cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Signal enhancement using canonical projection operators

A commonly occurring signal processing application is concerned with the task of resurrecting a signal from a noise and distorted measurement of that signal. It is often known that the underlying signal possesses well-defined properties which are obscured through the measurement process. A signal enhancement algorithm is herein developed which slightly modifies the measured signal so that the modified (or enhanced) signal takes on these prescribed properties. As such, the modified signal often provides a more accurate characterization of the underlying signal.
Analysis of shear stress and hemodynamic factors in a model of coronary artery stenosis and thrombosis

Shear stress and alterations in blood flow within a stenosed artery promote platelet-dependent thrombosis. Using the Folts model of coronary thrombosis, we evaluated morphology, histology, and the hemodynamic properties of the stenosed vessel in 18 animals. The average stenosis created was 58 +/- 8%, with stenosed vessel diameters ranging from 0.084 to 0.159 cm. Histological examination of the stenosed vessel demonstrated that thrombi were composed primarily of platelets and formation occurred 1.0 mm downstream from the apex of the constriction, propagating distally. Peak shear stress occurred just upstream from the apex of the stenosis and varied from 520 to 3,349 dyn/cm2. Only small differences in shear forces were noted when blood viscosity was calculated using Newtonian and non-Newtonian properties. In contrast, shear stress computed for Poiseuille flow with use of the stenosis diameter underestimated the apical shear stress. Blood flow remained laminar within the stenosis with a Reynolds number range of 292-534. Our data indicate that the geometry of the stenosis inflow region must be considered in the evaluation of platelet activation and thrombus formation within a stenosed artery.
Does the Relationship of the Proxy to the Target Person Affect the Concordance between Survey Reports and Medicare Claims Measures of Health Services Use

Objectives To compare concordance of survey reports of health service use versus claims data between self respondents and spousal and nonspousal relative proxies. Data Sources 1995–2010 data from the Survey on Assets and Health Dynamics among the Oldest Old and 1993–2010 Medicare claims for 3,229 individuals (13,488 person-years). Study Design Regression models with individual fixed effects were estimated for discordance of any hospitalizations and outpatient surgery and for the numbers of under- and over-reported physician visits. Principal Findings Spousal proxies were similar to self respondents on discordance. Nonspousal proxies, particularly daughters/daughters-in-law and sons/sons-in-law, had less discordance, mainly due to reduced under-reporting. Conclusions Survey reports of health services use from nonspousal relatives are more consistent with Medicare claims than spousal proxies and self respondents.
Silver-embedded zeolite crystals as substrates for surface-enhanced Raman scattering

This paper reports the preparation of a type of Ag-embedded zeolite crystals as surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrates by chemical reduction of Ag+-exchanged ZSM-5. Ag+ ions were loaded into the zeolite framework by ion exchange. Then the exchanged-Ag+ ions were reduced and metallic silver clusters formed inside the zeolite channel. The resulting Ag-embedded zeolite crystals are characterized by using a number of techniques including X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to confirm silver formed inside the crystal channel. The fabricated Ag-embedded ZSM-5 zeolite substrates displayed strong and reproducible SERS activity for different Raman probe molecules such as Tris(2,2′-bipyridyl) ruthenium(II) chloride (RuBpy) and rhodamine 6G (R6G). Since silver embedded into the zeolite channel without changing the crystal surface property, the Ag–ZSM-5 zeolite crystal can be used to prepare different SERS-active substrate (SERS-tags), in which different probe molecules may be detected. Such Ag-embedded zeolite substrate would be useful in chemical and biological sensing and in the development of SERS-based analytical devices.
CRITICAL PROPERTIES OBTAINED BY A CONFORMAL TRANSFORMATION METHOD

Critical properties for all realistic three-dimensional models of magnetism are obtained by series extrapolation methods. Considerable uncertainty exists in the estimated critical values for those cases in which the coefficients of a given series do not behave regularly. However, the critical values for these series can be estimated reliably by conformally mapping the nonphysical singularities away from the physical singularity.
Migration motif: a spatial - temporal pattern mining approach for financial markets

A recent study by two prominent finance researchers, Fama and French, introduces a new framework for studying risk vs. return: the migration of stocks across size-value portfolio space. Given the financial events of 2008, this first attempt to disentangle the relationships between migration behavior and stock returns is especially timely. Their work, however, derives results only for market segments, not individual companies, and only for one-year moves. Thus, we see a new challenge for financial data mining: how to capture and categorize the migration of individual companies, and how such behavior affects their returns.We propose a novel data mining approach to study the multi-year movement of individual companies. Specifically, we address the question: "How does one discover frequent migration patterns in the stock market?" We present a new trajectory mining algorithm to discover migration motifs in financial markets. Novel features of this algorithm are its handling of approximate pattern matching through a graph theoretical method, maximal clique identification, and incorporation of temporal and spatial constraints. We have performed a detailed study of the NASDAQ, NYSE, and AMEX stock markets, over a 43-year span. We successfully find migration motifs that confirm existing finance theories and other motifs that may lead to new financial models.
To BrAIST or not to BrAIST: decisions and characteristics of 1131 patients eligible for the Bracing in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Trial

Background BrAIST is a partially-randomized trial comparing the outcomes of bracing and observation in children with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The purpose of this study is to evaluate 1) whether the BrAIST sample is representative of the target population and 2) whether the treatment arms are equivalent. We addressed these questions by comparing baseline demographic, radiographic and psychosocial characteristics between the groups.
THE FLICKER RESPONSE FUNCTION FOR THE TURTLE PSEUDEMYS

1. At constant temperature, with a fixed proportion of light time in a flash cycle (namely, tL/tD = 1), the mean critical intensity for motor response to visual flicker by the turtle Pseudemys scripta follows a probability integral (log I) as a function of flash frequency F. The fit is close and satisfactory; certain quite minor but consistent deviations are adequately explained by features of the experiments. 2. The variation (σI) of critical I is directly proportional to the mean critical intensity (Im), over the entire explorable range. 3. These facts are consistent with the fact that the retina of this turtle is devoid of rods. It contains only cones, histologically, which, with their central representations, provide a single population of sensory effects. The properties of this population are compared with those of homologous populations deduced from corresponding measurements with other forms (various fishes; amphibian; man) which exhibit two such groups of sensory effects associated with the possession of retinal rods and cones. 4. Certain other formulations which have previously been applied to homologous data obtained with other organisms do not properly describe the Pseudemys measurements. 5. The use of a probability integral to describe the data of response to visual flicker for the dissection of the compound curves provided by animals possessing both rods and cones, is accordingly Justified. 6. Persisting differences among individuals of Pseudemys as regards the values of the critical flash intensity under various conditions of experimentation are of the same order of magnitude as are the transitory differences found in lots of other kinds of animals. 7. Determinations of mean critical flash frequency (Fm) at fixed levels of I lie slightly above determinations of Im at fixed values of I, as with other forms. The variation of critical flash frequency goes through a maximum as log I is increased; its height is lower than with certain other forms, in correlation with the low general slope of the F - log I curve (more properly, band). 8. These facts are consistent with the view that the dispersions of the individual critical intensities (and flash frequencies) are determined by organic variation rather than by "experimental error." 9. When the temperature is altered the F - log Im curve is shifted, with no change of Fmax. or of shape; the curve moves to lower intensities as the temperature is raised. 10. The reciprocal of the mean critical intensity, at fixed flash frequency, is a measure of excitability. With increase of temperature (12.5° to 36°) 1/Im for given F follows the Arrhenius equation, exhibiting a "break" at 29.5° (µ = 26,700, 12.5° to 29.5°; 12,400, 29.5° to 36°). This is explained by the necessary theory that, the number of elements of sensory effect required for the index response at fixed F being constant, the ease of their excitation is governed by temperature through its control of the velocity of an interrelated system of catalyzed processes common to all of the sensory elements concerned.
Pineal inhibition of compensatory testicular enlargement in light-deprived hamsters

Halbseitige Kastration fUhrt bei geblendeten Goldhamstermannchen mit Atrophie der Geschlechtsorgane nur nach Pinealektomie zu kompensatorischer Hodenhypertrophie.
The absorption of energetic electrons by molecular hydrogen gas

The processes by which energetic electrons lose energy in a weakly ionized gas of molecular hydrogen are analyzed, and calculations are carried out taking into account the discrete nature of the excitation processes. The excitation, ionization, and heating efficiencies are computed for electrons with energies up to 100 eV absorbed in a gas with fractional ionizations up to 0.01, and the mean energy per pair of neutral hydrogen atoms is calculated.
A Path to Successful IT Outsourcing: Interaction Between Service‐Level Agreements and Commitment

Although service-level agreements (SLAs) are important for IT outsourcing management, appropriate mechanisms for constructing effective SLAs are still poorly understood, leading to inadequate or overcomplicated contracts that are ineffective. This study examines the associations among three distinct sets of SLA characteristics and outsourcing success, as well as the role of commitment in these relationships. Analyzing survey data based on a model theorizing the alignment of SLA characteristics with intended outsourcing objectives, we find that different types of benefits attained through IT outsourcing arrangements are associated with the use of specific contractual dimensions. We also find that commitment, in general, moderates the impact of SLAs on outsourcing success, although the nature of the moderation varies with the different benefits IT outsourcing engagement is intended to achieve. Interestingly, in certain cases—change characteristics for achieving technology benefits, in particular—commitment can be a barrier to the effective use of SLAs in achieving intended outsourcing benefits. As such, our study extends the literature on IT outsourcing, contracting and commitment, as well as provides a general guideline for practitioners to structure effective SLAs and to properly use commitment for managing IT outsourcing engagements to successfully achieve intended benefits.
Self-incompatibility antigens and S gene expression in Brassica

Immunodiffusion tests performed on stigma extracts belonging to 21 incompatibility genotypes of Brassica oleracea var. acephala and to five genotypes of B. oleracea var. capitata showed no cross-reactions among the self-incompatibility (S) antigens found in this tissue. The lack of immunological relatedness between stigma antigens and the inability to detect S antigens in the pollen is exploited in formulating a testable hypothesis for analysing the structure and/or function of the self-incompatibility locus in plants.
Congenital duodenal obstruction: early antenatal ultrasound diagnosis

Twenty-nine patients with congenital duodenal obstruction (DO) detected as a "double bubble" (DB) on antenatal ultrasound (US) or diagnosed postnatally were seen at the Women's and Children's Hospital between 1985 and 1994; 24 (83%) had antenatal scans, with 21 (87%) DBs visualised. The 3 fetuses with normal scans who developed DO postnatally had duodenal "windsocks". Five of the 24 scanned patients (21%) were found to have a DB before 20 weeks' gestation: 1 simple duodenal atresia, 2 duodenal atresias with chromosomal abnormalities (1 trisomy 21 and 1 triploidy), 1 biliary atresia with a pre-pyloric vein, and 1 malrotation. Sixteen (67%) cases were detected with scans after 20 weeks (range 28-36 weeks); 12 (75%) of these were done for polyhydramnios. In response to a questionnaire to 9 of the 16 parents whose fetuses underwent a late scan, 5 had had normal early scans elsewhere and 4 did not respond (4 of the remaining 7 had died and 3 were lost to follow-up). Eleven of the 29 patients (38%) had abnormal karyotypes, and 4 (22%) of the 18 with a normal karyotype had associated anomalies. Two sets of familial cases were noted. Early antenatal diagnosis of DO is possible in a minority of cases, and this early diagnosis may be associated with an increased risk of other pathology. Furthermore, early demonstration of a DB at routine US prior to 20 weeks allows appropriate counseling and the option of mid-trimester termination, whereas this is more difficult later in the pregnancy. In all cases detected antenatally, planning of delivery and parent counseling should be achieved.
Color-blind racial ideology: Theory, training, and measurement implications in psychology.

Synthesizing the interdisciplinary literature, we characterize color-blind racial ideology (CBRI) as consisting of two interrelated domains: color-evasion (i.e., denial of racial differences by emphasizing sameness) and power-evasion (i.e., denial of racism by emphasizing equal opportunities). Mounting empirical data suggest that the color-evasion dimension is ineffective and in fact promotes interracial tension and potential inequality. CBRI may be conceived as an ultramodern or contemporary form of racism and a legitimizing ideology used to justify the racial status quo. Four types of CBRI are described: denial of (a) race, (b) blatant racial issues, (c) institutional racism, and (d) White privilege. We discuss empirical findings suggesting a relationship between CBRI and increased racial prejudice, racial anger, and racial fear. Implications for education, training, and research are provided.
40Ar/39Ar dating links Albuquerque Volcanoes to the Pringle Falls excursion and the Geomagnetic Instability Time Scale

Abstract Incremental heating of basaltic lava groundmass from the Albuquerque Volcanoes, New Mexico, and plagioclase from Ash D at Pringle Falls, Oregon, yield 40Ar/39Ar isochron ages of 218 ± 14 and 211 ± 13 ka, respectively. Sediments in which Ash D was deposited and the eight lava flows of the Albuquerque Volcanoes display excursional paleomagnetic data with virtual geomagnetic poles (VGPs) in the southern hemisphere and together with the statistically indistinguishable 40Ar/39Ar dates, establish that both sites record the Pringle Falls excursion. This excursion is also recorded by the 227 ± 8 ka Mamaku Ignimbrite, New Zealand, and by high deposition rate sediments at ODP site 919 in the North Atlantic Ocean that are dated astrochronologically at 209–207 ka. We propose that the names “Albuquerque” and “Jamaica” excursion be abandoned and that a radioisotopic age of 211 ± 13 ka be adopted for the Pringle Falls excursion, which is one of five globally expressed, well-documented excursions in marine sediment cores or dated by 40Ar/39Ar methods that took place from 220 to 30 ka. Together with at least five other well-dated excursions between 730 and 520 ka, some ten excursions define the Geomagnetic Instability Time Scale (GITS) for the Bruhnes Chron. Eight of these excursions have been dated using 40Ar/39Ar methods. If the temporal clustering of excursions in the GITS is not a sampling artefact, this suggests that the geodynamo is not intrinsically unstable, but rather that instability in the flow pattern of the outer core fluid flow causes the main dipole field to be considerably weakened such that it becomes unstable with a 200 to 300 ka recurrence interval. Excursions are an important part of dynamo behavior over geologic time scales that, in addition to reversals of the main dipole field, need to be fully considered when assessing whether theoretical and numerical simulations of the dynamo produce earth-like results.
The Applicability of Verbal Processing Strategies to Recall of Familiar Songs

One hundred thirty-five undergraduate nonmusic majors participated in a free-recall task in which they were asked to remember the titles of 12 songs that they heard in different sequences. The inve...
Electrical and thermal behavior of GdC alloys in the neighborhood of the curie temperature

The thermal coefficient of electrical resistivity α is determined experimentally for Gd and three Gd–C alloys in the neighborhood of their Curie temperatures. The resistivity coefficients are compared with previously published heat capacity data which were taken using the same four metals. There exists a remarkably high degree of similarity between the temperature dependence of the α's and of the heat capacities, including even the highest carbon content alloy, which behaves anomalously when compared with the other three metals. Es werden die thermischen Koeffizienten der elektrischen Leitfahigkeit α experimentell fur Gd und drei Gd–C-Legierungen in der Nahe ihrer Curietemperaturen bestimmt. Die Leitfahigkeitskomponenten werden mit fruher publizierten Werten der Warmekapazitat an den gleichen vier Metallen verglichen. Zwischen der Temperaturabhangigkeit der α-Werte und den Warmekapazitaten existiert ein bemerkenswert hoher Grad von Ahnlichkeit, auch bei der Legierung mit dem hochsten Kohlenstoffgehalt, die sich im Vergleich zu den anderen drei Metallen anomal verhalt.
Vectoring of Adjacent Synthetic Jets

The formation, evolution, and interactions of a closely spaced pair of coflowing rectangular synthetic jets are investigated using particle image velocimetry. The dynamics of the combined jet is determined by the interactions of the counter-rotating vortex pairs that form each jet. These vortex pairs are formed along the long edges of the orifice of each jet by the time-periodic motion of a diaphragm that is mounted in a cavity underneath the orifice plate and is driven at resonance. It is shown that the phase between the actuation waveforms of the adjacent jets affects the relative timing between their blowing and suction strokes and consequently the formation of the vortex pairs that synthesize each of the jets. These phase variations also lead to controlled vectoring or bending of the combined jet toward the orifice of the jet that is leading in phase and can be varied dynamically on time scales that correspond to the actuation period.
Phylogenetic inference under varying proportions of indel-induced alignment gaps.

The effect of alignment gaps on phylogenetic accuracy has been the subject of numerous studies. In this study, we investigated the relationship between the total number of gapped sites and phylogenetic accuracy, when the gaps were introduced (by means of computer simulation) to reflect indel (insertion/deletion) events during the evolution of DNA sequences. The resulting (true) alignments were subjected to commonly used gap treatment and phylogenetic inference methods. (1) In general, there was a strong – almost deterministic – relationship between the amount of gap in the data and the level of phylogenetic accuracy when the alignments were very "gappy", (2) gaps resulting from deletions (as opposed to insertions) contributed more to the inaccuracy of phylogenetic inference, (3) the probabilistic methods (Bayesian, PhyML & "MLe, " a method implemented in DNAML in PHYLIP) performed better at most levels of gap percentage when compared to parsimony (MP) and distance (NJ) methods, with Bayesian analysis being clearly the best, (4) methods that treat gapped sites as missing data yielded less accurate trees when compared to those that attribute phylogenetic signal to the gapped sites (by coding them as binary character data – presence/absence, or as in the MLe method), and (5) in general, the accuracy of phylogenetic inference depended upon the amount of available data when the gaps resulted from mainly deletion events, and the amount of missing data when insertion events were equally likely to have caused the alignment gaps. When gaps in an alignment are a consequence of indel events in the evolution of the sequences, the accuracy of phylogenetic analysis is likely to improve if: (1) alignment gaps are categorized as arising from insertion events or deletion events and then treated separately in the analysis, (2) the evolutionary signal provided by indels is harnessed in the phylogenetic analysis, and (3) methods that utilize the phylogenetic signal in indels are developed for distance methods too. When the true homology is known and the amount of gaps is 20 percent of the alignment length or less, the methods used in this study are likely to yield trees with 90–100 percent accuracy.
Solution Formulation Development of a VEGF Inhibitor for Intravitreal Injection

PF-00337210 is a potent, selective small molecule inhibitor of VEGFRs and has been under consideration for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration. An ophthalmic solution formulation intended for intravitreal injection was developed. This formulation was designed to maximize drug properties such that the formulation would precipitate upon injection into the vitreous for sustained delivery. As a parenteral formulation with additional constraints dictated by this specialized delivery route, multiple features were balanced in order to develop a successful formulation. Some of these considerations included low dosing volumes (≤0.1 mL), a limited repertoire of safe excipients for intravitreal injection, and the unique physical chemical properties of the drug. The aqueous solubility as a function of pH was characterized, buffer stressing studies to select the minimal amount of buffer were conducted, and both chemical and physical stability studies were executed. The selected formulation consisted of an isotonic solution comprised of PF-00337210 free base in a citrate-buffered vehicle containing NaCl for tonicity. The highest strength for regulatory toxicology studies was 60 mg/mL. The selected formulation exhibited sufficient chemical stability upon storage with no precipitation, and acceptable potency and recovery through an intravitreal dosing syringe. Formulation performance was simulated by precipitation experiments using extracted vitreous humor. In simulated injection experiments, PF-00337210 solutions reproducibly precipitated upon introduction to the vitreous so that a depot was formed. To our knowledge, this is the first time that a nonpolymeric in situ-forming depot formulation has been developed for intravitreal delivery, with the active ingredient as the precipitating agent.
High sodium bicarbonate and acetate hemodialysis: double-blind crossover comparison of hemodynamic and ventilatory effects

High sodium bicarbonate and acetate hemodialysis: Double-blind crossover comparison of hemodynamic and ventilatory effects. The superiority of bicarbonate dialysis (Bi HD) over acetate dialysis (Ac HD) using a high sodium dialysate has not been established to our knowledge. We compared Bi HD to Ac HD over 6 weeks each in ten stable patients using a double-blind crossover design and a dialysate sodium concentration of 140 mEq/liter. The dialyzer, delivery system, and disalysate constituents were identical except for the substitution of Bi or Ac. Interdialytic weight gain, pre- and post-HD blood pressures, and heart rates were also comparable in the two protocols. Beginning of the week pre-HD serum Bi was greater during Bi HD than Ac HD (19.1 ± 0.9 vs. 15.1 ± 0.8 mEq/liter, P Hemodialyse avec des concentrations elevees de bicarbonate ou d'acetate de sodium: Une comparaison croisee en double insu des effets hemodynamiques et ventilatoires. La superiorite de la dialyse avec du bicarbonate (Bi HD) sur la dialyse avec de l'acetate (Ac HD) en utilisant un dialysat riche en sodium n'a pas ete etablie, a notre connaissance. Nous avons compare la Bi HD a l'Ac HD pendant 6 semaines chacune avec dix malades stables en utilisant un protocole croise en double insu, et une concentration de sodium dans le dialysat de 140 mEq/litre. Le dialyseur, le systeme d'apport, et les constituants du dialysat etaient identiques exceptes en ce qui concerne la substitution de Bi ou Ac. La prise de poids interdialytique, les pressions arterielles pre- et post-HD, et les rythmes cardiaques etaient egalement comparables dans les deux protocoles. Au debut de la semaine avant HD, le Bi serique etait plus eleve durant Bi HD que pendant Ac HD (19.1 ± 0.9 contre 15.1 ± 0.8 mEq/litre, P
Effect of intravenous immune globulin on the coagulopathy of Kawasaki syndrome

We studied the effects of immune globulin and aspirin versus aspirin alone on platelet count, platelet activation, and factor-mediated coagulation in patients with Kawasaki syndrome. Coagulation tests were performed on the day of admission to the study and 4 to 6 days later. Twenty-three patients were enrolled; 12 received immune globulin intravenously plus aspirin, and 11 received aspirin alone. At initiation of the study the groups were comparable with regard to age, sex, race, and time from onset of iliness to study entry. Coagulation values were similar at entry with the exception that the aspirin group had a geometric mean platelet count that was higher than the platelet count in the aspirin-immune globulin group ( p =0.02). Four days after entry there were no significant differences between the two groups in any coagulation studies. Although the immune globulin preparation used has been effective in reducing the prevalence of coronary artery aneurysms, it appears to have no early effect on reduction of platelet activation or other measures of coagulopathy. The mechanism of action of immune globulin in patients with Kawasaki syndrome remains to be elucidated.
A transmission electron microscopy study on the decomposition of synthetic hillebrandite (Ca2SiO4 · H2O)

The decomposition mechanism of hillebrandite (Ca2SiO4 · H2O) to larnite (β-Ca2SiO4) was studied by conventional and in situ hot-stage TEM methods. The hillebrandite structure is suggested to be a composition of parawollastonite (CaSiO3) and portlandite [Ca(OH)2] adjoining on {001} planes. The larnite fibers showed occasional bending and kinking as well as internal defects such as dislocations and domains. No transformation-related microstructures such as twinning were observed. The preferred orientations in the larnite fibers were not distinct. The decomposition mechanism of hillebrandite in air and in a vacuum may be different. In air, the CaO from the decomposed portlandite layer directly participates in the process of SiO4 chain breaking to form larnite. In the TEM this CaO is removed and apparently reprecipitated, so that hillebrandite converts directly to parawollastonite, A possible lattice correspondence between hillebrandite (C2SH) and larnite (β-C2S), based on crystallographic considerations, is proposed to be bC2SH ¶bβ-c2s, αC2SH ¶ ≍[102]β-C2S, and CC2SH ¶ ≍ [401]β-C2S.
Effects of protein calorie malnutrition on tuberculosis in mice.

Infectious diseases and malnutrition represent major burdens afflicting millions of people in developing countries. Both conditions affect individuals in industrialized nations, particularly the aged, the HIV-infected, and people with chronic diseases. While malnutrition is known to induce a state of immunodeficiency, the mechanisms responsible for compromised antimicrobial resistance in malnourished hosts remain obscure. In the present study, mice fed a 2% protein diet and developing protein calorie malnutrition, in contrast to well-nourished controls receiving a 20% protein diet, rapidly succumbed to infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Malnourished mice exhibited a tissue-specific diminution in the expression of interferon γ, tumor necrosis factor α, and the inducible form of nitric oxide synthase in the lungs, but not the liver. The expression of these molecules critical to the production of mycobactericidal nitrogen oxides was depressed in malnourished animals in the lungs specifically at early times (<14 days) after infection. At later times, levels of expression became comparable to those in well-nourished controls, although the bacillary burden in the malnourished animals continued to rise. Nevertheless, urinary and serum nitrate contents, an index of total nitric oxide (NO) production in vivo, were not detectably diminished in malnourished, mycobacteria-infected mice. In contrast to the selective and early reduction of lymphokines and the inducible form of nitric oxide synthase in the lung, a marked diminution of the granulomatous reaction was observed in malnourished mice throughout the entire course of infection in all tissues examined (lungs, liver, and spleen). Remarkably, the progressively fatal course of tuberculosis observed in the malnourished mice could be reversed by restoring a full protein (20%) diet. The results indicate that protein calorie malnutrition selectively compromises several components of the cellular immune response that are important for containing and restricting tuberculous infection, and suggest that malnutrition-induced susceptibility to some infectious diseases can be reversed or ameliorated by nutritional intervention.
Solid Tumors of the Body and Tail of the Pancreas

Solid lesions of the body and tail of the pancreas challenge all the diagnostic and technical skills of the modern gastrointestinal surgeon. The information available from modern computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR), and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) imaging provide diagnostic and anatomic data that give the surgeon precise information with which to plan an operation and to discuss with the patient during the preoperative visit. A preoperative evaluation includes a thorough history and a pancreas protocol CT scan, supplemented by MR imaging and EUS when needed, to differentiate between the various potential diagnoses. These same modalities can be essential in proper staging in the case of malignant lesions, thus aiding in management decisions. Most lesions ultimately require operative resection, barring metastatic disease, with the notable exception of autoimmune pancreatitis.
Factors Associated with Stress among Grandparents Raising Their Grandchildren

This cross-sectional study of 129 grandparents raising their grandchildren examined the extent to which social supports are related to the grandparents' stress (psychological anxiety). A hierarchical regression analysis, with variables entered in blocks, revealed that contextual factors, stressors related to caregiving, and lack of supports accounted for 35% of the variance. Younger grandparents, grandchildren with psychological and physical problems, and low family cohesion were associated with stress. Implications for clinical and educational intervention are discussed.
Vitamin B12 deficiency and glutathione in the erythrocytes and livers of chicks

Abstract The influence of vitamin B12 on the levels of erythrocyte and hepatic GSH in chicks on various diets have been studied. An increase in erythrocyte GSH was found in chicks receiving a high-fat diet supplemented with B12 (100 μg./kg.) and a methionine-deficient diet supplemented with B12 (50 μg/kg.) alone, or with the combination of methionine and B12. The addition of vitamin B12 (10 μg./kg.) to a high-protein diet did not change the erythrocyte GSH level. Vitamin B12 had no effect on hepatic GSH content under the conditions studied.
Two-dimensional echocardiographic diagnosis of intracardiac masses in infancy

Intracardiac masses in infancy are uncommon. Tumors, thrombi and vegetations of bacterial endocarditis are exceedingly rare in this age group. These masses are seldom diagnosed before the infant's death. In a review of two-dimensional echocardiograms performed from May 1979 to January 1981 on 741 infants less than 2 years of age, intracardiac masses were prospectively identified in 6 patients. All six patients presented with unexplained murmurs associated with either hemodynamic instability, arrhythmias or systemic emboli. One patient had a vegetation from bacterial endocarditis, one had an intracardiac thrombus associated with myocarditis, three had rhabdomyomas (two patients with tuberous sclerosis) and one had a fibro-fatty nodule attached to the eustachian valve. Two-dimensional echocardiography not only was important in the diagnosis, but also provided guidance in the medical and surgical treatment of these patients.
The Neuromuscular Response of Infants to a Continuous Infusion of Succinylcholine

The response of the adductor of the thumb to ulnar nerve stimulation (0.1 Hz) was evaluated during continuous infusion of succinylcholine (SCh) in 20 infants anesthetized with halothane (1%) and N2O2/O2. Train-of-four stimulation (2 Hz for 2 s) was used to differentiate between phase I and phase II block. Some infants were very resistant to the neuromuscular effects of SCh. These infants (Group 1) were younger in age, 57 +/- 15 days (mean +/- SE) and required 24.6 +/- 3.3 mg X kg-1h-1 SCh to achieve more than 90% depression of the twitch. Older infants (Group 2), 188 +/- 33 days, required significantly less (P less than 0.001) SCh (8.7 +/- 0.5 mg X kg-1h-1) to achieve the same degree of twitch suppression. Group 1 infants recovered from the effects of SCh very rapidly. After 10 mg/kg SCh, the train-of-four ratio in Group 1 infants recovered to 75% in 4.7 +/- 0.6 min, whereas it took 34 +/- 10 min in Group 2 infants (P less than 0.01). Tachyphylaxis developed in infants after 3.6 +/- 0.3 mg/kg (mean +/- SE) and phase II block after 5.3 +/- 0.7 mg/kg (P less than 0.05) SCh. Combining the data of infants with that of children from a previous study conducted in a similar fashion resulted in significant correlation (P less than 0.001) between the log age and SCh requirement. The rate of administration of a continuous infusion of SCh in infants should be based upon the response of infants and not on a fixed dose (mg X kg-1 X h-1).
Bizarre lymphoid cells in serous effusion of a dog with mediastinal lymphoma.

Abstract An 8-year-old collie dog was examined because of dyspnoea. Thoracocentesis revealed a modified transudate containing a predominance of large (10 to 15 μm diameter) unusual-appearing mononuclear cells showing cloverleaf-shaped nuclei. These cells were categorized as lymphoid in origin on the basis of ultrastructural and cytochemical methods. Subsequent necropsy examination revealed lymphoma, localized primarily to the cranial mediastinum, but also infiltrating tissues surrounding the thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal glands.
Modulation Techniques in Polarization Spectroscopy

Optical calculi for anisotropic media are reviewed and extended for use in a phase-modulation spectrophotometer. It is demonstrated under which conditions signals proportional to linear and circular dichroisms may be collected, and how artifacts may be introduced from either the optical systems or the medium itself. Finally, conversions among the optical calculi in use are tabulated and discussed.
Characterization of reacted ohmic contacts to GaAs

Abstract In the calculation of the true value of specific resistivity of reacted ohmic contacts, a modification in the conductivity of the semiconductor that may occur below the contact must be considered. Contacts to GaAs are discussed. A substantial decrease in the sheet resistance of p-type GaAs is measured for Pt-reacted contacts in which a single thin layer of Mg is interposed. It is pointed out that this lowering, which is attributed to the doping action of Mg, if not taken into account, can lead to serious errors in the estimation of specific contact resistivity.
The framework of toxicology information

The scientific and societal underpinnings of toxicology are reviewed, as is the structure and flow of its information. Historical sources are presented, followed by a summary of patterns of publication in and access to the periodical, monographic, and special report literature. Computerized information is stressed and specialized systems such as TOXNET and CIS are described. Other innovative electronic projects, including micro-CSIN and the ANSWER workstation are touched upon. Important organizations active in the toxicology field are highlighted and information applications in the legislative, regulatory, and judicial areas are discussed. Finally, the work of international organizations is reviewed and new directions in toxicology information are explored.
Wavenumber Standards for Mid‐infrared Spectrometry

The sections in this article are Introduction Vapor-Phase Standards Condensed-Phase Standards Calibration Methodology Sources of Error Use of Low- versus High-Resolution Standards Absorption Band (Peak) Wavenumber Evaluation Methods Conclusions
Renal handling of citrate

Intracellular citrate is a central component of the tricarboxylic acid cycle; its excretion in the urine was utilized by Krebs and coworkers to demonstrate this biochemical pathway in whole animals. Subsequently, urinary citrate has been viewed as a "window" on renal metabolism [1]. Additionally, renal physiologists and biochemists have been intrigued for decades by the dramatic changes in urinary citrate which occur with changes in acid-base homeostasis. In recent years, renal handling of citrate and citrate excretion in the urine have attracted renewed interest because of several considerations. First, modern techniques in renal physiology (such as, transport studies in brush border membrane vesicles and perfused proximal tubules) have provided insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms of citrate transport [2]. Also, excretion of urinary citrate (and other organic anions) has been recognized to influence systemic acid-base status, at least in certain species [3]. And perhaps most importantly, urinary citrate has been increasingly recognized as an important endogenous inhibitor of calcium nephrolithiasis [4]. This review will focus on the renal handling of citrate, particularly the mechanisms of citrate transport in the proximal tubule, and briefly discuss other aspects of citrate metabolism.
High Energy Emission From Active Pulsars

Abstract Nonthermal emission is seen from some pulsars across much of the electromagnetic spectrum, implying acceleration of particles to high energies. The power for this process usually comes from the rotation of the magnetized neutron star. The luminosity of these pulsars peaks in the X-ray to gamma-ray bands. The light curves for some of these pulsars suggest particle acceleration and radiation from a hollow surface above one magnetic pole of the star. Multiwavelength observations have been used to construct and test models of high-energy pulsar radiation.
A Self-Powered Piezoelectric Vibration Control System With Switch Precharged Inductor (SPCI) Method

A self-powered piezoelectric vibration control system is proposed and investigated for flexible structures in this paper. The objective of the system is to minimize the vibration of the flexible structure and at the same time to harvest energy for the self-powered control implementation. The whole system comprises four parts, i.e., flexible beam with piezoelectric material, H 2 control algorithm, switch precharged inductor (SPCI) based control implementation circuit, and energy storage unit. A cantilever beam with a tip mass, which is a typical type of flexible structures, is partly covered by a PZT film at the fixed end. The output feedback H 2 control algorithm produces desired values of control voltage. The circuit part uses a novel SPCI technique to realize the desired control voltage. The energy storage unit has both functions of accumulating energy and providing electrical energy to precharge the inductor in the control. Theoretical analysis and simulation are carried out. The simulation results show that the vibration of the cantilever beam can be effectively reduced under white-noise random excitation. It also indicates that the accumulated harvested energy is more than the consumed energy in the control.
“Coral reef” atherosclerosis of the suprarenal aorta: A unique clinical entity

Abstract Localized obstruction in a suprarenal aorta of normal diameter is rare. Between 1970 and 1983, nine patients (all women, mean age 51 years) required aortic reconstruction to relieve severe lower extremity ischemia (nine patients), hypertension (nine), visceral ischemia (two), and congestive heart failure (three) caused by an eccentric, heavily calcified polypoid lesion originating from the posterior surface of the suprarenal aorta. This mass typically began at the level of the diaphragm and extended to the level of the renal arteries, almost totally occluding the aortic lumen. The rock-hard, irregular, gritty, whitish surface strongly resembled a coral reef. Elective revascularization was carried out in eight patients, and an emergency procedure was necessary in one patient who had acute aortic thrombosis with catastrophic visceral, renal, and lower extremity ischemia. The suprarenal atheroma was removed en bloc through a retroperitoneal thoracoabdominal aortic endarterectomy. Concomitant aortoiliofemoral revascularization was necessary in seven patients (five prosthetic grafts, two endarterectomies). Two patients died postoperatively. The seven long-term survivors remain asymptomatic at a mean follow-up interval of 4 years after revascularization, without evidence of recurrence of this lesion. Suprarenal "coral reef" atherosclerosis should be considered if visceral, renal, and limb ischemia is not adequately explained by the arteriographic pattern of conventional atherosclerosis. This unusual atheroma exhibited extensive calcification and metaplastic bone formation, although its precise pathophysiology remains to be defined. (J VASC SURG 1984;1:903-909.)
Thermochemistry and Conformational Polymorphism of a Hexamorphic Crystal System

5-Methyl-2-[(2-nitrophenyl)amino]-3-thiophenecarbonitrile has been crystallized as six solvent-free polymorphs, which differ in the mode of packing and in molecular conformation. The conformational difference results principally from the thiophene torsion relative to the o-nitroaniline fragment, which leads to different crystal colors (red, orange, and yellow). Thermodynamic stability relationships between polymorphs have been determined from solid-state conversions and calorimetric data of melting and eutectic melting. Vibrational spectroscopy and ab initio calculations showed that most conformers in solution feature perpendicularly arranged thiophene and o-nitroaniline fragments, although a minor population of more planar conformers also exist. Crystallization has a stabilizing effect for more planar and higher dipole conformers over perpendicular ones by 3−6 kJ/mol. The only exception to this pattern is the one polymorph containing weak intermolecular hydrogen bonds.
A comparison of two report formats for alcohol and caffeine use

Abstract The present study compared two different methods of assessing alcohol and caffeine use in a community sample of adults over a one-year period. Daily reporting of beer/wine intake was more stable over time and showed higher correspondence with Quantity-frequency measures than daily reporting of hard liquor use. Coffee and tea use showed high temporal stability and good alternate form reliability, though a tendency to underreport typical use of coffee use was observed. The psychometric properties of substance use measures appear to vary with type of beverage consumed and report format.
Treatment of multiple system atrophy using intravenous immunoglobulin

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of unknown etiology, manifesting as combination of parkinsonism, cerebellar syndrome and dysautonomia. Disease-modifying therapies are unavailable. Activation of microglia and production of toxic cytokines suggest a role of neuroinflammation in MSA pathogenesis. This pilot clinical trial evaluated safety and tolerability of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in MSA. This was a single-arm interventional, single-center, open-label pilot study. Interventions included monthly infusions of the IVIG preparation Privigen®, dose 0.4 gram/kg, for 6 months. Primary outcome measures evaluated safety and secondary outcome measures evaluated preliminary efficacy of IVIG. Unified MSA Rating Scale (UMSARS) was measured monthly. Quantitative brain imaging using 3T MRI was performed before and after treatment. Nine subjects were enrolled, and seven (2 women and 5 men, age range 55–64 years) completed the protocol. There were no serious adverse events. Systolic blood pressure increased during IVIG infusions (p<0.05). Two participants dropped out from the study because of a non-threatening skin rash. The UMSARS-I (activities of daily living) and USMARS-II (motor functions) improved significantly post-treatment. UMSARS-I improved in all subjects (pre-treatment 23.9 ± 6.0 vs. post-treatment 19.0±5.9 (p=0.01). UMSARS-II improved in 5 subjects, was unchanged in 1 and worsened in 1 (pre-treatment 26.1±7.5 vs. post-treatment 23.3±7.3 (p=0.025). The MR imaging results were not different comparing pre- to post-treatment. Treatment with IVIG appears to be safe, feasible and well tolerated and may improve functionality in MSA. A larger, placebo-controlled study is needed.
Selenium and Metal Concentrations in Waterbird Eggs and Chicks at Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge, Minnesota

Exceptionally high cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr) concentrations were reported in eggs, feathers, or livers of selected waterbird species nesting at Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge (Agassiz) in 1994. Ten- to 15-day-old Franklin's gull (Larus pipixcan), black-crowned night-heron (Nycticorax nycticorax), and eared grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) chicks were collected in 1998, 1999, and 2001 at Agassiz and analyzed for selenium (Se) and metals including Cd and Cr. Freshly laid eggs were collected in 2001 from Franklin's gull, black-crowned night-heron, eared grebe, and pied-billed grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) nests at Agassiz. Based on a multivariate analysis, the pattern of Se and metal concentrations differed among species for eggs, chick feathers, and chick livers. Low Cd and Cr concentrations were measured in eggs, chick livers, and chick feathers of all four species. Mercury concentrations in black-crowned night-heron and eared grebe eggs collected from Agassiz in 2001 were lower than concentrations reported in 1994. Se and metal concentrations, including Cd and Cr, in waterbird eggs and chicks collected at Agassiz in 1998, 1999, and 2001 were not at toxic levels.