cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anodic stripping voltammetry of heavy metals with a flow injection system

Abstract The design and operation of an anodic stripping voltammetric system based on the flow injection technique are described. A flow cell with a wall-jet glassy carbon disk electrode and a 500-μl sample volume are employed. The system allows trace metals at the μg l-1 level to be quantified simultaneusly at a rate of ten samples per hour. A low differential pulse background current allows a detection limit for lead of about 3 × 10-9 M (0.3 ng) with a 3-min deposition time. Deposition is done in the presence of oxygen in the sample solution, but the carrier solution is oxygen-free.
Clinical, virological and serological responses of donkeys to intranasal inoculation with the KY-84 strain of equine arteritis virus.

Summary The clinical, virological and serological responses of seven female donkeys ( Equus asinus ) to inoculation with the KY-84 strain of equine arteritis virus (EAV), a strain that causes moderate to severe clinical signs in horses, was investigated. In the donkeys, the only clinical signs observed were fever (mainly 3–9 days after inoculation), mild depression in four animals, and a slight nasal or ocular discharge in three. All of the donkeys became infected with EAV as shown by recovery of the virus for periods of up to 14 days from the nasopharynx and buffy coat and, in three out of four donkeys sampled, from the cervix or vagina. Virus replication in the donkey appeared to mirror that previously described for the horse. The donkeys had “seroconverted” to EAV by the 10th day after inoculation. Additional studies are needed to obtain a better understanding of the pathogenesis of EAV in donkeys.
Modifying L-Type Calcium Current Kinetics: Consequences for Cardiac Excitation and Arrhythmia Dynamics

The L-type Ca current (ICa,L), essential for normal cardiac function, also regulates dynamic action potential (AP) properties that promote ventricular fibrillation. Blocking ICa,L can prevent ventricular fibrillation, but only at levels suppressing contractility. We speculated that, instead of blocking ICa,L, modifying its shape by altering kinetic features could produce equivalent anti-fibrillatory effects without depressing contractility. To test this concept experimentally, we overexpressed a mutant Ca-insensitive calmodulin (CaM1234) in rabbit ventricular myocytes to inhibit Ca-dependent ICa,L inactivation, combined with the ATP-sensitive K current agonist pinacidil or ICa,L blocker verapamil to maintain AP duration (APD) near control levels. Cell shortening was enhanced in pinacidil-treated myocytes, but depressed in verapamil-treated myocytes. Both combinations flattened APD restitution slope and prevented APD alternans, similar to ICa,L blockade. To predict the arrhythmogenic consequences, we simulated the cellular effects using a new AP model, which reproduced flattening of APD restitution slope and prevention of APD/Cai transient alternans but maintained a normal Cai transient. In simulated two-dimensional cardiac tissue, these changes prevented the arrhythmogenic spatially discordant APD/Cai transient alternans and spiral wave breakup. These findings provide a proof-of-concept test that ICa,L can be targeted to increase dynamic wave stability without depressing contractility, which may have promise as an antifibrillatory strategy.
Supporting and Enhancing the Adoption of Children with Developmental Disabilities.

Abstract In the past fifteen to twenty years, social work practice in adoption has seen encouraging new developments in the placement of children formerly considered hard to place, even unadoptable. Emphasizing the right of every child to a permanent family, new practice approaches recruit families for children who are older, members of sibling groups, and those with a wide range of physical and mental disabilities (Churchill, Carlson & Nybell, 1979; Unger, Dwarshuis & Johnson, 1977). There is now ample evidence that what is called special needs adoption is a viable placement option, particularly for children with disabilities (Glidden, 1989, 1991; Marx, 1990; Rosenthal & Groze, 1992; Sinclair, 1985).
Sleep-wake stages during the subjective night of the squirrel monkey

Abstract The study of the circadian sleep-wake cycle is beset by unique technical challenges. Continuous polygraphic recordings are necessary to characterize circadian phenomena; however, the traditional method of recording sleep at high (15 mm/sec) chart speed is impractical for continuous animal studies that may last several weeks at a stretch. A system to determine four sleep-wake stages (awake, transitional, non-REM, REM) from low chart speed (1.5 mm/sec) recordings was developed and validated by direct behavioral observation using four adult male squirrel monkeys prepared for chronic recording of EEG, EOG and EMG. The polygraphic stages “transitional,” non-REM and REM were highly correlated with behaivoral observations of sleep, although individual sleep stages could not be resolved by behavioral parameters alone.
Fundamental frequency development in typically developing infants and infants with severe-to-profound hearing loss.

Little research has been conducted on the development of suprasegmental characteristics of vocalizations in typically developing infants (TDI) and the role of audition in the development of these characteristics. The purpose of the present study was to examine the longitudinal development of fundamental frequency (F0) in eight TDI and eight infants with severe‐to‐profound hearing loss matched for level of vocal development. Results revealed no significant changes in F0 with advances in pre‐language vocal development for TDI. Infants with hearing loss, however, showed a statistically reliable higher variability of F0 than TDI, when age was accounted for as a covariate. The results suggest development of F0 may be strongly influenced by audition.
A prospective cohort study defining utilities using time trade-offs and the Euroqol-5D to assess the impact of cancer-related lymphedema.

BACKGROUND: The devastating impact of lymphedema on cancer survivors' quality of life has prompted consideration of several changes in medical and surgical care. Unfortunately, our understanding of the benefits gained from these approaches relative to their cost remains limited. This study was designed to estimate utilities for lymphedema and characterize how utilities differ between subgroups defined by lymphedema etiology and distribution. METHODS: A consecutive sample of 236 subjects with lymphedema seen at a lymphedema clinic completed both a time trade-off (TTO) exercise and the Euroqol 5D. Responses were adjusted in multivariate regression models for demographic factors, comorbidities, and lymphedema severity/location. RESULTS: Most participants (167 of 236, 71%) had lymphedema as a consequence of cancer treatment; 123 with breast cancer and upper extremity involvement. Mean TTO utility estimates were consistently higher than Euroqol 5D estimates. Unadjusted TTO (0.85; standard deviation [SD], 0.21) and Euroqol 5D (0.76; SD, 0.18) scores diminished with increasing lymphedema stage and patient body mass index (BMI). Adjusted utility scores were lowest in patients with cancer-related lower extremity lymphedema (TTO = 0.82; SD, 0.04 and Euroqol 5D = 0.80; SD, 0.03). Breast cancer patients also had lower adjusted Euroqol 5D scores (0.80; SD, 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Lymphedema-associated utilities are in the range of 0.80. Lower utilities are observed for patients with higher lymphedema stages, elevated BMI, and cancer-related lymphedema. Greater expenditures for the prevention and treatment of cancer-related lymphedema are warranted. Cancer, 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Median Nerve Injury as a Result of Medial Brachial Fascial Compartment Syndrome

A case of brachial plexus injury after brachial arteriography is reported. Percutaneous catheterization of the brachial artery for angiography and intervention is performed when contraindications for the femoral approach exist. Access-related complications include injuries to the infraclavicular brachial plexus. This is often a result of a hematoma within the medial brachial fascial compartment leading to a compartment syndrome. Early recognition and prompt surgical management is vital to prevent permanent nerve damage.
Xenon Hexafluoride Complexes

Xenon hexafluoride reacts with BF 3 and AsF 5 to form 1:1 adducts which are white solids with vapor pressures of less than 1 millimeter at room temperature. The XeF 6 · BF 3 adduct melts at 90°C to a pale yellow viscous liquid.
Can intelligence be artificial

La notion d'intelligence est comprise differemment par les philosophes et les specialistes d'informatique. Est-il possible de construire des machines intelligentes dans le sens philosophique? Commentaire de l'article de Fred Dretske.
Market mediating behavior: An economic analysis of the security exchange specialists

Abstract Optimal pricing strategies have been proposed by many authors for security exchange specialists. Successful application of these algorithms requires specialists to behave as if they knew the equilibrium strategy for a complicated dynamic game. Real life security exchange specialists actually use relatively simpler price adjustment rules. The current paper carries out an economic analysis of one of these rules. The analysis suggests that to make a viable market the specialist has to churn the market, and to behave optimally he may have to sacrifice his affirmative obligation to maintain “a fair and orderly market.” The analysis also suggests that the direct tick test is not an adequate test of the specialist's affirmative obligation. A more comprehensive test should include the test of price adjustment speed.
Fecal continence following complex anorectal trauma in children.

Abstract Background Complex injuries involving the anus and rectum are uncommon in children. We sought to examine long-term fecal continence following repair of these injuries. Methods We conducted a retrospective review using our trauma registry from 2003 to 2012 of children with traumatic injuries to the anus or rectum at a level I pediatric trauma center. Patients with an injury requiring surgical repair that involved the anal sphincters and/or rectum were selected for a detailed review. Results Twenty-one patients (21/13,149 activations, 0.2%) who had an injury to the anus ( n =9), rectum ( n =8), or destructive injury to both the anus and rectum ( n =4) were identified. Eleven (52%) patients were male, and the median age at time of injury was 9 (range 1–14) years. Penetrating trauma accounted for 48% of injuries. Three (14%) patients had accompanying injury to the urinary tract, and 6 (60%) females had vaginal injuries. All patients with an injury involving the rectum and destructive anal injuries were managed with fecal diversion. No patient with an isolated anal injury underwent fecal diversion. Four (19%) patients developed wound infections. The majority (90%) of patients were continent at last follow-up. One patient who sustained a gunshot injury to the pelvis with sacral nerve involvement is incontinent, but remains artificially clean on an intense bowel management program with enemas, and one patient with a destructive crush injury still has a colostomy. Conclusions With anatomic reconstruction of the anal sphincter mechanism, most patients with traumatic anorectal injuries will experience long-term fecal continence. Follow-up is needed as occasionally these patients, specifically those with nerve or crush injury, may require a formal bowel management program.
Ceramic/Polymeric Hybrids with Reduced Coefficients of Thermal Expansion

The mismatch of the coefficient of the thermal expansion (CTE) is one of the main causes of crack initiation and delamination for carbon fiber-reinforced polymer hybrids and metal/polymer hybrid materials. In this research, a negative CTE ceramic material (zirconium tungstate) was incorporated with a thermoset polymer (bismaleimide) resulting in a ~40% reduction in CTE and a significant improvement in thermal stability. The morphology showed good dispersion of the zirconium tungstate particles within the bismaleimide. Comparisons of the experimental CTE values with the rule-of-mixture and the analytical micromechanical models will be discussed.
Dependence of optical properties and hardness on carbon content in silicon carbonitride films deposited by plasma ion immersion processing technique

Abstract Materials with Si–C–N composition are of great interest due to their remarkable properties such as high hardness and oxidation resistance. In this study amorphous silicon nitride and silicon carbonitride films were deposited on glass, fused silica, and carbon substrates by the plasma immersion ion processing technique. Gas pressure during the deposition was kept around 0.13 Pa (1 mTorr) and SiH4, N2, Ar and C2H2 gas mixtures were used. Film hardness, composition and UV–visible optical absorption were characterized using nanoindentation, ion beam analysis techniques, and UV–visible spectroscopy, respectively. The films exhibit high transparency in the visible and near UV regions. Addition of the carbon to the films causes decrease in the density of the films, as well as decrease in hardness and transparency. These results suggest that in the low energy regime of PIIP the deposition of hard carbon composites with nitrogen and silicon does not take place.
INITIAL EVALUATION AND MANAGEMENT OF AN OLD MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION IN AN ASYMPTOMATIC YOUNG MALE

The management of a young, active, asymptomatic patient with evidence of a prior myocardial infarction raises several options for treatment. A 39-year-old male smoker with no other prior medical history presented to clinic for medical clearance for his job as a corrections officer after having an
The Role of Biologics in Ulcerative Colitis

Since the introduction of anti-TNF agents for the treatment of Crohn's disease there has been interest in the potential for treating ulcerative colitis with biological therapies. Early observational series suggested a benefit in the setting of severe, hospitalized patients. However, the recent completion of two large multi-center, double-blind placebo-controlled trials confirmed a role for infliximab for outpatients with refractory, moderate-severe disease with evidence for clinical remissions, mucosal healing, and a reduction in colectomies. Despite this evidence, there are numerous questions remaining regarding the optimal positioning in the setting of moderate-severe disease, potential benefits of concomitant immune suppression and the need for maintenance treatment after induction therapy. Additional clinical trials have demonstrated a less profound benefit for adalimumab at similar doses that are used in Crohn's disease. Other biological agents that have targeted T cells such as visiluzimab and abatacept were not demonstrated to be effective in controlled trials.
Incidence and recurrence of gastrointestinal cytomegalovirus infection in heart transplantation.

Abstract Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection of the upper gastrointestinal tract is a major cause of morbidity in heart transplant recipients. Since April 1985, 201 patients underwent heart transplantation at our institution. Immunosuppressive therapy was with a triple drug regimen of cyclosporin A, prednisone, and azathioprine. Fifty-three of these patients had upper gastrointestinal symptoms, which primarily consisted of abdominal pain or nausea and vomiting despite prophylactic treatment with antacids, H 2 blockers, or both. A total of 79 esophagogastroduodenoscopies were performed in this group; 15 patients required more than one esophagogastroduodenoscopy for recurrent symptoms. Of these 53 patients with persistent gastrointestinal symptoms, 16 (30.2%) had diffuse erythema or ulceration of the gastric mucosa (14), esophagus (1), and duodenum (1) with biopsy results that were positive for CMV on viral cultures (incidence, 8%). All patients with positive biopsy results were treated with intravenous ganciclovir at a dose of 10 mg · kg −1 · day −1 in two divided doses for a period of 2 weeks. Recurrence developed in 6 patients (37.5%) and necessitated repeated therapy with ganciclovir. None of the 16 patients died as a result of gastrointestinal CMV infection. Patients who were seronegative for CMV and received a seropositive heart experienced earlier clinical manifestation of CMV infection. Infection of the upper gastrointestinal tract with CMV is a major cause of morbidity in cardiac transplant patients that may progress to a life-threatening complication if left untreated. Early diagnosis with esophagogastroduodenoscopy and biopsy for viral cultures is essential for documentation and proper management.
Trace Metal Accumulation in Surface Microlayers

The accumulation of trace metals in surface microlayers is controlled by severalfactors, including microlayer composition, the physical and chemical form of the metal, the source of the metal, the processes controlling metal transport to the microlayer, the longevity of the microlayer, and the residence time of the metal in the microlayer. Recent investigations provide insight into trace metal-surface microlayer interactions. Evidence for the importance of various factors and mechanisms in controlling accumulation is reviewed, and gaps in this information are discussed.
The fuzzy tychonoff theorem

Abstract Much of topology can be done in a setting where open sets have “fuzzy boundaries.” To render this precise, the paper first describes cl∞-monoids, which are used to measure the degree of membership of points in sets. Then L- or “fuzzy” sets are defined, and suitable collections of these are called L-topological spaces. A number of examples and results for such spaces are given. Perhaps most interesting is a version of the Tychonoff theorem which gives necessary and sufficient conditions on L for all collections with given cardinality of compact L-spaces to have compact product.
Rapid Functional Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury in Young Rats

Responses to traumatic injury in the immature spinal cord may be different from those in adults. We modified an adult model of weight-drop injury to characterize the histopathology and functional recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI) in rat pups at postnatal day 14-15. A 10-g weight was dropped from 2.5 or 5.0 cm at T8-T9. Hindlimb function was evaluated at 24 h and 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after injury using the Combined Behavioral Score that estimates overall hind limb sensorimotor function, and the BBB scale for open field locomotion. Histopathology was examined at 15 min, 24 h, and 4 weeks after SCI. The initial hemorrhagic lesion was similar to that seen in adults, but the time course of secondary loss of ventral horn motor neurons was extended. By 4 weeks, only a partial rim of white matter surrounding a central cavity was seen. The 5.0 cm injury group exhibited significantly less recovery of function at 4 weeks than the 2.5 cm group. In the latter, the degree of hindlimb deficit at 4 weeks was similar to that previously described for adults with 10 g x 2.5 cm SCI. However, pups in both injury groups exhibited a significantly faster rate of recovery than adults. Recovery was maximal by 1 week after SCI in pups as compared to 3-4 weeks in adults. The more rapid functional recovery observed in the pups suggests that this new model may be useful for studying mechanisms of functional plasticity after SCI.
ALTERATION OF p53 CONFORMATION AND INDUCTION OF APOPTOSIS IN A MURINE ERYTHROLEUKEMIA CELL LINE BY DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE

Programmed cell death, or apoptosis, may play an important role in the regulation of hematopoiesis. The tumor suppressor protein p53 has been identified as a key regulator of apoptosis in both normal and malignant hematopoietic cells. Modulation of p53 function is of interest, therefore, both in understanding the control of apoptosis and as a potential therapeutic intervention. In this study we describe the effect on murine erythroleukemia cells, transfected with a temperature-sensitive mutant p53, of exposure to the differentiating agent dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). Rather than terminally differentiating, these cells are induced to undergo apoptosis. Interestingly, exposure to DMSO leads to an alteration of the protein conformation of the p53 mutant to one recognized by a wild-type specific monoclonal antibody. This is accompanied by a translocation of the p53 protein from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. These results suggest that the activity of some mutant p53 proteins can be functionally modified by exogenous compounds.
Numerical approximation to ζ(2 n + 1)

In this short paper, we establish a family of rapidly converging series expansions for ζ(2n + 1) by discretizing an integral representation given by Cvijovic and Klinowski [3] in Integral representations of the Riemann zeta function for odd-integer arguments, J. Comput. Appl. Math. 142 (2002) 435-439. The proofs are elementary, using basic properties of the Bernoulli polynomials.
Site preferences in the mixed cation zeolite Li,Na-chabazite: A combined solid-state NMR and neutron diffraction study

The locations of Li+ and Na+ cations in dehydrated chabazite were studied by neutron powder diffraction, 7Li and 23Na magic-angle spinning (MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and 23Na multiple quantum MAS (MQMAS) NMR spectroscopy. Neutron powder diffraction data were collected on lithium chabazite (space group: R3m, a = 9.3357(5) A, α = 93.482(4)°, Rwp = 5.83%, Rp = 4.65%, χ2 = 1.24) and on a mixed lithium sodium chabazite (space group: R3m, a = 9.3385(5) A, α = 93.382(4)°, Rwp = 5.94%, Rp = 4.83%, χ2 = 1.27). Both neutron diffraction and 7Li MAS reveal lithium chabazite to have two cationic sites: one at the six-ring window of the hexagonal prism (SII) and one in the supercage at the four-ring window of the hexagonal prism (SIII). Mixed lithium−sodium chabazites reveal strong evidence of selective occupancy accompanied by concomitant rearrangement effects. While the introduction of sodium into lithium chabazite reduces occupation primarily at the SIII site, a decrease of the SII sit...
The picture says it all!: multimodal interactions and interaction metadata

People share photographs with family and friends! This inclination to share photographs lends itself to many occasions of co-present sharing resulting in interesting interactions, discussions, and experiences among those present. These interactions, are rich in information about the context and the content of the photograph and if extracted can be used to associate metadata with the photograph. However these are rarely captured and so, are lost at the end of the co-present photo sharing session. Most current work on extracting implicit metadata focuses on Content metadata - analyzing the content in a photograph and Object metadata that is automatically generated and consists of data like GPS location, date and time etc. We address the capture of another interesting type of implicit metadata, called the "Interaction metadata", from the user's multimodal interactions with the media (here photographs) during co-present sharing. These interactions in the context of photographs contain rich information: who saw it, who said what, what was pointed at when they said it, who did they see it with for how long, how many times and so on; which if captured and analyzed can create interesting memories about the photograph. These will over time, help build stories around photographs, aid storytelling, serendipitous discovery and efficient retrieval among other experiences. Interaction metadata can also help organize photographs better by providing mechanisms for filtering based on, who viewed, most viewed, etc. Interaction metadata provides a hereto under explored implicit metadata type created from interactions with media. We designed and built a system prototype to capture and create interaction metadata. In this paper we describe the prototype and present the findings of a study we carried out to evaluate this prototype. The contribution of our work to the domain of multimodal interactions are: a method of identifying relevant speech portions in a free flowing conversation and the use of natural human interactions in the context of media to create Interaction Metadata, a novel type of implicit metadata.
Bacteria Associated with Spoilage of Braunschweiger

Refrigerated braunschweiger was spoiled mainly by Gram positive, catalase negative cocci identified as Streptococcus faecalis and Pediococcus pentosaceus. P. pentosaceus was isolated from sausage without nitrite held at refrigeration for 12 wk and from sausages made with 156 ppm nitrite stored at 22°C for 21 days. It produced souring and a low pH in the sausage. S. faecalis was isolated from refrigerated sausages and produced a perfumy or scented odor under anaerobic conditions. S. faecalis survived 65°C for 5 min and 60°C for 60 min. P. pentosaceus at levels of 108 cells/ml of broth survived 65°C for 5 min but did not survive when the number of cells was 103/ml.
All hematopoietic cells develop from hematopoietic stem cells through Flk2/Flt3-positive progenitor cells

While it is clear that a single hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) is capable of giving rise to all other hematopoietic cell types, the differentiation paths beyond HSC remain controversial. Contradictory reports on the lineage potential of progenitor populations have questioned their physiological contribution of progenitor populations to multilineage differentiation. Here, we established a lineage tracing mouse model that enabled direct assessment of differentiation pathways in vivo. We provide definitive evidence that differentiation into all hematopoietic lineages, including megakaryocyte/erythroid cell types, involves Flk2-expressing non-self-renewing progenitors. A Flk2+ stage was used during steady-state hematopoiesis, after irradiation-induced stress and upon HSC transplantation. In contrast, HSC origin and maintenance do not include a Flk2+ stage. These data demonstrate that HSC specification and maintenance are Flk2 independent, and that hematopoietic lineage separation occurs downstream of Flk2 upregulation.
Using the Operating Room to Meet End-of-Program Outcomes

Clinical placement in nursing education is an emerging and pressing challenge, with the need to expose students to a wide range of positive and fundamental learning experiences. Employers expect new graduates to have higher levels of competence, with varied skills and a sharpened ability to think critically. Using perioperative practice settings as clinical sites can provide an extensive array of learning experiences for nursing students that enhance the knowledge, skills, and values needed to practice premier nursing at that expected and higher level. This article demonstrates the transferability of skills, knowledge, and values that new graduates can learn in the operating room and provides an overview of how a clinical operating room experience can help nurse educators achieve end-of-program outcomes.
Determination of cross-link density in egg white gels from stress relaxation data.

The concentration of permanent cross-links in egg white gels was determined using stress relaxation experiments and equations derived from the theory of rubber elasticity. Cross-link densities of 1.2–1.3 covalent cross-links/molecule were observed. The concentration of covalent cross-links, most likely disulfide bonds, was only slightly higher for gels formed in water as compared to those formed in 0.6M NaCl-0.2M phosphate buffer at pH 6.0. These results differ from the 3—4 cross-links/molecule previously reported for ovalbumin gels in 0.6M urea.
Vilazodone: A landmark antidepressant approval or another "me-too" drug?

Vilazodone is a novel antidepressant which is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adult patients. This article reviews the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of vilazodone, and discusses published and ongoing research on the medication.
Low altitude gamma-spectrometric surveys from helicopters in Puerto Rico as an example of the remote sensing of thorium, uranium, and potassium in soils and rocks

Abstract Eight hundred and thirty-five miles of selected traverses on the island of Puerto Rico were monitored via helicopter with a prototype single-channel gamma ray spectrometer. A pair of 5-in x 5-in NaI(T1) detectors were flown under normal operating conditions of 60 mph and 50 feet above the ground. Reproducible and often highly characteristic thorium, uranium and potassium “signatures” for the major lithologies and soil types of the island could be defined. Formational contacts and zones only a few yards wide could be distinguished in many cases. During the 275 mile survey of the entire beach and coastline, the provenance of several drainage basins was found to be relatable to the absolute and relative concentrations in the associated beach deposits. Rugged terrain and heavy vegetational cover did not appear to be a deterrent in the application of this technique. Thorium, uranium and potassium concentration estimates from the air can be of considerable value in terrain analysis, mineral exploration, and environmental radioactivity monitoring.
Selective dissemination of new scientific information with the aid of electronic processing equipment

Improvement of scientific communication is sought through machine assisted dissemination of new information. A service system is described in which a new document is characterized by a vocabulary or pattern of keywords. This pattern is then compared with the vocabularies or profiles characterizing each of the participants of the service. If a given degree of similarity exists between the two, the affected participants are notified by a card carrying an abstract. The recipient signifies whether the information is in fact relevant or not by returning or not returning a stub provided with the card. His affirmative response, which may include his request for a copy of the document, is reflected on his profile by incorporating the pattern of the accepted item. Profiles are kept current by discarding patterns after they have reached a certain age. The feedback includes notification of authors as to the reception of their work. The service also facilitates participants' referral of information to others and generally endeavors to promote interchange of information by personal contact.
Digital Mammography: Development Of A Computer-Aided System For Detection Of Microcalcifications

One of the potential advantages of digital radiography is that it allows computerized methods to be applied in the analysis of image abnormalities. In this study, automated detection of microcalcifications in digital mammograms was investigated. We employed a spatial filtering technique to suppress the structured background in a mammogram while enhancing the microcalcifications. Signal-extraction techniques based on the physical characteristics of microcalcifications were then used to isolate clustered microcalcifications from the remaining noise background. To obtain test mammograms with known signal locations for evaluation of the detection accuracy of the computer method, we employed Monte Carlo techniques to generate simulated microcalcification clusters which were then superimposed on normal mammograms. The results indicate that the computer method can achieve a true-positive cluster detection rate of approximately 85% at a false-positive detection rate of one cluster per image for microcalcifications of average subtlety. Detection accuracy is expected to increase if the parameters of the image-processing and signal-extraction techniques are optimized further.
Comparison of various methods for in vitro cholesteryl ester labeling of lipoproteins from hypercholesterolemic rabbits

Abstract Little or no information is available on biologically valid labeling of hypercholesterolemic plasma lipoproteins with cholesteryl ester. The esterification of labeled unesterified cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic rabbit plasma by the lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase reaction is inefficient. The use of the d > 1.063 plasma fraction for this reaction greatly improves the efficiency, but some labeled unesterified cholesterol remains in the end products. The latter disadvantage can be avoided by the addition to whole plasma of labeled cholesteryl ester dissolved in DMSO or acetone. However, in hypercholesterolemic rabbit plasma only a small fraction of the added cholesteryl ester was associated with lipoproteins. When phosphatidylcholine/ cholesteryl ester liposomes were incubated with hypercholesterolemic rabbit plasma for 18–24 h at 37°C the labeled cholesteryl ester was quantitatively incorporated into lipoproteins. Chylomicron-like, cholesteryl ester-rich particles were removed by centrifugation (10 6 g · min) and the subsequently isolated d d = 1.019–1.063 (LDL) fractions were injected intravenously into normal and hypercholesterolemic rabbits. The disappearance of d d
Stereotactic injection of adenoviral vectors that target gene expression to specific pituitary cell types: implications for gene therapy.

Objective Gene therapy is a potentially useful strategy for the treatment of pituitary adenomas or hormone deficiency disorders. We investigated the feasibility of targeting gene expression to specific pituitary cell types in vivo, using a combination of stereotactic injection and adenoviral vectors that carry pituitary-specific promoters. Methods Recombinant adenoviruses containing the human growth hormone promoter (AdGHGal) or the human glycoprotein hormone alpha-subunit promoter (AdalphaGal) were used to drive expression of the beta-galactosidase gene. The expression of beta-galactosidase activity in the pituitary was analyzed after the administration of recombinant adenoviruses via the peripheral vein or the carotid artery, or by stereotactic injection into the rat pituitary. Double-label histology was used to evaluate cell-type expression in the pituitary. Results Intravascular injection of AdGHGal or AdalphaGal failed to deliver the marker gene to the pituitary. However, direct stereotactic injection of recombinant adenoviral vectors into the pituitary achieved a high level of transgene expression. In addition, immunohistochemical staining revealed selective expression of the AdGHGal or AdalphaGal transgenes in pituitary cells that normally produce the respective hormones. Conclusion These findings indicate that adenoviral vectors carrying pituitary gland-specific promoters may be useful for targeted gene therapy of pituitary diseases. However, because of low transduction after peripheral administration, stereotactic injection or local administration of viruses at the time of pituitary surgery is probably required for efficient gene expression.
Reproductive allocation and seed production in Bromus madritensis ssp. rubens at elevated atmospheric CO2

1. Two trends are consistent across the response of plant species to growth at elevated CO 2 : decreased leaf nitrogen content and increased photosynthetic gas exchange. While both of these are very important to the understanding of plant and ecosystem responses to climate change, little research has evaluated the consequences of these patterns on reproductive allocation and seed production. 2. For this reason, Bromus madritensis ssp. rubens was grown in ambient (360 μmol mol -1 ), × 1.5 ambient (550 μmol mol -1 ) and elevated (700 μmol mol -1 ) CO 2 environments to compare the relationship between allocation to growth and reproduction as a function of CO 2 growth environment. 3. There were no differences in final total biomass or reproductive mass between CO 2 growth environments. There were significant decreases in reproductive mass per unit total mass and per unit vegetative mass, but not per unit leaf surface area (LSA), as growth CO 2 environment increased from 360 to 700 μmol mol -1 CO 2 , Despite these decreases, the number of seeds produced per unit LSA in elevated CO 2 significantly increased as compared to ambient CO 2 . These results may be owing to a shift in allocation to greater investment in vegetative growth as compared to reproduction under elevated levels of atmospheric CO 2 . 4. Prior to reproduction, there were no significant differences between CO 2 treatments in carbon uptake by leaves. In contrast, plants grown in elevated CO 2 did not show a decline in photosynthetic rate during seed filling, suggesting that nitrogen may not have been re-translocated from leaves to seeds as apparently occurred in ambient plants. 5. Patterns measured here may partially explain the parental effect of CO 2 environment exhibited in Bromus. Seeds produced from elevated parental CO 2 growth conditions lead to seedlings that produce smaller leaves that are delayed in development and smaller roots as compared to structures produced by seeds from ambient-grown parents. 6. Because the success of Bromus is partially owing to its ability to produce large numbers of viable seeds, these changes in reproductive allocation and subsequent seedling performance with respect to growth in an elevated CO 2 environment may have impacts on community composition in the Mojave Desert.
A Richer, Broader View of Education

This article argues that a unitary purpose of education—to produce better adults—does not require a uniform description of curriculum nor a universal ideal of a “better adult”. Rather, it suggests a variety of first-rate programs that address the full range of human talents and interests.
Complexity in battery systems: Thermal runaway in VRLA batteries

Abstract During battery discharge, the heat generated is the sum of the Joule (resistive) and enthalpic (chemical) heating effects. Conversely, during battery charging, the heat generated is the Joule minus the enthalpic heating. If the conditions are carefully selected, one can observe a net battery cooling during charging. However, an interesting phenomenon takes place during overcharge. Those cells designed as sealed recombinant systems develop significant heating. Flooded designs do not exhibit this effect. The applied electric power generates energetic reaction products as a consequence of the electrochemical reactions. This is an energy absorbing process. The gasses are then vented into the environment. Since the sealed cells undergo a closed recombination cycle, i.e., no material is exchanged with the environment, the rate of heat generated is proportional to the power input to the cell. Essentially, the cell is behaving in the manner of a resistor. In this connection, the thermal runaway phenomenon that has been often observed in starved electrolyte cell designs raises a potential problem in battery applications. It is not efficient to design around the worst case scenario, i.e., anticipating the thermal runaway effect. It is wiser to detect its onset and shut down the charging process. An alternative approach is to develop an understanding of the thermal runaway process and, perhaps, develop a method for eliminating or effectively controlling it. A study was performed in an attempt to model the thermal runaway effect. In short, the effect appears to be related to the electrolyte distribution in the separator. This suggests that modification of the AGM separator properties could provide a means for better controlling the thermal runaway failure mode.
A study of axonal degeneration in the optic nerves of aging mice

The optic nerves of C57BL/6J mice ranging from 3 to 30 months were examined by electron microscopy. At all ages investigated, optic nerve axons contained enlarged mitochondria with abnormal cristae. With increasing age, a large number of necrotic axons were observed and were in the process of being phagocytized. The abnormal mitochondria may represent preliminary changes that eventually lead to necrosis of the axon.
The high road and the low road to international competitiveness: Extending the neo‐Schumpeterian trade model beyond technology

Extending the neo‐Schumpeterian trade model, we estimate a ‘social‐gap’ model for a group of 17 OECD countries over the period 1975–1995. We find that government spending on social protection, employment protection regulations, union density, strike activity, and income security in the labor market (all measured in ‘gap’ form) are statistically significantly related to changes in international competitiveness. Specifically, we find some support for a Calmfors–Driffil, nonlinear, relation between cooperative labor relations and social spending patterns on the one hand, and international trade (and inward foreign investment) competitiveness on the other, implying that countries with relatively stronger institutional arrangements have better international economic performance than countries in the middle of the scale of conflict and cooperation. Our results indicate that models focusing solely on innovative effort are misspecified, and may suffer from an omitted variable bias caused by the absence of conside...
pp60c-src encoded by the proto-oncogene c-src is a product of sensory neurons.

The advent of recombinant DNA technology has led to the identification in the DNA of normal animal cells of over 30 proto-oncogenes that are homologous to retroviral transforming genes. One of these encodes a protein kinase (pp60c-src) of unknown function, that is preferentially synthesized in brain and neural retina. Here the expression of pp60c-src in the peripheral nervous system was examined in sensory neurons from chick dorsal root ganglia with antisera raised against the transforming protein of Rous sarcoma virus (pp60c-src) expressed in Escherichia coli carrying the cloned v-src gene. This antiserum recognizes pp60c-src specifically in normal chicken cells. Western immunoblotting showed that dorsal root ganglia of stage 30 (day 6.5) chick embryos contained elevated levels of pp60c-src. Immunoperoxidase staining of neuron-enriched cultures prepared from chick dorsal root ganglia showed pp60c-src immunoreactivity in cells with neuronal morphology; flat, fibroblastic cells contained no detectable immunoreactivity. Indirect double immunofluorescence with pp60c-src antibodies and monoclonal antibodies against the 200-kD subunit of neurofilament protein confirmed that the cells expressing pp60c-src were neurons. Ninety-six percent of the neurofilament-positive cells were immunoreactive with pp60c-src antibodies, and conversely, all pp60c-src-positive cells were immunoreactive with neurofilament antibodies. pp60c-src immunofluorescence appeared to be distributed over the cell body, processes, and growth cones. These results clearly demonstrate that pp60c-src is a product of neurons and is expressed in sensory neurons in culture.
Post-fertilization changes in the chorion of winter flounder, Pseudopleuronectes americanus Walbaum, eggs observed with scanning electron microscopy

Little has been reported on the fine structure of the outer membrane of fish eggs during and after fertilization. When observed in the scanning electron microscope, the unfertilized egg of the winter flounder, Pseudopleuronectes americanus, is characterized by a crisscross pattern of depressions. These depressions radiate in all directions across the membrane surface creating a wrinkled appearance. After fertilization, the surface of the chorion becomes regular with a smoother appearance. The pores of the unfertilized egg are flush with the chorion surface, but become thickened and elevated after fertilization. While the chorion of the unfertilized egg is also smooth and uniformly textured, the chorion of the fertilized egg appears granular by first cleavage of the blastodisc. Although no apparent change occurs in the distance between pores after fertilization, statistically significant decreases in pore diameter occur 5 min after fertilization. These results are compared to those on egg membranes of other species of fish and invertebrates.
The Launois-Lenagan conjecture

Abstract In this note we prove the Launois–Lenagan conjecture on the classification of the automorphism groups of the algebras of quantum matrices R q [ M n ] of square shape for all positive integers n , base fields K , and deformation parameters q ∈ K ⁎ which are not roots of unity.
Novel application of hybrid spread spectrum technique in inter-vehicle communications

Inter-vehicle communication is an essential part of any intelligent transportation system (ITS). It allows vehicles to share surrounding road traffic information to support safe driving and road traffic management. Current systems use spread spectrum (SS) techniques: direct sequence (DS) or frequency hopping (FH). This paper proposes an implementation of a hybrid system in which DSSS and FHSS techniques are combined to provide performance and scalability improvements over a system that uses either of the SS techniques. Also this paper presents a theoretical analysis showing the improvement in the overall system capacity of the proposed system and the results of the computer simulations conducted. The results show that given an equal bandwidth, the hybrid system out performed the DS or FH systems. It showed superior bit error rate (BER) performance and scalability.
The cytokinetic and cytotoxic effects of ICRF-159 and ICRF-187 in vitro and ICRF-187 in human bone marrow in vivo

The cytotoxic and cytokinetic effects of ICRF-159 and its d-enantiomer ICRF-187 have been examined in vitro. The effects of both agents were identical. Cytotoxicity is dependent on both the drug concentration and the duration of drug exposure. Drug exposure for twice the cell cycle time is necessary for maximum effect. Cytotoxicity is also dependent upon the rate of cell proliferation. A rapidly growing cell population is more sensitive to brief drug exposure than a slowly growing population.
A staggered-array wiggler for far-infrared, free-electron laser operation

A staggered-array wiggler for a far-infrared free-electron laser (FEL) has been built at Stanford, and its magnetic properties have been tested. This type of wiggler has several desirable features: high wiggler field at short wiggler periods, wavelength tuning by a solenoid current, electron beam confinement by a solenoid field, and looser machining tolerances. A 10.8-kilogauss peak wiggler field has been measured at a 7.0-kilogauss solenoid field for a 1.0-cm wiggler period and a 2.0-mm gap. The small-signal gain has been calculated analytically and by computer simulation for a 0.5-m long wiggler. For an 8-A, 9-ps current pulse and a 3.3-MeV electron beam, 5-dB gain is predicted. Twenty- to thirty-percent wavelength tuning can be achieved by adjusting the solenoid field and still maintain reasonable small-signal gain. The pulsed-wire technique was employed to test the field uniformity of this novel wiggler, and the measured field variation was about 1%. >
Measurement of Economic Growth

By a nation's economic growth we understand a sustained increase in its magnitude as an economic unit. Conversely, stagnation and decline can be defined as a sustained failure of the nation's economic magnitude to increase, or as its persistent decline.
Dynamic period equation: Derivation, relation to inhour equation, and precursor estimation

The dynamic period equation is the basis of several successful techniques for the closed-loop digital control of nuclear reactors. These include both the reactivity constraint approach and the MIT-SNL period-generated control laws. Information on that equation is documented here including the derivation of its standard formulation, its relation to the inhour equation, and the method used to estimate precursor concentrations so that closed-loop control can be achieved in real time. The dynamic period equation is the parent relation to the inhour equation and as such can be used to explain the dependence of the instantaneous reactor period on both reactivity and its rate of change. It is argued that the dynamic period equation should be taught in its full form as part of nuclear engineering curricula.