cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary function in the selection of patients for open heart surgery.

Open-heart surgery provides new and definitive operations. The com plicated relationship of pulmonary function to heart disease and to pre vious thoracotomy imposes new obligations in assessing pulmonary function if further surgery is contemplated. If either initial or reopera tion is destined to failure because of coexisting and irreversible lung destruction, it is important to know it. A retrospective look at some of our successes and failures demonstrated some fallacies in our preoperative evaluation. The purpose of this dis cussion is to relate these experiences and organize the lessons we have learned. All of the patients in this study had had previous intracardiac surgery. They had either failed to improve or had deteriorated after initial im provement following that intracardiac operation. Ellis' follow-up study of our first 1,000 valvuloplasties for mitral stenosis' showed that mild to moderate mitral insufficiency did not alter the late results if mitral stenosis dominated and was corrected. However, dominant regurgitation present or produced by the initial surgery was a major cause of deteriora tion after valvuloplasty. Other patients in this study who deteriorated after initial improvement were shown at the time of re-evaluation to have recurrent stenosis. Usually this is due to an inadequate initial operation, but a small num ber have had recurrent rheumatic valvulitis. This mixed group with either borderline or frank congestive failure have been re-evaluated with a view to open-heart correction of their valvular defects. These patients had had prior left thoracotomy, were in and out of congestive failure and were known to have extensive pul monary vascular disease. It was necessary to ascertain the contribution of each lung to overall respiratory function as the original operation had been through the left hemithorax and the approach to the left atrium
ECG Changes during Septic Shock

We have previously found that skeletal muscle becomes electrically inexcitable in septic patients. Work in an animal model suggests that a decrease in the available sodium current underlies the loss of electrical excitability. We examined ECGs from patients during periods of septic shock to determine whether there were any ECG abnormalities that might suggest a similar loss of excitability in cardiac tissue during sepsis. Fourteen out of 17 patients had low or significantly decreased QRS amplitudes during septic shock; 8 of 17 had long or increased QRS duration with or without bundle branch block. The mean decrease in QRS amplitude in septic patients was 41%, significantly higher than in controls where no consistent decrease in QRS amplitude was found (p < 0.01). In patients who recovered from septic shock, the QRS amplitude and the increased QRS duration both returned to normal. We conclude that there is a loss of QRS amplitude during septic shock that may be due to altered cardiac excitability.
A note on reliability coefficients for the Manifest Needs Questionnaire

The Manifest Needs Questionnaire has been developed as a relatively short version of a needs assessment instrument. Recently concern has been raised about its reliability. This note reports some negative findings: none of the four needs scales had acceptable internal reliability.
Preliminary Investigation of the Algal Flora in the Sediments of Lake Erie

The algae in a 45-cm-long sediment core taken in the eastern basin of Lake Erie were examined to determine the extent and applicability of that flora in reflecting the history of the lake. Asterionella formosa, Melosira islandica, M. italica, Stephanodiscus niagarae, and Tabellaria fenestrata were the most abundant diatoms encountered. Quantitative diatom profiles reported as cells/cm3 sediment and relative abundance profiles each provide a contrasting history of post-settlement Lake Erie. In light of the known history of the lake, the relative frequency profiles appear to be most applicable. The C/P index of trophic status and diatom diversity support those profiles. The occurrence of non-diatom algae in the sediments was inadequate for detailed analyses; however, occurrence did correspond to the trophic history determined by the diatoms. Botryococcus braunii, Cosmarium formosulum, Pediastrum boryanum, and Staurastrum gracile were most commonly encountered.
Extraction and quantitative precipitation of nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles.

Abstract Ribonucleoprotein particles (RNPs) were extracted from monkey cell nuclei in media of low ionic strength. The rapidly labeled RNPs were comparable in terms of size, protein patterns and protein content to those extracted by sonication. The overnight labeled RNPs were homogenous (se diment ing at 6 0–6 5S and containing RNA of 30–31S), and appear to be a subset of pre-ribo-somal RNPs. This procedure produces nuclear RNPs free of contaminating chromatin. Nuclear RNPs (rapidly-labeled and overnight-labe1ed RNPs, extracted by either our procedure or by sonication), quantitatively precipitated in 10 mM MgCl2 when the concentration of monovalent cations was low. There was no detectable degradation of the RNA components, nor was there loss of enzymatic activity of an RNP associated protein kinase. Precipitation in Mg++ provides a rapid, gentle and convenient method of concentrating RNPs.
Topical anesthesia: H-reflex recovery changes by desensitization of the skin

Abstract The H-reflex recovery curve of the soleus muscle was studied in 53 normal subjects before and after the application of topical anesthesia (20% benzocaine) to various skin areas and dermatomes of the lower limb. Skin areas were those overlying the calf, tibialis anterior, quadriceps and hamstrings muscles, and the dermatomes were L 2 , L 3 , L 4 , L 5 , S 1 , S 2 . In 42 subjects the H-reflex initial recovery decreased by 10–80 msec with a mean of 20 ± 17 msec 30 min after application of the topical anesthesia. Also, the test reflex (the second sequential H-reflex) had a faster recovery with less inhibition than that before anesthesia. It was also noticed that the longer the inhibition period before anesthesia, the greater the decrease in recovery time. These observations had no correlation with the skin area or dermatome desensitized by the anesthesia. Furthermore, these observations were not noted when a placebo was sprayed on the skin. The results from this study indicate that input from cutaneous afferents may have an important inhibitory effect on the α-motoneurons of the soleus muscle. This effect is possibly more profound on the large phasic motoneurons. These results are discussed in relation to clinical interpretations of the H-reflex recovery curves.
Feminity/masculinity and disordered eating in women: How are they related?

Issues around femininity and masculinity have been implicated as etiological variables in the development of eating disorders among women. However, previous research on this subject has produced inconsistent results. This study examined the hypothesis that this inconsistency is due partially to incomplete conceptualizations of sex role orientation. Three aspects of the current female sex role stereotype were considered to be related to symptoms of eating disorders: importance of physical appearance, importance of masculine and feminine traits, and the number of roles a woman considers central to her identity. A non-clinical sample of 45 female undergraduates completed a battery of questionnaires. Results showed no relationship between a standard measure of femininity (the PAQ) and disordered eating. However, importance of appearance was related to both femininity and disordered eating. Furthermore, placing greater importance on possessing socially desirable masculine traits was a significant predictor of disordered eating. Finally, subjects who felt that many roles rather than few roles were central to their sense of self obtained high scores on a measure of disordered eating. These findings are discussed in light of the “superwoman” image and disordered eating, and arguments are made for the development of more complete conceptualizations of masculinity and femininity.
Kolb'S Learning Style Theory Revisited

The use of nominal-level analysis of four primary learning styles (PLS) (i.e., doing, thinking, watching, and feeling), based on the Learning Style Inventory demonstrated their discriminant/convergent validity but not the validity of Kolb's learning style types (LST) (i.e., accommodator, diverger, converger, and assimilator). The LST typology is derived from the difference of two sets of ipsatively scored variables-a circumstance that contributes to its lack of validity, whereas the PLS categories are based directly on the rank ordering given by subjects. The PLS category, thinking, was associated with having higher scores on a mental ability measure, whereas doing was associated with higher levels of learning and performance on an origami paper-folding task (i.e., an archetypical doing task).
Anisotropic Atomic Structure in a Homogeneously Deformed Metallic Glass

The anisotropic atomic structure in a Zr41.2Ti13.8Cu12.5Ni10Be22.5 metallic glass strained during uniaxial tensile creep at 598 K was studied at room temperature using high-energy x-ray diffraction. Changes in the atomic structure were examined by comparing the total scattering function [S(Q)] and the reduced pair distribution function [G(r)] of the creep to that of a companion specimen subjected to the same heat treatment only. Two-dimensional maps of the ΔS(Q) and its Fourier transformation demonstrate the distribution in the bond orientation anisotropy increases with increasing total strain. A fit of the reduced pair distribution function using a simplified two-component model suggests that the bond length changes in the deformed creep samples are not uniform.
An Unnecessary Neologism in Two Systems of Mediation

The analysis of mediation and other forms of third party intervention requires grappling with difficult conceptual problems, some of which Keith Murnighan discusses in the preceding article. Two such problems are: (a) how to define and describe mediation; and (b) how to develop models of mediation that are applicable across the variety of contexts within which mediation occurs. My purpose in this article is to examine how these problems have been handled in recent discussions of mediation, and then shove- how they relate to Keith Murnighan's new concept, "intravention." Several recently proposed distinctions between two systems of mediation have a great deal in common with one another, and with Murnighan's distinction between "intravention" and mediation. These include Kressel and Pruitt's (1985) distinction between "emergent" and "contractual" mediation; Smith's (1986) "traditional" and "internatiolml" mediation; Touval's (1986) "apolitical" and "political" mediation; Susskind and Madigan's (1984) "passive" and "active" mediation; and Kolb's (1986) "industrial relations" and "organizational" mediation (a distinction also made by Carnevale, forthcoming). To my mind, Mumighan's "intravention" concept is a form of emergent mediation, and thus fits very well with recent conceptual work in this field. Murnighan argues that to understand mediation we should not pay attention to how it is practiced. Instead, he argues, we should start with dictionary definitions of mediation and intervention and then develop a theoretical framework that follows from these definitions. It is encouraging that Murnighan's conceptual results are similar to the results of those who have paid more attention to how it is practiced.
Applications of interval analysis to minimal and maximal solutions of differential equations

The method of interval analysis and the method of upper and lower solutions will be combined to investigate differential equations. Both existence of extremal solutions and bounds of solutions will be obtained when the right hand side of differential equations is discontinuous.
Ductin, a component of the V-ATPase, is developmentally regulated in Heliothis virescens midgut, and anti-ductin antibodies label lateral membranes

We previously cloned from Heliothis virescens a 16-kDa protein that is homologous to other ductin sequences. We also reported its immunolocalization with a specific affinity-purified anti-peptide antibody in the midgut and Malpighian tubule of feeding larvae, and concluded that the cloned proteolipid encodes the V-ATPase proton-transporting subunit c from the V0 sector. We now present the immunolocalization of this protein in the midgut during the L4-L5 larval molt and early post-ecdysis into the fifth instar in H. virescens. The results show that the spatial expression of the 16-kDa protein is developmentally regulated. Labeling by anti-peptide antibody varies during the molt in the midgut goblet cell apical plasma membrane and the goblet cell apical valve. Epifluorescence and confocal microscopy revealed strong anti-ductin labeling in areas of cell-to-cell contact during the molt, and during early post-ecdysis into the fifth larval instar. The characteristic labeling pattern observed in areas of cell-to-cell contact is consistent with the claimed involvement of ductins in gap junctions. Conclusive evidence for the presence of the 16-kDa protein in areas of cell-to-cell contact in the midgut of feeding larvae is, however, lacking. V-ATPase regulation during the molt was also investigated by simultaneous immunohistochemistry with an anti-B subunit antiserum, a probe for the V1 sector.
Test of extensively damaged hybrid ship hull

A hybrid ship hull model made with a steel truss and composite sandwich panels was tested and analyzed with the goal of gaining insight into how well this structural concept holds up after major damage. One of the ideas of the concept was to mount the sandwich panels to the steel truss such that they can be blown out in a controlled fashion to ventilate a large internal blast. The hull should be designed to have sufficient strength for the ship to reach a port safely even after such extensive damage. A 6-m model of such a hybrid ship hull, consisting of a stainless steel truss and 60 composite sandwich panels, was manufactured and mechanically tested. A number of panels were then removed one by one and the hull was retested to the design load after each panel had been removed. The removed panels simulated major damage. After nine panels had been removed, from all the different areas of the hull, it could still carry the design load, although with considerable nonreversible deformations of the hull girder. The hull was eventually loaded to final failure, which occurred at 25% above the design load.
Growth‐dependent photoinactivation kinetics of Enterococcus faecalis

Aims To investigate how the growth stage of Enterococcus faecalis affects its photoinactivation in clear water. Methods and Results Enterococcus faecalis were grown in batch cultures to four different growth stages or grown in chemostats set at four different dilution rates, then harvested and exposed to full spectrum or UVB-blocked simulated sunlight. Experiments were conducted in triplicate in clear water with no added sensitizers. Decay curves were shoulder-log linear and were generally not statistically different in experiments conducted under full spectrum light. Shoulders were longer and first order inactivation rates smaller when experiments were seeded with cells grown to stationary as compared to exponential phase, and for slower growing cells when experiments were done under UVB-blocked light. Chemostat-sourced bacteria generally showed less variability among replicates than batch-sourced cells. Conclusions The physiological state of cells and the method via which they are being generated may affect the photoinactivation experimental results. Significance and Impact of the Study Photoinactivation experiments conducted with exponential phase cells may overestimate the photoinactivation kinetics in the environment, particular if UVB-independent mechanisms predominate. Chemostat-sourced cells are likely to provide more consistent experimental results than batch-sourced cells.
Paleomagnetic data from Alaska: reliability, interpretation and terrane trajectories

Virtually the entire body of paleomagnetic data collected from southern Alaska depicts a clear decrease in paleolatitude with increasing age, strongly suggesting that southern Alaska represents a displaced terrane. In this paper, paleomagnetic studies from southern Alaska have been classified with respect to a Quality Index that is based on four criteria. These criteria are the presence of both polarities of magnetic remanence, stepwise thermal or alternating field demagnetization of specimens, principal component analysis of demagnetization data, and a successful fold test. Of the 51 studies compiled, only four from southern Alaska and one from western Canada are demonstrated to satisfy all criteria and fall therefore in the category of Group 3, (“highly reliable”). Two studies from southern Alaska satisfy three of the four criteria, lacking both polarities of characteristic remanence, and are judged to be of Group 2 (“reliable”). Two of these paleomagnetic studies constrain the accretion time of the southern Alaska terrane to the relatively stationary region of central Alaska north of the Denali fault. Four paleomagnetic studies from the southern Alaska terrane show a distinct paleolatitude anomaly when compared with their expected paleolatitudes from the North American apparent polar wander path. Using the model of Engebretson et al. (1984), a series of models are presented to best fit these highly reliable and reliable paleomagnetic studies. The model preferred in this article assumes an accretion time with North America of 50 Ma, and documents pre-50 Ma displacement of the southern Alaska terrane on the Kula plate. If the Ghost Rocks paleomagnetic magnetizations (Plumley et al., 1983) are assumed to be of earliest Tertiary age, this model fits all of the low paleolatitudes observed in southern Alaska. Models incorporating coastwise translation of the southern Alaska terrane along the western boundary of the North America plate and a 50 Ma suturing age of this terrane to North America do not satisfy the paleomagnetic constraints. Four of the reliable studies can be modeled assuming strike-slip motion of the southern Alaska terrane along the western boundary of the North America plate if a 40 Ma suturing age is assumed. In this model, however, the paleomagnetic data must be presumed to represent the highest permissible paleolatitude and the Ghost Rocks Formation paleolatitudes are problematically lower than is possible to model with coastwise translation.
The dilaton equation in semirigid string theory

Abstract We show how to obtain explicit integration measures on ordinary moduli space corresponding to the correlation functions of pure two-dimensional topological gravity. In particular, our prescription tells how to remove the zero modes of the βγ system. We then use our formula to derive the “dilation equation” introduced by E. Verlinde and H. Verlinde, a relation between the N-point and (N−1)-point correlations of this theory. Just as in critical string theory we use the fact that certain BRST-exact states fail to decouple. Instead they build up Cech classes, in this instance the Euler class of an N-times punctured surface. Throughout we use the “semirigid” formulation of topological gravity. Thus the Liouville sector of other approaches never enters.
The mutual information of a class of graphical channels

This paper studies a class of channels obtained by combining a graph and a memoryless channel. A particular example is a memoryless channel pre-coded with a graph-based codes. Other examples are planted constrained satisfaction problems, and probabilistic network models with communities. In an earlier work by the authors, concentration results are obtained for such channels when the graphs is a sparse Erdos-Renyi graph. We overview in this note the approach in an information-theoretic framework, describe how it establishes a conjecture on parity-check codes, and connect the coding and community detection problems.
Establishment and spread of founding populations of an invasive thistle: the role of competition and seed limitation

Successful plant invasions require both the founding and local spread of new populations. High plant densities occur only when founding plants are able to disperse their seeds well locally to quickly colonize and fill the new patch. We test this ability in a 7-year field experiment with Carduus acanthoides, an invasive weed in several North American ecosystems. Founder plants were planted in the center of 64 m2 plots and we monitored the recruitment, distribution pattern, mortality, and seed production of the seedlings that originated from these founding plants. Competing vegetation was clipped not at all, once, or twice each year to evaluate the importance of interspecific competition. More seedlings recruited in the intermediate once-clipped plots, and these seedlings also survived better. The control plots had fewer microsites for seedling recruitment; clipping a second time in September stimulated grasses to fill up the gaps. The number of C. acanthoides recruits and their median distances from the founder plants were also explained by the initial seed production of the founding plants. Overall, the experiment shows that the success of founder plants can fluctuate strongly, as 55% of the plots were empty by the sixth year. Our study suggests that the local invasion speed following initial establishment depends strongly on both the propagule pressure and availability of suitable microsites for seedling recruitment and growth.
Developments in the clinical understanding of osteoarthritis

With the recognition that osteoarthritis is a disease of the whole joint, attention has focused increasingly on features in the joint environment which cause ongoing joint damage and are likely sources of pain. This article reviews current ways of assessing osteoarthritis progression and what factors potentiate it, structural abnormalities that probably produce pain, new understandings of the genetics of osteoarthritis, and evaluations of new and old treatments.
Effects of pretreatment of mice with BCG cell walls in saline on subsequent vaccination with BCG oil droplet vaccine.

Abstract Multiple intravenous injections of bacillus Calmette-Guerin cell walls (BCG CW) suspended in Tween-saline into mice produced an unresponsive state to a subsequent vaccination with BCG-CW-oil droplet mixture. This was manifest by loss of delayed hypersensitivity to PPD as measured by footpad swelling, a diminished granulomatous response in pulmonary tissue, and almost complete abrogation of protection to an aerosol challenge with virulent Mycobacterium tuberculosis , strain H37Rv. The unresponsive state disappeared 20 days after stopping pretreatment. There was evidence of immunity early after H37Rv challenge, but by 4 wk it had markedly diminished and by 6 wk there was no difference between nonvaccinated animals and the pretreated vaccinated animals. Unresponsiveness was specific since pretreated mice were capable of developing delayed type reaction to immunization with modified sheep red blood cells in the usual manner. Relationships among delayed hypersensitivity, granulomatous inflammation, and protection against aerosol infection with virulent M. tuberculosis are discussed in the light of these findings.
Structural changes and thermal stability : in situ X-ray diffraction studies of a new cathode material LiMg0.125Ti0.125Ni0.75O2

In situ X-ray diffraction studies in using synchrotron radiation were carried out on a new cathode material LiMg0.125Ti0.125Ni0.75O2 in a charging cell. It had been demonstrated [Y. Gao, M.V. Yakovleva, W.B. Ebner, Electrochem. Solid State Lett. 1 (1998) 117] that this new material has thermal stability superior to that of LiNiO2 and LiCo0.2Ni0.8O2 at an over-charged state. In this paper, studies of the relationship between the structural changes during charge and the thermal stability at an over-charged state are presented. For the first time, a hypothesis is proposed to attribute the poor thermal stability of LiNiO2 based materials at overcharged state to the formation of hexagonal phase (H3). An irreversible contraction along crystal ‘c’ axis usually occurs during the H3 phase formation. According to this hypothesis, improved thermal stability can be obtained by suppressing the formation of H3 phase. The reversibility of the structural changes during overcharge–discharge cycle for this new material is compared with the irreversible structural changes of the LiNiO2 cathode under the same condition.
Surface Actuation of Lightweight Mirrors with Shape Memory Alloy

The ability to create lightweight mirrors that can maintain surface accuracy is a major technical challenge for future space telescopes. Processing-induced errors and surface errors due to temperature excursions and gravity sag (zero gravity in space) make it impossible to correct the surface of thin mirror face-sheets by conventional point actuators. The challenges are compounded by the requirements for mirrors to have adequate stiffness for pointing accuracy. An experimental and analytical study was conducted to explore the feasibility of correcting the shape of lightweight (≈1 kg/m2) mirrors using a “Nitinol” (nickel-titanium) shape memory alloy (SMA). Shape memory alloys are increasingly used as smart devices in aerospace applications. Their primary advantage over other smart materials (i.e., piezo-ceramics and piezo-polymers) is in their ability to undergo large strains and displacements and thus enable the development of smart mechanisms. Active shape correction is the only means of mitigating heat ...
New Evidence on the Province of Asia

In this paper the text of a new inscription from Ephesus will be presented and discussed. The fragmented stone on which it is written was brought by a workman to the excavation office in spring 1969. It is not known where exactly it was found, although D. Knibbe has suggested privately that it was originally set up in the Agora.Osterreichisches Archaologisches Institut, Ephesus Inventory No. 3653. Fragment of a large slab of white marble, broken on top and at the bottom. The left margin is partly preserved, the right margin almost entirely. There are mouldings on both sides. The hollow in the form of a semicircle at the right margin originates in all probability from re-use of the stone.Height 75 cm. Width 68·5. Thickness 12·5. The height of the letters is 1·0, the distance between the lines 0·6 cm. The writing is in two columns which are separated from each other by a vertical scratch. This was made after the left column had already been engraved, as can be seen from the small detour in 1 19. Plate I. For the establishment of the text I have been able to use a large-scale photograph and the latex squeeze provided by the Austrian Archaeological Institute.
An improved single-chain Fab platform for efficient display and recombinant expression

Antibody phage display libraries combined with high-throughput selections have recently demonstrated tremendous promise to create the next generation of renewable, recombinant antibodies to study proteins and their many post-translational modification states; however, many challenges still remain, such as optimized antibody scaffolds. Recently, a single-chain fragment antigen binding (Fab) (scFab) format, in which the carboxy-terminus of the light chain is linked to the amino-terminus of the heavy chain, was described to potentially combine the high display levels of a single-chain fragment variable with the high stability of purified Fabs. However, this format required removal of the interchain disulfide bond to achieve modest display levels and subsequent bacterial expression resulted in high levels of aggregated scFab, hindering further use of scFabs. Here, we developed an improved scFab format that retains the interchain disulfide bond by increasing the linker length between the light and heavy chains to improve display and bacterial expression levels to 1-3 mg/L. Furthermore, rerouting of the scFab to the co-translational signal recognition particle pathway combined with reengineering of the signal peptide sequence results in display levels 24-fold above the original scFab format and 3-fold above parent Fab levels. This optimized scFab scaffold can be easily reformatted in a single step for expression in a bacterial or mammalian host to produce stable (Tm of 81 °C), predominantly monomeric (>90%) antibodies at a high yield. Ultimately, this new scFab format will advance high-throughput antibody generation platforms to discover the next generation of research and therapeutic antibodies.
Enhanced Secretion of ApoB by Transfected HepG2 Cells Overexpressing Fibrinogen

HepG2 cells stably transfected with cDNA-encoding single fibrinogen chains overexpress fibrinogen and have increased (4-fold) secretion of apolipoprotein B. Overexpression of fibrinogen does not affect the secretion of three representative acute-phase proteins but causes a small increase in albumin secretion. Enhanced apolipoprotein B secretion is due to less intracellular degradation and not to increased expression. The increased secretion of apolipoprotein B is independent of the acute-phase response, since stimulation of fibrinogen gene expression by interleukin 6 did not affect secretion. HepG2 cells overexpressing fibrinogen chains had increased 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase mRNA levels, enhanced cholesterol production but normal levels of triglyceride and phospholipid synthesis and of sterol response binding proteins. These results, that associate overexpression of fibrinogen with enhance apolipoprotein B secretion, may be significant since epidemiological studies indicate that elevated levels of fibrinogen and lipids are independent risk factors in coronary artery disease.
Primary Aspergillus osteomyelitis of the sternum.

Abstract We report 2 cases of primary sternal osteomyelitis caused by Aspergillus ; previously reported cases have been complications of sternotomy. Both patients were healthy young men with recent intravenous drug abuse. No other focus or predisposing factors were found. Both were treated with partial sternectomy and chondrectomy; 1 received long-term amphotericin B therapy. Both are doing well 2 1 / 2 years after operation. Drug usage, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and medical immunosuppression may lead to other cases.
Non-conjugate prior distributions and their estimation for use in failure models

Bayesian failure models with non-conjugate prior distributions are reviewed for both the failure-rate and failure-on-demand problem. Calculational techniques are then presented for estimating the prior parameters from failure data by (i) matching the prior moments, (ii) matching the marginal moments, and (iii) using the maximum likelihood method
Predictability of self-organizing systems.

We study the predictability of large events in self-organizing systems. We focus on a set of models which have been studied as analogs of earthquake faults and fault systems, and apply methods based on techniques which are of current interest in seismology. In all cases we find detectable correlations between precursory smaller events and the large events we aim to forecast, though in some cases the correlations are very weak. We compare predictions based on different patterns of precursory events and find that for all of the models a precursor based on the spatial distribution of activity outperforms more traditional measures based on temporal variations in the local activity.
Growth instability in diffusion controlled polymerization

Abstract We report the observation of a sharp transition in the structure of polypyrrole prepared via diffusion controlled polymerization in a quasi-two dimensional electrochemical cell. As the oxidation potential is increased, the fractal dimension drops sharply from values near 2 (compact structures) to 1 as the growth becomes dendritic. At higher potentials, where the polymerization becomes diffusion limited, a continuum of structures is observed as the dendrites become irregular and the fractal dimension increases to 1.74+-0.01. The mean branch angle was also measured and found to decrease from 90° at the point of dendritic growth, to 45° at high potential.
Thresholds for hemorrhages in mouse skin and intestine induced by lithotripter shock waves

In vivo biological effects of ultrasound should be characterized as thermal or cavitational to understand their etiology and significance. A spark-gap shock-wave lithotripter was built and used to compare cavitation-induced hemorrhages to the heat-induced petechial hemorrhages caused by continuous-wave ultrasound in mouse intestine. Intestinal hemorrhages induced in anesthetized hairless mice by the lithotripter pulses involved tissue destruction with bleeding into the lumen of the intestine, and were associated with intestinal gas bubbles. Skin hemorrhages were also observed, which appeared to be contusions, with no actual breakage of the skin. Administration of 100 shock waves with peak positive amplitude of 18.5 MPa produced an average of 7.6 (standard error [SE] 3.1, n = 6) intestinal hemorrhages and 45 (SE 11) skin hemorrhages. The counts and severity of hemorrhages increased with increasing numbers (3 to 300) of shock waves. Absorbers of varying thickness were used to reduce the pressure amplitude of the shock waves, which were thereby modified into low frequency ultrasound pulses. For 100 pulse exposures, apparent thresholds for effects occurred between 1.6 and 4.0 MPa for the intestinal hemorrhages and between 0.6 and 1.6 MPa for the skin hemorrhages. The low 1-Hz pulse repetition frequency precluded significant heating, and so these effects were the result of cavitation, which probably occurred inside the intestines or in the surrounding water. Compared to the previously observed thermal petechia, the cavitation-induced hemorrhages could be distinguished on the basis of their appearance upon histological examination, and also by the relative values of the thermal and mechanical exposure indices associated with the two different exposure modes.
High resolution aerodynamic size spectrometry of quasi-monodisperse latex spheres with a spiral centrifuge

Abstract The size resolution of the spiral centrifuge, an instrument capable of aerodynamic size separation of airborne particles, is investigated theoretically and checked experimentally by utilizing aerosols of commercially available quasi-monodisperse latex spheres. It is shown that, in agreement with theoretical expectations, the spiral centrifuge can be operated at a relative size resolution of at least 0·5% within a size range of at least 3·5 × 10 −5 to 2 × 10 −4 cm in aerodynamic diameter. This facilitates the aerodynamic determination of the size distribution of “monodisperse” Dow latex spheres. The corresponding standard deviations of the mean sizes of five such samples are measured and found to be up to three times higher than quoted by the manufacturer.
Infrared spectroscopic studies on metal carbonyl compounds IX. Infrared spectra of 13CO-enriched cobalt nitrosyl carbonyl and nickel tetracarbonyl☆

Abstract Co(CO)3NO and Ni(CO)4 were successively enriched with 13CO to the extent of 22% their infrared spectra in the CO stretching region recorded, and all absorption bands assigned to the different 12CO and 13CO containing molecular species. A method for the calculation of the CO stretching frequencies of isotopically substituted metal carbonyls is given which enables these frequencies to be calculated with an accuracy of ±0.4 cm−1. The results furnish novel evidence for the validity of the Cotton-Kraihanzel force field, as well as of the “parameter cos β method” derived therefrom by the author. The frequency of the infrared inactive a1 stretching fundamental of Ni(CO)4 has been determined from the isotopic data: v1 (a1) 2125.5 cm−1 (in n-hexane solution). The CO stretching force constants and CO stretch-stretch interaction constant of the two compounds (in n-hexane solution) have been calculated:
Ultrasound aided extrusion process for preparation of polyolefin–clay nanocomposites

A continuous ultrasound assisted process using a single screw compounding extruder with an ultrasonic attachment was developed to prepare polyolefin/clay nanocomposites. High-density polyethylene and isotactic polypropylene were compared. The feed rate that controls the residence time of the polymer in the ultrasonic treatment zone was varied. Die pressure and power consumption were measured. Rheological properties, morphology, and mechanical properties of the untreated and ultrasonically treated nanocomposites were studied. Similarities and differences of obtained nanocomposites are discussed based on their properties and structural characteristics. The modified Halpin-Tsai theory of composite materials has been employed in order to predict the effect of incomplete exfoliation of clay platelets on the Young's modulus of the nanocomposites. A good agreement between experimental and theoretical data has been observed when reduction of the reinforcement efficiency of clay had been incorporated through the reduced aspect ratio of elementary clay platelets. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
A Generalist’s Vision

Abstract Many of the recent advances in the history of science have come from local microstudies, but with the unintended by‐product of a typically “postmodern” fragmentation of knowledge. The question for us post‐postmodernists is how to write a broader “general” history of science—a history for all of us specialists—without losing the advantages of case study. One way, this essay suggests, is to structure case studies around the activities or issues that are common to knowledge production generally: for example, issues of common practices, role and identity, credibility and trust, fairness in participation and reward, and translocal circulation. Such studies would be particular and local yet transcend the singularities of period, place, and discipline. They would facilitate productive contest over the general meaning of science in its diversely varied forms.
Prevalence of asymptomatic tremor in relatives of patients with essential tremor.

Background: The extent to which essential tremor (ET) clusters within families (ie, the familial aggregation of ET) is not precisely known. In part, this is because studies assign disease status in relatives of patients with ET based solely on interviews without conducting physical examinations. This may lead to underascertainment of affected relatives with mild asymptomatic ET. Objective: To determine the prevalence of asymptomatic ET among relatives of patients with ET. Methods: Interview and examination of 25 patients with ET and 58 of their relatives. The interview included 12 questions that screened the patients for ET. Two neurologists who specialize in movement disorders reviewed the videotaped examinations. Based on standardized criteria, diagnoses included ET (definite, probable, or possible) or normal. Results: Of the 8 relatives who received diagnoses of ET, 5 (62.5%) had asymptomatic ET. Hence, 5 (8.6%) of the 58 relatives (95% confidence interval, 1.4%-15.8%) had asymptomatic ET. In those with asymptomatic ET, there was a preponderance of young individuals with mild tremor in the nondominant hand. Conclusions: The prevalence of asymptomatic ET in relatives of patients with ET was similar to that of symptomatic ET. Family studies that do not perform both an interview and a physical examination will underascertain the number of affected relatives. Therefore, future family studies should evaluate relatives of patients with ET with an interview supplemented by a physical examination.
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, type VIII presenting with periodontitis and prolonged bleeding time.

We report on a case of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, probable type VIII (EDS VIII) in a 6-year-old girl with severe periodontitis, extensive bruising of the shins, abnormal bleeding time and thin body habitus. The structure and biosynthesis of types I and III collagen were normal. Desmopressin (DDAVP) was found to correct the bleeding time, and the patient underwent an uneventful dental procedure after DDAVP therapy. The finding of childhood or juvenile periodontitis should prompt consideration of a diagnosis of EDS. Particularly type VIII, and alert the clinician to the possibility of a treatable bleeding abnormality.
Survival of Campylobacter jejuni in Selected Gaseous Environments

Vacuum-packaged and oxygen-permeable, polyvinyl chloride film wrapped broiler chickens were compared with one another to determine influence on the survival of Campylobacter jejuni. No significant (P<0.01) difference in the survival of C. jejuni was observed, irrespective of the packaging system assessed by either surface rinse or drip sampling. Significantly (P<0.1) greater numbers of the organism were recovered by surface rinse sampling in both packaging systems when compared with the numbers obtained from drip sampling. Recovery of indigenous Campylobacter from red meat carcass samples was greater in the vacuum packaged samples (19/63) than in the oxygen permeable wrapped samples (7/63) after the samples were held at refrigeration temperatures for 1 wk. Significantly (P<0.01) greater survival of C. jejuni in ground beef was demonstrated in a 100% nitrogen atmosphere when compared with a vacuum, a 80% carbon dioxide and 20% nitrogen atmosphere or a 5% oxygen, 10% carbon dioxide and 85% nitrogen atmosphere. These results indicate that the organism survives at variable rates in different atmospheres, but these differences were relatively small and unlikely to impact on the public health.
A Path Analytic Study of the Antecedents of Organizational Commitment of IS Managers

Information systems IS technology has become a strategic resource for most organizations to compete successfully in today's highly uncertain marketplace. One critical component of this strategic resource is the IS human resource. Unlike many other professions, the IS professionals historically displayed a much higher rate of turnover due to rapid technological changes, job stress and emerging employment opportunities. Such excessive turnover can be very costly to the organization in terms of costs of recruiting and re-training, and the loss of systems development productivity. Therefore, maintaining a qualified and stable body of IS staff has been continually ranked among the most important issues for the successful functioning of IS departments. However, these important IS human resource management issues have not received enough empirical research attention within the IS management literature. The current study attempts to fill this gap by empirically examining the relationships among a set of organizational and psychological factors i.e., management support, degree of IS control, IS strategic significance, role stressors and the organizational commitment of IS managers. Empirical data was collected through large-scale questionnaire survey. The rigorous statistical method of LISREL path analysis was used. Results show that these variables are closely related to each other, which provides valuable insights for organizations to more effectively manage their IS human resource.
Cover Crop Effects on Nitrous Oxide Emissions: Role of Mineralizable Carbon

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) emission from denitrification in agricultural soils often increases with N fertilizer and soil nitrate (NO₃) concentrations. Overwintering cover crops in cereal rotations can decrease soil NO₃ concentrations and may decrease N₂O emissions. However, mineralizable C availability can be a more important control on N₂O emission than NO₃ concentration in fertilized soils, and cover crop residue provides mineralizable C input. We measured the effect of a winter rye (Secale cereale L.) cover crop on soil N₂O emissions from a maize (Zea mays L.) cropping system treated with banded N fertilizer at three rates (0, 135, and 225 kg N ha–¹) in Iowa. In addition, we conducted laboratory incubations to determine if potential N₂O emissions were limited by mineralizable C or NO₃ at these N rates. The rye cover crop decreased soil NO₃ concentrations at all N rates. Although the cover crop decreased N₂O emissions when no N fertilizer was applied, it increased N₂O emissions at an N rate near the economic optimum. In laboratory incubations, N₂O emissions from soils from fertilizer bands did not increase with added NO₃, but did increase with added glucose. These results show that mineralizable C availability can control N₂O emissions, indicating that C from cover crop residue increased N₂O emissions from fertilizer band soils in the field. Mineralizable C availability should be considered in future evaluations of cover crop effects on N₂O emissions, especially as cover crops are evaluated as a strategy to mitigate agricultural greenhouse gas emissions.
Sediment Graphs Based on Entropy Theory

AbstractUsing the entropy theory, this paper derives an instantaneous unit sediment graph (IUSG or USG) to determine sediment discharge and the relation between sediment yield and runoff volume. The derivation of IUSG requires an expression of the effective sediment erosion intensity whose relation with rainfall is revisited. The entropy theory provides an efficient way to estimate the parameters involved in the derivations. Sediment discharge is also computed using the instantaneous unit hydrograph (IUH), which can also be derived using the entropy theory. This method works as well as the IUSG method, especially when the peak sediment discharge and peak runoff occur at the same time. The entropy theory yields the probability distribution of sediment yield and of sediment discharge, which can then be used to estimate uncertainty in sediment yield prediction.
Memories of childhood sexual abuse: a survey of young adults

Abstract Objective: To explore the prevalence of, characteristics of, and factors associated with forgetting of childhood sexual abuse memories in a large non-clinical sample ( N = 1712). Method: Using an anonymous survey, we asked respondents about (a) the nature and severity of their childhood abuse; (b) the continuity of their abuse memories; and (c) their experiences with others suggesting to them that they might have been abused. Results: A substantial minority of victims in our sample reported having temporarily forgotten their childhood sexual abuse. Forgetting was largely unassociated with victim or abuse characteristics. Compared to individuals who always remembered their abuse, however, individuals who temporarily forgot were more likely to report that someone had suggested to them that they might have experienced abuse. Those who received such suggestions were particularly likely to suspect that they may have experienced childhood sexual abuse that they do not yet remember. Conclusion: Forgetting may be less common than implied by earlier estimates from clinical samples, yet it is not uncommon. Also, a sizable minority of the population is wondering whether they have experienced unremembered abuse, and these suspicions are linked to having encountered suggestions from others. We discuss the implications of these findings for understanding the phenomenon sometimes labeled repression. Spanish abstract was not available at time of publication.