cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of the Cu-O chain in YBa2Cu3O7−δ: Emission Mössbauer studies

The dynamics of the Cu-O chain in YBa2Cu3O7−δ was investigated by emission Mossbauer spectroscopy, using57Co dopant to microprobe the Cu(1) site. The transformation of the 5-coordinate trigonal-bipyramidal cobalt configuration (species B) to a square-pyramidal one (species C) is induced by the zig-zag motion of the chain. The thermodynamical parameters associated with this conversion were determined, ΔH0=38±5 kJ/mol (0.4 eV) and ΔS0=127±20 J/K. About 40% of species C does not convert into B at all. We suggest that the inconvertible C has a static square-pyramidal configuration at twin-boundaries where the chain motion is damped. In the57Fe-doped compound, the iron atoms form linear clusters, and the Cu-O chain motion and also the B-to-C conversion is retarded in the temperature range 200–350 K. A new minor Co species similar to B (namely, B') is reported, which is presumably situated on the grain boundaries. Its nonmetallic environment is reflected in the relatively large value of isomer shift. The properties of the electric field gradient tensor at major Co(Fe) sites are also discussed.
Effects of 4-nitrophenol on H2 and CO levels in anaerobic propionate systems

Abstract Parameters used for anaerobic process control include volatile acids, COD, gas volume and composition. Measuring headspace trace gases (hydrogen and carbon monoxide) are becoming more common in anaerobic research. For economy, it is important to know whether a single parameter (hydrogen, carbon monoxide or volatile acids) can be sufficient for process control. In this research, 4-nitrophenol (4-Np) inhibited, anaerobic, propionate fed, chemostats were used to study the limitation of using (i) headspace hydrogen (or carbon monoxide) or (ii) effluent volatile acids (acetate and propionate) as monitoring parameters. It was found that hydrogen utilizing methanogens were not affected with up to 66 mg/1 4-Np at 16-day SRT and with up to 33 mg/1 at 10-day SRT. This led to no hydrogen accumulation even though acetate and propionate accumulated significantly showing inhibition of both propionate-utilizing acetogens and acetate-utilizing methanogens. This shows that hydrogen measurements alone would be misleading in this case. Measurement of both volatile acids and hydrogen is recommended unless prior comparative knowledge is available on the effects of a toxicant on propionate-, acetate- and hydrogen-utilizers. CO went up to 3 ppm from 0.8 ppm with a spike of 66 mg/1 4-Np at 16-day SRT. In most cases CO was not very useful as a monitoring parameter.
Shear in C0 and C1 ending finite elements

Abstract The Kirchhoff assumption in thin elastic plates results in a biharmonic equation for the lateral deflection and a C 1 deflection field is therefore required in the finite element method for their approximate solution. By considering the thin plate as a three dimensional solid and by discarding the Kirchhoff assumption, the continuity requirement for the displacements is reduced to C 0 . The stiffness matrix produced in this way becomes, however, violently ill-conditioned as the thickness t of the structure is reduced. It is shown here that the factor 1/t 2 causing this ill-conditioning can be removed from the stiffness matrix and consequently from its condition number by relating the thickness t to the diameter of the element h, without losing the rate of convergence provided by the degree of the shape functions inside the element. This is used here to construct a well-conditioned 9-degrees-of-freedom plate bending element which is only C 0 but which converges quadratically to the C 1 solution (Kirchhoff solution) of thin plates. Addition of shear to C 1 elements is also considered.
The Warming of the California Current System: Dynamics and Ecosystem Implications

Abstract Long-term changes in the observed temperature and salinity along the southern California coast are studied using a four-dimensional space–time analysis of the 52-yr (1949–2000) California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CalCOFI) hydrography combined with a sensitivity analysis of an eddy-permitting primitive equation ocean model under various forcing scenarios. An overall warming trend of 1.3°C in the ocean surface, a deepening in the depth of the mean thermocline (18 m), and increased stratification between 1950 and 1999 are found to be primarily forced by large-scale decadal fluctuations in surface heat fluxes combined with horizontal advection by the mean currents. After 1998 the surface heat fluxes suggest the beginning of a period of cooling, consistent with colder observed ocean temperatures. Salinity changes are decoupled from temperature and appear to be controlled locally in the coastal ocean by horizontal advection by anomalous currents. A cooling trend of –0.5°C in SST is...
Midforceps deliveries: long-term outcome of infants

Infants delivered by midforceps between 1976 and 1982 were evaluated for evidence of developmental delay or neurological deficit by chart review. The 110 infants who were followed for at least 2 years were compared to a matched group of infants delivered by cesarean section. The cesarean section group was matched for the immediate indication for delivery (dystocia or fetal distress), birth weight, gestational age, sex, and race. There was no significant difference in abnormal outcomes in the two groups.
Developmental trends in the understanding of perceptual adaptation

In the first of three studies, kindergartners, third graders, and sixth graders were questioned to determine whether they comprehend five types of perceptual adaptation or contrast effects. The results indicated little consistency among kindergartners, but there were strong improvements by the third-grade level, and at the sixth-grade level almost all of the children were showing perfect performance, demonstrating comprehension of the five forms of perceptual adaptation. In the second and third studies, children and adults were placed in a situation in which adaptation to temperature and weight could occur, and they were asked to predict subsequent perceptions. Correct performance in these studies generally occurred at later ages than in Study 1 with even college students showing incorrect performance in some cases. However, the age trends shifted quite markedly depending upon the nature and structure of the task. The results were consistent with a theory stressing the relation of early formed schemas in the form of memory traces of experiences to later appearing and more abstract schemas. The results show the importance of studying older children when considering developing theories of mind.
Treatment of open infected wounds

Abstract 1. 1. If a wound becomes infected, all thought of primary union should be abandoned. 2. 2. When a wound heals by second intention it heals from the bottom up. 3. 3. Asepsis is necessary in the treatment of open infected wounds until they become impervious to infection. 4. 4. Comfort, cleanliness and protection are important considerations. 5. 5. Care should be taken that there is free drainage at all times and that the wound heals from the bottom before the epithelium grows across the top. Drains and packing may be necessary to achieve this end.
Synthesis of 6-hydroxymethyl-1,3-dimethyllumazine by rearrangement of the corresponding 6-methyllumazine 5-oxide

Starting with a chloronitrouracil, the synthesis of 1, 3, 6-trimethyllumazine has been achieved. Oxidation to the 5-oxide and subsequent rearrangement gave 6-hydroxymethyl-1, 3-dimethyllumazine. Because of the method of synthesis, the product is uncontaminated with the 7-isomer.
Improved scintigraphic assessment of severe cholestasis with the hepatic extraction fraction.

In previous studies, we found that biliary scintigraphy with technetium-99m-labeled iminodiacetic acid ([99mTc]IDA) provided excellent discrimination between intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholestasis, except in patients with profound cholestasis who had poor visualization of the biliary tree. In this study, we have used deconvolution analysis to determine the hepatic extraction fraction (HEF) of a hypothetical single circulatory pass of[99mTc]IDA. Our hypothesis was that extraction of radionuclide from the blood would be normal in patients with extrahepatic obstruction alone, but would be impaired in patients with intrahepatic disease (IHD). The purpose of this study was to compare the HEF in patients with profound cholestasis (bilirubin≥3.0 mg/dl) due to either IHD or common bile duct obstruction (CBDO). Normal subjects (N=13) had an HEF of 100%. Patients with CBDO (N=13) had slightly reduced HEF values (92.8±3.2%) despite profound hyperbilirubinemia (6.1±1.0 mg/dl). Patients with IHD (N=23) had a markedly reduced HEF (43.1±4.1%) which was significantly lower than patients with CBDO and normal subjects (P<0.001). We conclude that the determination of the HEF during biliary scintigraphy is helpful in distinguishing between intrahepatic and extrahepatic disease in patients with hyperbilirubinemia (bilirubin≥3.0 mg/dl).
Food refusal in an autistic type child treated by a multi-component forced feeding procedure

Abstract A multi-component forced feeding procedure involving shaping, negative reinforcement and the use of preferred foods for positive reinforcement was used to teach a five-year-old autistic type boy to accept a wide variety of foods. Following a baseline during which all solid foods were refused, the treatment within a multiple baseline design led to rapid acceptance of a number of foods in school and then at home. In cases where shaping and positive reinforcement alone are not possible because the child refuses to sample new foods, this forced feeding procedure may lead to significant improvement in eating behavior.
Dependence of the elastomeric properties of bimodal networks on the lengths and amounts of the short chains

Bimodal elastomeric networks were synthesized by tetrafunctionally end-linking very short and relatively long hydroxyl-terminated chains of poly(dimethylsiloxane). Decrease in the molecular weight of the short chains (from 880 to 660 to 460 g mol−1) generally results in significant increases in ultimate strength and energy for rupture. Decrease in the number of short chains, however, causes these two quantities to go through a maximum. Too many short chains gives essentially a brittle thermoset, and this precludes any upturn in the modulus from the limited extensibility of the short chains. Having too few short chains makes their limited extensibility irrelevant since the entire macroscopic deformation can then be taken up by the long chains present in the network.
Heat Release Rate and Induced Wind Field In a Large Scale Fire

Abstract Logging slash on a 486 hectare site in Ontario was burned as part of a Forestry Canadaforest management program.A 100hectareportion of this site was instrumentedbyseveralgroups interested ...
Computationally generated velocity taper for efficiency enhancement in a coupled-cavity traveling-wave tube

A computational routine has been created to generate velocity tapers for efficiency enhancement in coupled-cavity traveling-wave tubes (TWTs). Programmed into the NASA multidimensional large-signal coupled-cavity TWT computer code, the routine generates the gradually decreasing cavity periods required to maintain a prescribed relationship between the circuit phase velocity and the electron-bunch velocity. Computational results for several computer-generated tapers are compared to those for an existing coupled-cavity TWT with a three-step taper. Guidelines are developed for prescribing the bunch-phase profile to produce a taper for high efficiency. The resulting taper provides a calculated RF efficiency 45% higher than the step taper at center frequency and at least 37% higher over the bandwidth. >
A pilot scale treatment process for laying hen manure

Abstract The use of carbonaceous additives to increase handling ease, alter the physical appearance and reduce the pollution potential of animal manures presents itself as an approach to solving many waste management problems. The results of pilot scale studies concerned with the addition of wood shavings to laying hen manure indicate that the resulting product is storable and has an altered appearance.
Defective prodynorphin processing in mice lacking prohormone convertase PC2.

Abstract: Prodynorphin, a multifunctional precursor of several important opioid peptides, is expressed widely in the CNS. It is processed at specific single and paired basic sites to generate various biologically active products. Among the prohormone convertases (PCs), PC1 and PC2 are expressed widely in neuroendocrine tissues and have been proposed to be the major convertases involved in the biosynthesis of hormonal and neural peptides. In this study we have examined the physiological involvement of PC2 in the generation of dynorphin (Dyn) peptides in mice lacking active PC2 as a result of gene disruption. Enzymological and immunological assays were used to confirm the absence of active PC2 in these mice. The processing profiles of Dyn peptides extracted from brains of these mice reveal a complete lack of Dyn A-8 and a substantial reduction in the levels of Dyn A-17 and Dyn B-13. Thus, PC2 appears to be involved in monobasic processing, leading to the generation of Dyn A-8, Dyn A-17, and Dyn B-13 from prodynorphin under physiological conditions. Brains of heterozygous mice exhibit only half the PC2 activity of wild-type mice; however, the levels of Dyn peptides in these mice are similar to those of wild-type mice, suggesting that a 50% reduction in PC2 activity is not sufficient to significantly reduce prodynorphin processing. The disruption of the PC2 gene does not lead to compensatory up-regulation in the levels of other convertases with similar substrate specificity because we find no significant changes in the levels of PC1, PC5/PC6, or furin in these mice as compared with wild-type mice. Taken together, these results support a critical role for PC2 in the generation of Dyn peptides.
Prophasing of interphase nuclei and induction of nuclear envelopes around metaphase chromosomes in HeLa and Chinese hamster homo- and heterokaryons.

Fusing human HeLa metaphase cells with HeLa interphase cells resulted within 30 min in either of two phenomena in the resultant binucleate cell: either prophasing of the interphase nucleus or formation of a normal-appearing nuclear envelope around the metaphase chromosomes. The frequency of either occurrence was strongly dependent on environmental pH. At pH's of 6.6–8.0, prophasing predominated; at pH 8.5 nuclear envelope formation predominated. Additionally, the frequencies of the two events in multinucleate cells depended on the metaphase/interphase ratio. When the ratio was 0.33 nuclear envelope formation predominated; when it was 2.0 prophasing predominated. In their general features, the results with fused HeLa cells resembled those reported earlier with fused Chinese hamster Don cells. However, the results provided an indication that between pH 6.6 and 8.0 the HeLa metaphase cells possessed a much greater capacity than the Don metaphase cells to induce prophasing. Fusion of Don metaphase cells with HeLa interphase cells or of Don interphase cells with HeLa metaphase cells at pH 8.0 resulted in nuclear envelope formation or prophasing in each kind of heterokaryon. As in the homokaryons, the frequencies of the two events in the heterokaryons depended on the metaphase/interphase ratio. The statistics of prophasing and nuclear envelope formation in the homo- and heterokaryon populations were consistent with the notion that disruption or formation of the nuclear envelope depends on the balance attained between disruptive and formative processes.
Children's reactions to their therapist's pregnancy.

The author treated 14 child patients during her pregnancy. Many of the children were unaware of the pregnancy unless told. Allowing children to discover their therapist's pregnancy has the major disadvantage of failing to adequately prepare them for the separation at the time of delivery.
Line-drawing algorithms for parallel machines

The fact that conventional line-drawing algorithms, when applied directly on parallel machines, can lead to very inefficient codes is addressed. It is suggested that instead of modifying an existing algorithm for a parallel machine, a more efficient implementation can be produced by going back to the invariants in the definition. Popular line-drawing algorithms are compared with two alternatives; distance to a line (a point is on the line if sufficiently close to it) and intersection with a line (a point on the line if an intersection point). For massively parallel single-instruction-multiple-data (SIMD) machines (with thousands of processors and up), the alternatives provide viable line-drawing algorithms. Because of the pixel-per-processor mapping, their performance is independent of the line length orientation. >
Aid Effectiveness – Opening the Black Box

This paper examines the causality chain linking aid flows to development outcomes. It argues that many of the questions policymakers and economists would like data to answer simply cannot be answered due to the complexity and "noise" along links in the chain, and the problem of attribution. It then examines what is known about aid effectiveness along different links in the causality chain. Finally, it turns to recent trends in the way aid is delivered and the new model that appears to be emerging.
Congestive heart failure in patients with coronary artery disease: The gender paradox

To determine whether the increased prevalence of congestive heart failure in women compared with men undergoing diagnostic cardiac catheterization is the result of a difference in the left ventricular pressure/volume relation, we retrospectively compared the clinical characteristics, left ventricular ejection fraction, and end-diastolic pressure and volume in 586 women and 1081 men undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography and left ventriculography. In comparison with men, women were older (63 vs 60 years; p = 0.0001) and had more hypertension (41% vs 31%; p = 0.0001), diabetes (18% vs 12%; p = 0.003), and symptoms of congestive heart failure (13% vs 10%; p = 0.05). In spite of this, women had a better mean left ventricular ejection fraction (61% vs 56%; p = 0.0001) and less prevalent three-vessel disease (23% vs 34%; p = 0.0001). Left ventricular end-diastolic volume index was smaller in women compared with men (73 vs 79 ml/m2; p = 0.0001) in spite of having similar left ventricular end-diastolic pressure. When patients were stratified according to left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, women had a significantly smaller end-diastolic volume than men did when left ventricular end-diastolic pressure was > or = 18 mm Hg (74 vs 86 ml/m2; p = 0.0001). In a multivariate analysis, female sex remained an independent predictor of congestive heart failure (odds ratio 1.72, 95% confidence interval 1.11 to 2.66, p = 0.02). This study suggests that diastolic dysfunction is one mechanism for the paradox of more frequent heart failure symptoms in spite of better preserved left ventricular systolic function in women. Sex appears to influence the pattern of myocardial dysfunction in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease, but the basis for this observation remains speculative.
Solid-surface derivative room-temperature luminescence spectrometry of mixtures

Abstract Derivative solid-surface room-temperature fluorescence and phosphorescence were combined for the identification of components in binary and ternary mixtures of nanogram amounts of nitrogen heterocycles. Direct, and first and second derivative room-temperature phosphorescence excitation, room-temperature fluorescence and room-temperature phosphorescence spectra were used in the identification of the components in the mixtures by matching spectral wavelengths from mixtures with spectral wavelengths from standards. The criteria for matching wavelengths, subtracting background signals and obtaining derivative spectra at the 0.5-ng level are discussed.
Generalisation of affectional responses in rhesus monkeys.

The present study demonstrated the ability of 8 young rhesus monkeys to generalise affectional responses to a surrogate stimulus which differed in size from the original and failed to provide contact-comfort.
Effects of phentermine and cocaine on fenfluramine-induced depletion of serotonin in mouse brain

The combined administration of phentermine and fenfluramine (PHEN/FEN) has been used as a treatment for obesity. Recent evidence suggests that this drug mixture may also be an effective medication for substance abuse disorders, including cocaine dependence. It is well-established that repeated high-dose fenfluramine causes serotonin (5-HT) terminal degeneration in laboratory animals, and no studies have addressed possible interactions between phentermine and fenfluramine. The purpose of the present work was to examine the effect of phentermine coadministration on fenfluramine-induced depletion of 5-HT in mouse forebrain. In addition, because of the potential for cocaine abuse in drug addicts taking PHEN/FEN as a medication, we examined the effects of PHEN/FEN on forebrain 5-HT levels in the presence or absence of cocaine. Fenfluramine (0, 3, 10, 30 mg/kg, s.c. twice daily for 4 days) caused a dose-dependent reduction in forebrain 5-HT without affecting dopamine or norepinephrine. Phentermine coadministration (7 mg/kg, s.c. twice daily for 4 days) did not significantly alter the 5-HT-depleting effect of fenfluramine. Likewise, cocaine (10 mg/kg, i.p.), administered 60 min prior to or 60 min after PHEN/FEN, had no effect on the PHEN/FEN-induced decrease in central 5-HT. The present results indicate that doses of phentermine far above those typically administered to humans do not potentiate the 5-HT-depleting effect of repeated high-dose fenfluramine. Moreover, exposure to cocaine does not significantly alter the long-term neurochemical actions of the PHEN/FEN mixture.
A prospective study of serum soluble CD30 concentration and risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Prediagnostic serum concentration of soluble CD30 (sCD30), a marker for chronic B-cell stimulation, has been associated with increased risk of developing AIDS-related non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in a recent study of HIV(+) patients. To investigate among healthy persons whether serum sCD30 is associated with NHL risk, we carried out a nested case-control study within the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial. There was a strong dose-response relationship between prediagnostic sCD30 concentration and NHL risk among 234 cases and 234 individually matched controls (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] for second, third, and fourth quartiles vs first quartile: 1.4 [0.8-2.6], 2.2 [1.2-4.1], 4.1 [2.2-7.8]; P(trend) < .001), which persisted among cases diagnosed 6 to 10 years after providing a blood sample. Given that a similar relationship has been observed among HIV(+) patients, our findings suggest that chronic B-cell stimulation may be an important mechanism involved in B-cell lymphomagenesis among severely immunocompromised and healthy populations alike.
Buccal Bone Formation After Flapless Extraction: A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial Comparing Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2/Absorbable Collagen Carrier and Collagen Sponge Alone

Background: Flapless extraction of teeth allows for undisturbed preservation of the nearby periosteum and a source of osteoprogenitor cells. Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP-2) has been used for different bone augmentation purposes with great osteoinductive capacity. The aim of this study is to compare the bone regenerative ability of rhBMP-2 on an absorbable collagen sponge (ACS) carrier to a collagen sponge (CS) alone in extraction sites with ≥50% buccal dehiscence.Methods: Thirty-nine patients requiring extraction of a hopeless tooth with ≥50% buccal dehiscence were enrolled. After flapless extraction and randomization, either rhBMP-2/ACS carrier or CS alone was placed in the extraction site. After extraction, a baseline cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan was obtained of the site, and a similar scan was obtained 5 months postoperatively. Medical imaging and viewing software were used to compare the baseline and 5-month postoperative images of the study site and assess ridge ...
Relative immunogenicity and protection potential of candidate Yersinia Pestis antigens against lethal mucosal plague challenge in Balb/C mice

Yersinia Pestis outer proteins, plasminogen activator protease and Yop secretion protein F are necessary for the full virulence of Yesinia pestis and have been proposed as potential protective antigens for vaccines against plague. In the current study, we used DNA immunization as a tool to study the relative protective immunity of these proteins with a standardized intranasal challenge system in mice. While the natural full-length gene sequences for most of these Y. pestis proteins did not display a good level of protein expression in vitro when delivered by a DNA vaccine vector, the overall immunogenicity of these wild type gene DNA vaccines was low in eliciting antigen-specific antibody responses and gene sequence modifications improved both of these parameters. However, even modified YopD, YopO and YscF antigens were only able to partially protect immunized mice at various levels against lethal challenge with Y. pestis KIM 1001 strain while no protection was observed with either the YopB or Pla antigens. These results demonstrate that DNA immunization is effective in screening, optimizing and comparing optimal antigen designs and immunogenicity of candidate antigens for the development of a subunit-based plague vaccine.
EQUATIONS FOR TRANSIENT HEAT TRANSFER IN PACKED BEDS

A table is given of an array of terms from some frequently met infinite double-power series. Each term in the table was derived either from the one below it by an integration with respect to Y or from the one to the left by an integration with respect to Z. By combining groups of terms with equal degree, the sum is e/sup Y+Z/. Some wellknown relations in the field that can be easily proved by stepping left or down in the diagram are given. (P.C.H.)
Target Range and Velocity Measurement to Reduce False Targets in FMCW Automotive Anti-Collision Radar

For frequency modulate continuous wave radar, it is necessary and difficult to search the pairs of beat frequencies in an up-chirp mode and a down-chirp mode t o measure range and velocity of multiple targets. However, the inherent problem of FMCW radar is multiple targets detection. False targets can appearance because of mistaking the combination of these beat frequencies. A novel waveform named double-slope symmetrical saw-tooth wave is proposed and its corresponding algorithm is also introduced to resolve the problem of multiple targets detection for automotive anti-collision radar. Computer simulation results and theoretical analysis prove that the method is effective and practical for multiple targets detection in intelligence transportation system.
NK cell and CTL activities can be raised via conditioning of the CNS with unrelated unconditioned stimuli.

Poly l.C. an inducer of interferon a. and arecoline. a cholinergic muscarinie agonist, were used as unconditioned stimuli in conjunction with camphor odor to condition the augmentation of natural killer (NK) cell and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activities. This observation suggested that two unrelated unconditioned stimuli might be used to associate the signals, and induce mediators at recall that can raise natural killer cell activity. In animals stimulated with an alloantigen to induce CTL. we observed that either poly l:C or arecoline conditioned association, and recall with the same CS raised CTL activity. It appears that conditioning with different substrates can raise either native (NK cell activity) or acquired (CTL activity) immunity. The studies suggest that communication between the CNS and NK cells or CTL appear to take place through a common pathway(s).
Scaling behavior of multiplicity differences in quark-hadron phase transition

Abstract It is proposed that the distribution of multiplicity difference in well-separated bins be studied for multiparticle production in heavy-ion collisions, where the bin multiplicities are too high for the usual intermittency analysis. It is shown that when there is a quark-hadron phase transition describable by the Ginzburg-Landau theory, the normalized factorial moments exhibit a scaling behavior that can be specified by an exponent γ, the numerical value of which is independent of the parameters in the problem. The universality of γ characterizes quark-hadron phase transition, and can be tested directly by appropriately analyzed heavy-ion data.
Williamson's many necessary existents

This note is to show that a well-known point about David Lewis’s (1986) modal realism applies to Timothy Williamson’s (1998; 2002) theory of necessary existents as well.1 Each theory, together with certain “recombination” principles, generates individuals too numerous to form a set. The simplest version of the argument comes from Daniel Nolan (1996).2 Assume the following recombination principle: for each cardinal number, ν, it’s possible that there exist ν nonsets. Then given Lewis’s modal realism it follows that there can be no set of all (that is, Absolutely All) the nonsets. For suppose for reductio that there were such a set, A; let ν be A’s cardinality; and let μ be any cardinal number larger than ν. By the recombination principle, it’s possible that there exist μ nonsets; by modal realism, there exists a possible world containing, as parts, μ nonsets; each of these nonsets is a member of A; so A’s cardinality cannot have been ν. On some conceptions of what sets are, Lewis could simply accept this conclusion. But given the iterative conception of set,3 it seems that there must exist a set of all nonsets.4 According to the iterative conception, sets are “built up” in a series of “stages”. At the rst stage a set is “formed” whose members are all and only the nonsets. At subsequent stages, sets are formed whose members are sets from earlier stages. The sets, on this conception, are all and only those that are formed at some stage or other. Since a set of all the nonsets is formed at the very rst stage, such a set must exist. My main concern here is not to defend this argument, only to show how an analogous argument against Williamson may be constructed. Still, it’s worth noting that the recombination principle on which the argument is premised has a solid intuitive basis. Under the broad sense of ‘possible’ at issue, there should be no arbitrary limits to what’s possible; but any limit to how many nonsets are possible would be arbitrary. It would be strange to say that there could
Neurodegeneration in Glaucoma: Progression and Calcium-Dependent Intracellular Mechanisms

Glaucoma is an age-related optic neuropathy involving sensitivity to ocular pressure. The disease is now seen increasingly as one of the central nervous system, as powerful new approaches highlight an increasing number of similarities with other age-related neurodegenerations such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. While the etiologies of these diseases are diverse, they involve many important common elements including compartmentalized programs of degeneration targeting axons, dendrites and finally cell bodies. Most age-related degenerations display early functional deficits that precede actual loss of neuronal substrate. These are linked to several specific neurochemical cascades that can be linked back to dysregulation of Ca(2+)-dependent processes. We are now in the midst of identifying similar cascades in glaucoma. Here we review recent evidence on the pathological progression of neurodegeneration in glaucoma and some of the Ca(2+)-dependent mechanisms that could underlie these changes. These mechanisms present clear implications for efforts to develop interventions targeting neuronal loss directly and make glaucoma an attractive model for both interrogating and informing other neurodegenerative diseases.
Is pulp regeneration necessary for root maturation

Abstract Introduction True regeneration of the dental pulp-dentin complex in immature teeth with necrotic pulps has not been shown histologically. It is not known to what extent this true tissue regeneration is necessary to achieve clinically acceptable outcomes. Methods This case report describes the treatment of a patient with an immature maxillary right central incisor with a history of impact trauma and enamel-dentin crown fracture. A diagnosis of pulp necrosis with acute apical abscess was established. A regenerative endodontic protocol that used a paste containing Augmentin for 5 weeks as an intracanal medicament was used. Results Follow-ups at 9, 12, 17, and 31 months revealed complete osseous healing of the periapical lesion and formation of the root apex, but without increase in root length. Clinically, the tooth was functional, asymptomatic, and nonresponsive to pulp vitality tests. The crown discolored over time. On reentering the root canal, no tissues were observed under magnification inside the root canal space. The root canal treatment was completed with mineral trioxide aggregate obturation. Conclusions Augmentin might be an acceptable choice for root canal disinfection in regenerative endodontic procedures. The protocol for regenerative endodontic treatment is not predictable for pulp-dentin regeneration. Formation of the root apex is possible without pulp regeneration.
The effect of PGI2 on canine renal function and hemodynamics

The effect of prostaglandin I2 (prostacyclin) on renal and intrarenal hemodynamics and function was studied in mongrel dogs to elucidate the role of this novel prostaglandin in renal physiology. Starting at a dose of 10(-8) g/kg/min, PGI2 decreased renal vascular resistance and redistributed the blood flow away from the outer cortex (zone 1) and towards the juxtamedullary cortex (zone 4). At 3 X 10(-8) g/kg/min, the renal vascular resistance decreased even further, but at this dose the mean arterial blood pressure also declined 13% indicating recirculation of this prostaglandin. PGI2 infusion at a vasodilatory dose resulted in natriuresis and kaliuresis. With a decline in filtration fraction, these changes were most likely secondary to the hemodynamic effects of this prostaglandin. Unlike PGE2, PGI2 had no direct effect on free water clearance indicating lack of activity at the collecting duct. PGI2 may be the important renal prostaglandin involved in modulating renal vascular resistance and intrarenal hemodynamics as well as influencing systemic blood pressure.
A PREFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF PARAMETRIC AND NONPARAMETRIC DISCRIMINANT APPROACHES TO BUSINESS DECISION MAKING

This paper empirically investigation the performance of four relatively new nonparametric techniques against four different parameteric versions of discriminant analysis. The models were constructed and analyzed using financial data drawn from 232 bankrupt and nonbankrupt companies. Generally, the nonparametric approaches, with the exception of linear programming, performed as well as or better than the more traditional discriminant analysis.
Investigating a Cluster of Infants with Positive Sputum Cultures of Gram Negative Hydrophilic Bacteria in an 18 Bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

RESULTS: The strict protocol was effective in controlling transmission of the MDR-AB. All patients were cohorted until discharge from the hospital. Since the initial outbreak two additional outbreaks of MDR-AB have occurred bringing the total currently to forty-two (42) patients. All cases had contact either by room, unit or bed assignment in a POD setting. It is evident that compliance to hand hygiene played a significant role in transmission and control of the outbreak. PFGE’s of the first two outbreaks were different showing evidence of an additional strain of MDR-AB. Investigation for the index case and the circumstances surrounding his infection proved to be very interesting. LESSONS LEARNED: Prompt interventions, strict compliance to hand hygiene, leadership support, and attention to detail assisted in managing this rapidly progressing outbreak.
Palaeontology: Dinosaur up in the air.

A new feathered dinosaur from China, belonging to an obscure and strange carnivorous group, bears a seemingly bony wrist structure that may have had a role in flight. See Letter p.70 At the base of the dinosaur lineage that eventually led to birds there is a small group of bizarre dinosaurs called scansoriopterygids. They were very small, often with long digits and are usually reconstructed as tree-dwelling lemur-like creatures. Here Xing Xu and colleagues present what is possibly the strangest scansoriopterygid so far discovered. Named Yi qi, the tiny animal, from 160 million-year-old sediments in China, has an unusual assortment of stiff filamentous feathers and also two long bony elements attached to the wrists, unlike anything seen previously in any dinosaur. These structures, resembling extraneous bones seen in a variety of tetrapods, may have supported a membrane that might have sustained gliding flight. Traces of such a membrane are preserved with the specimen.
The Ultraviolet Continuum Emission of FR I and FR II Radio Galaxies and a Proposal for a Unified AGN Model for FR I sources

This paper is the second in a series of two on the UV continuum emission (in the range from 1400 to 3700 A) of radio galaxies that were extracted from the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Archives. The sample consists of 31 3C and Parkes radio galaxies that have redshifts below 0.2 (the majority have redshifts of ~0.03) and radio powers of ~1025–1027 W Hz-1 (using H0 = 50 km-1 s-1 Mpc and q0 = 0.0). Paper I describes the sample selection and the properties of individual sources; this paper deals with the analysis. We find that only about half the radio galaxies display any UV flux at wavelengths shorter than 2300 A. More specifically, those galaxies that are dominated by a nuclear UV component are either BL Lac objects or radio galaxies with broad emission lines. We detect a nuclear and an extended UV component only among half the radio galaxies with narrow emission lines. Although we do not find a correlation of the UV luminosity with emission-line luminosity or radio power, there does appear to be a dependence on radio morphology. While (narrow line) FR II sources do not show a nuclear UV component, FR I's do, however, only if they also have an optical jet (this is the case for seven of 21 FR I's). These results are broadly consistent with orientation-dependent unification models. In radio galaxies in which the torus does not obscure our view of the engine, the observed UV radiation appears to be point source–like. This is the case for broad-line radio galaxies and BL Lac objects. In other radio galaxies that are oriented at an angle to us, the torus presumably blocks the nuclear UV component. The narrow-line FR I galaxies with optical jets can then be interpreted as objects at a critical angle at which some, but not all, nuclear UV emission is blocked. The UVλ luminosities (with λ ranging from 1400 to 3700 A) and the UVλ-V colors of radio galaxies show a larger scatter than those of radio-quiet elliptical galaxies. At wavelengths shorter than 2300 A, some radio galaxies have on average bluer colors, but beyond 3000 A, their colors are on average slightly redder. This picture is also consistent with unification models—the galaxies with bluer colors are either BL Lac objects or broad-line radio galaxies. All other radio galaxies (including the jetted FR I's) have somewhat redder colors than radio-quiet elliptical galaxies. We suspect that this is primarily due to reddening by dust, which we know is present in some of the radio galaxies in the sample. At longer wavelengths (>3000 A), all radio galaxies (14 of 14) show an extended component. The morphology of the extended emission is in most, but not all, cases comparable to the morphology at optical wavelengths, implying that this is likely to be starlight. However, the polarization images of two of seven radio galaxies indicate that scattered light from the active galactic nucleus may also contribute toward the UV luminosity.
Investigation of a variety of cationic surfactants attached to cation-exchange silica for hydrophobicity optimization in admicellar solid-phase extraction for high-performance liquid and gas chromatography.

A series of cationic surfactants were attached to cation-exchange silica that included silica modified with sulfopropyl groups and unmodified silica to create hydrophobic solid-phase extraction sorbents. Various chain lengths and chain numbers of amine, ammonium and pyridinium-based cationic surfactants were investigated to reach sufficient sorbent hydrophobicity to capture US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Of the tested surfactant/silica combinations, dihexadecyldimethylammonium cations attached to unmodified silica resulted in the sorbent having the greatest hydrophobicity. This sorbent provided strong hydrophobic attraction of PAHs and also efficient elution because the PAHs were removed together with the surfactant using a very mild 5% acetic acid in methanol rinse solution. This admicellar solid-phase extraction procedure was applied for the determination of these PAHs for both high-performance liquid and gas chromatography. The detection limits of these PAHs were below the EPA's maximum contaminant level of 0.2 μg/L.
Distribution of exogenous acetaldehyde in cow adrenal medulla chromaffin granules.

Release of catecholamines from the cow perfused isolated adrenal gland was induced by infusion of acetaldehyde in concentrations between 5 times 10−4 and 3·5 times 10−1m. There was a significant correlation between the concentration of acetaldehyde and catecholamine release. Analysis of homogenates of medullae from glands stimulated with [14C]acetaldehyde showed that the specific activity (14C mg−1 protein) was higher in chromaffin vesicles than in other tissue fractions. The major portion of the 14C of chromaffin vesicles was present as soluble tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives. There was no correlation between catecholamine release and the amount of tetrahydroiso-quinolines formed. A small portion of the vesicle 14C was associated with the membrane, and there was a significant correlation between the membrane-bound 14C and catecholamine release. It is concluded that acetaldehyde can interact with the chromaffin vesicle membrane in a way that alters the ability of the vesicle to retain catecholamines which then diffuse out of the vesicle and into the circulation.
Once upon a time in the Bronx: working with youth to address violence through performance and play

In the Once Upon a Time in the Bronx project, a group of teenage girls from the South Bronx created a story telling card game to facilitate their community to tell its own stories in its own way. During the project, participatory, systems-based approaches such as game modification, collaborative story telling, and interactive theater were successful methods in empowering the young women to facilitate community dialog and model potential solutions to the endemic violence they described in their every day lives. These approaches also facilitate critical thinking and creative problem solving skills often left out of current school curricula largely shaped by standardized testing.
A More Efficient Biofeedback Procedure for the Treatment of Nocturnal Bruxism

The study describes a noval approach in the use of a conditioning procedure for the treatment of nocturnal bruxism. The effectiveness of the procedure is demonstrated through its application with two nocturnal bruxists in controlled study designs. Subject 1 received several variations of this procedure and the result indicated that using a loud tone which she manually reset after awakening was the most effective approach to this treatment. The second study was designed to compare the effectiveness of relaxation training to the conditioning technique. Subject 2 failed to show any decrease in her bruxing behavior when taught relaxation. However, she showed immediate decreases in both frequency and duration of bruxing responses when treated with the biofeedback procedure. The need for future research in this area is discussed with emphasis on the development of low cost, home treatment units.
Statistical procedure to identify sources of extrusion line variation

A statistical procedure is proposed to identify sources of variation in the operation of complex extrusion lines. This approach involves separating multichannel extrusion line data, as necessary, into appropriate time scales; identifying significant cross correlations among various pairs of channels; and then comparing the pattern of the observed cross correlations with those expected for possible sources of variation. This procedure is able to detect unsuspected relationships among processing variables and to provide a rational basis for upgrading extrusion line performance. The pattern generation and comparison methodology could also be useful for expert systems. To illustrate the procedure, 11 channels of data from a dual extrusion line with metered feed were collected and analyzed. Since two sources of variation on different time scales were evident, the data were divided into long-term and short-term components using statistical methods. Cross correlation functions among pairs of variables were used to estimate offset times and identify variables that were significantly correlated. To be considered significant, the extremum in the cross correlation function had to occur at a realistic time offset and have an absolute value exceeding a prescribed threshold. The observed cross correlations between pairs of short-term and of long-term components were compared with the expected correlation patterns for typical process disturbances. By this procedure, the cause of the short-term trends was identified as surging primarily in the larger extruder; a particular long-term trend was attributed to a property change in the feed material to the smaller extruder. This analysis formed the basis for a novel process control device to minimize the consequences of short-term variation in extruder output.
Applying geometric compatibility modification in FuzzyCLIPS

A new form of fuzzy reasoning, geometric compatibility modification (GCM) inference, is currently under investigation through its implementation within FuzzyCLIPS, a fuzzy systems development tool from the National Research Council of Canada. Using the dissemblance compatibility measure, GCM inference is able to determine a conclusion or an action even when the fuzzy input does not intersect the fuzzy antecedent of any rule. This situation can occur in sparse rule bases. The initial goal of GCM implementation within FuzzyCLIPS is to compare its performance to the standard fuzzy inference technique with compact rule bases. The next goal is to capitalize on GCM's ability to infer a consequent even in sparse rule bases where conventional fuzzy reasoning methods are unable to derive one. The results and knowledge gained from the FuzzyCLIPS GCM implementation, and testing with a simple control problem are presented. The future plans for continued investigation of GCM inference are discussed.