cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Multiple Doses of Phenylpropanolamine on the Blood Pressure of Patients Whose Hypertension Was Controlled With β Blockers

Single-dose phenylpropanolamine (PPA) can cause blood pressure elevation in healthy volunteers and in patients whose hypertension is controlled with beta blockers. Few data exist on the effect of long-term PPA dosing on blood pressure in normotensive or hypertensive patients. Therefore, we studied the effect of multiple PPA doses in seven hypertensive men whose blood pressure was controlled with beta blockers. These patients had previously demonstrated a mean increase in blood pressure after 25 mg PPA compared to placebo. Each patient received 25 mg PPA 3 times a day for 6.3 days. Five patients completed the study. After drug therapy on days 1 and 7, statistically significant increases in the peak measured systolic and diastolic blood pressures from baseline were found, with ranges of maximum increase 3-22 mm Hg and 0-16 mm Hg, respectively. The peak measured blood pressures on days 1 and 7 were significantly different from placebo values for both systolic and diastolic pressures. The area under the blood pressure-time curve and the change between baseline and peak for systolic and diastolic blood pressures on days 1 and 7 were not significantly different. Tolerance and hypersensitivity were not detected. Several doses of PPA did not alter the blood pressure effect from the first-dose response, however, caution and close monitoring are still necessary for these patients.
Torsional response of structures for SH waves: The case of hemispherical foundations

abstract A study is made of the harmonic torsional response of an elastic structure placed on a rigid hemispherical foundation which is supported on an elastic medium and is subjected to the action of obliquely incident plane SH waves. As a basic step in the solution of the torsion interaction problem, a closed-form solution is obtained for the torsional response of a rigid hemispherical foundation excited externally by a harmonic torque and through the soil by an obliquely incident plane SH wave. Comparisons between the results for a hemispherical foundation with those for a circular plate allow the estimation of the effects that the embedment of the foundation has on the torsional response of the superstructure.
Privacy-preserving, taxable bank accounts

Current banking systems do not aim to protect user privacy. Purchases made from a single bank account can be linked to each other by many parties. This could be addressed in a straight-forward way by generating unlinkable credentials from a single master credential using Camenisch and Lysyanskaya's algorithm; however, if bank accounts are taxable, some report must be made to the tax authority about each account. Assuming a flat-rate taxation mechanism (which can be extended to a progressive one) and using unlinkable credentials, digital cash, and zero knowledge proofs of knowledge, we present a solution that prevents anyone, even the tax authority, from knowing which accounts belong to which users, or from being able to link any account to another or to purchases or deposits.
Assessing Financial Literacy

How do you know if students are benefiting from financial education? The answer requires an assessment of financial literacy. Ideally, a financial literacy assessment would take place before and after the administration of a financial education program to gauge improvement in human capital specific to personal finance. While there are certainly a multitude of educational approaches available for enhancing financial literacy, the human capital improvement we are trying to measure is less variable in nature. This chapter focuses on the usefulness of assessing financial literacy along with the various elements to be considered in the measure, including the context, concept, content, instrument creation, and implementation.
Acute inhibition of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus decreases renal sympathetic nerve activity and arterial blood pressure in water-deprived rats

The present study was performed to determine whether sympathetic outflow and arterial blood pressure in water-deprived rats are dependent on the ongoing neuronal activity of the hypothalamic parave...
Role of GABA-active neurosteroids in the efficacy of metyrapone against cocaine addiction

Previous research has demonstrated a complicated role for stress and HPA axis activation in potentiating various cocaine-related behaviors in preclinical models of drug dependence. However, the investigation of several antiglucocorticoid therapies has yielded equivocal results in reducing cocaine-related behaviors, possibly because of varying mechanisms of actions. Specifically, research suggests that metyrapone (a corticosterone synthesis inhibitor) may reduce cocaine self-administration in rats via a nongenomic, extra-adrenal mechanism without altering plasma corticosterone. In the current experiments, male rats were trained to self-administer cocaine infusions and food pellets in a multiple, alternating schedule of reinforcement. Metyrapone pretreatment dose-dependently decreased cocaine self-administration as demonstrated previously. Pharmacological inhibition of neurosteroid production by finasteride had significant effects on cocaine self-administration, regardless of metyrapone pretreatment. However, metyrapone's effects on cocaine self-administration were significantly attenuated with bicuculline pretreatment, suggesting a role for GABA-active neurosteroids in cocaine-reinforced behaviors. In vitro binding data also confirmed that metyrapone does not selectively bind to GABA-related proteins. The results of these experiments support the hypothesis that metyrapone may increase neurosteroidogenesis to produce effects on cocaine-related behaviors.
Improvements in potassium‐argon dating: 1962–1975

Abstract Since its development in the 1950s, potassium‐argon dating has seen several modifications. The original method of measuring the total potassium and the three isotopes of argon in a sample then multiplying by factors to determine the amount of potassium‐40 and the amount of radiogenic argon in the sample is still in use, and is known as the conventional K/Ar method. Modifications to the conventional method have been largely in improved instrumentation and automation of the procedure, the data being handled directly by computer. Beginning in 1962, a method of potassium‐argon dating involving neutron activation of the sample with fast neutrons to produce argon‐39 from the potassium‐39 was developed and is known as the 40Ar/39Ar method. A sample of known age and potassium content is activated at the same time as the unknown and used to calibrate the neutron flux and the age of the unknown. The method obviates the need for separate potassium determinations and permits multiple age determinations on a ...
Homojunction and heterojunction based on CdTe polycrystalline thin films

Abstract The reaction growth temperature plays an important role for growing CdTe thin film on a foreign substrate by CVD. If a growth temperature is more than 560 °C, the CdTe film is a p-type. The higher growth temperature, the greater is the carrier concentration. If the growth temperatures are less than 520 °C, the CdTe films are n-type. A p-type CdTe film is firstly grown at a higher temperature, and an n-type CdTe film is then grown at a lower temperature, forming a CdTe homojunction. The properties of as-deposited CdTe homojunction are measured for the first time. In addition, a p-type CdTe film is exposed in an air environment for several weeks, forming a hybrid layer of CdO and TeO 2 . An ITO film is then deposited on the oxide layer, forming an n-ITO/i/p-CdTe heterojunction. At the same time, an n-ITO/p-CdTe heterojunction is also deposited by the same processes except without the oxidation treatment. The efficiency of the heterojunction solar cell with the oxidation treatment is much greater than that without the oxidation processing.
Klein paradox with spin-resolved electrons and positrons

Using numerical solutions to relativistic quantum field theory with space-time resolution, we illustrate how an incoming electron wave packet with a definite spin scatters off a supercritical potential step. We show that the production rate is reduced of only those electrons that have the same spin as the incoming electron is reduced. This spin-resolved result further clarifies the importance of the Pauli-exclusion principle for the Klein paradox.
Thermo-magneto-mechanical analysis of head–disk interface in heat assisted magnetic recording

Abstract Heat Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR) is achieved by heating high-stability magnetic media while applying a magnetic field. Exposure to such a thermal load subjects the head–disk interface to intense thermal strain/stress fields, which can cause transient head–disk contact, failures such as plastic deformation, layer–substrate delamination and surface cracking of the head and disk. Furthermore, the stress field alters the preferred direction of magnetization and changes the shape of the magnetization curve below saturation, thereby affecting the magnetic performance such as the permeability in the head. Several 3D boundary/finite element based thermo-magneto-mechanical models are developed to investigate these reliability issues of the HAMR head–disk interface. The temperature elevations and the associated thermal strains and stresses, and their effects on HAMR mechanical and magnetic performances are predicted. Transfer functions are derived, which allow the specification of HAMR material's thermo-mechanical properties to alter the distributions of stresses and distortions, without changing the temperature elevation. An optimal head–disk interface design is predicted based on the simulation results.
The vapour pressure of solid and liquid neon

BS>Vapor pressures were measured from below the triple point to the critical point. A cylindrical copper block containing one drilled hole for the vapor pressure cell and another to hold the resistance thermometer was used. The block could be cooled rapidly by an exchange gas within the jacket, which was surrounded by a liquid hydrogen bath. During measurements, the jacket was evacuated. Results are presented in graphical and tabular forms. (L.N.N.)
Right Bundle-Branch Block

Confusion still exists regarding the differentiation between right bundle-branch block and right ventricular hypertrophy. Study of patients after open-heart surgery was helpful in this problem because postoperative changes in electrocardiograms and vectorcardiograms were clearly due to traumatic disturbance of the right bundle branch and not to right ventricular hypertrophy.
Testing for intron function in the essential Saccharomyces cerevisiae tRNASerUCG gene

The gene sup61+, which codes for the essential Saccharomyces cerevisiae tRNA(SerUCG), is the only single-copy tRNA gene in this organism know to contain an intron. To assess the role of this intron in tRNA gene expression, an intron-deleted sup61+ gene was constructed in vitro and introduced into the yeast genome. Isogenic intron- and intron+ strains were found to be indistinguishable by criteria that include growth rates, ability to undergo meiosis, levels of mature tRNA(SerUCG) transcribed in vivo, and the suppressor efficiency of amber- and ochre-specific alleles of this gene.
Use of intrapulmonary percussive ventilation (IPV) in the management of pulmonary complications of an infant with osteogenesis imperfecta

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a genetic disorder characterized by abnormal collagen formation and short stature. These patients present with frequent vertebral, rib, and long bone fractures. There are many respiratory complications associated with OI including pneumonia, the most common cause of mortality in the severe forms of the disease. We present a case of an infant with OI (type III/IV) and significant tracheobronchomalacia who had required multiple hospitalizations for recurrent atelectasis and respiratory failure in the setting of acute respiratory infections. External chest percussion and vibration were avoided because of the risk of rib fractures. intrapulmonary percussive ventilation (IPV) was initiated during an acute illness with good effect, and continued successfully after discharge from hospital. We conclude that IPV represents a safe and effective alternative to airway clearance in infants with OI.
Distribution of HEOD (dieldrin) in mammals. I. Preliminary model.

A mathematical model for dieldrin (HEOD) distributions in mammalian tissues is presented. The model is based upon lipid-phase transport of dieldrin, large tissue region compartments and destruction of dieldrin via enzymes in the liver. Several simple hypothetical cases involving a 300-gm mature male rat or a 68-kg mature male human are given. Realistic estimates of compartment masses, blood flow, and lipid content are provided, to illustrate the model's predictive potential. Discontinuous dieldrin administration is considered to illustrate procedural effects upon both blood and depot fat lipid-phase dieldrin concentrations.
Plasma matrix metalloproteinases 7 and 9 in patients with metastatic breast cancer treated with marimastat or placebo: Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group trial E2196.

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic and predictive utility of measuring plasma levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)—7 and MMP-9 in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) treated with the oral MMP inhibitor (MMPI) marimastat or a placebo. Patients and Methods We measured plasma levels of MMP-7 and MMP-9 using an enzyme-linked immunoassay method in 140 evaluable patients with MBC enrolled on a multicenter clinical trial that compared the MMPI marimastat with placebo. Specimens were collected after completion of first-line chemotherapy in patients who had responding or stable disease and 3, 6, and 12 months after initiation of marimastat (10 mg orally twice daily) or placebo. Results Baseline plasma MMP-7 and MMP-9 levels did not correlate with each other or with progression-free or overall survival. In addition, serial evaluation of plasma MMP-7 and MMP-9 levels revealed no significant changes over time in the marimastat or placebo groups or any correlation with trough plasma marimastat level. Conclusion We conclude that measurement of plasma MMP-7 or MMP-9 levels, as performed in our trial, was not a useful prognostic or predictive factor in patients with MBC or in patients treated with an MMPI.
Physiological correlates of steady potential shifts during sleep and wakefulness. II. Brain temperature, blood pressure, and potential changes across the ependyma

Abstract Brain temperature and steady potential (SP) were recorded simultaneously from both cortical surface and white matter in cats. Both on awakening from slow wave sleep and on entering into desynchronized sleep from slow wave sleep there was a rise in brain temperature at the same time the SP shifted negatively. On return to slow wave sleep, temperature preceded SP in return to previous levels. Potential changes were recorded across the ependymal lining of the brain by inserting pipettes into lateral and third ventricles and cisterna magna. Since the polarity and amplitude of the potential changes during desynchronized sleep were approximately the same whether the shift was recorded between CSF and an extracerebral point or between a point in brain and an extracerebral reference, it was concluded that the SP shifts did not arise across the ependymal lining. A decrease in blood pressure was recorded with the onset of desynchronized sleep, but there was either no change or a slight rise in blood pressure on awakening from slow wave sleep. The lowering of blood pressure in anesthetized cats produced SP shifts which were of opposite polarity to the SP shifts accompanying the decrease of blood pressure during desynchronized sleep. Both because of this polarity reversal and because of the frequent independence of SP shifts and blood pressure changes during sleep and wakefulness, it was concluded that blood pressure changes do not produce the SP shifts during the sleep-wakefulness cycle. The relations of SP to blood flow and possible mechanism of the SP shifts during sleep and wakefulness were discussed. It was suggested that the SP changes in sleep and wakefulness might reflect changes in blood flow and, ultimately, changes in metabolic activity of the brain.
Problems and Promises of Using the Cloud and Biometrics

This paper explores the mutual benefits of biometrics technology and cloud computing. Cloud computing can take advantage of the strong authentication property of biometrics in order to enhance the security of the cloud and to introduce new service models (i.e. Biometric authentication as a Service (BioAaaS)). On the other hand, biometrics technology can leverage the cloud's unbounded computational resources and attractive properties of flexibility, scalability, and cost reduction in order to reduce the cost of the biometrics system requirements of different computational resources (i.e. processing power or data storage) and to enhance the performance of biometrics systems' processes (i.e. biometric matching). In this paper, we explore five potential areas where there are mutual advantages between the cloud and biometrics. For each of these five areas, the current status and how biometrics/cloud can enhance or solve problems of the current state-of-the-art is investigated. Next, the challenges facing biometric/cloud applications in each area are discussed. Finally, the literature of applying biometrics/cloud in each area is surveyed.
Performance Expectancy, Success, Satisfaction and Attributions as Variables in Band Challenges.

Motivation of band members was tested by asking them if they had ever challenged for I chair positions and how frequently, if they felt they were correctly placed, what their expected performance l...
Leukocytic and neutrophilic counts in acute appendicitis.

Summary An appreciable rise in the leukocytic and neutrophilic counts is encountered in most patients with acute appendicitis. Ninety per cent of such patients have a white blood cell count over 10,000 per mm 3 whereas 90 per cent of normal persons have a white blood cell count below 10,000 per mm 3 . Seventy-eight per cent of patients with acute appendicitis have a neutrophilic count over 75 per cent whereas 87 per cent of healthy persons have a neutrophilic count below 75 per cent of the white blood cell count. Despite these findings, a considerable overlap is present between the leukocytic and neutrophilic counts of healthy persons and those with acute appendicitis. Interpretation of the leukocytic and neutrophilic counts together is more significant than interpretation of either count alone. The leukocytic and neutrophilic counts should only be interpreted in light of physical findings in patients with possible acute appendicitis. No significant statistical variations in the degree of leukocytosis were observed in patients under sixty years of age. The degree of leukocytosis and neutrophilia generally reflects the severity of inflammation in acute appendicitis.
X-ray-induced damage observations on ZERODUR mirrors

Catastrophic damage has been observed in some ZERODUR mirrors used as first mirrors in two beam lines at the National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS). Despite the high reflectivity of the coatings used on these mirrors, a significant flux of high energy photons penetrates below the coating and is absorbed in the substrate. Although model calculations indicate that the local temperature does not increase significantly, the authors suspect that over long time periods the absorbed flux produces structural changes in the material, leading to a build-up of surface stress, gross figure changes, and growth of fractures. These changes are probably related to the nature of the two-phase glass-ceramic composition of the ZERODUR material. Metal mirrors and single-phase materials do not exhibit such catastrophic damage under similar exposure conditions.
Mass spectra of organometallic compounds–XI: Pyrrolyl, indenyl and fluorenyl derivatives of manganese carbonyl

The positive ion mass spectra of the π-pyrrolyl derivatives C4H4NMn(CO)2L (L = (C6H5)3E or CO; E = P, As, or Sb), the π-indenyl derivatives C9H7Mn(CO)2L (L = (C6H5)3E or CO; E = P, As, or Sb) and the π-fluorenyl derivatives C13H9Mn(CO)2L (L = (C6H5)3P or CO) have been investigated. The relative tendencies of ions of the type [QMnE(C6H5)3]+ (Q = π-pyrrolyl, π-indenyl, or π-fluorenyl; E = P, As, or Sb) to fragment by losses of the Q ring system and the (C6H5)3E ligand are compared. Phenyl transfers from phosphorus, arsenic, or antimony to manganese to form relatively high abundances of [C6H5Mn]+ are also observed. Other processes typical of metal carbonyl derivatives (CO losses), aromatic derivatives (C2H2 eliminations) and (C6H5)3E derivatives (phenyl losses, conversion of [(C6H5)3E]+ directly to [C6H5E]+, and formation of [C12H8E]+ 9-heterofluorenyl ions) are observed in these mass spectra and are supported in many cases by the presence of appropriate metastable ions.
THE MIDDLE MIOCENE (LAVENTAN) QUEBRADA HONDA FAUNA, SOUTHERN BOLIVIA and A DESCRIPTION OF ITS NOTOUNGULATES

The Laventan Quebrada Honda Fauna of south- ern Bolivia is one of the best sampled middle Miocene South American faunas. The present study describes the toxodon- tid, interatheriid and mesotheriid notoungulates from Queb- rada Honda and summarizes the present state of knowledge of the fauna. Toxodontid specimens from Quebrada Honda include two isolated molars, one upper and one lower. The upper molar compares favourably with Paratrigodon and may represent a new species, but too little material is known to make an adequate diagnosis. The lower molar may pertain to the same taxon, or to a distinct species that is even more poorly represented. A new species of the interatheriid Mioco- chilius is described, M. federicoi, on the basis of a partial skull. It differs from M. anomopodus in its significantly smal- ler size (at least 20 per cent smaller based on linear upper molar dimensions); relatively wider P4 with deeper lingual sulcus; more prominent middle lobes on upper molars; and M3 with deeper lingual sulcus and more prominent meta- style (distal lobe). The generic allocation of this new species is considered tentative, pending a better understanding of the phylogenetic relationships among currently recognized species of Miocochilius and Protypotherium. Mesotheriids are represented at Quebrada Honda by a pair of poorly pre- served mandibles that are referred to Plesiotypotherium minor, a species previously recorded from slightly older deposits near Cerdas, Bolivia. A newly revised faunal list for Quebrada Honda is compiled that includes 30 species of non-volant mammals, 27 of which have been identified to at least genus level. This revised faunal list is used to compare Quebrada Honda to other well-sampled middle-late Miocene faunas (including La Venta, Columbia; Collon-Cura´, Argen- tina; and Arroyo Chasico´, Argentina) using the Simpson Index of faunal similarity. In order to compensate for inad- equately identified specimens (i.e. those not identified to genus level), minimum and maximum values of faunal simi- larly were estimated using two different sets of assumptions. The analysis indicates that the middle-latitude Quebrada Honda Fauna is more similar to the slightly older high-lati- tude fauna of Collon-Curathan to the contemporaneous low-latitude fauna of La Venta, suggesting that isolating mechanisms between the low and middle latitudes were in place during the early and ⁄or middle Miocene. The relative paucity of taxa shared between Quebrada Honda and La Venta, despite their contemporaneity, suggests that the sys- tem of South American Land Mammal 'Ages' (SALMAs) may not be useful for biocorrelation between low-latitude faunas and those from elsewhere in South America.
A perfect hash function for Ada reserved words

A fast perfect hash function is presented which allows the 63 Adat reserved words to be differentiated quickly from other Ada identifiers. Such functions are potentially useful in improving the performance of software that processes the text of Ada programs.
Are we asking the right triage questions

The century-old definition of “triage” describes battlefield sorting of injured patients and allocation of treatment resources to maximize survival. However, that triage now bears little resemblance to emergency department (ED) triage, an act that occurs hundreds of thousands of times each day in modern EDs. Present-day ED triage not only helps sort patients by perceived need but also frequently is used as a broad term for all kinds of assessments unrelated to matching acute need and resources to improve outcomes. For example, triage personnel assess medicine and allergy use, ask about vaccinations and perceptions of safety, and seek information on potentially actionable behavior such as alcohol and drug use. Like others, we want to separate those latter functions—important but not necessarily best done on arrival despite the allure—and focus on our ability in an ED to improve outcomes for the greatest number. Setting aside the confusion created by conflating traditional triage with assessment, the existing body of ED triage research aims to validate the scoring tools used to help “sort” patients. Any tool used should create a consistent assessment across users absent clinical change between assessments, something achieved by common tools used. Consistency alone does not define utility; the best triage tool or process will optimize outcomes for a patient or group of patients. In this issue of Annals, Gravel et al report on an assessment of an ED triage scale. This observational cohort examined 550,940 children triaged with the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale during a 1-year period. In addition to its size, the study is strengthened by the “real-world” setting of 12 pediatric EDs after implementation of the scale. Although each ED was university affiliated, the sites varied in volume, presence or absence of a fast-track short-stay unit, and proportions of patients admitted. Nurses applying the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale score had differing clinical experience and training according to local practice. Additionally, the authors sought to minimize observational biases during analyses. All of these features mitigate many potential threats to study validity and generalizability. Gravel et al acknowledge the absence of standard reference criteria in validating triage scales, relying instead on construct p
Anxiety, Stress, and Thinking: An Experimental Investigation

(1958). Anxiety, Stress, and Thinking: An Experimental Investigation. The Journal of Psychology: Vol. 45, No. 2, pp. 227-238.
If You Build It Will They Come? Services Will Make the Difference in a Portal

Abstract Identifying and adding services to a library portal will add to its long term success in a market that pits libraries against commercial vendors such as Google and http://www.Amazon.com. The current focus on portals has been on selecting collections and developing the basic functionality of the Web site. We look at the added features needed in order to make this a product that is attractive to today's researcher.
Bayesian analysis of a protocol for sampling preserved tumor specimens

Abstract Intratumor DNA heterogeneity—as assessed by flow-cytometric cellular DNA analysis—is predictive of prognosis in many types of cancer. But some truly heterogeneous tumors apparently have a substantial chance of being misclassified as normal. One way to enhance the assay's sensitivity is to test multiple samples from each tumor specimen. This article describes an analysis of data from a study of endometrial cancer, with a view to establishing the number of samples needed to test to reliably assess heterogeneity. The analysis involves selection of a model for the data and estimation of test sensitivity and predictive value. We analyze the data from both Bayesian and frequentist perspectives. The data suggest that the degree of within-tumor correlation is relatively high; consequently, there is little to be gained from taking multiple samples per tumor.
Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding of Nonvariceal Origin in the ICU Setting

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGI) is a common medical emergency in the intensive care unit (ICU). Although it can be caused by a number of gastrointestinal disorders, its management usually follows a few simple management rules. Prior to endoscopy, the key to management is to resuscitate the patient, to determine the need for airway protection, and to assess the need for transfusions according to the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guidelines. During endoscopy, the key to management is to recognize the cause of the bleeding and to achieve hemostasis. Following endoscopy, the key to management is to determine the need for medical therapy and to determine a proper disposition for the patient given his potential risk for rebleeding. Stress-related erosions syndrome (SRES) is a disease that usually develops in the ICU setting and is known to be associated with a high degree of morbidity and mortality. Although it is approached in the same fashion as other causes of UGI bleeding, patients tend to do better if they are recognized early and treated prophylactically. Criteria for proper patient selection and the recommended prophylactic therapy are reviewed.
Introduction to EPR imaging using magnetic‐field gradients

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) imaging studies the location of paramagnetic centers in a sample and the characteristics of the spins at each location. This article introduces techniques in which magnetic-field gradients are used to encode spatial information in one-dimensional spatial, two-dimensional spatial-spatial, two-dimensional spectralspatial. And three-dimensional spectral-spatial-spatial images. Examples from continuous-wave and spin-echo EPR imaging are presented.
A new method for the determination of ligand dissociation rate constant of carboxyhemoglobin.

Abstract Microperoxidase binds CO faster and more strongly than does hemoglobin. We have used this observation to determine the overall CO-dissociation rate constants, l, of carboxyhemoglobin. The results of our studies indicate that the rate constant l is not very different from the statistically corrected l 4 , suggesting that, compared to HbO 2 , cooperativity in the dissociation rate constants of carboxyhemoglobin is greatly reduced.
Operator analysis for precision electroweak physics

The impact of new physics associated with the Higgs sector on precision electroweak physics is examined. We assume that at low energies the degrees of freedom are those of the standard model with minimal particle content (i.e., three generations of quarks and leptons and one Higgs doublet), and that the new physics is very weakly coupled to the quarks and leptons. With these assumptions a general operator analysis reveals that the new physics leaves a characteristic signature in the pattern of corrections to the standard model's contribution to precision electroweak measurements.
Impact of Different Electrolytes on Photocatalytic Water Splitting

Despite extensive research in photocatalytic water splitting, electrolyte usage varies greatly across different photocells. Photocatalytic water splitting continues to be performed in a wide range of electrolytes, from very acidic to very basic, with incomplete understanding of how the electrolyte composition affects performance. This study provides guidelines for electrolyte selection in water splitting applications. To determine properties that comprise an ideal electrolyte for photocatalytic electrolysis, the effects of several parameters were studied: pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and composition. The photoactive anode was a nanostructured thin TiO 2 film synthesized by a flame aerosol process. The photocatalytic conversion efficiency increased with both pH and conductivity, but changes in dissolved oxygen levels had no discernible effect. The electrolyte composition was adjusted using selected salts and bases. Although the effect of the cation was negligible, anions were found to reduce efficiencies if their oxidation potential makes them thermodynamically favored over water molecules for oxidation. The results of these studies were applied in an analysis of the prospects for splitting seawater to produce hydrogen.
Effect of local environment on molecular conduction: isolated molecule versus self-assembled monolayer.

Developing a fundamental understanding of molecular conduction in different device environments is essential to the advance of molecular electronics. We show through a quantitative comparison of two types of junctions with the same molecule − one based on an isolated individual molecule and the other on a self-assembled monolayer − that intrinsic differences in the conduction per molecule as large as several orders of magnitude can exist simply as a function of the presence or absence of neighboring molecules. This behavior can be understood on the basis of thermal and electrostatic effects that depend critically on the local molecular environment. These results will help to unify data obtained from disparate device structures and to provide an improved basis for designing future molecular electronic devices.
Mapping of the cryptic integrin-binding site in osteopontin suggests a new mechanism by which thrombin can regulate inflammation and tissue repair.

Abstract The integrin α9β1 mediates neutrophil migration across several ligands that are enriched at sites of inflammation. In one of these ligands, the acidic phosphoprotein osteopontin, the α9β1 binding site is cryptic, but is revealed after thrombin cleavage. We have recently mapped the α9β1 binding site in osteopontin to the linear peptide sequence, SVVYGLR, immediately adjacent to the thrombin cleavage site. Interestingly, this site is also adjacent to a sequence (RGD) through which five other integrins bind to osteopontin. These findings suggest a novel mechanism by which thrombin can modulate integrin signaling at sites of tissue injury.
Analytical basis for evaluating the effect of unplanned interventions on the effectiveness of a human–robot system

Abstract Increasing prevalence of human–robot systems in a variety of applications raises the question of how to design these systems to best leverage the capabilities of humans and robots. In this paper, we address the relationships between reliability, productivity, and risk to humans from human–robot systems operating in a hostile environment. Objectives for maximizing the effectiveness of a human–robot system are presented, which capture these coupled relationships, and reliability parameters are proposed to characterize unplanned interventions between a human and robot. The reliability metrics defined here take on an expanded meaning in which the underlying concept of failure in traditional reliability analysis is replaced by the notion of intervention. In the context of human–robotic systems, an intervention is not only driven by component failures, but includes many other factors that can make a robotic agent to request or a human agent to provide intervention, as we argue in this paper. The effect of unplanned interventions on the effectiveness of human–robot systems is then investigated analytically using traditional reliability analysis. Finally, we discuss the implications of these analytical trends on the design and evaluation of human–robot systems.
Digital linear processor theory and optimum multidimensional data estimation

This paper introduces frame recursive processing as a new algoritlun for processing of blurred or unblurred pictorial information with additional noise. It gives an improved image which approaches optimum in the least mean square error sense. The method represents a new direction in two-dimensional digital filtering from the current trend of using generating equations and a Kalman filter which requires artificial introduction of a causal order of data points. Applications include two-dimensional image restoration, three-dimensional image reconstruction from two-dimensional cross sections, and real-time image processing of a moving object. In all cases the optimum linear processor utilizes all available information on the second statistical moments to give the least mean square error, and is realized by frame recursive processing in successive approximation with an exponentially decaying error. A fast hardware realization of the frame processor is also proposed.
The parchment of Kashmir: history, society, and polity

In a recent tribute to her grandfather, Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah, the editor of this valuable collection of essays by academics from Kashmir and Jammu Universities (among others) recalls how, as a ...
Chinese Muslims in Canada: a demographic profile and a preliminary test of ethnic saliency

To date, there has been little to no literature examining Chinese Muslim immigrants to Western nations. Recognizing the dearth of such literature, this research presents what appears to be the first-ever descriptive statistical picture of Chinese Muslims migrating to and residing in Canada. By examining how this immigrant population compares to and fares against non-Muslim Chinese and non-Chinese Muslims in Canada with Canadian census data in 1991 and 2001, the research provides preliminary analysis on the saliency of originating Chinese Muslim ethnicity in immigration outcomes. The current findings suggest that with the intersection of cultural and religious identities, Chinese Muslim may experience a different assimilation process compared to non-Muslim Chinese and non-Chinese Muslims.
Still More “Fancy” and “Myth” than “Fact” in Students’ Conceptions of Evolution

College students do not come to biological sciences classes, including biological anthropology, as “blank slates.” Rather, these students have complex and strongly held scientific misconceptions that often interfere with their ability to understand accurate explanations that are presented in class. Research indicates that a scientific misconception cannot be corrected by simply presenting accurate information; the misconception must be made explicit, and the student must decide for him or herself that it is inaccurate. The first step in helping to facilitate such conceptual change among college students is to understand the nature of the scientific misconceptions. We surveyed 547 undergraduate students at the University of Missouri-Columbia on their understanding of the nature and language of science, the mechanisms of evolution, and their support for both Lamarckian inheritance and teleological evolution. We found few significant sex differences among the respondents and identified some common themes in the students’ misconceptions. Our survey results show that student understanding of evolutionary processes is limited, even among students who accept the validity of biological evolution. We also found that confidence in one’s knowledge of science is not related to actual understanding. We advise instructors in biological anthropology courses to survey their students in order to identify the class-specific scientific misconceptions, and we urge faculty members to incorporate active learning strategies in their courses in order to facilitate conceptual change among the students.
Acute lung injury due to parvovirus pneumonia

Wardeh A, Marik P, (Department of Critical Care, St. Vincent Hospital, Massachusetts, USA and the University of Massachusetts and Medical Intensive Care Unit St. Vincent Hospital, Massachusetts, USA). Acute lung injury due to parvovirus pneumonia (Case Report). J Intern Med 1998; 244: 257–60. Objective Human parvovirus B19 is responsible for the common childhood exanthematous illness, erythema infectiosum. Adults infected with B19 have been reported to develop a febrile illness associated with arthritis. Life threatening parvovirus infections in non-immunocompromised adults have not been reported to date. We report a previously healthy middle aged female who developed severe parvovirus pneumonia. The patient recovered with supportive care provided in the ICU. Parvovirus may represent an under diagnosed cause of community acquired pneumonia.
Transport of Nickel in Different Soils: Column Experiments and Kinetic Modeling

Kinetic sorption and column miscible displacement transport experiments were performed to quantify the extent of retention and the mobility of Ni in different soils. Results from kinetic sorption indicated that sorption of Ni was time dependent and highly nonlinear, with the sorption affinity of Webster loam (a fine-loamy, mixed, superactive, mesic Typic Endoaquoll) > Olivier loam (a fine-silty, mixed, active, thermic Aquic Fraglossudalf) > Windsor sand (a mixed, mesic Typic Udipsamment). A multireaction and transport model (MRTM) was capable of describing the observed nonlinearity and time-dependent adsorption of Ni for all the soils. Column transport experiments showed that Ni mobility was strongly retarded, with extensive tailing or slow release during leaching. In the Webster soil, breakthrough results revealed that Ni was highly immobile, where <20% of the applied Ni was mobile. In contrast, for the Olivier and Windsor soil columns, 50.4 and 68.3%, respectively, of the applied Ni was recovered in the effluent solution. The MRTM model that accounted for nonlinear reversible kinetics and irreversible reactions is recommended to describe Ni transport in the soils, and incorporation of reversible equilibrium reaction was not necessary. Moreover, the model adequately predicted the Ni distribution with depth in the columns subsequent to pulse application and leaching.
A 'need to know' system for group classification

This paper outlines the design of a distributed sensor classification system with abnormality detection intended for groups of people who are participating in coordinated activities. The system comprises an implementation of a distributed Dynamic Bayesian Network (DBN) model called the Influence Model (IM) that relies heavily on an inter-process communication architecture called Enchantment to establish the pathways of information that the model requires. We use three examples to illustrate how the "need to know" system effectively recognizes the group structure by simulating the work of cooperating individuals.
A method for in vitro enzymatic dissociation of nerve roots and peripheral nerves from adult mammals

Preparations yielding a high percentage of undamaged axons from fresh peripheral nerve or nerve root were made using an enzymatic dissociation regimen. The nerve was placed in a temperature-controlled chamber mounted over an inverted phase-contrast microscope. An oxygenated solution (Brimijoins) or modified Hank's solution was pumped through the chamber, first in a calcium-free form and then containing enzymes. The enzymes for dissociation were collagenase and trypsin, alternated. Enzymatic dissociation of the epineurium, perineurium and extracellular matrix was achieved. We supplemented the gentle agitation of a 10-roller peristaltic pump by periodically raising and lowering the fluid level in the chamber to provide a controlled mechanical agitation that promoted dissociation. A large percentage of the axons can be dissociated from the nerve, varying from approximately one-quarter to occasional complete dissociation. Action potentials were still conducted through dissociated axons, and axon transport was also still present, as documented by direct visualization using an AVEC-DIC type of microscope system. The axons had a better morphological appearance and displayed better transport than comparison preparations prepared by the usual mechanical teasing method, in our hands. The enzymatic method allows study of axons in an adult or developing mammal with regard to their electrical conduction and axon transport mechanisms. It should help to avoid a selection process for more hardy axons which may be imposed by traditional mechanical teasing methods. Mechanical stress was observed to cause widened Schmidt-Lanterman clefts, widened nodes, myelin bubbles, and other abnormal morphology as evidence of damage.
Tuberculosis in aging adults

“… It is now, however, the general opinion of all those who are acquainted with the actual state of our knowledge respecting the pathology of diseases that the tubercular affection, like cancer, is absolutely incurable, inasmuch as nature's efforts toward effecting a cure are injurious, and those of art are useless. …”—R.T.H. Laennec, 1821.1
Transplantation for acute liver failure: Perioperative management

Purpose of reviewA number of conditions can lead to acute liver failure. Determining the cause has important prognostic implications that guide decisions regarding the likelihood of spontaneous recovery, or conversely, the need for transplantation.Recent findingsNeurological deterioration is associa
In situ recycling of chiral ligand and surplus nucleophile for a noncatalytic reaction: Amplification of process throughput in the asymmetric addition step of efavirenz (DMP 266)

The synthesis of efavirenz (DMP 266) involves a highly enantioselective asymmetric reaction of ketone 2a with lithium cyclopropylacetylide 3a in the presence of (1R,2S)-pyrrolidinylnorephedrine (PN...
Phenomenological Theory of Magnetoelastic Modes in Hexagonal Ferromagnets of Easy-Plane Type

The magnetoelastic-mode theory of easy-plane hexagonal ferromagnets is approached from general principles of small oscillations around the equilibrium configuration. A general formula for normal-mode energies is obtained by diagonalizing the Hamiltonian, properly retaining terms quadratic in magnon-magnon, phonon-phonon, and magon-phonon operators. It is found that magnons and phonons are strongly mixed in the region of small $k$ for transverse waves propagating in certain directions parallel to the hexagonal plane when an external field is applied along the hexagonal hard direction and is close to $\frac{36{K}_{h}}{M}$ (hexagonal anisotropic field). On the other hand, the spin waves propagating along the $c$ axis are well approximated by the Turov-Shavrov frozen-lattice model because the extremely strong axial anisotropy makes the dynamical interaction (quadratic magnon-phonon terms) diminished. The dipolar effect is also discussed; and it is shown that, in the hard-direction case, magnons and phonons are mixed in relatively small amounts for the transverse waves propagating perpendicular to the magnetization, owing to the volume dipolar effect. Application of our theory to Tb is made with the use of numerical values of the temperature-dependent anisotropic and magneto-elastic coupling parameters. The lower-branch magnetoelastic modes may be responsible for the absorption of microwaves in the low-frequency-resonance experiments.
Symmetric functions and P-Recursiveness

On montre comment des formules utiles peuvent etre obtenues a partir de fonctions symetriques pour beaucoup de problemes de denombrement, comme celui de compter des matrices d'entiers positifs avec des sommes de lignes et de colonnes donnees. Dans quelques cas les fonctions symetriques fournissent des formules explicites assez simples ou des fonctions generatrices pour les coefficients. Dans d'autres, comme le denombrement de certains types de graphes reguliers, de telles formules peuvent etre utilisees pour montrer qu'une suite de coefficients est P-recursive