cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fast computed tomography detection of coronary calcification in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. Comparison with angiography in patients < 50 years old.

BACKGROUNDThe predominant cause of coronary artery calcification is atherosclerosis. Although fast x-ray computed tomography (CT) has been demonstrated to be a sensitive technique to detect coronary calcification, the increasing prevalence of calcification with age has been associated with a low specificity for identifying obstructive atherosclerosis. We hypothesized that the specificity of this test would be improved in a younger patient population, making it more useful in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease.METHODS AND RESULTSWe compared fast CT-detected calcification with coronary angiography in 106 patients under the age of 50 years. Nonenhanced fast CT scans consisting of 20 contiguous 3-mm tomograms of the proximal coronary arteries were obtained during a single breath hold. A positive scan was defined as 4 contiguous voxels (> or = 1 mm2) of density > 130 Hounsfield units in the region of the epicardial coronary arteries. Calcification detected by fast CT had an 85% sensitivity to predict pat...
Cosmopolitan Respect and Patriotic Concern

Even in countries where average income and wealth are much greater than in the world at large, most people take themselves to have a duty to show much more concern for the needs of compatriots than for the needs of foreigners in their political choices concerning tax-financed aid. For example, in the United States, most reflective, generally humane people who take the alleviation of poverty to be an important task of government think they have a duty to support laws that are much more responsive to neediness in the South Bronx than to neediness in the slums of Dacca. This patriotic bias has come to play a central role in the debate over universalist moralities, moralities whose fundamental principles prescribe equal concern or respect for all individuals everywhere and lay down no independent, fundamental duty toward people in a special relation to the agent. Particularists, that is, those who locate an independent principle of group loyalty in the foundations of morality, challenge universalists to justify the pervasive patriotic bias in tax-supported aid that is a deep-seated commitment of most of those who are, in general, attracted to universalism. So far, universalist justifications of patriotic bias in aid have not risen to the particularist challenge. Granted (as Goodin noted in an important contribution to this debate), if someone has equal concern for all humanity everywhere, she will take certain considerations of efficiency to favor a worldwide system of institutional responsibilities including special responsibilities toward compatriots, as opposed to similarly needy foreigners.
Selective stimulation of the human femoral nerve with a flat interface nerve electrode

In humans, we tested the hypothesis that a flat interface nerve electrode (FINE) placed around the femoral nerve trunk can selectively stimulate each muscle the nerve innervates. In a series of intraoperative trials during routine vascular surgeries, an eight-contact FINE was placed around the femoral nerve between the inguinal ligament and the first nerve branching point. The capability of the FINE to selectively recruit muscles innervated by the femoral nerve was assessed with electromyograms (EMGs) of the twitch responses to electrical stimulation. At least four of the six muscles innervated by the femoral nerve were independently and selectively recruited in all subjects. Of these, at least one muscle was a hip flexor and at least two were knee extensors. Results from the intraoperative experiments were used to estimate the potential for the electrode to restore knee extension and hip flexion through functional electrical stimulation. Normalized EMGs and biomechanical simulations were used to estimate joint moments and functional efficacy. Estimated knee extension moments exceed the threshold required for the sit-to-stand transition.
The impact of scienceware and foundations on students' attitudes towards science and science classes

In this paper, we describe changes in students' ideas about science classes, attitudes about science, and motivations for studying science, in a classroom designed to support projectbased science learning. Using a survey designed to provide a measure of students' attitudes towards science classes and science, we have compared students enrolled in a traditional high school biology course, with students enrolled in an integrated, project-based science course called Foundations I. Survey responses were analyzed to look at differences between and within two groups of students over the course of one school year. In general, the results of this study suggest that providing students with opportunities to collect and analyze their own data in science classes results in a change in students' ideas about science classrooms. Foundations I students' increased tendency to agree with statements about 'using information,' 'drawing conclusions,' and 'thinking about problems,' implies a change in their understanding of what it means to do science in school. These students, in contrast to students in the traditional Biology course, no longer describe their science experience as one of memorization, textbook reading, and test taking. Instead they see science class as a place in which they can collect data, draw conclusions, and formulate and solve problems.
Bend loss measurements for small mode field diameter fibres

We measured the loss of bend resistant fibres at small bend radii of 1 to 5 mm. A spectral interpolation technique was used to measure the bend loss over 1300–1600 nm range. Fibres with 7.3μm mode field diameter at 1550 nm show <0.4dB/cm at 2 mm radius.
Magnetostriction and the two-spin correlation function in MnF2

Abstract The longitudinal magnetostriction along the [001] axis of MnF 2 was measured at temperatures 64 T H , up to 130 kOe. This magnetostriction is proportional to H 2 at low H , exhibits a λ anomaly near the Neel temperature T N , and shows the field-induced transition from the antiferromagnetic phase to the paramagnetic phase for T just below T N . The results are well described by a model which relates the magnetostriction to the two-spin correlation function.
Splenic artery and coronary vein occlusion for bleeding esophageal varices.

Fifty consecutive, unselected, endoscopically confirmed patients with bleeding esophageal varices received splenic artery and coronary vein occlusion as their primary treatment. This was accomplished surgically in the first 30 patients and by interventional angiography in the last 20. The in-hospital mortality rate was 22% and the actuarial 5-year survival rate was 52%. The incidence of recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding from all causes was 43.6% with a mortality rate of 13%.
Surface and grain boundary segregation in relation to intergranular fracture: Boron and sulfur in Ni3Al

Unlike most solutes that segregate to grain boundaries, we have observed that boron segregates more strongly to grain boundaries than to free surface in Ni/sub 3/Al. This observation, along with the previously reported beneficial effect of boron segregation on grain boundary strength, is in qualitative agreement with a theory of grain boundary cohesion first put forward by Rice. If similar studies of other beneficial grain boundary segregants bear out this initial agreement with Rice's theory, our understanding concerning the nature of segregation effects on grain boundary cohesion could be significantly enhanced.
Perspective: How can genetics help?

Smoking and COPD have one of the strongest relationships in clinical epidemiology. But don't forget the genetics, says Edwin K. Silverman
Stochastic optimization theory in Hilbert spaces—1

We study a class of stochastic optimization problems in which the state as well as the observation spaces are permitted to be (Hilbert spaces) of non-finite dimension. Although there have been previous attempts in the Hilbert space setting, our results, techniques, as well as applications, are totally different. We initiate the use of Gauss measure on a Hilbert space even though it is only finitely additive; and an associated theory of white noise, in contrast to the Wiener process theory, which is novel even in the finite dimensional case. We only treat time-invariant systems, but no strong ellipticity or coercivity conditions are used; we exploit the theory of semigroups of operators in contrast to the Lions-Magenes theory. A key result involves a far-reaching generalization of the Factorization theorem of Krein. We apply the results to the problem of boundary observation and control for partial differential equations. By the creation of a special state space, we can apply the theory to problems in which the state equations are finitedimensional but the noise does not have a rational spectrum. In a final section, we present a stochastic theory for inverse problems (System Identification) in the Hilbert space setting. The basic theoretical problem is the calculation of R-N derivatives for finitely additive measures. A fundamental result concerns Identifiability; in particular the identifiability of diffusion coefficients from boundary data is treated here for the first time.
Mechanical and metabolic determinants of the preferred step width in human walking.

We studied the selection of preferred step width in human walking by measuring mechanical and metabolic costs as a function of experimentally manipulated step width (0.00^0.45L, as a fraction of leg length L). We estimated mechanical costs from individual limb external mechanical work and metabolic costs using open circuit respirometry. The mechanical and metabolic costs both increased substantially (54 and 45%, respectively) for widths greater than the preferred value (0.15^0.45L) and with step width squared (R 2 ˆ 0.91 and 0.83, respectively). As predicted by a three-dimensional model of walking mechanics, the increases in these costs appear to be a result of the mechanical work required for redirecting the centre of mass velocity during the transition between single stance phases (step-to-step transition costs). The metabolic cost for steps narrower than preferred (0.10^0.00L) increased by 8%, which was probably as a result of the added cost of moving the swing leg laterally in order to avoid the stance leg (lateral limb swing cost). Trade-ois between the step-to-step transition and lateral limb swing costs resulted in a minimum metabolic cost at a step width of 0.12L, which is not signi¢cantly diierent from foot width (0.11L) or the preferred step width (0.13L). Humans appear to prefer a step width that minimizes metabolic cost.
The President Clinton crisis and the Starr report: children's perceptions and parents' awareness.

Abstract Introduction : The media have suggested that the President Clinton crisis, as publicized by the Starr Report, has had detrimental effects on school-age children. Parents, too, have been concerned that their children are confused about the presidential controversies involving dishonesty mistrust, betrayal, infidelity, and misuse of authority. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions and reactions of school-age children to information surrounding the President Clinton situation, as well as parents' perceptions of their children's knowledge and reactions. Method : A descriptive, qualitative design was used in this study. Data collection took place during the 2-week period following publication of the 1998 Starr Report. Fifty-one parents and 67 school-age children were interviewed using semi-structured interview guides with 5 open-ended questions addressing the President Clinton situation. Results : Major themes that emerged from children's interviews were lying, getting caught, infidelity, and role modeling. Parents' awareness of their children's knowledge regarding the President Clinton situation varied; few were aware of the depth of knowledge their children had, nor had they discussed this situation with their children. Discussion : Findings have relevance for nurse practitioners as they support parents in listening to and talking with their children about tough issues such as morality and sexuality in the context of real life events.
Axisymmetrical vibrations of a circular sandwich shell with a viscoelastic core layer.

Abstract Axisymmetrical vibration of a finite-length cylindrical sandwich shell with a viscoelastic core layer is investigated. Expressing the viscoelastic property of the core material in terms of a complex shear modulus, the partial differential equation of motion is derived. The solution of this differential equation subject to satisfying the boundary conditions, which have been discussed in detail, yields the frequency equation and the corresponding composite loss-factors. With these, the vibrational characteristics of the sandwich shell can be studied. The limiting case of the results obtained here applies to the transverse vibration of sandwich plates and sandwich beams with viscoelastic cores.
Production of acid mucopolysaccharides by fibroblasts in cell cultures.

ACID mucopolysaccharides characteristic of connective tissue ground-substance are produced in tissue culture by fibroblasts from a variety of tissues of mesenchymal derivation1–4. It would appear that in the conditions of growth in tissue culture the spectrum of acid mucopolysaccharides typical of a given tissue5 is not reproduced. Rather the results suggest that the cultured cells, whatever their tissue of origin, revert to a similar pattern with respect to production of acid mucopolysaccharides in that all secrete into the medium a major fraction of hyaluronic acid and a smaller component of sulphomucopolysaccharide, presumably chondroitin sulphate C 2,3. Moreover, the present experiments show that production of acid mucopolysaccharides by ‘stock’ strains of fibroblasts may continue in tissue culture for long periods of time, up to years.
Potentiation of platelet aggregation by atrial natriuretic peptide

Abstract Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) has binding sites on a variety of tissues, including human platelets. We have used a new, quenched-flow approach coupled to single-particle counting to investigate the effects of ANP (rat, 1–28) on the initial events (within the first several seconds) following human platelet activation. While ANP alone (1 pM-100 nM) had no effect, ANP significantly potentiated thrombin (0.4 units/m1)-, epinephrine (15 uM)- and ADP (2 or 10 uM)-induced aggregation. Maximum stimulation occurred between 10 to 100 pM. ANP had no influence on the thrombin or ADP-induced increase in platelet volume associated with the “shape change.” Since ANP receptors are coupled to a particulate guanylate cyclase and some ANP-induced effects may be mediated through cyclic GMP, we studied how another activator of platelet guanylate cyclase, sodium nitroprusside, affected platelet activation and cyclic nucleotide levels. Sodium nitroprusside (1 uM) inhibited ADP, but not thrombin or epinephrine-induced aggregation. Both sodium nitroprusside (1 uM) and ANP (10 nM) increased cyclic GMP levels by 80% and 37%, respectively, within 60 sec in washed platelets. ANP had no effect on platelet cyclic AMP, while sodium nitroprusside induced a 77% increase. These data suggest that the platelet ANP receptor may be coupled to guanylate cyclase and the rise in cyclic GMP may potentiate platelet function.
Neurophysiologic basis of EEG

This review article introduces the reader to the very basics of electroencephalography (EEG). It tries to explain in simple terms the physiologic principles of EEG generation and organization at the cellular, cortical and subcortical levels. It also introduces the basic EEG terminology (see the key words).
Using Cogenerative Dialogues to Improve Teaching and Learning

Traditional ideas about teaching and learning can run deep. Stephanie Bondi shares her experience of sharing power, voice, and responsibility with her students on a radical scale.
2 Understanding the relationship between body weight and osteoarthritis

Overweight people are at high risk of developing knee osteoarthritis (OA) and may also be at increased risk of hand and hip OA. Furthermore, being overweight accelerates disease progression in knee OA. While the increased joint stress accompanying obesity may explain the strong linkage between obesity and knee OA risk, it does not necessarily explain why obese people have a high risk of disease in the hand nor why obese women are at higher comparative risk of knee disease than obese men. Unfortunately, studies of metabolic factors linked to obesity have not provided an explanation for these findings. There are a paucity of data on weight loss as a treatment for OA, but preliminary information suggests it is especially effective in knee disease and that even small amounts of weight reduction may have favourable effects.
Glutamine auxotrophs with mutations in a nitrogen regulatory gene, ntrC, that is near glnA

Some mutations to glutamine auxotrophy in the 86 unit region of the Salmonella chromosome lie within the nitrogen regulatory gene, ntrC, rather than the structural gene encoding glutamine synthetase, glnA. Assignment of mutations to ntrC is based on fine structure mapping by P22-mediated transduction and on complementation analysis. Strains with ntrC lesions that cause glutamine auxotrophy (NtrCrepressor) have very low levels of glutamine synthetase (lower than those of strains that completely lack ntrC function and comparable to those of strains that lack atrA function). NtrCrep strains fail to increase synthesis of glutamine synthetase or several amino acid transport components under nitrogen limiting conditions. Thus, like ntrA strains, they appear to repress glnA transcription and fail to activate transcription of glnA or other nitrogen controlled genes. Mutations that suppress the glutamine requirement caused by NtrCrep lesions arise at high frequency; these mutations also suppress the glutamine requirement caused by ntrA lesions. Several suppressor mutations result in loss of function of ntrC.
Professors and Pressure: Some Structural Sources of Support for a Teachers' Union

Although there is an apparent lack of consensus about the nature and sources of “structural strain” in society, it is shown that the traditions represented by Marx, Durkheim, Merton, Cloward and Ohlin, and several “status discrepancy” theorists are at least partially reconcilable within the framework of reference group theory and structural balance theory. The resultant model, utilizing the ideas of “convergence” and “discrepancy” vis-a-vis a given reference group, is then applied as a basis for explaining variations in support for a college teachers' union.
Tissue and Species Distribution of mRNA for the ikr-like K+ Channel, ERG

The human K+ channel gene, HERG, has been linked to the type 2 form of the autosomal dominant long-QT syndrome and has been suggested to encode the fast component of the delayed rectifier K+ current (IKr) found in heart. To date, the published electrophysiological and pharmacological data on the Xenopus -expressed HERG are very similar but are not identical to those of the endogenous IKr. In an effort to provide a different type of correlative data on the relationship between erg and IKr, cDNA fragments of erg homologues from guinea pig, rabbit, human, dog, and rat were cloned and used to test for the presence of erg mRNA in cardiac tissue. RNase protection assays reveal that erg message is found in the hearts of all five species and that it is expressed uniformly throughout the heart. The erg transcript is expressed at relatively high levels, being ≈50% more abundant than the most prevalent Kv-class K+ channel transcript in canine ventricle (Kv4.3). Erg transcripts were found to have a wide tissue distribution in rat and are abundant in the brain, retina, thymus, and adrenal gland and are also found in skeletal muscle, lung, and cornea. Since there were no published reports of an IKr-like current in the rat heart, electrophysiological studies were performed to test whether the significant level of erg message in rat heart was correlated with the presence of an IKr-like current in rat. In isolated rat ventricular myocytes, an E-4031–sensitive current was observed, which is consistent with the presence of IKr. These results strengthen the link between erg and the native IKr in heart and suggest that erg may play an important role in other noncardiac tissues.
Reproductive endocrine monitoring of elephants: An essential tool for assisting captive management

Considerable information now is available about the basic reproductive biology of elephants, especially females. However, as important as this knowledge is, it no longer is enough to simply compile it into a database. The potential exists for using endocrine monitoring techniques to solve real problems. This review summarizes our current knowledge of elephant endocrinology and offers suggestions on how to use the technology to maximize reproductive potential. The estrous cycle can be monitored through the analysis of serum progestogens, primarily 5α-reduced compounds, and consists of an 8- to 12-week luteal phase and a 4- to 6-week inter-luteal period. Proof of ovarian cyclicity currently is mandatory before Species Survival Plan breeding recommendations are approved. However, because many adult females are not cycling normally, the reproductive monitoring of all cows throughout their life span is now encouraged. Complete endocrine evaluations in conjunction with ultrasound examinations and behavioral assessments are needed to identify causes of reproductive failure and develop mitigating treatments. Progestogen analyses also are effective for monitoring pregnancy, but only if longitudinal samples are collected. Alternatively, pregnancy can be diagnosed in occasional samples using serum prolactin or possibly relaxin measurements after 20 weeks of gestation. Parturition can be predicted on the basis of the rapid decrease in progestogens that occurs about 2–5 days before birth. An updated model of ovarian dynamics during the estrous cycle suggests that two waves of follicular development occur 3 weeks apart during the non-luteal phase, possibly under the control of follicle-stimulating hormone. Each follicular wave culminates in a luteinizing hormone (LH) surge, with the second surge inducing ovulation and corpus luteum formation. The functional significance of the first, anovulatory LH surge is under investigation, but from a practical perspective it can be used to schedule breeding (by artificial insemination or natural mating) to coincide with the ovulatory LH surge. Less is known about the reproductive biology of bulls, aside from the fact that musth is associated with dramatic changes in androgen secretion. Studies are needed to determine whether poor libido and inadequate semen quality observed in some mature elephants are due to testicular steroidogenic dysfunction. When blood samples cannot be collected for routine hormone analysis, gonadal activity can be monitored non-invasively through the measurement of excreted steroid metabolites (males: androgens; females: estrogens, progestogens) in urine and feces. Lastly, suggestions for future research priorities are provided. Zoo Biol 19:347–367, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Hydric conditions during incubation influence phenotypes of neonatal reptiles in the field

Summary 1. Phenotypic variation is strongly impacted by environmental conditions experienced during development. Substantial laboratory research has shown that reptiles with flexible-shelled eggs are particularly sensitive to hydric conditions, yet research on nests in the wild is sparse. 2. In this 2-year field experiment, we explore the influence of hydric conditions during incubation on phenotypic traits of hatchling painted turtles (Chrysemys picta). Using a split-clutch design, we created two artificial nests adjacent to each maternally selected nest site. Half the eggs incubated in a nest that received regular supplemental watering, while the control nest was exposed to natural precipitation only. 3. Our results suggest that the influence of the hydric environment on developing reptilian embryos is context dependent. Supplemental water applied to nests in a drier than normal season elicited the expected biotic responses, based on laboratory experiments. However, when the soil surrounding C. picta eggs was already highly moist, the additional water from supplemental application effectively stunted embryonic development. 4. Our experiment confirms that hydric conditions of the soil during incubation in the wild can substantially influence phenotypic variation of reptiles with flexible-shelled eggs. Additionally, our experiment highlights the importance of complex interactions in the field that are often unexplored in laboratory experiments, reiterating the importance of validating laboratory work with field experiments.
Estimating unsteady aerodynamic forces on a cascade in a three-dimensional turbulence field

An analytical method has been developed to estimate the unsteady aerodynamic forces caused by flow field turbulence on a wind tunnel turning vane cascade system (vane set). This method approximates dynamic lift and drag by linearly perturbing the appropriate steady state force equations, assuming that the dynamic loads are due only to free stream turbulence and that this turbulence is homogeneous, isotropic, and Gaussian. Correlation and unsteady aerodynamic effects are also incorporated into the analytical model. Using these assumptions, equations relating dynamic lift and drag to flow turbulence, mean velocity, and vane set geometry are derived. From these equations, estimates for the power spectra and rms (root mean squared value, delta) loading of both lift and drag can be determined.
Determination of tea catechins

An overview of analytical methods for the measurement of biologically important tea catechins is presented. Liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis are the most cited techniques for catechin separation, identification and quantitation. Liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection is frequently used; however, mass spectrometry, electrochemical, fluorescence and chemiluminescence detection are also utilized in cases where more sensitive or selective detection is needed. Two modes of capillary electrophoresis, capillary zone electrophoresis and micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography, have been employed for the determination of catechins. Both modes of capillary electrophoresis are based on ultraviolet detection. Additional analytical techniques, such as gas chromatography, thin-layer chromatography, paper chromatography, spectrophotometry, biosensing, chemiluminescence and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy have also been utilized for the determination of catechins and are reviewed herein.
Particle production ratios in the diffractive excitation model

Abstract Ratios of the invariant distributions of produced particles, R(π + /π − ), R( p /π − ), R( K − /π − ) and R( K + /p) , have been calculated in the diffractive excitation model. Two free parameters are used to adjust the relative normalization. The shapes of the ratios as functions of x are essentially independent of any arbitrary parameters. The results agree with the data very well.
Fundamental frequency of a circular plate supported by a partial elastic foundation

The fundamental frequency of a thin circular plate supported by a concentric partial foundation is studied. For free or sliding edge conditions, the fundamental mode may not be axisymmetric.
Economic implications of inalienable and communal native title: The case of Wik forestry in Australia

Abstract Wik people on Cape York Peninsula in Queensland, Australia, have been granted native title over 18,500 km2 of customary land. This was seen as a coup by Wik people and it appears that they have a relatively unencumbered right to manage a large proportion of this land, including for commercial timber production. However, economists of the private property rights tradition are of the view that the inalienable and communal nature of native title presents an obstacle to economic development in remote indigenous communities that will prevent the land from being managed in an economically and ecologically efficient manner, and preclude the land from realising its full market value. This negative view has risen to prominence in Australia and privatisation of the indigenous land estate is being debated. In this paper, it is argued that privatising Australian native title land will not suddenly provide conditions where indigenous enterprise will flourish, nor will it necessarily maximise resource use efficiency where cultural and ecological values are important. For the Wik and other indigenous Australians, factors such as their low Western education and skill levels, poor health, limited financial resources, complex social environment, the remoteness and low productive capacity of their land, and the high importance of non-pecuniary land management objectives, are more important impediments to economic development than the broad type of property right held over natural resources.
Effects of Acute no, Exposure in the Weanling Ferret Lung

AbstractBecause of its rapid growth from weanling to adult, and the similarity of the lung to primates, the ferret has been proposed as a model for use in inhalation toxicology The studies reported here were designed to evaluate this possibility. Weanling domestic ferrets (Mustela poturius furo) 6 wk of age were exposed nose-only for 4 h to atmospheres containing NO2 at concentrations up to 20 ppm. At times up to 1 wk later, lungs were lavaged to recover free cells and the fixed lungs were examined by light microscopy for morphological changes. A dose-related influx of cells into the lung, mostly macrophages and neutrophils, was seen immediately post-exposure, and persisted up to 48 h. Cell recovery from the lung declined with time postexposure, reaching near control levels at 1 wk. A transient increase in eosino-phils was seen at 48 h postexposure. Protein content of the lung lavage fluid was not significantly different between NO2-exposed and clean-air-exposed control animals. Morphometric measurements ...
Computational model to predict thermal dynamics of planar solid oxide fuel cell stack during start-up process

Abstract Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) systems have been recognized as the most advanced power generation system with the highest thermal efficiency with a compatibility with wide variety of hydrocarbon fuels, synthetic gas from coal, hydrogen, etc. However, SOFC requires high temperature operation to achieve high ion conductivity of ceramic electrolyte, and thus SOFC should be heated up first before fuel is supplied into the stack. This paper presents computational model for thermal dynamics of planar SOFC stack during start-up process. SOFC stack should be heated up as quickly as possible from ambient temperature to above 700 °C, while minimizing net energy consumption and thermal gradient during the heat up process. Both cathode and anode channels divided by current-collecting ribs were modeled as one-dimensional flow channels with multiple control volumes and all the solid structures were discretized into finite volumes. Two methods for stack-heating were investigated; one is with hot air through cathode channels and the other with electric heating inside a furnace. For the simulation of stack-heating with hot air, transient continuity, flow momentum, and energy equation were applied for discretized control volumes along the flow channels, and energy equations were applied to all the solid structures with appropriate heat transfer model with surrounding solid structures and/or gas channels. All transient governing equations were solved using a time-marching technique to simulate temporal evolution of temperatures of membrane-electrode-assembly (MEA), ribs, interconnects, flow channels, and solid housing structure located inside the insulating chamber. For electrical heating, uniform heat flux was applied to the stack surface with appropriate numerical control algorithm to maintain the surface temperature to certain prescribed value. The developed computational model provides very effective simulation tool to optimize stack-heating process minimizing net heating energy and thermal gradient within the stack.
ACTH RELEASE IN VIVO AND IN VITRO: EXTRAPITUITARY MEDIATION DURING ESCH. COLI BACTEREMIA.

Bacteremia has been associated with pituitary-adrenal activation, both experimentally and clinically. Esch. coli bacteremia was produced in intact 200-g Sprague-Dawley male rats (5) given viable organisms (4.35 × lO8) intravenously. Two hr later plasma ACTH activity was increased more than 3-fold as compared to that of rats given saline. ACTH content of plasma and incubation fluids (below) was assayed in 2-hr hypophysectomized rats, potency being determined by increments in adrenal venous corticosterone secretion rate. In separate in vitro studies of ACTH release, incubations (15) of surviving (untreated) rat anterior pituitary segments liberated 1.24 mU ACTH/60 min. This release rate was not altered during 50 subsequent incubations by addition of Esch. coli (1.17 mU/60 min), a purified Esch. coli endotoxin (1.25), arginine vasopressin (1.19), angiotensin (1.32) or norepinephrine (1.93). Significant augmentation (p under 0.01) of in vitro ACTH release was obtained with only 2 materials, lysine vasopressin...
The association of health literacy and socio-demographic factors with medication knowledge.

Abstract Objective To compare patient demographics and Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine (REALM) scores with respect to their ability to predict medication comprehension. Methods A survey was conducted of 100 patients presenting for follow-up at an academic primary care clinic serving a low socio-economic status population. The Medication Knowledge Score (MKS) consisted of knowledge of drug name, dose, indication, and a potential side effect for each of their medications and then averaged. The REALM (Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine) was administered and socio-demographic characteristics were recorded. The association of REALM score and patient characteristics with MKS was evaluated by univariate and multivariable regression analysis. Results The subjects' mean age was 62 with an average of 9.8 years of schooling and 5.9 prescription medications. Participants identified a correct indication for 78.8% of their medications and correct dosage for 93.4%. However, they could provide the name for only 55.8% of medications and a known side effect for only 11.7%. On multivariate analysis without including REALM score, younger age ( p =.01), highest grade completed ( p =.001), and female sex ( p =.004) remained positively associated with MKS. When the model included REALM, REALM ( p p =.001), and sex ( p =.04) remained independently associated with MKS. Conclusion REALM score predicts medication knowledge as assessed by the MKS. However, age, last grade completed, and sex were also independently associated with mean MKS with a similar strength of association to that of REALM. This suggests that simpler cues to screen for medication knowledge deficits may also be useful. Since the MKS incorporates knowledge of medication indications and side effects, it may also be useful for quality and safety purposes.
The ground dominance effect in the perception of relative distance in 3-D scenes is mainly due to characteristics of the ground surface

Previously, we (Bian, Braunstein, & Andersen, 2005) reported a dominance effect of the ground plane over other environmental surfaces in determining the perceived relative distance of objects in 3-D scenes. In the present study, we conducted three experiments to investigate whether this ground dominance is due to inherent differences between ground and ceiling surfaces, or to the locations of these surfaces in the visual field. In Experiment 1, two vertical posts were positioned between a ground surface and a ceiling surface, and optical contact was manipulated so that the two surfaces provided contradictory information about the relative distances of the posts from the participant. The two surfaces were either both above, both below, or one above and one below fixation. In Experiment 2, only one surface was presented, either above, below, or at fixation. In Experiment 3, the posts were replaced by two red dots, and the eccentricity of the optical contact on the two surfaces was equated in each of five locations in the visual field. In all three experiments, participants judged which of the two objects appeared to be closer. Overall, we found a higher proportion of judgments consistent with a ground surface than with a ceiling surface in all locations, indicating that the ground dominance effect is mainly due to characteristics of the ground surface, with location in the visual field having only a minor effect.
Coherent Phase Diagram for Spinodal Decomposition in the Tetragonal Titanium Dioxide—Tin Oxide System

A microscopic calculation was carried out for spinodal decomposition in the tetragonal TiO2—SnO2 system by taking into account the contribution of the elastic free energy. Necessary elastic constants for the solid solutions and the elastic free energy of modulated structure were calculated in terms of interatomic potentials. A coherent phase diagram was obtained unambiguously from the calculated elastic free energy by using the interaction parameter determined by the experimental binodal line. The results were compared with the calculation based on the regular-solution model.
Aluminum affects heterogeneous Fe(III) (Hydr)oxide nucleation, growth, and ostwald ripening.

Heterogeneous coprecipitation of iron and aluminum oxides is an important process for pollutant immobilization and removal in natural and engineered aqueous environments. Here, using a synchrotron-based small-angle X-ray scattering technique, we studied heterogeneous nucleation and growth of Fe(III) (hydr)oxide on quartz under conditions found in acid mine drainage (at pH = 3.7 ± 0.2, [Fe3+] = 10–4 M) with different initial aqueous Al/Fe ratios (0:1, 1:1, and 5:1). Interestingly, although the atomic ratios of Al/Fe in the newly formed Fe(III) (hydr)oxide precipitates were less than 1%, the in situ particle size and volume evolutions of the precipitates on quartz were significantly influenced by aqueous Al/Fe ratios. At the end of the 3 h experiments, with aqueous Al/Fe ratios of 0:1, 1:1, and 5:1, the average radii of gyration of particles on quartz were 5.7 ± 0.3, 4.6 ± 0.1, and 3.7 ± 0.3 nm, respectively, and the ratio of total particle volumes on quartz was 1.7:3.4:1.0. The Fe(III) (hydr)oxide precipit...
Empowering leadership: An examination of mediating mechanisms within a hierarchical structure

Abstract Drawing from recent theory and research on empowerment and resistance, data on leader behaviors and follower responses were collected from superior–subordinate dyads in 179 public high schools. Structural equation modeling revealed that empowering leadership was associated with higher employee performance and satisfaction, as well as reduced dysfunctional resistance. Also, employee dysfunctional resistance partially mediated the relationship of empowering leadership with (a) employee performance and (b) employee satisfaction. These results are interpreted as supportive of a perspective that endorses the utility of empowering leadership at the dyadic level within a hierarchical power structure.
Identification of a Novel NF-κB-binding Site with Regulation of the Murine α2(I) Collagen Promoter

Hepatic fibrosis is due to the increased synthesis and deposition of type I collagen. Acetaldehyde activates type I collagen promoters. Nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) was previously shown to inhibit expression of murine alpha(1)(I) and human alpha(2)(I) collagen promoters. The present study identifies binding of NF-kappaB, present in nuclear extracts of stellate cells, to a region between -553 and -537 of the murine alpha(2)(I) collagen promoter. The NF-kappaB (p65) expression vector inhibited promoter activity. Mutation of the promoter at the NF-kappaB-binding site increased basal promoter activity and abrogated the activating and inhibitory effects of transforming growth factor beta and tumor necrosis factor alpha, respectively, on promoter activity. Acetaldehyde increased IkappaB-alpha kinase activity and phosphorylated IkappaB-alpha, NF-kappaB nuclear protein, and its binding to the promoter. However, the activating effect of acetaldehyde was not affected by the mutation of the promoter. In conclusion, although acetaldehyde increases the binding of NF-kappaB to the murine alpha(2)(I) collagen promoter, this binding does not mediate the activating effect of acetaldehyde on promoter activity. The effects of acetaldehyde in increasing the translocation of NF-kappaB to the nucleus with increased DNA binding activity may be important in mediating the effects of acetaldehyde on other genes.
Novel x-ray attenuation mechanism: Role of interatomic distance

Little progress has been made over the last 30 years for improving attenuation by x-ray contrast agents, in part because the mechanisms of x-rayattenuation are thought to be well understood. We hypothesized that x-ray absorbance can be modulated by altering the interatomic spacing between K-edge attenuating atoms. Iodomethane, diiodomethane, 2,6-diiodo-4-nitroanaline, and diiodobenzene isomers were dissolved in DMSO and imaged with an OEC Compact 7600 fluoroscope. At a tube voltage of 42 kVp , absorbance of equimolar diiodomethane ( 150 mM ) was significantly ( p 0.01 ) greater than iodomethane ( 150 mM ) by 45%. Interestingly, 150 mM diiodomethane absorbance was significantly greater than 300 mM iodomethane (by 5%, p 0.01 ) despite equal amounts of iodine in both solutions. 1,3-diiodobenzene absorbance was significantly greater than 1,2- and 1,4-diiodobenzene ( p 0.01 ) . However, 2,6-diiodo-4-nitroanaline absorbance was similar to 1,3-diiodobenzene. When a linear model was fit for absorbance as a function of density and harmonic error (the fractional remainder of the inter-iodine distance and the K-shell ionizing wavelength) at different beam energies, a significant overall fit was obtained for both unfiltered and hardened beams ( p 0.01 ) . While the slope of absorbance as a function of harmonic error was significant for all conditions ( p 0.01 ) , the slope with respect to density was significant only when the beam was unfiltered ( p 0.05 ) . Also harmonic error, but not density, displayed significant energy-dependent effects on absorbance ( p 0.01 ) . These data suggest that harmonic error is a strong determinant of absorbance, particularly when the beam energy is concentrated near the iodine K-edge and is likely a descriptor of K-characteristic photon interactions. Therefore, x-ray absorbance may be modulated by the distance between covalently linked x-ray K-edge attenuating atoms. This finding has important implications for increasing contrast agent absorbance as well as for designing molecular transducers capable of modulating K-edge attenuating atomic distances and thereby x-ray absorbance.
The Selberg–Jack Symmetric Functions

Abstract K. Aomoto has recently given a simple proof of an extension of A. Selberg's integral. We prove the following generalization of Aomoto's theorem. For eachk⩾0, there exists a family {skλ(t)} of homogeneous symmetric functions such that if the integrand of Selberg's integral is multiplied byskλ(t1, …, tn), then the integral has a certain closed form. Sinceskλ(t) is a renormalized Jack symmetric function withα=1/k, we call {skλ(t)} the Selberg–Jack symmetric functions. R. P. Stanley and I. G. Macdonald have extended many of the basic properties of the I. J. Schur functions to the Jack symmetric functions. Stanley's extensions of the Pieri formula, in a form obtained by Macdonald's extension of the duality property, and the combinatorial representation arise naturally in our proof. We give proofs of these and other results of Stanley and Macdonald. We give two constant-term identities which are equivalent to the integration formula. These results extend W. G. Morris' theorem forAnand the Macdonald–Morris constant term identity forBCn. By exploring Selberg's proof of his integral, we give a recurrence relation, outline a method for calculating the Selberg–Jack symmetric functions, and show that a constant term orthogonality relation, recently proved by Macdonald, arises naturally. We give an expansion which allows us to evaluate the normalization of this orthogonality, thus giving an alternative proof of the integration formula.
Identification of a putative germ plasm in the amphipod Parhyale hawaiensis

Background Specification of the germ line is an essential event during the embryonic development of sexually reproducing animals, as germ line cells are uniquely capable of giving rise to the next generation. Animal germ cells arise through either inheritance of a specialized, maternally supplied cytoplasm called 'germ plasm’ or though inductive signaling by somatic cells. Our understanding of germ cell determination is based largely on a small number of model organisms. To better understand the evolution of germ cell specification, we are investigating this process in the amphipod crustacean Parhyale hawaiensis. Experimental evidence from previous studies demonstrated that Parhyale germ cells are specified through inheritance of a maternally supplied cytoplasmic determinant; however, this determinant has not been identified.
Developing New Japanese Collections and Services at the University of California, San Diego, 1988-1993

March 15 of this year marked the fifth anniversary of my arrival at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). On a bright, warm spring day in 1988,1 moved to the arid, scenic suburban La Jolla campus from the equally beautiful and balmy city of Berkeley where I had worked as a Japanese bibliographer for the century-old University of California, Berkeley (UCB) Library for two and a half decades. The past five years here in southern California have been one of the finest chapters of my professional life " perhaps the last " and a truly fascinating one. As I reflect on the thirty-year journey that started in Seattle and moved through Cambridge, Berkeley, and San Diego, I find I have been fortunate to have had a driver's seat under the guidance of concerned and skillful library administrators here in San Diego and to have the illuminating experience of building a new collection from scratch and undergoing an adventure in learning that is still in progress. During the initial phase of this experience, I, a newcomer in an entirely unfamiliar environment, faced the challenges and became one of the chief architects in building the emerging collections and services that support the growing Japanese studies programs at UCSD. As a result, I now have a story to tell " an interesting story, I hope " about how one endeavors to shape the direction and scope of new collections and to adapt to radical organizational change. An invitation from Professor Tsuen-hsuin Tsien, the guest editor for the commemorative 100th issue of the CEAL Bulletin, has provided me with an opportunity to tell that story. It is a tale of a bibliographer's experiences at the small but growing University of California campus, seen from the comparative perspective of my many years at UCB, one of the oldest and largest academic research libraries in the United States. This tale will also describe my working partnerships with administrators at UCSD - how we helped and complemented each other, what we learned from working together, and how our collaboration has benefitted the library and its users.