy other than HCC. From the remaining patients, the 6 most common nonmalignant, HBsAg-negative diagnosis groups were selected
Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 Deletion in Pancreatic α-Cells Leads to Development of Insulinomas in Mice

The pancreatic α- and β-cells are critical components in regulating blood glucose homeostasis via secretion of glucagon and insulin, respectively. Both cell types are typically localized in the islets of Langerhans. However, little is known about the roles of paracrine interactions that contribute to their physiological functions. The lack of suitable cell lines to study α- and β-cells interactions have led us to develop an α-cell-specific Cre-expressing transgenic line utilizing a glucagon promoter sequence, the Glu-Cre transgenic mouse. Here, we demonstrate that the Glu-Cre could specifically and efficiently excise floxed target genes in adult islet α-cells. We further showed that deletion of the tumor suppressor gene, multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (Men1), in α-cells led to tumorigenesis. However, to our surprise, the lack of Men1 in α-cells did not result in glucagonomas but rather β-cell insulinomas. Because deletion of the Men1 alleles was only present in α-cells, our data suggested that cross communication between α- and β-cells contributes to tumorigenesis in the absence of Men1. Together, we believed that the new model systems described here will allow future studies to decipher cellular interactions between islet α- and β-cells in a physiological context.
The Student Teacher Also Serves.

SERVES, an acronym for Supportive Environment and Resources for Versatility in Educational Strategies, is a research project engaging beginning teachers as cooperating teachers for student teachers. Based upon the assumption that those who have recently completed student teaching themselves can best help new student teachers, the program seeks to place them together in positions of mutual service to one another. This posture should enable the student teacher, in his turn, to offer the beginning teacher assistance of a nonthreatening nature that can be accepted readily. Within this mutually supportive environment should flourish wide use of resources, variation in teaching strategy as well as considerable innovation and creativity in a joint effort to meet common needs. To launch the project, it was necessary to enlist the active support of district superintendents, administrators, supervisors, and beginning and student teachers. In all, some 50 persons participated; none of those asked to take part refused. One reason, unquestionably, for the complete acceptance was the fact that all cooperating teachers were former students of the course instructor. Moreover, it had been possible to have the student teachers regularly appointed to the participating schools in part because of the promise held by the program. As finally designed, 4 elementary schools in 2 school districts were involved for the six-week period from February to April 1970. Twenty-three student teachers were assigned, either singly or in pairs, to 16 cooperating teachers. In addition to ordinary school support, the course instructor visited each school at least once weekly to confer, to advise, and to microteach. At the close of the experimental period, questionnaires were administered to beginning and student teachers alike. The data were then compiled and tabulated where feasible. While definitive conclusions are obviously impossible owing to the