cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fabry-Perot fringe enhancement.

The experimental results are presented to show that it is possible to use a Fabry-Perot interferometer to discriminate multifrequency, uniphase gas laser modulation at frequencies less than the laser’s doppler bandwidth. This is done by selecting the F.P. mirror spacing to match the laser cavity. Thus, each F.P. mode discriminates the modulation on its own laser mode. If all of the laser modes are modulated by the same amount, the F.P. modes will discriminate the laser modes in phase to produce F.P. fringe enhancement at the output. This scheme was demonstrated with both a 30-cm and a 120-cm laser–F.P. combination.
Management of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma: National trends in patient selection, operative management, and use of adjuvant therapy

Background Surgical resection remains the only potentially curative option for patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC). Advances in surgical technique and perioperative care have reduced perioperative mortality; however, temporal trends in perioperative morbidity and the use of adjuvant therapy on a population basis remain ill-defined. Study Design Using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–Medicare data, 2,461 patients with resected PAC were identified from 1991 to 2005. We examined trends in preoperative comorbidity indices, adjuvant treatment, type of pancreatic resection, and changes in morbidity and mortality during 4 time intervals (ie, 1991–1996, 1997–2000, 2001–2003, and 2003–2005). Results The majority of patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (n = 1,945; 79%). There was a temporal increase in mean patient age (p Conclusions Perioperative 30-day mortality associated with resection for PAC decreased by one-half from 1991 to 2005. Although patients undergoing resection for PAC were older and had more preoperative comorbidities, the incidence of perioperative complications remained stable. The relative use of adjuvant chemotherapy alone vs chemoradiation therapy for PAC has increased in the United States during the 15 years examined.
Historical climatology, Climatic Change, and implications for climate science in the twenty-first century.

Historical climatology is the use of documentary evidence for the reconstruction of past climate. This paper gives a brief personal view of the development of the discipline from early times to the present day. Although several papers have been published on the importance of carefully analysing and evaluating all historical sources before they are used in climate reconstructions, several of them in Climatic Change, the use of unreliable, unanalysed data still persists. This may lead to false impressions of the climate of the past. In these times, when climate data are being used for political, as well as purely scientific ends, the cause of accuracy, as championed by Climatic Change, will best be served by emphasising, yet again, the importance of using only reliable data. A number of examples are given which illustrate these points. These include discussions on wine growing in England in medieval times, the Norse settlement of Greenland, and comments on the climate history of the past thousand years.
Nicotine Alters Limbic Function in Adolescent Rat by a 5-HT1A Receptor Mechanism

Epidemiological studies have shown that adolescent smoking is associated with health risk behaviors, including high-risk sexual activity and illicit drug use. Using rat as an animal model, we evaluated the behavioral and biochemical effects of a 4-day, low-dose nicotine pretreatment (60 μg/kg; intravenous) during adolescence and adulthood. Nicotine pretreatment significantly increased initial acquisition of cocaine self-administration, quinpirole-induced locomotor activity, and penile erection in adolescent rats, aged postnatal day (P)32. These effects were long lasting, remaining evident 10 days after the last nicotine treatment, and were observed when nicotine pretreatment was administered during early adolescence (P28–31), but not late adolescence (P38–41) or adulthood (P86–89). Neurochemical analyses of c-fos mRNA expression, and of monoamine transmitter and transporter levels, showed that forebrain limbic systems are continuing to develop during early adolescence, and that this maturation is critically altered by brief nicotine exposure. Nicotine selectively increased c-fos mRNA expression in the nucleus accumbens shell and basolateral amygdala in adolescent, but not adult animals, and altered serotonin markers in these regions as well as the prefrontal cortex. Nicotine enhancement of cocaine self-administration and quinpirole-induced locomotor activity was blocked by co-administration of WAY 100 635 (N-{2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl] ethyl}-N-(2-pyridinyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide), a selective serotonin 1A (5-HT1A) receptor antagonist. Early adolescent pretreatment with the mixed autoreceptor/heteroceptor 5-HT1A receptor agonist, 8-OH-DPAT, but not the autoreceptor-selective agonist, S-15535, also enhanced quinpirole-induced locomotor activation. Nicotine enhancement of quinpirole-induced penile erection was not blocked by WAY 100 635 nor mimicked by 8-OH-DPAT. These findings indicate that early adolescent nicotine exposure uniquely alters limbic function by both 5-HT1A and non-5-HT1A receptor mechanisms.
Family functioning in the families of psychiatric patients

Abstract The functioning of families of five psychiatric groups and a group of nonclinical families was assessed by the Family Assessment Device (FAD), a recently developed multidimensional measure of family functioning. The results indicated that families of patients with major depression, alcohol dependence, and adjustment disorder reported greater family dysfunction than nonclinical families. Families of schizophrenic and bipolar patients did not differ significantly from controls.
The choice of pulse duration for chronic electrical stimulation via surface, nerve, and intramuscular electrodes.

The peak current, peak voltage, charge transfer and energy dissipation necessary for equivalent stimulation were measured for several pulse durations in the range from 0.01 to 1.0 msec. The unidirectional, regulated current, rectangular waveform was studied for subcutaneous nerve and intramuscular stimulation in animals and for surface stimulation in humans. In addition, the unidirectional, regulated current, exponential waveform was studied in humans and was compared with the rectangular waveform. The question of the relationship between charge transfer and energy dissipation and possible tissue damage due to the electrochemical formation of toxic compounds or a temperature rise in the surrounding tissue was examined. The optimal pulse duration for reducing the possibility of tissue damage was concluded to be less than or equal to 0.01 msec for intramuscular stimulation in the test situation. No conclusion was made as to the optimal duration for nerve or surface stimulation. Excitation of muscle fibers was found to take place indirectly by was of muscle nerves during intramuscular stimulation. The exponential waveform required less charge transfer and energy dissipation than the rectangular waveform, but higher peak currents.
Fission-track age (400,000 yr) of the Rockland tephra, based on inclusion of zirco grains lacking fossil fission tracks

Abstract A zircon fission-track age of about 400,000 yr B.P. has been determined for the Rockland tephra, a widespread pyroclastic layer in northern California and western Nevada. New ages of zircon separates from both proximal and distal exposures of this layer range from 370,000 to 460,000 yr; ages of the best material provide a narrower range, from 370,000 yr for unwelded ash-flow tuff to 420,000 yr for distal air-fall ash that appears to be uncontaminated by clastic detritus or xenocrysts. Detrital or xenocrystic grains in the ash-flow tuff may have been annealed during emplacement and cooling of the tuff. Detrital and xenocrystic zircons are identified on the basis of their physical characteristics and distinctly older ages. Independent stratigraphic and magnetostratigraphic data constrain the age of the Rockland tephra between 300,000 and 600,000 yr, a range that is compatible with the fission-track age. Zircon grains containing no spontaneous (fossil) tracks are regarded as part of the normal population of comagmatic grains because maximum ages calculated for these grains form a population that mimics the distribution of ages of individual zircon grains that contain fossil tracks; modal ages of both groups fall between 250,000 and 500,000 yr. Induced fission tracks from grains that lack fossil tracks are included in the age calculations, resulting in significantly younger and more coherent dates than would result if these tracks had been omitted, especially those of the finer-grained distal samples.
CRYSTAL SEEDING BY SALIVARY CALCULUS AND ITS INHIBITION IN VITRO.

Abstract A microscopic study was made of the crystallization of calcium phosphate on calculus in vitro and its inhibition by certain chemicals. To induce crystallization, human calculus was smeared on microscopic slides. These were incubated in a physiologic metastable calcifying solution and stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Needle and rod shaped crystals formed about central calculus particles after 24 hr and increased in amount during a 6-day experimental period. Octacalcium phosphate was identified in the crystals and the calculus by X-ray diffraction analysis. Neutral solutions of the following were screened for their capacity to inhibit crystal seeding by the calculus: distilled water, magnesium chloride, ammonium oxalate, barium chloride, nickel chloride, sodium stearate, sodium tartrate, glycerine, sodium-β-glycerophosphate, thiamine pyrophosphate, adenosine diphosphate. Crystal seeding by the calculus was inhibited by sodium-β-glycerophosphate, thiamine pyrophosphate, and adenosine diphosphate, when employed both as a pretreatment for 24 hr and as a mixture with the calcifying solution. Crystallization was not affected by pretreatment with the other chemicals.
Use of a Quiet Room on an Inpatient Unit

Abstract Removal to a quiet room is a commonly used behavioral technique to reduce aggressive and disruptive behaviors and decrease sensory stimuli in the management of children on inpatient psychiatric units. The use of the quiet room by nursing staff was systematically examined in a series of psychiatrically disturbed preadolescent children on an inpatient unit. The results indicate that the frequency and time spent in the quiet room decrease significantly over time during hospitalization and that the majority of the episodes involve voluntary self-seclusion. Furthermore, in the majority of the episodes the patients were quiet, and in half of the episodes they were able to explain the reason for quiet room usage. Results suggest that the quiet room may be a useful, therapeutic management tool that enhances self-control in children with serious psychiatric disturbances.
Increased ferritin synthesis and release by Hodgkin's disease peripheral blood lymphocytes

Peripheral blood lymphocytes from patients with all stages of untreated Hodgkin's disease and from normal healthy adults were shown to synthesize and release ferritin in vitro. Ferritin synthesis was confirmed by immunoelectrophoresis, double immunodiffusion and autoradiography. Hodgkin's disease lymphocytes synthesized ferritin 4.2 times faster and released it 2.4 times faster than did normal lymphocytes, whereas total protein synthesis was faster in normal lymphocytes. Patients with nodular sclerosis and perhaps those with absence of fever had the highest synthetic rates; however no relationship was observed between relative rates of lymphocyte ferritin synthesis and sex, age, anatomical stage and presence of splenic or hepatic involvement by tumor. Addition of iron to normal human lymphocytes produced little or no change in ferritin synthesis. These data indicate that part of the intracellular ferritin detected in peripheral blood lymphocytes from patients with Hodgkin's disease and from normal individuals resulted from de novo synthesis rather than from uptake and storage of serum ferritin, and suggests that elevated ferritin levels detected in the serum and tumor tissue of Hodgkin's disease patients originate from lymphocytes.
Statistical Methods in Reacting Turbulent Flows

Modern combustion theory often finds it necessary to take into account fluctuations in velocity, composition and thermodynamic state variables of a reacting flow system. Methods for doing this have been intensively explored, especially over the past decade. It has been found that reactive flows pose exceptionally difficult problems for moment methods of analysis. The alternative of a probability density function description is now developed sufficiently for its potential to be assessed. The possibilities of a mixed description, partially by moment formulation and partially by probability density functions, have also been explored.
Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Staging : A Systematic Review and Metaanalysis

Abstract Background:Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is a minimally invasive alternative technique for mediastinal staging of non-small cell lung cancer. A metaanalysis was performed to estimate the diagnostic accuracy of EUS-FNA for staging mediastinal lymph nodes (N2/N3 disease) in patients with lung cancer. Methods:Relevant studies were identified using Medline (1966 to November 2005), CINAHL, and citation indexing. Included studies used histology or adequate clinical follow-up (> 6 months) as the "gold standard," and provided sufficient data for calculating sensitivity and specificity. Summary receiver operating characteristic curves metaanalysis was performed to estimate the pooled sensitivity and specificity. Results:In 18 eligible studies, EUS-FNA identified 83% of patients (95% confidence interval [CI], 78 to 87%) with positive mediastinal lymph nodes (pooled sensitivity) and 97% of patients (95% CI, 96 to 98%) with negative mediastinal lymph nodes (pooled specificity). In eight studies that were limited to patients who had abnormal mediastinal lymph nodes seen on CT scans, the sensitivity was 90% (95% CI, 84 to 94%) and the specificity was 97% (95% CI, 95 to 98%). In patients without abnormal mediastinal lymph nodes seen on CT scans (four studies), the pooled sensitivity was 58% (95% CI, 39 to 75%). Minor complications were reported in 10 cases (0.8%). There were no major complications. Conclusions:EUS-FNA is a safe modality for the invasive staging of lung cancer that is highly sensitive when used to confirm metastasis to mediastinal lymph nodes seen on CT scans. In addition, among lung cancer patients with normal mediastinal adenopathy seen on CT scans, despite lower sensitivity, it has the potential to prevent unnecessary surgery in a large proportion of cases missed by CT scanning.
Preparation of soluble immune response suppressor and macrophage- -derived suppressor factor.

Abstract Concanavalin A-activated murine suppressor T cells act via the mediator, soluble immune response suppressor (SIRS) which non-specifically suppresses IgM and IgG antibody responses to a variety of antigens, cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses and proliferative responses to alloantigens and mitogens in vitro. SIRS is a protein with an apparent MW of 45,000–55,000; the target of SIRS is the macrophage (Mo). Mo following treatment with SIRS release a second factor, Mo-derived suppressor factor (Mo-SF), which is directly responsible for the observed suppression of responses. Moreover, Mo-SF appears to be modified SIRS by all criteria used to date; Mo-SF can be obtained by reacting SIRS with low concentrations of H2O2 in the absence of Mo. Thus, Mo appear to serve only as a source of H2O2 and the mechanism of Mo-SF action appears to have an oxidative basis. Mo-SF activity is lost following treatment with sulfhydryl reagents such as 2-mercaptoethanol, dithiothreitol or cysteine, reducing agents such as NaBH4 and a variety of peroxidase substrates such as pyrogallol, phenylenediamine, and ascorbic acid. Additionally, Mo-SF-mediated inhibition can be reversed by high concentrations of 2-mercaptoethanol or dithiothreitol under appropriate conditions. Since Mo-SF appears to be modified SIRS, oxidized by peroxide, and not a distinct second mediator produced by Mo in response to SIRS, we propose eliminating the term Mo-SF and using SIRSox to denote the active form of SIRS produced either by the SIRS-H2O2 reaction or SIRS-treated Mo.
Classical approximation for the change of polarization in potential scattering

This paper gives the classical approximation for the change of polarization of a relativistic particle scattered by a central force. It is shown that the polarization precesses about the angular momentum and the problem of finding the total precession angle is reduced to a quadrature. The range of validity of the approximation is discussed and the classical results are compared with the quantum-mechanical results for the Coulomb scattering of a Dirac particle with normal magnetic moment.
The Collapse of Constitutional Originalism and the Rise of the Notion of the “Living Constitution” in the Course of American State-Building

In constitutional studies, the topic of “original intent” is typically treated as a debate within normative constitutional theory about the most appropriate way for interpreters to orient themselves to the text of the Constitution. The central question is whether American constitutionalism, properly understood, obligates interpreters to base decisions on what the framers had in mind when they wrote the Constitution or whether it obligates interpreters to adapt general constitutional principles to changing circumstances or more enlightened sensibilities. Originalism views interpretation as a matter of decoding a set of specific instructions but runs the risk that our institutional arrangements and conceptions of justice will be inappropriately tied to the antiquated experiences and prejudices of generations long gone – what Corwin referred to as “rotting structures” or “discarded” and “unworkable” theories. Non-originalism, or some notion of the “living Constitution,” encourages judges to keep the Constitution relevant for contemporary concerns and purposes but runs the risk that this will lead them to enforce a version of the fundamental law that was never formally authorized by the people.
Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma as a Complication of Combined β-Agonist and Ipratropium Bromide Therapy in the Emergency Department

Acute angle-closure glaucoma is an uncommon complication of inhaled ipratropium bromide therapy for asthma. All previously reported cases have occurred in hospitalized patients receiving continuing nebulized therapy. A 66-year-old woman with asthma returned to the emergency department with bilateral acute angle-closure glaucoma less than 48 hours after successful treatment with nebulized albuterol sulfate and ipratropium bromide given by metered-dose inhaler. Acute angle-closure glaucoma occurring after ipratropium bromide use is believed to result from local ophthalmic effects attributable to topical absorption instead of systemic action. Greater awareness of this complication and suggested preventive measures may lessen morbidity.
Differential Expression of Voltage-Gated K+ Channel Genes in Left Ventricular Remodeled Myocardium After Experimental Myocardial Infarction

Left ventricular (LV) remodeling after experimental myocardial infarction (MI) is associated with hypertrophy of noninfarcted myocardium and electrophysiological alterations. We have recently shown that post-MI hypertrophied LV myocytes have prolonged action potential duration (APD) and generate triggered activity from early afterdepolarizations. The prolonged APD was attributed to decreased density of the two outward K+ currents, I(to)-fast (I(to)-f) and I(to)-slow (I(to)-s), rather than changes in the density and/or kinetics of the L-type Ca2+ current. The changes in ionic current density may be related to alterations in the expression and levels of ion channel proteins. To test this hypothesis, rats underwent either left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) ligation (post-MI group [n = 10]) or sham surgery (sham group [n = 10]). Three weeks later transcripts from the noninfarcted LV myocardium in the post-MI group (n = 6) and LV myocardium of the sham group (n = 6) were analyzed by RNase protection assay. Expressions of five K+ channel subunit mRNAs (Kv1.2, Kv1.4, Kv1.5, Kv2.1, and Kv4.2) reported in the rat ventricle were analyzed. Compared with the sham group, expressions of Kv1.4, Kv2.1 (putative I(to)-s), and Kv4.2 (putative I(to)-f) channel subunit mRNAs were significantly decreased by 60% (P < .03), 54% (P < .005), and 53% (P < .002), respectively, in the post-MI group. There was no significant change in the Kv1.2 and Kv1.5 mRNA levels. Western blotting demonstrated a similar decrease in the Kv2.1 and Kv4.2 immunoreactive protein levels (43% [P < .03] and 67% [P < .003], respectively [n = 4]) and no significant change in Kv1.5 immunoreactive protein level. Our results strongly correlate with the electrophysiological findings in this model and show that transcriptional regulation in the post-MI remodeled rat LV is distinct for each voltage-gated K+ channel subunit. These findings provide, at least in part, the molecular basis for the electrophysiological alterations observed in this model.
Truancy Interventions: A Review of the Research Literature

Objectives: This article presents a systematic review of the literature on evaluative studies of truancy interventions. Method: Included studies evaluating truancy interventions appearing in peer-reviewed academic journals from 1990 to 2007. Findings: In total, 16 studies were assessed. Eight studies used group comparison designs and eight studies used one-group pretest/posttest designs. Studies varied on sample sizes, definitions of truant behavior, focus of interventions, and dependent measures. Conclusions: Six studies produced useful and promising interventions including contingency management, school reorganization, punitive measures, community partnerships, and family-oriented activities. The substantial methodological shortcomings, inconsistent definitions, and lack of replication demonstrate a need for more and better evaluation studies to provide a more definitive knowledge base to guide effective truancy interventions for practitioners.
Biosensor Based Video Game Control for Physically Disabled Gamers

PC-based video games are commonly controlled through a combination of pointing device and keyboard input. Although this conventional type of interface has a long history of successful implementation, a small group of people remains excluded due to accessibility issues. This is unfortunate, because virtual environment immersion can provide great benefits to people suffering from temporary or permanent physical disabilities. This work describes the development of a novel human-computer interface system that incorporates biosensors in order to replace conventional input devices. It will engage this group of overlooked users by addressing and eliminating the previously mentioned accessibility issues. In this system, the input from an eye-tracking device will be used to replace on-screen pointing, and a data-glove will be used to replace keyboard input for in-game navigation and interaction. It is expected that previously limiting physical conditions will be eliminated by the system’s effective, effortless, and pleasant interaction control implications.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
THE IMMUNOLOGICAL SPECIFICITY OF STAPHYLOCOCCI : II. THE CHEMICAL NATURE OF THE SOLUBLE SPECIFIC SUBSTANCES.

1. Two carbohydrates have been extracted from different strains of Staphylococcus which are immunologically and chemically distinct. 2. The chemical differences between the two types are manifested principally in optical rotation, and in the simple sugars resulting from hydrolytic cleavage of the specific carbohydrates. 3. The immunological specificity of both polysaccharides is dissipated as hydrolysis proceeds. 4. The results of the chemical reactions reported are discussed.
Metal-Insulator Transition and Giant Negative Magnetoresistance in Amorphous Magnetic Rare Earth Silicon Alloys.

Large negative magnetoresistance and anomalous magnetic properties are found in amorphous Si doped with magnetic rare earth ions near the metal-insulator transition. The resistivity below 50 K rises orders of magnitude above that of comparable composition nonmagnetic alloys and is strongly reduced by a magnetic field. Magnetization measurements show noninteracting moments at high temperature which develop antiferromagnetic interactions below 50 K. We suggest that these results are due to formation below 50 K of a dense concentration of magnetic polarons which localize conduction electrons.
Non-destructive evaluation of delamination in ceramic thin films on metal substrates by scanning electron microscopy

Abstract A novel technique based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has been used to estimate the amount of delamination in thin ceramic ‘splats’ obtained by quenching from the liquid state on metal substrates. It is in the nature of these severely quenched materials to crack heavily and delaminate at crack edges. SEM images of the splats exhibit a contrast delineating the decohered regions of the splat. Insulating thin films on metal substrates exhibit a composite conductivity that is dependent on contact at the interface. The influence of spatially varying conductivity on charging in the insulating film causes variations in the emission current intensities used for generating images. Analysis of image contrast provides a non-destructive measure of delamination.
Hemolymph concentrations of host ecdysteroids are strongly suppressed in precocious prepupae of Trichoplusia ni parasitized and pseudoparasitized by Chelonus near curvimaculatus.

Regulation of ecdysteroid production in lepidopteran prepupae was studied using a parasitic wasp (C. near curvimaculatus) which specifically suppresses host prepupal ecdysteroid production after the induction of precocious host metamorphosis. At the developmental stage at which the hemolymph of the unparasitized metamorphosing host has its maximum titer of prepupal ecdysteroids, the hemolymph of 4th instar “truly parasitized” hosts (hosts with a surviving endoparasite) had a strongly reduced ecdysteroid titer. However, during the photophase about 12 h later, just prior to emergence of the parasite larva, an ecdysteroid peak was observed in the host hemolymph. Fourth instar pseudoparasitized prepupal hosts (in which the endoparasite was not present or died early in development) exhibited a sustained suppression in the hemolymph ecdysteroid titer. Small 5th instar pseudoparasitized hosts, which normally would molt to a 6th instar prior to metamorphosis, but which precociously attained the prepupal stage, also had a strongly reduced ecdysteroid titer. The late increase observed in truly parasitized hosts could be completely prevented by surgical removal of the parasite 24 h earlier, resulting in a titer similar to that in pseudoparasitized hosts. HPLC analysis of ecdysteroids in normal, truly parasitized, and 4th or 5th instar pseudoparasitized prepupae showed that both ecdysone and 20-OH ecdysone1 were suppressed in truly and pseudoparasitized prepupae, with ecdysteroid levels being lowest in pseudoparasitized hosts. These data, and those of Brown and Reed-Larsen (Biol Contr 1, 136[1992]), showing endoparasite secretion of ecdysteroids just prior to its emergence from the host, strongly indicate that: (1) the prepupal peak in truly parasitized hosts originates from the endoparasite, and (2) the low level of ecdysteroids in pseudoparasitized hosts results from the host's intrinsic inability to express a normal level of prepupal ecdysteroid titer. While precocious 4th or 5th instar prepupae of similar size had similarly suppressed ecdysteroid titers, smaller 4th instar prepupae had a lower ecdysteroid titer than larger, precocious 5th instar prepupae. Rare 5th instar pseudoparasitized prepupae that were of nearly normal size showed a prepupal ecdysteroid titer distinctly greater than those of the usual smaller, precocious 5th instar prepupae. The data suggest that the competence of the host to express a normal hemolymph titer of prepupal ecdysteroids is more closely correlated with the size of the prepupae than with the instar attained. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Hemodynamic effects of N-acetylprocainamide in heart disease

In six normal subjects and 6 patients with primary cardiomyopathy, left ventricular performance was evaluated at rest and during isometric handgrip exercise after 4 days of oral N-acetylprocainamide (NAPA) at each of the three dosage levels (3, 4, 5, and 6 gm/day). Changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and echocardiographic performance indices were noted during isometric exercise, but no effect of NAPA could be demonstrated. In five additional patients with ventricular dysrhythmias due to cardiac diseases, NAPA was given by vein until dysrhythmias were controlled and then a maintenance infusion was continued for 48 hr. Continuous ECG recordings showed excellent dysrhythmia control in four of the five patients, but no effect of NAPA on heart rate, blood pressure, mean pulmonary artery pressure, mean pulmonary artery wedge pressure, or cardiac output was demonstrated, either at the peak of initial infusion (serm NAPA 27 +/- 6.7 microgramsm/ml) or at steady state during the maintenance infusion (16 +/- 4.5 microgramm/ml). We conclude that NAPA by vein and mouth in clinically appropriate doses should be safe in patients with the reduced left ventricular performance due to cardiac disease.
Cross-poling textures in a lead zirconate titanate piezoelectric material

Tetragonal ferroelectric materials are polarized to induce the anisotropy necessary for the piezoelectric effect. This poling of the material is inherently an orientation process. Pole figure texture measurements of poling and cross-poling in a lead zirconate titanate Navy VI material show domain motion. The resulting axisymmetric and three-dimensional textures demonstrate the contribution of 90 degree sign domain motion to piezoelectricity. Cross-poling results in strong orientations with lower applied fields than in the initial poling steps. (c) 2000 Materials Research Society.
The effect of graded hypertonia on interstitial volume, tissue resistance and synaptic transmission in rat hippocampal tissue slices

Abstract Rat hippocampal slices were exposed for 30 min to each of three levels of increased osmolarity (π o ), achieved by adding 25, 50 or 100 mM mannitol to the bathing solution. The interstitial volume (ISV) determined as the relative volume of dilution of the probe ion, tetra-methyl-ammonium (TMA + ), increased markedly, indicating cell shrinkage. Tissue resistance ( R o ) decreased only slightly with increasing π o . The discrepancy between ISV increase and R o decrease suggests increased electrical resistance of cell membranes. TMA + dilution appears to be a more reliable measure of ISV than is R o During recovery from hypertonic treatment the previously expanded ISV frequently shrank, suggesting post-hypertonic cell swelling. Hypertonic treatment significantly depressed orthodromically transmitted population spikes and extracellular synaptic potentials (fEPSPs), and the degree of depression varied with the increase in π o . Changing recording condition due to reduced R o could not account for the depression of population spikes and fEPSPs. Following return to normal π o , orthodromic population spikes frequently overshot initial control amplitude. An isolated episode of spreading depression occurred in about half of the slices following exposure to the most severely hypertonic solution. At the end of 2.5 h recovery, orthodromic spikes did not significantly differ from those of untreated control slices observed for the same length of time. We conclude that synaptic transmission is depressed by elevation of π o and the depression is concentration dependent and reversible.
Of Shrimps and Spirit Possession:Toward a Political Ecology of Resource Management in Northern Madagascar

I present a case of ntual innovation and spirit possession in northern Madagascar that builds on Rappaport's interests in the systemic nature of human-environmental interactions, the relationship between the various levels of political scale, and the interaction between meaning and material relations. I go beyond his formulations in questioning concepts of homeostasis and dynamic equilibrium, and instead propose to understand perturbations as inherent in a system and a source of systemic transformation. In this analysis, I place ecological relations and ritual within an explicitly political framework and examine the processes of social and material change. In drawing on the concept of cognized models, I also illustrate how historical memory and ritual enactments provide ideological frameworks for negotiating control over the use and management of the environment, [ecosystem, political ecology. Madagascar, spirit possession, ritual]
Silence Is Not Golden A Case for Socially Shared Retrieval-Induced Forgetting

The present research explored the effect of selective remembering and the resulting "silences" on memory. In particular, we examined whether unmentioned information is more likely to be forgotten by a listener if related information is recollected by the speaker than if related information is not recollected by the speaker. In a modification of the retrieval-induced forgetting paradigm, pairs of individuals studied material, but in the practice phase, only one member of each pair selectively recalled it, while the other listened. Experiment 1 employed paired associates, and Experiment 2 used stories. Experiment 3 involved not controlled practice, but free-flowing conversation. In each case, results from a final memory test established not only within-individual retrieval-induced forgetting, but also socially shared retrieval-induced forgetting. The results demonstrate that listening to a speaker remember selectively can induce forgetting of related information in the listener.
Leptin: The Weight‐reducing Plasma Protein Encoded by the Obese Gene

Leptin, the protein encoded by the recently cloned obese gene, has the properties of a hormone released by adipose tissue, regulating appetite and energy expenditure. Injected leptin reduces body weight and food intake in mice, and in obese, diabetic mice (with a mutated obese gene), it also reduces plasma insulin and glucose. Leptin release is stimulated by insulin; leptin appears to act on the hypothalamus by inhibiting the release of the neuropeptide Y.
Strain-rate and grain-size effect on substructures and mechanical properties in OFHC copper during tension

The combined effect of grain size (recrystallized grains of 34, 86, 105 and 128 Μm) and strain rate (0.01, 0.05, 0.25, 2.5 and 5 min−1) on the evolution of dislocation substructures and mechanical properties in oxygen-free high conductivity (OFHC) copper during room-temperature tensile testing has been studied. Under identical conditions of deformation, the flow stress values for smaller grain size were higher than those for larger grain sizes with the exception in the case of 86 Μm which has been attributed to the inhomogeneous substructural developments in the microstructures. The cell size decreases monotonically with increase in per cent strain indicating no signs of cell size saturation. The effect of strain rate on the development of dislocation substructures at constant strain is such that the cell size decreases initially but increases with further increase in strain rate for smaller grain sizes of 34 and 86 Μm while a reverse trend has been observed for larger grain sizes of 105 and 128 Μm. A graph of the cell size strengthening coefficient, k, and the strain rate shows three distinct stages in the curves for different grain sizes.
Infrasonic wave generation by aurora

Abstract A comparison of the characteristics of auroral infrasonic waves (AIW) in the passband from 10 to 100 sec. period is given for trans-auroral zone stations. The morphology of 2 Hz auroral infrasound observed at Kiruna, Sweden is described. An important asymmetry in the generation of AIW bow waves, with respect to poleward or equatorward motion of auroral electrojet arcs, is shown to be related to the morphology of the ionospheric E-region electric field during an auroral substorm. Auroral radar studies of AIW source arcs are presented. Incoherent scatter radar observations of electron density profiles of auroral arcs are used to describe the differences in arcs that do or do not produce AIW in an attempt to explain the asymmetry in AIW generation by supersonic auroral arcs. An infinite line-current induction model of an auroral electrojet moving transverse to its axis above a conducting earth is used to determine the relationship of an AIW to the surface magnetic perturbation produced by the electrojet. The role of the auroral electrojet in AIW production is discussed in a study of polar magnetic substorms wherein westward traveling auroral surges and the eastern ends of westward auroral electrojets were found to be strong sources of AIW. Theoretical work on the generation of AIW's is reviewed and evaluated with respect to the observed characteristics of AIW substorms. Lorentz force and Joule heat are discussed as probable source terms for the production of the acoustic energy within an auroral electrojet. The important unsolved problems in understanding auroral infrasound are outlined.
Effects of sample geometry on interelement quantitation in laser microprobe mass spectrometry

Abstract The effects of sample geometry on elemental quantification by laser microprobe mass spectrometry using the relative sensitivity factor (RSF) approach are addressed. Experiments are described that were conducted to optimize the laser and spectrometer conditions to achieve the best ion intensity characteristics for quantitative analysis. Data were collected under identical laser and spectrometer conditions from three sample geometries (thin film, spheres, and shards) bearing the same nominal elemental glass composition. The absolute elemental signal intensities and calculated RSFs are compared. The best precision for all elements, 16–29%, is achieved for the thin film sample for RSFs referenced to barium. For particles, the precision is, at best, 20–40%, with an accuracy of a factor of two, for elements with low ionization potentials referenced to other elements with low ionization potentials. The non-planar particle geometries result in variations in laser focus, power density and analytical volume which hinder quantification.
Application of low-temperature glassy carbon-coated macrofibers for solid-phase microextraction analysis of simulated breath volatiles.

With increasing interest in the detection of disease-related volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in human breath, breath analysis could prove to be a very useful diagnostic tool, especially for the early detection of lung cancer. Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) is a technique well suited for breath analysis and has been applied to studying VOCs in the nanomolar concentration range. However, many compounds of interest in human breath are excreted at picomolar concentrations and may be unsuitable for analysis using conventional SPME sorbent phases. To extend the concentration range of conventional SPME, a novel 4-cm-long, low-temperature glassy carbon (LTGC) macrofiber was developed. The LTGC SPME macrofibers were used to extract five lung cancer-related VOCs (2-methylheptane, styrene, propylbenzene, decane, undecane) at conditions simulating human breath, and they were analyzed via gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Results show that detection limits are lower using the SPME macrofibers compared ...
Merging imagery and models for river current prediction

To meet the challenge of operating in river environments with denied access and to improve the riverine intelligence available to the warfighter, advanced high resolution river circulation models are combined with remote sensing feature extraction algorithms to produce a predictive capability for currents and water levels in rivers where a priori knowledge of the river environment is limited. A River Simulation Tool (RST) is developed to facilitate the rapid configuration of a river model. River geometry is extracted from the automated processing of available imagery while minimal user input is collected to complete the parameter and forcing specifications necessary to configure a river model. Contingencies within the RST accommodate missing data such as a lack of water depth information and allow for ensemble computations. Successful application of the RST to river environments is demonstrated for the Snohomish River, WA. Modeled currents compare favorably to in-situ currents reinforcing the value of the developed approach.© (2011) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Rapid Diagnosis of Candidiasis and Aspergillosis

Published studies support the hypothesis that at least two antigens of Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis circulate in the bloodstream of patients with severe candidiasis. One antigen (probably mannan) is stabile and the other (probably protein) is labile. The stabile antigen can rarely be detected without prior dissociation from antibody. Dissociation treatment destroys the labile antigen, leaving in doubt whether any is antibody bound. Dissociation steps have also been necessary for detection of Aspergillusfumigatus antigen in sera from patients with invasive aspergillosis. Concentrations of the stabile antigens of both Candida and Aspergillus appear to be in the nanogram-per-milliliter range, generally lying at the limits of detection by conventional assays. Improvements in sensitivity and practicality are needed, but the tests are clearly promising.
Effects of a new injectable short-term release deslorelin in foal-heat mares

Abstract Mares treated with subcutaneous deslorelin implants on the first postpartum estrus early in the breeding season had significant reductions in the number of large follicles at early pregnancy examinations and delayed return to estrus (in mares that failed to become pregnant); these adverse effects were attributed to a prolonged release of the drug from the implant. In 2003, an injectable short-term release ( n =17; 1.5 mg injectable short-term release deslorelin, or Treatment 2, n =16; Control (no treatment). The schedule allowed accurate determination of the number of mares ovulating within 2 days of treatment (i.e., ovulations detected on Thursday or Saturday). Mares were mated on the day of treatment and at 2-day intervals until either ovulation was confirmed or until behavioral estrus ceased. Transrectal ultrasonography was done 14–15 days after ovulation to assess ovarian follicles and pregnancy status. Fewer covers were required and more mares ovulated within 2 days of treatment in deslorelin-treated versus Control mares ( P P >0.10), suggesting follicular suppression did not occur with this formulation of deslorelin.
Validation of a Diagnostic Protocol Used to Identify Intimate Partner Violence in the Emergency Department Setting

PURPOSE: To assess the internal validity of a diagnostic protocol developed to facilitate the identification of women with intimate partner violence (IPV)-related injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a cross-sectional study design, we enrolled a sample of female subjects presenting to the emergency department for treatment of injuries with non-verifiable etiologies. The study sample was divided randomly into index and validation sets. The index set was used to develop the diagnostic protocol, and the validation set was used to assess the protocol's internal validity. The predictor study variable was risk for IPV-related injury (ie, high or low). The outcome variable was self-report of injury etiology (IPV or other etiology). Appropriate univariate, bivariate, and multivariate statistics were computed, including estimates of sensitivity, specificity, and relative risk. Goodness of fit of the diagnostic protocol was estimated with the Hosmer-Lemeshow statistic. For all analyses, P Language: en
Effect of freezing and storage at -20 C on survival of mastitis pathogens.

Abstract Nine cultures of Staphylococcus aureus, 19 of Staphylococcus epidermidis, 9 of Streptococcus agalactiae, and 10 of other streptococci were selected to determine if storage at −20C would significantly decrease pathogens in mastitie milk. Staphylococci and other streptococci did not decrease significantly during 70 days of storage whereas S. agalactiae decreased significantly. During the first 14 days of storage, however, S. agalactiae did not decrease significantly. Mastitie milks can be held up to 14 days at −20C without endangering the isolation of staphylococci or streptococci.
Limitations of 3-phenylpropionylglycine in early screening for medium-chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency

Screening for medium-chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency by urinary 3-phenylproplonylglycine may not be reliable in early infancy because young infants are not colonized with adult-type colonic flora. In this study we delineated the microbes that produce 3-phenylpropionic acid, the precursor of 3-phenylpropionylglycine. We found that the use of some antibiotics may alter gut flora, thereby confounding this method of screening for MCAD deficiency.
Phase contrast flow visualization

The properties and elementary theory of the method of phase contrast are discussed with respect to quantitative gas flow visualization. A more detailed diffraction theory of phase contrast that predicts the nonlinearities of the method such as image differentiation, halos, and fringes is outlined. This diffraction theory is implemented computationally using discrete Fourier transform techniques, and several examples are discussed. Some experimental results, obtained with a phase contrast system and several flows, are shown.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF TONIC AND PHASIC MUSCLE FIBER RESPONSES TO A SOLUBLE RELAXING FACTOR.

Abstract 1. 1. A soluble relaxing substance has been obtained from tonic and phasic skeletal muscles by differentia; centrifugation. 2. 2. The activity of the factors was not affected by filtering through a 400 A Millipore filter, the presence of 2 mM deoxycholate and 2 mM calcium ions. 3. 3. The rate and extent of relaxation of single glycerinated fibers of the two muscle types were measured. 4. 4. The relaxation of phasic and tonic fibers is shown to depend on the concentration of the soluble relaxing factor. 5. 5. Cross experiments indicate that tonic muscles contain a soluble relaxing substance, but in lesser amounts than phasic muscles. Furthermore, the contractile machinery of the tonic muscles differs somewhat from that of the phasic muscles with respect to the response to the soluble relaxing factor.
Exploring the Impact of Classified Staff Interactions on Student Retention: A Multiple Case Study Approach

This multiple case study explored classified staff interactions with students as a possible strategy for increasing student success. Individual interviews, observations, and a focus group with support staff were used to investigate their interactions with students, their view of these interactions, and their expectations of students. Findings showed classified staff members enhance the educational process by empowering students with information, offering individual support, and holding students accountable. Interactions with classified staff appear to have a positive impact on the student experience. The authors recommend increasing institutional support of classified staff in order to enhance student success. Future research focusing on how students perceive the impact of classified staff interactions is also suggested.