cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synchronous cystosphincterometry in patients with spinal cord injury. Studies with continuous bladder and urethral infusions and physical factors influencing interpretation.

Abstract A technique of synchronous study for monitoring the bladder activity and simultaneous urethral sphincteric responses is described. This study was made possible by using a 12 F trilumen catheter with which intravesical infusion and independent bladder pressure recording were conducted. Constant urethral infusion with intrasphincteric pressure recording was arranged through the third lumen of the trilumen catheter. This radiologic aided study was used for functional evaluation of the bladder and its outlet. The built-in artefacts of the technique were assessed. The physical factors, such as urethral infusion flow rate and the compliance of infusion catheter hydraulic system governing interpretation of the study during voiding and nonvoiding states, are described. With an experience of 100 studies on 75 patients with spinal cord injury and 5 normal subjects, this method has been found to be a useful clinical urodynamic technique well suited even to a nonambulatory patient with spinal cord injury.
Recently developed granulating agents and their effect on disintegration

Carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, sodium alginate, and extract of Irish moss, can be employed as granulating agents for compressed tablets of sodium bicarbonate and calcium gluconate. The agents studied proved effective in concentrations of 1 per cent excepting methylcellulose which required a concentration of 5 per cent. The disintegration time of the tablets studied compared favorably with starch paste when used with calcium gluconate; however, the disintegration time of sodium bicarbonate tablets granulated with starch paste proved to be much less than that of the other sodium bicarbonate tablets granulated with the agents under study. The mean square deviation of disintegration times in seconds of the various batches of tablets varied from 4 to 14 per cent.
Reversal of cardiac hypertrophy in transgenic disease models by calcineurin inhibition

Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the industrialized nations of the world. Intense investigation has centered around identifying and manipulating intracellular signaling pathways that direct hypertrophic and myopathic responses in an attempt to intervene in the progression or reverse certain forms of heart disease. We show here that cyclosporin A-mediated inhibition of the calcium-regulated phosphatase, calcineurin (PP2B), reverses cardiac hypertrophy and myopathic dilation in two transgenic mouse models of cardiomyopathy. Reversal was demonstrated by gravimetric analysis, echocardiography, histological analysis, and molecular analysis of hypertrophy-associated gene expression. In contrast, a third mouse model of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy due to activated NFAT3 cardiac-specific expression was not affected by cyclosporin A. These results suggest that calcineurin may function in the long-term maintenance of cardiac hypertrophy or myopathic disease states.
Molecular beam studies of alkali promotion: O2 sticking on Pt(111)+K

Abstract Molecular beam techniques have been used to study the promotion of O 2 sticking on a Pt(111) surface due to co-adsorbed K. The results show a complicated dependence of this promotion on K coverage, incident energy and surface temperature, and cannot be interpreted in terms of simple one-dimensional charge-transfer models often used to rationalize alkali promotion. There is evidence that molecular precursors, including that due to a physisorbed species, play a dominant role in the sticking of O 2 on the K-modified Pt(111) surface.
Humidity Halos Surrounding Small Cumulus Clouds in a Tropical Environment

Abstract A large dataset of aircraft cloud traverses from the Small Cumulus Microphysics Study (SCMS) was used to add to the existing knowledge of humidity halo characteristics for small cumulus clouds in a tropical environment. The findings from this investigation show a larger frequency of observed humidity halos than earlier studies. Regardless of the radial direction with respect to shear, humidity halos were observed with a frequency of 77%–90%. The difference in frequency of halo occurrences between upshear and downshear regions was much smaller than previously reported observations. These findings likely resulted from the absence of a strong vertical wind shear environment. SCMS cumuli had a mean cloud diameter (i.e., in-cloud traverse distance) of 1.1 km and mean halo lengths of about 0.6, 0.7, and 0.8 cloud radii for upshear, cross-shear, and downshear regions, respectively. Humidity halos of less than one cloud radius were observed during about 70% of SCMS aircraft traverses. Approximately 98% o...
Water soluble cations and the fluvial history of mars

The electrical conductivity and water soluble Na, K, Ca, and Mg of aqueous solutions of terrestrial soils and finely divided igneous and metamorphic rocks were determined. Soils from dry terrestrial basins with a history of water accumulation as well as soils from the topographic lows of valleys accumulated water soluble cations, particularly Na and Ca. These soils as a group can be distinguished from the rocks or a second group of soils (leached upland soils and soils from sites other than the topographic lows of valleys) by significant differences in their mean electrical conductivity and water-soluble Na + Ca content. Similar measurements on multiple samples from the surface of Mars, collected by an automated long-range roving vehicle along a highlands-to-basin transect at sites with morphological features resembling dry riverlike channels, are suggested to determine the fluvial history of the planet.
Overdiagnosis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in surgical ICU patients.

Background Heparin use in surgical patients places them at increased risk for developing heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). The false positive rate of HIT using the current standard criteria is unknown in surgical ICU patients, who often have confounding factors that cause thrombocytopenia. Study Design Surgical ICU patients, admitted over a 2-year period with a positive screening test for HIT (platelet factor [PF] 4 ≥ 0.4 optical density [OD]), were reviewed retrospectively at a single institution. Correlation of the Warkentin 4-T score and commercial heparin PF4 ELISA with serotonin releasing assay (SRA) was performed. Logistic regression was used to determine independent risk factors associated with the development of HIT. Results PF4 tests were requested in 643 patients based on a clinical suspicion of HIT. Of these, 104 patients had a PF4 result, an SRA value (%), and a 4-T score available. Twenty patients (19%) had true positive HIT, defined as a positive PF4 and positive SRA (SRA ≥ 20%). Eighty-four patients (81%) were false positive, defined as a positive PF4 and negative SRA. Five of 58 patients with Warkentin score of 0 to 3, and 6 of 14 patients with Warkentin score of 6 to 8 were HIT positive by SRA. Conclusions In surgical ICU patients, clinical suspicion for HIT necessitates PF4 and SRA analysis. Testing for HIT or treatment with a direct thrombin inhibitor should not depend on the Warkentin 4-T score alone. Although a PF4 ≥ 0.4 OD is considered a positive screening test for HIT, a PF4 ≥ 2.0 OD is preferable in surgical ICU patients.
Spawning Season and Nest Fidelity of Largemouth Bass in a Tropical Reservoir

Abstract Largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides, an intensively studied sport fish of temperate North America, have been introduced into tropical regions, but with little evaluation. Studies in Puerto Rico suggest that reproduction occurs over many months and that life spans are short and annual mortality rates high. We tracked 44 adult largemouth bass with ultrasonic telemetry over an 18-month period (two spawning seasons) to determine the temporal and spatial utilization of spawning grounds. During the 1998 spawning season, both males and females demonstrated high site fidelity to specific areas characteristic of spawning grounds over the first half of the calendar year. Within this period, two distinct spawning events were evident from fish movements and were subsequently verified by hatch frequencies of young. The two spawning events, from mid-January through March and from late May through June, coincided with highly fluctuating water levels. When levels were high, shallow, vegetated areas were availa...
Disparities in Acute Stroke Severity, Outcomes, and Care Relative to Health Insurance Status

Background To examine the differences in risk factors and length of hospital stay (LOS) between the insured and uninsured stroke patients, identifying the root causes of increasing hospital stay. Methods Retrospective analysis of stroke registry data of acute stroke patients (N = 19,255) was analyzed to compare risk factors, severity, outcome, and LOS by insurance status. Chart review of patients from a comprehensive stroke center (N = 3290) was studied in greater detail for causes of extended length of stay. Results The uninsured patients had poorer control of risk factors and statistically significantly (P Conclusion This study highlights the need for public policies that provide funding for both primary stroke prevention and poststroke rehabilitation.
Sequence of Child Care Type and Child Development: What Role Does Peer Exposure Play?.

Abstract Child care arrangements change as children age; in general, hours in home-based child care decrease as hours in center-based settings increase. This sequence of child care type may correspond with children's developmental needs; the small peer groups and low child–adult ratios typical of home-based care may allow for more individual child–adult time for infants and toddlers, whereas the social stimulation found in center-based care during the preschool years may prepare children for kindergarten. This study examined associations between school readiness and the timing of child care type among children in NICHD's Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development ( N = 1349). Findings suggest that children who experience home-based care during the infant–toddler period and center care during the preschool period display the improved cognitive outcomes, but not the increased behavioral problems, generally associated with sustained center care attendance. Continuous home-based care was associated with higher social status at school entry partially through smaller peer groups during the preschool period. These patterns did not differ by child or family characteristics. Implications for policy and research are discussed.
Bacillus subtilis septicemia treated with penicillin

Summary A case of B. subtilis septicemia is presented. The organism was sensitive in vitro to both penicillin and streptomycin in concentrations obtainable in vivo. Treatment with penicillin (815,000 units total dosage) was successful. Penicillin is suggested in the treatment of B. subtilis infections.
Accurate weighing and dilution-assisted plasma microsampling (AWADA-PM): an easy-to-implement and rugged strategy

Background: Liquid microsampling can realize ethical benefits through reduced animal usage. It inherently deals with a minute amount of sample; for example, <30 µl of plasma, which is generally insufficient for multiple analyses. Results: We report accurate weighing and dilution-assisted plasma microsampling (AWADA-PM) that substantially increases sample sizes (e.g., by tenfold). Plasma samples are harvested from blood samples (∼70 µl) in capillaries. The plasma samples are weighed with a calibrated balance. The weights are converted to volumes using a standard plasma density of 1.025 g/cm3. Diluent is added with a calibrated pipette to the harvested plasma to achieve a tenfold dilution. Conclusion: The proof-of-concept for AWADA-PM was successfully demonstrated for the quantitation of acetaminophen in rat plasma (K2EDTA) using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry employing water and blank rat plasma as diluents. The results clearly demonstrate that the AWADA-PM strategy is an easy-to-implement ...
Anomalous Moisture Diffusion in Viscoelastic Polymers: Modeling and Testing

It is now well known that Fick's Law is frequently inadequate for describing moisture diffusion in polymers or polymer composites. Non-Fickian or anomalous diffusion typically occurs when the rates of diffusion and viscoelastic relaxation in a polymer are comparable, and the ambient temperature is below the glass transition temperature (T g ) of the polymer, As a result, it is necessary to take into account the time-dependent response of a polymer, analogous to viscoelastic relaxation of mechanical properties, in constructing such a model. In this paper, a simple yet robust methodology is proposed that would allow characterization of non-Fickian diffusion coefficients from moisture weight gain data for a polymer below its T g . Subsequently, these diffusion coefficients are used for predicting moisture concentration profiles through the thickness of a polymer. Moisture weight gain data at different temperatures for an epoxy adhesive is employed to calibrate the model. Specimen thickness independence of the modeling parameters is established through comparison with test data. A finite element procedure that extends this methodology to more complex shapes and boundary conditions is also validated.
Acute health effects from accidental releases of high toxic hazard chemicals

Abstract This paper describes a comprehensive methodology for predicting impacts on surrounding populations due to accidental spills of toxic chemicals. The work was motivated by the need for a reasonably accurate and quick method for analysing potential accident scenarios as part of our emergency planning work for industrial clients in the USA. An integrated assessment methodology, including vaporization release rate estimation, transient atmospheric dispersion, and resultant receptor concentration—time history is presented. Dose contours, which show exposure in terms of concentration in time for downwind affected areas are also generated, and health impacts are quantified using probit equations. Results are compared for releases of acrolein, ammonia, chlorine, and sulphur dioxide. Implications and criteria for plant emergency response actions are presented.
The absolute configuration of (+)-1,2,4,5,6-penta-O-benzyl-myo-inositol

Abstract The absolute configuration of (+)-1,2,4,5,6-penta- O -benzyl- myo -inositol is correlated with 1D-1,4,5,6-tetra- O -benzyl- myo -inositol and thus confirmed as 1D-1,2,4,5,6-penta- O -benzyl- myo -inositol.
SU‐GG‐J‐166: Reduction of Motion Artifacts Occurring at the Lung/diaphragm Interface Using 4D‐CT Attenuation Correction On 4D‐PET Scans: Implications for Radiation Therapy Planning

Purpose: For PET/CT the fast CT acquisition time can lead to errors in attenuation correction, particularly at the lung/diaphragm interface. Gated 4D‐PET can reduce motion artifacts, though it is not always attenuation corrected with a similarly acquired 4D‐CT. We performed phantom studies specifically designed to evaluate 4D‐PET images using three different methods for attenuation correction: a single 3D‐CT (3D‐CTAC), an averaged 4D‐CT (CINE‐CTAC), and a fully phase matched 4D‐CT (4D‐CTAC). Method and Materials: A phantom was designed with two density regions corresponding to diaphragm and lung. An 8ml vial loaded with FDG was used to represent a lungtumor and background FDG was also added with an 8:1 ratio. Imaging was performed with a GE Discovery DVCT‐PET/CT scanner. Periodic motion of 2 cm amplitude was used and the image data was reconstructed into 10 phase bins over the motion cycle. Image data was analyzed using a GEimage processing workstation and in‐house developed software. Values of activity within the target for each relative phase were corrected for decay and compared to those derived from a 3D PET scan with no motion present (3D‐STATIC). Results: Activity values derived from 4D‐CTAC corrected PETimages are generally closer to 3D‐STATIC images with no motion present. Mean activity over the known target volume over the motion cycle, normalized to the activity for 3D‐STATIC, was 93%, 101% and 98% for 3D‐CTAC, CINE‐CTAC and 4D‐CTAC images respectively with corresponding standard deviations of 6%, 10% and 3%. Conclusion: Compared to other attenuation correction methods, 4D‐CTAC corrected 4D‐PET images correspond more closely on average to similar 3D‐STATIC images. Using CINE‐CTAC for correction resulted in mean activity values slightly closer to 3D‐STATIC, but with much greater variation over the motion cycle. We believe these results have implications for the use of 4D‐PET imaging for radiation therapy target definition.
Fission yields in spontaneous fission of Cf252

Abstract Spontaneous fission of Cf252 has been investigated by radiochemical determination of the yields of fifteen fission products ranging in mass number from 99 to 143. Fission is observed to be asymmetric with some indication of fine structure in the mass distribution associated with the 82-neutron shell. Both light- and heavy-fission product groups are shifted to higher masses relative to spontaneous fission of Cm242. The yield-mass curve indicates a value of 5 ± 1 for the average number of neutrons emitted per fission.
The benefits of planning with normative and heuristic approaches

Abstract The effectiveness of planning groups that used normative planning approaches and heuristics were investigated. The quality and innovation in plans developed using each planning approach were compared. Two studies were carried out in three organizations. In the first study, a ‘behavioral’ planning approach and a heuristic were used in a single organization. In the second study, a ‘systems’ planning approach and the heuristic were applied in two organizations. The field experiments demonstrated that the normative planning methods produced plans with superior quality and higher information levels. No differences in plan innovation were observed. Some guides for practice were derived from these findings.
Plans for orbital study of rat biorhythms results of interest beyond the biosatellite program

Long term zero gravity effects on mammal physiologic rhythms characteristics, studying rats in biosatellite orbits
Functional neuroanatomy of lexical processing in children with cleft lip and palate

Background:Patients with palatal clefts are predisposed to developing speech and language abnormalities. Emerging evidence indicates that children with cleft lip and/or cleft palate have higher rates of learning disabilities than the general population and differences in brain morphology.Methods:Mag
The effect of pure adrenocorticotropic hormone on the work performance of hypophysectomized rats

CERTAIN CHANGES from normal in hypophysectomized animals are due to the absence of the adrenocorticotropic principle of the anterior pituitary and the consequent hypofunction of the adrenal cortex. The metabolic inadequacies of hypophysectomized rats are reflected by a greatly decreased capacity for work. Treatment of the hypophysectomized rat with either a partially purified adrenocorticotropic fraction of anterior pituitary extracts (Ingle, Moon and Evans, 1938) or with adrenal cortical extracts (Ingle, 1938a) has been shown to partially restore the capacity for work. Li, Simpson and Evans (1942) have described the isolation of the adrenocorticotropic hormone in a form which meets biologic and physico- chemical criteria for homogeneity (Li, Evans and Simpson, 1943). The object of this study was to determine the effect of this principle, free from contamination by other pituitary hormones, on the ability of hypophysectomized rats to work. Positive results were obtained. Male rats of the Sprague-Dawley st...
Breastfeeding: population-based perspectives

From a population perspective, the achievement of the goals of exclusive breastfeeding throughout the first 6 months of life and continued breastfeeding with the introduction of age-appropriate complementary feeding for infant feeding, women and families must be inspired and empowered to overcome health system, sociocultural, and economic/political barriers. This article discusses trends in breastfeeding, influences on the reacceptance of a breastfeeding norm, and breastfeeding as a social and public health issue. The goal is to create an enabling environment for optimal breastfeeding in health care and social norms, and to adjust the social and political realities to support an economic milieu that favors breastfeeding.
Apparent protein digestibility and mineral availabilities in various feed ingredients for salmonid feeds

Apparent digestibility of protein and availability of minerals (Ca, K, P, Mg, Na, Cu, Fe, Mn, Sr, Zn) in various feed ingredients were determined for coho salmon and rainbow trout using yttrium oxide (Y2O3) as the inert marker and passive feces collection tanks. The feed ingredients were herring meal, menhaden meal, anchovy meal, deboned whitefish meal, poultry by-product meal, feather meal, soybean meal, corn gluten meal, wheat gluten meal, wheat middling and wheat flour. Apparent digestibility (%) of protein and availability (%) of minerals were determined as a fractional net absorption of nutrients from diets. Apparent digestibility of protein and availability of K was high (>80%) in all feed ingredients, whereas digestibility of dry matter and availability of Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Na, P, Sr and Zn were variable among ingredients. Apparent availability (%) of mineral elements was not significantly correlated to the amount of nutrient intake (μg nutrient g−1 BW day−1) in any test diet. Net nutrient absorption (μg g−1 BW day−1) was positively correlated (P<0.05) to the nutrient intake except for Mn, Fe and Ca. Fecal nutrient losses (μg g−1 BW day−1) were positively correlated (P<0.05) to nutrient intake except for protein, Na, K and Zn.
Interactive effects of temperature and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on growth, P uptake and root respiration of Capsicum annuum L.

Capsicum annuum (pepper) plants were inoculated with the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi Glomus intraradices Smith and Schenck, an undescribed Glomus sp. (AZ 112) or a mixture of these isolates. Control plants were non-mycorrhizal. Plants were grown for 8 weeks at moderate (20.7–25.4°C) or high (32.1–38°C) temperatures. Colonization of pepper roots by G. intraradices or the Glomus isolate mixture was lower at high than at moderate temperatures, but colonization by Glomus AZ112 was somewhat increased at high temperatures. Pepper shoot and root dry weights and leaf P levels were affected by an interaction between temperature and AM fungal treatments. At moderate temperatures, shoot dry weights of plants colonized by the Glomus isolate mixture or non-AM plants were highest, while root dry weights were highest for non-AM plants. At high temperatures, plants colonized by Glomus AZ112 or the non-AM plants had the lowest shoot and root dry weights. AM plants had generally higher leaf P levels at moderate temperatures and lower P levels at high temperatures than non-AM plants. AM plants also had generally higher specific soil respiration than non-AM plants regardless of temperature treatment. At moderate temperatures, P uptake by all AM plants was enhanced relative to non-AM plants but there was no corresponding enhancement of growth, possibly because less carbon was invested in root growth or root respiratory costs increased. At high temperatures, pepper growth with the G. intraradices isolate and the Glomus isolate mixture was enhanced relative to non-AM controls, despite reduced levels of AM colonization and, therefore, apparently less fungal P transfer to the plant.
Evidence for normal thyroidal adenyl cyclase, cyclic AMP-binding and protein-kinase activities in Graves' disease.

The adenyl cyclase, cAMP-binding and protein-kinase activities have been studied in thyroid glands from patients with Graves' disease in comparison with normal thyroid glands. The basal and TSH-stimulated adenyl cyclase activities were tested in crude plasma membrane preparations. The characteristics of the intracellular binding of cAMP, i.e., the maximal binding capacity (MBC) for cAMP and affinity constant (Ka) of the binding, and the basal and cAMP-stimulated protein-kinase activities, were estimated in both the soluble and particulate fractions of thyroid tissue. All of these parameters studied were essentially normal in Graves' disease. It is concluded that hyperthyroidism in Graves' disease is probably not a result of qualitative or quantitative abnormalities in the adenyl cyclase-cAMP protein-kinase system.
Novel Functional Risk Factors for the Prediction of Cardiovascular Events in Vulnerable Patients Following Acute Coronary Syndrome

Over the years there has been considerable improvement in the clinical outcomes of patients treated for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Despite a significant reduction in acute mortality, a large percentage of patients post ACS continue to experience adverse cardiovascular (CV) events, with high long-term mortality rates and overall suboptimal medical management. Long-term risk prediction tools rely on traditional CV risk factors and are developed and validated in specific populations. Established CV risk factors, however, only explain half or fewer of CV events. These risk models may thus not be optimal in determining individual risk for long-term adverse outcomes or in helping to identify individual patients who do not respond to therapy. Identifying the specific plaque characteristics associated with increased likelihood for thrombotic complications and rapid progression has led to the concept of the vulnerable plaque. Recently, "vulnerable myocardium" (ie, myocardium that is prone to myocardial ischemia and fatal arrhythmia) has been shown to play an important role in outcome. Both vulnerable plaque and vulnerable myocardium are associated with functional vascular abnormalities, such as endothelial dysfunction, which are considered a key event in the initiation, progression and complications of coronary artery disease. Endothelial dysfunction may serve as an underlying unifying mechanism that would independently predict long-term outcome in patients with ACS undergoing revascularization.
Foam fractionation of binary mixtures of lysozyme and albumin.

A nitrogen gas-based foam fractionation method was employed to separate model proteins, bovine serum albumin (BSA) and hen egg white lysozyme, from each other. Fractionation was characterized by the separation ratio and by recovery of proteins in the retentate as a function of the nominal pore size of the gas dispersion frit and solution conditions (pH and ionic strength). For binary mixtures of the proteins at pH 7.4, and ionic strength (mu) of 0.18 M, the recovery of lysozyme and the separation ratio were both dependent on the frit size employed to generate the foam. At low ionic strength (mu = 0.01 M), separation was only somewhat greater with the small pore size frits, although at values significantly lower than those found for high ionic strength. The diminished separations appear to be due to the only slight changes in recoveries observed for BSA and lysozyme.%Separation ratios of lysozyme from BSA in solutions either of high or low ionic strength were maximal at pH values equal to or less than the isoelectric point (pI) of BSA. Separation ratios were lower when foaming was carried out under low compared with high ionic strength. The recovery of lysozyme was enhanced by foaming from solutions of low pH and high ionic strength. Recoveries of BSA were greatest when the molecule was negatively charged. Electrical interactions between the positively charged lysozyme and negatively charged BSA may explain the diminished separation ratios and enhanced recoveries. Enzyme activity studies of lysozyme remaining in the retentate showed no change from prefoam activity.
Alien presence in the home: the design of Tableau Machine

We introduce a design strategy, alien presence, which combines work in human---computer interaction, artificial intelligence, and media art to create enchanting experiences involving reflection over and contemplation of daily activities. An alien presence actively interprets and characterizes daily activity and reflects it back via generative, ambient displays that avoid simple one-to-one mappings between sensed data and output. We describe the alien presence design strategy for achieving enchantment, and report on Tableau Machine, a concrete example of an alien presence design for domestic spaces. We report on an encouraging formative evaluation indicating that Tableau Machine does indeed support reflection and actively engages users in the co-construction of meaning around the display.
Distributed 6D Vector Antennas Design for Direction of Arrival Applications

We present a six-dimensional distributed vector sensor for Direction of Arrival estimation applications. A vector sensor should measure all 6 components of the electromagnetic field at the same location. Such sensor is motivated by recent analytical results, showing an improved estimation of the direction of arrival of the signal from a single source. Since the design of a collocated six-dimensional vector sensor is presently a major challenge, we consider a distributed approach for its design. Numerical simulations show that the performance of a distributed vector sensors in a multipath environment is greater than that of classical approaches with scalar arrays.
Energy Conservation and Rural Alternative Lifestyles

Exploration of the energy consumption pattern of a northern California "homesteading" population reveals a very low level of energy use in this group compared to the general population nationwide, including the latter's poorest segments. Several possible interpretations of this pattern of apparent "voluntary simplicity" are critically compared. Social scientists as well as participants are inclined to offer either functional or historical interpretations of alternative settlements or ways of life, and in doing so tend to neglect the social movement characteristics and the social construction of lifestyles. Some policy implications of this research are noted. In this paper we report on an exploratory effort to measure the energy use of a sample of rural "homesteaders" in one northern California county, compare their energy use to a nationwide sample and to another group of frugal energy users, and comment on the possible meaning of these data both for current lifestyle studies and for the development of energy policies. We try to respond in part to the current need for better information on the actual costs and benefits of lowenergy living, and to emphasize as well that varying interpretations of our data are possible. Throughout the paper we refer to the people studied as "voluntary simplicity" (VS) adherents, but we intend the label to be taken in only the most provisional sense because it presumes that which needs to be demonstrated: the existence of a "voluntary" and "simple" lifestyle.' Although data exist regarding the consumption of energy by the general U.S. populationlargely as a result of the pioneering study by Newman and Day (1975)-there have been virtually no quantitative studies of individuals who subscribe to frugal living. Most available information comes from anecdotal descriptions of the lives of such rural homesteaders as Ralph Borsodi (1933), Helen and Scott Nearing (1954), and others of more recent times. The only quantitative analysis of energy consumption by low-energy users that we have seen is a study of Amish agriculture by Johnson et al. (1977). Although that study was primarily concerned with energy use in agriculture (dairy production), household energy use of the 17 Amish farmers in the sample was also estimated. The average consumption was extremely low, leading the authors to observe that the conservation achievement of the Amish was greater in their homes than in their farming.
Plasmalogen and anionic phospholipid dependence of the cardiac sarcolemmal sodium‐calcium exchanger

Although plasmalogens are the predominant phospholipids of cardiac sarcolemma, their physiological role has not been forthcoming. Since the cardiac sarcolemmal sodium-calcium exchanger has been proposed to be regulated by anionic phospholipids, the roles of plasmalogens and anionic phospholipids as regulators of the sodium-calcium exchanger were explored. Reconstituted sodium-calcium exchange activity in plasmalogen-containing proteoliposomes was 10-fold higher than that in control proteoliposomes comprised of only diacyl phospholipids. Additionally, exchange activity in plasmalogen-containing proteoliposomes was regulated by anionic phospholipids. Thus, plasmalogens provide a critical lipid environment in which anionic phospholipids serve as boundary lipids for the regulation of the trans-sarcolemmal sodium-calcium exchanger.
Pediatric cardiology: stressors, reactions, and interventions

Pediatric cardiology clients, in various stages of diagnosis and repair, and their parents were observed during clinic visits, hospitalization for cardiac catheterization, and hospitalization for palliative surgical repair. In addition, the parents were interviewed and asked to identify factors they found overwhelming, frightening, or threatening. The stressors are identified and supported with examples of parent and client behavior. The nursing interventions utilized are identified and their effects exemplified through the use of case studies. A clinical specialist's role in pediatric cardiology is proposed.
On enabling real-time large-scale network simulation in GENI: the PrimoGENI approach

The Global Environment for Network Innovations (GENI) is a community-driven research and development effort to build a collaborative and exploratory network experimentation platform, a "virtual laboratory" for the design, implementation and evaluation of future Internets. In this paper, we present an overview of PrimoGENI, a GENI project with the goal of extending the GENI suite of interoperable infrastructure to allow network experiments at scale, involving physical, simulated and emulated network entities.
Distinguishing Biomechanical Properties of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Human Wrist Ligaments

Two intrinsic (scapholunate and lunotriquetral) and two extrinsic (radiolunate and radiocapitate) wrist ligaments were studied at high and low elongation rates (1 and 100 mm/min). Statistically significant differences among all four ligaments were noted for the viscoelastic and elastic components of stress versus strain for the fully recoverable strain and early permanent deformation stress for all ligaments. Intrinsic ligaments became permanently deformed at statistically significantly higher strain levels than the extrinsic ligaments and accept larger permanent deformation at strain levels below evident fiber failure. Ultimate strength data demonstrated significant rate dependency for stress and strain for all ligaments. Intrinsic ligaments failed statistically greater stress and strain levels than the extrinsic group. Some clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
The Potential of Natural Gas in Alaskan Arctic

The proven reserves of natural gas in northern Alaska are estimated to be 47 trillion standard cubic feet (TSCF) and represent approximately 25% of the total U.S. reserves. The undiscovered recoverable conventional natural gas resources are estimated to 89 TSCF and additional 500 TSCF are deposited as unconventional gas hydrates. The hydrates are mostly found along the North Slope and adjacent shelf.
Myelodysplasia paranoia: Iron as the new radon

Few areas concerning the care of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) have prompted as much disagreement among clinicians as the appropriate role of iron chelation therapy. At least eight conflicting guidelines or consensus statements on iron management in MDS have been published by medical organizations during the past 6 years. Uncertainties about the clinical importance of iron overload and the necessity for iron chelation in transfusion-requiring patients with MDS have caused confusion for patients. Here, I summarize what we have learned and what we still do not know about the diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring and treatment of iron overload in patients with MDS, including the merits and drawbacks of the oral iron chelator, deferasirox. I also draw parallels between iron and radon with respect to the possibility of biological harm, lack of definitive study results, existence of groups at special risk, and fear that the ongoing uncertainties about these elements incite in patients.
The battery designer's challenge — satisfying the ever-increasing demands of vehicle electrical systems

Abstract The automotive battery designer of the 1990s and beyond will encounter an unprecedented array of complex challenges imposed by consumer desires, governmental mandates, and vehicle manufacturers' specifications. It is predicted that enhanced feature content in the areas of safety, convenience, performance, and guidance will result in a three- to six-fold increase in electrical power consumption in vehicles by the year 2000. In the absence of major break-throughs in vehicle electrical systems, these new loads will significantly modify the duty cycle to which the battery is subjected. The micro- and macro-environment in which the battery must survive will significantly impact the product's design and material specifications. Severe weight and size limits will be imposed on batteries in an attempt to meet mandated Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) requirements and additional pre-start electrical loads may be introduced to reduce objectionable emissions. Finally, quality and reliability levels of vehicles and their component parts must undergo continuous improvement. In order to respond to these diverse and sometimes contradictory demands, the battery designer must participate as an integral part of the vehicle electrical system development team. Design considerations for the future must include elevated and multiple voltages, multiple batteries per vehicle designed for specific functions, and further improvements in power and energy density, as well as cycle-life.
Sedimentation, Resuspension, and Oxygen Depletion in Lake Erie (1979)

Abstract Oxygen depletion in Lake Erie's central basin hypolimnion is ultimately sustained by the respiration rate of organisms using organic matter which is produced in the trophogenic zone. Although other transformations are certainly important, they are nevertheless driven by the decomposition of organic carbon both in the water column and in the sediments. Rates of transport of particulate organic carbon to the hypolimnion and sediments were estimated using sediment traps. Corrections for sediment resuspension were necessary even during the summer period when the lake is stratified. Particulate organic carbon concentrations in the hypolimnion were partially independent of short-term variations in chlorophyll concentration. The net downflux of carbon to the hypolimnion appeared less than that required to support the observed oxygen depletion. Sediment resuspension accounted for much of the particulate material caught by the sediment traps in the central basin. It is concluded that organic material stored in the surficial sediments is made available to the water column through frequent resuspension. Of total phosphorus in the trap samples, an average of 42% was potentially bioavailable (NaOH extraction).
Ocean exploration: An allegory

A spacecraft hurtles through the cosmos. For a brief period the craft has been manned, but the travelers have no control over its course, speed, or destination. During the endless flight, they depend on the supplies already on board or those that can be produced there. To endure the voyage, their house must be kept in order. For awhile the travelers were few, supplies seemed unlimited, and there were numerous corners into which the refuse could be swept. But the crew increased in number more and more rapidly. Distribution of supplies became unsatisfactory, and the suspicion arose that the quantity might be inadequate. In a sense, the craft seemed to be getting smaller. Even the corners were filling up.
Idiopathic Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism in Men: Dependence of the Hormone Responses to Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) on the Magnitude of the Endogenous GnRH Secretory Defect*

Idiopathic isolated gonadotropin deficiency (IGD) is associated with a spectrum of clinical findings as well as variable gonadotropin responses to GnRH. In this study we investigated whether patterns of gonadotropin and testosterone responses to pulsatile GnRH therapy (25 ng/kg, iv, every 2 h for 4 days) were related to the magnitude of the GnRH secretory defect in patients with IGD. Eight men with IGD were studied. Patients with partial IGD (p-IGD) and those who had no evidence of GnRH secretion (n-IGD) were differentiated by the presence or absence of spontaneous LH secretory pulses during 24 h of every 20-min blood sampling. In response to the first GnRH injection, no LH rise occurred in the n-IGD patients, while LH increases in the p-IGD patients were similar to those in normal men. Continuation of GnRH therapy in patients with n-IGD resulted in predominant FSH secretion and absent or minimal augmentation of LH and T secretion. In contrast, predominant LH secretion occurred in the p-IGD patients and resulted in a significant increase in serum testosterone. A bolus dose of GnRH 2 days after the termination of GnRH therapy caused significant augmentation of gonadotropin responses in the n-IGD, while in the p-IGD group, both LH and FSH responses were unchanged compared to those after the first GnRH pulse. These results indicate that IGD is characterized by variable degrees of endogenous GnRH deficiency. Moreover, the hormone responses to GnRH in IGD patients depend on the magnitude of the underlying GnRH secretory defect.
Empirical construction of interatomic potentials for studies of grain boundaries and other crystal defects: Pure metals and binary alloys

Abstract It is first argued that pair potentials are physically meaningful if they are regarded as describing interaction between atoms embedded in an environment of similar density as that for which their derivation was made. These potentials are capable of describing structural aspects of lattice defects but not the cohesive properties. Guidelines for determination of the shape of potentials and an empirical scheme for their construction in pure metals is then outlined. It is shown that this method when applied to simple metals leads to potentials similar to those obtained on the basis of a pseudopotential theory and extension of this scheme to other metals is discussed. An empirical scheme of construction of potentials for binary alloys is then briefly described. It is shown that concentration dependences of elastic constants and lattice stability evaluated using these potentials agree with experimental data and thus these potentials are suitable for studies of defects in binary alloys.
[18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography Can It Replace PET and Thallium SPECT for the Assessment of Myocardial Viability?

Background —New high-energy collimators for single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) cameras have made imaging of positron-emitting tracers, such as [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (18FDG), possible. We examined differences between SPECT and PET technologies and between 18FDG and thallium tracers to determine whether 18FDG SPECT could be adopted for assessment of myocardial viability. Methods and Results —Twenty-eight patients with chronic coronary artery disease (mean left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF]=33±15% at rest) underwent 18FDG SPECT, 18FDG PET, and thallium SPECT studies. Receiver operating characteristic curves showed overall good concordance between SPECT and PET technologies and thallium and 18FDG tracers for assessing viability regardless of the level of 18FDG PET cutoff used (40% to 60%). However, in the subgroup of patients with LVEF≤25%, at 60% 18FDG PET threshold value, thallium tended to underestimate myocardial viability. In a subgroup of regions with severe asynergy, there were considerably more thallium/18FDG discordances in the inferior wall than elsewhere (73% versus 27%, P <.001), supporting attenuation of thallium as a potential explanation for the discordant observations. When uptake of 18FDG by SPECT and PET was compared in 137 segments exhibiting severely irreversible thallium defects (scarred by thallium), 59 (43%) were viable by 18FDG PET, of which 52 (88%) were also viable by 18FDG SPECT. However, of the 78 segments confirmed to be nonviable by 18FDG PET, 57 (73%) were nonviable by 18FDG SPECT ( P <.001). Conclusions —Although 18FDG SPECT significantly increases the sensitivity for detection of viable myocardium in tissue declared nonviable by thallium (to 88% of the sensitivity achievable by PET), it will occasionally (27% of the time) result in falsely identifying as viable tissue that has been identified as nonviable by both PET and thallium.
Social Perceptions of Termination of Medical Treatment: Suicide or Rational Decision?

In two studies, college students read about a critically ill patient who died after CPR attempts failed, CPR was not attempted pursuant to a “Do-Not-Resuscitate” (DNR) order, he terminated all medical treatment, or he self-administered a lethal injection. Death resulting from treatment termination was perceived as significantly more unconventional than were death by CPR failure or DNR order. Ending treatment and lethal injection were perceived as equivalent acts of suicide, and resulted in the patient's being seen as less rational and less capable of making health care decisions. Timing of the patient's decisions regarding treatment, as indicated by the presence or absence of Living Will information, did not alter these perceptions. Results are discussed in light of opposing hypotheses regarding views of “naive” social perceivers toward actions with identical outcomes: that acts of commission are perceived as causal and rated more negatively than acts of omission (Spranca, Minsk, & Baron, 1991), and that acts seen as abnormal are attributed greater causal impact (Hilton & Slugoski, 1986).
The induction of therapeutic abortion using intravenous prostaglandin F2α

Abstract Intravenous prostaglandin F 2α was given to 42 patients to induce abortion. The overall success rate was about 50% using 3 separate protocols in which the dosage varied between 25 and 200 μg/min and in which the duration of infusion varied from 6 to 24 hours. A high and unacceptable rate of side effects was associated with all dosage levels, but especially with the highest rate of infusion. There was no association of eventual abortion with duration of pregnancy, but there was a marked association with parity; multiparas aborted 2.5 times more frequently than primigravidas. It is concluded that intravenous prostaglandins given in accordance with the described protocols is not a clinical approach of terminating human pregnancy which offers any advantage over existing methods.