cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The photopic negative response of the flash electroretinogram in primary open angle glaucoma.

PURPOSE. To determine whether the photopic negative response (PhNR) of the electroretinogram (ERG) is reduced in patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). METHODS. ERGs were recorded with DTL electrodes from 62 normal subjects (16 to 82 years), 18 POAG patients (47 to 83 years) and 7 POAG suspects (46 to 73 years) to brief flashes (<6 ms), and also in a few subjects to long (200 ms) red, full-field ganzfeld flashes delivered on a rod-saturating blue background. At the time of ERG measurements, the intraocular pressures of most of the patients were controlled medically. Visual field sensitivities were measured with the Humphrey C24-2 threshold test and optic nerve head cup-to-disc ratio (C/D) was determined by binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy. RESULTS. ERGs of normal subjects contained a slow negative potential following the a- and b-waves, the PhNR, that increased slightly in latency with age. The a- and b-wave amplitudes and implicit times of POAG patients were similar to age-matched controls. In contrast, their PhNRs were small or virtually absent. PhNR amplitudes were reduced even when visual sensitivity losses were small, and were correlated significantly (P < 0.05) with mean deviation (MD), corrected pattern SD (CPSD), and C/D across the population of POAG patients whose MD losses ranged from 1 to 13 dB, CPSDs from 0 to 11 dB and C/Ds from 0.6 to 0.9. PhNRs of most POAG suspects also were small. CONCLUSIONS. PhNR amplitudes in POAG patients are smaller than those of normal subjects. PhNR amplitudes are reduced when visual field sensitivity losses are mild and become even smaller as sensitivity losses increase. There is a potential role for the PhNR in early detection and possibly in monitoring the progression of glaucomatous damage.
Peri-procedural management of patients taking oral anticoagulants.

The use of oral anticoagulants is becoming increasingly common. For many years warfarin was the main oral anticoagulant available, but therapeutic options have expanded with the introduction of oral direct thrombin (dabigatran) and factor Xa inhibitors (apixaban, rivaroxaban, and edoxaban). Management of patients taking any oral anticoagulant in the peri-procedural period poses a challenge to medical and surgical providers because of the competing risks of thrombosis and hemorrhage. Bridging therapy has been used to minimize time without anticoagulation when warfarin is interrupted for invasive procedures, but validated strategies based on high quality data are lacking. Existing data suggest that the use of bridging therapy may increase the risk of bleeding for some patients without reducing the risk of thrombosis. Clinical trials are currently under way to answer these questions. Because the half lives and time to anticoagulant activity of newer oral anticoagulants are shorter than for warfarin, bridging therapy is not thought to be necessary with these agents. Peri-procedural management of patients taking these agents is complicated by the lack of demonstrated reversal agents in emergency situations, although specific antidotes are being developed and tested. Existing guidelines for peri-procedural management of patients on oral anticoagulants highlight the importance of individualized patient decision making and suggest strategies to minimize complications. From a patient’s perspective, given the uncertainties surrounding optimal management, explicit discussions regarding risks and benefits of treatment options and demonstration of effective communication among medical and surgical providers are essential.
Ultraviolet, Visible, and Fluorescence Spectroscopy

Spectroscopy in the ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) range is one of the most commonly encountered laboratory techniques in food analysis. Diverse examples, such as the quantification of macrocomponents (total carbohydrate by the phenol-sulfuric acid method), quantification of microcomponents, (thiamin by the thiochrome fluorometric procedure), estimates of rancidity (lipid oxidation status by the thiobarbituric acid test), and surveillance testing (enzyme-linked immunoassays), are presented in this text. In each of these cases, the analytical signal for which the assay is based is either the emission or absorption of radiation in the UV–Vis range. This signal may be inherent in the analyte, such as the absorbance of radiation in the visible range by pigments, or a result of a chemical reaction involving the analyte, such as the colorimetric copper-based Lowry method for the analysis of soluble protein.
Angiotensin II causes imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines by modulating GSK-3β in neuronal culture

Background and Purpose Emerging evidence indicates that the balance between pro-inflammatory cytokines (PICs) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (AICs) within the brain is an important determinant in the outcome of hypertension. However, the mechanism by which this dysregulation occurs is not known. We aimed to investigate whether AngII induces imbalance between PIC and AIC by modulating downstream transcription factors, NFκB and cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB), and whether AngII-induced effects are mediated by glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β). Experimental Approach CATH.a neurons were exposed to AngII (10 nM–1 μM) over a preset time course. In another set of experiments, GSK-3β was knock down by using lentivirus containing short hairpin RNA targeting GSK-3β (L-sh-GSK3β) before AngII exposure. Cell extracts were subjected to RT-PCR, immunoblot and immunoprecipitation. Key Results AngII caused time-dependent increase in PICs (TNF-α and IL-1β) and reduction in AIC (IL-10). AngII exposure caused reduced phosphorylated CREB(Ser-133) and increased p-NFκB(Ser-276) levels, leading to reduced CREB-CBP and increased NFκB-CBP binding. These results were accompanied by increased activation of GSK-3β, as indicated by increased p-GSK3(Tyr-216) to p-GSK3(Ser-9) ratio. In a subsequent study, pretreatment with L-sh-GSK3β attenuated AngII-induced alterations in PICs and IL-10 by augmenting CREB-CBP and attenuating NFκB-CBP binding. Conclusions and Implications Collectively, these findings are the first to provide direct evidence that AngII-induced dysregulation in cytokines is mediated by GSK-3β-mediated alterations in downstream transcription factors in neuronal cells. Our data also reveal that AngII-induced effects could be alleviated by GSK-3β inhibition, suggesting GSK-3β as an important therapeutic target for hypertension that is characterized by increased PICs and NFκB activation.
Key Articles Related to Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Cardiovascular Disease: Part 1

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapy has gained popularity in America over the past several years, reflected in the increased utilization of these agents. Given the abundance of nontraditional products available to the public, clinicians should be made aware of the existing evidence relating to CAM therapy to better provide patient care in a meaningful manner. This bibliography article compiled key articles specific to CAM therapy and cardiovascular disease, which include primary literature, review articles, consensus statements, and abstracts of landmark studies. Based on the numerous published reports available on this topic, this bibliography, as part 1 of 2, focuses on the efficacy of CAM therapy in cardiovascular disease.
Non-normality and bifurcation in a compressible pressure-sensitive circular cylinder under axisymmetric tesion and compression

Abstract This paper examines bifurcations, including diffuse bifurcation modes of deformation, such as necking, bulging and surface rumpling, and localized bifurcation modes, corresponding to the formation of shear bands, for a compressible pressure-sensitive circular cylinder under axisymmetric deformations. The analysis emphasizes the effects of non-normality, transverse anisotropy, and confining stress on the appearance of diffuse modes and their relationship to the onset of localization. In particular, introduction of transverse anisotropy and non-normality promotes not only localization but also geometric diffuse modes under compression. In addition, constant compressive confining stress promotes diffuse modes under compression but hinders them under tension. For the surface rumpling mode (short wavelength limit of diffuse mode), both anisotropy and compressive lateral stress favor pre-peak bifurcations; in-plane compressibility promotes prepeak bifurcations under compression but retards them under tension. Numerical solutions of the eigenvalue equation for the elliptic complex regime demonstrate that the earliest bifurcation available is the diffuse necking mode under tension. However, unexpectedly, some geometric diffuse modes with finite wave number, instead of the bulging mode, become the first possible bifurcation under compression. The possible angle of localization that may be triggered by such diffuse modes is about the same as those predicted by shear band analysis. Consequently, such diffuse eigenmodes may trigger localization in the vicinity of peak applied stress.
Effect of eelgrass Zostera marina canopies on flow and transport

Ecological effects of the interaction between submerged aquatic vegetation and cur- rents depend on the plants and their associated organisms as well as the large-scale transport of dis- solved and suspended constituents near the canopy. Mathematical models for airflow within plant canopies were adapted to describe water flow through and above meadows of aquatic eelgrass Zostera marina. The resulting model provided the vertical distribution of velocity and shear in a water column within the meadow, and it was developed to automatically conserve flow within the canopy. It was tested and calibrated with data from the laboratory and the field, and it performed adequately. The flow profile was nearly exponential within the canopy and logarithmic above it. The model was used to study how the eelgrass canopy affected the horizontal transport of conservative constituents. The most important finding was that the vertical distribution of a constituent determines whether the canopy will reduce or enhance its transport through the water column. This effect has direct implica- tions for transport of nonconservative constituents such as dissolved oxygen, nutrients, organic car- bon, and particulate pollen, larvae, plankton, and detritus. It also has direct implications for biologi- cal issues such as vertical distributions of photosynthesis and of recruitment of organisms on blades of grass while they are exposed to varying degrees of currents and shear.
Ma\analytische Bestimmung von zweiwertigem Quecksilber in Gegenwart von Chlorid, Bromid und Schwermetallen

Bei der Extraktion von Kationen aus jodidhaltigen wA\rigen Losungen wird zuerst das Quecksilber(II)-ion extrahiert. Die Reaktion Hg2+ + 3J− = HgJ3 − und die quantitative Extrahierbarkeit des Quecksilbers mit Cyclohexanon werden zu einer ma\analytischen Quecksilber(II)-bestimmung herangezogen. Zur Erkennung des Endpunktes werden der Losung Wismut(III)-ionen zugesetzt; diese bilden nach Ablauf der obigen Reaktion Wismut(III)-jodid, das sich sofort mit orangeroter Farbe in Cyclohexanon lost. Chloride, Bromide und die gro\e Mehrzahl der Schwermetallionen storen die Bestimmung nicht.
Overview and safety of fingolimod hydrochloride use in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Introduction: Fingolimod (Gilenya®, FTY720) is an oral sphingosine-1-phosphate analogue that was approved by the FDA in 2010 for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Fingolimod’s mechanism of action is primarily related to lymphocyte sequestration in primary and secondary lymphoid tissues. Phase III trials demonstrated a reduction in annualized relapse rate and MRI progression in fingolimod-treated subjects compared with both placebo and IFN-β-treated subjects. Frequent adverse effects include fatigue, gastrointestinal disturbance, headache and upper respiratory tract infection. More serious, but rare, adverse events associated with fingolimod include atrioventricular block, symptomatic bradycardia, herpetic viral infections and macular edema.Areas covered: We discuss the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy and safety profile of fingolimod in patients with relapsing MS.Expert opinion: Fingolimod is an effective treatment for relapsing MS and its oral route of a...
Personality Dimensions as Common and Broadband-Specific Features for Internalizing and Externalizing Disorders

Several researchers have suggested that the nature of the covariation between internalizing and externalizing disorders may be understood better by examining the associations between temperament or personality and these disorders. The present study examined neuroticism as a potential common feature underlying both internalizing and externalizing disorders and novelty seeking as a potential broad-band specific feature influencing externalizing disorders alone. Participants were 12- to 18-year-old twin pairs (635 monozygotic twin pairs and 691 dizygotic twin pairs; 48 % male and 52 % female) recruited from the Colorado Center for Antisocial Drug Dependence. Genetic and nonshared environmental influences shared in common with neuroticism influenced the covariation among distinct internalizing disorders, the covariation among distinct externalizing disorders, and the covariation between internalizing and externalizing disorders. Genetic influences shared in common with novelty seeking influenced the covariation among externalizing disorders and the covariation between major depressive disorder and externalizing disorders, but not the covariation among internalizing disorders or between anxiety disorders and externalizing disorders. Also, after accounting for genetic and environmental influences shared in common with neuroticism and novelty seeking, there were no significant common genetic or environmental influences among the disorders examined, suggesting that the covariance among the disorders is sufficiently explained by neuroticism and novelty seeking. We conclude that neuroticism is a heritable common feature of both internalizing disorders and externalizing disorders, and that novelty seeking is a heritable broad-band specific factor that distinguishes anxiety disorders from externalizing disorders.
A method for the estimation of fatty acid esters.

Abstract A colorimetric method for the estimation of carboxylic esters in lipide extracts is presented with data indicating its specificity and sensitivity.
Stereotactic radiosurgery of the brain using a standard linear accelerator: a study of early and late effects

Abstract Between February 1986 and December 1988, 44 patients were treated with stereotactic radiosurgery using a standard linear accelerator. Twenty one patients were treated for cerebrovascular abnormalities and 23 patients were treated for intracranial tumors. Fifteen of the 23 patients treated for intracranial tumors had received previous radiotherapy. The range of doses given by radiosurgery was 1000–2500 cGy. Nausea and vomiting occurred in seven patients within six hours of treatment. The incidence and symptoms were correlated with the dose of radiation to the vomiting center (area postrema) with the median dose to the postrema in symptomatic patients being 618 cGy compared to a range of
Relationship Between Teacher Ratings Using the Revised Behavior Problem Checklist

The behavior of 95 children (grades 3 through 6) was rated by two groups of teachers using the Revised Behavior Problem Checklist. Subjects were approximately equally divided according to sex and grade placement. Subscale means and standard deviations were calculated for ratings by both groups of teachers. Multivariate analysis of variance revealed no significant difference between the mean ratings of the two groups. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients revealed a generally low to moderate degree of relationship between teacher ratings. Possible explanations are discussed. Normative data for males and females are presented.
A comparison of artificial and human organizations

Abstract Formal models can facilitate the development of organizational theory. The complex, adaptive, non-linear nature of human endeavor makes computational models a particularly useful type of formal model for exploring organizational behavior. Researchers, however, rarely contrast such models with empirical data. Further, researchers tend not to contrast such models with other such models. This paper presents results from the artificial organization project and demonstrates how contrasting models with each other and with empirical data can facilitate the development of more veridical organizational models. Specifically, this paper examines whether certain organizational models, differing only with respect to the cognitive limitations of, and adaptability or general intelligence of the agents are better or worse predictors of the behavior of similar organizations composed of humans. It is shown that, not only do different agent models predict different levels of organizational performance, they also predict different relative standings for different organizational structures. Finally, the adequacy of organizations composed of simple computational agents for predicting the behavior of organizations composed of humans appears to increase as the complexity of the organizational structure increases.
Divergence of selenocysteine tRNA recognition by archaeal and eukaryotic O-phosphoseryl-tRNASec kinase

Selenocysteine (Sec) biosynthesis in archaea and eukaryotes requires three steps: serylation of tRNA(Sec) by seryl-tRNA synthetase (SerRS), phosphorylation of Ser-tRNA(Sec) by O-phosphoseryl-tRNA(Sec) kinase (PSTK), and conversion of O-phosphoseryl-tRNA(Sec) (Sep-tRNA(Sec)) by Sep-tRNA:Sec-tRNA synthase (SepSecS) to Sec-tRNA(Sec). Although SerRS recognizes both tRNA(Sec) and tRNA(Ser) species, PSTK must discriminate Ser-tRNA(Sec) from Ser-tRNA(Ser). Based on a comparison of the sequences and secondary structures of archaeal tRNA(Sec) and tRNA(Ser), we introduced mutations into Methanococcus maripaludis tRNA(Sec) to investigate how Methanocaldococcus jannaschii PSTK distinguishes tRNA(Sec) from tRNA(Ser). Unlike eukaryotic PSTK, the archaeal enzyme was found to recognize the acceptor stem rather than the length and secondary structure of the D-stem. While the D-arm and T-loop provide minor identity elements, the acceptor stem base pairs G2-C71 and C3-G70 in tRNA(Sec) were crucial for discrimination from tRNA(Ser). Furthermore, the A5-U68 base pair in tRNA(Ser) has some antideterminant properties for PSTK. Transplantation of these identity elements into the tRNA(Ser)(UGA) scaffold resulted in phosphorylation of the chimeric Ser-tRNA. The chimera was able to stimulate the ATPase activity of PSTK albeit at a lower level than tRNA(Sec), whereas tRNA(Ser) did not. Additionally, the seryl moiety of Ser-tRNA(Sec) is not required for enzyme recognition, as PSTK efficiently phosphorylated Thr-tRNA(Sec).
Absence of nucleolar dominance in mouse-human heterokaryons☆

Abstract Autoradiographic analysis of [3H]uridine incorporation 48 h after polyethylene glycol-mediated cell fusion indicates that nucleolar RNA synthesis persists in both human and mouse nuclei in interspecific heterokaryons. The absence of nucleolar dominance in heterokaryons has been confirmed by zinc-dithizone nucleolus-specific staining, and is true even when there are considerably more nuclei of one species than of the other in the heterokaryon. Studies of actinomycin D-induced nucleolar segregation indicate that the zinc-binding proteins responsible for zinc-dithizone staining are located in a different nucleolar component than the protein responsible for silver staining.
Tracks of Charged Particles in Solids.

Almost all insulating solids, including natural minerals, glasses, and plastics, record tracks of nuclear charged particles. In this article, after first describing the nature of tracks in solids and ways of seeing them, we show how they have been used in such diverse problems as measuring the age of geological and archaeological specimens, studying the early history of the solar system recorded in meteorites, observing nuclear interactions, determining neutron fluxes, and separating biological cells of different sizes.
Self-similarity in file systems

We demonstrate that high-level file system events exhibit self-similar behaviour, but only for short-term time scales of approximately under a day. We do so through the analysis of four sets of traces that span time scales of milliseconds through months, and that differ in the trace collection method, the filesystems being traced, and the chronological times of the tracing. Two sets of detailed, short-term file system trace data are analyzed; both are shown to have self-similar like behaviour, with consistent Hurst parameters (a measure of self-similarity) for all file system traffic as well as individual classes of file system events. Long-term file system trace data is then analyzed, and we discover that the traces' high variability and self-similar behaviour does not persist across time scales of days, weeks, and months. Using the short-term trace data, we show that sources of file system traffic exhibit ON/OFF source behaviour, which is characterized by highly variably lengthed bursts of activity, followed by similarly variably lengthed periods of inactivity. This ON/OFF behaviour is used to motivate a simple technique for synthesizing a stream of events that exhibit the same self-similar short-term behaviour as was observed in the file system traces.
Marital status effects on health: Are there differences between never married women and divorced and separated women?

To test whether the effects of marital status on health differ between never married women and divorced and separated women, this study utilizes prospective panel data for a large national sample of non-institutionalized young women in the U.S. (the National Longitudinal Surveys of Young Women). The women were aged 24-34 at the beginning of two successive five-year follow-up intervals (1978-1983 and 1983-1988). The health effects of marital status were evaluated in regressions which assessed the relationships between initial marital status and subsequent health trends in each follow-up interval. In the first follow-up interval, never married women tended to have worse health trends than divorced and separated women for physical impairments and for overall health problems. However, there were no differences between never married women and divorced and separated women in health trends for psychosomatic symptoms in either follow-up interval or for any health measure in the second follow-up interval. Our analyses of cross-sectional data showed few significant differences in health between never married women and divorced and separated women. Taken together, the evidence from our study and previous studies suggests that differences between never married women and divorced and separated women may vary by age and/or cohort. Evidence for the 1970s and 1980s suggests that, among older women, divorced and separated women may have experienced more harmful health effects than never married women; however, among younger women, this difference may have been absent or possibly reversed.
Cleavage furrow: calcium as determinant of site.

Abstract Direct application of EDTA at precise locations on the cortex at different times during the division of sea urchin eggs was accomplished with a capillary filled with agar-EDTA using a micromanipulator. Treatment with EDTA prior to mid-metaphase arrested cleavage irreversibly. The effects of EDTA applications during metaphase varied according to the precise site of treatment. EDTA treatment of the cleavage furrow, after it appeared at the end of anaphase, had no effect on the completion of cleavage. These results are discussed in relation to the possible role of calcium in determining the site of the cleavage furrow.
Structural Aspects of Phase Equilibria in the Strontium‐Titanium‐Oxygen System

Energies of formation of the members of the homologous series SrO · nSrTiO3, through a Ruddlesden-Popper type of superlattice ordering, have been examined by employing atomistic computer simulation techniques. Results of the calculations have been shown to provide a theoretical basis for the observation that a limited number of superstructures form single phases in the Sr-Ti-O system.
Image-guided, endoscopic-assisted drilling and exposure of the whole length of the internal auditory canal and its fundus with preservation of the integrity of the labyrinth using a retrosigmoid approach: a laboratory investigation.

OBJECTIVE: Hearing loss after removal of vestibular schwannomas with preservation of the cochlear nerve can result from labyrinthine injury of the posterior semicircular canal and/or common crus during drilling of the posterior wall of the internal auditory meatus. Indeed, there are no anatomic landmarks that intraoperatively identify the position of the posterior semicircular canal or of the common crus. We investigated the usefulness of image guidance and endoscopy for exposure of the internal auditory canal (IAC) and its fundus without labyrinthine injury during a retrosigmoid approach. METHODS: A retrosigmoid approach to the IAC was performed on 10 whole fresh cadaveric heads after acquiring high-resolution computed tomographic scans (120 kV; slice thickness, 1 mm; field of vision, 40 cm; matrix, 512 x 512) with permanent bone-implanted reference markers. Drilling of the posterior wall of the IAC was executed with image guidance. Its most lateral area was visualized using endoscopy. RESULTS: Target registration error for the procedure was 0.28 to 0.82 mm (mean, 0.46 mm; standard deviation, 0.16 mm). The measured length of the IAC along its posterior wall was 9.7 +/- 1.6 mm. The angle of drilling (angle between the direction of drill and the posterior petrous surface) was 43.3 +/- 6.0 degrees, and the length of the posterior wall of the IAC drilled without violating the integrity of the labyrinth was 7.2 +/- 0.9 mm. The surgical maneuvers in the remaining part of the IAC, including the fundus, were performed using an angled endoscope. CONCLUSION: Frameless navigation using high-resolution computed tomographic scans and bone-implanted reference markers can provide a "roadmap" to maximize safe surgical exposure of the IAC without violating the labyrinth and leaving a small segment of the lateral IAC unexposed. Further exposure and surgical manipulation of this segment, including the fundus without additional cerebellar retraction and labyrinthine injury, can be achieved using an endoscope. Use of image guidance and an endoscope can help in exposing the entire posterior aspect of the IAC including its fundus without violating the labyrinth through a retrosigmoid approach. This technique could improve hearing preservation in vestibular schwannoma surgery.
Cholesterol Depletion from the Plasma Membrane Triggers Ligand-independent Activation of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor

We recently demonstrated that depletion of plasma membrane cholesterol with methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MbetaCD) caused activation of MAPK (Chen, X., and Resh, M. D. (2001) J. Biol. Chem. 276, 34617-34623). MAPK activation was phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-dependent and involved increased tyrosine phosphorylation of the p85 subunit of PI3K. We next determined whether MbetaCD treatment induced tyrosine phosphorylation of other cellular proteins. Here we report that cholesterol depletion of serum-starved COS-1 cells with MbetaCD or filipin caused an increase in Tyr(P) levels of a 180-kDa protein that was identified as the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Cross-linking experiments showed that MbetaCD induced dimerization of EGFR, indicative of receptor activation. Reagents that block release of membrane-bound EGFR ligands did not affect MbetaCD-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of EGFR, indicating that MbetaCD activation of EGFR is ligand-independent. Moreover, MbetaCD treatment resulted in increased tyrosine phosphorylation of EGFR downstream targets and Ras activation. Incubation of cells with the specific EGFR inhibitor AG4178 blocked MbetaCD-induced phosphorylation of EGFR, SHC, phospholipase C-gamma, and Gab-1 as well as MAPK activation. We conclude that cholesterol depletion from the plasma membrane by MbetaCD causes ligand-independent activation of EGFR, resulting in MAPK activation by PI3K and Ras-dependent mechanisms. Moreover, these studies reveal a novel mode of action of MbetaCD, in addition to its ability to disrupt membrane rafts.
Parotid Salivation in Response to Sodium Chloride and Monosodium Glutamate in Water and in Broths

Preliminary experiments on unilateral parotid secretion in response to sodium chloride (NaCl), monosodium glutamate (MSG) and equimolar mixtures of the two established that: (a) there was no glandular fatigue as flow was sustained during oral rinsing with 24 samples at 30-sec intervals; (b) generally, NaCl > MSG > equimolar mixtures of the two; (c) testing of salts in three media at 50°C resulted in flow rates where beef broth > chicken broth > distilled water; (d) parotid flow was nearly linear with concentration (0, 0·05, 0·10, 0·20, 0·30, 0·50 M ) of the salts, singly and in combination; and (e) large variability among subjects necessitated expansion of testing to a larger population. 35
Impact of voltage reduction on load, line loss, and generation

A voltage-reduction program is one strategy applied by utilities to reduce energy consumption and peak demand. This paper presents an analysis of how consumer energy consumption, line losses, and thus total consumption and generation are affected by voltage reduction. The results are presented based on types of loads to show how load models play an important role in the analysis. All the analyses are tested on the IEEE 13-bus system.
A note on the determinants of sexually transmitted disease rates

Abstract This paper addresses the impact of several factors on rates of sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the United States. Similar to existing studies, which proxy health outcomes by mortality rates or life expectancy, we find that health care spending improves health outcome. That is, using annual data over the 1960–1997 period, rates of syphilis, gonorrhea, and chancroid fall with increases in per capita health care expenditure. Furthermore, per capita income, per pupil education expenditure, as well as a host of socio-demographic variables, also affect STD rates.
EMPOWER: an intervention to address barriers to pain management in hospice.

Context Concerns about pain medications are major barriers to pain management in hospice, but few studies have focused on systematic methods to address these concerns.
An update on implantable cardioverter-defibrillator guidelines.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review describes changes in indications for implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation made in the American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, and North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology 2002 update of the 1998 guideline for the implantation of cardiac pacemakers and antiarrhythmia devices. RECENT FINDINGS Recent observational and clinical data support changes in the guidelines for ICD implantation to include patients with no structural heart disease and spontaneous ventricular tachycardia not amenable to other treatments; left ventricular ejection fractions of 0.30 or less at least 1 month after myocardial infarction and at least 3 months after coronary revascularization surgery (the Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial II); syncope of unexplained origin or a family history of unexplained sudden cardiac death in association with typical or atypical right bundle branch block and ST-segment elevations (Brugada syndrome); and syncope in the setting of advanced structural heart disease when thorough invasive and noninvasive investigations have failed to define a cause. SUMMARY With the completion of multiple important randomized clinical trials, the application of ICD technology continues to evolve. Indications have expanded from secondary to primary prevention. Most importantly, currently available data support the prophylactic use of ICDs in patients with coronary artery disease and poor left ventricular function. Further trial data are awaited to determine if the same benefits for survival and quality of life will be afforded to patients with nonischemic heart diseases and poor left ventricular function.
Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the submandibular gland: a 35-year review.

Objectives To evaluate the treatment results of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the submandibular gland at a single institution during a 35-year period. Study design & setting A retrospective review was performed by examining the records and reviewing the pathology of 22 patients with ACC of the submandibular gland treated at UCLA Medical Center from June 1963 to December 1997. Results Seven men and 15 women with an age range of 23 to 85 years (median, 48 years) were treated. Surgical intervention was performed in 21 patients. All patients with advanced tumor size, perineural invasion, microscopically positive surgical margins, or regional neck metastases received postoperative adjunctive therapy, primarily radiotherapy. Follow-up varied from 6 months to 181 months (median, 67 months). Disease-free survival at 3, 5, and 10 years was 66%, 57%, and 41% respectively, whereas overall survival was 76%, 70%, and 37%, respectively (note: 5- and 10-year survival rates are not statistically conclusive due to the small sample size). Conclusions We report fairly high disease-free survival rates in this patient population and a number of prognostic trends are evident. Early diagnosis, wide surgical intervention, and postoperative radiation are associated with a favorable prognosis. Advanced tumor size, positive surgical margins, perineural invasion, and local recurrence of the tumor are associated with an unfavorable prognosis. EBM rating: C.
Resonance cases and small divisors in a third integral of motion. I

In this paper a general discussion of the resonance cases in an axially-symmetric potential field is presented, when the unperturbed frequencies in the radial and z direction have a rational ratio. The general form of the third integral is not valid in these cases because of the appearance of divisors of the form (m(exp 2)P-n(exp 2)Q), which become zero in the resonance cases. However, a new isolating integral of the unperturbed case is available, and this can be used to construct a third integral in the form of a power series and eliminate all secular terms. Three cases are distinguished, (alpha) m+n>4, (beta) m+n=4, and (gamma) m+n<4. In the first case the orbits are rather similar to those of the general irrational case. In the third case th e orbits show a quite peculiar character, which, however, can be explained rather accurately by a first-order theory of the third integral. Numerical integrations were made for the cases P=16Q, 4P=9Q, and P=4Q. The third integral, given in first- or second-order approximation, is rather well conserved. Case beta and the cases of small divisors, when m(exp 2)P-n(exp 2)Q is near zero but not equal to zero, are discussed in Paper II.
Correlating equations for laminar and turbulent free convection from a horizontal cylinder

A simple empirical expression for the mean value of Nu over the cylinder for all Ra and all Pr is developed in terms of the model of Churchill and Usagi. This expression is applicable for uniform heating as well as for uniform wall temperature and for mass transfer and simultaneous heat and mass transfer. Even simpler expressions are obtained for restricted conditions. These expressions improve upon prior graphical and empirical correlations in both accuracy and convenience.
Improvement of Distributed Snowmelt Energy Balance Modeling with MODIS-Based NDSI-Derived Fractional Snow-Covered Area Data

Describing the spatial variability of heterogeneous snowpacks at a watershed or mountain-front scale is important for improvements in large-scale snowmelt modelling. Snowmelt depletion curves, which relate fractional decreases in snowcovered area (SCA) against normalized decreases in snow water equivalent (SWE), are a common approach to scale-up snowmelt models. Unfortunately, the kinds of ground-based observations that are used to develop depletion curves are expensive to gather and impractical for large areas. We describe an approach incorporating remotely sensed fractional SCA (FSCA) data with coinciding daily snowmelt SWE outputs during ablation to quantify the shape of a depletion curve.
The Confucian Impact On Early T'Ang Decision-Making

As research has advanced our understanding of traditional China, the notion of a temporally seamless and monolithically "Confucian" state, with a "Confucian" government dominated by "Confucian" bureaucrats who were guided in their policy-making and political behavior by a uniform "Confucian" ideology has been judged excessively simplistic. Not only did Confucian doctrine undergo substantial changes and shifts of emphasis over the centuries, but officials who served at any given time in the name of Confucianism were by no means agreed on all aspects of its interpretation or how it was to be practically implemented in the administrations they served. Indeed, it has been widely observed that polarities and basic tensions existed in Confucian thought
Numerical Study Comparing the Combustion and Emission Characteristics of Biodiesel to Petrodiesel

Combustion and emission characteristics of compression ignition engines strongly depend upon inner-nozzle flow and spray behavior. These processes control the fuel−air mixing, which in turn is critical for the combustion process. Previous studies by us highlighted the differences in the physical and chemical properties of petrodiesel and biodiesel, which significantly altered the inner-nozzle flow and spray structure. The current study is another step in this direction to gain a fundamental understanding on the influence of fuel properties on the combustion and emission characteristics of the compression ignition engine. n-Heptane and methyl butanoate were selected as surrogates for diesel and biodiesel fuels, respectively, because the chemical kinetic pathways were well-understood. Liquid length and flame lift-off length for diesel and biodiesel fuels were validated against data available in the literature. Liquid lengths were always higher for biodiesel because of its higher heat of vaporization, which ...
Expression of tissue factor procoagulant activity: Regulation by cytosolic calcium

Abstract Intact bovine fibroblasts, pericytes, and kidney cells manifested significantly less tissue factor procoagulant activity than their disrupted counterparts. Addition of calcium ionophore A23187 rapidly and reversibly enhanced the cell-surface expression of tissue factor in intact cells up to the level achieved by disruption. Inhibitors of calmodulin blocked the ionophore-dependent enhancement of procoagulant activity. Similar kinetic parameters were obtained for factor X hydrolysis by tissue factor-factor VIIa on unperturbed pericytes and phosphatidylcholine vesicles. Increase in Vmax and decrease in apparent Km for this reaction were seen after either disruption or ionophore stimulation of the pericytes. Addition of phosphatidylserine to the reconstituted phospholipid vesicles also increased the Vmax and decreased the apparent Km for factor X hydrolysis. These data agree with the hypothesis that the expression of tissue factor procoagulant activity on cell surfaces is modulated by calcium-mediated changes in the asymmetric distribution of phosphatidylserine in plasma membrane.
AW 2 n -theory of the Dirichlet problem for SPDEs in general smooth domains

Stochastic partial differential equations in smooth domains are considered in functional spaces of Sobolev type. The spaces are defined with the help of certain weights, which allow the derivatives of functions from these spaces to blow up near the boundary. Existence and uniqueness theorems are obtained.
Infrared neural stimulation of primary visual cortex in non-human primates

Infrared neural stimulation (INS) is an alternative neurostimulation modality that uses pulsed infrared light to evoke spatially precise neural activity that does not require direct contact with neural tissue. With these advantages INS has the potential to increase our understanding of specific neural pathways and impact current diagnostic and therapeutic clinical applications. In order to develop this technique, we investigate the feasibility of INS (λ = 1.875 μm, fiber diameter = 100–400 μm) to activate and modulate neural activity in primary visual cortex (V1) of Macaque monkeys. Infrared neural stimulation was found to evoke localized neural responses as evidenced by both electrophysiology and intrinsic signal optical imaging (OIS). Single unit recordings acquired during INS indicated statistically significant increases in neuron firing rates that demonstrate INS evoked excitatory neural activity. Consistent with this, INS stimulation led to focal intensity-dependent reflectance changes recorded with OIS. We also asked whether INS is capable of stimulating functionally specific domains in visual cortex and of modulating visually evoked activity in visual cortex. We found that application of INS via 100 μm or 200 μm fiber optics produced enhancement of visually evoked OIS response confined to the eye column where INS was applied and relative suppression of the other eye column. Stimulating the cortex with a 400 μm fiber, exceeding the ocular dominance width, led to relative suppression, consistent with involvement of inhibitory surrounds. This study is the first to demonstrate that INS can be used to either enhance or diminish visual cortical response and that this can be done in a functional domain specific manner. INS thus holds great potential for use as a safe, non-contact, focally specific brain stimulation technology in primate brains.
The Influence of Divergent Growth Selection on Egg Traits

Abstract Data on quality traits were obtained from eggs produced by females of two lines (high and low) representing the 22nd generation of selection for divergent growth. Significant (P
Are there syntactic constraints on code‐mixing?

ABSTRACT: This study provides a critical review of the syntactic study of code-mixing with particular reference to the syntactic constraints paradigm. It examines seven major surface constraints deemed to have universal applicability and shows on the basis of cross-linguistic data that none of them is universal. It is argued in the light of this finding that the postulation of universal syntactic constraints on code-mixing may be premature and that the constraint-oriented theory to the study of this phenomenon is descriptively inadequate because it fails to explicate its socio-psycholinguistics. The study maintains that factors such as degree of multilinguality, who speaks what variety of language to whom, when, and for what reason are crucial parameters in the formulation of an adequate theory of code-switching and code-mixing. To achieve this objective, it is suggested that researchers integrate in their analysis three different but interrelated types of data: structural, psycholinguistic and sociolinguistic.
MEMS optimization incorporating genetic algorithms

Micromechanical sensors are routinely simulated using finite element software. Once a structure has ben proposed, various parameters are optimized using experience, intuition, and trial-and-error. However, using proven finite element modeling coupled with a genetic algorithm (GA), optimal designs can be 'evolved' using a hands-free approach on a workstation. Once a problem is defined, the sole task required of the designer is the specification of a mathematical objective function expressing the desired properties of the sensor; the sensor geometry that maximizes the given function is then synthesized by the algorithm. We have developed an optimization tool and have applied it to the design of tuning fork gyroscopes (TFG). In this paper, we demonstrate how a TFG was optimized using GA's. TFG suspension beam lengths were adjusted through the robust search technique, which is resistant to trapping in local maxima. Desired vibration mode order and mode frequency separations were governed by the objective function as specified by the designer. This multidimensional nonlinear optimization problem had a solution space of over eight million possible designs. Industry-standard mechanical computer-aided engineering tools were integrate along with a GA toolbox and a web-based control interface. Designs offering reduced vibration sensitivity and increased sensor dynamic range have been produced. A tenfold decrease in total sensor optimization time has been documented, resulting in reduced development time.
Evaluation of D-Cracking Preventive Measures in Ohio Test Pavement

A test pavement located on part of State Route 2 near Vermilion, Ohio, was built in 1975 with sections designed to investigate the role of pavement design and material variables that included aggregate source and size, subbase drainage systems, pavement joint design, subbase materials, joint sealants, cement, type of cure, and joint spacing on D-cracking. In 1998 the current study was initiated to understand better the concrete durability of the different composition variables of the pavement sections after 23 years of performance. The study established a methodology to analyze the pavement sections, gathered data, and analyzed the data with SAS statistical software. Significant findings on the variables affecting the performance of pavement sections were obtained. Key findings show the impact of aggregate source and size, joint sealants, and vapor barriers on pavement D-cracking performance and overall pavement performance. On the basis of the findings from this research, the requirement to use larger-size aggregate in concrete pavement was incorporated into the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) 2002 Construction and Material Specifications. Also, the 2009 ODOT specifications will eliminate the requirement for joint sealing in new concrete pavement in part because of the findings of this study.
The Influence of Diflubenzuron on Several Weight Characteristics in Growing Male Broiler and Layer Chickens

Abstract Diflubenzuron (Dimilin, TH-6040; N-[[(4-chlorophenyl)-amino] carbonyl]-2,6-difluorobenzamide) was fed to male broiler and layer chickens at levels of 0, 2.5, 25, and 250 ppm from 1 day to 98 days of age. Characteristics measured were body weights, grams of feed per gram of body weight, testes weights, liver weights, comb weights, and feet weights. There were no consistent significant differences among the control, 2.5, 25, or 250 ppm groups in any of the characteristics measured. There was a trend for higher body weights in the chickens fed diets containing diflubenzuron.
Radiative lifetimes on singlet oxygen molecule: A perturbation-variation calculation

Abstract Calculation of the spin-forbidden transition matrix elements of molecules through the first order of the badness of the molecular wavefunction is investigated by applying double perturbation theory and the exchange theorem for off-diagonal matrix elements. This method is applied to the calculation of the radiative lifetime of the singlet oxygen molecule. The present aproximate calculation gives the correct order of magnitude for the radiative lifetime of the b 1 Σ + g state, while the radiative literature of the a 1 Δ g state is underestimated by two orders of magnitude.