cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Pre-venture Plan Timing and Perceived Environmental Uncertainty on the Persistence of Emerging Firms

This paper explores the effects of when pre-venture planning occurs (early or late) in the sequence of activities accomplished during the process of new business emergence, and the moderating effects of environmental context (the degree of perceived financial, competitive and operational uncertainty), on the persistence of emerging business startup efforts. Using data from the U.S. Panel Study of Entrepreneurial Dynamics (PSED), our analyses found a strong main effect for business planning: Nascent entrepreneurs who completed a business plan were 2.6 times more likely to persist in the process of business emergence than those who did not complete a plan. In addition, the likelihood of venture persistence increased when nascent entrepreneurs engaged in planning early in the sequence of start-up activities in perceived uncertain financial and competitive environments, while venture persistence increased when nascent entrepreneurs engaged in planning late in a sequence of activities in perceived certain financial and competitive environments.
Mass transfer of ozone using a microporous diffuser reactor system

An ozone reactor was constructed using a tubular gas diffuser made of microporous stainless steel to significantly reduce gas bubble size and increase overall mass transfer area. Overall mass transfer coefficient, KLa [s −1], was correlated with gas (G) and liquid (L) flow rates using KLa = ALαGβ , with A = 3.96 × 10 8 [s−1], α = 1.53, and β = 0.40, with L and G in [m 3s−1]. The reactor is essentially plug flow at high G or L. This system achieves one of the highest ozone mass transfer rates observed in the literature.
When simplicity meets optimality: Efficient transmission power control with stochastic energy harvesting

We consider the optimal transmission power control of a single wireless node with stochastic energy harvesting and an infinite/saturated queue with the objective of maximizing a certain reward function, e.g., the total data rate. We develop simple control policies that achieve near optimal performance in the finite-horizon case with finite energy storage. The same policies are shown to be asymptotically optimal in the infinite horizon case for sufficiently large energy storage. Such policies are typically difficult to directly obtain using a Markov Decision Process (MDP) formulation or through a dynamic programming framework due to the computational complexity. We relate our results to those obtained in the unsaturated regime, and highlight a type of threshold-based policies that is universally optimal.
What boards must know about auditors and accountants

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) requires boards of directors to oversee the work of internal and external auditors. So what must boards really know about professional auditing and accounting designations? How can they assess how competent these professionals are? And when an auditor claims to have SOX expertise, should you believe him? © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Treatment with the noradrenergic alpha-2 agonist clonidine, but not diazepam, improves spatial working memory in normal young rhesus monkeys.

Noradrenergic α-2 agonists such as clonidine and guanfacine improve working memory performance in aged monkeys. Guanfacine also improves cognition in young monkeys, but there are conflicting reports of the effects of clonidine in young adult human and nonhuman primates. In the present study, high doses of clonidine (0.02–0.1 mg/kg) significantly improved performance of the delayed response task, a test of spatial working memory, in young adult monkeys. Lower doses (0.0001–0.01 mg/kg), similar to those used in human studies (0.001–0.003 mg/kg), had no effect on task performance. In contrast, monkeys experimentally depleted of catecholamines by chronic reserpine treatment have been improved by both dose ranges. These results provide further support for the hypothesis that α-2 agonists improve cognition via actions at post-synaptic α-2 receptors, and suggest that conflicting results with clonidine in previous studies of prefrontal cortical function may result from insufficient dosage.
Frequency control of electric power microgrids using distributed cooperative control of multi-agent systems

Distributed cooperative control of multi-agent systems is used to implement the secondary frequency control of microgrids. The proposed control synchronizes the frequency of distributed generators (DG) to the nominal frequency and shares the active power among DGs based on their ratings. This frequency control is implemented through a communication network with one-way communication links, and is fully distributed such that each DG only requires its own information and the information of its neighbors on the communication network graph. Due to the distributed structure of the communication network, the requirements for a central controller and complex communication network are obviated, and the system reliability is improved. Simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed secondary control for a microgrid test system.
Remote sensing of volcanoes

Abstract Volcanoes are amongst the few geological landforms which undergo changes at scales and rates sufficient to warrant frequent surveillance. Monitoring of volcanoes is important for documenting their course of activity in order to understand their behavior. Monitoring is therefore an essential precursor step before the goals of predicting eruptions and their related hazards can be achieved. Modern remote sensing techniques provide the only means whereby any volcano in the world can be studied. In many cases, remote sensing observations provide the only available data on the activity of an individual volcano; in other cases they may support and refine field observations. Here I report the results of studies by my colleagues and I on the applications of the Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) and other satellite systems to the identification and monitoring of active volcanoes. Three different applications will be briefly discussed: (1) identifying active volcanoes; (2) spectral studies; and (3) thermal monitoring of volcanoes. The Landsat Thematic Mapper is in sun-synchronous orbit around the Earth at an altitude of 705 km, such that it passes overhead any given volcano once every 16 days. It is equipped with seven sensors, four operating in the visible and near infrared (0.45–0.90 μm); two in the short wavelength infrared (1.55–1.75 and 2.08–2.35 μm) and one in the thermal infrared (10.4–12.8 μm). It images a swath 185 km wide with a pixel size of 30 m (120 m in the thermal infrared band). The French SPOT system images a 65 km wide swath with a pixel size of 20 m in each of four multispectral bands (visible and near infrared) but also offers panchromatic data with a pixel size of 10 m, and the ability to provide stereoscopic views.
Standards in the space industry: Looking back, looking forward

Abstract Spaceflight is ingrained in the imagination as a state-of-the-art technology. Its level of sophistication and intricacy is unparalleled.The space industry, with its large budgets and few producers, has been able to maintain a craft mentality in the face of the hi-tech ethos of mass production. One striking example of this craft mentality is a relative lack of industry-wide standards for the design and operation of satellites. This article discusses standards-setting in the space industry, suggesting that thus far the industry has often resisted imposing standards in favor of customization. Given the maturation of on-orbit servicing technology and future shift from astronautassisted repair to semi-autonomous robotic repair, the lack of interoperability standards is increasingly problematic. How, what, and when to standardize, as well as who makes this decision, is an organizational question that has significant consequences for the future of satellite design and the operation of the space industry...
Complex regional pain syndrome: state of the art update.

Although the pathophysiology of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is not fully understood, it appears to reflect multiple interacting mechanisms. In addition to altered autonomic function, a role for inflammatory mechanisms and altered somatosensory and motor function in the brain is increasingly suggested. Several possible risk factors for development of CRPS, including genetic factors, have been identified. Few treatments have been proven effective for CRPS in well-designed clinical trials. However, recent work suggests that bisphosphonates may be useful in CRPS management and that the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist ketamine significantly reduces CRPS pain when administered topically or intravenously at subanesthetic dosages. Extended use of ketamine at anesthetic dosages (“ketamine coma”) remains a controversial and unproven treatment for CRPS. Spinal cord stimulation may be effective for reducing pain in approximately two thirds of CRPS patients not responding to other treatments, but its efficacy appears to diminish over time.
Microbial invasion across the intestinal epithelial barrier.

The intestine forms a barrier that separates two opposing compartments. A continuous monolayer of columnar epithelial cells sealed together by circumferential tight junctions insulates a surface area of nearly 200 m2 from passive diffusion of small and large solutes, particles, microorganisms and cells. Such barrier function is required for efficient vectorial transport of water and solutes and for host defense (1).
The benefit of public transportation: physical activity to reduce obesity and ecological footprint.

The 20th century witnessed exponential growth of the human population. A concurrent change was urbanization, with close to half of the world's population residing in urban centers at the beginning of the 21st century (McGranahan and Satterthwaite, 2003). Humans have domesticated nature with a net benefit to themselves such as enhancing food supplies, reducing exposure to predators and other dangers, and promoting commerce, often at a cost to other species (Kareiva et al., 2007). A concept, ecological footprint(EF, the amount of land required to produce the resources needed by a person annually), was first introduced in 1996 and immediately applied for cities (Wackernagel and Rees, 1996; Folke et al., 1997). The EF is comprised of resources used to meet a person's food, water, and most significantly, energy demands for housing and transportation that account for up to 90% of the EF. The concept provides a reasonable tool to demonstrate natural resource dependence of human activities to politicians and the public, although much work is needed to employ it as a cohesive analytical tool for management.
The limits of accommodation: Frederick Douglass and the Garrisonian abolitionists

This essay examines the early public discourse of Frederick Douglass in order to illuminate the nature of his relationship with the Garrisonian abolition movement. It argues that Douglass's early speeches reveal his struggle to define himself within the narrowly proscribed role the Garrisonians expected him to play in their campaign. Further, his speeches reflect an ideology of social reform, forged in slavery, that was fundamentally opposed to that of the Garrisonians. Douglass's early rhetoric thus highlights the contradictions that were inherent in his relationship with the Garrisonians from the beginning and, more generally, provides important insight into the politics of identity within the abolition movement.
Production and Characterization of Rabbit Polyclonal Antibodies to Almond (Prunus dulcis L.) Major Storage Protein

Rabbits were immunized with purified almond major protein (AMP), the primary storage protein in almonds. Rabbit anti-AMP polyclonal antibodies (PA) could detect AMP when as little as 1−10 ng/mL were used to coat microtiter plates in a noncompetitive enzyme linked−immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Competitive inhibition ELISA assays detected the AMP down to 300 ng/mL. PA recognized the AMP in protein extracts from all U. S. major marketing cultivars of almonds (Mission, Neplus, Peerless, Carmel, and Nonpareil) with specific reactivity of 52.6−75% as compared to that of the AMP alone. Immunoreactivity of protein extracts prepared from commercial samples of blanched almonds, roasted almonds, and almond paste was respectively reduced by 50.0%, 56.6%, and 68.4% (noncompetitive ELISA) when compared to the immunoreactivity of the AMP. Moist heat (121 °C, 15 min) pretreatment of the AMP reduced the PA reactivity by 87% (noncompetitive ELISA). Exposing AMP to pH extremes (12.5 and 1.5−2.5) caused a 53% and 57% reductio...
Early human cultural and skeletal remains from guitarrero cave, northern peru.

An early man site in highland Peru yielded a rich cultural assemblage in stratigraphic association with faunal remains, botanical remains, and campfire remnants that furnished secure radiocarbon dates. A human mandible and teeth, showing interesting patterns of occlusal wear, were found in a stratum dated by a charcoal sample to 10,610 B.C., the oldest such date in South America.
Addition of nanoparticle dispersions to enhance flux pinning of the YBa2Cu3O7-x superconductor

Following the discovery of type-II high-temperature superconductors in 1986 (refs 1, 2), work has proceeded to develop these materials for power applications. One of the problems, however, has been that magnetic flux is not completely expelled, but rather is contained within magnetic fluxons, whose motion prevents larger supercurrents. It is known that the critical current of these materials can be enhanced by incorporating a high density of extended defects to act as pinning centres for the fluxons. YBa2Cu3O7 (YBCO or 123) is the most promising material for such applications at higher temperatures (liquid nitrogen). Pinning is optimized when the size of the defects approaches the superconducting coherence length ( approximately 2-4 nm for YBCO at temperatures < or =77 K) and when the areal number density of defects is of the order of (H/2) x 10(11) cm(-2), where H is the applied magnetic field in tesla. Such a high density has been difficult to achieve by material-processing methods that maintain a nanosize defect, except through irradiation. Here we report a method for achieving a dispersion of approximately 8-nm-sized nanoparticles in YBCO with a high number density, which increases the critical current (at 77 K) by a factor of two to three for high magnetic fields.
Cellular and Molecular Effects of a Pulse Butyrate Regimen and New Inducers of Globin Gene Expression and Hematopoiesis

Cooley's anemia is characterized by a deficiency of beta-globin chains, a relative excess of alpha-globin chains, and consequent accelerated programmed death of developing erythroid cells in the bone marrow. Increasing expression of the gamma-globin genes to adequately balance excess alpha-globin chains can ameliorate this disorder. Butyrates induce gamma-globin experimentally, but can also cause cell growth arrest with prolonged exposure or high concentrations, which in turn can accelerate apoptosis. To determine if these potentially opposing effects can be balanced to enhance therapeutic efficacy, an intermittent "pulsed" regimen of butyrate was evaluated. Following induction of gamma-globin mRNA and protein synthesis, total hemoglobin increased in beta-thalassemia patients by more than 2 g/dl above baseline, and Hb F increased above 20% in 5/8 sickle cell patients from baseline levels of 2% Hb F. Specific regulatory regions were identified in the gamma- and beta-globin gene promoters to which new binding of transcription factors, including alpha CP2 (an activator of gamma globin) occur during therapy solely in the butyrate-responsive patients. Other compounds which induce gamma globin, derivatives of acetic, phenoxyacetic, propionic, and cinnamic acids, and dimethylbutyrate, are under investigation. Some of these newer gamma-globin inducers (designed hemokines) provide better potential as therapeutics by also acting to increase hematopoietic cell viability and proliferation. Pharmacologic induction of expression of the endogenous gamma-globin genes is a realistic approach to therapy of the beta-globin disorders for many patients, with some effective agents available now and new therapeutics, with enhanced activities, under development.
Anatomic Fundoplication Failure After Laparoscopic Antireflux Surgery

Objective Anatomic fundoplication failure occurs after antireflux surgery and may be more common in the leaming curve of laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS). The authors' aims were to assess the incidence, presentation, precipitating factors, and management of anatomic fundoplication failures after LARS. Background Data The advent of LARS has increased the frequency with which antireflux surgery is performed for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Postoperative symptoms frequently occur and may result from physiologic abnormalities or anatomic failure of the fundoplication (e.g., displacement or disruption). Few data exist on the potential causes or best treatment of anatomic fundoplication failures. Method LARS was performed in 290 patients by one of the authors over a 6-year period. In the first 53 patients (group 1), the short gastric vessels were divided on a selective basis and the diaphragmatic crura were closed only when large hiatal hemias were present. In the subsequent 237 patients (group 2), the crura were always approximated posterior to the short gastric vessels and full fundic mobilization was performed. Clinical postoperative evaluation was performed on a regular basis, with detailed tests of anatomy and physiology when untoward symptoms developed. Postoperative foregut symptoms were reported by 26% of the patients, of whom 73% were found to have an intact fundoplication. In 7% of the entire group, anatomic failure of the fundoplication was demonstrated, with the majority exhibiting intrathoracic migration of the wrap with or without disruption of the fundoplication. New-onset postoperative epigastric or substemal chest pain frequently heralded fundoplication failure, Factors correlated with the development of anatomic fundoplication failure included presence in group 1, early postoperative vomiting, other diaphragm stressors, and large hiatal hernias. Repeat operation has been performed in 8 of the 20 patients (40%), with 5 patients successfully treated using laparoscopic techniques. Conclusions Anatomic fundoplication failure occurred in 7% of patients undergoing LARS, with the majority occurring in patients who underwent surgery during the learning curve. Anatomic failure is associated with technical shortcomings, large hiatal hemias, and early postoperative vomiting. Full esophageal mobilization and meticulous closure of the diaphragmatic crura posterior to the esophagus should minimize anatomic functional failure after LARS.
Observations of school learning 1

Abstract Observations were made in a number of classes ranging from grades 1 to 12, including teaching in a variety of school subjects. Purpose of the study was to explore and refine a method for observing the events which support (or fail to support) learning. Such events were considered to fall in the broad categories of those which (1) introduce learning; (2) guide initial learning; (3) make learning memorable and generalizable; and (4) provide reinforcement. The method is contrasted with those having the purpose of observing modes of instruction, teacher behaviors, or teacher characteristics.
Precipitation strengthening at ambient and elevated temperatures of heat-treatable Al(Sc) alloys

Yield strength at ambient temperature and creep resistance between 225 and 300°C were investigated in dilute Al(Sc) alloys containing coherent Al3Sc precipitates, which were grown by heat-treatments to radii in the range 1.4–9.6 nm. The dependence of the ambient-temperature yield stress on precipitate size is explained using classical precipitation strengthening theory, which predicts a transition from precipitate shearing to Orowan dislocation looping mechanisms at a precipitate radius of 2.1 nm, in good agreement with experimental data. At 300°C creep threshold stresses are observed and found to be much lower than the yield stresses, indicative of a climb-controlled bypass mechanism. The threshold stress increases with increasing precipitate radius, in qualitative agreement with a climb model taking into account stiffness and lattice mismatches between matrix and precipitates [1].  2002 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Stochastic variational inequalities associated with elasto-plastic torsion

This paper is concerned with an initial value problem for a stochastic variational inequality associated with elasto-plastic torsion. Our goal is to establish the existence and uniqueness of a solution. The stochastic problem is reduced to essentially a deterministic problem, which is not covered by existing results on evolution variational inequalities. We propose a definition of a solution in the same spirit as for weak solutions of partial differential equations, and derive some basic consequences of our definition. Based on these results, we can prove the existence and uniqueness of a solution to the stochastic problem.
Thermo-mechanical modeling of firebrand breakage on a fractal tree

Abstract Firebrand lofting models rely on prescribed size distributions for brands that are available for lofting. Typically, the assumption made is that the balance between aerodynamic forces and weight defines the characteristic size of lofted brands. This work develops a model for predicting the size distribution of brands lofted from a fractal tree using simple mechanical breakage models that are coupled to a simple thermal decomposition model. The breakage model is parameterized by fuel density and strength data that are experimentally generated. Dimensionless parameters are identified to characterize the degradation and breakage processes. The breakage model is then coupled to a plume model to form a description of the breakage, transport, and mass loss of branching vegetative fuel packets in wildland fire scenarios. A Monte Carlo simulation is then performed for branching fuels in a wildland fire case study, and the presence of an optimal branch diameter for mass transport by brand lofting is identified.
Modulation of auditory processing during speech movement planning is limited in adults who stutter.

Stuttering is associated with atypical structural and functional connectivity in sensorimotor brain areas, in particular premotor, motor, and auditory regions. It remains unknown, however, which specific mechanisms of speech planning and execution are affected by these neurological abnormalities. To investigate pre-movement sensory modulation, we recorded 12 stuttering and 12 nonstuttering adults’ auditory evoked potentials in response to probe tones presented prior to speech onset in a delayed-response speaking condition vs. no-speaking control conditions (silent reading; seeing nonlinguistic symbols). Findings indicate that, during speech movement planning, the nonstuttering group showed a statistically significant modulation of auditory processing (reduced N1 amplitude) that was not observed in the stuttering group. Thus, the obtained results provide electrophysiological evidence in support of the hypothesis that stuttering is associated with deficiencies in modulating the cortical auditory system during speech movement planning. This specific sensorimotor integration deficiency may contribute to inefficient feedback monitoring and, consequently, speech dysfluencies.
Variability in the burst lick rate of albino rats as a function of sex, time of day, and exposure to the test situation

Burst lick rate was measured in 16 adult albino rats deprived of water for 23 h. Females licked faster than did males, and the mean lick rates of both sexes increased from Day 1 to Day 6 of the experiment. Both sexes licked faster at night than during the day, but this difference was statistically significant only for females. Results are viewed as challenging the hypothesized invariance of mammalian lick rates.
Protein Spreading Kinetics at Liquid−Solid Interfaces via an Adsorption Probe Method†

We report the areal growth kinetics of fibrinogen adsorbed on model hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces measured via an adsorption probe method. This approach exploits the adsorption of probe molecules to determine the evolution of fibrinogen test molecules under conditions where the fibrinogen test molecules adsorb at relatively dilute surface conditions, minimizing interactions between them. It is found that fibrinogen test molecules spread from an average initial footprint of 100 nm2 to a final footprint near 500 nm2 per molecule on the hydrophobic surface, with a single-exponential decay of 1735 s. On a hydrophilic monolayer, the area increases from 100 to 160 nm2 with a characteristic time of 6740 s. These results demonstrate the power of the adsorption probe approach and comprise the first measurements of the averaged area relaxations of adsorbed proteins. The observation of single-exponential dynamics is remarkable, given the extensive relaxation on the hydrophobic surface, which must involve fibrinogen denaturing.
Atomoxetine for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents with bipolar disorders.

Children and adolescents with bipolar disorder (BD) have a high incidence of comorbid attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In this paper, we report a consecutive case series on 7 patients with pediatric BD and ADHD who were treated with atomoxetine—and all but one were also treated in conjunction with mood stabilizers. All patients were outpatients at the Stanford Pediatric Bipolar Disorders Clinic. Information on patients was collected in a retrospective chart review. All but 1 patient demonstrated significant improvement in symptoms of ADHD. No patients had episodes of hypomania or mania during the treatment period. Adverse effects of atomoxetine treatment included sedation, nausea, and decreased appetite. These cases suggest that atomoxetine may be a safe and effective treatment for ADHD in conjunction with mood stabilizers in children with BD.
Amiodarone-Induced Cirrhosis of Liver: What Predicts Mortality?

Introduction. Amiodarone has been used for more than 5 decades for the treatment of various tachyarrhythmias and previously for the treatment of refractory angina. There are multiple well-established side effects of amiodarone. However, amiodarone-induced cirrhosis (AIC) of liver is an underrecognized complication. Methods. A systematic search of Medline from January 1970 to November 2012 by using the following terms, amiodarone and cirrhosis, identified 37 reported cases of which 30 were used in this analysis. Patients were divided into 2 subsets, survivors versus nonsurvivors, at 5 months. Results. Aspartate aminotransferase was significantly lower (P = 0.03) in patients who survived at 5-months (mean 103.33 IU/L) compared to nonsurvivors (mean 216.88 IU/L). There was no statistical difference in the levels of prothrombin time, total bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, cumulative dose, and latency period between the two groups. The prevalence of DM, HTN, HLD, CAD, and CHF was similar in the two groups. None of the above-mentioned variables could be identified as a predictor of survival at 5 months. Conclusion. AIC carries a mortality risk of 60% at 5 months once the diagnosis is established. Further prospective studies are needed to identify predictors of AIC and of mortality or survival in cases of AIC.
Aluminum ion mediated stabilization of silica-based anion-exchange packings to caustic regenerants

Abstract Silica-based chromatography columns can be effectively regenerated with sodium hydroxide solutions containing millimolar levels of aluminum salts. The presence of aluminum ions in the caustic wash significantly reduced and in some cases virtually eliminated silica dissolution from silica-based anion-exchange columns. Wide-pore polymer coated anion-exchange packings for protein separations were washed in excess of 100 cycles with 0.1 M and 0.5 M sodium hydroxide containing aluminum nitrate with no detectable deterioration of the column bed or chromatographic performance. The protection results from incorporation of aluminosilicate sites on the silica support surface beneath the polymeric coating. This aluminosilicates is insoluble in the operational pH range (5–9), therefore aluminum (as Al 2 O 3 ) is undetectable at a sensitivity of 800 parts per 10 9 in the chromatographic effluent. The protective aluminosilicate can be removed by an acid wash. The physical/chemical changes in the column packing which result from caustic washing were studied by solid-state NMR and other physical techniques. The extent of modification, proposed protection mechanism and the influence on chromatographic performance are discussed.
Preclinical research: Make mouse studies work

More investment to characterize animal models can boost the ability of preclinical work to predict drug effects in humans, says Steve Perrin.
Current Emotion Research in History: Or, Doing History from the Inside Out

The history of the emotions first developed as a field of inquiry in Europe. It took root in the United States only in the 1980s. Today, the field has expanded dramatically. Historians of the emotions share the conviction that culture gives some shape to emotional life and that consequently, feelings vary across time and culture. Working on that assumption, recent historical works have investigated the changing role of emotions in politics, economics, and private life. There are a number of contentious issues within the field, including the much debated relationship between words and feelings, the pace and direction of change in emotional culture, and the question of the continuity of emotional experience and categories over centuries.
Effect of solvent solubility parameter on SWNT dispersion in PMMA

Abstract SWNT were dispersed in PMMA in eight different solvents with varying three dimensional solubility parameters. Results show that for achieving good dispersion, the polar component ( δ p ) of the solubility parameter is most important, while the other components, namely dispersive and hydrogen bonding ( δ d and δ h ), or the total solubility parameter ( δ t ) do not appear to be so critical. The best SWNT/PMMA dispersion was achieved in nitromethane, the most polar solvent used in this study. SWNT/PMMA samples exhibiting different degrees of dispersion have been studied using Raman spectroscopy. The intensity variations in the Raman radial breathing mode, as well as changes in the tangential (G) and overtone of the disorder (G′) band peak positions are consistent with the qualitative dispersion observations obtained from optical and scanning electron microscopy.
The Role of a Long-Acting Somatostatin Analogue (SMS 201-995) in the Management of a Patient with a Benign Insulin-Secreting Adenoma of the Pancreas and a Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula

(1986). The Role of a Long-Acting Somatostatin Analogue (SMS 201-995) in the Management of a Patient with a Benign Insulin-Secreting Adenoma of the Pancreas and a Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula. Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology: Vol. 21, No. sup119, pp. 217-222.
River slope connects modern topography with ancient tectonics

Scientists believe that topographic features are shaped by the tectonic history of the surrounding environment. However, although models exist that relate a known tectonic history to the expected shape of the rivers, the opposite problem of finding the tectonic history that resulted in an observed river-dominated landscape remains challenging. Past researchers have used smoothing of topographic data to find averages of tectonic information or have attempted many different tectonic histories and compared their expected output against the real topography. Now, Goren et al. have expanded on these methods with two new models.
Non-parallel thermal instability of natural convection flow on non-isothermal inclined flat plates

Abstract The vortex instability characteristics of laminar boundary-layer flow in natural convection on inclined flat plates heated from below, under the variable surface temperature Tw(x) − T∞ = Axn, are studied analytically by the linear theory. The analysis is performed by using the non-parallel flow model in which the steady main flow is treated as two-dimensional and account is taken of the streamwise dependence of the disturbance amplitude functions. Neutral stability curves as well as critical Grashof numbers and the corresponding critical wave numbers are presented for fluids having Pr = 0.7 and 7 over the range of inclination angles, 0° ⩽ φ ⩽ 70° from the horizontal, for a range of the exponent values n from − 1 3 to 1. For a given Prandtl number and a given exponent value n, the flow is found to become more stable to the vortex mode of instability as the inclination angle increases from the horizontal. In addition, the local non-similarity non-parallel flow model provides a larger critical Grashof number than that of the local similarity non-parallel flow model. Results from the present non-parallel flow analysis are compared with previous results from the parallel flow analyses and with available experimental data. The streamwise dependence of the disturbances leads to a stabilization of the main flow, which brings the present predictions to a close and qualitative agreement with available experimental data.
Facing the Future: Media Ethics, Bioethics, and the World's First Face Transplant

When the world's first face transplant was performed in France in 2005, the complex medical procedure and accompanying worldwide media attention sparked many ethical issues, including how the media covered the story. This study uses framing theory to examine what happens when media ethics intersect with bioethics by analyzing French, American, and British media coverage on the transplant and its aftermath. This study looks at how this story was framed and which bioethical issues were focused upon. The media ethical implications of these findings are then discussed. By doing so, this article attempts to contribute to the debate on how complex medical stories with bioethical components can be reported in an ethical manner.
Chemotherapeutic drugs and human tumor cells cytokine network

The ability of human tumor cell lines to produce various cytokines, chemokines, angiogenic and growth factors was investigated using Luminex multiplex technology. Media conditioned by tumor cells protected tumor cells from drug-induced apoptosis and stimulated tumor cell proliferation. Antibodies neutralizing IL-6, CXCL8, CCL2 and CCL5 blocked this stimulation. Treatment of tumor cells with doxorubicin and cisplatin resulted in a substantial increase in the production of IL-6, CXCL8, CCL2, CCL5, BFGF, G-CSF and VEGF. This stimulation was associated with drug-induced activation of NF-kappaB, AP-1, AP-2, CREB, HIF-1, STAT-1, STAT-3, STAT-5 and ATF-2 transcription factors and upregulation of IL-6, CXCL8, FGF-2, CSF-3 and CCL5 gene expression. Treatment of tumor cells with doxorubicin and antibodies neutralizing G-CSF, CCL2 or CCL5 had higher inhibitory effects than each modality used alone. These results indicate that chemokines and growth factors produced by tumor by binding to the cognate receptors on tumor and stroma cells could provide proliferative and antiapoptotic signals helping tumor to escape drug-mediated destruction. Clinical studies showed that antibodies neutralizing VEGF (Avastin/Bevacizumab) or blocking HER2/neu signaling (Herceptin/Trastuzumab) could increase the efficacy of chemotherapy, although these beneficial effects have been limited. It is possible that drug-stimulated production of growth and proangiogenic factors could counterbalance the effects of antibody therapy. In addition, numerous growth factors and chemokines share angiogenic and growth-stimulating properties, and thus reduction of a single factor is insufficient to completely block tumor growth. Thus, a broad disruption of tumor cytokine network is needed to further increase the efficacy of cancer therapy.
Brief cognitive assessment in the early stages of Parkinson disease.

Introduction Cognitive dysfunction is an integral part of the Parkinson disease (PD) symptom spectrum. Early detection of cognitive dysfunction could help to delineate prevention strategies. Our main objective was to study the validity of brief cognitive tests, the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), as cognitive screening tools for detecting global and executive cognitive deficits in early stages of PD, as compared to a healthy control population. Methods We evaluated 75 early-stage PD patients and 45 healthy age-matched and education-matched controls with the MMSE (global test) and FAB (frontal test), and compared total and subtest scores. We evaluated PD motor function with the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale Part III. We assessed the relationship between cognitive and motor variables. Results Frontal and global cognitive dysfunction was significantly more frequent in PD patients. PD patients scored significantly lower on FAB total and similarities, motor series, and conflicting instructions scores, and on the MMSE total, visuoconstructive, and memory scores. MMSE scores correlated significantly with Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale part III total score, speech, and bradykinesia scores. Conclusions Early-stage PD patients present with frontal, memory, and visuoconstructive deficits in brief cognitive tests. Our results suggest that these brief bedside tests are useful for cognitive deficit screening in the early stages of PD. Our study did not account for the influence of depression in cognition. This constitutes a limitation, because many PD patients have depressive symptoms, which some studies have shown can be related to cognitive dysfunction.
Evaluation of arsenical emission from semiconductor and opto-electronics facilities in Hsinchu, Taiwan

Abstract Semiconductor and opto-electronics industries use many chemicals including arsenics in manufacturing processes. Thus, the process vent stream contains toxic air pollutants including arsine and other arsenic compounds, and poses a potential source for the atmospheric arsenic. Limited data are published on arsenic risk assessment and work place condition for electronics industries. Moreover, as per our best knowledge there is no report available on arsenic pollution from the exhaust of semiconductor and opto-electronic industries. In this study, the total arsenic (arsenic compounds as arsenic in gaseous and particulate phase) concentration was measured in the flue gas of 20 stacks of different semiconductor and opto-electronics facilities situated in Science Based Industrial Park (SBIP), Hsinchu, Taiwan during August–September 2002. Ambient concentration of particulate arsenic (arsenic compounds as arsenic) was measured at 15 sites of SBIP twice, i.e. in September and October 2002. The concentration of the total arsenic in the flue gas was from 0 to 55.92 μg m −3 with the emission rate from 0 to 0.1427 g h −1 for the facilities. The ambient arsenic concentration was from 0 to 120 ng m −3 . The ambient air level goal (AALG) of arsenic compound is 4.6×10 −5 μg m −3 , if the lifetime cancer probability (LCP) level is 1.0×10 −6 . Based on simple risk assessment model, we used Industrial Source Complex Short Term 3 (ISCST3) model to calculate the maximum ground level concentration and employed the value of AALG; the emission limit of arsenic compounds from a factory was determined to be less than 1.0×10 −5 kg h −1 . On comparison, it was concluded that the arsenical emission of 11 out of 20 facilities was higher than the limited value.
Stimulus intensity effects between and within subjects in auditory reaction time: A variable criterion analysis

In simple auditory reaction time, Grice and Hunter (1964) obtained a significant interaction between signal intensity and the manner of intensity manipulation-between or within subjects. In a reanalysis by more recently developed methods of variable criterion theory, estimates of criterion level have been obtained for each subject in each condition. Criterion level was significantly higher in the within-subjects condition. Also, subjects receiving only the weak stimulus had lower criterion levels than those receiving only the strong stimulus. Both of these conditions provide an explanation of the interaction in terms of variable criterion theory.
A CAMAC-Controlled Calibration System for Nuclear Reactor Instruments

This paper describes both the hardware and the software which have been developed to implement a nuclear instrument calibration system for the Argonne National Laboratory ZPR-VI and ZPR-IX reactor complex. The system is implemented using an SEL-840 computer with its associated CAMAC crates and a hardware interface to generate input parameters and measure the required outputs on the instrument under test. Both linear and logarithmic instruments can be calibrated by the system and output parameters can be measured at various automatically selected values of ac line voltage. A complete report on each instrument is printed as a result of the calibration and out-of-tolerance readings are flagged. Operator interface is provided by a CAMAC-controlled Hazeltine terminal. The tarminal display leads the. operator through the complete calibration procedure. This computer-controlled system is a significant improvement over previously used methods of calibrating nuclear instruments since it reduces reactor downtime and allows rapid detection of long-term changes in instrument calibration.
Characterizations of continuous and Lipschitz continuous metric selections in normed linear spaces

Abstract Characterizations are given of when the metric projection PM onto a proximal subspace M has a continuous, pointwise Lipschitz continuous, or Lipschitz continuous selection. Moreover, it is shown that ifPM has a continuous selection, then it has one which is also homogeneous and additive modulo M. An analogous result holds if PM has a pointwise Lipschitz or Lipschitz continuous selection provided that M is complemented. If dimM
The role of the anteromedial hypothalamus in Dahl hypertension.

Abstract Radiofrequency lesions were placed in the anteromedial hypothalamus in Dahl rats to investigate the role of this area in salt-induced hypertension. Lesions of the paraventricular and suprachiasmatic nuclei and intervening tissue (PVN-SCN lesions) prevented the rise in blood pressure (mmHg) in salt-sensitive (DS) rats fed a high-salt (8% NaCl) diet for 15 weeks (controls: 195 ± 9, lesioned: 128 ± 11, p
Remote sensing of sea state by radar

In recent years several radar techniques have evolved which allow the remote measurement of certain parameters important in the description of sea state. At MF and HF, monostatic and bistatic configurations employing satellites, ships, islands, and/or land based stations can measure the ocean waveheight spectrum with several frequencies via first-order Bragg scatter. At high HF and VHF, the ocean waveheight spectrum can be estimated at a single carrier frequency via secord-order mechanisms; this technique is especially suited to remote sensing via long distance ionospheric propagation. At UHF, it is possible to measure the slope spectrum of the longer ocean waves via cross-correlation of simultaneous Bragg-effect returns at two frequencies. The short-pulse microwave satellite altimeter permits a direct measurement of the significant waveheight of the sea at the suborbital point via the specular point mechanism. Such techniques will be important both for detailed oceanographic study of ocean wave characteristics and for routine monitoring of sea state for maritime/meteorological purposes.
Glucose and glucosamine regulate growth factor gene expression in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Abstract We have investigated the regulation of the expression of two growth factors found in vascular smooth muscle, transforming growth factor alpha (TGF alpha) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Cells cultured in medium containing 30 mM glucose exhibited a 2-fold increase in TGF alpha mRNA and a 3-fold increase in bFGF mRNA compared with cells grown in normal (5.5 mM) glucose. Glucosamine was more potent than glucose, leading to a 6-fold increase in TGF alpha mRNA. TGF alpha protein levels were also increased by glucosamine treatment, and the predominant species present was the membrane-bound precursor form of TGF alpha. To examine further the regulation of growth factors by sugars, cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells were transfected with a plasmid construct consisting of a 1.2-kilobase-pair fragment of the TGF alpha promoter linked to a luciferase reporter gene. Increasing the concentration of glucose in the culture medium from 5.5 mM to 30 mM led to a rapid, 1.7-fold increase in the activity of the TGF alpha promoter. Glucosamine was much more potent than glucose in this stimulation, with 2 mM glucosamine causing a 12-fold increase in TGF alpha promoter activity. Insulin had no effect on luciferase activity in either the presence or the absence of added sugars. The glucose response element of the TGF alpha gene maps to a 130-base-pair segment that includes three potential binding sites for the transcription factor Sp1. We conclude that high glucose concentrations such as are reached in diabetes mellitus can stimulate the transcription of the genes for growth factors in vascular smooth muscle cells. This signaling pathway apparently involves the metabolism of glucose to glucosamine. This effect could be representative of nutritional regulation of a family of genes and could contribute to the toxicity of hyperglycemia and the vascular complications of diabetes.
Juvenile Hormone: Evidence of Its Role in the Reproduction of Ticks

Ovarian dlevelopmnent, vitellogenesis, andt etnbrvogenesis in recently matedlce fiemnales of tlhe sofi tick Ornithodoros parkeri Coolev were prevented by topical application of the insect antiallatotropin precocene 2. ThCe blockage was relieved by topical application of jtivenile hormonoe. Cancellation of the anti-juvenile hormnone jJects of precocene 2 and the reestablishment of oogenesis (and oviposition in one specimen) bv a naturally occurring insect juvenile hormone argues strongly for a physiological role of juvenile hormone in acarine reproduction.
The Effect of Constant and Fluctuating Temperatures on the Confinement‐induced Plasma Cortisol Stress Response in Channel Catfish lctalurus punctatus

Abstract.— Initial and confinement-induced changes of plasma cortisol were measured in channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus acclimated to upper and lower constant temperatures for each season, a spring/fall diurnal pattern between 15 and 26 C, and a summer diurnal pattern between 24 and 35 C. In diurnal treatments, temperature changes were achieved in 10 h and held constant for 2 h before reversing the temperature. Fish held in the spring/fall pattern or at a constant temperature of 15 or 26 C revealed no plasma cortisol concentration differences due to acclimation temperature, but hormone concentrations in all groups increased by about 4.5 fold following a 2-h confinement. Fish held on a summer pattern had differences in both the initial cortisol samples and those measured after confinement. Acclimation to a constant 35 C resulted in significantly higher initial cortisol concentrations, but these levels did not increase following confinement. The inability of the fish held at 35 C to respond to the confinement was thought to be due to the constant thermal stress, resulting in an inadequate interrenal reserve. Physiological consequences due to the diurnal physiochemi-cal cycling in ponds needs further attention.