cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Introduction:Scope of the Book

This book was written to fill a gap. I teach an upper division class/graduate course on the Respiratory Health Effects of Air Pollution in the Department of Environmental Health at the University of Washington. I would like to require a text, but have not been able to find one suitable for the goals of my course. The result is this book which is designed for undergraduate upper class students or graduate students. Some knowledge of biology and chemistry will help the reader get more out of this book. However, that is not a prerequisite. The book is written as if it were to be used as a textbook, however, I hope that it will be useful to a general audience interested in the topic of the health effects of ambient air pollution.
Batch Mode Stochastic-Based Robust Dynamic Resource Allocation in a Heterogeneous Computing System.

Heterogeneous, parallel and distributed computing systems frequently must operate in environments where uncertainty in system parameters is common. Robustness can be defined as the degree to which a system can function correctly in the presence of parameter values different from those assumed. In such an environment, the amount of processing required to complete any given task may fluctuate substantially due to variations in data size and content. Determining a resource allocation that accounts for this uncertainty is an important area of research. In this study, we define a stochastic robustness measure to facilitate batchmode resource allocation decisions in a dynamic environment where tasks are subject to individual deadlines and design a novel resource allocation technique that attempts to maximize our new stochastic robustness measure. We compare the performance of our technique against some commonly used approaches taken from the literature and adapted to our environment. Our performance results demonstrate the viability of our new technique in a dynamic heterogeneous computing system.
Efficient Gene Transfer to Human Endothelial Cells Using DNA Complexed to Adenovirus Particles

Human endothelial cells have been found to be relatively refractory to various methods of DNA transfection currently in common use. By using a transfection method involving DNA complexed with replication-deficient adenovirus particles, we have shown that 20% of a population of cultured endothelial cells can be transfected and high levels of transient expression achieved. Both early-passage human umbilical vein endothelial cells and the continuous differentiated line of human endothelium- derived EA.hy926 cells are responsive to this method of transfection. Efficient DNA transfection of endothelial cells is important for studies of endothelium-specific promoters and is a potentially useful route for transgenic therapy.
Other Fronts and Conflicts in German Nursing Accounts

Conflicts in German-speaking nurses’ accounts of the Great War point to the stress of their service in Finland, Russia, and Poland, as well as Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey and Croatia. Ranging...
Strength anisotropy and tension-compression asymmetry in complex sulfate-bearing crystals

Abstract Ettringite and thaumasite are the main byproducts of complex chemical reactions that take place in cementitious materials during sulfate attack. These two sulfate-bearing crystals are known to experience excessive strains in various crystallographic directions during precipitation. Considering that this process can cause significant structural damage to the hardened cement paste, the current study investigates the effects of strain intensity and direction by simulating the atomic structures of ettringite and thaumasite subjected to a range of uniaxial and biaxial strains. For this purpose, reactive molecular dynamics simulations are performed to understand how the main chemical bonds respond to external strains. This sheds light on the atomistic processes underlying the plastic behavior of ettringite and thaumasite under different straining conditions. From biaxial simulations, the flow stresses are determined, particularly to characterize the plane stress flow surfaces of ettringite and thaumasite. A set of failure criteria are then examined to identify the criterion that properly captures the intrinsic features observed in the response of ettringite and thaumasite. The outcome of this study contributes to developing representative constitutive models that can be further employed to evaluate and optimize the mechanical properties of cementitious materials exposed to sulfate-rich environments.
Comparison of responses of visual cortical neurons in the mouse to intraocular and extraocular electric stimulation of the retina

Retinal implants offered the promise of restoring functional vision to the blind via the delivery of electrical stimulation to the retina. To enhance the efficacy of these devices, stimulation should elicit neural responses that are similar to the responses that occur naturally in the retina as these have the best chance of carrying a robust signal to visual cortex. A corollary of this is that the responses that arise in visual cortical neurons can be used to compare the effectiveness of different stimulation strategies in the retina. Here, we studied how visual cortical neurons in the mouse respond to monophasic cathodal and anodal electric stimulation delivered via a wire electrode positioned on the outer surface of the eye (extraocular) or within the vitreous cavity of the eye (intraocular). Responses of visual cortical neurons were recorded from primary visual cortex on the side contralateral to the stimulatated eye. For both stimulation modalities, response patterns consisted of a brief burst of spikes followed by a 400–500 ms period of inhibition. Both modalities also elicited stronger responses to cathodal stimuli (vs. anodal). The preferential sensitivity to cathodal stimuli is similar to that of epiretinal stimulation (anodal stimuli are more effective with sub-retinal stimulation) suggest the extraocular approach mirrors epiretinal stimulation. Extraocular stimulation also showed some response characteristics that were different from those observed in the retina, e.g., at very strong amplitudes, cathodal and anodal stimulation produced similar responses.
What Clinical Factors Should Arouse Suspicion for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a serious degenerative vascular disease that affects 8% of the population. The majority of cases are asymptomatic until rupture, which harbors a high mortality rate. Early identification of symptomatic AAA and rupture can substantially improve mortality. Abdominal, back, and flank pain are common presenting symptoms, along with hypotension, syncope, and signs of distal hypoperfusion. Risk factors for rupture include aneurysm size, rate of growth, female sex, smoking, and family history of AAA. Physical exam has low sensitivity and can be misleading. Symptomatic AAA and rupture require emergent imaging and evaluation by a vascular specialist.
Condensation of metal vapors : mercury and the kinetic theory of condensation /

Report issued by the Argonne National Laboratory discussing condensation theories of metal vapors. As stated in the introduction, "the objectives of this research then are critical analysis of condensation theories and data for metal vapors and experimental evaluation of the resistance to condensation for a representative metal such as mercury" (p. 18). This report includes tables, illustrations, and photographs.
Don't Give Away the Cap-and-Trade Permits!

Some proposed cap-and-trade systems for carbon dioxide emissions would allocate the emission permits free of charge to firms that have engaged in past emissions rather than selling those permits at auction. Although supporters of free permit allocation contend that it would protect consumers from energy price increases, economic theory and evidence show that it would actually provide windfall gains to stockholders without restraining energy prices. Free allocation would also deprive the government of revenue that could be used to finance reductions in marginal income or payroll tax rates to offset the economic disincentives arising from cap and trade.Any policy to control carbon dioxide emissions should take the form of a carbon tax or a cap-and-trade system with all permits sold at auction. Much or all of the revenue raised by the carbon tax or cap-and-trade auction should be devoted to income or payroll tax cuts that reduce marginal tax rates or to deficit reduction.
Caries Detection with Dental Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Diagnosis of dental caries is not the primary indication of Dental Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). However, when dental CBCT is available the dental caries may by an incidental finding. This chapter discusses the principles of CBCT and its use for detection of dental caries. Studies indicate that for interproximal caries CBCT has similar reliability as conventional intraoral bitewing radiographs; however, the increased enamel thickness encountered on occlusal surfaces may interfere with the reliability of dental CBCT during the diagnosis of occlusal caries. Its’ use for diagnosis of interproximal recurrent caries does not appear to be as predictable or as reliable as for the diagnosis of primary interproximal caries, although when available and used as an adjunct, dental CBCT can provide helpful diagnostic advice. It is expected that improvements i in the area of x-ray beam filters, dual energy sources and x-ray scatter reduction there will be greater accuracy for detection of caries.
Rapid Microwave Polymerization of Porous Nanocomposites with Piezoresistive Sensing Function.

In this paper, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposites with piezoresistive sensing function were fabricated using microwave irradiation. The effects of precuring time on the mechanical and electrical properties of nanocomposites were investigated. The increased viscosity and possible nanofiller re-agglomeration during the precuring process caused decreased microwave absorption, resulting in extended curing times, and decreased porosity and electrical conductivity in the cured nanocomposites. The porosity generated during the microwave-curing process was investigated with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and density measurements. Increased loadings of MWCNTs resulted in shortened curing times and an increased number of small well-dispersed closed-cell pores. The mechanical properties of the synthesized nanocomposites including stress–strain behaviors and Young’s Modulus were examined. Experimental results demonstrated that the synthesized nanocomposites with 2.5 wt. % MWCNTs achieved the highest piezoresistive sensitivity with an average gauge factor of 7.9 at 10% applied strain. The piezoresistive responses of these nanocomposites were characterized under compressive loads at various maximum strains, loading rates, and under viscoelastic stress relaxation conditions. The 2.5 wt. % nanocomposite was successfully used in an application as a skin-attachable compression sensor for human motion detection including squeezing a golf ball.
A Quantitative Analysis of Big Data Clustering Algorithms for Market Segmentation in Hospitality Industry

The hospitality industry is one of the data-rich industries that receives huge Volumes of data streaming at high Velocity with considerably Variety, Veracity, and Variability. These properties make the data analysis in the hospitality industry a big data problem. Meeting the customers’ expectations is a key factor in the hospitality industry to grasp the customers’ loyalty. To achieve this goal, marketing professionals in this industry actively look for ways to utilize their data in the best possible manner and advance their data analytic solutions, such as identifying a unique market segmentation clustering and developing a recommendation system. In this paper, we present a comprehensive literature review of existing big data clustering algorithms and their advantages and disadvantages for various use cases. We implement the existing big data clustering algorithms and provide a quantitative comparison of the performance of different clustering algorithms for different scenarios. We also present our insights and recommendations regarding the suitability of different big data clustering algorithms for different use cases. These recommendations will be helpful for hoteliers in selecting the appropriate market segmentation clustering algorithm for different clustering datasets to improve the customer experience and maximize the hotel revenue.
The effect of mass shootings on the demand for guns

Unfortunately, mass shootings are common occurrences in the United States. When one occurs, it makes national news, becomes fodder for the ongoing national gun debate among politicians and activists, and may impact the demand for guns through fears of violence and future gun regulation. We attempt to estimate the overall effect of mass shootings on gun demand in the United States and how this effect varies across the nation, time, and other factors. Mass shootings are found to increase the national demand for firearms, with the effect lasting up to 2 months. Stronger effects are found in gun‐heavy and/or Republican states but not necessarily near where the shooting occurred. Demand spikes are also larger if the shooter was White, female, or if the event took place in a rural setting, but seemingly less related to the specific venue, the shooter's age or known mental health, the number of fatalities, or weapon characteristics.
Autonomic nervous system control of multiple myeloma

The autonomic nervous system (ANS), which consists of antagonistic sympathetic (adrenergic) and parasympathetic (cholinergic) arms, has emerged as an important regulator of neoplastic development, yet little is known about its role in multiple myeloma (MM). Clinical findings that anti-adrenergic β-blocker intake reduces risk of disease-specific death and overall mortality in patients with MM have indicated that adrenergic input may worsen myeloma outcome. However, preclinical studies using β-adrenergic receptor agonists or antagonists produced controversial results as to whether sympathetic pathways promote or inhibit myeloma. Retrospective outcome data demonstrating that high message levels of cholinergic receptor genes predict inferior survival in the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation CoMMpass trial suggest that parasympathetic input may drive myeloma progression in a subset of patients. Here we review the ill-defined role of the ANS in MM, put myeloma in the context of other cancers, and discuss knowledge gaps that may afford exciting research opportunities going forward.
Hyperspectral Absorption of Semiconductor Monolayer Crystals

One-dimensional semiconductor monolayer crystals are optimized to deliver a nearly perfect absorption over a broad spectral range by combining two complementary design schemes.
Local Targeting of NAD + Salvage Pathway Alters the Immune Tumor Microenvironment and Enhances Checkpoint Immunotherapy in Glioblastoma

The aggressive primary brain tumor glioblastoma (GBM) is characterized by aberrant metabolism that fuels its malignant phenotype. Diverse genetic subtypes of malignant glioma are sensitive to selective inhibition of the NAD+ salvage pathway enzyme nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT). However, the potential impact of NAD+ depletion on the brain tumor microenvironment has not been elaborated. In addition, systemic toxicity of NAMPT inhibition remains a significant concern. Here we show that microparticle-mediated intratumoral delivery of NAMPT inhibitor GMX1778 induces specific immunologic changes in the tumor microenvironment of murine GBM, characterized by upregulation of immune checkpoint PD-L1, recruitment of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells, and reduction of M2-polarized immunosuppressive macrophages. NAD+ depletion and autophagy induced by NAMPT inhibitors mediated the upregulation of PD-L1 transcripts and cell surface protein levels in GBM cells. NAMPT inhibitor modulation of the tumor immune microenvironment was therefore combined with PD-1 checkpoint blockade in vivo, significantly increasing the survival of GBM-bearing animals. Thus, the therapeutic impacts of NAMPT inhibition extended beyond neoplastic cells, shaping surrounding immune effectors. Microparticle delivery and release of NAMPT inhibitor at the tumor site offers a safe and robust means to alter an immune tumor microenvironment that could potentiate checkpoint immunotherapy for glioblastoma. SIGNIFICANCE: Microparticle-mediated local inhibition of NAMPT modulates the tumor immune microenvironment and acts cooperatively with anti-PD-1 checkpoint blockade, offering a combination immunotherapy strategy for the treatment of GBM.
Crystal growth on (110) β-Ga2O3 via plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy

Epitaxial growth of β-Ga2O3 was performed on (110) substrate by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy (PAMBE). Investigation of (010) substrates has revealed that (110) facets are revealed the chevron consistent features in reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED) studies, which indicates (110) is a natural plane in β-Ga2O3 and exhibits atomically flat surface after Ga polishing. The growth rate dependence on Ga flux study suggests that the growth rate is not reduced on the (110) plane compared to that of (010). Atomic force microscopy (AFM) shows smooth surface morphology was obtained by growing on (110) substrates.
Integrating a Brief Motivational Treatment for Problem Drinkers in a Private Outpatient Clinic

Abstract The integration of brief alcohol treatment into an array of existing treatment services has been a challenge for clinical administrators despite the mounting evidence supporting brief treatment approaches. The present study examines the utility of a brief alcohol treatment program through an evaluation of client characteristics, use of program services, and preliminary program outcomes. Subjects were 256 clients receiving a Drinking Check-Up (DCU) program within a large, for-profit, private-practice-model, behavioral health services clinic. A process and outcome evaluation was conducted that included: (1) A detailed description of all clients enrolled in the DCU program; (2) A description of client utilization of DCU and other program services; and (3) A preliminary outcome evaluation of a subset of DCU participants. Analyses revealed nearly all (98%) clients who attended an initial screening/assessment session also attended a feedback/treatment planning session with about 59% attending at least ...
Inference of riverine nitrogen processing from longitudinal and diel variation in dual nitrate isotopes

[1] Longitudinal and diel measurements of dual isotope composition (δ15N and δ18O) in nitrate (NO3-N) were made in the Ichetucknee River, a large (∼8 m3 s−1), entirely spring-fed river in North Florida, to determine whether isotopic variation can deconvolve assimilatory and dissimilatory removal. Comparing nitrate concentrations and isotope composition during the day and night we predicted (1) daytime declines in total fractionation due to low assimilatory fractionation and (2) diurnal variation in dual isotope coupling between 1:1 (assimilation) and 2:1 (denitrification). Five daytime longitudinal transects comprising 10 sampling stations showed consistent NO3-N removal (25–35% of inputs) and modest fractionation (15etotal between −2 and −6‰, enriching the residual nitrate pool). Lower fractionation (by ∼1‰) during two nighttime transects, suggests higher fractionation due to assimilation than denitrification. Total fractionation was significantly negatively associated with discharge, input [NO3-N], N mass removal, and fractional water loss. Despite well-constrained mass balance estimates that denitrification dominated total N removal, isotope coupling was consistently 1:1, both for longitudinal and diel sampling. Hourly samples on two dates at the downstream location showed significant diel variation in concentration ([NO3-N] amplitude = 60 to 90 μg N L−1) and isotope composition (δ15N amplitude = −0.7‰ to −1.6‰). Total fractionation differed between day and night only on one date but estimated assimilatory fractionation assuming constant denitrification was highly variable and implausibly large (for N, 15e = −2 to −25‰), suggesting that fractionation and removal due to denitrification is not diurnally constant. Pronounced counterclockwise hysteresis in the relationship between [NO3-N] andδ15N suggests diel variation in N isotope dynamics. Together, low fractionation, isotope versus concentration hysteresis, and consistent 1:1 isotope coupling suggests that denitrification is controlled by NO3− diffusion into the benthic sediments, the length of which is mediated by riverine oxygen dynamics. While using dual isotope behavior to deconvolve removal pathways was not possible, isotope measurements did yield valuable information about riverine N cycling and transformations.
Oxygen deprivation activates an ATP-inhibitable K+ channel in substantia nigra neurons

Depending on its severity and duration, O2 deprivation activates mechanisms that can lead to profound deleterious changes in neuronal structure and function. Hypoxia also evokes inherent adaptive mechanisms that can possibly delay injury and increase neuronal survival. One of these neuronal adaptive mechanisms is believed to be the activation of K+ channels, but direct evidence for their activation is lacking. We performed experiments to test the hypothesis that hypoxia induces activation of K+ channels via changes in cytosolic and membrane factors such as ATP, Ca2+, and membrane potential. The effect of hypoxia on single-channel currents was studied in rat substantia nigra neurons, since these have a high density of glibenclamide binding sites. In cell-attached patches, hypoxia or cyanide reversibly activated an outward current. This hypoxia-activated current in excised inside-out patches was K+ selective and voltage dependent, and had a high sensitivity to internal ATP, ADP, and AMP-PNP, a nonhydrolyzable ATP analog. Activation of this channel required the presence of free Ca2+ on the cytosolic side, but charybdotoxin or apamin did not have any effect on this channel. The effect of ATP on channel activity was not a result of Ca2+ chelation because Mg.ATP in high Mg2+ background and K2.ATP in high Ca2+ environment inhibited the channel. These results suggest that although this hypoxia-activated K+ channel shares properties with ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels in other tissues, substantia nigra neurons seem to have a different subtype or isoform of KATP channels. Gating this channel by multiple factors simultaneously would allow this channel to be particularly suitable for activation during metabolic stress.
Solving commutative relaxations of word problems

We present an algebraic characterization of the standard commutative relaxation of the word problem in terms of a polynomial equality. We then consider a variant of the commutative word problem, referred to as the "zero-to-all reachability" problem. We show that this problem is equivalent to a finite number of commutative word problems, and we use this insight to derive necessary conditions for zero-to-all reachability. We conclude with a set of illustrative examples.
Teratogenic effects of lithium in rats

Developmental defects were observed in fetuses following intra-peritoneal administration of lithium chloride to pregnant rats. The resulting malformations were almost exclusively cranial in location, primarily affecting the eye, external ear, and palate. In addition resorption rate was increased. Since this represents the first report of such effects in rats, the results are discussed with respect to previous experiments using lithium in other experimental animals and to the possibility of lithium-induced teratogenesis in human beings.
Measured and reported weight change for women using a vaginal contraceptive ring vs. a low-dose oral contraceptive

Abstract Background Women often stop hormonal contraception because of perceived weight change. We conducted a randomized trial comparing the contraceptive vaginal ring to a low-dose oral contraceptive (OC). We examined the difference between women's reported and measured baseline weights and looked at factors affecting perceived weight change. Methods We randomized 201 participants to either the vaginal ring or an OC for three cycles. We weighed participants upon enrollment ( n =194) and at exit ( n =167), using the same instrument for all measurements. Participants also provided self-reported height and their reactions to perceived weight changes. Results Baseline weight and body mass index were similar for both groups (mean weight=145.9 lb). Measured weight was, on average, 4.4 lb more than reported weight; this difference was greater in overweight and obese participants. Participants gained an average of 2.8 lb over 3 months; this gain did not differ between groups or by baseline weight. Subjects who reported a ���bad change��� in weight at exit ( n =34) gained an average of 4.4 lb, whereas those who reported ���no change��� ( n =112) gained 2.2 lb and those who reported a ���good change��� ( n =14) gained 3.3 lb. Conclusion Participants underreported their weight, and this difference was greater for heavier women. There was little weight change for the women in our study. Participants' opinions about weight change were not correlated with measured weight changes.
Present and Future Technologies for Tick Control

Arsenic dips were the first effective method for controlling ticks and tick-borne diseases, and were used in many parts of the world for over 50 years before resistance to the chemical became a problem. Until organochlorine products became available about 1946 as alternatives to arsenic, significant losses occurred in cattle herds exposed to arsenic-resistant tick strains. Since the discovery of organochlorines, virtually every chemical group of pesticides developed for the control of arthropods is represented among the list of products employed for the control of ticks on cattle. The evolution of tick resistance to acaricides has been a major determinant of the need for new products. The variety of procedures for treating animals with acaricides ranges from dipping cattle to injecting systemic acaricides, but regardless of the treatment method used, producers need to know and follow proper application procedures to derive maximum benefits. The possibility of stocking with cattle breeds that acquire pronounced resistance to ticks or using recombinant antigen antitick vaccines are the most promising alternatives to acaricides. Most ranchers depend completely on acaricides to control ticks, but do not have access to guidelines on how to make a profit from their tick control program or how to detect and resolve problems with resistance to acaricides. Extension programs are needed to help ranchers manage animal health problems, including how to control ticks and tick-borne diseases.
Adaptation to prism-displaced vision: The importance of target-pointing

Two experiments investigated the hypothesis that the experience of manually pointing at visual targets enhances motoric adaptation to prism-displaced vision. Experiment 1 indicated that when adaptation was measured by means of redirected pointing behavior (negative aftereffect) it varied directly with the specificity of the target, the least adaptation occurring when no target was available. This relationship was not observed when adaptation was measured in terms of a shift in the felt position of the prism-exposed hand (proprioceptive shift). Experiment 2 demonstrated that after double the prism-exposure trials used in Experiment 1, target-pointing experience continued to enhance adaptation (as indexed by both types of adaptation measure). In both experiments negative aftereffect was significantly larger than proprioceptive shift for all experimental conditions and the two measures were not correlated. These latter two findings cast doubt on Harris’s notion that negative aftereffect is entirely the result of altered position sense.
Development and Characterization of a Binge Drinking Model in Mice for Evaluation of the Immunological Effects of Ethanol

This study describes the development and characterization of a binge drinking model in which a single dose of ethanol (EtOH) is administered by gavage to B6C3F1 mice. Blood EtOH levels were monitored over time after administration of EtOH at doses of 3.0-7.0 g/kg. Peak levels were in the range of 0.2-0.5%, and clearance was complete within 2-12 hr. Substantial increases in blood corticosterone levels were noted. Behavioral changes in EtOH-treated mice aged 8 weeks ranged from no effect (3-4 g/kg) to severe ataxia (6-7 g/kg). In mice aged 16 weeks, a dosage of 7 g/kg caused less of the righting reflex in some animals and severe ataxia in most of the others. Clinical chemistry results did not indicate biologically important changes in general physiological/homeostatic systems in EtOH-treated mice, but there were indications of minor liver damage at the 7 g/kg dosage. Thus, administration of EtOH to B6C3F1 mice by gavage produces behavioral changes, changes in blood EtOH levels, and probably glucocorticoid levels representative of at least some human binge drinkers. The model was used to evaluate the effects of binge drinking on antibody responses, and the results indicate the model will be useful for such studies.
A modal cosmological argument

Modal logic, its semantics and its metaphysics have received intense philosophical scrutiny since the early 1960s. One by-product of this work has been the rehabilitation of "ontological" arguments for God's existence. Though such arguments were long rejected out of hand, many philosophers now concede that when their modal subtleties are grasped, at least some ontological arguments are valid and philosophically interesting. Cosmological arguments for God's existence so far have not enjoyed similar good fortune. This essay will explore one use of theses of modal logic and common principles governing the acceptability of modal beliefs in constructing a cosmological argument. It will suggest that a cosmological argument trading on these is valid and avoids a number of problems which beset nonmodal cosmological arguments and modal ontological arguments. Our argument will conclude that there exists an unchangeable thing which at least partially explains the existence of changeable things. This abstract affirmation is a far cry from the claim that God exists. But the conclusions of standard cosmological arguments for the existence of an unmoved mover, a first cause or a necessary being are equally abstract, and despite this, some thinkers consider them relevant to the question of God's existence. We will explore our argument's relevance to this question in the last section below.
Ligation of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Premature Infants

In the operating room, 66 preterm infants weighing between 710 and 2,700 gm (23 less than 1,000 gm) underwent ligation of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Respiratory distress syndrome was present in 53 patients; the rest had apnea-bradycardia syndrome. PDA ligation was indicated for intractable congestive heart failure in 52 patients or progressive respiratory failure in 14. There were no intraoperative deaths. Fifteen infants died 1 to 120 days postoperatively. Seven deaths resulted from intracranial bleeding, 3 from diffuse coagulopathy, and 1 from respiratory failure. The condition of patients with heart failure improved postoperatively, with the mean left atrium to aorta ratio reduced from 1.56 to 1.02 (p = 0.05). Respiratory function improved in 25 patients extubated by the third postoperative day. Late follow-up (one to five years) of the 51 survivors showed 1 late death. Seventeen survivors had roentgenographic evidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia required longer postoperative ventilation (mean, 21.5 days compared with 4.75 days). Twenty-four infants were normal. Ligation of PDA in preterm infants has low intraoperative risk and improves the condition of those with heart and respiratory failure. Late follow-up showed good recovery of nearly two-thirds of the patients.
Some comparative effects of sodium D- and sodium L-thyroxine administered chronically to rats and dogs.

Abstract Sodium d -thyroxine given by gavage to dogs and in the diet to rats was well tolerated when administered for 6 and 12 months, respectively, at doses which did not produce thyrotoxicosis. Doses of 10 mg/kg or more of d -thyroxine or 1 mg/kg or more of l -thyroxine produced thyrotoxicosis in rats, and doses of 100 mg/kg of either isomer produced death. Male rats were more sensitive to these effects than were females. Thyrotoxicosis appeared to be related to the metabolic activity of the compound, and in this regard d -thyroxine was estimated to be about one-tenth as active as l -thyroxine in rats. Dogs medicated by gavage tolerated d -thyroxine better than rats fed the drug in the diet. Except for hypocholesterolemia, doses of d -thyroxine that were lethal to rats caused no changes in dogs.
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY OF SOME NEW HEXAGONAL TUNGSTEN BRONZES

Abstract The nonstoichiometric tungsten bronzes MxWO3 with hexagonal structure (maximum x = 0.33) have been described by Magneli1 for the alkali metals potassium, rubidium, and cesium. These materials exhibit metallic-type conduction, and, as recently reported by Sweedler et al .2 bronzes having hexagonal or tetragonal I symmetry show superconductivity of a series of new hexagonal tungsten bronzes containing the alkaline earths, calcium, strontium, or barium. In addition, the hexagonal thallium and indium bronzes prepared in this laboratory3 are shown to be superconducting.
An extremely miniaturized 15‐GHz CMOS distributed voltage‐controlled oscillator

A distributed voltage-controlled oscillator (DVCO) employing novel multilayered inductors is implemented in a standard 0.18-μm CMOS process. The DVCO is at least 90% smaller than the earlier reported DVCOs and its core occupies a mere 348 μm × 195 μm or 0.06 mm2, making it the smallest distributed VCO reported in any monolithic technology to date. The VCO employs a four-stage unstable distributed amplifier and generates a fundamental signal at 14.9 GHz with a phase noise of −100.2 dBc/Hz @ 1 MHz offset and a 12% tuning range. The circuit consumes 34 mW of DC power and provides −0.8 dBm of output power. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 1953–1955, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24504
Species-specific effect of oviductal glycoproteins on hamster sperm binding to hamster oocytes

The secretory cells of the oviductal epithelium secrete a high-molecular-weight glycoprotein (OGP). OGPs from different mammalian species show similar immunological characteristics, their cDNAs show high homologies, and they associate with the zona pellucida of oviductal oocytes in vivo. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of OGP obtained from different species on the binding of hamster sperm to hamster oocytes. Hamster oocytes were inseminated (30 min) in the presence or absence of homologous or heterologous OGPs, and sperm bound/oocyte were counted after removing loosely attached sperm. Ovarian oocytes had an average of 2.9 +/- 0.6 sperm bound/oocyte, whereas oviductal oocytes had 36.3 +/- 2.7. Hamster OGP (0.1 mg/ml) significantly increased sperm binding to ovarian oocytes twofold and had no effect on sperm bound/oviductal oocytes. Human OGP (0.5 mg/ml) significantly decreased sperm binding to ovarian oocytes (0.9 +/- 0.3 sperm bound/oocyte). This effect was dose dependent for oviductal oocytes and could be blocked by preincubating human OGP with a specific antibody to human OGP. The presence of baboon and cow OGP during the insemination of hamster oviductal oocytes also resulted in a significant decrease in sperm bound/oocyte, whereas the addition of hamster OGP to hamster oviductal oocytes had no effect. These results show that homologous OGP enhances sperm binding to the ZP, whereas heterologous OGP inhibits that effect. Thus, our results suggest that OGP plays a role in the species-specific characteristics of sperm/ZP interaction, and that one must use a homologous system (OGP and gametes from the same species) to study the biological effect of OGP.
Changes in cytoplasmic and chloroplast ribosomal ribonucleic acid during the cell cycle of Chlyamydomonas reinhardtii

Abstract Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of isolated cytoplasmic and chloroplast ribosomal ribonucleic acid species during the synchronous vegetative cell cycle of the eukaryote Chlamydomonas reinhardtii suggests that a separate control of cytoplasmic and chloroplast rRNA might exist. It was found that the amount of cytoplasmic rRNA linearly increased during the entire G 1 phase of the cell cycle, whereas chloroplast rRNA accumulated only through 70% of the G 1 period. The amount of cytoplasmic rRNA per mother cell remained constant during nuclear DNA synthesis but a gradual loss of chloroplast rRNA was noted at this time. A significant decline in all four rRNA species occurred at the time of cell division.
The analysis of shape change during isostatic pressing

Abstract To improve the design of optimum consolidation cycles for powder processing, it is important to be able to predict the final shape of the product. When components are solidified from metal powders by isostatic pressing, substantial shape changes can occur due to the constraint of the can. This effect can be modelled in terms of a new constitutive law for the plastic yielding of powder aggregates. It is found that in the early stages of consolidation, the shape is controlled by the container and the powder has no influence. The container deforms into shapes it would achieve if it were empty. This suggests that the initial design of a container can be carried out with an empty can under external pressure.
Presidential Support Among Senatorial Leaders and Followers

This research examines the differences between Senate party leaders and rank and file party members on a measure of support for the president of their party. The expectation is that party leaders give presidents of their party greater support than do nonleaders. Only floor leaders and whips exhibited higher presidential support than other types of leaders or the rank and file. Foreign policy elicited support from both parties' leaders, and the Democratic leadership and rank and file differences were eliminated when controlling for ideology.
Digestive system of Cleridae (Coleoptera)

Abstract Works on the digestive system of Cleridae are few and brief. The digestive systems of 44 species of Cleridae representing 22 genera from North, Central and South America, Europe, Japan and India were studied. Dissections were made in saline or 70% alcohol. The stomodaeum includes a distinct pharynx, a well-developed esophagus, a distinct proventriculus and stomodaeal valve. The crop is not distinguishable. The pharyngeal intima exhibits 4 primary and 2 secondary folds, which become irregular in the oesophagus, and usually develop into 4 primary folds and 4 secondary folds in the proventriculus. Intimal spines are always minute and numerous in the pharynx, scarce in the anterior region of the esophagus, long and stout in the posterior region of the esophagus and the anterior region of the proventriculus. The size, shape and number of the lobes of the stomodaeal valve vary, while their position is constant. The ventriculus is well developed, may be smooth, papillose or faintly transversely wrinkled. The protodaeum is highly developed. The pylorus is short and muscular; it is marked anteriorly by a 6-lobed pyloric valve. There are 4 or 6 cryptonephridial malpighian tubules, with their distal attachment in two groups at the distal limit of the ileum. The anterior intestine is divided into a well-defined ileum and a distally broadened colon. The posterior intestine is composed of a well-developed rectal sac and an elongate rectum proper, which is twice as long in the female as in the male. The proctodaeal intima shows numerous small folds in the region of the pylorus. These folds anastomose into six larger folds in the colon; the folds always terminate in the region of the rectal valve; the rectal intima usually exhibits very small folds in the proximal region and very long, slender folds posteriorly. Several of the organs and structures seem to have taxonomic significance.
Tristable circuit with well defined triggering threshold

A new tristable circuit is described. It is basically an Eccles-Jordan circuit arranged to have a third stable state in which both transistors operate in the active region. Switching from this centre-stable state to either of the other two states can be arranged to occur at a well defined level of triggering current. The circuit is particularly suitable for use as an output latch with certain types of digital-computer store or in ternary-logic circuits. The effects of component and supply-voltage tolerances are discussed.
Quantum stress energy in nearly conformally flat spacetimes. II. Correction of formula

We correct our previously given formula for the quantum stress-energy in an arbitrarily perturbed conformally flat spacetime.
Ipsilateral feeding-specific circuits between the nucleus accumbens shell and the lateral hypothalamus: regulation by glutamate and GABA receptor subtypes.

Abstract The nucleus accumbens shell (AcbSh) and the lateral hypothalamus (LH) are both involved in the control of food intake. Activation of GABA A receptors or blockade of AMPA and kainate receptors within the AcbSh induces feeding, as does blockade of GABA A receptors or activation of NMDA receptors in the LH. Further, evidence suggests that feeding induced via the AcbSh can be suppressed by LH inhibition. However, it is unclear if this suppression is specific to feeding. Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats with 3 intracranial guide cannulas, one unilaterally into the AcbSh and two bilaterally into the LH, were used to explore this issue. DNQX (1.25 μg) or muscimol (100 ng) infused into the AcbSh unilaterally elicited feeding, and this elicited intake was suppressed by bilateral LH injection of d -AP5 (2 μg) or muscimol (25 ng). The effectiveness of d -AP5 or muscimol infusion into either the LH site ipsilateral or contralateral to the AcbSh injection was compared. Ipsilateral LH injection of d -AP5 or muscimol was significantly more effective than contralateral injection in suppressing food intake initiated by AcbSh injection of DNQX or muscimol. These results add to the prior evidence that inhibition of the LH through pharmacological modulation of NMDA or GABA A receptors specifically suppresses feeding initiated by AcbSh inhibition, and that these two regions communicate via an ipsilateral circuit to specifically regulate feeding.
Academic Medical Centers: Ripe for Rapid-Learning Personalized Health Care

In an attempt to reduce the lengthy process of translating scientific findings into clinical practice, the United States and several European governments are making substantial investments in health information technology, comparative effectiveness research, and increased access to quality health care. New technologies—genomics in particular—are expected to usher in more cost-effective personalized health care. Academic medical centers can play a central role in this transformation through the development of rapid learning environments, evidence generation, implementation research, and education of health professionals and the public.
COMPARISON OF SLIDING SURFACE DESIGN ON THE PERFORMANCE OF ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEMS

Abstract This paper investigates the effect of sliding surface design on the performance of a sliding mode control (SMC) based Antilock Braking System (ABS) including: a brake torque limitation, actuator time delay, and tire force build up. Two different sliding surface designs commonly used in ABS were compared and an alternative sliding surface design that improves the convergence speed and oscillation damping around the target slip has been proposed. An 8 degree of freedom nonlinear vehicle model was developed for this study and the effects of brake system parameter variations such as a brake actuator time constant, target slip ratios, and an abrupt road friction change were also assessed.
The association between compliance with recommended follow-up and glaucomatous disease severity in a county hospital population.

Purpose To assess the association between insufficient follow-up and clinical parameters such as disease severity and medication use among glaucoma patients at a metropolitan county hospital. Design Cross-sectional study. Methods Two-hundred and six patients with established glaucoma were recruited from San Francisco General Hospital. Subjects were classified based on compliance with recommended follow-up examination intervals over the year preceding commencement of the study, as determined by patient medical records. Glaucoma severity was determined based on the American Academy of Ophthalmology Preferred Practice Patterns guidelines. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between adherence with follow-up visits and disease severity. Results After adjustment for the impact of potential confounding variables, subjects with severe glaucomatous disease were found to have been less adherent to their recommended follow-up than those patients with mild or moderate glaucomatous disease (adjusted OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.21-2.94; P = .01). Subjects who were on glaucoma medications were found to be less adherent to follow-up recommendations (adjusted OR 3.29, 95% CI 1.41-7.65, P = .01). Conclusion Subjects with poor follow-up adherence were significantly more likely to have severe glaucomatous disease, suggesting that poor follow-up may contribute to disease worsening or, alternatively, those with more severe disease are less inclined to follow up at appropriate intervals.
Enzymatic Browning Control in Potato with Ascorbic Acid‐2‐Phosphates

Treated potato samples were evaluated for browning by tristimulus colorimetry and for browning inhibitor uptake by HPLC. Treatment effectiveness was greatly improved by reducing pH to 2.0 with phosphoric acid to inhibit endogenous acid phosphatase and by using combinations of ascorbic acid (AA), AA-2-phosphate and AA-2-triphosphate to provide for gradual release of AA at treated surfaces. Treatment with dips containing the AA-2-phosphates extended storage life of potato dice and pre-peeled potatoes by 5-7 days over that obtained with conventional browning inhibitor formulations but induced some leakage at cut surfaces.
Extent of Butyrate Metabolism by Bovine Ruminoreticulum Epithelium and the Relationship to Absorption Rate

Abstract Solutions containing acetate, propionate, and butyrate were placed into the ruminoreticulum of three calves in ten experiments to measure the extent to which butyrate, absorbed at different rates, is converted to ketone bodies by ruminoreticulum epithelium. In response to five different combinations of pH and concentrations of total volatile fatty acid in 18 liters of solution, absorption rates in millimoles per hour ranged from 170 to 600 for acetate, from 89 to 341 for propionate, and from 58 to 269 for butyrate. Specific absorption rates were in the order of butyrate>propionate>acetate at pH 4.8 and 6.0 but were about equal at pH 7.2. The extent of butyrate conversion to ketone bodies (calculated from portal-arterial concentration differences in butyrate, aceto acetate plus acetone, and yS-hydroxybuty-rate) averaged 49 (range 33 to 78)%. The extent of butyrate conversion was affected by pH and by concentration of volatile fatty acid in the ruminoreticulum and was negatively correlated to the rate of butyrate absorption. About three-fourths of the portal-arterial differences in ketone bodies were accounted for by β -hydroxybutyrate.