cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of hydrocarbon chain length and cyclization on the adsorption strength of unsaturated hydrocarbons on Pt/3d bimetallic surfaces

Abstract Pt-based 3d bimetallic surfaces are known to display higher activities and/or selectivities for various important surface reactions. They exhibit properties that can be entirely different from the parent metal surfaces. Various linear and cyclic unsaturated hydrocarbons were examined over a range of Pt bimetallic surfaces in the present work to help understand the influence of the adsorbate structure and the electronic structure of bimetallic surface on their adsorption properties and reactivity. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to study the binding of these molecules on the 3d-Pt(1 1 1) surface (over-layer structure) and Pt–3d-Pt (subsurface) structure. The effect of hydrocarbon chain length as well as cyclization was also studied on these surfaces. The DFT results for linear alkenes (1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene) showed that the binding energies of these molecules decreased as the d-band centers moved away from the Fermi level, for 3d as well as 5d surfaces. Cyclohexene adsorption and reactivity were also studied using both theory and experiments. Cyclohexene adsorbed in a boat-type configuration and bonded weakly to the surface as compared to 1-hexene. Benzene adsorption was investigated on the bridge as well as the hollow adsorption sites. Benzene bonded more weakly than 1-hexene and cyclohexene on the subsurface Pt–3d-Pt(1 1 1) bimetallic structures.
Direct Fan-Beam Reconstruction Algorithm via Filtered Backprojection for Differential Phase-Contrast Computed Tomography

Recently, a novel data acquisition method has been proposed and experimentally implemented for differential phase-contrast computed tomography (DPC-CT), in which a conventional X-ray tube and a Talbot-Lau-type interferometer were utilized in data acquisition. The divergent nature of the data acquisition system requires a divergent-beam image reconstruction algorithm for DPC-CT. This paper focuses on addressing this image reconstruction issue. We have developed a filtered backprojection algorithm to directly reconstruct the DPC-CT images from acquired fan-beam data. The developed algorithm allows one to directly reconstruct the decrement of the real part of the refractive index from the measured data. In order to accurately reconstruct an image, the data need to be acquired over an angular range of at least 180 ∘ plus the fan angle. As opposed to the parallel beam data acquisition and reconstruction methods, a 180 ∘ -rotation angle for the data acquisition system does not provide sufficient data for an accurate reconstruction of the entire field of view. Numerical simulations have been conducted to validate the image reconstruction algorithm.
ANATOMY OF THE A-V NODE OF THE DOG.

The A-V node of the dog is composed of closely interwoven fibers which frequently connect with each other within a sparse collagen framework. Fibers from the interatrial septum enter the posterior half of the node along its superior and posterior margins, while the anterior half of the node is isolated from such connections. In addition there are fibers from the interatrial septum which bypass these marginal atrionodal junctions and instead enter the convex surface of the node, which lies beneath the right atrial endocardium. These bypassing fibers circumvent most of the interweaving fibers within the A-V node. At the posterior margin of the node, lying between it and the coronary sinus, there are ganglia and nerves, with the nerve fibers extending anteriorly through the A-V node into the A-V bundle. The only major anatomic difference between the human and canine A-V nodes is their arterial blood supply, that of man being derived from one source originating from the right coronary artery and that of the dog being from two sources, both of which originate from the left coronary artery.
Tip splitting in dendritic growth of ice crystals

Ice crystals growing vertically upwards in quiescent ultrapure water have been investigated at small subcoolings in the range of 0.035 T1.0 K. At subcooling less than 0.35 K, dendritic tips split and the tip radius ${\mathit{R}}_{2}$ drops because two tips replace one when viewed from the basal plane. The growth velocity and the tip radius of the edge plane of the dendrite, however, are found to remain independent of time and unaffected by the morphological instabilities in the basal plane. In contrast, when the subcooling is greater than 0.35 K, the tips seem to grow with an invariant shape. The shape of drops of water that are in equilibrium with solid ice is observed to be close to a circular disk. From the shape of these drops, the anisotropy of the surface energy in the edge plane, which is an ellipse, is estimated to be about 30%, while the basal plane is found to be indistinguishable from a circle, despite the hexagonal structure of ice. We speculate here that tip splitting in ice dendrites may be a morphological instability caused by the coupling between lack of anisotropy in the basal plane and natural convection, which becomes significant at small \ensuremath{\Delta}T.
Reactions within the lungs of guinea pigs to the intratracheal administration of zinc beryllium silicate.

Abstract Zinc silicate and zinc beryllium silicate were injected intratracheally into two groups of guinea pigs. Serial sacrifice of the animals was made and the pathology of lesions of the lungs was studied. Zinc silicate produced lesions comparable to but less severe than those from zinc beryllium silicate. Lesions from zinc silicate reached maximal intensity in about eight weeks; thereafter, recovery was noted and at 14 months a normal pulmonary parenchyma was restored. The beryllium salt produced more advanced lesions in two weeks with progression for three or four months. At 15 months some residual injury remained.
Characteristics of induced spreading depression after transient focal ischemia in the rat.

Abstract We examined characteristics of spreading depression (SD) induced on the rat cortex 1 day after transient focal ischemia. Male Wistar rats (n=21) were subjected to transient intraluminal thread occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery for 75 min. Twenty-four hours after the reperfusion, cerebral blood flow (CBF) was determined using laser Doppler flowmeter during multiple SDs elicited on both non-stroke (left) and stroke (right) cortex by the topical application of 2 M KCl. We also examined CBF responses before and after the intravenous administration of the nonspecific NOS inhibitor Nω-nitro- l -arginine methyl ester ( l -NAME, 10 mg/kg) in normal and stroke cortex. Animals were divided into two groups; Group 1 (n=12), animals with subcortical infarction and Group 2 (n=9), animals with subcortical plus cortical infarction. There were no differences between non-stroke and stroke sides in the duration or amplitude of the DC potential shifts in either group. The transient CBF hyperemia during SD was not different between non-stroke (372±23% of baseline, mean±S.E.) and stroke sides (383±30%) in Group 1. However, in Group 2, CBF was significantly restricted on the stroke side (192±15% vs. non-stroke side, 374±33%). In four normal animals without ischemia, there were no differences in CBF response between both sides. l -NAME had no effect on the transient CBF hyperemia during SD in any of the groups. These data suggest that the CBF responses during SD in the peri-infarction area is restricted 1 day after the transient focal ischemia, while CBF responses are intact in normal cortex overlapping a subcortical infarct. Further, our results indicate that nitric oxide does not promote CBF responses during SD in normal cortex or in tissue surrounding infarction.
Synthesis of 1,2-cycloalkanediols by intramolecular titanium-induced pinacol coupling

Abstract Seven representative 1,2-cycloalkanediols of ring size 6-14 were prepared in high yield by titanium-induced pinacol coupling of dialdehydes. Cis stereochemistry predominated in six- and eight-membered rings, but trans products were formed in ring sized ten and above.
Cardiovascular responses to static exercise in conscious cats: effects of intracerebroventricular injection of clonidine.

1. Static exercise elicits increases in arterial blood pressure and heart rate (HR) in humans and conscious animals. In this study, the effects of intracerebroventricular (I.C.V.) administration of clonidine, an alpha 2-adrenergic agonist, on these cardiovascular responses were investigated using conscious cats. Four cats were operantly trained to extend a forelimb and press a bar (200-650 g) for 15-60 s. A stainless-steel cannula was inserted into the right lateral ventricle for I.C.V. injection of drugs, and a common carotid artery was catheterized to measure mean arterial pressure (MAP) and HR. The number of exercise trials and changes in MAP, HR and force were pooled for 30 min periods. After the cats exercised for 30 min, either artificial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or clonidine (2 or 5 micrograms) were administered intracerebroventricularly. 2. Before clonidine injection, fifty-two exercise trials increased MAP and HR by 15 +/- 3 mmHg and 41 +/- 5 beats min-1, respectively. Administration of clonidine (2 micrograms) did not alter the resting MAP and HR, but attenuated the increases in MAP and HR in response to exercise (0-30 min post-clonidine: n = 81; delta MAP, 6 +/- 3 mmHg; delta HR, 20 +/- 6 beats min-1; 30-60 min post-clonidine: n = 71; delta MAP, 4 +/- 4 mmHg; delta HR, 17 +/- 8 beats min-1). Administration of artificial CSF I.C.V. had no effect on the cardiovascular responses to static exercise. 3. An increased dose of clonidine (5 micrograms) decreased resting MAP and HR by 31 +/- 7 mmHg and 37 +/- 7 beats min-1, respectively, and markedly blunted the cardiovascular responses to exercise (pre-clonidine: n = 52; delta MAP, 17 +/- 3 mmHg; delta HR, 38 +/- 5 beats min-1; post-clonidine 0-30 min: n = 66; delta MAP, 4 +/- 2 mmHg; delta HR, 15 +/- 5 beats min-1; post-clonidine 30-60 min: n = 60; delta MAP, 4 +/- 2 mmHg; delta HR, 14 +/- 6 beats min-1). Pretreatment with the alpha 2-adrenergic antagonist, yohimbine (8 micrograms, I.C.V.), blocked the attenuating effects of I.C.V. administration of clonidine (5 micrograms). 4. These results show that stimulation of central alpha 2-adrenoceptors by clonidine attenuates the cardiovascular responses to static exercise in conscious cats. In addition, this study suggests that alpha 2-adrenoceptors blocked by yohimbine injected I.C.V. do not appear to have a tonic influence on HR and blood pressure.
Self-Assembled Monolayers of n-Alkanethiols Suppress Hydrogen Evolution and Increase the Efficiency of Rechargeable Iron Battery Electrodes

Iron-based rechargeable batteries, because of their low cost, eco-friendliness, and durability, are extremely attractive for large-scale energy storage. A principal challenge in the deployment of these batteries is their relatively low electrical efficiency. The low efficiency is due to parasitic hydrogen evolution that occurs on the iron electrode during charging and idle stand. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that linear alkanethiols are very effective in suppressing hydrogen evolution on alkaline iron battery electrodes. The alkanethiols form self-assembled monolayers on the iron electrodes. The degree of suppression of hydrogen evolution by the alkanethiols was found to be greater than 90%, and the effectiveness of the alkanethiol increased with the chain length. Through steady-state potentiostatic polarization studies and impedance measurements on high-purity iron disk electrodes, we show that the self-assembly of alkanethiols suppressed the parasitic reaction by reducing the interfa...
Expectations as a Comparison Standard in Measuring Service Quality: An Assessment of a Reassessment:

The author responds to issues raised by Parasuraman, Zeithaml, and Berry (1994) concerning his 1993 article that outlines theoretical and operational problems associated with the SERVQUAL model of ...
Improving research on primary care patients with mental health problems: observations from an investigator

BACKGROUND AND AIMS OF THE MANUSCRIPT: The purpose of this manuscript is to define under-recognized perspectives that the primary care research field needs to integrate into research initiatives, and to discuss practical strategies to ensure the successful implementation of these initiatives. METHODS: Perspectives and strategies were identified through personal experience, informal discussion with ten senior investigators in the field and a selected literature review. RESULTS: Research on improving treatment for the mental health problems of primary care patients will progress more rapidly if investigators explore the usefulness of a competing demands framework, integrate a readiness to change perspective in developing more individualized interventions for providers and patients, evaluate interventions for their effect on productivity and test alternative interventions particularly in patients who fail to benefit from currently accepted treatment. The implementation of these initiatives will be more successful if research teams define unique scientific agendas, invest energy in pursuing questions whose value is undisputed by multiple parties, increase the rate of inter-institutional exchange between senior and junior investigators, pilot test assumptions that affect project budget and timeline, build in a limited amount of slack time in early phases of project implementation and network effectively. IMPLICATIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH: Investigator efforts to define critical questions for the primary care management of mental health problems will be enhanced if they revisit the definition of their research agendas in the light of new perspectives that are emerging in the field. Similarly, the implementation of these agendas will be strengthened if investigators make conscious attempts to use one or more of the strategies suggested.
Cationic polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) units as carriers for drug delivery processes

Quaternary ammonium functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (OctaAmmonium-POSS) units, widely employed as additives in ceramic and polymeric systems, possess many attributes which make them attractive as biocompatible drug carriers: nanoscale size, three-dimensional functionality, efficient cellular uptake, low toxicity, and high solubility.
Problems associated with launching hypervelocity projectiles from the Fast Shock Tube

Modeling and experiments are being done with the goal of understanding the physics of projectile acceleration at high driving pressures (megabar range) and short acceleration times (a few microseconds) well enough to design and test successful hypervelocity launch systems. The Fast Shock Tube, a cylindrically convergent high-explosive driver, has been used to accelerate projectiles. Detailed modeling of the experiments, including high-pressure gas flow, projectile instability, and projectile fracture, has been done with MESA/2D. Modeling results show quantitative agreement with the average behavior of the system. However, details of projectile behavior are not predicted well. Observed velocity distributions across the diameter of a projectile or projectile shapes are only in qualitative agreement with calculations. This, then, presents the major constraint on the successful design of a launch system: that the processes that limit projectile integrity depend on the details of the drive conditions, and these details are not quantitatively modeled at this time.
Uses of satellite microwave measurements to improve hurricane predictions

Numerical simulations of hurricanes often require an initial vortex field because the hurricane forecast models normally run at higher resolutions and the wind fields from the global forecast models tend to be too weak, especially for hurricanes at their incipient stages. A scheme was developed to produce more realistic hurricane vortices using the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU) data (Zhu et al. 2002). Recently, several improvements were made to the scheme, including one-dimension variational analysis of atmospheric temperature profiles and two-dimensional optimal interpolation of the retrieved temperatures into the NCEP GFS data assimilation (GDAS) analysis fields for the three-dimension atmospheric temperature field within the storm and its environment. The analysis scheme is also generalized by using AMSU temperature anomaly fields, rather than the temperature itself and is therefore applicable for any NWP model outputs. It is shown that predictions of Hurricane Isabel (2003) from the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model can be significantly improved with the AMSU derived hurricane initial vortex, in terms of improvements in storm tracks and intensity.
Declining Use of Radiotherapy in Stage I and II Hodgkin’s Disease and Its Effect on Survival and Secondary Malignancies

Purpose Concerns regarding long-term toxicities have led some to withhold radiotherapy (RT) for the treatment of Stage I and II Hodgkin’s disease (HD). The present study was undertaken to assess the use of RT for HD and its effect on overall survival and the development of secondary malignancies. Methods and Materials The present study included data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database from patients aged ≥20 years who had been diagnosed with Stage I or II HD between 1988 and 2006. Overall survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and the Cox multivariate regression model was used to analyze trends. Results A total of 12,247 patients were selected, and 51.5% had received RT. The median follow-up for the present cohort was 4.9 years, with 21% of the cohort having >10 years of follow-up. Between 1988 and 1991, 62.9% had undergone RT, but between 2004 and 2006, only 43.7% had undergone RT (p Conclusions The present study is one of the largest studies to examine the role of RT for Stage I and II HD. Our results revealed a survival benefit with the addition of RT with no increase in the development of secondary malignancies compared with patients who had not received RT. Furthermore, the present nationwide study revealed a >20% absolute decrease in the use of RT from 1988 to 2006.
The Future of US–China Relations: From Conflict to Concert

China and the United States have just experienced political transitions that allow the leaders of both countries to focus on bilateral relations free from the pressures of domestic political campaigns. But the domestic politics of the bilateral relationship inside each country are, like the structural tensions between the established power and the rising challenger, intensifying, as Washington takes new steps to assert its primacy in Asia and Beijing works to edge America out of its neighbourhood. US-China relations are likely to be less stable and more prone to conflict over President Obama’s second term, unless the two nations can arrive at a modus vivendi to keep the peace in Asia. The challenge is that such an entente likely requires the kind of political change in China its leaders seem determined to block for fear of the threat it would pose to their own legitimacy. The reverberations of a relationship that is conflict-prone, but in which conflict holds such downside risks for both countries, will b...
Improving adherence to abnormal Pap smear follow-up.

Objective To gain a better understanding of factors that affect follow-up and the strategies that have been found to improve follow-up after an abnormal Papanicolaou (Pap) smear test. Data Sources A computer-based search of the literature was conducted using MEDLINE with the keywords adherence , nonadherence , compliance , follow - up , and abnormal Pap smears . Study Selection Research studies published between 1985 and 1999 in the English language were included. If relevant studies were cited in the articles reviewed, these studies also were reviewed. A total of 25 studies were reviewed. Data Extraction A critical review of these studies was conducted, with special attention to implications for clinical practice as well as future research. The studies fell into two groups: factors associated with nonadherence and strategies developed to improve adherence. Data Synthesis A number of factors were identified that affect adherence to follow-up among women with abnormal Pap smears. Some of these factors involve characteristics of the woman, such as demographics, social support, lack of understanding, and fear. Factors that pertain to the health care system, such as inconvenient clinic hours, male providers, and insensitive staff, also were identified. A number of strategies have been successful in improving follow-up, including telephone counseling, educational programs, and economic incentives. Conclusions Nurses play a crucial role in facilitating adherence to recommendations for follow-up. They can identify women at risk for poor follow-up, increase awareness of the factors that affect follow-up, and implement strategies shown to be successful in improving adherence. Future research should take into account the multifactoral nature of adherence as well as the patient's perspective. In addition, studies should be designed with special attention to generalizability and should include women from populations most at risk for cervical cancer.
A parallel rule firing fuzzy production system with resolution of memory conflicts by weak fuzzy monoticity, applied to the classification of multiple objects characterized by multiple uncertain features

Abstract A fuzzy production system shell is described characterized by parallel rather than sequential rule firing. All fireable rules are fired in effect concurrently. Since there is no unfired-rule stack, no backtracking can take place, and no rule conflict algorithm is necessary; instead, a memory conflict algorithm is invoked when more than one rule modifies the same datum. Memory conflicts are resolved by weakly monotonie fuzzy logic; i.e. the value or truth value of an attribute may be replaced if the new truth value is equal to or greater than the old truth value. The system depends heavily on the use of fuzzy logic and on confidence levels, fuzzy numbers and fuzzy sets as explicit data types, and on the generation of rules from a data base of expert knowledge. Fuzzy sets are used to store contradictory and ambiguous information and results. If a problem is suitable for parallel processing, substantial reductions in system overhead are achieved, together with substantial economy in the number of rules which must be written; if a problem is not suitable for parallel processing, no economy is achieved. We suggest that problems which yield to deductive reasoning constitute a class which is suitable for sequential rule firing, and problems which yield to inductive reasoning constitute a class suitable for parallel processing. A successful application of the system to the unsupervised analysis of a time sequence of noisy echocardiogram images is described.
106 Lentivirus and Adeno-Associated Virus Mediated Targeted Gene Transfection in Low-Oxygen Environment

A critical limitation of using retroviral vectors for gene therapy is their inability to infect non-dividing cells. Although, the adenoviral vectors have the advantage of being able to infect both dividing and non-dividing cells, they elicit inflammatory response, thus making the interpretation of in vivo experiments harder. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) and Lentiviral vectors do not have those limitations, however, scant information is available about their transfection efficiency under low-oxygen tension. To determine if low-oxygen microenvironment affects viral vector-mediated gene transfection, we have used two other viral vectors, Adeno-associated virus (AAV) and Lentiviral constructs in vitro and in vivo to express foreign genes in hypoxic cultured human dermal fibroblasts and ischemic rat wounds. Both cultured normoxic and hypoxic (1% O2) human dermal fibroblasts were identically transfected by the AAV vector. A lenti6-LacZ construct was injected onto the periphery of rat ischemic and non-ischemic wound (106 pfu/wound) at the time of wounding. Wounds were harvested at post-operative day 7. Frozen sections of the wounds were fixed in cold acetone and stained with a in situ β-gal staining kit. Intense expression of β-gal was observed without any inflammatory response. No significant difference of transfection efficiency was observed between the ischemic and non-ischemic wounds. Thus our data indicates that both AAV and Lentiviral vectors are suitable to use in gene-therapy experiments in both ischemic and non-ischemic cells and tissues in vitro and in vivo.
Measurement of antigen concentrations with a one-step inhibition assay

Abstract A device is described which is used to measure the concentration of antigen in solution. A wedge-shaped gap containing the antigen to be detected is bounded on one side by a reservoir containing specific antiserum and on the opposite side by a detection slide which has been previously coated with a layer of adsorbed antigen. As the antibodies diffuse through the gap, they complex with the soluble antigen in the wedge until these become saturated leaving additional antibody free to complex with antigen on the detection slide. By allowing diffusion to continue for an appropriate time, it is possible to relate the distance along the gap where this has occurred to the concentration of antigen within the gap. Using human IgG as a model antigen, we have been able to measure concentrations down to approximately 10 μm/ml with this test.
The effects of processor architecture on instruction memory traffic

The relative amount of instruction traffic for two architectures is about the same in the presence of a large cache as with no cache. Furthermore, the presence of an intermediate-sized cache probably substantially favors the denser architecture. Encoding techniques have a much greater impact on instruction traffic than do the differences between instruction set families such as stack and register set. However, register set architectures have somewhat lower instruction traffic than directly comparable stack architectures of some local variables are allocated in registers. This study has clearly indicated that cache factors should be taken into consideration when making architectural tradeoffs. The differences in memory traffic between two architectures may be greatly amplified in the presence of a cache.
New algorithms for computing groebner bases

In this thesis, we present new algorithms for computing Grobner bases. The first algorithm, G2V, is incremental in the same fashion as F5 and F5C. At a typical step, one is given a Grobner basis G for an ideal I and any polynomial g, and it is desired to compute a Grobner basis for the new ideal 〈 I, g〉, obtained from I by joining g. Let (I : g) denote the colon ideal of I divided by g. Our algorithm computes Grobner bases for 〈I, g〉 and (I : g) simultaneously. In previous algorithms, S-polynomials that reduce to zero are useless, in fact, F5 tries to avoid such reductions as much as possible. In our algorithm, however, these “useless” S-polynomials give elements in (I : g) and are useful in speeding up the subsequent computations. Computer experiments on some benchmark examples indicate that our algorithm is much more efficient (two to ten times faster) than F5 and F5C. Next, we present a more general algorithm that matches Buchberger's algorithm in simplicity and yet is more flexible than G2V. Given a list of polynomials, the new algorithm computes simultaneously a Grobner basis for the ideal generated by the polynomials and a Grobner basis for the leading terms of the syzygy module of the polynomials. For any term order for the ideal, one may vary the term order for the syzygy module. Under one term order for the syzygy module, the new algorithm specializes to the G2V algorithm, and under another term order for the syzygy module, the new algorithm may be several times faster than G2V, as indicated by computer experiments on benchmark examples. Finally, we present a solid theoretical framework for G2V and GVW which makes the algorithm much more understandable. This theory also gives a major improvement of the GVW algorithm. A proof of termination is provided for all algorithms, and an argument is made that GVW computes the fewest number of generators for the signature based algorithms used by GVW and F5 (similarly for G2V and F5C).
Dextrose saline compared with normal saline rehydration of hyperemesis gravidarum: a randomized controlled trial.

To the Editor:I was intrigued to learn that, before the trial by Tan, Norazilah, and Omar,1 no study existed comparing intravenous solutions for rehydration in hyperemesis gravidarum. Pertaining to the interpretation of their results, I have strong reservations regarding their conclusions. The autho
A Scanning Electron Microscopic Study of Heat‐Induced Alterations in Bovine Connective Tissue

Bovine sternomandibularis muscles were excised immediately following animal exsanguination for the study of collagen fibers and connective tissue network. Samples were cooked at 60°C or 80°C for 1 hr and were observed using the scanning electron microscope. An ordered array of collagen fibers was seen in the uncooked sample. The epimysium did not show large alterations after cooking; however, the perimysium and endomysium became granular at 60°C and gelatinized at 80°C. These differences may be related to the type of collagen or degree of crosslinking present in each location.
Quantitative Three-Dimensional Wall Motion Analysis Predicts Ischemic Region Size and Location

Stress echocardiography is an important screening test for coronary artery disease. Currently, cardiologists rely on visual analysis of left ventricular (LV) wall motion abnormalities, which is subjective and qualitative. We previously used finite-element models of the regionally ischemic left ventricle to develop a wall motion measure, 3DFS, for predicting ischemic region size and location from real-time 3D echocardiography (RT3DE). The purpose of this study was to validate these methods against regional blood flow measurements during regional ischemia and to compare the accuracy of our methods to the current state of the art, visual scoring by trained cardiologists. We acquired RT3DE images during 20 brief (<2 min) coronary occlusions in dogs and determined ischemic region size and location by microsphere-based measurement of regional perfusion. We identified regions of abnormal wall motion using 3DFS and by blinded visual scoring. 3DFS predicted ischemic region size well (correlation r 2 = 0.64 against microspheres, p < 0.0001), reducing error by more than half compared to visual scoring (8 ± 9% vs. 19 ± 14%, p < 0.05), while localizing the ischemic region with equal accuracy. We conclude that 3DFS is an objective, quantitative measure of wall motion that localizes acutely ischemic regions as accurately as wall motion scoring while providing superior quantification of ischemic region size.
Appraisal of the inverted-mesa AT-cut quartz resonator for achieving low-inductance high-Q single-response crystal units

A novel design for v.h.f. AT-cut quartz-crystal units is described which enables optimum energy-trapping conditions to be achieved with less restriction in the choice of equivalent electrical parameters than is usual for conventional units. The good suppression of unwanted modes, low inductance values and potentially good frequency stability of this type of unit should lead to its application in both oscillators and filters.
On the positive relation between received social support and negative affect: a test of the triage and self-esteem threat models in women with breast cancer.

Objective: There is a seemingly paradoxical positive relation between received social support and psychological distress in cancer patients. This study evaluates two models that explain this positive relation: (a) the triage model, which argues that more distressed people receive more support and (b) the self-esteem threat model, which argues that receiving support increases distress by undermining self-esteem. Methods: Longitudinal survey data were collected from 71 women treated for breast cancer at 3- (T1) and 18-months (T2) post-diagnosis Results: Analyses did not disconfirm either model. Consistent with the triage model, there was a marginally significant (p 5 0.052) positive relation between T1 negative affect and T2 received support, controlling for T1-received support. Consistent with the self-esteem threat model, a significant positive relation between T1 received support and T2 negative affect, controlling for T1 negative affect, appeared to be mediated by T2 self-esteem. Conclusions: These findings suggest that people with cancer who are most distressed may receive the most social support, but the conveyance of support can have negative consequences for self-esteem and affect. Copyright r 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Discriminative stimulus properties of the serotonin agonist MK 212

In an attempt to clarify the role of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the discriminative stimulus properties of MK 212 (6-chloro-2[1-piperazinyl]pyrazine), male Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to discriminate 0.5 mg/kg of this compound from saline. While the putative 5-HT agonists fenfluramine and m-chlorophenylpiperazine (MCPP) mimicked MK 212 in a dose-related manner, d-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), 8-hydroxy-2(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OHDPAT), 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeODMT), quipazine, Ru 24969, and 1-(m-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazine (TFMPP) failed to substitute completely. The 5-HT1/5-HT2 antagonists BC 105, metergoline, and methysergide completely blocked the MK 212 cue, while the selective 5-HT2 antagonists ketanserin and pirenperone, the dopamine antagonists haloperidol and spiperone, and the beta-noradrenergic antagonist propranolol were without effect. The substitutions of fenfluramine and MCPP for MK 212 support a role for 5-HT in the MK 212 cue; however, the lack of substitution of many other 5-HT agonists is difficult to explain. The complete antagonism by 5-HT1/5-HT2 but not by selective 5-HT2, antagonists suggests the possibility that 5-HT1 receptors mediate the stimulus properties of MK 212. Further research is needed to support this hypothesis and to investigate the relative role of 5-HT and other neurotransmitters in the stimulus effects of MK 212.
Subversion from the Sidelines

Mycobacterium tuberculosis , which kills 1.7 million people annually, is a pathogen that proliferates within macrophages of the immune system. The granuloma—the hallmark lesion of tuberculosis—forms from repeated waves of macrophages that arrive at the site of infection to combat the pathogen, only to be themselves infected by bacteria multiplying within their dying predecessors. A central tenet in the characterization of tuberculosis has been that the granuloma represents a host defense response that contains the infection. But could the beneficiary of granuloma formation be the pathogen itself rather than the host? On page 466 in this issue, Volkman et al. show that a secreted bacterial peptide and secreted host cell protein are key to stimulating early granuloma development and maintaining the infection ( 1 ). The simplest interpretation is that the pathway constitutes a deliberate pro-granulomatous virulence mechanism that benefits the bacteria.
The Neurology of Memory

Remembering is an intrinsic and awesome aspect of human function. Memory loss, a common sequela of brain damage, has been studied extensively to understand how the brain encodes, stores and retrieves information. Important anatomic structures for memory have been identified from work in surgical therapy for epilepsy as well as other clinical syndromes where memory loss is a major feature. Beyond clinicoanatomic correlations, current research has focused on synaptic modifications and biochemical processes that underlie changes in neuronal connectivity. As Alzheimer's disease research expands our knowledge of memory, the treatment of other memory disorders will follow.
Fraud and deception: a response to Gedeon Rossouw

This response addresses the question: how can ethical values play a role in combating fraud? Three points are made. Firstly, ethical values are both self- and other-related. Secondly, changing the prevalence of fraudulent behaviours requires not only a reduction in opportunity for fraud but also a change in mindset of the perpetrators. Thirdly, that change in mindset involves the recognition that there are personal and organizational advantages to be gained by not contributing to or abetting fraudulent behaviour. This latter point is illustrated with reference to the experience of Unilever where sustainable development is seen as contributing to the creation of long-term shareholder value.
The role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors in carcinogenesis and chemoprevention

Abstract Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand-activated transcription factors that are involved in regulating glucose and lipid homeostasis, inflammation, proliferation and differentiation. Although all of these functions might contribute to the influence of PPARs in carcinogenesis, there is a distinct need for a review of the literature and additional experimentation to determine the potential for targeting PPARs for cancer therapy and cancer chemoprevention. As PPAR agonists include drugs that are used for the treatment of metabolic diseases, a more complete understanding of the roles of PPARs in cancer will aid in determining any increased cancer risk for patients undergoing therapy with PPAR agonists.
The Reaction of Diphenylpicrylhydrazyl with Physiological Compounds

Abstract The reaction of the stable free radical diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) with catecholic metabolites and other physiological compounds is described. DPPH reacts in high molar ratios with dihydroxyphenylalanine, homovanillic acid, vanilmandelic acid, dihydroxyphenethylamine, and related metabolites, and offers A new colorimetric test for these compounds.
Phosphorescence decay of 2,2′-dipyridyl, 1,10-phenanthroline and their tris and bis complexes with rhodium(III) at low temperatures

Abstract Phosphorescence decay has been measured at liquid helium temperatures for 2,2′-dipyridyl, 1,10-phenanthroline and their tris and bis complexes with rhodium(III). The decay for the free ligands and bis complexes is exponential with lifetimes shorter than those measured at 77°K. The decay for the two tris complexes is non-exponential and can be analyzed to give two lifetimes. These low temperature lifetimes can be correlated with the respective single τ (77°K) and with the respective phosphorescence quantum yields. These data for the tris complexes imply that the spin-lattice relaxation times are of magnitude ≈ 10 −2 sec competitive with τ at these temperatures.
Intake-to-delivered-energy ratios for central station and distributed electricity generation in California

In previous work, we showed that the intake fraction (iF) for nonreactive primary air pollutants was 20 times higher in central tendency for small-scale, urban-sited distributed electricity generation (DG) sources than for large-scale, central station (CS) power plants in California [Heath, G.A., Granvold, P.W., Hoats, A.S., Nazaroff, W.W., 2006. Intake fraction assessment of the air pollutant exposure implications of a shift toward distributed electricity generation. Atmospheric Environment 40, 7164–7177]. The present paper builds on that study, exploring pollutant- and technology-specific aspects of population inhalation exposure from electricity generation. We compare California's existing CS-based system to one that is more reliant on DG units sited in urban areas. We use Gaussian plume modeling and a GIS-based exposure analysis to assess 25 existing CSs and 11 DG sources hypothetically located in the downtowns of California's most populous cities. We consider population intake of three pollutants—PM2.5, NOx and formaldehyde—directly emitted by five DG technologies—natural gas (NG)-fired turbines, NG internal combustion engines (ICE), NG microturbines, diesel ICEs, and fuel cells with on-site NG reformers. We also consider intake of these pollutants from existing CS facilities, most of which use large NG turbines, as well as from hypothetical facilities located at these same sites but meeting California's best-available control technology standards. After systematically exploring the sensitivity of iF to pollutant decay rate, the iFs for each of the three pollutants for all DG and CS cases are estimated. To efficiently compare the pollutant- and technology-specific exposure potential on an appropriate common basis, a new metric is introduced and evaluated: the intake-to-delivered-energy ratio (IDER). The IDER expresses the mass of pollutant inhaled by an exposed population owing to emissions from an electricity generation unit per quantity of electric energy delivered to the place of use. We find that the central tendency of IDER is much greater for almost every DG technology evaluated than for existing CS facilities in California.
Oxygen-atom transfer to a nucleophilic molybdenum complex

The reactivity of the imido-Mo(IV) species [(η5-Cp)2Mo(NtBu)], 1, towards the iodine-based oxidant PhIO was investigated and yielded the µ-oxodimolybdenum(V) dimer [{(η5-Cp)(η1-Cp)Mo(NtBu)}2O], 2. X-Ray crystallography and 1H-NMR of 2 indicate slipping of one of the η5-Cp ring on each Mo center to η1-Cp as the result of the coordination of the oxygen atom. DFT investigation of the OAT reaction to complex 1 revealed a transient Mo(IV)-oxo species as the most likely intermediate.
Image-guided methods for biopsy of suspicious breast lesions

The widespread use of breast imaging has resulted in the increased detection of clinically occult suspicious breast lesions. Between 1999 and 2004 the number of breast biopsies in the United States has increased steadily. The armamentarium of methods to biopsy suspicious breast lesions has also increased significantly since the early 1990s with technological advancements for both surgical breast biopsy and percutaneous image guided breast biopsies.
FT-IR Microspectroscopy Enhances Biological and Ecological Analysis of Algae

Abstract Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) microspectroscopy provides an in situ, nondestructive chemical analysis of individual algal cells. Algae play key roles in nutrient cycling and energy flow through aquatic ecosystems and are pivotal in the sequestration of inorganic nutrients (e.g., carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus) and transformation into organic forms. However, most methods used to measure algal nutritional and physiological changes are limited to detecting whole community responses because of the relatively large quantity of material needed for analysis (i.e., milligrams to grams). The spatial resolution achievable with infrared microspectroscopy allows for the analysis of macromolecular pools (e.g., proteins, lipids, carbohydrates) in individual cells that allows species specific measurements within heterogeneous microscopic communities. Initial applications characterized molecular pools within marine macroalgae and have since progressed toward ecologically based questions concerning algal p...
Growth of white microplasmodia of Physarum polycephalum

Abstract 1. 1. Both yellow (M3c VII) and white (LU887 × LU897) microplasmodia of Physarum polycephalum follow a sigmoidal growth pattern; the yellow strain proliferates more rapidly. 2. 2. The white strain exhibits a rapid increase in wet: dry weight ratio, probably accounted for by glycoprotein slime generation. 3. 3. The yellow strain accumulates protein more rapidly than the white; a difference in the pattern of energy expenditure for the two strains is suggested. 4. 4. The glucose content of the culture media decreases linearly from 90 mg/ml to zero, the pH changes from 4.6 to greater than 5.3 and lactic acid remains approximately constant after 6 days of culture.
Revision Of Late Devonian (Famennian) And Some Early Carboniferous (Tournaisian) Crinoids And Blastoids From The Type Devonian Area Of North Devon

The crinoids and blastoids from the Pilton (Beds) Formation of the type Devonian of north Devonshire are revised. These fossils were monographed by the Rev. G. F. Whidborne in 1898, but have not been studied since that time. Recent studies on various groups of fossils from the Pilton and related rocks in North Devon confirm that the great majority of these fossils are Famennian, although three specimens from Fremington are probably Early Carboniferous (Tournaisian). We identify four blastoid taxa from a fauna that is sparse and poorly preserved; two spiraculates, one fissiculate, and one taxon unidentifiable at the ordinal level. Mesoblastus cf. M. crenulatus from the Gattendorfia Zone (Lower Carboniferous) near Fremington is the oldest known representative of this genus. The crinoid fauna is somewhat more diverse, but the preservation is equally poor. No changes are made in the flexible crinoids. Among camerate crinoids, one species is reassigned to Eumorphocrinus and one is retained in Actinocrinites. Specimens of some crinoids, such as Rhodocrinites and Megistocrinus, are so poorly preserved that certain identification was not possible. The hexacrinoid Adelocrinus, relegated to uncertainty for 150 years, is here shown to be a valid genus that is very similar to Arthroacantha, but not synonymous with it. Among the cladid crinoids, the dominant groups are those within the Superfamily Scytalocrinacea, which includes Bridgerocrinus, Sostronocrinus, and Scytalocrinus, all of which are placed in the new family Sostronocrinidae. One new species, Glossocrinus whidbornei, is named. Non-pinnulate cladids, common in older Devonian rocks, do not occur. The fauna shows considerable similarity with faunas from eastern North America and Germany. It shows less resemblance to the extensive Famennian crinoid and blastoid fauna of north-western China, despite some remarkable congruencies, especially the occurrence of very similar species of Actinocrinites in these widely separated areas.
Design Methodology For Mosaic Infrared Sensors

A systematic method is presented to design and evaluate mosaic sensors for detecting targets in the presence of background. The basic sensor system includes optical elements, a matrix array of discrete detectors, electrical filters, and signal processing electronics. Major considerations in synthesizing a mosaic sensor are described. The process starts by translating mission requirements into quantities such as sensor sensitivity and resolution. The initial sensor design (optics and focal plane) is then configured. Response to target and background sources as well as detector noise is examined. The resulting point design is then evaluated against mission requirements. The process is recycled until the mission requirements are satisfied.
Recent developments in uterine mesenchymal neoplasms

Smooth muscle and endometrial stromal tumours represent the two most common uterine mesenchymal neoplasms that may present diagnostic dilemmas for the practising surgical pathologist. Recent changes in morphological and staging criteria, as well as the discovery of new immunohistochemical markers, have improved the diagnosis and classification of these tumours. We highlight the difficulty in distinguishing tumour cell necrosis from infarct-type necrosis and the limited utility of p16 immunohistochemical expression in the diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma. We also discuss the controversial use of mitotic activity and necrosis as prognostic factors in endometrial stromal sarcomas. Emerging genetic information has also greatly expanded our understanding of 'sarcomagenesis' in both tumour types and may provide insight into potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of leiomyosarcoma and endometrial stromal sarcomas, harboring MED12 (mediator complex subunit 12) mutations and recurrent gene rearrangements, respectively. In this review, we discuss the core updates in the diagnosis and classification of uterine leiomyosarcomas and endometrial stromal sarcomas, highlighting new and important molecular genetic findings that may drive pathogenesis.