cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract T P295: Identifying Unmet Needs 30-days Following Ischemic Stroke: The Post Stroke Checklist

Background: Stroke care often focuses on acute intervention and treatment, but important long-term sequelae are sometimes overlooked and may not be captured in standard outcome measures. The Post Stroke Checklist (PSC) is a simple tool recently developed by a global panel of stroke experts to identify the unmet needs of stroke survivors. It consists of 11 items addressing a variety of important medical, functional and social issues. The intent is to improve stroke survivor follow-up and ensure that treatable complications are identified and referred for treatment. Methods: The PSC was administered at 30 days post ischemic stroke in 126 recently hospitalized patients in the outpatient clinic of a Comprehensive Stroke Center. Items were originally scored by a nurse and reviewed with a stroke physician. Age range (median) was 31-97 (68) years. All patients were also scored with Barthel Index (BI), NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) during the clinic visit. Actionable items were identif...
Induction of adenine salvage in mouse cell lines deficient in adenine phosphoribosyltransferase.

Adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT) (EC 2.4.2.7) pseudorevertant cell lines were isolated under selective conditions requiring adenine salvage for survival; yet they were found to be deficient in measurable APRT activity and resistant to the purine analog 2'6'-diaminopurine (DAP) (M.S. Turker, J. A. Tischfield, P. Rabinovitch, P.J. Stambrook, J.J. Trill, A.C. Smith, C.E. Ogburn, and G.M. Martin, manuscript in preparation). Adenine salvage was examined in two APRT pseudorevertant cell lines, their two APRT homozygous deficient parental cell lines, and a genotypic APRT revertant cell line (i.e., one with measurable APRT activity and DAP sensitivity). Adenine accumulation was observed in both revertant phenotypes and was demonstrated by high-performance liquid chromatography to be linked with adenine metabolism. The ability to salvage adenine declined substantially in the pseudorevertant cell lines when they were removed from selective media containing inhibitors of de novo 5'-AMP synthesis (alanosine and azaserine); for one pseudorevertant cell line this decline was accelerated by the addition of DAP to the medium. The readdition of alanosine or azaserine to the growth medium of the pseudorevertant lines induced adenine salvage to its previous levels. An APRT-like cross-reacting material was found in the pseudorevertant cell lines, although its relationship to adenine salvage is unknown. A low level of constitutive adenine salvage was found in the parental APRT-deficient lines, and it was also possible to induce adenine salvage in these cell lines. These findings suggest a novel regulatory mechanism for adenine salvage.
Last dance or second chance? Firm performance, CEO career horizon, and the separation of board leadership roles

In recent years, many firms have chosen to separate their CEO and board chair positions. Prior research has demonstrated that there are three forms that a CEO�board chair separation can take: apprentice, departure, and demotion. In this paper, we examine the antecedents of these three types. Our results show that the three types of separation each have different profiles in terms of the prior performance of the firm, the independence of the board, and the career horizon of the incumbent CEO. The findings in this paper provide unique insights into the factors that drive boards' structural choices. As questions about board leadership structure become more nuanced and more relevant in both scholarship and practice, a full understanding of these factors will only become more important.
Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry of thermally labile pesticides

The application of liquid chromatography mass spectrometry to two groups of thermally labile pesticides, carbamates and ureas, is reported using a moving belt interface system with methane as reagent gas. Thermal decomposition of six selected representative members of these two chemical classes has been successfully avoided by this technique and in many cases, molecular weight evidence was available for detection and characterization. Moreover, the system was explored as to its quantitative capabilities and the preliminary results have indicated that such an analytical approach is satisfactory for regulatory analysis of crop residues at the ppm level.
Density estimation for fatty acids and vegetable oils based on their fatty acid composition

The liquid density of fatty acids can be accurately estimated by the modified Rackett equation over a wide range of temperatures. The modified Rackett equation requires the critical properties and an empirical parameter,Z RA , for each acid as the basis for computing density as a function of temperature. The liquid density of vegetable oils can be estimated by using mixture properties corresponding to the fatty acid composition and a correction for the triglyceride form. The density prediction is explicitly temperature-dependent.
Flow pathways of bromide and Brilliant Blue FCF tracers in caliche soils

Abstract Land use of caliche soils in limestone regions of Texas is increasingly shifting from traditional ranchland to residential and industrial development. However, little information is available on water flow and solute transport through soils of these landscapes, or their potential suitability for wastewater disposal and bioremediation. This study determined the impacts of landscape position on soil hydrologic functions by using Brilliant Blue FCF and Br − tracers to characterize flow pathways through soils of stepped terrains. Aqueous tracer solution was applied to surface (and in some cases subsurface) horizons of selected riser, tread, floodplain, and upland summit sites. Brilliant Blue FCF and Br − pathways were analyzed based on vertical sections excavated through each application site. While Brilliant Blue FCF demonstrated preferential flow along macropores, Br − moved through soil matrix primarily in piston flow pattern. In most cases, Br − was less retarded and moved to greater vertical and horizontal distances than Brilliant Blue FCF. Cemented Bk, Bkm, C, Cr, Crk, and R horizons acted as aquitards, resulting in considerable horizontal transport of both tracers beyond the direct infiltration zone. Significant volumes of limestone rock clasts, together with soil, were involved in solute transport and thus contributed to the soil’s ability to serve as bioremediation and moisture storage media. High limestone gravel content and rapid solute transport through subsurface horizons to aquitards in deep riser soils indicate that they may serve as hydrological recharge sites with potential for ephemeral water tables, increased water storage and greater bioremediation potential. Shallow tread sites may be capable of producing seasonal saturation above restrictive horizons and increased surface runoff, becoming local hydrological discharge sites. This could conceivably lead to surface water contamination; however, these locales are hydrologically buffered by recharge into downslope risers. In these stepped landforms, water flow from uplands to valley floors is conducted through series of cascading recharge/discharge microtopographic units associated with risers and treads.
Towards TTP-free lightweight solution for location privacy using location-based anonymity prediction

Location-based services are becoming increasingly popular with the proliferation of location aware devices. It is not possible to access location-based services and preserve privacy at the same time when the user provides exact location information. Cloaking or obfuscating location data is the only way to protect location-privacy. To do that, most of the systems use third party location anonymizer. In this paper, we propose a novel location privacy obfuscation framework without any trusted third party (TTP). Most of the existing solutions attempt to satisfy k-anonymity. In this paper we present the problems of using fixed and user defined k. In order to solve the problems our proposed solution aims to meet probabilistic k-anonymity. Based on historic data expected number of users present in a place is predicted which is used as probabilistic anonymity level. Thus we eliminate the use of any TTP which results into improvement of query-processing time and provides fewer query results for the user to process minimizing the overall response time. Users' exact location information is not revealed in either communication or computation process.
The identification of antigenic determinants by a coupled inhibition-agar diffusion method

The determination of the chemical nature of immunodeterminant groups of carbohydrate antigens has been achieved by a micro method coupling inhibition and double diffusion in agar. This method has been tested with antigens which react with anti-lactose, anti-galactose, anti-N-acetyl-glucosamine and antirhamnose antibodies. The analysis can be performed with as little as 10 micrograms of inhibitor, 0.2 microgram of antigen and 10 micrograms of antibody. The procedure has also been used for the identification of the determinant groups of 2 antigens with a phosphoglycan structure. The determinants of these antigens have been found to be N-acetyl-beta-glucosamine 1-phosphate and beta-glucose 1-phosphate. The glycosyl 1-phosphate units are novel types of antigenic determinants and antigens with such determinants should be useful for investigating the interactions of antigens with homologous antibodies. The specificity of monoclonal antibodies directed at an O-antigen has been determined by use of the coupled method.
Diesters of diols in wheat leaf wax

Diesters have been isolated from the leaf wax of spring wheat,Triticum aestivum, L. (Selkirk variety) by chromatography. The diesters, which form 3% of the wax and which were shown by gas liquid chromatography to be a mixture of C51−C60 esters, consist largely oftrans 2-docosenoic andtrans 2-tetracosenoic acid esters of 1,9-nonanediol, 1,10-decanediol, 1,11-undecanediol and 1,12-dodecanediol. The structures of the components were confirmed by synthesis.
Evaluation of health implications of elevated arsenic in well water

Abstract Among a population using water from individual wells with elevated levels of arsenic, we have studied hair arsenic concentration and obtained histories of medical conditions. A statistically significant association of water arsenic and hair arsenic is demonstrated. Arsenic ingestion does not seem to be associated with any medical condition in this population. We conclude that above 0.05 (± 0.03) mg 1 −1 of arsenic in drinking water, there is evidence of increased storage of the material in the body as reflected in increasing levels of arsenic in hair.
Statistical Learning in Children With Specific Language Impairment

Purpose In this study, the authors examined (a) whether children with specific language impairment (SLI) can implicitly compute the probabilities of adjacent sound sequences, (b) if this ability is...
Speech-discrimination scores modeled as a binomial variable.

Many studies have reported variability data for tests of speech discrimination, and the disparate results of these studies have not been given a simple explanation. Arguments over the relative meri...
Modeling Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) Diamond Film Growth with Diamantane-Derived Radicals in Solution: Permissive Evidence in Support of the Garrison−Brenner Mechanism for Incorporation of Carbon into the Dimer Sites of the {100} Diamond Surface

The synthesis and partial rearrangement of nordiamantanemethyl radical into its more stable diamantyl isomer at 200−300 °C is reported. This solution phase observation attests to the feasibility of similar processes proposed to occur at the surface of {100} diamond film under CVD conditions.
Bank mergers: What’s a policymaker to do?

Abstract This paper addresses the question of appropriate policy prescription in face of rapid consolidation of the financial service sector both in the US and globally. Regulators must act even as the legislation that is in place offers little guidance on how they should proceed in this broader financial market. Appropriate action can only come from a proper analysis of the current situation. The context must be understood, the causes of this merger wave must be evaluated, and the implications on both market structure and customer service must be considered. Only then can the implications for optimal or even reasonable policy be outlined. The prescription must fit the situation. These remarks will review these topics in an effort to answer the question, “What’s a policymaker to do?”
Practical Productivity Analysis for Management: Part I. Analytic Framework

Abstract In this first of two papers, the nature of productivity changes and their measurement are examined. Various widespread misconceptions of such changes and of the means of measurement are discussed. The multiple requirements of a practical productivity analysis system are outlined, and an analytic framework which meets these requirements is presented. Samples are provided of empirical findings which have resulted from the use of this framework. The second paper will provide a discussion of the determinants of change in productivity relationships and problems encountered and experiments used in productivity measurement. A guide to analysis and interpretation is provided.
Implementing IT0/CS0 with scratch, app inventor forandroid, and lego mindstorms

The trend of declining enrollment and interest in computing fields, combined with increased demand from the industry, challenges instructors to come up with new, fresh and appealing methodologies to attract and retain students. Further, with the diffusion of information and computing technologies into almost all fields of study, introductory computing courses for non-majors need approaches that motivate students to feel comfortable with the life-long learning of computing concepts and tools. The goal of this paper is to summarize our teaching experience blending the aforementioned two needs into one course that may be considered as a type of CS0/IT0 course. With the pedagogical underpinnings stemming from constructionist learning and contextualized computing education, we present our motivation and the details of a course that uses the Scratch programming language, App Inventor for Android, and Lego Minstorm robotics.
Security through extensible type systems

Researchers interested in security often wish to introduce new primitives into a language. Extensible languages hold promise in such scenarios, but only if the extension mechanism is sufficiently safe and expressive. This paper describes several modifications to an extensible language motivated by end-to-end security concerns.
Nano-scale heavy fermion particles☆

Abstract In nanosized heavy fermion particles the competition of the average energy spacing with the Kondo temperature dramatically changes the low- T magnetic and thermal properties. Using a mean-field slave-boson approach we study the effects of defects with reduced hybridization (representing the surface atoms) on the particle.
Near peak scattering and the corrected Kirchhoff approximation for a convex obstacle

Abstract The uniform asympotic behavior of the scattering amplitude near the forward peak, in the case of classical scattering of waves by a convex obstacle, is derived. A microlocal model is obtained for the scattering operator. This is achieved by use of a parametrix for diffractive boundary problems and by a new study of a class of Fourier integral operators, those with folding canonical relations. A crucial ingredient consists of putting a Fourier integral operator with folding canonical relation into a normal form. The analysis also gives the asymptotic behavior of the normal derivative of the scattered wave on a neighbourhood of the shadow boundary, thus providing a corrected version of the Kirchhoff approximation.
Serological and immunochemical studies of snail (Otala lactea) anti-A: a simple purification method.

The immunochemical and serological studies of the anti-A agglutinin of the snail Otala Lactea showed that titer of agglutinin is reduced if the pH is below 4.75 or 10.0 and above. Agglutinin could be precipitated on desalting by dialysis against water and inhibited with N Acetyl-D-galactosamine. Tests with enzyme treated cells showed the presence of low titer of anti-H which could be inhibited with L-fucose without affecting anti-A activity. Precipitation with ethanol in the cold suggested that the active protein is optimally precipitated at a 20% ethanol concentration. On the basis of these studies a simplified procedure for the purification of crude snail juice has been presented.
Economic Concepts to Disturb the Engineer

ABSTRACT It is shown that the engineer's function, the development of an expanding productive capacity in society, may contribute to creation of a gap between production-capacity and consumption-demand. When this occurs a diversionary that does not contribute immediately to perceived consumption-needs serves a useful purpose. It is suggested that the main driving forces of an economic system may reside in production activity rather than in consumption. A number of examples are given to demonstrate the validity of this hypothesis. These range from the monument-building programs of ancient civilizations to the modern space program. The role of export competition between nations leading to present day payments balances is shown as just another manifestation of the drive-to-produce dominating the drive-to-consume.
Convenient in situ generation of a chiral bis-N-heterocyclic carbene palladium catalyst and its application in enantioselective synthesis

Abstract To simplify catalytic reactions employing chelating bisNHC–metal complexes, studies were conducted to elucidate conditions for the in situ generation of a chiral chelating bisNHC–palladium catalyst from the corresponding diimidazolium salt. The method provides a convenient entry to catalytic reactions and eliminates catalyst preparation steps. In addition to the in situ prepared catalyst, for comparative purposes, isolable species were synthesized and characterized by NMR spectroscopy, combustion analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Employing C2-symmetric ligands derived from trans-9,10-Dihydro-9,10-EthanoAnthracene-11,12-diyl (DEA) and trans-9,10-Dihydro-9,10-EthanoAnthracene-11,12-diylMethanediyl (DEAM), diNHC–Pd complexes were synthesized and tested for activity in enantioselective arylboronic acid addition to cyclic enones.
Schutz, Seebohm, and Cultural Science

This chiefly comparative sketch relates to the general theory of the cultural sciences, which comprise not only the social sciences, but also the historical sciences, archaeology included. Alfred S...
When blazing a trail leads over the mountainside cliff: lessons learned from our first rapid deployment

At SIGUCCS 2007, one of the themes promoted by James Hilton of the University of Virginia was that in the world of IT at colleges and universities, we are likely to see more change happening more quickly than ever before, and that we need to learn ways to make the change happen as quickly and as painlessly as possible. A variety of circumstances led UVa to make a switch in its enterprise calendaring system between December 4, 2007 and January 15, 2008. Learn about the reasons behind this change, the obstacles we encountered, the user experience of the change and the lessons we learned in our first rapid change.
Low-temperature photosensitized oxidation of a guanosine derivative and formation of an imidazole ring-opened product

An organic-soluble guanosine derivative, 2‘,3‘,5‘-O-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)guanosine (1), was prepared and its photosensitized oxidation was carried out in several solvents at various temperatures. Singlet oxygen is the reactive oxidizing agent responsible for this reaction. Neither an endoperoxide nor a dioxetane intermediate was detected by low-temperature NMR even at −78 °C. A product (A) with an oxidized imidazole ring was the only major product detected at room temperature; this compound could be isolated by low-temperature column chromatography and was characterized by 1H and 13C and mass spectroscopy. CO2 was the other major product. A small amount of the corresponding 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanosine derivative B was detected during the initial stage of the photooxidation and was shown to be intermediate in the formation of two products of extensive degradation, C and D. Reaction of 1 with the singlet oxygen analogues 4-methyl-1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-dione (MTAD) and 4-phenyl-1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-dione (...
Associations among members of a black-capped chickadee flock

One color-banded black-capped chickadee flock was studied intensively at a winter feeder in Wisconsin. Flock structure was examined by measuring association among flock members in three ways: spatial proximity, temporal association, and association of individuals during flock movements. Additional information was obtained on aggressive interactions at and near the feeder. By midwinter, the strongest attachments were between males and females who subsequently mated; pair attachments strengthened as the breeding season approached. Lower ranked individuals in the dominance hierarchy showed weaker associations with other flock members in early spring than did more dominant individuals. The strong attachment to the mate may have implications for altruistic behavior within the winter flock.
Imaging of the congenitally absent cervical pedicle: avoidance of misdiagnosis in a setting of trauma

An enlarged neuroforamen may be due to a congenitally absent cervical pedicle. We report a case initially misdiagnosed as a cervical fracture. CT and MRI are recommended for correct diagnosis and prevention of unwarranted treatment.
Shape-persistent, ruthenium(II)- and iron(II)-bisterpyridine metallodendrimers: synthesis, traveling-wave ion-mobility mass spectrometry, and photophysical properties

A class of shape-persistent metallodendrimer has been developed through a self-assembly strategy, in which 〈tpy-RuII-tpy〉 or 〈tpy-FeII-tpy〉 connectivity is utilized, as branching moieties or nodes. These metallomacromolecules were fully characterized by 1H and 13C NMR, traveling wave ion mobility mass spectrometry (TWIM MS), single crystal X-ray, UV-vis absorption, photoluminescence, and cyclic voltammetry. Significant increase in the drift times of the same charge states was observed with increasing generation of these complexes, which is in line with the change of molecular size. Moreover, the photophysical properties (molar extinction coefficients) and electrochemical stability of the complexes were noticeably different depending on size and metal ion center.
Certain Chemorheologic Considerations Regarding the Blood Vascular Interface with Particular Reference to Coronary Artery Disease

The locations of coronary atheroma in a hyperlipemic dog are shown to occur at points in the arterial tree where one would expect the most intense exposure to physical stress. Studies are presented that were designed to quantify certain aspects of the histological and physicochemical response of the arterial intima to a variety of acutely imposed mechanical stresses. These results indicate that the endothelial-cell population has an acute yield stress to shear of about 400 dynes/cm2; that exposure to stress in excess of this is associated with cytological and chemical changes, suggesting that physical processes are occurring, such as "yielding," "melting," "dissolving," "imbibition," and "permeation" of the interfacial tissues; and that even in the absence of cytological changes, the permeability of the interface for albumin is increased by increasing the stress acting on the interface whether in shear, compression, or tension. The relations of these events to tissue rheology, the strain energy density of...
Seamless Bead to Microarray Screening: Rapid Identification of the Highest Affinity Protein Ligands from Large Combinatorial Libraries

Several approaches have been developed for screening combinatorial libraries or collections of synthetic molecules for agonists or antagonists of protein function, each with its own advantages and limitations. In this report, we describe an experimental platform that seamlessly couples massively parallel bead-based screening of one-bead one-compound combinatorial libraries with microarray-based quantitative comparisons of the binding affinities of the many hits isolated from the bead library. Combined with other technical improvements, this technique allows the rapid identification of the best protein ligands in combinatorial libraries containing millions of compounds without the need for labor-intensive resynthesis of the hits.
Role of Cluster Size in Catalysis: Spectroscopic Investigation of γ-Al2O3-Supported Ir4 and Ir6 during Ethene Hydrogenation

γ-Al2O3-supported Ir4 and Ir6 were prepared by decarbonylation of tetra- and hexanuclear iridium carbonyls, respectively, and compared as catalysts for ethene hydrogenation at atmospheric pressure and temperatures in the range 273−300 K. Rates of the reaction were determined along with extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) and IR spectra characterizing the clusters in the working catalysts. EXAFS data show that the Ir4 and Ir6 cluster frames remained intact during catalysis. Di-σ-bonded ethene and π-bonded ethene on the clusters were identified by IR spectroscopy and found to compete as the principal reaction intermediates, with the former predominating at ethene partial pressures less than about 200 Torr and the latter at higher ethene partial pressures. Hydrogen on the clusters is inferred to form by dissociative adsorption of H2; alternatively, it is provided by OH groups of the support. The rate of ethene hydrogenation on Ir4 is typically several times greater than that on Ir6.
Technical Communique: Performance of an adaptive algorithm for sinusoidal disturbance rejection in high noise

The paper proposes a discrete-time algorithm for the rejection of sinusoidal disturbances of unknown frequency. The algorithm is adapted from an existing continuous-time algorithm and the overall nonlinear system is analyzed using a linear approximation. The paper shows that the noise rejection properties may be predicted using an in-phase/quadrature decomposition of the noise similar to the one encountered in the theory of phase-locked loops. Estimates are obtained for the standard deviations of the plant output and of the adaptive parameters. Simulations validate the predictions of the analysis, despite the nonlinear nature of the adaptive system and the high level of noise applied.
Mentoring through reflective journal writing: a qualitative study by a mentor/professor and two international graduate students

Universities and colleges seek to help all students succeed. However, foreign graduate students experience a different set of challenges than domestic students. Culture shock and writing in a foreign language are just a few examples that threaten their overall success. This qualitative participatory action research study describes and explains how two graduate students and a faculty mentor engaged in mentoring and structured reflective writing activities designed to address these challenges. The research data include a focus group interview, analysis of selected journal pages and conference presentations. Results indicate that reflective journal writing and mentoring help foreign graduate students de‐stress, learn the tacit knowledge of the academy and participate in scholarly activities like conference presentations and publishing.
Encircling overlapping multipulse shock waveforms for transthoracic defibrillation

Objectives. This study was performed to determine the efficacy of new encircling overlapping multipulse, multipathway waveforms for transthoracic defibrillation. Background. Alternative waveforms for transthoracic defibrillation may improve shock success. Methods. First, we determined the shock success achieved by three different waveforms at varying energies (18–150 J) in 21 mongrel dogs after short-duration ventricular fibrillation. The waveforms tested included the traditional damped sinusoidal waveform, a single pathway biphasic waveform, and a new encircling overlapping multipulse waveform delivered from six electrode pads oriented circumferentially. Second, in 11 swine we compared the efficacy of encircling overlapping multipulse shocks given from six electrode pads and three capacitors versus encircling overlapping shocks given from a device utilizing three electrodes and one capacitor. Results. In the first experiment, the encircling overlapping waveform performed significantly better than biphasic and damped sinusoidal waveforms at lower energies. The shock success rate of the overlapping waveform (six pads) ranged from 67 ± 4% (at 18–49 J energy) to 99 ± 3% at ≥150 J; at comparable energies biphasic waveform shock success ranged from 26 ± 5% (p < 0.01 vs. encircling overlapping waveforms) to 99 ± 5% (p = NS). Damped sinusoidal waveform shock success ranged from 4 ± 1% (p < 0.01 vs. encircling overlapping waveform) to 73 ± 9% (p = NS). In the second experiment the three electrode pads, one capacitor encircling waveform achieved shock success rates comparable with the six-pad, three-capacitor waveform; at 18–49 J, success rates were 45 ± 15% versus 57 ± 12%, respectively (p = NS). At 100 J, success rates for both were 100%. Conclusions. We conclude that encircling overlapping multipulse multipathway waveforms facilitate transthoracic defibrillation at low energies. These waveforms can be generated from a device that requires only three electrodes and one capacitor.
Genetic susceptibility and oxidative stress in prostate cancer: integrated model with implications for prevention.

Prostate cancer has been the most common visceral malignancy in U.S. men since 1984, accounting for one third of all such cancers. The estimated lifetime risk of disease is 17.6% for whites and 20.6% for African Americans, with a lifetime risk of death of 2.8% and 4.7%, respectively. The incidence of prostate cancer peaked in 1992, approximately 5 years after the introduction of prostate-specific antigen determination as a screening test, decreased precipitously until 1995, and has been rising slowly since then at a slope similar to that observed before the prostate-specific antigen era. Although many potential risk factors have been identified and many hypotheses have been proposed about the cause of prostate cancer, its etiology remains unknown. Considerable evidence suggests that both genetic and environmental factors play a role in the origin and evolution of this disease. Recent studies have suggested an important role for intraprostatic inflammation in its pathogenesis. In this review, we highlight recent scientific and clinical evidence suggesting a convergence among genetic susceptibility, predisposition to infection, and impaired cellular defense mechanisms against oxidative stress in the genesis of prostate cancer and discuss the implications for prevention.
Availability, requesting practices, and barriers to referral for high-resolution CT of the lungs: results of a survey of U.S. pulmonologists.

Abstract Rationale and Objectives The authors performed this study to assess the availability of high-resolution computed tomography (CT), current referral practices, and potential barriers to the clinical use of high-resolution CT in patients with diffuse lung disease. Materials and Methods The authors sent a survey to 450 pulmonologists who were members of the American College of Chest Physicians. They sought information about the availability of high-resolution CT services, explored the physicians' current requesting practices and the monthly number of referrals, and assessed the influence of six factors on the decision to refer. Results The authors received completed surveys from 230 pulmonologists (52.6%). High-resolution CT services were available to all respondents and had been used by 226 (98.3%) of them during the preceding 12 months. Two-thirds of respondents referred one to four patients per month, and one-third referred five or more. Monthly referral volume did not significantly vary among different practice types. The pulmonologists expressed a preference for hospital-based imaging facilities and routinely reviewed the images from the examinations they ordered. The most frequent reason for high-resolution CT was classification of a known interstitial process. High-resolution CT was infrequently requested to evaluate symptomatic immunocompromised patients. Confidence in the radiologist's high-resolution CT interpretation was the most important factor influencing the referral decision, and radiation dose to the patient was the least important. Conclusion High-resolution CT services are widely available to and frequently requested by U.S. pulmonologists in a variety of practice settings. High-resolution CT may be underutilized in symptomatic immunocompromised patients. Radiologists should be aware that the perception of their skill in high-resolution CT interpretation is an important determinant in the pulmonologist's decision to refer.
Collaborative software infrastructure for adaptive multiple model simulation

This paper presents a software infrastructure being developed to support the implementation of adaptive multiple model simulations. The paper first describes an abstraction of single and multiple model simulations into the individual operational components with a focus on the relationships and transformations that relate them. Building on that abstraction, consideration is then given to how adaptively controlled multiple model simulations can be constructed using existing simulation components interacting through functional interfaces. This includes addressing how experts would provide the infrastructure with the needed components and define the relations and transformations needed to interact with other components, and for users to define the simulations they wish to be executed. Next, a discussion of the software environment used to implement the multiple model simulation infrastructure is given. Finally, there is discussion of the implementation, using this infrastructure, of two multiscale and one multiple fidelity model simulation applications.
Polymerization of phenylacetylene using palladium (II) catalysts

Poly(phenylacetylenes) were synthesized using various palladium (II) salts as initiators. In the case of palladium diacetate, the polymerizations were found to be extremely exothermic, with explosions occurring on some occasions. The polymers produced yielded two fractions, a methanol soluble and a methanol insoluble fraction. Both fractions were found to be low molecular weight linear polymers.
Distinguishing the viewers, downloaders, and exchangers of Internet child pornography by individual differences: Preliminary findings

Abstract The current study assessed the relationship between personality and cognitive differences and the respondents' level of engagement in child pornography (searching for/viewing, downloading, or exchanging). 273 respondents completed the anonymous online survey; 257 respondents (94%) were classified as non-child pornography consumers, and 16 respondents (6%) were classified as Internet child pornography consumers. When only considering the child pornography users, 63% ( n = 10) were categorized as searchers/viewers, 18.5% ( n = 3) were categorized as downloaders, and 18.5% ( n = 3) were categorized as exchangers. When discriminating between child pornography consumers, those individuals who only searched for and viewed child pornography were less extraverted than those individuals who reported exchanging Internet child pornography. Higher scores on extraversion may reflect the offender's ability to socially network on the Internet in order to gain access to child pornography (i.e., exchanging/sharing). Significant correlations also suggested a relationship between child pornography behaviors, conscientiousness, and excitement-seeking. Future research suggestions and limitations are discussed.
Relationships between Work Commitments and Experience of Personal Well-Being:

It was hypothesized that work commitment is positively related to personal well-being along most of the commitment range. At the top end of the range, however, where “overcommitment” is indicated, a deterioration of well-being was expected. The sample consisted of 257 young, primarily men, retail managers. Analysis indicated a linear relationship between commitment and well-being across the whole range. The findings support the traditional position that personal commitment to central domains of life contributes to well-being. They do not support the hypothesis concerning detrimental effects of “overcommitment.”
Using quantile plots of the prediction variance for comparing designs for a constrained mixture region: an application involving a fertilizer experiment

Summary. Vining and co-workers have used plots of the prediction variance trace (PVT) along the so-called prediction rays to compare mixture designs in a constrained region R. In the present paper, we propose a method for describing the distribution of the prediction variance within the region R by using quantile plots. More comprehensive comparisons between mixture designs are possible through the proposed plots than with the PVT plots. The utility of the quantile plots is illustrated with a four-component fertilizer experiment that was initiated in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Vitamin E measurement in patients receiving intravenous lipid emulsions.

Two methods for the determination of plasma vitamin E—high—pressure liquid chromatography and spectrophotofluorometry—were compared on samples from four groups of pediatric patients: children and infants receiving lipid emulsion as part of their parenteral nutrition regimen, neonates receiving parenteral nutrition who were not receiving lipid emulsion at the time of blood sampling, and short admission surgery control subjects. In control subjects and patients not receiving lipid emulsions, both methods yielded similar results for vitamin E as α-tocopherol. In contrast, in patients receiving lipid emulsion, the fluorometric method yielded values ranging from 200% to 300% greater than did high-pressure liquid chromatography. The source of the discrepancy is most probably the presence of naturally occurring non-α-tocopherol isomers in the lipid products, which add to the fluorescent measurement but are resolved by high-pressure liquid chromatography. This study confirms clinically that fluorescent measuremen...
Basic mechanisms of disease progression in the failing heart: The role of excessive adrenergic drive*

This review examines experimental evidence that suggests that excessive adrenergic stimulation of the heart may actually contribute to the untoward natural history of congestive heart failure. The basic mechanisms for catecholamine-mediated cardiac toxicity are discussed, as well as relatively new evidence that catecholamine-mediated toxicity is the result of β-adrenoceptor-mediated cyclic adenosine monophosphate-dependent calcium overload of the cardiac myocyte. The studies reviewed herein provide a plausible biological rationale for the use of β-adrenergic blocking agents in patients with heart failure.
Field electron microscope study of niobium surfaces

An account is presented of field emission experiments on contaminated and clean niobium surfaces. It is concluded that the equilibrium thermal end-forms of niobium single crystal emitters consist of small flat regions of low index crystallographic directions smoothly joined by transition planes to give a shape close to spheroidal. Fowler-Nordheim graphs of the voltage-current characteristics of the thermally cleaned cathodes gave a work function of (4.1 ± 0.1) eV which agrees with the results of other measurements. Es wird uber Feldemissionsexperimente berichtet, die an kontaminierten und reinen Niobiumoberflachen ausgefuhrt wurden. Daraus wird gefolgert, das die thermischen Gleichgewichtsendformen der einkristallinen Niobiumkathoden aus kleinen flachen Gebieten mit numerisch niedrigen kristallographischen Richtungen bestehen, die durch glatte Ubergange zu einer fast spharischen Form zusammengefugt sind. Die Fowler-Nordheim-Charakteristiken der thermisch gesauberten Kathoden ergeben eine Austrittsarbeit von (4,1 ± 0,1) eV, was mit den Ergebnissen anderer Messungen ubereinstimmt.
Fielding hot topics in cool settings: The study of corporate ethics

This paper describes the methods used to gain access and conduct research on corporate ethics in two large corporations. To date, only a small number of social scientists have pursued such sensitive and highly intrusive field research because of substantial obstacles to gaining access and completing meaningful investigations. Detailed discussion of how we framed the study and then sold the research to the two sites points to the conclusion that the merging of science and action is both difficult and fruitful. This study highlights the need to establish appropriate balance between scholarly and applied objectives, to build collaborative relations with research participants, and to bring an interdisciplinary approach to contextually based studies of corporate ethics and deviancy.
Tests of CPT conservation in the neutral kaon system.

We make use of high-precision measurements in the neutral kaon system to analyze how well {ital CPT} is conserved. Although present data provide rather stringent tests of {ital CPT}, actually these measurements provide bounds only on differences of {ital CPT}-violating parameters. Although {ital CP}-violating phenomena in the {Delta}{ital S}=2 sector are dominantly {ital CPT} conserving, present data do not allow a similar unambiguous statement to be made for the {Delta}{ital S}=1 sector.
Nitrogen Credits in Soybean-Corn Crop Sequences on Three Soils

Economic and environmental incentives to accurately predict corn (Zea mays L.) N requirements emphasize the need to assign appropriate N credits for soybean (Glycine max L.) in soybean-corn crop sequences. This study was conducted to determine corn response to N and N credits for soybean in crop sequences. The effects of corn-corn (CC), soybean-corn (SbC), and soybean-corn-corn (SbCC) crop sequences and applied N (0 to 225 kg N ha −1 ) on corn grain yield, N uptake, and soil NO 3 and NH 4 concentrations were determined for 4 yr at three sites differing in climatic and soil characteristics. Four-year mean yields in SbC were 1.4 and 2.2 Mg ha −1 higher than in CC at two sites with nonirrigated silt loam soils, but yield erects due to crop sequence were small on an irrigated sandy soil [...]
Pattern and Spacing of Basic Amino Acids in Heparin Binding Sites

Glycosaminoglycan (GAG)-protein interactions regulate a myriad of physiologic and pathologic processes, yet an understanding of how these molecules interact is lacking. The role of the pattern and spacing of basic amino acids (arginine (R) and lysine (K)) in heparin binding sites was investigated using peptide analogs as well as by examining known heparin binding sites. Peptides having the general structure R(n)W (n = 3-9, where tyrosine (W) was added for peptide detection) were synthesized and their interaction with heparin was determined by isothermal titration calorimetry. Binding affinity increased with increasing number of R residues. A 9-mer of R (R9W) bound as tightly to heparin as acidic fibroblast growth factor under physiologic conditions. Despite their high affinity for heparin, long stretches of basic amino acids are uncommon in heparin binding proteins. Known heparin binding sites most commonly contain single isolated basic amino acids separated by one nonbasic amino acid. Peptides having the structure, H3CCONH-GRRG(m)RRG(5-m)-CONH2 (denoted as the RRG(m)RR peptide series) and H3CCONH-GRRRG(m)RG(5-m)-CONH2 (denoted as the RRRG(m)R peptide series), where m = 0-5, were synthesized to test the hypothesis that the spacing of basic amino acids in heparin binding sites is optimally arranged to interact with different GAGs. The peptides, in both the -RRG(m)RR- and -RRRG(m)R- peptide series, when m = 0, bound most tightly with heparin, as measured by affinity chromatography. In contrast, the -RRG(m)RR-peptide series interacted most tightly with heparan sulfate when m = 0 or 1, whereas the -RRRG(m)R- peptide series bound tightest when m = 3. These results are consistent with our understanding of heparin and heparan sulfate structure. A highly sulfated GAG, such as heparin, interacts most tightly with peptides (or peptide sequences within proteins) containing a complementary binding site of high positive charge density. Heparan sulfate, having fewer and more highly spaced negatively charged groups, interacts most tightly with a complementary site on a peptide (or peptide sequences with proteins) that has more widely spaced cationic residues.
End-of-life care in the critically ill geriatric population.

As the geriatric population in the United States (US) increases and better management of chronic diseases improves survival, more elderly will become critically ill and potentially require treatment in an intensive care unit (ICU). Dan Callahan has written, ‘‘ ... we will live longer lives, be better sustained by medical care, in return for which our deaths in old age are more likely to be drawn out and wild’’ [1]. Although no health care provider hopes for a drawn out and wild death for elderly patients, many geriatric persons will succumb to disease and die after having chosen and received ICU care. Recent data suggest that, onaverage, 11% of Medicare recipients spend more that 7 days in the ICU within 6 months before death [2]. In the US, more than 50% of ICU beds are filled by elderly patients [3–5]. However, the ICU is an intervention, not a therapy nor a cure. ICU technology can sustain life long after it has meaning to the patient or their family. As Luce and Prendergast point out, there is an evolution in medical practice toward a more active role in managing the deaths of critically ill patients in the ICU [6,7]. Specialists who care for critically ill patients must also be specialists in the management of dying and death. This article addresses the knowledge base and skills that physicians need to guide the appropriate use of ICU technology in the elderly and facilitate peaceful and dignified dying in those who have no further benefit from that technology. We will specifically address: (1) which elderly patients might benefit from ICU care; (2) costs of ICU care; (3) principles of palliative care and an interdisciplinary model for the ICU; (4) ethics of end-of-life care in the ICU, (5) communication in the ICU: assessment of decisional capacity, informed consent, goal setting, transitions to EOLC, and family conferences; (6) a good death; holistic issues such as patient and family support methods; and (7) withdrawal of life support with
An efficient controller for variable supply-voltage low power processing

A chip has been designed to test the implementation of a PLL-based dynamic supply controller. Separating the rate transitions from V/sub T/ and temperature drift improves loop transient response. Buffering and explicit averaging can be used to smooth workload. Active damping minimizes loss in the supply filter due to voltage transitions.
Pressure Distribution During Binder Burnout in Three-dimensional Porous Ceramic Bodies with Anisotropic Permeability

The flow of gas-phase products in three-dimensional porous bodies was modeled for the case when a source term is present. Analytical solutions to the governing partial differential equations were obtained for bodies of parallelepiped and cylindrical geometry. An important feature of the model is that it treats the case where the permeability in the body may be anisotropic. The evolution of pressure within the body depends on a number of parameters, including the rate of production of gas-phase species, and on the dimensions of the body. The model is thus able to describe the pressure within a porous ceramic body arising from flow during a number of elevated-temperature processing operations such as drying, binder burnout, and sintering.