cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of FeOOH performance on selenium reduction

Selenium is an important micronutrient for human and animal health; however, at elevated concentra- tions, it becomes toxic and could cause serious health problems. The objective of this research is to char- acterize a commercial adsorbent, FeOOH, and investigate the adsorption kinetics and capacity of Se(IV) onto FeOOH. Nitrogen adsorption-desorption analyses indicate that the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) specific surface of FeOOH is 361.4 m 2 /g. Analyses of spent FeOOH using scanning electron micro- scope (SEM) and energy dispersion spectrometer (EDS) show that the selenite can be adsorbed onto the FeOOH surface uniformly. The effects of different experimental parameters on the selenite removal efficiency of FeOOH, including solution pH, adsorption time, initial Se concentration and the presence of coexisting contaminants, were also evaluated. The adsorption of selenite was significantly affected by pH, and high removal efficiency was achieved at pH 5.0. SiO 2� 3 and PO 3� 4 both slightly reduced Se(IV) removal, especially at high concen- trations, while the presence of V(V) enhanced the adsorption of Se(IV). The pseudo-second-order model demonstrated the best fitting of kinetic data for Se. Adsorption isotherms at various temperatures were developed, and the data fitted the Langmuir model. The thermodynamic characteristics of the sorption process were also evaluated experimentally, and the derived negative DG 0 and positive DH
Human endorphin: Comparison with porcine endorphin, enkephalin and normorphine

Abstract We have extracted a material from human brain obtained at autopsy which has morphine-like activity on the mouse vas deferens preparation. This human endorphin behaved similarly on Sephadex G-15 and cation exchange columns as did porcine material and there were no qualitative differences in pharmacological activity between this material and porcine endorphin or enkephalin. Further purification of the human material is in progress. These results add further support to the suggestion that the stereospecific binding sites in opiate responsive species are receptors for an endogenous peptide ligand with a role in brain function.
Absorption of water vapour into falling films of aqueous lithium bromide

Abstract In this study, experiments have been performed for water vapour absorption into 50 and 60 mass% aqueous lithium bromide solution films flowing down a vertical surface to investigate the effects of liquid diffusivity values, molecular properties of the concentrated solutions and non-absorbable gases. The experimental results for wavy films over a film Reynolds number range of 15–90 indicate larger dimensionless mass transfer rates than for strictly laminar flow when the diffusivity of water in a concentrated lithium bromide solution is less than that in a dilute solution. The complete set of results shows that the physical property data for lithium bromide solutions including the diffusivities measured by Kashiwagi are sufficient to explain mass transfer behavior.
How Incest Offenders Overcome Internal Inhibitions Through the Use of Cognitions and Cognitive Distortions

This study explored the victimization process of incestuous child sexual abuse, focusing specifically on the cognitions incest offenders use to overcome their initial inhibitions against offending and to maintain their offending behavior once begun. The research design was a qualitative, grounded theory approach, involving a series of three intensive, in-person interviews with eight Caucasian, male incest offenders currently in treatment for a sexual offense. All the offenders abused a biological, step-, or adoptive daughter. The cognitions identified are grouped into four separate categories: (1) cognitions related to sociocultural factors; (2) cognitions used to overcome the fear of disclosure; (3) cognitions used to diminish responsibility; and (4) cognitions related to permission seeking. Findings are discussed within the context of new theory on the role of cognitions in sexual offending.
A review of Equus stenonis Cocchi (Perissodactyla, Equidae) and related forms

Abstract Equus stenonis has become a catch-all for stenonid (=zebroid) horses from the Late Pliocene to the Early Pleistocene, even Middle Pleistocene, of Eurasia. Non-significant variation between local samples referred to E. stenonis has resulted in a host of named ‘subspecies’, lacking morphometric and biological meaning; neither do they have fine-stratigraphic utility as commonly believed. Some finds identified as E. stenonis do not belong to that species. Because of its frequent use (or disuse) as a stratigraphic marker, a review of E. stenonis is necessary.
Home-Range Attributes of Raccoons in a Fragmented Agricultural Region of Northern Indiana

Abstract For many wildlife species, agricultural landscapes undergo spatial and temporal fluctuations in the composition of food and cover annually with the planting and harvesting of crops. Raccoon (Procyon lotor) populations have flourished in agricultural landscapes, where crops increase foraging opportunities and efficiencies. However, information is lacking regarding the effects of temporal shifts in food and cover resulting from agricultural activities on raccoon home ranges. We examined home-range characteristics of 60 (33 M, 27 F) adult raccoons in northern Indiana, USA, from May 2003 through June 2005 to identify shifts in the size of home ranges and core use areas among seasons defined by crop availability and crop developmental stages. Mean fixed-kernel home-range (92 ± 6 ha; &#x1d465; ± SE) and core-area sizes (20 ± 2 ha) of males were significantly larger than those of females (58 ± 7 ha and 13 ± 2 ha, respectively), and both were smaller than those reported for raccoons in other fragmented agricult...
Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of All Four Stereoisomers of Sphingosine from Chlorobenzene: Glycosphingolipid Precursors1a

Advantageous use of homochiral cyclohexadiene-cis-1,2-diol 2, available by means of biocatalytic oxidation of chlorobenzene with toluene dioxygenase, has enabled the synthesis of all four enantiomerically pure C18-sphingosines 1. The four requisite diastereomers of azido alcohols 4a−d were accessed by regioselective opening of epoxides 7 and 8 with either azide or halide ions. The configuration of C4 and C5 in azides 4 defines the stereochemistry of the incipient sphingosine chain, liberated from 4 by the oxidative cleavage of the C1−C6 olefin. For l-threo-sphingosine (1b), lactol 20b generated by this cleavage was converted by periodate oxidation to azido deoxy l-threose 22b, which gave 1b upon Wittig olefination and reduction. Similarly, d-erythro-sphingosine (1a) and l-erythro-sphingosine (1c) were generated from 4a,c, respectively. The last sphingosine (1d) was synthesized from the silyl-protected azido alcohol 29d. Subsequent transformations provided silyl-protected azido deoxy d-threose 32d, which u...
Intracavity laser spectroscopy in the 1.38–1.55 μm spectral region using a multimode Cr4+: YAG laser

Abstract Absorption spectra of water vapor are recorded by intracavity laser spectroscopy (ILS) using a multimode Cr4+: YAG laser operating in the 1.38–1.55 μm spectral region. The most prominent water absorption features examined appear near 1.463 μm and are assignable to several rotational transitions in the λ1 + 2λ2 overtone band. The observed optical properties of the 1.463 μm water absorption bands (e.g., the dependence of band intensity on the effective optical pathlength or generation time) are consistent with those expected for intracavity measurements with a multimode, homogeneously broadened ILS laser such as a broadband dye laser. These data demonstrate the applicability of the tunable, solid-state Cr4+: YAG laser for the high sensitivity detection of weak absorption in the near-infrared region via ILS techniques.
Polarons in electron-populated quantum dots revealed by resonant Raman scattering

We report on the direct observation of polarons in $\mathrm{In}\mathrm{As}∕\mathrm{Ga}\mathrm{As}$ self-assembled quantum dots (QD) populated by few electrons. The polarons are strongly coupled modes of QD phonons and electron intersublevel transitions. The degree of coupling is varied in a systematic way with a set of samples having electron intersublevel spacing changing from larger to smaller than the longitudinal-optical-phonon energy. The signature of polarons is evidenced clearly by the observation of a large $(12\char21{}20\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{meV})$ anticrossing for both InAs and GaAs-like QD phonons using resonant Raman spectroscopy.
Coronary surgery and coronary angioplasty in patients with two-vessel coronary artery disease

There is uncertainty regarding the selection between coronary artery surgery and angioplasty in many patients with coronary artery disease, especially in those with 2-vessel disease. Whereas randomized trials will provide the best possible and most detailed data comparing therapy in these patients, clinical data bases may be used to provide a current perspective. The purpose of this study was to compare the long-term outcome of patients with 2-vessel coronary artery disease undergoing coronary surgery or angioplasty at Emory University hospitals in the years 1984 and 1985. Data on all patients with 2-vessel disease diagnosed at Emory University who underwent elective angioplasty or coronary surgery in the years 1984 and 1985 were compared. Categoric variables were analyzed by chi-square and continuous variables by unpaired t test. Survival was determined by the Kaplan-Meier method and differences in survival by the Mantel-Cox method. Determinants of survival were determined by Cox model analysis. There were 415 angioplasty patients and 454 surgical patients. Surgical patients were older and had more frequent systemic hypertension, diabetes mellitus, prior myocardial infarction, severe angina and congestive failure, and more significant narrowing in the left anterior descending coronary artery, totally occluded vessels and left ventricular dysfunction than did angioplasty patients. Complete revascularization was achieved more often in surgical patients. There was no difference in Q-wave myocardial infarction in the hospital. No angioplasty patient died compared with 1.1% of surgical patients (p = 0.03). Whereas 5-year survival was 93% in angioplasty patients and 89% in surgical patients (p = 0.11), there was no difference in risk-adjusted survival.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Browsing digital video

Video in digital format played on programmable devices presents opportunities for significantly enhancing the user's viewing experience. For example, time compression and pause removal can shorten the viewing time for a video, textual and visual indices can allow personalized navigation through the content, and random-access digital storage allows instantaneous seeks into the content. To understand user behavior when such capabilities are available, we built a software video browsing application that combines many such features. We present results from a user study where users browsed video in six different categories: classroom lectures, conference presentations, entertainment shows, news, sports, and travel. Our results show that the most frequently used features were time compression, pause removal, and navigation using shot boundaries. Also, the behavior was different depending on the content type, and we present a classification. Finally, the users found the browser to be very useful. Two main reasons were: i) the ability to save time and ii) the feeling of control over what content they watched.
Noble gases in the Fayetteville meteorite

Abstract Noble gases were extracted from the dark portions of Fayetteville by heating the sample to successively higher temperatures up to 1600°C. Analyses of the neon evolved at each temperature indicate that this gas is a mixture of at least three components. It is shown that the isotopic composition of neon observed could be produced from a mixture of primordial neon, cosmogenic neon, and highly mass-fractionated primordial neon. The isotopic composition of helium, neon and argon indicate a primordial component for which He 3 : He 4 ≤ 0.00031, Ar 38 : Ar 36 ≤ 0.177, Ne 20 : Ne 22 ≥ 12.6, and Ne 21 : Ne 22 ≥ 0.033. The xenon spectra show an excess of the heavy xenon isotopes with a mass yield curve intermediate between that observed in Pasamonte and that in the earth's atmosphere. It is shown that this atmosphere-like xenon component is not due to contamination but is definitely a component of meteoritic xenon.
Review of formulations for elastostatic frictional contact problems

Frictional contact problem formulations have been extensively studied in the literature, both from a rigorous mathematical viewpoint and more recently in the context of finite element analysis. The former primarily dealt with variational inequalities and existence and uniqueness issues using simple problems while the later employed variational equalities with numerical analysis tools to solve large-scale engineering problems. These formulations make use of the standard as well as nonsmooth optimization techniques. In this paper both the variational inequality and the variational equality formulations are reviewed and some example problems are solved to illustrate them. Usage of standard as well as nonsmooth optimization techniques is explained. Despite extensive research in the fields of mathematics and engineering, frictional contact remains as one of the most challenging problems due to the difficulties involved in its formulation and solution procedures. So far, variational inequality formulation for frictionless contact problems has been established firmly. This is due to the fact that equivalent standard optimization problems can be associated with these inequalities. However, for general frictional contact problems this formulation runs into difficulties due to lack of equivalent optimization problem (more precisely, lack of a genuine minimization functional such as the total potential energy) which has restricted its usage to solve large-scale problems. Variational equality approach on the other hand has been quite successful to solve large-scale frictional contact problems, but it relies heavily on numerical schemes (such as Newton-Raphson method) and user defined numerical parameters. A review of elastostatic frictional contact problems employing variational inequality and equality formulations is provided. Computational procedures are studied and some insights are provided for their numerical aspects. The need for an alternate frictional contact problem formulation that can alleviate the drawbacks in current variational inequality and equality formulations is discussed.
The effect of hypertonic saline administration or stalk transection on histamine and histamine N-methyltransferase in the rat posterior pituitary.

There is evidence to suggest that histamine is a neurotransmitter in the CNS and functions in the regulation of arg-vasopressin (AVP) secretion. The posterior pituitary contains high levels of histamine and histamine N-methyltransferase (HNMT). Therefore, posterior pituitary histamine could also modulate the release of AVP. Paralleling the effect on AVP levels, the concentration of histamine in the rat posterior pituitary decreased from 18.8±2.7 ng/mg protein (x±SEM) to 12.9±1.9 ng/mg protein following 2 days of 2% (w/v) hypertonic saline administration and to 11.5±0.9 ng/mg protein with 7 days of treatment. Conversely, posterior pituitary HNMT activity was significantly elevated after hypertonic saline administration. Pituitary stalk transection did not reduce the concentration of histamine in the rat posterior pituitary although HNMT activity was reduced from 18.8±0.82 munits/gland to 9.22±1.56 munits/gland (x±SEM). These results indicate that histamine released from posterior pituitary mast cells could facilitate AVP release as part of the overall mechanism for osmotic stimulation of AVP secretion and support the concept that most posterior pituitary histamine is not neuronally derived from the brain. HNMT, on the other hand, may be contained in neurons disrupte by stalk section.
Mitral valve replacement after late failure of mitral valve repair

M itral valve repair is the preferred surgical treatment for mitral valve dysfunction. Although the feasibility of mitral valve repair extends to 95% of patients with degenerative valvular disease and up to 75% of patients with rheumatic or ischemic valvular disease, nearly all reports describe patients who have required reoperation for recurrent mitral valve dysfunction.1-5 Late reoperation after mitral valve repair is required in 5% to 10% of patients with degenerative disease and 25% to 50% of patients with rheumatic disease.1-5 Reoperation after mitral valve repair poses specific challenges related to choice of procedure and surgical technique. Should the dysfunctional valve, which has been repaired once, be re-repaired or replaced? Except for instances of recurrent, localized degenerative disease and early technical failure (eg, suture or ring dehiscence), we favor valve replacement. How should the valve be approached? Median sternotomy with left atriotomy is our preferred approach. However, alternative strategies are useful in particular situations. Right thoracotomy may be used when patent grafts are in danger at resternotomy, and an extended transseptal incision on the heart exposes the mitral valve in the setting of a small left atrium (less than 4 cm in maximal dimension).
Phase II trial of gemcitabine (2,2'-difluorodeoxycytidine) in patients with adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.

Gemcitabine is a novel nucleoside analog which demonstrated a broad spectrum of preclinical acitivity in solid tumor models, and responses in patients with pancreas cancer during phase I evaluation. Patients with measurable adenocarcinoma of the pancreas who had received no previous chemotherapy were eligible for this multicenter phase II clinical trial. Gemcitabine 800 mg/m2 was administered intravenously weekly for 3 consecutive weeks, followed by one week rest, every 4 weeks. Forty-four patients entered the trial; 35 had at least 2 cycles of therapy. Partial response was observed in 5 patients (11%, estimated 95% confidence interval 2–20%), with a median duration of 13 months. All responding patients had stabilization or improvement in performance status. Fourteen patients had stable disease of 4 or more months. The median WBC nadir was 3.8 × 103/μl (range 1.6–9.3) and the median absolute neutrophil (ANC) nadir was 2.0 × 103/μl (range 0.4–7.2). Thrombocytopenia - 100.0 × 103/μl was observed in 15 patients; the median platelet nadir was 123.0 (range 30.0–245.0). All patients experienced a mild to moderate flu-like syndrome. In addition, one patient had a mild hemolytic-uremic syndrome which appeared related to gemcitabine therapy. Gemcitabine demonstrated marginal activity in this resistant neoplasm, without excessive toxicity. Further evaluation, including the use of more intense dosing and/or combination therapy, is warranted.
A Review of: “Frontiers in Crystal Engineering, edited by Edward R. T. Tiekink and Jagadese Vittal”

Consistent and systematic developments in crystal engineering over the past decade have advanced this discipline from an emerging area to a significant field of study recognized and embraced by mai...
Effects of continuous infusion of intravenous nitroglycerin on methemoglobin levels

The effect of continuous infusion of intravenous nitroglycerin (NTG) on methemoglobin levels in 24 coronary care unit patients was studied. Fifteen patients were admitted with acute myocardial infarction, 5 patients with angina pectoris, 1 patient with congestive heart failure, 2 with chest pain of unknown origin and 1 with chest pain of musculoskeletal origin. Intravenous NTG therapy was initiated at a 5 micrograms/min dose and titrated at 5-micrograms increases until relief of symptoms or until the maximal dose tolerated by each patient. Successive methemoglobin levels were measured at baseline, at each 20 micrograms/min dose increase, at the maximal dose and immediately before weaning the patient from the maximal dose. Statistical analysis by the Student t test (paired samples, p less than 0.05) showed no significant difference between the mean methemoglobin levels at baseline and the mean methemoglobin levels drawn at 20, 40 and 60 micrograms, and before weaning from the maximal dose. No serious adverse effects associated with methemoglobinemia were encountered. It is concluded that intravenous NTG administration in a dose of 0.2 to 2.12 micrograms/min/kg body weight produces no significant methemoglobinemia.
Comparative Histology, Histochemistry, and Ultrastructure of Rathke's Glands in Hatchlings of Two Species of North American Box Turtles (Terrapene carolina and Terrapene ornata)

We examined the histology, histochemistry, and ultrastructure of Rathke's glands in hatchlings of the three-toed box turtle, Terrapene carolina triunguis, and the desert box turtle, Terrapene ornata luteola. Both species possess one pair (axillary) of Rathke's glands, which are similar anatomically and histochemically to one another. Each gland is composed of a single, highly vascularized secretory lobule, which is surrounded by a thick sheath of striated muscle. Two types of large secretory vacuoles characterize most of the holocrine cells produced by a relatively thin glandular secretory epithelium. Analysis of our results suggests that the chief secretory material of the smaller dark-staining type 1 secretory vacuole appears to be a glycoprotein complex. The larger, mostly translucent type 2 secretory vacuole contains multilayered and variously sized lamellar bodies, whose structural design is reminiscent of an epidermal lipid delivery system in vertebrates. The functional role of Rathke's glands in Terrapene and in other turtles remains unclear at the present time.
Effective medium theory of magnetization reversal in magnetically interacting particles

We report an effective medium theory of magnetization reversal and hysteresis in magnetically interacting particles, where the intergranular magnetostatic interaction is accounted for by an effective medium approximation. We introduce two dimensionless parameters, /spl lambda/ and h/sub 0/, that completely characterize the hysteresis in a ferromagnetic polycrystal when the grain size is much larger than the exchange length so that the exchange coupling can be ignored. The competition between the anisotropy energy and the intergranular magnetostatic energy is measured by /spl lambda/, while the competition between the anisotropy energy and Zeeman's energy is measured by h/sub 0/. The hysteresis loop, magnetostatic energy density, and anisotropy energy density calculated by using this theory agrees well with micromagnetic simulations. The calculations also reveal that the subnucleation field switching due to the magnetic field fluctuation is important when the magnet is not very hard, and that has been accounted for by a probability-based switching model.
I/Q-Channel Mismatch Transfer and Amplification Effects and Applications to the Measurement and Calibration of Integrated VLIF RF Receivers

Design of integrated very low intermediate frequency (VLIF) RF receivers with better than 35 dB image rejection (IR) usually requires detection and calibration of l/Q channel mismatches less than 0.1 dB in amplitude and 1.8 degree in phase. A mismatch amplification technique for improving detection sensitivity is presented in this paper. The proposed mismatch transfer function technique provides an effective method to calculate internal amplitude and phase mismatches from the measured EVM at the receiver output. Experimental data from an integrated VLIF receiver test chip is used to demonstrate the theory. By utilizing this technique, an l/Q mismatch measurement resolution as low as 0.01 dB in amplitude and 0.18 degree in phase is achieved.
The Slippery Slope to Preventive War

The Bush administration's arguments in favor of a preemptive doctrine rest on the view that warfare has been transformed. As Colin Powell argues, “It's a different world … it's a new kind of threat.” And in several important respects, war has changed along the lines the administration suggests, although that transformation has been under way for at least the last ten to fifteen years. Unconventional adversaries prepared to wage unconventional war can conceal their movements, weapons, and immediate intentions and conduct devastating surprise attacks. Nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons, though not widely dispersed, are more readily available than they were in the recent past. And the everyday infrastructure of the United States can be turned against it as were the planes the terrorists hijacked on September 11, 2001. Further, the administration argues that we face enemies who “reject basic human values and hate the United States and everything for which it stands.” Although vulnerability could certainly be reduced in many ways, it is impossible to achieve complete invulnerability.
Inequality does cause underdevelopment: Insights from a new instrument ☆

Consistent with the provocative hypothesis of Engerman and Sokoloff (1997, 2000), this paper confirms with cross-country data that agricultural endowments predict inequality and inequality predicts development. The use of agricultural endowments -specifically the abundance of land suitable for growing wheat relative to that suitable for growing sugarcane -- as an instrument for inequality is this paper's approach to problems of measurement and endogeneity of inequality. The paper finds inequality also affects other development outcomes - institutions and schooling -which the literature has emphasized as mechanisms by which higher inequality lowers per capita income. It tests the inequality hypothesis for development, institutional quality and schooling against other recent hypotheses in the literature. While finding some evidence consistent with other development fundamentals, the paper finds high inequality to independently be a large and statistically significant barrier to prosperity, good quality institutions, and high schooling.
Oral mucosal melanoma : epidemiology and pathobiology

The vast majority of healthy individuals have some form of melanocytic lesions with most having several cutaneous melanocytic nevocellular nevi. The incidence of cutaneous melanoma, despite improved prevention and early diagnosis of precursor melanocytic lesions, is on the increase with a projection that one in 75 persons born in the year 2000 will develop cutaneous melanoma in his/her lifetime. With cutaneous melanoma, the number, location and type of nevi, sun exposure and inability to tan, and presence or absence of dysplastic nevi affect transformation to a malignant process. Certain familial factors, syndromes, cytogenetic abnormalities, and mutations in tumor suppressor genes also influence tumor formation. In contrast, mucosal melanoma involving the oral cavity and head and neck regions is not as well understood or characterized. No doubt, this is due to the fact that this subtype of melanoma accounts for less than 1% of all cases. Mucosal melanomas tend to present at a higher stage, are more aggressive, and in a vertical growth phase of disease. A definitive precursor lesion for mucosal melanoma has not been identified; however, atypical melanocytic hyperplasia may represent a proliferative phase before overt tumorigenesis occurs. Melanoma-related antigens, growth factors, and proliferation markers have been identified in cutaneous melanoma, and allow for development of immunotherapy directed against melanoma-associated entities. It is currently possible to evaluate the cytogenetic make-up of precursor melanocytic lesions and frank melanoma, and the constitutional genetic background of individuals at risk for melanoma. No doubt, as concerted investigations of mucosal melanomas of the oral cavity and head and neck evolve, similar factors will be identified which will direct therapy and predict recurrence and survival. In the not too distant future, innovative retroviral transfection, antibodies against specific melanoma-associated factors, vaccination against melanoma, and gene therapy to repair cytogenetic abnormalities and tumor suppressor gene mutations may provide effective therapy and protection against melanomas.
Tendon coverage using an artificial skin substitute

Summary Background Soft tissue deficits associated with exposed tendon and absent paratenon pose difficult reconstructive problems due to tendon adhesions, poor range of motion, poor cosmesis, and donor site morbidity. Integra Bilayer Matrix Wound Dressing (Integra Lifesciences Corp Plainsboro, NJ) is a skin substitute widely used in reconstructive surgery, including the incidental coverage of tendons. However, Integra's post-operative functionality of the tendons has not been well documented. We report the results of using Integra for soft tissue reconstruction overlying tendons with loss of paratenon in upper and lower extremity soft tissue defects. Methods: Forty-two patients (35 men and 7 women) with exposed tendons due to trauma (37), cancer excision (2) or chronic wounds (3) were reconstructed using Integra. Results were compiled in a prospective manner, including age, gender, wound location, wound size, time to final closure, operative time, follow-up length, split-thickness skin graft percentage take and active post-operative range of motion. Likewise using Medline, a literature search of current surgical techniques for the treatment of exposed tendons and the results from the literature were compared with these study results. Results: All patients healed with an average split-thickness skin graft take rate of 92.5% ± 6.1 (range, 80–100%). The thirty-two patients not lost to follow-up achieved an average range of motion of 91.2% ± 6.5 (range, 80–100%). Conclusion: Integra offers a convenient, efficient operative procedure with minimal morbidity, demonstrating good cosmesis and tendon function. Thus, Integra may offer an alternative option for immediate tendon coverage in both the upper and lower extremities.
DNA-Based Chromosome Markers: Brassica Crops as Case Study

The genus Brassica includes three cultivated diploid species: B. nigra (2n=16, genome B), B. oleracea (2n=18, genome C) and B. rapa (2n=20, genome A), and three amphidiploid species: B.carinata (2n=4x=34, genomes BC), B. juncea (2n=4x=36, genomes AB) and B. napus (2n=4x=38, genomes AC). Marker development and chromosome mapping have disclosed important information on the structure of these genomes. They are complex genomes, highly duplicated with inter-genomic conservation of linkage blocks which permits intra- and inter-genomic homoeologous recombination. The chromosome maps are also being used for location of useful genes in vegetable and oil seed crops. Among the genes being mapped by various laboratories, disease resistance, cytoplasmic male sterility restorers, and oil seed quality are the most prominent ones. Eventually, linked markers to these genes will be used for marker based selection, gene isolation, molecular characterization and manipulation.
Subcellular distribution of esterases in the bovine eye

The distribution of esterases within a cell can influence the rate and extent at which drugs containing ester linkages would be hydrolyzed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the subcellular distribution of esterases in the bovine eye. Ocular tissue homogenates were subjected to differential centrifugation to yield mitochondrial, microsomal and cytoplasmic fractions. Each fraction was then incubated with 1-or 2-naphthyl esters and its esterase activity determined. No esterase activity was detected in the mitochondrial fraction. For the corneal epithelium and iris-ciliary body about 80% of the esterase activity in the tissue homogenates, on a per milligram protein basis, was associated with the microsomes, the remainder was associated with the cytoplasm. Of the tissues studied, the irisciliary body had the highest esterase activity, 15 and 7 times that in the corneal epithelium and corneal stroma, respectively. The corneal endothelium was devoid of esterase activity. In comparison with the rabbit ...
Countertransference reactions in treatment with the bereaved.

Countertransference is a constant occurrence in the therapeutic interaction between psychotherapist and patient. This article provides a brief discussion of countertransference and explores the par...
On the role of trial outcomes in delayed discriminations

Delayed simple discriminations are typically retained more accurately over longer delays by pigeons than are delayed conditional discriminations (e.g., Honig & Wasserman, 1981). In two experiments, we investigated the extent to which trial outcomes contribute to this difference by comparing performances when all trials ended with food reinforcement versus when only half of the trials did. Experiment 1 showed that when food was presented on all trials, contingent upon either pecking or not pecking the test stimulus, levels of retention and rates of forgetting were comparable for these two tasks. By contrast, Experiment 2 showed better retention of delayed simple than delayed conditional discriminations when half of the trials ended with food and the other half in extinction. Furthermore, delayed simple discriminations were retained more accurately with food versus no-food outcomes than with food at the end of every trial, whereas the reverse was true for delayed conditional discriminations. These findings indicate that retention differences between these tasks are another instance of the differential outcomes effect.
Elasticity of Single-Crystal MgO to 8 Gigapascals and 1600 Kelvin

The cross pressure (P) and temperature (T) dependence of the elastic moduli (Cij) of single-crystal samples of periclase (MgO) from acoustic wave travel times was measured with ultrasonic interferometry: partial differential2C11/ partial differentialP partial differentialT = (-1.3 +/- 0.4) x 10(-3) per kelvin; partial differential2C110/ partial differentialP partial differentialT = (1. 7 +/- 0.7) x 10(-3) per kelvin; and partial differential2C44/ partial differentialP partial differentialT = (-0.2 +/- 0.3) x 10(-3) per kelvin. The elastic anisotropy of MgO decreases with increasing pressure at ambient temperature, but then increases as temperature is increased at high pressure. An assumption of zero cross pressure and temperature derivatives for the elastic moduli underestimates the elastic anisotropy and overestimates the acoustic velocities of MgO at the extrapolated high-pressure and high-temperature conditions of Earth's mantle.
Mesenteric Lymphatic-Perilymphatic Adipose Crosstalk: Role in Alcohol-Induced Perilymphatic Adipose Tissue Inflammation.

Background The digestive tract lymphatics transport approximately two-thirds of all lymph produced in the body and have a key role in mucosal immunity through their contribution to antigen transport and immune cell trafficking. Mesenteric lymphatic pumping function integrity is critical for maintaining homeostasis and lipid transport. We previously demonstrated that acute alcohol intoxication (AAI) increases mesenteric lymphatic amplitude of contraction and ejection fraction, enhancing the ability of the lymphatic vessels to pump lymph. AAI has been shown to disrupt intestinal barrier integrity, which would be expected to increase the endotoxin content of mesenteric lymph. In this study, we tested the prediction that AAI increases lymphatic permeability directly affecting perilymphatic adipose tissue (PLAT) milieu. Methods Male Sprague Dawley rats received an intragastric infusion of 2.5 g/kg of alcohol. Isovolumic administration of water (vehicle) served as control. PLAT was isolated for the determination of Evans Blue extravasation (permeability), cytokine content, and immunohistochemistry for inflammatory cell infiltration at 30 minutes and 24 hours after alcohol administration. Results PLAT isolated from AAI animals had greater Evans Blue concentrations and cytokine expression (24 hours post-AAI) and mast cell and neutrophil density than that isolated from controls. AAI resulted in significantly higher plasma lipopolysaccharide (endotoxin) levels, lower plasma adiponectin levels (at 30 minutes), and unchanged plasma visfatin levels. Conclusions The data indicate that AAI induces mesenteric lymphatic hyperpermeability, promotes PLAT inflammatory milieu and disrupts the systemic adipokine profile. These findings suggest an association between alcohol-induced lymphatic hyperpermeability and early manifestations of metabolic dysfunction as a result of alcohol abuse. We propose that crosstalk between lymph and PLAT results in adipose inflammation and adipokine dysregulation during AAI.
Identification of a mutation affecting an alanine-alpha-ketoisovalerate transaminase activity in Escherichia coli K-12.

A mutation affecting alanine-α-ketoisovalerate transaminase activity has been shown to be cotransducibe with the ilv gene cluster. The transaminase deficiency results in conditional isoleucine auxotrophy in the presence of alanine.
Recognizing faces in broadcast video

Face recognition has recently attracted increasing attention and is beginning to be applied in a variety of domains, predominantly for security, but also for video indexing. This paper describes the application of a face recognition system to video indexing, with the joint purpose of labelling faces in the video, and identifying speakers. The face recognition system can be used to supplement acoustic speaker identification, when the speaker's face is shown, to allow indexing of the speakers, as well as the selection of the correct speaker-dependent model for speech transcription. This paper describes the feature detection and recognition methods used by the system, and describes a new method of aggregating multiple Gabor jet representations for a whole sequence. Several approaches to using such aggregate representation for recognition of faces in image sequences are compared. Results are presented showing a significant improvement in recognition rates when the the whole sequence is used instead of a single image of the face.
Exchange rate pass-through to bilateral import prices

Abstract This paper estimates exchange rate pass-through for a unique set of bilateral US import prices over the period 1992–2006. It finds evidence of a significant decline in pass-through to US import prices from some, but not all, of the trading partners in the sample. These differences rule out a universal decline in pass-through rates to bilateral US import prices. They further indicate a growing divergence in the import price response to a uniform dollar decline.
Differential Equation Modeling as a Source of Theoretical Insight: Four Disparate Examples

We explore differential equations involving alcoholism, social mobility, excess female mortality, and international arms competition. In each of these instances we show that the initial equation, or system of equations, has a sociological plausibility comparable to that of the associated solutions; the solutions do indeed describe time-series trajectories that seem to represent important and unique social processes. We argue that the central challenge of differential equation modeling is to use experimentation to clarify relationships between, on the one hand, the equations and their coefficients and, on the other, the solutions and the time-series orbits created by them. Such feedback interaction of differential equations and their solutions appears to be the basis for further theoretical insight, and rapid assessments of these interactions are now possible largely because modern software encourages experimentation with many combinations of input coefficients. This paper expands on an argument made by Nielsen and Rosenfeld (1981, p. 161), who re- commend that differential equations be interpreted in a way that emphasizes their solutions, i.e., the time-series trajectories of Y values, the orbits of Y, taken to represent behavior of dependent variables through time. We conclude that the most edifying interpretations of differential equations focus on the equations themselves, the resulting trajectories, the relationships between equations and trajectories, and the theoretical significance of all three.
Quantitative evidence for judgments on the efficacy of inoculation for the prevention of smallpox: England and New England in the 1700s

Additional material for this article is available from the James Lind Library website [www.jameslindlibrary.org] where this paper was previously published.
The effect of preoperative ondansetron on the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing outpatient dentoalveolar surgery and general anesthesia.

Purpose: The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the efficacy of ondansetron in controlling postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) when used prophylactically in patients undergoing routine dentoalveolar surgery performed under general anesthesia. Patient and Methods: This was a prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled evaluation. Fifty adult ASA I or II patients, requiring routine dentoalveolar surgery performed under general anesthesia, without a prior history of PONV, were randomly assigned to the experimental or control groups. Ondansetron (2.0 mL = 4.0 mg) or normal saline (2.0 mL) were administered intravenously before surgery. Age, gender, type of surgery, duration of surgery, anesthetic dosages, and PONV were evaluated. PONV was evaluated at time 0 (end of anesthesia) and at 30 and 60 minutes postoperatively. Nausea was evaluated using a visual analog scale (1, not nauseous; 5, about to vomit). Vomiting was assessed as a yes or no response. At 20 to 28 hours postoperatively, PONV was evaluated via a telephone call as a yes or no response, along with the number of episodes of nausea, vomiting, or both. Means and standard deviations were calculated for age, surgery, and anesthetics, and differences were assessed using an independent samples t-test. Differences for gender between the control and experimental groups were tested by a nonparametric chi-squared test. Differences between groups for nausea and vomiting were tested with a continuity correction chi-squared test. Differences were considered significant for a P < .05. Results: No significant differences (P < .05) were found between the PONV groups for gender, duration of procedure, or anesthetic dosages. Statistically significant differences were noted in age and the type of surgical procedures performed. No statistically significant differences (P < .05) were noted between groups for nausea or vomiting. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, PONV occurred in approximately 20% of patients (20% for nausea, 8% for vomiting). With the types of anesthetic agents and techniques used in this investigation, there were no significant differences between ondansetron and placebo for prophylaxis against PONV.
Infants with Birth Weight 1,000-1,499 Grams Born in Three Time Periods: Has Outcome Changed Over Time?

The objective of this study was to see whether outcome of infants of larger birth weight (1,000-1,499 grams) has changed with advances in neonatology. The outcome of infants born in a recent time period (1989-1991) was compared with that of infants born previously, in 1984-1986 and 1979-1981. Univariate analyses were conducted on the association of medical risk factors and date of birth with outcome. More than 90% of infants in each time period were neurologically normal and more than 80% were cognitively normal. Predictor variables were intracranial hemorrhage for poor neurologic outcome and days on oxygen for poor cognitive outcome. We found that neurodevelopmental outcome was stable over three time periods.
Gonadosomatic index and fecundity of Lower Missouri and Middle Mississippi River endangered pallid sturgeon estimated using minimally invasive techniques

Summary Minimally invasive, non-lethal methods of ultrasonography were used to assess sex, egg diameter, fecundity, gonad volume, and gonadosomatic index, as well as endoscopy to visually assess the reproductive stage of Scaphirhynchus albus. Estimated mean egg diameters of 2.202 ± 0.187 mm and mean fecundity of 44 531 ± 23 940 eggs were similar to previous studies using invasive techniques. Mean S. albus gonadosomatic indices (GSI) for reproductive and non-reproductive females were 16.16 and 1.26%, respectively, while reproductive and non-reproductive male GSI were 2.00 and 0.43%, respectively. There was no relationship between hybrid status or capture location and GSI. Mean fecundity was 48.5% higher than hatchery spawn estimates. Fecundity increased as fork length increased but did so more dramatically in the upper river kilometers of the Missouri River. By examining multiple fish over multiple years, the reproductive cycle periodicity for hatchery female S. albus was found to be 2–4 years and river dwelling males 1–4 years. The use of ultrasonic and endoscopic methods in combination was shown to be helpful in tracking individual gonad characteristics over multi-year reproductive cycles.
ON HOPF GALOIS HIRATA EXTENSIONS

Let H be a finite-dimensional Hopf algebra over a field K, H* the dual Hopf algebra of H, and B a right H*-Galois and Hirata separable extension of BH. Then B is characterized in terms of the commutator subring VB(BH) of BH in B and the smash product VB(BH)#H. A sufficient condition is also given for B to be an H*-Galois Azumaya extension of BH.
A COMPARISON OF EPIFAUNAL COMMUNITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THE STEMS OF SALT MARSH GRASSES PHRAGMITES AUSTRALIS AND SPARTINA ALTERNIFLORA

The invasion of Phragmites australis (common reed) into Spartina alterniflora (cordgrass) salt marshes along the northeastern coast of the United States has recently been of concern. Numerous studies have evaluated the effects of P. australis on marsh nekton and infauna, but its effects on the distribution of stem-dwelling epifaunal communities has not been investigated previously. Standing living and dead plants of both species were collected periodically during three growing seasons (2000–2002) from brackish and salt marshes in New Jersey and Long Island, and the abundance, composition, and diversity of epifaunal communities associated with the stems of the two plant species were compared. Spartina alterniflora, particularly dead S. alterniflora, supported a higher density of animals than P. australis in 12 of the 19 samplings. When communities on standing live and dead stem were considered separately, higher abundances were found on dead S. alterniflora stems. Nematodes and harpacticoid copepods were the dominant taxa, with mites, annelids, and insects comprising minor components. Taxon-specific abundances tended to be higher on S. alterniflora stems, and community diversity was generally greater on this species as well. Between-site and between-year variation was observed. Relative to data recorded from sub-tropical salt marshes, the epifaunal communities in our samples were less abundant and diverse. Differences in the epiphytic communities associated with the two species, along with differences in stem structure, may explain why S. alterniflora stems support more epifaunal animals than P. australis stems overall.
Endotoxin-induced alteration in the expression of leptin and β3- adrenergic receptor in adipose tissue

Cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-6, may contribute to the anorexia and cachexia of infection, cancer, and AIDS. The present study tests the hypothesis that endotoxin a...