cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exposure and field evaluation of fenoxycarb for German cockroach (Orthoptera: Blattellidae) control.

Two technicians were monitored for exposure to fenoxycarb while they applied the pesticide to urban residences in Omaha, Neb. Dermal and respiratory exposure, along with environmental contamination, were monitored in these replicated trials. Mean dermal exposure was 21.16 mg/h, respiratory exposure was 1.565 mg/h, and environmental contamination was 1.34 mg/h. We estimated that 99.2% of the dermal exposure was to the forearms and hands. Fenoxycarb also was evaluated for performance against German cockroaches, Blattella germanica (L.), at residences in Omaha. Populations of cockroaches were monitored for percentage of reduction after an application of fenoxycarb combined with chlorpyrifos or of chlorpyrifos only. Two subsequent applications were done 2 and 4 mo after the initial application. Beginning at 7 mo after the initial application, significant differences between chlorpyrifos only and chlorpyrifos plus fenoxycarb treatments became apparent. These differences clearly resulted from the use of fenoxycarb.
Shape normalization through compacting

Abstract When the surface normal vector of an object is not parallel to the viewing axis of the viewer, the perceived shape of the object is skewed. Most existing shape recognition methods become ineffective when shapes are skewed. In this paper we present a planar shape normalization method to neutralize the effect of shape skewing by turning a perceived shape into its most compact form through linear transformations. For a given shape, we first compute a dispersion matrix which characterizes the compactness of the shape. Then we rotate the shape according to the eigenvectors of the dispersion matrix so that the x -axis lies in the direction in which the shape is most dispersed. Lastly, we scale the shape along the two axes according to the eigenvalues of the dispersion matrix to bring the shape to its most compact form. The technique suggested in this paper can serve as a pre-processing step for most existing shape recognition methods.
Energy-resolved computed tomography: first experimental results

First experimental results with energy-resolved computed tomography (CT) are reported. The contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) in CT has been improved with x-ray energy weighting for the first time. Further, x-ray energy weighting improved the CNR in material decomposition CT when applied to CT projections prior to dual-energy subtraction. The existing CT systems use an energy (charge) integrating x-ray detector that provides a signal proportional to the energy of the x-ray photon. Thus, the x-ray photons with lower energies are scored less than those with higher energies. This underestimates contribution of lower energy photons that would provide higher contrast. The highest CNR can be achieved if the x-ray photons are scored by a factor that would increase as the x-ray energy decreases. This could be performed by detecting each x-ray photon separately and measuring its energy. The energy selective CT data could then be saved, and any weighting factor could be applied digitally to a detected x-ray photon. The CT system includes a photon counting detector with linear arrays of pixels made from cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) semiconductor. A cylindrical phantom with 10.2 cm diameter made from tissue-equivalent material was used for CT imaging. The phantom included contrast elements representing calcifications, iodine, adipose and glandular tissue. The x-ray tube voltage was 120 kVp. The energy selective CT data were acquired, and used to generate energy-weighted and material-selective CT images. The energy-weighted and material decomposition CT images were generated using a single CT scan at a fixed x-ray tube voltage. For material decomposition the x-ray spectrum was digitally spilt into low- and high-energy parts and dual-energy subtraction was applied. The x-ray energy weighting resulted in CNR improvement of calcifications and iodine by a factor of 1.40 and 1.63, respectively, as compared to conventional charge integrating CT. The x-ray energy weighting was also applied to low- and high-energy CT projections used for material decomposition. This improved the CNR in images of decomposed calcification and iodine by a factor of 1.57 and 1.46, respectively, as compared to conventional charge integrating CT. Some limitations were observed due to hole trapping in CZT and charge sharing between the detector pixels. First experimental results demonstrate that energy-resolved CT is coming close to its practical applications. Although hole trapping and charge sharing in CZT deteriorates x-ray spectrum and limits CNR improvement with energy weighting and detector count rate, this problem has a feasible solution, which is discussed in this paper and is a matter of ongoing research.
Cosmology: Gravity tested on cosmic scales.

Einstein's theory of general relativity has been tested — and confirmed — on scales far beyond those of our Solar System. But the results don't exclude all alternative theories of gravity.
Use of a flexible cast for fabrication of multiple post-coping overdenture restorations.

Abstract Direct intraoral fabrication of multiple post-coping restorations for an overdenture in the same arch can be a time-consuming chairside clinical procedure. In addition, accurate intraoral fabrication of resin patterns with intracrevicular margins is not always possible as a result of limited access. This article presents a direct-indirect method that uses an elastic cast for fabrication of multiple post-coping restorations with intracrevicular margins. Custom post patterns are fabricated directly in the root canal with autopolymerizing resin (Duralay). An impression is made of the remaining tooth structure, which also includes the post patterns, and a flexible cast is poured chairside. The cast is available within 6 to 8 minutes of impression making and can be trimmed similar to a stone die. The procedure also provides flexibility that allows separation of the cast from the impression without fracture of the custom post pattern or cast. The fabrication of the post-coping restoration can be completed in the laboratory, or if necessary, completed chairside and verified intraorally, before dismissing the patient. (J Prosthet Dent 1999;81:365-8.)
Preorganization in the Nazarov cyclization: the role of adjacent coordination sites in the highly Lewis acidic catalyst [IrMe(CO)(dppe)(DIB)](BAr4f)2

Abstract The dicationic Ir(III) complex [IrMe(CO)(dppe)(DIB)](BAr4f)2 where dppe=bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane and DIB=o-diiodobenzene possesses adjacent labile sites and is found to be a very active catalyst for the Nazarov cyclization. 31P NMR spectroscopy provides evidence for substrate–catalyst binding by chelation, and this is found to be the resting state of the system during catalysis. The efficiency of the cyclization is attributed to the electrophilicity of the Ir(III) complex and substrate activation via O,O′-chelation which employs two substrate carbonyl groups or one carbonyl and an ether function, and encourages the s-trans/s-trans conformation required for cyclization. When two point binding occurs through an oxygen atom and one of the vinyl groups, the s-trans/s-trans conformation is not achieved, and cyclization is not observed. In one case, monodentate binding of substrate occurs, and the rate of cyclization is significantly slower than when O,O′-chelation is possible. The viability of O,O′-chelation is shown by the crystal structure determination of a model substrate–catalyst complex.
Paracrine Exchanges of Molecular Signals between Alginate-Encapsulated Pericytes and Freely Suspended Endothelial Cells within a 3D Protein Gel

Abstract Paracrine signals, essential for the proper survival and functioning of tissues, may be mimicked by delivery of therapeutic proteins within engineered tissue constructs. Conventional delivery methods are of limited duration and are unresponsive to the local environment. We developed a system for sustained and regulated delivery of paracrine signals by encapsulating living cells of one type in alginate beads and co-suspending these cell-loaded particles along with unencapsulated cells of a second type within a 3D protein gel. This system was applied to vascular tissue engineering by placing human placental microvascular pericytes (PCs) in the particulate alginate phase and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in the protein gel phase. Particle characteristics were optimized to keep the encapsulated PCs viable for at least two weeks. Encapsulated PCs were bioactive in vitro , secreting hepatocyte growth factor, an angiogenic protein, and responding to externally applied HUVEC-derived signals. Encapsulated PCs influenced HUVEC behavior in the surrounding gel by enhancing the formation of vessel-like structures when compared to empty alginate bead controls. In vivo , encapsulated PCs modulated the process of vascular self-assembly by HUVECs in 3D gels following implantation into immunodeficient mice. We conclude that alginate encapsulated cells can provide functional paracrine signals within engineered tissues.
Accuracy analysis and numerical tests of screen propagators for wave extrapolation

One-way wave extrapolators, such as the split-step Fourier method, generalized screen methods including the phase- screen, complex screen and wide-angle pseudo-screen methods, have been proposed recently as part of the solution to lessen the CPU and memory size requirement of wave equation based 3D subsurface imaging methods. The phase space path- integral formulation and the vertical slowness symbol analysis provide a general and convenient background for accuracy estimation and improvement of screen propagators. In this paper we review and elucidate the relevant theory and formulation in paper I (de Hoop and Wu, 1996), and present the results of accuracy analysis and numerical tests for screen propagators. By comparing the dispersion relations of screen propagators in the high-frequency limit with the leading term high-frequency asymptotics to the vertical slowness symbol, and through numerical experiments of thin-slab transmission, it is seen that for weak perturbations both the phase-screen and the wide-angle pseudo-screen propagators perform well; while for the case of strong medium contrasts, the modified wide-angle pseudo- screen propagator has much better accuracy for large-angle waves than the phase screen propagator. Unlike the traditional phase screen propagator which is purely a space domain operator, the wide-angle pseudo-screen propagator is a dual-damain operator. The screen propagators have great potential in the application to 3D prestack depth migration/inversion as extrapolators.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Human cytomegalovirus persistence and latency in endothelial cells and macrophages

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a clinically significant herpes virus that maintains a lifelong infection in the host. HCMV infection of endothelial cells and macrophages plays an important role in the establishment of latency and persistence, which appears critical for the maintenance of HCMV within the host. HCMV infection is profoundly influenced by endothelial cell origin and the specific pathway of macrophage differentiation. Multiple HCMV genes appear to be involved in enabling virus replication in these two cell types. Although the specific HCMV gene(s) mediating endothelial and macrophage tropism are unclear, a number of genetic determinants required for replication in these two cell types have been identified in the closely related murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) mouse model, revealing novel mechanisms of virus tropism. This review focuses on recent advances in the understanding of HCMV replication in endothelial cells and macrophages, and the viral determinants that mediate replication in these two important cell types.
Narrative games for learning: Testing the discovery and narrative hypotheses.

Strong claims are made for the potential educational effectiveness of narrative-based adventure games, but evidence about how to construct effective educational games is needed (Clark, Yates, Early, & Moulton, 2010; O'Neil & Perez, 2008). College students played a computer-based narrative discovery learning game called Crystal Island (Spires et al., 2010), in which they learned about pathogens (in Experiment 1), or one called Cache 17 (Koenig, 2008), in which they learned how electromechanical devices work (in Experiment 2). In media comparison tests, participants who learned by playing the game performed worse than students who learned from a matched slideshow presentation on retention (d = 1.37), transfer (d = 0.57), and difficulty rating (d = 0.93) in Experiment 1 and on posttest score (d = 0.31) and learning time (d = 2.89) in Experiment 2. In value-added tests, taking away the narrative theme concerning a detective story in the Cache 17 game did not significantly affect students' posttest score (d = -0.16) or learning time (d = -0.22) in Experiment 2. Overall, these results provide no evidence that computer-based narrative games offer a superior venue for academic learning under short time spans of under 2 hr. Findings contradict the discovery hypothesis that students learn better when they do hands-on activities in engaging scenarios during learning and the narrative hypothesis that students learn better when games have a strong narrative theme, although there is no evidence concerning longer periods of game play.
Intramolecular charge transfer in the excited state of 4-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde and 4-dimethylaminoacetophenone

Abstract TDDFT calculations and time-resolved transient absorption (TA) studies of the low-lying excited states of 4-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde (4-DMABA) and 4-dimethylaminoacetophenone (4-DMAAP) have been carried out to probe the mechanism of photoinduced intramolecular charge transfer (ICT). In polar acetonitrile, where dual fluorescence appears, both 4-DMABA and 4-DMAAP exhibit a TA band at about 510 nm and 490 nm, which correspond to the absorption spectra of the twisted ICT (TICT) state, with spectral characteristics that correspond to the radical anion absorptions of benzaldehyde or acetophenone. The decay time of the TICT-state absorption corresponds to that of the ICT fluorescence, indicating that the fluorescent ICT state is the TICT states.
68 OSMOTIC RESPONSES OF EQUINE EMBRYOS WITH AND WITHOUT CAPSULES TO CRYOPROTECTANTS

Equine embryos become more difficult to cryopreserve as they get larger, which may be due in part to the presence of the capsule. We hypothesized that presence of the capsule will alter osmotic responses of equine embryos. Embryos were collected from mares of light horse breeds. Ovulation was confirmed by daily transrectal ultrasonography, and uterine flushes were performed 7 or 8 days post-ovulation. At collection, embryos were evaluated for size and morphology and graded on a scale of 1 to 5, 1 being excellent and 5 being degenerate/dead. Only embryos of grades 1 or 2 were used. Boyle Van’t Hoff plots were created for embryos 600 μm (n = 2) in diameter from data collected after incubating embryos in a series of increasingly concentrated sucrose solutions of 250, 500, 1000, and 2000 mOsm in Syngro® (275 mOsm) at room temperature (27–30°C). Embryo diameters were measured every minute for at least 60 min. Volumes were calculated, and relative volumes calculated against that were measured immediately after the embryo was flushed from the uterus (100%) while the embryo was in Syngro®. Regression analyses were used to estimate the y-intercept from which the percentage volume that is osmotically active water was calculated [91.9 for embryos 600 μm (P = 0.003)]. To evaluate osmotic responses of equine embryos to 3 cryoprotectants, Day 7 embryos between 300 and 600 μm with or without a capsule were transferred to 5 mL of 1.5 M methanol (n = 3 with capsule, n = 2 without), 1.5 M glycerol (n = 5 with, n = 2 without), or 0.75 M ethylene glycol + 0.75 M methanol (n = 6 with, n = 3 without) in Syngro®. Diameters were measured every min for the first 30 min and every 5 min thereafter. Upon removal of the capsule and before exposure to cryoprotectants, embryos lost and did not recover on average 22% of their initial volume (range 9 to 30%) after 15 min of incubation in Syngro® at room temperature (27 to 30°C). When incubated in 1.5 M methanol, embryo volume increased ∼10%, and then decreased to ∼95% original volume after 1 h incubation for embryos that had intact capsules; embryos without capsules remained ∼5% larger than initial volume throughout incubation. When incubated in 1.5 M glycerol, embryos with capsules decreased to ∼40% within 2 min and did not recover volume during incubation; embryos without capsules decreased to ∼75% of original volume gradually over 60 min. The volume decrease of embryos with a capsule is similar to previous reports for embryos of similar size in 1.5 M glycerol. Embryos incubated in 0.75 M ethylene glycol + 0.75 M methanol without a capsule initially lost ∼15% of their volume and remained at ∼87% of initial volume for the duration of the experiment; embryos with capsules lost nearly 30% of their original volume but then recovered volume to ∼92% of original volume by the end of 1 h. These experiments suggest that the equine capsule may impede movement of glycerol and, to a lesser extent, ethylene glycol into the embryo.
Bromine Complexation in Zinc‐Bromine Circulating Batteries

Upon electrolysis of aqueous zinc bromide solutions containing unsymmetrically substituted, cyclic quaternary ammonium bromides, both zinc metal and a bromine‐rich liquid are produced. Data, reported for N‐ethyl, N‐methylmorpholinium (1), N‐methoxymethyl, N‐methylpiperidinium (2), and N‐chloromethyl, N‐methylpyrrolidinium (3) bromides suggest that the bromine‐rich liquid is a fused salt and separates from the aqueous solution because of insolubility and density differences. The separation process of the bromine fused salt from the aqueous solution is represented as a partitioning of bromine between two phases and is dependent upon electrolysis state‐of‐charge, quaternary ammonium bromide, bromide ion concentration, and temperature. The bromine‐fused salts have properties dependent on composition. Selected examples of densities, specific resistances, viscosities, and polarization are given. Bromine, in the form of a dense, stable, conductive liquid, is useful in circulating zinc‐bromine batteries.
Phase behavior and structure in mesogen containing polyurethanes

The mesophase to crystal phase transition observed upon heating the monotropic liquid crystal polyurethane (2,6-LCPU-6), based on the mesogenic biphenol 4,4′-bis(6-hydroxyhexoxy)biphenyl (BHHBP) and 2,6-toluenediisocyanate (2,6-TDI), has been investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wide angle x-ray scattering (WAXS) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. Hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) fast solvent-evaporation casting resulted in 2,6-LCPU-6 thin films with a glassy mesophase morphology. The mesophase to crystal exothermic transition has been observed by DSC between 130 and 140°C, depending on sample preparation. It is accompanied by a substantial increase of H-bonding between urethane C=O and N-H, as observed by IR. Curve fitting analysis of the conformationally sensitive amide I region revealed three bands; ordered H-bonded carbonyl groups, disordered H-bonded carbonyl groups, and “free” carbonyl groups. The prime feature of the 130°C transition is the substantial increase of ordered H-bonded carbonyl groups at the expense of disordered H-bonded carbonyl groups. Crystal melting occurs between 180 and 210°C and is accompanied by the complete disappearance of the ordered H-bonded peak along with substantial changes in the frequency and width at half-height of the disordered H-bonded peak
Iridium Porphyrin Catalyzed N−H Insertion Reactions: Scope and Mechanism

Ir(TTP)CH3 catalyzed N–H insertion reactions between ethyl diazoacetate (EDA) or methyl phenyldiazoacetate (MPDA) and a variety of aryl, aliphatic, primary, and secondary amines to generate substituted glycine esters with modest to high yields. Aniline substrates generally gave yields above 80%, with up to 105 catalyst turnovers, and without slow addition of the diazo reagent. Good yields were also achieved with aliphatic amines, though higher catalyst loadings and slow addition of the amine were necessary in some cases. Primary amines reacted with EDA to generate both single- and double-insertion products, either of which could be produced selectively in high yield with the proper choice of stoichiometric ratios and reaction temperature. Notably, mixed trisubstituted amines, RN(CH2CO2Et)(CHPhCO2Me), were generated from the insertion of 1 equiv of EDA and 1 equiv of MPDA into primary amines. The N–H insertion mechanism was examined using substrate competition studies, trapping experiments, and multiple sp...
Numerical stability of the constraints near singular positions in the dynamics of multibody systems

Abstract It is common in mechanical systems that the constraint equations may become linearly dependent at instantaneous singular configurations. This occurs when the direction of a constraint coincides with the direction of the lost degree of freedom. This results in singularities in the conventional simulation algorithms. In this paper first a method based on the uptriangular decomposition of the constraint matrix will be utilized to reduce the equations of motion. The linear dependencies will be identified in the uptriangular decomposition process and the linear dependency relations will be determined. The reduction process will be modified by introducing a methodology which yields the constraint matrix to be of a full rank by using higher order derivatives in the constraint equations. Furthermore the constraint equations will be modified for use in the neighborhood of the singular configuration to yield the system inertia matrix to be nonsingular and to take the corresponding generalized constraint forces into account. Simulations of a three link planar manipulator at a singular configuration will be performed to illustrate the methods developed.
DISPERSION THEORY OF THE KONDO EFFECT

According to recent work by Kondo, the scattering cross section of an electron in exchange interaction with a paramagnetic impurity immersed in a Fermi sea of electrons has a logarithmic infinity as the electron energy approaches the Fermi energy. We examine this problem by means of the Chew-Low method first devised for meson-nucleon scattering. It is found that the singularity is replaced by a resonant scattering close to the Fermi level.
Thermal bending of a strip and a rectangular plate with coordinate-dependent heat exchange coefficients

The thermal bending of a simply supported strip and a rectangular plate caused by a difference between the temperatures of the surroundings on the faces and the coordinate-dependent heat exchange coefficients on them are investigated. A method of reducing the boundary-value problem of heat conduction for these bodies to an interrelated system of Fredholm integral equations of the second kind is proposed. We construct a numerical scheme for the solution of integral equations by the method of quadrature formulas. Results of a numerical analysis of distributions of the temperature moment and bending caused by it for a rectangular plate are presented.
Efficient transmission of halftones via facsimile

The conventional method for sending halftone images via facsimile machines is inefficient. The previously proposed Tone- Fac algorithm improves the transmission of halftone images. Tone- Fac represents a halftone image by mean gray values of the disjoint blocks and an error image, which records the difference between the desired halftone and the halftone generated using the mean gray values. To improve on ToneFac, we propose additional pro- cessing techniques: searching for the error-minimizing gray value for each block; quantization and coding of block values; bit switch- ing, which transforms the error image into a more compressible im- age; optimal block sizing; and spurious dot filtering, which removes perceptually insignificant dots. The new algorithm is compared to other methods, including adaptive arithmetic coding, and is shown to provide improvement in bit rate. A theoretical consideration of the compression ratio from the ToneFac algorithm is also given. © 1996 SPIE and IS&T.
Aerodynamic Design and Testing of an Improved 1st Stage Compressor Rotor for a Heavy Duty Gas Turbine

To evaluate the potential of the compressor of Sulzer’s Typ 3 gas turbine, a series of engine tests was analyzed with two computer codes. The comparison between measured and calculated performance map are given in the paper. The design goal was to find modifications, which can be applied easily to already operating engines. The simplest option-increase of shaft speed with the existing blades-would have caused high loss due to increased tip Mach number. The calculation revealed, that a newly designed first rotor blade is an appropriate modification to increase massflow and efficiency. No further change is required, because the calculations indicate, that all subsequent stages operate at near optimum incidence. The calculations were confirmed experimentally. The paper presents the new rotor blade and its influence on the compressor calculated and measured performance.Copyright © 1981 by ASME
A regional tidal/subtidal circulation model of the southeastern Bering Sea : development, sensitivity analyses and hindcasting

Abstract A regional eddy-resolving primitive equation circulation model was used to simulate circulation on the southeastern Bering Sea (SEBS) shelf and basin. This model resolves the dominant observed mean currents, eddies and meanders in the region, and simultaneously includes both tidal and subtidal dynamics. Circulation, temperature, and salinity fields for years 1995 and 1997 were hindcast, using daily wind and buoyancy flux estimates, and tidal forcing derived from a global model. This paper describes the development of the regional model, a comparison of model results with available Eulerian and Lagrangian data, a comparison of results between the two hindcast years, and a sensitivity analysis. Based on these hindcasts and sensitivity analyses, we suggest the following: (1) The Bering Slope Current is a primary source of large ( ∼100 km diameter) eddies in the SEBS basin. Smaller meanders are also formed along the 100 m isobath on the southeastern shelf, and along the 200-m isobath near the shelf break. (2) There is substantial interannual variability in the statistics of eddies within the basin, driven by variability in the strength of the ANSC. (3) The mean flow on the shelf is not strongly sensitive to changes in the imposed strength of the ANSC; rather, it is strongly sensitive to the local wind forcing. (4) Vertical mixing in the SEBS is strongly affected by both tidal and subtidal dynamics. Strongest mixing in the SEBS may in fact occur between the 100- and 400-m isobaths, near the Pribilof Islands, and in Unimak Pass.
Immunofluorescence of NADPH-cytochrome c (P-450) reductase in rat and minipig tissues injected with phenobarbital

The enzyme NADPH-cytochrome c (P-450) reductase was identified by indirect immunofluorescence in hepatocytes, bronchioles, and proximal tubules of liver, lung, and kidney, respectively, of rats and minipigs that had been injected with phenobarbital or saline. The distribution of this component of the cytochrome P-450-mediated microsomal system may be relevant to sites of drug toxicity and carcinogenesis.
A Comparative Study or Western and Japanese Practices Geared Towards Improved Learning and New Product Performance

Increasingly, the long-term success of a company resides in its ability to develop and market successful new products in a cost-and time-effective manner. In general, Japanese companies have outperformed their Western counterparts in bringing new products to market over the last 10 to 20 years. This has given them a substantial advantage in long-term economic development. The authors hypothesize that the differences between the dominant models of corporate culture in Japan and the U.S. account for the Japanese advantage. In comparison to U.S. companies, Japanese companies tend to emphasize long-term leadership, decentralized decision making, a flatter work structure using cross-functional work teams, and rewarding teams for the ability to learn from mistakes. As a result of these differences, Western companies are more likely to utilize “single, loop” learning, where new products are developed using established (and unquestioned) procedures. Conversely, Japanese companies rely on “double-loop” or “deutero” learning styles, which encourage employees to leverage their past experiences when proposing new product innovations. The authors conclude by outlining a research program for testing their as-gumptions about the relations among nationality, corporate culture, learning styles, and new product success.
Ultrasound applicators with internal cooling for interstitial thermal therapy

The use of internally-cooled, direct-coupled interstitial ultrasound applicators as a means of providing controlled and directed thermal therapy was investigated. Applicators were constructed using tubular ultrasound sources (1.5 - 2.5 mm OD) with active acoustic zones of 90 degree(s), 200 degree(s), 270 degree(s), and 360 degree(s) (single and multiple transducers). Cooling of the inner transducer surface was accomplished by the flow of chilled air or an integrated water mechanism. Thermal performance of the applicators was characterized through high temperature heating trials in vivo (porcine thigh muscle and liver) and in vitro (bovine liver). Both air-cooled and water-cooled applicators produced well- defined angular directional heating, with coagulated zones corresponding to the active sector of the transducer. Axial collimation and control of heating along the length of the applicator was also demonstrated using multiple transducer elements. Thermal penetration and extent of coagulation was reproducible and controlled with sonication time and power, extending radially 12 - 22 mm for 1 - 5 minutes. Directly of lesion shapes (both angular and axial) was found to remain characteristically similar at different heating times. This enhanced thermal penetration and improved control of directional heating with internal cooling shows great potential for treatment of localized tumors in prostate, brain, and liver.
Calcium-Regulating Hormones across the Menstrual Cycle*

Midcycle elevations of serum PTH, calcitonin (CT), and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH)2D] in women have been reported. To examine the effects of cyclic changes in ovarian steroid secretion on calcitropic hormone concentrations, we used a cytoreceptor assay for 1,25-(OH)2D and homologous RIAs for PTH and CT to measure these hormones in daily blood samples obtained from six women throughout the menstrual cycle. Significant changes in serum PTH, CT, 1,25-(OH)2D, calcium, and phosphorus concentrations during the cycle were not found; transverse means (+/- SE) were 101 +/- 3.5 pg/ml for PTH, 30.8 +/- 1.8 pg/ml for CT, and 40.1 +/- 1.7 pg/ml for 1,25-(OH)2D. In addition, CT reserve was assessed by calcium infusion (3 mg/kg, iv, in 10 min) during the early and late follicular and midluteal phases of the cycle. Although serum CT increased significantly (P less than 0.01) after calcium infusion, the mean (+/- SE) increment (23.2 +/- 2.2 pg/ml) did not significantly differ in the three phases of the cycle (early follicular, 23.8 +/- 4.0; late follicular, 23.3 +/- 3.4; midluteal, 22.5 +/- 4.1). Our data do not support previous reports of midcycle elevations in serum PTH, CT, and 1,25-(OH)2D concentrations, and we conclude that serum concentrations of the calcitropic hormones do not significantly vary during the menstrual cycle.
Pancreatic Polypeptide-Fold Peptide Receptors and Angiotensin II–Induced Renal Vasoconstriction

The Gi pathway augments renal vasoconstriction induced by angiotensin II in spontaneously hypertensive but not normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats. Because the Gi-coupled pancreatic polypeptide (PP)-fold peptide receptors Y1 and Y2 are expressed in kidneys and are activated by endogenous PP-fold peptides, we tested the hypothesis that these receptors regulate angiotensin II-induced renal vasoconstriction in kidneys from hypertensive but not normotensive rats. A selective Y1-receptor agonist [(Leu31,Pro34)-neuropeptide Y; 6 to 10 nmol/L] greatly potentiated angiotensin II–induced changes in perfusion pressure in isolated, perfused kidneys from hypertensive but not normotensive rats. A selective Y2-receptor agonist (peptide YY3-36; 6 nM) only slightly potentiated angiotensin II–induced renal vasoconstriction and only in kidneys from hypertensive rats. Neither the Y1-receptor nor the Y2-receptor agonist increased basal perfusion pressure. BIBP3226 (1 μmol/L, highly selective Y1-receptor antagonist) and BIIE0246 (...
Clinical Practice Guidelines: Good News, Bad News, or No News?

Clinical practice guidelines for primary care providers that address the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of depression may have an impact on psychiatric practice as well as on general medical education and the research agenda. This commentary highlights the conceptual and scientific issues that surrounded the development of these guidelines and speculates on their potential practical impact, particularly on psychiatry. The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR) within the US Department of Health and Human Services was established in December 1989. This agency, which is at the same level as the US Food and Drug Administration, has as one of its many missions the development of clinical practice guidelines. Practice guideline efforts have also been launched by a variety of medical groups, including the American Psychiatric Association. The conditions addressed by the first seven AHCPR guidelines include sickle cell disease, benign prostatic hypertrophy, pain, pressure
Creating transportation infrastructure though state spaceport initiatives: Florida and other examples

Abstract State governments have sought to improve and maintain the economic well being of their citizens since the beginnings of the Republic. Consequently, their activities often have focused on creating and improving the applicable transportation infrastructure, usually for the purpose of generating growth in the state’s economy and ultimately improving its revenue base [1] . In this paper, that goal is addressed within a context not usually associated with state governments: the creation of state-run spaceports. The term “run” is used advisedly as most states do not necessarily own or completely control their facilities. The spaceport effort being mounted in Florida is the primary focus of the analysis, largely because it was the first and has encountered most of the problems that confront such efforts.
Digital metamorphosis: Examination of the bystander culture in cyberbullying

Cyberbullying requires researchers to refine their perspectives to encapsulate its etiology and the multi-faceted practices. The infusion of technology has expanded the traditional definition of bullying and challenged the conventional characteristics of roles (e.g., perpetrators, victims, bystanders) involved in online bullying incidents. Specific to the role of bystanders, the digital culture presents inherent challenges that may prevent witnesses from taking a stand against unjust behaviors across online environments. To examine the digital metamorphosis of the bystander culture and its challenges to conventional approaches towards prevention and intervention, five area topics will be discussed: (a) overview of bullying and cyberbullying, (b) bystander culture, (c) digital bystanders, (d) interrelated effects of digital accessibility, anonymity, and autonomy and (e) digital upstanders. Language: en
Transient magnetohydrodynamic flow and heat transfer

Es wird die zeitabhangige Stromung einer elektrisch leitenden Flussigkeit untersucht, die sich bei Gegenwart eines Quermagnetfeldes einstellt, und zwar wird die freie und die erzwungene Konvektion berechnet. Wenn die Wandtemperatur langs der Kanalachse linear variiert, werden die Grundgleichungen linear, was eine analytische Losung ermoglicht. Unsteitigkeiten konnen entstehen durch Variationen des axialen Druckgradienten, der Wandtemperatur oder der inneren Energieerzeugung. Die Einflusse der thermischen und magnetischen Prandtlzahl, der Hartmannzahl, der Rayleighzahl und der inneren Energieerzeugung auf die Stromung und den Warmeubergang werden untersucht. Fur grosse Werte vonRa undM und furPr-Werte von der Grossenordnung 1 wird ein Schwingungsverhalten gefunden, dessen Periode stark von den genannten Parametern abhangt.
Spiritual and Ethical Beliefs of Humanists in the Counseling Profession

Considerable controversy has been waged over the spiritual and ethical beliefs of humanism. A survey of humanist counselors was conducted on selected spiritual and ethical beliefs. The results showed that ethical/spiritual pluralism best characterized the humanists' stance. The findings are discussed within the context of historical and contemporary schools of humanism.
Deterministic space-times

The results in Sections 2 and 3 show that demanding determinism is such a stringent restriction that it would involve a really drastic change in viewpoint. Ignoring the restriction is not very satisfying either. One is left with an annoying dilemma, whose solution could use some work.
Experimental pathogenesis: drugs and chemical lesions in the gastric mucosa.

The goals of this article are to review the similarities and differences in the pathogenesis of acute gastric mucosal injury induced by alcohol, exemplified mostly by ethanol, and aspirin, as a representative of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and to deduce implications from pathogenetic studies for a better understanding of the concept of gastric cytoprotection. The main similarity between the hemorrhagic erosions caused by ethanol and aspirin is their localization in the acid-producing glandular stomach, the rate-limiting step in their pathogenesis being the extent of microvascular injury in the gastric mucosa. The major differences include the fast healing and low probability of transition into chronic gastritis after a single exposure to aspirin. On the other hand, perforated ulcer may develop, especially in the elderly, after chronic aspirin but not ethanol consumption. The main implications of pathogenetic investigations include the relative nature of gastroprotection: that is, initially, the ...
Task Environments and Budgetary Decision Making

Often research using budgetary process models either assumes that the models reflect the actual decision processes of budgeters or is vague about exactly what is being modelled. I argue that budgetary models model the task environment of budgeters — the problems they face rather than their decision processes, and I examine the implications of this proposition for budgetary research and practical uses of budgetary models.
Detection of VIP Receptors in MNU-Induced Breast Cancer in Rats: Implications for Breast Cancer Targeting

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a 28 amino acid neuropeptide with a wide range of biological activities. Receptors for VIP (VIP-R) are overexpressed in breast cancer, where they may have diagnostic and therapeutic implications. Although N-methyl nitrosourea (MNU)-induced breast cancer in rats is used extensively as a model to study mammary carcinogenesis, there is no information about the expression of VIP-R in this model. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of VIP-R in MNU-induced breast cancer in rats so that this model can be used to perform studies involving VIP-R. Breast cancer was induced in 36-day-old virgin female Sprague-Dawley rats, by a single intravenous injection of MNU (50 mg/kg body weight). The breast tumors were detected 100-150 days after injection. The normal and cancerous rat breast tissue were excised and 20 micro sections were incubated with 40 nM fluorescein-labeled VIP (Fluo-VIP(TM)), in the presence and absence of 1000-fold excess unlabeled VIP, pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) or secretin. The sections were visualized under a fluorescence microscope and photographed. Fluo-VIP(TM) stained rat breast cancer tissue homogeneously and to a much greater extent than normal rat breast tissue (p < 0.05). This staining was specific as indicated by displacement of Fluo-VIP(TM) by excess unlabeled VIP and PACAP. Displacement of Fluo-VIP(TM) by secretin indicated the probable presence of VIP receptors of type VPAC1 (VIP receptor subtype 1) in the rat breast. These data suggest that, as in human breast cancer, VIP-R, predominantly of type VPAC1, are overexpressed in MNU-induced rat breast cancer tissue as compared to the normal rat breast tissue. Thus, MNU-induced rat breast cancer model can be used as a tool to study the functional role of VIP-R in human mammary carcinogenesis and VIP-R mediated active breast cancer targeting. This could have implications in the diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of human breast cancer.
Waist circumference vs body mass index for prediction of disease risk in postmenopausal women

OBJECTIVE: To test the sensitivity of waist circumference (central adiposity) as an index of disease risk in postmenopausal women. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of postmenopausal women tested at Washington University School of Medicine. SUSBJECTS: A total of 323 healthy postmenopausal (66±5 y; mean±s.d.) women not using any hormone replacement. MEASUREMENTS: Body composition, hyperinsulinemia (insulin area), triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol. RESULTS: Excess waist size had a stronger association with hyperinsulinemia and hypertriglyceridemia than body mass index (BMI; kg/m2) in otherwise healthy, postmenopausal women. After adjusting for BMI, a strong relation existed between waist circumference and insulin area, HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides (P<0.01). Conversely, after adjusting for waist circumference, no relation was apparent between BMI and the dependent variables of interest. The strength of the association between waist circumference and disease risk became most apparent when analyses were restricted to normal-weight women (BMI 24–28 kg/m2). When BMI was held constant, hyperinsulinemia and triglyceridemia increased dose-dependently with changes in waist size. CONCLUSION: Waist circumference, an easily obtained index of central adiposity, is a more sensitive measure of relative disease risk than is BMI in middle-aged and older women, particularly in normal-weight individuals.
A calorimetric observation of the chemical reaction of selenium-bismuth bilayers☆

Abstract A process is presented by which the activation enthalpy of thin film reactions can be studied in situ . The chosen process involves differential scanning calorimetry of Se-Bi thin film bilayers which have not been removed from their substrates. By examining the heating rate dependence of the temperature at which various exothermal phenomena take place, it was established that the reaction of the Se-Bi bilayer takes place in two steps. The first reaction takes place when both reactants are in the solid state and probably results in the formation of an intermediate film of Bi 2 Se 3 . On further heating, the selenium melts, thus accelerating a continued reaction with the remaining bismuth. For low heating rates, the reaction goes to completion before the melting point of bismuth is reached. For rapid heating rates the sample could be heated above the equilibrium melting point of bismuth prior to completion of the chemical reaction. Once the bismuth layer has melted, the intermediate Bi 2 Se 3 layer apparently breaks up, thus allowing rapid completion of the chemical reaction.
Toward a Glucose Biosensor Based on Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering

This work presents the first step toward a glucose biosensor using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Historically, glucose has been extremely difficult to detect by SERS because it has a small normal Raman cross section and adsorbs weakly or not at all to bare silver surfaces. In this paper, we report the first systematic study of the direct detection of glucose using SERS. Glucose is partitioned into an alkanethiol monolayer adsorbed on a silver film over nanosphere (AgFON) surface and thereby, it is preconcentrated within the 0-4 nm thick zone of electromagnetic field enhancement. The experiments presented herein utilize leave-one-out partial least-squares (LOO-PLS) analysis to demonstrate quantitative glucose detection both over a large (0-250 mM) and clinically relevant (0-25 mM) concentration range. The root-mean-squared error of prediction (RMSEP) of 1.8 mM (33.1 mg/dL) in the clinical study is near that desired for medical applications (1 mM, 18 mg/dL). Future studies will advance toward true in vivo, real time, minimally invasive sensing.
Abnormal neurological signs at the onset of psychosis

Introduction: The objective of this investigation was to determine whether abnormal neurological signs (ANS) are present at the onset of psychosis, prior to the initiation of antipsychotic treatment, and to examine the effect of 6 weeks of antipsychotic treatment on these signs. Methods: We examined 29 first-episode schizophrenic patients admitted at an Army Medical Center within 10 days of psychosis onset, using the Neurological Evaluation Scale and the 18-item Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and compared them to controls. Results: All of the subjects had neurological signs indicating problems in sensory integration, motor coordination, and sequencing of complex motor acts. No psychotic subject had fewer than two abnormal neurological signs. When compared to age and sex matched groups of normal controls and nonpsychotic psychiatric controls, the psychotic group had a significantly higher incidence of neurological signs. At baseline, the severity of neurological signs was associated with elevated BPRS total, positive, and negative symptom scores. The change in clinical symptoms was positively correlated with a change in neurological signs. Discussion: These findings indicate that some neurological signs are present at the onset of psychosis, and that these signs may be altered by treatment. These abnormal neurological signs reflect an underlying brain function abnormality and may be useful in differential diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment selection.
Fixing BGP, one as at a time

Debugging inter-domain routing problems on the Internet is notoriously hard. This is partly because BGP updates carry no information about the events that trigger them, and also because operation is highly distributed and complex, lacking a central point of control or authority. These factors have impeded the development of tools that can help in the diagnosis and troubleshooting of routing problems. Consequently, the dynamic behaviour of BGP is not well understood, even though it forms a critical component of the Internet infrastructure.In this paper, we argue that these problems can be effectively addressed by incorporating a diagnostic capability into the inter domain routing system. Such a capability would enable operators to effectively pinpoint the cause (and location) of routing problems and take timely steps to correct them. We present arguments to show that this capability is best realized by localized, AS specific entities called BGP Auditors. We then explore the high level design of a distributed, diagnostic framework and briefly discuss the relevant issues.